Cedar Fair shuts down all Windseekers

[ObiPugs]

Sorry no link I'm mobile right now. It was on Cincinnati.com

[BB1]

Link-

http://masonbuzz.com/2012/09/22/cedar-fair-shuts-down-WindSeeker-at-parks-nationwide/

This is not surprising, I can only be glad that our WindSeeker appears to have no problems.

[xXDrummerKiDXx]

*Sigh*

Another waste of money (IMO)

Honestly, I just thought WindSeeker was the worst and boring.

And getting rid of the 3D Spongebob..

[jdawg1998]

It's been awhile, but I just have to say I hate the ride and think it's boring, and now that it breaks down often, I don't see it being a long-term ride at KI or any Cedar Fair park.

[The Interpreter]

See:

http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/26454-WindSeeker-ride-malfunction-strands-knotts-visitors/page__pid__486278__st__60#entry486278

[SonofBaconator]

I guess I'm the minority. I love WindSeeker but I do agree that it is a waste of money if they have to go through countless repairs.

[VortexBFForever]

I also really like riding WindSeeker, actually. It's a good combination of relaxation and thrills, and I also love a lot of the soundtracks that play on it. It's actually somewhere on my ride priority list every time I go to Kings Island.

Sure, it's a prototype, it has its problems. But still...

At least ours (KI's) is [one of] the most reliable.

[The Interpreter]

...and closed with the rest.

[A.S.Coasters]

I like WindSeeker, it's not 'fun' but it's relaxing and nice to go on every once and a while. Not to mention how much it changes the skyline, mostly at night. I would hate to see it SBNO for a long time or removed.

[The Interpreter]

Perhaps Cedar Fair could get a refund and exchange them for the competitor's version. But then an exclusivity clause would probably have to be bought out.

[DBru]

So it's operating at about 11% more downtime than usual, then?

[raptor]

I personally liked the ride, although if there are problems it's good to shut it down. Not every adult ride has to be a thrill. I like to take a break from the big coasters and ride a quiet relaxing ride. Although I'm too young to remember it I wish the skyride was still at Kings Island, but I guess the same kind of situation lead to it's demise. The trian was a relaxing ride until Cedar Fair felt the need to try, and I emphasise the word try to make the mc on the train into a comedian instead of just letting the guests enjoy the peacefulness of the woods.

[TheBEASTunchained]

So is WindSeeker definitly going to be closed the rest of the season?

[The Interpreter]

It is closed pending an internal investigation and, in California, one by CAL OSHA. Whether that will take three days, three weeks or a year is not yet known.

It will take what it takes. At Cedar Fair, safety is paramount.

[Original]

Thats too bad. I guess this is the time where buying in bulk backfires. (bibb)

[TheBEASTunchained]

Thats too bad. I guess this is the time where buying in bulk backfires. (bibb)

And in Dinosaurs Alive's case.....One of the Dinosaurs Backfired in 2011

http://masonbuzz.com/2011/05/24/kings-island-dinosaur-catches-fire/

[Maverick00]

I think WindSeeker is a great ride. It's a nice relaxing ride with great views. It's nice on hot days too because it cools you off pretty fast. I think Cedar Fair is going to take a close look at these, I don't think they'll be open for the rest of the year at the seasonal parks (every park besides KBF).

[The Interpreter]

Til now, Matt Ouimet has made a great deal of noise about how important reliability and a high percentage of uptime are. It will be interesting to see how this ends.

"Watch what they do, not what they say."

[KIfan73]

I've just thought since it was installed, WindSeeker looks so…complicated. I was really surprised they picked that ride, let alone install multiple ones. It does have a very strong visual presence, which, I imagine, is a big reason as to why it was chosen.

[The Interpreter]

Compare SkyScreamer. Just as attractive. Proven reliability (so far). And the World's Tallest to be installed at SFOT for next season (or was to be).

[thunderbeast1968]

Perhaps Cedar Fair could get a refund and exchange them for the competitor's version. But then an exclusivity clause would probably have to be bought out.

What was the competitor's version of this ride? What was the name of the company and did they offer a 300ft version?

[The Interpreter]

Funtime. SkyScreamer. A 400' version is slated for SFOT next year.

Successful installations can be found around the globe.

[thunderbeast1968]

Funtime. SkyScreamer. A 400' version is slated for SFOT next year.

Successful installations can be found around the globe.

Thanks.

Does the high winds (at that height) affect the ride operation?

For example: Down on the ground, the wind may not be that bad, but when I was on Eiffel Tower, the wind was whipping around pretty hard. (both rides similar in height)

[The Interpreter]

WindSeeker closes during high winds. Skyscreamer seems to have similar, though lesser limitations.

[A.S.Coasters]

I certainly think it would, considering they have no dampeners because of the chains. But I haven't heard anything of them having those problems so I don't know.

[TheCrypt]

And the World's Tallest to be installed at SFOT for next season (or was to be).

Ya know, everything's bigger in Texas.

[TTD-120-420]

Yes, I know.

[DBru]

I would say one of the biggest reasons for going with Mondial was capacity (WindSeeker- 64 riders, Starflyer- 24).

[jcgoble3]

I would say one of the biggest reasons for going with Mondial was capacity (WindSeeker- 64 riders, Starflyer- 24).

I believe a major reason (correct me if I'm wrong) that was mentioned by someone at Cedar Fair and discussed at least briefly on here was that WindSeeker utilized stiff metal arms as opposed to the StarFlyer's flexible chains, which Cedar Fair believed would allow it to operate in higher winds. If I'm not mistaken, it turned out to be the opposite.

[KIBOB]

The ironic thing is that, in my opinion, the WindSeekers look more "upscale"; meaning they look more solid, what with their tower's solid shell, and the fact the seats are connected by metal bars rather than chains.

This is proof that looks can be deceiving. I do hope that these issues are solved though, I actually thouroughly enjoy WindSeeker (even more so when I'm confident I won't be spending the night on it).