dr_humor

I think it's pretty clear what the author's view on the system is, and I am sure he was selective in how he chose to shape the quotes he used. The major flaw of Cedar Point's system was the confusion over its implementation. It was very poorly marketed, leaving most customers completely in the dark that it even existed at all. By the time many guests arrived at the park, all the hand-stamps were gone, and it really led to a lot of confusion and frustration...I think that is what Robin was referring to with his quote. To put it lightly, and everyone at CP knows this; "Freeway" was a mess. A poorly managed system that slipped away as quietly as it was installed. Those handstamp booths remained in place at the park unmanned for quite some time. I find nothing unfair about the Fastpass system at all. I don't like it, but I do not find it "unfair" or creating some type of "caste" system. That's nonsense.

I think he was speaking for the people that choose to purchase Fast Lane. Your wait times are reduced. I don't think he was speaking about wait times in general.

It's not odd unless you have spent some time at CW. Behemoth was a desperately needed addition, and this will probably be the last major install at CW for some time. Some with King's Dominion; they got a great floorless and the I305 very soon after. I think 2013 is shaping up to be a big year for both Cedar Point and Kings Island. It looks like up here in Sandusky there is going to be some type of major renovation to Soak City, which has not gotten any love in years. If either CP or KI were getting coasters next year, you would know it by now; no question.

Diamondback vs. Magnum XL Racer vs. Blue Streak The Beast vs. Mean Streak Drop Tower vs. Power Tower (drop side) WindSeeker KI vs. WindSeeker CP Delirium vs. MaXair Flight Deck vs. Iron Dragon Adventure Express vs. Cedar Creek Mine Ride Viking Fury vs. Ocean Motion

Why would you attempt this, though? This is equivalent to trying to experience Disney in a day. Get a hotel room, and give yourself some time to enjoy the little things. Cedar Point, at least, has not been a 1-day park for nearly 15 years.

This pretty much explains it. Folks, Kings Island, Cedar Point...in comparison to other activities one could do for your dollar, is pretty cheap. I have thought for years that the Platinum Pass is WAY under-priced (not that I am complaining, I just keep buying them for my family). So now you have to ask yourself. Are those precious "perceived" 10 minutes of your time worth 50 bucks? If so, time to get in the Fast Lane! 3 cheers for business.

I'll chime in here. The problem with this issue, and why it is hitting such a nerve, is because one's place in line for a ride is the most sacred of issues. Hence, being line-leader in 1st grade was a big frickin deal. The other thing to consider is that virtual queuing at Disney is free and it works....very well. So, you have two systems that both work to achieve the same goal. One, however, costs the guest a significant amount, while the other is free. So which is better to use? I guess it depends on how much you care about your all of your guests' experience.

WOW. Let me explain my wow... ...my wife grew up going to Kings Island, while I grew up going to Cedar Point. My first trip to this beautiful park was not until 2001. She has told me tales of loving Phantom Theater, but I never fully understood until I just watched this video. Holy cow; now THAT is a dark ride. When I see things like this, it really makes me distraught over what has happened (Cedar Point had a wonderful-for-its-day Pirate Ride that had more dated but similar charm).

I almost spit out my water from laughter. This is like saying Disney is limited to clientele from Florida. Consider for a moment that the resorts are booked from day one to closing day wall to wall with people from all over the United States and also other countries. People fly in from all over the world on a daily basis to Cleveland an Akron-Canton just to visit Cedar Point. It's a destination, not a "local attraction". Land is really an irrelevant issue at Cedar Point as well. There really is no more need for "expansion", even though space is not quite as limited as one may think. But even if they wanted to, it would be close to overkill, as the attendance really is not going to go too far north of what it already is; it's more or less plateaued, with its peak being around 1994-1995, and steady ever since. I would argue any negative being near the water brings is far outweighed from the view. Unmatched.

You think The Beast is rougher than what Son of Beast was? That's heresy.

This is all just a matter of perception. Since "smooth as glass" coasters like Millennium Force came to be, and virtually the entire lineup of B & M coasters, wonderful rides like The Beast have been labeled as "rough", when you are simply feeling the wooden coaster experience. Son of Beast does not fit into that category.

And some of us just called it terrible.

Just to state the factual, if indeed Cedar Point was shown favor over Kings Island, that's because it's the flagship of the whole corporation. It makes sense that CF would do everything in their power to get CP's up and running first.

And the good news is that it will get better as the season goes on. Mid June to Mid July is the worst for the midges, but they quickly fade.

Looks like CP is opening tomorrow. How is KI doing? Love the music they have added...

Good news from Sandusky. Full speed testing, and the crew for the ride was on-site yesterday at CP.

^ A little bit later in the day it ascended and did the same thing at the top. Then again at the middle, and then again at the top. It would ascend/descend and then start rotating once it got to its spot that they wanted it in. Odd, but this is the most movement CP has had.

I find wooden coasters to give different rides on an almost daily basis. That said, I have to amend my above comment; apparently is was operating at about 25-50% speed, not full. Still good to see it spinning, regardless.

Not sure what's happening down there, but CP's has been testing at full throttle today.

The lying starts at such a young age. So sweet.

That's because it didn't happen.

What's the over-under on CP's WindSeeker opening up first? It's been going up and down fully all day. Not full rotation speed, but some.

I don't understand what is funny about the price either. You have to pay for time, equipment, man-power, and materials. Actually sounds like a deal to me. Shoot the Rapids is much improved. The new boats not only travel the course at a slightly brisker clip, but they skim over the water as opposed to "plunging" like they did last year. There is also no more jolting/jarring at the bottom of the second drop, which many guests felt, including my wife.

While plausible, this is not correct. Mondial was chosen for CP because Funtime's design does not allow for high winds at 300 feet (which are ever-present on the coast at CP). Mondial's sturdy arms versus Funtime's lawnchair-strapped-to-a-chain design was selected for CP. In turn, a juvenile Funtime let the cat out of the bag about what was coming to CP publicly before Cedar Fair could announce it (it was leaked through the Sandusky Register), and also claimed (without merit) that they were going to sue (which they never did) Cedar Fair for backing out of a "contract" to build their rides, which also never existed. Funtime then turned tail and offered their rides to Six Flags, while Cedar Fair got a great package deal from Mondial. There is nothing wrong with choosing a prototype. The season is still in its infancy, and I would bet my Memorial Day both CP and KI's WindSeekers will be fully functional.

Thought some of you may be interested to know that, while at the Point the past 2 days, WindSeeker is coming to life. Rotating and traveling half-way up the tower. Curiously, no sign of lights yet, however. That said, it is coming to life.