New soft drink programs popping up at Cedar Point this year

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter.SANDUSKY — Back in December, we told you about some possible changes for the Cedar Point drink program for the 2017 season.Here is what you can expect this season and the decisions you'll have to make:• You can purchase a single-fill 20-ounce soft drink for $4.49 or a 30-ounce beverage for $4.89.• You always have the option to ask for the free small cups of water.• You can bring your own refill bottle and use water fountains or the water dispenser at Freestyle or Coca-Cola dispensing machines throughout the park.• You always have the option to purchase souvenir drink bottles, like in previous years. Bottles start at $10.99 when purchasing three or more or when buying online. Refills are free on the day of purchase with $1 refills during the rest of the season. This is always a great option for families who only visit a couple of times per year or for those that drink a lot on their visit.• For season passholders, you can purchase the all-season souvenir bottles, which cost $29.99 and come with free refills for the entire season. At almost $5 per drink, you can quickly see how easily it is to recoup your cost. This is the ultimate bargain.• Just like previous years, your souvenir bottles can also be used at the other Cedar Fair amusement parks. So a quick ride down to Kings Island for the remarkable new Mystic Timbers roller coaster with your Platinum Pass and your souvenir bottle provide great value and additional fun times with your family.While the souvenir bottles pay for themselves very quickly, they also come with some potential downfalls. You have to store them when going on rides, which means leaving them with a friend, in a locker or on a stroller for families.You also run the risk of the souvenir bottles being stolen, since they have unlimited refill potential — but Cedar Fair has added an all new option for 2017.Season passholders can now purchase an all-season pass drink plan for $29.99, which is tied to your season pass. Now you no longer need to carry around a souvenir cup. Simply walk up to any food stand, scan your season pass, and they will hand you a paper cup. The simplicity has ride warriors excited.Thirst tipsHere are some helpful tips associated with Cedar Point's and Cedar Fair's drink programs:• You can refill a cup every 15 minutes.• If you purchased a souvenir bottle and decide you would rather have the season pass drink program, or vice versa, you can pay $2.99 to have the amusement park deactivate your cup and have it added to your card.• If you already purchased a souvenir bottle prior to the start of the season, you will be able to switch to the season pass drink program if you choose that option when you come to the park for the first time.• The all-season drink pass paper cups are approximately 16 ounces versus 24 ounces for the souvenir bottles. Paper cups also do not come with lids or straws.Many new changes are coming to Cedar Point's drink program in 2017. For instance, season passholders can purchase the all-season souvenir bottles, which cost $29.99 and come with free refills for the entire season.