Dvo

^I completely agree. The times have changed in the amusement industry drastically in the last few years. Circa 2000, every park was out to be the best, no matter what the cost. Gigantic rides were being installed all over the country. But now they're all biting the dust with the rising interest rates and falling revenues. Six Flags had to change its entire target marketing strategy by trying to make their parks more "family-friendly." Paramount got out of the market completely (which actually may have been their smartest decision yet). Cedar Fair, however, took a bold strategy and actually tried to EXPAND during this time, and now it looks like they're really taking the hardest hit. The industry is no longer about building the biggest and the best to draw visitors. It's about finding the most efficient way to draw visitors so the revenue stays the same or even goes up while the costs are lower.

All games are very profitable for amusement parks. Granted some get played more than others, but when you think about the profit margin for those games, it's unreal. My brother told me that KI buys the basketballs that people win at the free-throw shooting games for $0.80 each. I'm not sure if that's true or not, but it wouldn't doubt me. Nonetheless people pay at least $2.00, often $5.00 to win one (and then proceed to dribble it nonstop in the malls and drive everyone else insane). Anyway, supposing that is true, that's a 525% profit for each person who pays $5.00 and wins one ball.

The only ride that should be themed like X-Games is SOB. Haven't you seen how bad people get hurt in the X-Games?

Boo I would not want that ride at KI... I'm sure it's fun, but that seems like a ride that would get very boring after riding it once... Tomb Raider what?

King Cobra, Eagles, and KCKC

Yeah if you're going on Saturday, get there early. I went one year and all of the roads leading to the park were just packed. It took us an extra hour just to get into the parking lot. Horribly busy, but the park really does look neat for Halloweekends.

^My thoughts exactly. Anyone willing to ride SOB again and again is probably a lunatic.

^Doubtful. Disney's target audience is first and foremost children. That strategy has made them the most successful company in the industry since they opened, and I don't see them changing it any time soon.

To be honest, I'm just guessing at Massacre Manor. That just sounds really spooky to me. The mazes aren't that scary IMO, cuz the screamsters just wander around the place rather than trying to scare you. It's more about being lost than actually being scared. The Fright Zones and Haunted Houses (and trail) are where you'll find me

It means that the grout goes down there

I really don't think that this will ever happen. Disney World and Disney Land both operate 365 days per year. I don't think that they would ever invest in a location that wouldn't allow them to do that, i.e. Missouri. But for the record if they did build a park in MO, I probably wouldn't go to visit, because I could go to FLORIDA or CALIFORNIA instead........

Yeah... the theming on Top Gun always made me want to shave my face for some reason.........

I just graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and during my senior project, an engineer for Walt Disney World referred to them as "footers," but again it could just be slang. The point is, if you're talking about a "footer," people will know what you're talking about.

They should have... oh wait this thread should have ended in June. Way to resurrect a topic again. And for what?

B&M has made some really great coasters, but they've made some disappointing ones as well. I'd rather see an Intamin hyper or giga coaster go in.

^spooky!

^good call. I love the appearance of Vortex. It highlights the back of the park IMO, and it is a really neat looking design. As for it sinking.... I'm pretty sure it's still the same height now as it was when it was installed. Not goin anywhere any time soon.

Can you say resurrection?

Yee haw! I've been to Fearfest 4 different years now, and there have only been a few haunts that really scared me. The Curse of the Pharoah (name?) circa 2003 perhaps really scared me, and the Psychopath got me good last year, but that was only because we went through right as the park closed so we were the only people in it. YIKES! I hope this year all of the attractions are terrifying

^What? I don't understand what you're trying to say. English please.

Cyclone is a historical landmark and is protected. They won't be tearing it down.

"Alot," huh? Don't you mean a lot?

Demon Drop really is amazing. I wish it was higher, but its a fantastic drop ride. And how is it unsafe? It's been operating very reliably for 24 years. I make it a point to ride it at least once every time I go. Usually twice, since its always a walk-on

And now that they're going to get rid of the movie theme they can bring them back

Ha wow. Six Flags Great America charges $15 per car, and they have no trams, and a MASSIVE parking lot that makes the walk to the entrance really long. Stupid Chicago and their insane prices... >: (