ragerunner

After reading many different posts and threads its seems that there is a good chance of KI getting the following for 08: - Campgrounds - Nick Parade - Revamped Restaurant - A few new shows - Some ride rebranding Does this seem about right, at least related to the rumor mill?

Maybe they will add a good kids play area and a interactive sea themed dark ride. I can hope.

It seems like taking this concept and making it part of the Air Force Museum complex would be a bigger draw. I don't know if the Air Force would be interested or allow such a development on military property, but it would make the complex a major tourist attraction.

I think losing TR would be a big lose for a THEME PARK like KI. But, its well documented that CF is not a fan of themed rides or dark rides.

I know this is a matter of opinion. But, when Tomb Raider has all of its special effects going, I think it would not look out of place next to Twister or Mummy at Universal. It might not be up to the level of theming at IOA but, it would fit well at the Studios. Tomb Raider is probably the most well themed ride anywhere in the midwest. Its just a shame the theming has not been kept up.

What was interesting about this was the way they used the internet to announce the attractions and the image they presented to the public (family,fun and relaxed environment). I think this is a great way to market and they make it feel very personal (not saying they really are not that way), but they are smart to use it to their advantage.

Holiday World just keeps on growing and getting better. I liked the little discussion about a future steel coaster. I wonder if 2009 will be the year?

The Columbus Zoo is moving towards the Sea World/Busch Model for a facility. I not saying they will build a big B&M anytime soon, but who knows. If their new dry and waterpark area is as well themed as the pics, they will quickly become the best THEME PARK in the state and a major force in the industry. Cedar Fair may find that buying Geuaga Lake didn't eliminate the competition in the state. I hope the Columbus Zoo continue to grow and develop it property.

If its the quality of Apollo's Chariot, then B&M. If they end up with a Raging Bull, then please build Intamin.

I would agree that it appears many of the parks are starting to so some weakness. I think its more than just gas, its the economy, inflation, and consumer sentiment that is at a 15 year low. It's going to be an interesting season next year for the amusement park industry in the US.

Parks like Busch and Dollywood truly understand what it takes to provide a complete park experience. Even though they are seasonal parks (excluding some Sea World's and Busch Africa), and their attendance figures are no larger than CP or KI, they still manage to make money and provide an all around experience.

Hopefully this will be the year of fixing, cleaning, updating, better food and shopping options, improved shows (maybe a better nightime fireworks show) and the return of the Nick Parade.

Ki was clearly during well in October. I am sure the great weather didn't hurt.

Tell the investors and the public the 'good news' and keep the CP attendance info out of the release. Revenue is up because prices for just about everything at the park(s) are up, not because more people are going to the parks (which from a business stand point I am not saying is a good or bad thing). It will be interesting in 2008 to see if they can make this happen again. I do believe that parks in general may be getting to the point were, just increasing the overall cost to go to the park, may not translate into an increase in revenue, if attendance starts to really show some weakness. There is a balance between these two items (revenue/prices and attendance) and if one gets to out of place the other become increasingly affected.

Kids play area, new sitdown restaurant, Nick Parade, Ferris Wheel and theming upgrade for some rides (TR, etc...) and a few new water slides at BB.

Maybe KI is about to be sold to Busch or someone?

Its hard to tell, but it almost seems like they might be talking about 3 other parks. I hope so, has KI ever not gotten a ride or water park attraction since it opened?

I find the kids play areas a great place to let the kids run off some energy and relax a little. Most of the new play areas don't have ball pits. It just seems like those attractions from GL would add one of the only missing pieces to NU and its cheap to do. Plus, it would be fun to have some wet/dry slides on a hot summer day.

Yes, KI used to have a kids play area, but its was very small and quickly was outdated. I have never been on a ride like Time Warp, but a Ferris Wheel would really be a nice addition to Coney Mall. I really enjoyed Zodiak as a small kid.

Actually, most kids area in major parks now have play areas a well (which NU is missing). I think they could move the ones from GL and still add a flat ride or two without a lot of cost next year.

What would be really nice to see for 2008 is the addition of the Gotchs Games Foam Factory and/or the Larger than Life Play area, along with previously mentioned flat rides all from GL (ferris wheel and Time Wrap). This would give the kids, families and thrill ride fans something new for 2008, with limited cost. NU could use a kids play area to really round out it offerings.

I would give them a C. While they didn't hurt the park, I really didn't feel they improve the park experience from the days of Paramount (excluding CBS short control).

My kids love Nick or Treat. Its a great event. The train ride to get a pumpkin, the candy stops, the walk through maze and the spongbob bubbles have been a big hit.

The PR spin is on, from all sides. Everyone wants to make sure they don't look like the bad guy. CF wants to make it look like they are 'taking the high road' and the Niners want to make sure it looks like they care about the park and that people 'understand' CF is not taking the high road. The truth is simple, what makes the most money, that is the real side each party is on. It just like GL, its about the money (which I don't have a problem with that). It has very little, if any to do with history, coaster fans, amusement park fans, etc...

Herschend or Busch would be a dream come true. I would not be suprised if CF did 'sell' KI. But there is a big difference between selling the park and removing the park and selling the land (GL). I don't see KI being demolished and being sold as raw land.