In today's Toledo Blade newspaper....

http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/04/01/New-Cedar-Fair-CEO-has-fresh-outlook-on-fun.html

Nice article. Very excited about where they are putting their focus, and am confident Mr. Ouimet is on the right track.

I do hope there is a mix of new thrill rides as well along with the family rides to keep the thrill seekers and families alike coming!

Its clear that Ouimet gets that in this day and age, you need to be current with technology, and the way people communicate these days (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Under Kinzel, technology seemed to be an after thought, and something that couldn`t really help drive new customers to the parks or build buzz about a new product.

I also wonder if the loyalty program for pass holders isn`t a way for the park to get more "data" on their pass holders, as the article seems to indicate. (Kind of like Kroger Plus cards allow Kroger to gain information on their customer`s buying habits and allow them to target discounts to their buying patterns.)

He sounds like he really knows what he's talking about, and I do love family stuff like he was talking about. Me, my family, and friends always have a blast on those rides! However, this does bring me alittle fear, well, more of a lack of fear. I'm afraid that the old Disney executive will focus too much on family rides and attractions and not enough on thrill rides, $25 million coasters inparticular. Don't get me wrong, family rides, theme, and especially atmosphere at the parks are crucial and really make my experience at the parks outstanding. But without new thrills the parks will be kind of unfulfilled. For example every year my family takes the 3.5 hour trip up to CP and stays there for 3 or so days as kind of a vacation. Now when we decide to make that trip do you think its to ride shoot the rapids? or the Ferris Wheel? Heck no! We go to ride Millienium Force, Dragster, and Maverick etc. But while were there we ride these rides to have a good time and further our experience.

And I really hope Mr. Ouimet doesn't forget that not every family dwells around family rides. Typically my family and many families around mine are more interested in thrill rides and roller coasters than "family" rides.

That being said, if Ouimet finds a nice balence between thrills and family rides, and themes them well, maintaining a good atmosphere, he could be the greatest CEO Cedar Fair has ever seen!

This new CEO seems on his A game, and seems to be bringing in a new emphasis on so many different categories.

Another great article find.

He sounds like he really knows what he's talking about, and I do love family stuff like he was talking about. Me, my family, and friends always have a blast on those rides! However, this does bring me alittle fear, well, more of a lack of fear. I'm afraid that the old Disney executive will focus too much on family rides and attractions and not enough on thrill rides, $25 million coasters inparticular. Don't get me wrong, family rides, theme, and especially atmosphere at the parks are crucial and really make my experience at the parks outstanding. But without new thrills the parks will be kind of unfulfilled. For example every year my family takes the 3.5 hour trip up to CP and stays there for 3 or so days as kind of a vacation. Now when we decide to make that trip do you think its to ride shoot the rapids? or the Ferris Wheel? Heck no! We go to ride Millienium Force, Dragster, and Maverick etc. But while were there we ride these rides to have a good time and further our experience.

And I really hope Mr. Ouimet doesn't forget that not every family dwells around family rides. Typically my family and many families around mine are more interested in thrill rides and roller coasters than "family" rides.

That being said, if Ouimet finds a nice balence between thrills and family rides, and themes them well, maintaining a good atmosphere, he could be the greatest CEO Cedar Fair has ever seen!

and for the next few years it may feel like FUN has decided to no longer build thrill rides, but it could be a result of FUN trying to fix the lack of balance in the past....

Matt Ouimet is the right hire at the right time. Once again his visionary leadership, which builds upon a solid foundation, respects tradition whilst at the same time looking forward to the future. The balancing of thrill and family friendly elements is brilliant.

The new guest services, sales tracking, online web consolidation, and marketing focus and hires is superb. All will meet the twin requirements of significantly improving the guest experience as well as providing superior returns to Unitholders. Beginning the process of visualizing a relationship with the guest, rather than just as a customer, opens a two way street for dialogue and communication. This will strengthen the brand presence and guest response to our offerings. It is getting Cedar Fair on the road to knowing what it takes to create the "best of year experience" now guiding the mission.

The improvements to the softer side of the parks will be noticed by guests immediately. Moving away from food to a more cuisine oriented offering will be well received. Making it desirable for guests to stay on-park longer with delectable cuisine will assist in boosting on-park revenues and guest perception of value and new evening entertainment such as Luminosity: Ignite the Nite.

Addressing back-of-house issues such as antiquated cash management and turning to customer sales tracking is a must. The new promotion and web presence brings added revenues and additional benefits to guests. Developing phone apps and other services is most exciting. Guests will be thrilled with Cedar Fair's up to date technological hand-held improvements.

Improving visual appeals and sight-lines within the parks will make for a more planned and themed ambiance. The addition of two additional Peanuts characters signal a more branded approach to the parks offerings.

Great job CEO Ouimet. Hat tip to all those working so hard on the Cedar Fair team to make such a grand transition. Keep up the good vision and work!

JPII was to the Catholic Church how Matt Ouimet is to Cedar Fair. Legit.