robintodd

Seems like they will most likely follow Knotts policy. Which by the was news agencies are reporting as being 'well received'. Must be so considering they are extending the chaperone policy to include Sundays. I doubt they would extend it to Sunday's if the policy negatively affected attendance. This may the wave of the future.

I wouldn't say unused, they did have a game (ladder climb) there. Wonder if it brought in more that the VIP considering both would involve only 1 employee to run it.

No, simply that if people 'like you' didn't go I wouldn't have to hear you complaining about things that don't make a bit of difference to the stock holders because CF is still making money. Biggest problem in our country is the stock market. Neither the person providing the service/good nor the consumer is thought of because it's the stock holder (who most of the time is neither the supplier or the consumer) is the one who needs to be happy. Makes no sense. But it is true, if you're not happy with the season pass, then don't buy one. It's the negativity that seems far too prevalent in our society nowadays. They did announce something, Grand Carnivale. Not saying it's a big something but is is something. I guess I was just brought up to be thankful for what I have rather than what I don't. And yes, from being at the park and talking to people I believe a majority of people like shorter lines. Weird thing is the more popular/longer lines seem to have more people in them....

You stated It is the driving me to renew my pass that I took as you being done with Cedar Fair, since there was nothing compelling you to RENEW your season pass. I never said go away and leave it for the rest of us. Simply that I do not share your seeming need for the park to put up something new every year to get me to come back. They haven't added anything new to the water park yet it is still packed during the summer. As far as the 10% and shareholder thing I would point you to their TMM 2019 vs 2022 results in their latest financial disclosures. (they don't look at 2020 and 2021 because of covid reasons and to show how things have rebounded post-pandemic) Attendance for all of CF parks in 2019 was 27.9M and in 2022 was 25.4M a decrease of over 9%. However the net revenues in 2019 were 1.47B and in 2022 were 1.71B and increase of 16% (if I've done my math right). Per capita spending went from 48.32 in 2019 to 61.89 in 2022 with out of park revenues increasing from 169M in 2019 to 193M in 2022. (https://ir.cedarfair.com/overview/default.aspx) Bottom line is season pass attendance isn't the only thing that drives their business. They have diversified very will with the hotel properties and sports complexes (oh, and a golf course) such that even a 9% drop in ATTENDANCE (50% of which would be season pass holders, on average) didn't make a difference in the long run. They are servicing less people and making more money in the meantime. My guess is they could survive a drop in season pass sales at KI (even a large one) which they may face with the new gold pass price point. Not to mention Breakers has been practically sold out with a price increase for this season. I understand about downgrading, I myself am downgrading my grandkids from a platinum to a gold pass this year since I only take them to CP for 1 weekend and only go into the park on one of the days it's cheaper just to get a bring a friend pass on my platinum for them as opposed to paying the extra $100+ for the platinum.

Beast work definitely brought back life to that coaster (and Racer as well). It's had a line all year and that keeps other lines down as well Notice no one is talking about a new show and house for Haunt. Those are new things they get this year when they renew for next. They will actually have more houses this year than last. Maybe they don't count anything to do with Haunt and Winterfest as a value add (Don't worry Snowball and Gator, most of us still love you and the other employees that work Haunt and Winterfest!! )

My understanding was the little stages were not there in 2021 because of COVID.

Me and my grandkids love Carnivale (and the food, don't forget the food LOL). I have an acre and a half and it takes alot to keep the flower beds weeded, grass cut, bushes trimmed, planting tulips for the next season, etc. It takes a large effort to just keep up the landscaping not to mention painting, plumbing (those toilets don't fix themselves) in a park the size of KI. They do a great job and so do the employees. I always make sure to tell them they are doing a great job and always feel for them when someone is yelling at them for something that is beyond their control. Methinks some people just feel entitled or like they are owed something. They take for granted the little things that add up to a great guest experience. Be thankful for what you have today, for tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Keep up the good work KI!

Back on the topic at hand, where as I do see the value of a Gold and Platinum pass I never saw the value of prestige. I would be surprised if they even offer it after next season because it seems to be more confusing and more trouble than it is worth currently. Instead I would love to see them open the International Restaurant more often. I think the desert viewing option was a great idea, but was obviously overpriced originally. It's better to price something low and after seeing great demand raise the price than doing the opposite. If there is a VIP section to put people in the park, IR is it. There could even be a small buffett up there.

Interesting way to look at comparing it to any other entertainment value (been to a 2 hour movie lately with refreshments ). Agreed on the last point but with the shows and the little things like the new beavers on the train and the "train village" as well as the water wheel at run for your life I hardly see the park becoming run down anytime soon.

I understand what you're getting at and I'm sure you're not the only person but I do strongly feel that you are in the minority. There are 7.7 billion people on the planet, 329.5 million in the US, 11.6 million in Ohio and 2.2 million in the greater Cincinnati area (29th most populous metropolitan area in the US and 1st in Ohio. I remind myself every visit to KI how fortunate I am to not only live 20 minutes away from an amusement park but 6 hours away from 5 of them (KI, CP, KK, HW and Kennywood). Let alone a park the quality of KI. It's not something I take for granted no matter what the cost. Through covid, the last 2 years have seen season pass sales stay steady or increase. This was after people saying the were "done with CF because they didn't offer refunds in 2020". If you want to spend your money elsewhere, go right ahead and visit Fritz at the zoo all summer next year. I'll be riding The Beast and supporting a park that gave me a free renewal year during covid and a summer to remember this year with the 50th anniversary, oh and the food, don't forget the food :). Still the best deal for the money all things considered. I remember people complaining when they were selling gold passes for $99 and that it was too cheap and they were just trying to get people into the park. Well looking at the past financial releases it seems to work in their favor as spending per person is up. We read all the time people saying "this is the last straw" and making mild threats about what a multi-million dollar park with nearly 2 million attendance each year should and shouldn't do (remember last year on 5/22 when they hit capacity? That was after covid!). As a longtime season pass holder (ever since they started offering them in the 80's) I still maintain that over the years I am still thousands of dollars ahead on the bargain. If they lose 10% of the season pass holders it would only mean shorter lines and a less crowded park for those of us that continue to support this gem of the midwest.

Hotel St. Michelle will be in the action theatre. If you ride racer you can see they are working on the front. As far as the name I saw a picture that had all the letters burned out except for HOTEL and HELL in St. MicHELLe (Motel Hell).

Not just that, Fun, Fireworks and 50 got 2nd place for best show and Phantom Theatre Encore was 4th! Congratulations to everyone involved in the shows at KI this season. Truly one for the books!

If Congo moves it should go to Rivertown. It's nice to have all the water rides in one spot. That's what they do at Cedar Point.

As of 9:23 am All 3 trains are running on Diamondback.

I haven't looked, but my guess would be it would be for the people that put their hands up/out and hit the tunnel.

Actually a person below 21 can consume alcohol with the commander's written authorization (kind of like you're parents can give you a beer when you're 18 in their house with their supervision). However the person is not able to drive with ANY amount of alcohol in their system. In addition, are you suggesting that someone who goes through basic training comes out with the same thoughts and attitudes of an 18 year old who hasn't? I would suggest the person who goes through basic has matured a little quicker than someone who is in the structure of their parents house, especially in this day and age. Discipline in the home simply isn't what it used to be. So many teens nowadays threaten their parents with lawsuits and, at times, police and courts back them up. Sorry, my home, my rules and if the government has anything to say about it then they can house and feed them (which surprisingly they don't want to do). If a parent is going to take responsibility when an underage drinking party happens at their house when they are not at home then the parents need to have the ability to dole out punishments and enforce rules as they see fit. (barring of course harsh physical abuse, etc.) My point is sometimes a hands off 'kids will be kids' attitude has been taken too far in recent years. Spare the rod, spoil the child. As far as what they might say to Cedar Fair at the age of 18. Cedar Fair is not making the parks R rated. Teens cursing, fighting and destroying property are creating a non PG environment for younger guests and not giving them an appropriate role model of how to act in public. The teens themselves perpetuate their own problem, they are their own worst enemy. If someone who reaches the age of 18+ can't understand that then frankly I wouldn't want them in the park because they have not yet reached an age of maturity of how to act in public yet alone have children of their own to bring to the park. When I was young (yes, I'm old) they had Grad Nights at KI. These were basically nights that were closed to the GP (including pass holders) and were for seniors (who would get tickets at school) and their guests. There was ALOT of security in and out of the park. As you can imagine large amounts of alcohol would be consumed in the parking lot and then some of the teens would stumble around the park making a**es of themselves. Of those, some could control themselves and some couldn't (Tower Johnny anyone?) Point is they don't do that anymore and the reason for that isn't the 90% that followed the rules. It was a decision by the park that it simply wasn't financially worth doing anymore and probably the press around the event with incidents like TJ didn't help either. Seems to me that even though this 'right of passage' event for seniors around the area has been cancelled, not many people have decided to say "Screw you".

If memory serves me correctly, C.H.A.O.S. is a mirror maze with no gore or blood but the occasional aliens and flashing lights.

Guess is those two that are out past Dinosaurs Alive are just there till they get moved to their proper place.

1986 Woodchoppers Ball Review. My favorite show in the Festhaus. Cast would come out during sections and get people to join them onstage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcvy71zVCp8

Thought that was last year between KillMart and the Antique cars

And I appreciate yours as well. In the end there are die-hards (like me) that will continue to find the season pass a great value and will renew every year regardless of new additions. I've been going to KI all my life and have always had a season pass ever since they offered them (way back when they took your picture, cut it out and laminated it to the pass ). Any new additions like rides are simply icing on the cake at this point for me and my family. With as close as we live to the park it's a great value and with the park the size it is now there is so much that could be done. Water park improvements, Planet Snoopy improvements, repaints, etc. The problem with a park getting bigger is there is more to upkeep. It was much easier back in the 80's when the park was small to add a large attraction. Plus when you "spruce up" an area you don't require more employees the next year. Getting a new roller coaster would require 5-10 more employees I would imagine (same could be said for a restaurant). But replacing the fencing from Planet Snoopy to the waterpark doesn't. There are so many things that go into the decision on what to add/improve every year I could only imagine. (Hey, maybe that would be a good idea for the Attractions Group Podcast to discuss!).

From what I've overheard no foam heads in the theatre this year. Maybe some "tinker" toys :).

"Sorry sir, we're closed. The Snoopy out front should have told you."

I also seem to remember the uproar over not offering refunds during COVID and yet the number of season pass sales is significant enough to raise the prices. It's simple supply and demand. I believe the last financial report revealed that even with lower attendance they brought in more profit. Also your statement makes it seem like others aren't renewing their pass just because you are. Which I is a pretty flimsy reason not to renew. They should not renew for their own reasons....unless your their leader or something (don't get offended, just having a little fun). But seriously, check your wording again and you'll see what I mean. 50% of the GP that goes to Cedar Fair parks do not buy season passes. (I would guess the KI rate is around 45%). I've met a lot of people who live close to the park that get the pass mostly for the meal plan which is their driving factor to get it. Trust that the park is in a very good financial situation and they are adjusting pricing according to the capitalistic system of supply and demand. Also they bring in alot in businesses and picnics. They have them every weekend it seems. I'm not getting my 2 grandchildren platinum this year because of the price increase. They only go up to CP once and usually spend only 1 day in the park and the rest of the time on the beach. Since I can get them bring a friend passes with my platinum it's cheaper to go that route even to get them in twice during the trip. My wife and I however go up 3 times a year and usually never hang out at the beach (my beach bod left me decades ago :)). Even with the price increases I still find it an outstanding deal. I have been to the park 35 times so far and used the meal plan 30 times. My guess is that they recognize they have to pay their employees more and things just cost more because of the economy so they are raising the prices because of those factors. In the end supply and demand drive costs in our current system.

I guess you would call it the 145 foot club