(Please enjoy our report & don't forget to watch our trip vlog below!)
This trip to Cedar Point would be an experience unlike any of our prior visits and would make this one the 6 Kids Crew will remember for a long time!
A cool feature that every family should take advantage of is the "Pre-K Pass" which allows kids 3-5 years old unlimited access to not only Cedar Point, but their HUGE Waterpark as well! We signed up online and once we arrived, headed over to Guest Services where Vegas was greeted by Devin, a super friendly and knowledgeable assistant that answered each of my million questions without hesitation.
Vegas couldn't stop smiling when he got to take a picture for his pass and was also given a cool orange button that read "My 1st Visit!", which he proceeded to flaunt in front of his sisters. Every associate we passed during our visit would make their way over to greet Vegas and make sure he was having fun. We really appreciated this extra perk that made us feel more like family and set the tone for the remainder of the trip! (Note: Sign Up for the Pre-K Pass has ended)
Our main reason to visit this time (as this won't be the last), was for Monster Jam Thunder Alley! The insanely popular, world renown monster truck rally that more than likely has visited the closest arena near your home and done things with these huge machines that most of us generally wish we could do during rush hour traffic.
Thru June 30th, "An Experience Like None Other" is taking place at "America's Roller Coast" with the arrival of MJTA. Unlike a museum or car show where touching is frowned upon, here it's actually what you're expected and encouraged to do!
After Chipmunk rode the Magnum XL-200, which happened to be her first coaster EVER (something I had been attempting to get her to do for the last few years), we walked past Iron Dragon and turned the corner towards "Celebration Plaza" and after passing under the yellow "Monster Jam" archway, Munchie yelled "MOM, MOM, MOM!! O MY GOSH! IT'S MEGALODON!!", and ran off weaving thru traffic like a pinball being slapped around in an 80's arcade. See the kids had no clue what we came for outside of riding rides, so this was truly a surprise for them, and actually us adults too as we didnt know what to expect either.
We all looked up almost in unison and right in front of us was the coolest sight of the day (that wasn't a Roller Coaster of course)....
"Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, Trucks, Trucks" (chant this in your head ala Lil' Jon's "Shots")
Such a cool site to see, lined up on either side of the plaza were the stars of the show, El Toro Loco (nostrils smoking), Grave Digger (YES! The (in)famous legend),Zombie (arms out!!), Max-D (Mad Max would be honored to drive this) and last but not least... MEGALODON!
We've been to Monster Truck shows in the past but MJTA is a different experience as you're able to get up close to each truck and not only touch them but in the case of Grave Digger and El Toro Loco, you can also sit in the drivers seat! In addition, behind each truck you'll find huge display board with stats about the truck and loads of interesting information that really underscores just how much work goes into each vehicle (it takes 50 man hours to paint Grave Digger... and about 30 seconds to destroy it.. ouch).
To really understand the WOW factor in these machines, the tires themselves made by BKT weigh 465 lbs. each and are built to withstand loads from a 5 ton monstrosity falling from over 40 feet in the air in addition to being able to support 70 mph racing speeds!
I couldn't fathom the cost for the tires alone, not to mention the whole vehicle.... Makes the tires for the tank seem much more budget friendly 🤣😎
Vegas instantly found a favorite in "Zombie" and would stand across from "him"(?), arms extended, mocking each movement. This truck is super impressive as it's arms move up and down in addition to his mouth opening and closing in a Walking Dead manner.
"Monster Jam Garage" & "Pit Stop Play Area"
The Monster Jam Garage is equal parts learning and hands on fun as you get to see the inner workings of these huge machines broken down into different parts. Take a look at how the suspension works or how the axle manipulates the massive tires with each turn of the wheel. I'm a firm believer that kids should always be exposed to some degree of learning each day, so I was totally for this exhibit as they were having fun with each one and I would then quiz them after to make sure they understand what is happening in front of them. As the old saying goes, "Sometimes you have to put the medicine in the food".
The Pit Stop Play Area has several "sand" filled tables so the little ones can go crazy and design their own Monster Jam course, then test it out with the provided mini MJ trucks. Unfortunately we only got to experience this for a few moments as Vegas saw a kid building his own truck and immediately took off to the merchandise stand.
Merchandise & The Build-A-Truck Stand
Everyone wants souvenirs right? I mean why else do we spend $107 dollars on various carnival games? Well at the Merchandise (or as Scoop and most kids under the legal driving age call it, "Merch") tent you can find a ton of cool Monster Jam items (we were particularly fond of the stuffed Megalodon shark trucks). Some that are only available during the Thunder Alley tour.
Attached to the tent is the "Build-A-Truck" table where for an additional cost you can build your own Monster Jam truck! Pretty much all ages will enjoy this as they are simple to put together and you're provided with small, kid friendly hammer and all holes are pre-drilled. If you have younger kids, you'll definitely want to help them as there are a few nails but you can still allow them to feel independent. It only took about 15 minutes but was a nice break and even days later, Vegas still takes pride in the truck he built on his own!
Well It's Time To Go....... RIDE IN A MONSTER TRUCK!!!
As a kid I would sit inches from the TV screen watching Bigfoot crush cars and do all kinds of crazy stunts. With each jump into what seemed like the upper atmosphere came an equally rowdy slam to the earth, causing me to jump into the air, kicking my aluminum tray lined TV Dinner over (i'm definitely showing my age here) and spilling corn and faux turkey everywhere. Those days I always wished I could be the one crushing cars like cans and spinning donuts without any regards to local traffic laws.
Many decades later here I am, about to ride in a real life Monster Truck.... This is going to be sweet!
During MJTA you have the chance to ride in brand new, totally customized versions of Grave Digger or Megalodon, both built as 10 passenger vehicles and just as wild as their namesakes! Never one to skip on an experience, Cedar Point has built their very own track complete with hills, sharp corners and even a 3/4ths buried school bus amongst other obstacles, giving you ample room to "cut up"!
If you've watched us for any length of time then you know that Munchie has been the expert on the Megalodon for around the last 4 years, so when it came to picking which truck we would wreak havoc in... well there was no question at all.. 4 riders for the huge prehistoric Shark please!
As we boarded we were greeted by our driver... OUR PROFESSIONAL DRIVER. As these machines are far from your average Kia Sorento's, the drivers are professionally trained MJ Truck drivers so even though the ride seems out of control, you can rest assured everything is safe. Plus the 10 point racing harness let me know this was about to be the real deal. The vehicles themselves are pretty cool as the Megalodon driver sits in the middle of the front allowing passengers to sit on either side giving you the ability to see the course as the driver sees it, plus the floor up front has observation styled windows letting you see each obstacle the moment you smash over them!
Let me tell you, this ride totally lived up to our expectations, not disappointing at all. We manueverd on to the track and immediately proceeded to fishtail into a turn as we made a couple of laps around the track spinning donuts as the driver revved the engine up and shifted gears. You could hear the intense stress on the frame and see the driver manipulate each gear providing max power to our truck. Everyone cheered and simultaneously held on as we ramped up over the top of the School Bus, pausing to let the engine growl in true Monster Jam fashion. As we approached the pit, our driver started the grand finale of fast turns and bunny hops that had us all pumped for more!
Cedar Point has been known for thrills for just shy of 150 years, so the addition of Monster Jam Thunder Alley is another reason on top of hundreds of reasons to visit! Also this is the perfect family attraction that can be enjoyed by both thrill addicts and ground lovers alike plus you don't have to be a die hard Monster Truck fan to enjoy this attraction, there's something for everyone. All activities are free with general park admission (with the exception of building your own truck), but see below for a special VIP perk!
Monster Jam Thunder Alley "VIP Package"
Experience Monster Jam like a true VIP (or should it be VIJ as in Very Important Jammer?), when you purchase this package that includes:
One day admission to Cedar Point
Preferred Parking
A cool set of MJTA Credentials and VIP Lanyard to let everyone know you're here for the cause a mess!
Guaranteed reserved ride time on the Monster Jam Freestyle Ride Truck (must reserve online at the time of purchase)
Choice of a Build-A-Truck Kit, Monster Jam Drawstring Bag or 2019 MJ Souvenir Guide
For only $79.99
We all had VIP passes and without question I'll tell you they are totally worth it! With 7 Kids, we have to price compare everything, so If you look at the cost of admission itself, the cheapest we could find was between $50-55 and parking is $20 per car ($30 for preferred) so literally for a few dollars more, you can cut to the front of the line and ride, park upfront and have your pick at a souvenir to take home with you. Why WOULDN'T you go VIP???
Don't Delay, Go Today!
Sadly, Monster Jam Thunder Alley is a limited time attraction with the last day of operation occuring on 6/30! But the positive side is you still have time, so click the link below and head on over to Cedar Point's official website to arrange your trip today. Also Cedar Point is much more than just an Amusement Park, it's a world class resort so you should definitely plan on spending more than just a day. Click our link to learn more about the available overnight accommodations!
Read our review of 2 Cedar Point Resorts Here
Click here to visit the official Cedar Point Website for More Monster Jam Info HERE
**Our admission tickets and VIP passes were provided by Cedar Point in exchange for our honest review!**
