BoddaH1994

I think a unit of CF is 50 shares. Cedar Fair is in units because it's a limited partnership (hence Cedar Fair LP). The full name for a "share" is a limited partnership unit.

AE is very difficult to photograph. The top of the tower is your best bet. Top Gun's easy. Just go down the exit and it's like a gold mine.

I think we can all agree that it depreciates to a base once they feel as though it is directly responsible for a cash flow from the initial capital investment. I'd say that they'd base it off of an attendence spike the first year, and good old fashion guessing the following years.

Well, ultimately he really does. You're abosolutely right. They did as they intended and are more profitable despite fewer patrons.

Just use this topic: http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11255

Cedar Fair ANNOUNCES 2007 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS · THIRD QUARTER NET REVENUES INCREASE · IMPROVED RESULTS IN SEPTEMBER ALONG WITH STRONG SHOWING IN OCTOBER · MANAGEMENT AFFIRMS QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTION AND UPDATES FULL YEAR 2007 GUIDANCE SANDUSKY, OHIO, November 6, 2007 -- Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007. The 2006 figures include the results of the Paramount Parks since their acquisition from CBS Corporation on June 30, 2006. Net revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, which included additional operating days when compared with the prior year’s third quarter, increased 5%, or $25.4 million, to $567.5 million from $542.1 million in 2006. Net income for the quarter was $54.1 million, or $0.98 per diluted limited partner unit, versus net income of $132.9 million, or $2.42 per diluted limited partner unit, a year ago. The decrease in net income is largely attributable to two non-cash items totaling $70.5 million. The first item is a non-cash charge for impairment of assets relating to the Geauga Lake restructuring previously announced. The second item is an increase to provision for taxes, which is a non-cash item that is expected to substantially reverse in the fourth quarter. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, which management believes is a meaningful measure of the company’s park-level operating results, increased $5.8 million to $291.4 million from $285.5 million for the same period a year ago. See the attached table for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income. “While attendance trends were soft through August, operating results during the month of September improved,” said Dick Kinzel, Cedar Fair chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The increase in revenues for the third quarter of 2007 is due to a 5% improvement in in-park guest per capita spending across all of the parks and an increase in out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, of 4%, or $2.2 million. This was offset somewhat by a decrease in attendance of 1%, or 150,000 visits, primarily in our southern and western regions.” Kinzel explained the operating results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007, benefited from additional operating days when compared with the third fiscal quarter ended September 24, 2006. During this additional week the Company’s seasonal amusement parks were open weekends only, while the year-round properties (Knott’s Berry Farm, Castaway Bay and Star Trek: The Experience) were in operation for the full week. “The additional operating days in 2007 provided a benefit to revenues in the quarter of approximately $14 million as well as an additional 304,000 guest visits,” said Kinzel. “In general, we are pleased with the strength in our in-park guest per capita spending during the third quarter at all of our parks. The 5% increase in guest spending was more than enough to offset the decrease in attendance on a comparable operating period, excluding the impact of additional operating days in 2007.” Nine month results (same-park basis) Through September 30, 2007, net revenues on a same-park basis, excluding the benefit of the acquisition and corporate costs, increased 4%, or $20.7 million, to $503.2 million from a year ago. The increase in revenues on a same-park basis is due to a 5% increase in per capita spending across all parks and an increase of 3%, or $2.1 million, in out-of-park revenues. This was offset slightly by a decrease in combined attendance of 1%, or 122,000 visits. Kinzel noted that on a same-park basis, the additional operating days provided a benefit to revenues for the period of approximately $8 million as well as an additional 166,000 guest visits. Excluding the impact of the additional operating days, the improvement in revenues of approximately $13 million for the first nine months of the year on a same-park basis was a result of increased in-park per capita spending across all of the parks, which more than offset the decrease in attendance for the same period. Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2007, on a same-park basis, increased $20.7 million to $205.4 million compared with $184.8 million for the same period a year ago. “The increase in cash flows through the first nine months of the year is attributable to improved operating results in our northern and western regions as well as the benefit of additional operating days during the third fiscal quarter,” said Kinzel. Nine month results (combined basis) On a combined basis, including the newly acquired parks and corporate costs, net revenues for the first nine months of 2007 were $871.5 million compared with $711.5 million in 2006. During this time the parks entertained 19.6 million visitors, with average in-park guest per capita spending of $40.62. Out-of-park revenues during this same period totaled $90.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA through September 30, 2007, including the newly acquired parks, increased $31.6 million to $331.0 million. After depreciation, amortization, a $39.2 million non-cash charge for impairment of assets, and other non-cash costs, operating income for this period, on a combined basis, was $174.2 million. The non-cash impairment charge incurred during the period was necessary to properly account for the change in strategy at our Geauga Lake property in Aurora, Ohio. “Over the past four years of operations, we determined that the market demand was not sufficient to support the park as it was structured,” said Kinzel. “We plan to market the excess property and have identified assets to be relocated to other locations, to be sold and/or disposed. Our goal in the near future will be to operate a profitable water park at Geauga Lake while generating value from the relocated rides and available land.” Interest expense for the first nine months of 2007 increased $60.4 million to $110.6 million due to the acquisition of the Paramount Parks from CBS in June of 2006. A provision for taxes of $57.0 million was recorded in 2007 to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes. To determine the interim period income tax provision or benefit of corporate subsidiaries the Company applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date income or loss. In 2007, certain elements in the effective tax rate calculation had a disproportionate impact on the rate and resulted in a significant variation in the customary relationship between the provision for taxes and income before taxes. This is expected to substantially reverse in the fourth quarter. This situation has arisen as a result of the Company’s structuring of the Paramount Parks as a tax efficient corporate acquisition along with the substantial seasonality of the underlying business operations. Cash taxes paid or payable are not impacted by these interim tax provisions and are estimated to be between $15-18 million for the 2007 calendar year. After interest expense and provision for taxes, net income for the nine-months ended September 30, 2007, totaled $4.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted limited partner unit. For the nine-months ended September 24, 2006, the company reported net income of $117.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted limited partner unit. “Given the significant decrease in net income for the period, I believe it is important to reiterate how we operate and manage our business,” said Kinzel. “Our focus is to generate adequate cash flow through our daily operations to cover all cash requirements and to support our quarterly distribution payments while continuing to re-invest in our properties for the long-term. When reviewing net income, it is important to consider the non-cash accounting line items that are also included in this amount that have no impact on our cash flow requirements for capital expenditures and distribution payments. This is why we believe adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability. When reviewing and discussing free cash flow we use adjusted EBITDA as a beginning point, but also take into consideration cash payments made for interest, taxes, capital expenditures and, finally, distributions. After reviewing projected cash flow, we feel confident in our ability to meet our cash flow requirements, including distributions.” October Operations For the month of October, successful execution of late season programs across our parks, along with favorable weather conditions in the Company’s northern region resulted in an increase in revenue of 11%, or $8.6 million, from the same period a year ago. This increase was the result of a 9% increase in attendance, or 160,000 visits, a 2% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, and an increase in out-of-park revenues of 8%, or $494,000. Outlook and Financial Strength Kinzel updated the outlook for the full year, estimating revenues between $960-$980 million and adjusted EBITDA between $325-$335 million. He emphasized the company finished the quarter in sound financial condition, with sufficient liquidity and strong cash flow from operations. “We remain in solid shape to invest capital in our parks as planned, while maintaining our regular quarterly cash distributions to our unitholders.” Kinzel concluded by noting that virtually all of Cedar Fair’s revenues from its seasonal amusement parks, water parks, and other seasonal resort facilities are realized during a 130 to 140-day operating period beginning in early May, with the major portion concentrated in the peak vacation months of July and August. Only Knott’s Berry Farm, Castaway Bay and Star Trek: The Experience are open year-round, with Knott’s Berry Farm operating at its highest level of attendance during the third and fourth quarters of the year. Management will host a conference call with analysts today, November 6, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, which will be web cast live in “listen only” mode via the Cedar Fair web site (www.cedarfair.com). It will also be available for replay starting at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, November 6, 2007, until 11:59 p.m. ET, Tuesday, November 20, 2007. In order to access the replay of the earnings call, please dial 1-877-519-4471 followed by the access code 9333116. Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Partnership owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Amusement parks in the company’s Northern Region include two in Ohio: Cedar Point, consistently voted “Best Amusement Park in the World” in Amusement Today polls and Kings Island; as well as Canada’s Wonderland, near Toronto; Dorney Park, PA; Valleyfair, MN; and Michigan’s Adventure, MI. In the Southern Region are Kings Dominion, VA; Carowinds, NC; and Worlds of Fun, MO. Western parks in California include: Knott’s Berry Farm; Great America; and Gilroy Gardens, which is managed under contract. Also included in that region is Star Trek: The Experience, a Las Vegas-based interactive adventure. Some of the statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although the Partnership believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors, including general economic conditions, competition for consumer leisure time and spending, adverse weather conditions, unanticipated construction delays and other factors could affect attendance at our parks and cause actual results to differ materially from the Partnership’s expectations. In addition, risks and uncertainties concerning the acquisition of the Paramount Parks include, but are not limited to the ability of the Partnership to combine the operations and take advantage of growth, savings and synergy opportunities.

Are they pretty warm, or are they like Spring jackets?

Longest, tallest, fastest... does it really matter? That's just a statistic. All that really matter is a good quality ride experience.

^ Very good point. I'd call the park before you leave until the message from PKI.com that PKIVortex posted earlier is removed.

They've used the toilet spray gag in Trail of Terror for several years.

I still don't like the terminology, "got nothing new." They didn't get a new ride.. that's true. But based on what you just posted, they clearly got 3 new things. Don't forget that rides are a part of the Kings Island experience. They're a big part, but still just a part. You are very fortunate to call such a diverse and talented park your home park, and I hope that you guys don't take that for granted.

The season may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't look to the future! Kings Island, Kings Island Gold, and Cedar Fair Platinum Passes are currently on sale! Now is the best time to purchase your 2008 season pass and receive FREE parking for the entire 2008 season, a FREE Cedar Fair VIP pullover jacket, all at one of the lowest prices of the year! Act now! This offer ends on November 11th! Buy a 2008 Kings Island Season Pass to enjoy over 100 rides, shows and attractions, including the award-winning kids’ area Nickelodeon Universe and unlimited access to Boomerang Bay, a spectacular splash waster park, all season long. You’ll also enjoy FREE PARKING for the 2008 season and a Cedar Fair VIP jacket when you buy a season pass before November 11. Buy a Gold Season Pass and get all of the above and a whole lot more! A Gold Pass lets you enjoy reserved parking, early ride times, priority access to Boomerang Bay and more! A Platinum Pass gives you unlimited access to Kings Island, Cedar Point and every other Cedar Fair park throughout the country. HURRY! These are the lowest prices of the season and they go up after November 11. Purchase your season pass today at www.pki.com or by phone by calling 1-800-952-PASS. Also speaking of the 2008 season, Kings Island is getting ready to hold auditions for live shows and entertainment for next year's season. Next year Kings Island is looking for singers, actors, variety artists, show characters, musicians, meet and greet characters, technicians and costumers, stage managers and supervisors, and character cohorts. Auditions will be November 2nd through the 12th at various locations. Click here for details. Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? No Matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park! Regards, Ryan

Oh.... my.... god.... I just don't have the heart to close this topic...

^ I was wondering when that image would make it onto the forums. Let me at least say this: a lot of people were excited earlier this year because of construction by Top Gun... and it was Club Blood. I even remember a few years ago when they were building a "new coaster station" outside of Adventure Express... and it was Jacob's Ladder. My point is, anything can be anything, and anything is possible when it comes to Kings Island. Don't forget that the park can't have too many restrooms either... Since when does "getting something" have to involve a ride? I can think of dozens of things that Kings Island could add which would be absolutely wonderful. Waste of a season pass? I guess that's your own opinion. I love Kings Island for what it is. If they add a new ride, it's icing on the cake to me. Don't get me wrong, Firehawk was great last year, but I really think that Firehawk, in combination with the 5 new lives shows, numerous new eating options, and the expanded/extended haunt attraction last year where what really made the season in my book.

Season pass sales typically really kick off after the next year's expansion announcement.

SANDUSKY, OHIO, November 5, 2007 – Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, has announced plans for a record high $88 million in exciting new family attractions, roller coasters, thrill rides and general improvements for the 2008 season at its parks across the United States and in Canada. Dick Kinzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, reported that the 2008 improvement program will be highlighted by Behemoth, a $21 million record-breaking roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto. “Behemoth will smash all Canadian roller coaster records as Canada’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster. At 230 feet tall, Behemoth will forever change the skyline at Canada’s Wonderland and will become one of the great roller coasters that Cedar Fair is known for.” Riders on Behemoth will board never-before-seen open-air trains that feature unobstructed views of the coaster’s 5,300 feet of steel tubular track. Featuring an 85-degree first drop, banked twists, turns and massive hills that will give riders extreme “airtime,” Behemoth will be the largest investment in the history of Canada’s Wonderland. In addition to Behemoth, four other exciting roller coasters will make their marks across the United States in 2008 within the Cedar Fair family of parks. Rising 161 feet above the landscape and commanding the sky at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia will be Dominator, the park’s 14th roller coaster. Riders will experience a sense of freedom and excitement as their feet dangle freely below on “floorless” coaster trains that travel just inches above the steel track. At 4,210 feet, Dominator will be the longest floorless roller coaster in the world and will feature five inversions, including the tallest roller coaster vertical loop ever built. At Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, guests will “be possessed” by VooDoo, an inverted steel scream machine that launches riders both forward and backward underneath a 185-foot-tall, U-shaped steel track. VooDoo riders will twist 360 degrees as they ascend one end of the massive structure while rising at a 90-degree angle in reverse at the opposite end. “First Class” thrills will truly be delivered to guests at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California with the debut of Pony Express. Riders will saddle up on one of two, 12-passenger trains, riding “horseback” as they are launched forward at the beginning of the ride. Featuring low-to-the-ground maneuvers, hairpin turns and steep banks, Pony Express will be ready to thrill riders in the Ghost Town section of the park. The Thunderhawk roller coaster will swoop down at Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan and will be the largest capital expenditure in the park’s history. Riders will be suspended from a steel track as they climb a 105-foot-tall lift hill and drop 86 feet to the ground at a top speed of 50 mph. Thunderhawk’s swooping turns, heart-pounding inversions and the nothing-below-your-chair-but-air trains will thrill guests all summer long. Family attractions and a new thrill ride will debut at three of Cedar Fair’s parks. The Company’s flagship park, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, will debut several attractions geared toward family-friendly fun. A brand-new children’s area, featuring seven rides and a family lounge with quiet areas for feeding, resting and changing, will replace the former Peanuts Playground. Also, the Sandcastle Suites hotel, located on the tip of the Cedar Point Peninsula, will undergo a complete interior renovation. The surf will be up at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina with an expansion of Boomerang Bay, a 20-acre waterpark adjacent to the rides and coasters of Carowinds. The highlight of the addition will be Bondi Beach, a 600,000-gallon wave action pool that simulates fun on the high seas. Finally, at California’s Great America in Santa Clara, California, guests will flip for a new thrill ride that will give a whole new meaning to “head-over-heels.” Riders will be seated stadium-style in two rows of 20 riders each on a gondola that rotates 360 degrees. The gondola will lift off the ground as it’s flipped, turned and tumbled during its ride cycle. To complement the new thrill ride, California’s Great America will also debut a new ice-skating show, featuring talented skaters, intricate skating maneuvers and music that will have the audience moving. “We strongly believe that we have an excellent overall entertainment package lined up at all of our parks for the 2008 season,” said Kinzel. “We are committed to enhancing the guest experience with new shows, thrill rides and family attractions that everyone can enjoy.” Kinzel concluded by noting the company will host a conference call with analysts to discuss the Company’s third quarter results tomorrow, November 6, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This call will be web cast live in “listen only” mode via the Cedar Fair web site (www.cedarfair.com). It will also be available for replay starting at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, November 6, 2007, until 11:59 p.m. ET, Tuesday, November 20, 2007. In order to access the replay of the earnings call, please dial 1-877-519-4471 followed by the access code 9333116.

Good info. Thanks for the heads up.

When they moved X-Flight to Kings Island, almost anyone would guess it's a new coaster. The trains were very nicely refurbed and the track was repainted. The only evidence that it was every anywhere else was that there were small patches of green on the track inside the station.

Yeah, nothing screams 'offseason' like having a pointless poll. So on that note, I ask you which Racer you prefer. Feel free to comment.

I know this poll was given after the first week, however now that a whole season has passed (well, most of a season) with Son of Beast in operation, it's time to have the official poll: do you prefer the new Son of Beast or old Son of Beast?

Bare Bones Nights were a success. Will they come back next year? Maybe, maybe not. Halloween is on a Friday, so they'll probably just keep KI open Oct 31st, November 1st, and 2nd.

So YOU were the other person that was at Geauga Lake that day??

Cincinnati area, but Northern KY. 859 Represent, baby!!

You posted one time that you were going, and I saw it right as I was leaving for the park. I was going to PM you but you would have already been on your way by then.

Since we've finally seen a whole year of Cedar Fair's ownership of Kings Island, how do you rate their overall performance? Why did you give them that grade? What did they do that impressed you? What were some opportunities that they had for improvement?