CoastersRZ Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Read the full article here. Herschend Family Entertainment is apparently interested in purchasing the Newport Aquarium from its current owner, Steiner and Associates. More details are set to be released tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragerunner Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Maybe this is just the first step by the Herschend Family Entertainment in the Cincy area. Maybe they will next buy KI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 That's interesting...a friend of mine from a local professional organization is an exec with Steiner Entertainment (they're based in Columbus own a few aquariums and several "lifestyle center" facilities--such as the Easton Town Center.) I just saw him at a meeting a few hours ago...I'll have to shoot him an email and ask him about this. (Of course, not that he'd be allowed to tell me anything ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Maybe this is just the first step by the Herschend Family Entertainment in the Cincy area. Maybe they will next buy KI. Cheers to that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 I remember visiting Dollywood when it first "Became" Dollywood. It was a dump beyond belief. Who would have thought that the park would have been able to make the amazing changes that makes it so special. I'm thinking that KI would be a good mix for Dollywood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 OO yea, I would actully like to see KI bought by dolly =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dvo Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Wow you guys are quick to jump to that bandwagon. KI has some problems this year, but you can't expect Cedar Fair to get it perfect in a matter of months. You're talking about doubling the company in 6 months and having no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 ^ not to mention really quick to make the jump from Herschend considering buying the Newport Aquarium (which if you'll remember...is actually what this topic is about) to assuming that also means they want to buy Kings Island?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 I heard a rumor that Herschend wants Kings Island, Coney Island, The Cincinnati Zoo and The Newport Aquarium, and wants to run an underground light rail system running between them all. They'll have packages available where you can experience all 4 of them over 2 days. The Montgomery Inn Boathouse will have exclusive meal plans and you will have the option to experience one major sporting event depending on scheduling. There will even be lodging available through Great Wolf Lodge. Its going to be called "The Cincinnati Experience." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dvo Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 First of all, your tense is way off. It's not "going to be" called anything. It "could be called" is more appropriate. Now that that's out of the way, I think it's funny that only 3 of the 6 things you mentioned as part of the "Cincinnati Experience" are even in the city of Cincinnati! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 First of all, your tense is way off. It's not "going to be" called anything. It "could be called" is more appropriate. Now that that's out of the way, I think it's funny that only 3 of the 6 things you mentioned as part of the "Cincinnati Experience" are even in the city of Cincinnati!Actually only 2 of them are in Cincinnati. Anyway what would you prefer for the name: The Newport/Mason/Kellog/Cincinnati Experience? Either way I said its "going to be" called that because it is. My source is very reliable, he is a butcher down town, coadnamed, meat-throat. You can be sure that the Cincinnati Experience will be making headlines in the very near future. Make that "The Greater Cincinnati Experience" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dvo Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 ^LOL Yeah, if I ever need information about a city's plans for a future, I'm gonna go downtown and ask for a butcher named meat-throat. that's what I call a reliable source! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Secrets run in his family, he's second cousin to the infamous deepthroat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 Actually, Coney is partly in the city of Cincinnati. Another part of it is in Anderson Township. I should know, as I have to pay the city`s 2.1% income tax on the paychecks I get from Coney, because my time clock is located within the City. My brother, who works at Sunlite Pool which is in Anderson Township, does not have to pay city taxes! It will be interesting to see if anything materializes from the talks. I wonder what, if any, impact this will have on the future of Newport Aquarium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 You're right, my bad, Kellog is the street, not the city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 Yeah, don`t doubt my knowledge with Coney. Being in my sixth year there, I know quite a lot about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Given Jane Cooper's role at Herschend, I'd imagine she knows a thing or two about Cincinnati, and what Herschend should or should not be interested in in the area, and at what price... Put another way, I wouldn't totally discount the possibility that some day Hershcend could end up owning Kings Island....still, I don't see that coming out of an aquarium purchase... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Maybe this is just the first step by the Herschend Family Entertainment in the Cincy area. Maybe they will next buy KI. No, No, and please God no! Maybe this is just the first step by the Herschend Family Entertainment in the Cincy area. Maybe they will next buy KI. Cheers to that! No, this can't happen and shouldn't happen. Kings Island is too good for HFE I remember visiting Dollywood when it first "Became" Dollywood. It was a dump beyond belief. Who would have thought that the park would have been able to make the amazing changes that makes it so special. I'm thinking that KI would be a good mix for Dollywood. No, It wouldnt be. Dollywood Is purely managed by HFE, it is not owned by HFE, but rather owned by Dolly Parton, and all major decisions although managed by HFE do go by Dolly Parton! Which is why DollyWood and the Dixie Stampede attractions have not gone the way of Celebration city of Silver Dollar City. Now I will agree with you that if Dolly owned and HFE managed that KI could be a great park...but I like it the way it is now! OO yea, I would actully like to see KI bought by dolly =) But that's not being discussed, whats being discussed is if HFE should buy KI, and more on topic if they should buy the Newport Aquarium...and the answer on my end is that they shouldn't! I know that I should've posted my trip report of my vacation to several other HFE attractions, so you all know what I experienced but I decided it wasnt worth the effort. HFE is not a good fit for Kings Island. People need to remember that Dollywood is not purely owned by HFE but is managed by them, so although they do have managerial say regarding hires, and new rides and layout and all that, Dolly Parton and her company are the ones that actually finance the park beyond fiscal receipts. Thank God to, because if she wasnt there I fear Dolly wood would turn out alot like Silver Dollar City! Which in my eyes was not up to par. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TH13TEEN Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 i agree with u cory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIBeast Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 Secrets run in his family, he's second cousin to the infamous deepthroat. He has also been know to work the lemon chill stand from time to time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dvo Posted August 17, 2007 Share Posted August 17, 2007 ^hahaha don't tell me there's a lemon chill guy on this site too! I post on PointBuzz for Cedar Point as well and they use the "lemon chill guy" thing too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 No, It wouldnt be. Dollywood Is purely managed by HFE, it is not owned by HFE, but rather owned by Dolly Parton, and all major decisions although managed by HFE do go by Dolly Parton! Which is why DollyWood and the Dixie Stampede attractions have not gone the way of Celebration city of Silver Dollar City. Now I will agree with you that if Dolly owned and HFE managed that KI could be a great park...but I like it the way it is now! Actually that is not correct. Hershend is the operating partner in the Dollywood Company, Dolly has only a minority interest in the company. I have seen NO observable differences in the quality of operations of Silver Dollar City (the MAJOR theme park in Branson operated by Herschend). Celebration City was opened much later and is slowly being brought up to the same standards as the other parks. http://www.hfecorp.com/History/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 My terminology was off, HFE is the "Operating Partner" as The Interpreter put it. However, the experience of Silver Dollar City and Ride the Ducks and CC and other attractions of theirs DO HAVE noticeable differences from Dollywood and Dixie Stampede. Not only did everyone in my family find these differences but others I have talked to as well have seen a difference! Now it could be complete coincidence however, I feel that if you look at the capital improvements over the last 20 years for both parks, as well as the attendance growth and other guest experiences you will see that there can be distinct differences between What is owned by HFE and what is owned by the DollyWood Company! Read as well: as many here have stated, DollyWood was the ugly duckling before Dolly came on in 1986! And DollyWood is owned officially by the DollyWood Company not by HFE, and I would think that would account for some difference from HFE's other holdings. Also though It has not been expressly written anywhere it is presumed that Dolly parton is the major shareholder in Dollywood Company who is partnered with HFE and owns Dollywood! Silver Dollar city has become in my eyes and many others an experience far different than what it should be from employees using cell phones all over the place (in one instance my Grandpa took a picture of Granny from the Lye Soap booth using her cellphone, it was quite funny!) Not to mention the park was quite unclean with litter forming in many spots. One thing I like about KI is that you can see exactly who is ECO and be able to find a yellow shirt if you have a question. Trying to find an employee to answer a question at SDC is like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Also, during the lightest of rain, EVERY outdoor attraction and show not under a shelter is shutdown until the storm moves 9 miles out of the area! I and many others have experienced none of this at Dollywood or insignificant service at any Dixie Stampede, and we have been to every location at least once! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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