KIfan73 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 This is a question for some of you guys that seem to be very knowledgable of the amusement park industry. For the average person that goes to the park (like me), what kind of things do you think I should expect with Cedar Fair taking over Kings Island? Not so much behind the scenes, but just stuff in the park, season passes, etc. Will I notice much difference? I have read all the forums, but the acquisition has me bugged because I like going to KI so much. Thanks for any ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 It's really too early to know. One thing that is almost a certainty though, is that season pass prices will probably go up and free parking with a season pass is probably history. You can also expect a lot more garbage cans, probably overall a cleaner park, and increased staffing in the rides department. From what I have seen, the entertainment at Cedar Fair is not as good as Paramount's. And that's saying something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincyboy0830 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I may think lower prices since it's such a huge merger, at least in the parking. Name changes and overall changes of little things like more garbage cans and possibly a switch to Pepsi products (actually, I'm not sure if KI is Coke or Pepsi right now). Anyways, I don't think there will be additional rides added next year, which is fine, it just means bigger things for 2008 (KI has an advantage of being in Ohio with Cedar Point, so we may get "star" treatments to our park that other parks may not get). Just expect lots of little things to change, maybe next year's pass will get me into Cedar Point also! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersNSich Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Kings Island sells Coke proucts right now, but expect it to be all Pepsi in 2007... You may see the name change and new logo as early as next month (July). It's going to be hard to phase out everything that's "PKI" and "Paramount Parks" and "Paramount's Kings Island" in a short period of time... There will most definitely be a new ride at KI in 2007, but I'd be surprised if it's any more than a large flat ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOPGUN1993 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 So is there a good chance the HB FX movie will not return 2007 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I highly doubt that the name will change and the park will get a new logo next month. The parks will, for the most part operate without any changes the rest of the year. Any changes as to name and new logo will occur for next season. And I do believe that there will be a new logo without the Paramount moniker. As for the Coke deal. It all depends how the contract with Coke is set up. Since they signed the seven year deal this year (when the parks were on the market) there might be some sort of a clause in the contract. For example, there might be a clause in there that says Coke products must be served in those parks, regardless of any future or pending sales throughout the life of the contract. If thats the case, then Coke will be in the park until 2013. It will be interesting to see if the sale of PP to Cedar Fair makes the Coke deal null and void. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Even if the contract does SAY (and we don't know that it does) that Coke must be served by Paramount's successors or assigns, there are ways that a company can avoid that. People who don't want to do business with each other usually find a way to end that relationship...one way or another, from pushing the other party to want out to paying to end the relationship. It all depends on what Cedar Fair wants and how badly it wants it....assuming that the contract does apply to successors and assigns, which it may not. I also see food prices being lowered substantially relatively soon. Then again, I may just be dreaming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Look for greeters at the entrances for all major coasters - and line seperators at some of the biggest coasters - like Beast, Flight of Fear, Face Off and Vortex. And I SINCERELY hope that we get spiels - like Cedar Point has. You know - how one of the bar-checkers has a headset and talks during loading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster-chickie Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 25 cent cotton candy! HOORAY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The New England Snapper Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Freindly workers lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 It's really too early to know. One thing that is almost a certainty though, is that season pass prices will probably go up and free parking with a season pass is probably history. You can also expect a lot more garbage cans, probably overall a cleaner park, and increased staffing in the rides department. From what I have seen, the entertainment at Cedar Fair is not as good as Paramount's. And that's saying something. Paramount Parks Has An Entertainment Department? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Freindly workers lol Kings Island already has quite a lot of those thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Freindly workers lol Kings Island already has quite a lot of those thank you. I would tend to agree. I don't like when folk paint a broad brush over a lot of people. There are good and bad workers at any large park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIBeast Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 It's really too early to know. One thing that is almost a certainty though, is that season pass prices will probably go up and free parking with a season pass is probably history. You can also expect a lot more garbage cans, probably overall a cleaner park, and increased staffing in the rides department. From what I have seen, the entertainment at Cedar Fair is not as good as Paramount's. And that's saying something. Really, the entertainment isn't good at Cedar Point? Then, how do they win awards for their shows every year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 ^What type of awards are they winning though? Theres all kinds of things they could be awarded plus what are the qualifications and who are they up against? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Freindly workers lol Kings Island already has quite a lot of those thank you. I would tend to agree. I don't like when folk paint a broad brush over a lot of people. There are good and bad workers at any large park. I agree with you, for the most part KI has very good employees who are usually friendly. Granted, not all of them are as friendly or taught to be as friendly and guest related as say teh Holiday World employees but their managent system is different and has less employees to watch. There are a few times when I do see KI employees acting as if they dont care about the guest experience and one thing that I think is unacceptable is walking around off the clock in pseudo-uniform. So many times I see people goofing off and acting stupid in line for rides then realize theyre wearing a paramount parks uniform with the collar tucked in or have it draped over their shoulder or around the waste. No matter if your off the clock or not you are an employees and represent your employer. When Iworked for Best Buy we were taught that if you were in uniform and off the clock and a customer contacted you, you were supposed to do your best to find them someone on the clock to help them or to help so as not to ruin their experience. There were many times where I got customers to the point of sale and was'nt on the clock and I handed them off to another sales person to ring them up, I didnt mind it cause it showed I cared about the customer, the store, and company, and eventually the good comes around and your rewarded for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 The Holiday World employees weren't all that friendly when I was there. The only one that stood out to me was the owner of the park - Pat Koch. She chatted with us outside the park for a few minutes before the park opened. But as far as the ride operators go - they weren't any different than PKI associates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flight Of The Dead Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I expect nothing, why, becuase Cedar Fair only cares about the money, unlike Paramount. paramount want familys to come and have fun and have a great time. Cedar Fair wants us to come and spend all our money so they get richer and they have stupid rules...like sepertators for coaster. why cant we sit were we want to?? do they have a problem were we sit? i just dont like whats comin ahead. i say Cedar Fair ruins the park they are copycats to!! they copy everypark around them. this is so unfair, i would rather have paramount keep the parks. if Cedar Fair ruins this park ,I just wont come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIBeast Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 They tell people where to sit on coasters so that they can get as many riders on in one day as humanly possible. That is why CP wins awards for capacity. What park has CP copied? Combat, I was talking about the Amusement Today Awards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersNSich Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 ^What type of awards are they winning though? Theres all kinds of things they could be awarded plus what are the qualifications and who are they up against? http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/shows/index.cfm Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Division was honored with three “BIG-E†awards, which acknowledge the most outstanding examples of entertainment in the amusement industry, at the 2005 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Annual Convention and Trade Show. Eric DiCenzo was awarded a BIG-E for "Best Male Performer" while Michael Howard received Honorable Mention, and Twistin’ to the 60s was awarded "Best Overall Production" with a budget between $50,001 and $100,000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I expect nothing, why, becuase Cedar Fair only cares about the money, unlike Paramount. paramount want familys to come and have fun and have a great time. Cedar Fair wants us to come and spend all our money so they get richer and they have stupid rules...like sepertators for coaster. why cant we sit were we want to?? do they have a problem were we sit? i just dont like whats comin ahead. i say Cedar Fair ruins the park they are copycats to!! they copy everypark around them. this is so unfair, i would rather have paramount keep the parks. if Cedar Fair ruins this park ,I just wont come. I'm sorry? Which Paramount are you referring to? I certainly know of no Paramount that your post would describe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersNSich Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I hope you're sarcastic, but odds are, you aren't, so I must counter... I expect nothing, why, becuase Cedar Fair only cares about the money, unlike Paramount. paramount want familys to come and have fun and have a great time. I would argue that the opposite is true. Did you visit PKI or any other Paramount park this year? The staff cutbacks and the unbridled bring-a-friend-free days (including past years) don't make a guest's experience fun. Besides, why did prices at Cedar Point go down this season, for admission, food, and drink? Keep in mind that we are a capitalist economy. It's OK to make money - why run a park that loses money? Even Holiday World needs to turn a profit, even if it is a small one. Hell, Six Flags has LOST money! Some companies practice crass (excessive) capitalism: see oil companies, Viacom, CBS... Cedar Fair wants us to come and spend all our money so they get richer and they have stupid rules...like sepertators for coaster. why cant we sit were we want to?? do they have a problem were we sit? Try to add up all of those empty seats that accumulate. Envision that they all add up to sending one empty train, how happy would you be? I know that some rides try to accomodate seat requests, but they can't have too many waiting for the front seat. i just dont like whats comin ahead. i say Cedar Fair ruins the park they are copycats to!! they copy everypark around them. this is so unfair, i would rather have paramount keep the parks. if Cedar Fair ruins this park ,I just wont come. Odds are, most guests only visit one or two parks a year. They aren't going to care that Geauga Lake's water park has the same name as Dorney Park's. Or that one's shot ride is another's Vekoma SLC of the same name. Maybe it's a reasonable way to cut costs while not necessarily hurting the guest experience.. With your (IMO low) standards, I hope you don't come back. Not to mention having to read pitiful punctuation and grammar... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Eagles 1972-2004 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Not to mention that the separators don't assign seating. They just control the number in the station and make sure singles get paired and so forth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Not to mention that the separators don't assign seating. They just control the number in the station and make sure singles get paired and so forth. ...and do absolute wonders for capacity & efficiency! Every park should do this. (I don't even mind seat assignment if you have an option to wait for the front seat...) Something else I've been thinking about...does CP still do only single-gender ride crews? Is that common for all CF parks, or just CP? If so...it would be interesting to see which rides at KI become "boy" rides and which ones are "girl" rides Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erosarrow05 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 It seems that 95% of the people here are under the impression that CF is CP. This is not the case. The other CF parks dont hold a candle to CP. For those of you who have been to the other parks in the LP you know that this parks differ drastically from CP with regards to operations and mgt. I have been to WoF, Valleyfair, Dorney, MA and GL and to be honest they didnt really remind me of Cedar Point... So all these people that say theres a CF way of doing things... its more like a CP. Cedar Point is unique unto itself. I think any educated enthusiest would be more inclined to speculate about the paramount parks looking off of the other every other park in Cedar Fair - except CP. my 2 cents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIBeast Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 ^What type of awards are they winning though? Theres all kinds of things they could be awarded plus what are the qualifications and who are they up against? http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/shows/index.cfm Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Division was honored with three “BIG-E†awards, which acknowledge the most outstanding examples of entertainment in the amusement industry, at the 2005 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Annual Convention and Trade Show. Eric DiCenzo was awarded a BIG-E for "Best Male Performer" while Michael Howard received Honorable Mention, and Twistin’ to the 60s was awarded "Best Overall Production" with a budget between $50,001 and $100,000. Thanks, coastersnsich. It was the IAAPA awards and not the Amusement Today awards. Good find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 And just so you know, PKI`s entertainment department has had some IAAPA award winners over the years. The Nickelodeon Celebration Parade has won awards for "Best Parade Performance" I believe. Also, back when they had a magic show in the Paramount Theater (can`t remember which one it was exactly, I think Forbidden Magic), it won the award for "Best Production" in its price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 A. The gender specific crews were rendered to the trash bin history, due to the Equal Employment Opportunity laws... B. There IS a Cedar Fair way of doing things. And CP is THE engine of Cedar Fair. No less a personage than Mr. Kinzel said so himself during the post acquisition announcement conference call. Some things are VERY consistent from Cedar Fair park to Cedar Fair park, including such things as how rides are dispatched, how crews are trained, how merchandise is bought and sold, etc. Other policies are to some extent state specific--height requirements on rides, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterking123456 Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 Better rides yaaaayyy!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
criminaljustice Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I don't beleive any company would be able to staff PKI with nothing but friendly employees. What the out-of-towners on here should realize is Kings Islands location. Mason, Landen, WestChester, Loveland, and Lebanon are predominantly wealthy cities in Warren County........So what does that have to do with customer service? well the fact is Kings Island like other companies in the county have trouble recruiting quality employees who care and NEED a job. Basically mom and dad are giving them allowance or have the money to give them extra cash on the side. I've lived in Warren County all my life, and notice this everywhere. Grocery stores, restraunts, and any other place that hires young teens. There are still good employees out there though, and it's not to hard to find them at KI. Just don't expect Cedar Fair to completely overhawl the staff, and all 5000 employees walking around showing their pearly whites as if they were given a happy pill when they came to work. You WILL still run into that one 16yr old who wow'd the interviewer, and smooth talked his way through that process, but turns into a management nightmare. I'm sure you've seen it where you worked no matter how good the GR Training may be, and the rides department at Kings Island has an excellent GR training program before employees start their summer, but it's up to them to develop that. If they don't, they'll most likely not last. The difference with Cedar Point (as I have noticed) is that it's employees seem to be college aged staff...and if you've been to college you know how importatnt a job is. Those guys up there work hard, because they have obtained that work ethic....They also would have no other way to pay for beer. For them they have no other income. They have had some bad apples though.....It's inevitable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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