Consumers Fork Out For Cedar Fair

[The Interpreter]

http://www.forbes.com/2008/06/10/cedar-fai...artner=yahootix

[italianchef]

Interesting article. If Cedar Fair wants people to spend more money in the park, it should lower the outrageous price of food, drinks, and locker rental. Due to the high prices and my poor budget, I have made it a point of spending less money at the park this year. If prices go down, I'll spend more.

[Guest kwindshawne]

It was interesting-I was driving by the park with a friend a few days ago, and they said "where is everybody" Except for the day of the jump, I don't think attendance has been that good this year.

[The Interpreter]

And I bet those attending are spending far less than in years past...

[BoddaH1994]

It was interesting-I was driving by the park with a friend a few days ago, and they said "where is everybody" Except for the day of the jump, I don't think attendance has been that good this year.

Unconfirmed word on the street is that attendance is actually up YTD from last year, but that's just KI.

The article states:

Although Cedar Fair (nyse: FUN - news - people ) announced on Tuesday that attendance and revenue at its attractions were relatively unchanged through June 1, compared with the prior year, Dick Kinzel, the company’s chairman, said the amusement-park operator continues to see strength in season pass sales and overall business.

[The Interpreter]

Well, given that the park is widely selling deeply discounted admission tickets at places like Kroger, I would certainly hope that admissions are up. The better question is whether revenues and profits are up.

[WooferBearATL]

Well, given that the park is widely selling deeply discounted admission tickets at places like Kroger, I would certainly hope that admissions are up. The better question is whether revenues and profits are up.

Using 1972 prices is part of the "Everything Old is New Again" plan.

[The Interpreter]

...only at the gate. Once in, heaven help you should you decide to eat or drink anything. Of course, the apologists will tell you it is an amusement venue and the prices are supposed to be high. Fine, give me quality at least somewhat commensurate with the price paid.

[KIBeast]

I can somewhat agree on the amusement venue attributing to higher prices. However, the quality of other amusement venues seem much higher than what CF produces, so it's not really a valid arguement.

[XGatorHead 8904]

I know my spending is definitely down at the park this year. We've only purchased one full meal at the park this year in my 7 visits, where last year we usually had at least one full meal in the park (x3 people) each time. Now what we've been doing is stopping somewhere on the way, eating at home first, or packing a cooler to eat in the parking lot. On every visit except for our first, the only food items we've purchased are souvenir cup refills and one treat (cinnabon or ice cream) to share each time.

So with all the deeply discounted admissions, they would have to supplement any losses in that area with increased food/merch/games revenue. And it takes a mighty large number of nickels to make that up. Should be interesting to see how the parks do throughout the summer when those numbers are finally reported.

[The Interpreter]

If the per cap spending numbers had been good, they would have reported them in this early peek. They didn't. That speaks volumes. If you remember, they also did not release them for the first quarter, saying they were "not meaningful," a reason they had not used in previous years, when they HAD disclosed them.

[Gordon Bombay]

Interesting article. If Cedar Fair wants people to spend more money in the park, it should lower the outrageous price of food, drinks, and locker rental. Due to the high prices and my poor budget, I have made it a point of spending less money at the park this year. If prices go down, I'll spend more.

Yet in every recent trip report you've had you mentioned renting lockers for your family as well as purchasing:

"Ice cream snacks."

"Chicken tenders and fries."

"An ("unthinkable" (since you claimed to be a vegitarian now) Cheeseburger"

Chef, I know you have said in the past that finances have been tight lately, but you seem to be spending money in the park nearly every visit (according to your reports) so doesn't that kind of contradict your theory?

[The Interpreter]

And Mr. Chef seems to be making lots and lots of visits. Perhaps he lives mere blocks from the park!

[italianchef]

I actually did NOT rent a locker. Re-read my report.

Today's burger was only because of physical weakness. And I am a vegetarian 99% of the time.

I have made a point of only purchasing food at Central Grill because it has "value meals" and I bring my souvenir cup from home to get water. I no longer purchase soda and other items that I used to.

If it were not for my son, I'd spend MUCH less at the park.

What do I tell a 4-year old when he says "I want ice cream" or "I want chicken"??? I can get by on eating fries, but I cannot expect my kid to do the same.

[BavarianBeatle]

My per cap spending will not change no matter what. I always bring (in cash) the amount of money I am willing to spend on that particular trip (usually $50 on a weekend and $20 when we don't eat a meal at the park, which is most of the time). Then I let the kids help decide how to spend it. When its gone, its gone. I think (hope) that I am teaching them some kind of a lesson about responsible spending by doing this. I do have a "hidden" credit card in case there's an emergency of some kind, but they don't need to know about that .

[Guest kwindshawne]

My solution to the food prices is this-I load up before I enter the park, and if I really want to eat sometime during the day, I go down to the steakhouse where I could spend the same amount for much better food. If I can't make it, cooler's in the trunk. Simple as that.

Gordon, you'll understand chef's reasoning when you have kids. Hopefully, you will not have the financial strain in your life the rest of us have now.

Attendance figures seem to be up because of the 24th. I'm sure that record-breaking attendance day counts for something in Q1. Take away that day-see what's left.

[Gordon Bombay]

My solution to the food prices is this-I load up before I enter the park, and if I really want to eat sometime during the day, I go down to the steakhouse where I could spend the same amount for much better food. If I can't make it, cooler's in the trunk. Simple as that.

Gordon, you'll understand chef's reasoning when you have kids. Hopefully, you will not have the financial strain in your life the rest of us have now.

Attendance figures seem to be up because of the 24th. I'm sure that record-breaking attendance day counts for something in Q1. Take away that day-see what's left.

What reasoning? I don't really see a point in getting ice cream every visit or every time a child asks. When I was young money was very, very tight. A Kings Island season pass was our family christmas present. Treats and food at Kings Island were a special thing, we didn't make a habit of it every visit. All I'm saying is while Chef has a point that people may spend more if prices are less, he certainly may spend more, but its obviously not stopping him from spending a good amount of money in the park.

[italianchef]

When I go to the park without my son, I spend no money - this season. I go out to eat at fast food and limit my expenses. But when a 4-year old is hungry, I find it difficult to tell him to wait for us to leave the park. This is especially the case because my son has a speech delay and a BAD temper. When hungry he screams at the top of his lungs. It is not a pleasant sight and makes driving difficult.

If you were a parent, you'd understand how I spend $ on my son that I don't on myself.

[Gordon Bombay]

Regardless, you are spending money and numerous times in your trip reports you mention spending money on the whole family. I'm not arguing how you spend money on your son, but that is not the only way you are spending your money.

[Guest kwindshawne]

My solution to the food prices is this-I load up before I enter the park, and if I really want to eat sometime during the day, I go down to the steakhouse where I could spend the same amount for much better food. If I can't make it, cooler's in the trunk. Simple as that.

Gordon, you'll understand chef's reasoning when you have kids. Hopefully, you will not have the financial strain in your life the rest of us have now.

Attendance figures seem to be up because of the 24th. I'm sure that record-breaking attendance day counts for something in Q1. Take away that day-see what's left.

What reasoning? I don't really see a point in getting ice cream every visit or every time a child asks. When I was young money was very, very tight. A Kings Island season pass was our family christmas present. Treats and food at Kings Island were a special thing, we didn't make a habit of it every visit. All I'm saying is while Chef has a point that people may spend more if prices are less, he certainly may spend more, but its obviously not stopping him from spending a good amount of money in the park.

Season pass, hell? We went once a year. I didn't know what a season pass was until I was 20. Didn't have a/c until high school, had to buy my own car, and lived in a very humble house-if anything, my standard of living has gone down in the past 7 years. Add in a mortgage, medical and all that crap to boot. Money was always tight in my family, and still is-in fact my dad grew up in a house that he had to shake snow off his bed every morning. I had a little bit of comfort money until I had kids-and without having one, you can't understand the cost and the sacrifice. Point being pricing outrageously for food my wolf wouldn't have eaten is the issue here, and eventually it is going to trickle down into the park's bottom line. Kinda confrontational these days, aren't we?

[WooferBearATL]

What do I tell a 4-year old when he says "I want ice cream" or "I want chicken"??? I can get by on eating fries, but I cannot expect my kid to do the same.

How about, "We'll get you a special ice cream at UDF on the way home?"

When I go to the park without my son, I spend no money - this season. I go out to eat at fast food and limit my expenses. But when a 4-year old is hungry, I find it difficult to tell him to wait for us to leave the park. This is especially the case because my son has a speech delay and a BAD temper. When hungry he screams at the top of his lungs. It is not a pleasant sight and makes driving difficult.

If you were a parent, you'd understand how I spend $ on my son that I don't on myself.

I don't have children but I actually understand quite a bit about parenting. I taught parenting classes for a period of time. I also know that if you give in to every temper tantrum you are certainly in for ...... more tantrums. I also know that parents that have children that are referred to as "so well behaved" are not a result of accident.

[italianchef]

What do I tell a 4-year old when he says "I want ice cream" or "I want chicken"??? I can get by on eating fries, but I cannot expect my kid to do the same.

How about, "We'll get you a special ice cream at UDF on the way home?"

Have you ever tried that with a 4-year old with a speech delay and a bad temper? My son's speech is VERY delayed. He doesn't quite understand "later" yet - and he is in speech therapy. It is interesting how non-parents try to advise parents. You don't know what it's like until you are a parent. Nothing can prepare you for it.

[Guest kwindshawne]

What do I tell a 4-year old when he says "I want ice cream" or "I want chicken"??? I can get by on eating fries, but I cannot expect my kid to do the same.

How about, "We'll get you a special ice cream at UDF on the way home?"

Have you ever tried that with a 4-year old with a speech delay and a bad temper?

Sounds like my nephew-he has aspergers and when he was young he was a holy terror-and no matter what you did, if he decided he wanted something and didn't get it, it was several hours screaming fit. He also became violent. I know whenever he was told no there was hell to pay-counselors couldn't even help the situation.

[Gordon Bombay]

^Chef, if your son has a condition you do know you can speak with guest relations to be permitted to bering certain types and quantities of outside food instead of just having to buy ice cream each time if money is a concern for you.

My solution to the food prices is this-I load up before I enter the park, and if I really want to eat sometime during the day, I go down to the steakhouse where I could spend the same amount for much better food. If I can't make it, cooler's in the trunk. Simple as that.

Gordon, you'll understand chef's reasoning when you have kids. Hopefully, you will not have the financial strain in your life the rest of us have now.

Attendance figures seem to be up because of the 24th. I'm sure that record-breaking attendance day counts for something in Q1. Take away that day-see what's left.

What reasoning? I don't really see a point in getting ice cream every visit or every time a child asks. When I was young money was very, very tight. A Kings Island season pass was our family christmas present. Treats and food at Kings Island were a special thing, we didn't make a habit of it every visit. All I'm saying is while Chef has a point that people may spend more if prices are less, he certainly may spend more, but its obviously not stopping him from spending a good amount of money in the park.

Season pass, hell? We went once a year. I didn't know what a season pass was until I was 20. Didn't have a/c until high school, had to buy my own car, and lived in a very humble house-if anything, my standard of living has gone down in the past 7 years. Add in a mortgage, medical and all that crap to boot. Money was always tight in my family, and still is-in fact my dad grew up in a house that he had to shake snow off his bed every morning. I had a little bit of comfort money until I had kids-and without having one, you can't understand the cost and the sacrifice. Point being pricing outrageously for food my wolf wouldn't have eaten is the issue here, and eventually it is going to trickle down into the park's bottom line. Kinda confrontational these days, aren't we?

Confrontational? Last time I checked Chef and I were discussing points made in a topic, since that is the point of a message board.

[Guest kwindshawne]

What do I tell a 4-year old when he says "I want ice cream" or "I want chicken"??? I can get by on eating fries, but I cannot expect my kid to do the same.

How about, "We'll get you a special ice cream at UDF on the way home?"

When I go to the park without my son, I spend no money - this season. I go out to eat at fast food and limit my expenses. But when a 4-year old is hungry, I find it difficult to tell him to wait for us to leave the park. This is especially the case because my son has a speech delay and a BAD temper. When hungry he screams at the top of his lungs. It is not a pleasant sight and makes driving difficult.

If you were a parent, you'd understand how I spend $ on my son that I don't on myself.

I don't have children but I actually understand quite a bit about parenting. I taught parenting classes for a period of time. I also know that if you give in to every temper tantrum you are certainly in for ...... more tantrums. I also know that parents that have children that are referred to as "so well behaved" are not a result of accident.

Those types of kids are well behaved because of regular ass whoopings-I know that was my case. My sister and I were raised the same-she was wild and defiant all through school, I was quiet. It doesn't always turn out the same even with the same parenting-besides, those things don't come with owners manuals.

[Guest kwindshawne]

^Chef, if your son has a condition you do know you can speak with guest relations to be permitted to bering certain types and quantities of outside food instead of just having to buy ice cream each time if money is a concern for you.

My solution to the food prices is this-I load up before I enter the park, and if I really want to eat sometime during the day, I go down to the steakhouse where I could spend the same amount for much better food. If I can't make it, cooler's in the trunk. Simple as that.

Gordon, you'll understand chef's reasoning when you have kids. Hopefully, you will not have the financial strain in your life the rest of us have now.

Attendance figures seem to be up because of the 24th. I'm sure that record-breaking attendance day counts for something in Q1. Take away that day-see what's left.

What reasoning? I don't really see a point in getting ice cream every visit or every time a child asks. When I was young money was very, very tight. A Kings Island season pass was our family christmas present. Treats and food at Kings Island were a special thing, we didn't make a habit of it every visit. All I'm saying is while Chef has a point that people may spend more if prices are less, he certainly may spend more, but its obviously not stopping him from spending a good amount of money in the park.

Season pass, hell? We went once a year. I didn't know what a season pass was until I was 20. Didn't have a/c until high school, had to buy my own car, and lived in a very humble house-if anything, my standard of living has gone down in the past 7 years. Add in a mortgage, medical and all that crap to boot. Money was always tight in my family, and still is-in fact my dad grew up in a house that he had to shake snow off his bed every morning. I had a little bit of comfort money until I had kids-and without having one, you can't understand the cost and the sacrifice. Point being pricing outrageously for food my wolf wouldn't have eaten is the issue here, and eventually it is going to trickle down into the park's bottom line. Kinda confrontational these days, aren't we?

Confrontational? Last time I checked Chef and I were discussing points made in a topic, since that is the point of a message board.

You're right. I'm outta here.

[WooferBearATL]

Those types of kids are well behaved because of regular ass whoopings-I know that was my case. My sister and I were raised the same-she was wild and defiant all through school, I was quiet. It doesn't always turn out the same even with the same parenting-besides, those things don't come with owners manuals.

It all connects with parenting skills.

It's not always an "ass-whooping" but some times it is. It goes back to discipline and guidance.

Many parents constitute that good parenting is constantly purchasing things for their children. It's almost a perversion (for lack of a better word) in how some parents believe that "love" and "caring" should be shown.

And I'd venture to say that you and your sister were not raised exactly the same. There are often variables (specifically between male and female siblings) in the way that children within one family are raised. Birth order plays a large role as does the age of the parents.

[Tomkatt7]

I'll be the first to say I don't like the prices at KI.

After you pay 20 bucks to park, and 50 per person to enter, a 4 dollar soda just seems greedy.

Here is why it really doesn't matter too much to me though.

I work 40 hours a week, just like most people, so does my wife.

We live in C-Bus, so going down to KI in the afternoon is not an option.

We make one trip to the park a year, and make that a mini-vacation.

A two day pass, and a few nights in a local hotel.

Budgeting plays a part in every trip. KI has lots to offer, Shirts, hats stuffed animals,

games, concessions, you name it.

We take a certain amount of "blow" money every trip. Just for a number, I'll say 100 dollars a day.

Now the thing is, once it's gone, it's gone.

If we spend 50 on dippin dots, then we spend 50 on games. Or 50 in a shop.

They can't say that in park revenues are down because they aren't selling enough Coke.

I'm just buying more trys at "whack-a-bat"!!!!LOL

I guess I just always figured everyone was like that with a spending allowance.

If they jack the prices up for something, they aren't getting any more money from me really,

I'm just forced to spend less at other areas if it's something I really want.

Make sense?

[BavarianBeatle]

Well, I can only speak from my own experience of raising two kids on my own. An "ass whooping" was always reserved for acts of danger (like sticking things in electrical outlets or grabbing a dog's tail while it was eating) or knowing and/or repeated misconduct.

And "tantrum prevention" was simply never an option for giving one of mine what they wanted. If children learn that tantrums get them what they want, getting them to stop throwing the tantrums is far worse than ignoring them to begin with.....

[raptor]

The fact of the matter is that with gas prices what they are, very few people have much extra money to spend. I have to drive nearly 30 miles from northern ky to get to the park, and by the time I pay for gas there and back, I'm not ready to spend a lot at the park, I will usually by and ice cream though.