Lance Bass, former member of boy band *NSYNC, has revealed that he is gay.
Let's see. A boy band member. Named Lance. Coming out. Who didn't see that coming?
Local connection: Lance has a relationship with Reichen Lemkuhl, who was born in Cincinnati. Lemkuhl won the Amazing Race a couple years ago with then-partner Chip Arndt. Reichen and Chip have since separated.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Winterfest: It's time to move on.
On Monday, folks at Kings Island and Cedar Fair finally confirmed the on-going rumors: Winterfest has been cancelled for 2006.
Of course, in January, people for PKI, then owned by CBS Corporation, were touting the success of the 2005 return. Then, in April, when the park opened for the regular season, they began to sell tickets for Winterfest for the great low price of $9.95. There was little chance that Winterfest would go back into the history books.
Then came "the announcement" about "the sale" in May. People were questioning, "What changes is Cedar Fair gonna make this season." The acquisition press release and conferences gave no solid answer, but tickets were still being sold, but quietly. Then again, "quietly" is how the winter holiday event's life for 2006 would seem to end. Soon, around when the keys to the park were given to Dick Kinzel and his guys, the in-park ads and brochure ads were taken out. Winterfest bears appeared as game prizes. Then ticket sales were pulled...
I, for one, was disappointed that Winterfest faded away for the second time. The opportunity to skate on that great Royal Fountain. Heartwarming songs and scenes on the KI & MV Railroad. Scrooge's hilarious bathroom jokes. One of the best live shows I've ever seen in the park, Santa's Toy Factory. And one of the tallest structures in the region transformed into a Christmas tree. Sadly, I'm going to have to wait at least a year to see these things again.
However, somebody dropped the ball. And I won't name Cedar Fair as one of the guilty parties.
First and foremost, the pricing. $25 at the gate? Season Passes were not accepted for entry, and sometimes, no discount for passholders? Specific-day tickets? $5 parking? $7 skating rink fee?
This is compared to 1982-92. Gate admission closer to $10. Season Passholders got in free. Free parking. Translation: successful.
However, compared to 1992, more area holiday events have popped up, and/or gotten better since then. The Beach Waterpark offered 4 admissions for $40 to their Holiday Fest. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods, where you don't have to get out of the car. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo was relatively affordable.
Also, peoples' views of Kings Island, as well as the makeup of the park itself, have changed. In the early 1990s, live shows were all around the park. There was a great collection of shopping and dining, more gentle rides for those of the youngest and oldest ages.
Now I know how PKI promotes itself as a family park, but sometimes, "family" does include 50, 60 and up. Have any of you ridden Runaway Reptar? Hint: it's a VEKOMA!
So, it seems they marketed it as "Winterfest is back by popular demand!' And again, like I said earlier, it was good! However, it wasn't the same Kings Island. I don't think they drove home enough that was filled with live entertainment - superior to that of other area winter attractions.
The people's response: As warm as the temperatures. I don't think many wanted to pay $30 or so to go to a cold Kings Island without thrill rides. Carowinds, another Paramount park, held their own Winterfest. At least they had the opportunity to run their B&M inverted coaster, Top Gun. Still, a Charlotte paper captioned one scene: "Waliking in an Empty Wonderland."
In defense of Winterfest, Kings Island was located in an area that was very accessible to many. Its layout was that of a theme park: great for a winter village event. This is compared to when Cedar Point held its first and only Christmas in the Park in 1994. Can you say a winter desert? Add horrible winds and temps along Lake Erie, and the smaller town that is Sandusky - just wasn't going to work. I think that if Cedar Fair were to price Winterfest right, it would have been a hit this year.
But here is the meat of this entry: At least for 2006, Cedar Fair's decision is final. No looking back. Any attempt to try to get Cedar Fair executives to reverse course will be futile (I feel like I'm quoting a Carowinds coaster's slogan). Rather than try to tweak a shaky winter event, I believe that it will be best for new ownership to spend the time to get the park up to Cedar Fair standards. My bet is that once early to mid-April 2007 comes, Kings Island will be a better park than it has in several years. A cleaner, friendlier, more efficient park.
There are some that wish that Cedar Fair will bring back KI to its pre-Paramount glory days. But for some of the mis-steps I believe that previous owners made, the park is still very successful. While I believe that things will be more consistent, some of the old charm the park had has faded away, and may likely never come back.
Now, I would love for them to bring back the old 1972-92 logo - very beautiful and sorta resembles Cincinnati's German heritage (yes, I took a class at UC related to that). This is one roll-back I hope Cedar Fair does, they can't go wrong with a classic.
But when all is said and done here, Winterfest isn't coming back this year. And I'm OK with that. Let's move on, and look forward to the rest of the operating season, and of course, 2007.
Of course, in January, people for PKI, then owned by CBS Corporation, were touting the success of the 2005 return. Then, in April, when the park opened for the regular season, they began to sell tickets for Winterfest for the great low price of $9.95. There was little chance that Winterfest would go back into the history books.
Then came "the announcement" about "the sale" in May. People were questioning, "What changes is Cedar Fair gonna make this season." The acquisition press release and conferences gave no solid answer, but tickets were still being sold, but quietly. Then again, "quietly" is how the winter holiday event's life for 2006 would seem to end. Soon, around when the keys to the park were given to Dick Kinzel and his guys, the in-park ads and brochure ads were taken out. Winterfest bears appeared as game prizes. Then ticket sales were pulled...
I, for one, was disappointed that Winterfest faded away for the second time. The opportunity to skate on that great Royal Fountain. Heartwarming songs and scenes on the KI & MV Railroad. Scrooge's hilarious bathroom jokes. One of the best live shows I've ever seen in the park, Santa's Toy Factory. And one of the tallest structures in the region transformed into a Christmas tree. Sadly, I'm going to have to wait at least a year to see these things again.
However, somebody dropped the ball. And I won't name Cedar Fair as one of the guilty parties.
First and foremost, the pricing. $25 at the gate? Season Passes were not accepted for entry, and sometimes, no discount for passholders? Specific-day tickets? $5 parking? $7 skating rink fee?
This is compared to 1982-92. Gate admission closer to $10. Season Passholders got in free. Free parking. Translation: successful.
However, compared to 1992, more area holiday events have popped up, and/or gotten better since then. The Beach Waterpark offered 4 admissions for $40 to their Holiday Fest. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods, where you don't have to get out of the car. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo was relatively affordable.
Also, peoples' views of Kings Island, as well as the makeup of the park itself, have changed. In the early 1990s, live shows were all around the park. There was a great collection of shopping and dining, more gentle rides for those of the youngest and oldest ages.
Now I know how PKI promotes itself as a family park, but sometimes, "family" does include 50, 60 and up. Have any of you ridden Runaway Reptar? Hint: it's a VEKOMA!
So, it seems they marketed it as "Winterfest is back by popular demand!' And again, like I said earlier, it was good! However, it wasn't the same Kings Island. I don't think they drove home enough that was filled with live entertainment - superior to that of other area winter attractions.
The people's response: As warm as the temperatures. I don't think many wanted to pay $30 or so to go to a cold Kings Island without thrill rides. Carowinds, another Paramount park, held their own Winterfest. At least they had the opportunity to run their B&M inverted coaster, Top Gun. Still, a Charlotte paper captioned one scene: "Waliking in an Empty Wonderland."
In defense of Winterfest, Kings Island was located in an area that was very accessible to many. Its layout was that of a theme park: great for a winter village event. This is compared to when Cedar Point held its first and only Christmas in the Park in 1994. Can you say a winter desert? Add horrible winds and temps along Lake Erie, and the smaller town that is Sandusky - just wasn't going to work. I think that if Cedar Fair were to price Winterfest right, it would have been a hit this year.
But here is the meat of this entry: At least for 2006, Cedar Fair's decision is final. No looking back. Any attempt to try to get Cedar Fair executives to reverse course will be futile (I feel like I'm quoting a Carowinds coaster's slogan). Rather than try to tweak a shaky winter event, I believe that it will be best for new ownership to spend the time to get the park up to Cedar Fair standards. My bet is that once early to mid-April 2007 comes, Kings Island will be a better park than it has in several years. A cleaner, friendlier, more efficient park.
There are some that wish that Cedar Fair will bring back KI to its pre-Paramount glory days. But for some of the mis-steps I believe that previous owners made, the park is still very successful. While I believe that things will be more consistent, some of the old charm the park had has faded away, and may likely never come back.
Now, I would love for them to bring back the old 1972-92 logo - very beautiful and sorta resembles Cincinnati's German heritage (yes, I took a class at UC related to that). This is one roll-back I hope Cedar Fair does, they can't go wrong with a classic.
But when all is said and done here, Winterfest isn't coming back this year. And I'm OK with that. Let's move on, and look forward to the rest of the operating season, and of course, 2007.
Monday, July 24, 2006
No Winterfest for 2006.
The speculation is over:
Also: Dayton Daily News (regisration is required but free of charge)
NEWS RELEASE
Paramount's Kings Island TM Cancels WinterFest for 2006 Season
Company makes business decision to table WinterFest.
KINGS ISLAND, Ohio - Paramount's Kings Island announced today that WinterFest will not take place during the 2006 season.
The business decision comes at a time when the organization is focused on providing a world-class experience during its core season, which includes the spring, summer and fall months.
Guests who have pre-purchased WinterFest tickets have automatically been refunded.
Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: "FUN") is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership, which owns and operates twelve amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, Toronto, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri and Michigan.
Also: Dayton Daily News (regisration is required but free of charge)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
St. Louis storms: 500,000 lose power, dozens injured at Busch Stadium
Almost 500,000 without power in St. Louis
A test for the new baseball stadium:
I knew one of the biggest complaints about the old Busch Stadium was the lack of wind circulation. Now this...
This happened just after the singing of the national anthem. Hopefully Roseanne Barr wasn't singing...
I guess the good news out of this is that the Cardinals won 8-3, avoiding a sweep by the Atlanta Braves. The Cardinals continue to lead the NL Central by 3.5 games over the Reds.
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Powerful storms with rain and strong winds left nearly half a million homes and businesses without power early Thursday as the region braced for another day of 100-degree heat. Power officials said it could take five days to restore electricity.
The summer storm that tore through the Midwest on Wednesday ripped off a section of airport roof and dumped it on an interstate, blew windows out of a hotel restaurant and baseball stadium press box and injured more than 30 people. At least three St. Louis-area buildings partially collapsed.
The city's light rail system, down for several hours, was running again by the Thursday morning rush hour, but at least 450,000 customers were still without power, according to utility company AmerenUE.
"This is one of the worst storms we can all remember to hit the city of St. Louis in recent years," St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said.
It could take three to five days to fully restore power to St. Louis, officials with AmerenUE said Thursday morning.
A test for the new baseball stadium:
Many of the injuries were to baseball fans waiting for a St. Louis Cardinals-Atlanta Braves game at the new Busch Stadium.
Winds near 80 mph blew out press box windows and ripped the tarp, injuring at least 30 people, five of whom were taken to hospitals, said Norm Corley, a supervisor with Accu-Care, which handles medical issues at the stadium.
I knew one of the biggest complaints about the old Busch Stadium was the lack of wind circulation. Now this...
Patrons were evacuated at the rooftop restaurant at the downtown Millennium Hotel after winds blew out windows in the restaurant, which sits near the Gateway Arch.
This happened just after the singing of the national anthem. Hopefully Roseanne Barr wasn't singing...
I guess the good news out of this is that the Cardinals won 8-3, avoiding a sweep by the Atlanta Braves. The Cardinals continue to lead the NL Central by 3.5 games over the Reds.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Has the last Winterfest already been held... again?
There is great speculation that Kings Island's classic Christmas holiday event, brought back last year after a decade's-plus hiatus, won't be held in 2006 and in future years.
After great promotion and great reviews, Kings Island's revival of Winterfest in 2005 was considered a success by the park, then owned by Viacom.
Then, at the beginning of the 2006 season, the park is owned by CBS Corporation (Viacom split into two, and a new Viacom was created, CBS being the new name of the old corporation). PKI starts selling advance tickets to the 2006 Winterfest for only $9.99. The event is advertised in park brochures, and by posters throughout the park.
Then, on June 30, Kings Island has yet another owner. Cedar Fair, L.P. completes its acquisition of Paramount Parks. Shortly after:
- The park is no longer selling Winterfest tickets.
- All in-park advertising of Winterfest has been removed.
- Plush bears with the Winterfest logo are being given away as prizes at the "Age & Weight" game on Coney Mall.
There are many conflicting theories, answers, and statements going on now, such as the thread on PKI Central.
For the return of Winterfest:
- Good reviews from those who went
- Cedar Fair has the opportunity to improve upon the event, make it better, bring in more guests than 2005.
- Stopping ticket sales may be a publicity stunt to get guests to demand the event happens.
- The last time it was held, prior to the hiatus: Paramount acquired Kings Island in 1992, prior to November, when the event began that year. They were good enough to honor a prior commitment, so why wouldn't Cedar Fair do the same?
- One of the most frequently asked questions the park recieved was "When are you bringing back Winterfest?" Why drop it again?
- CF may be dropping the "Paramount's" prefix from the park prior to Winterfest. They may even include the event as part of 2007 season passes.
Against Winterfest's return:
- Low attendance, especially due to season passes not being included, and high admission price ($25). In the beginning, passholders got discounts, but they weren't substantial enough.
- The event, especially now, is by no means sold out!
- Not only did they pull ticket sales, they pulled all promotion of Winterfest!
- Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, tried a Christmas event in 1994. I won't go into details, but it was the last "Christmas in the Park" CP held. Why risk it again with KI (and Carowinds, who had the event in '05 as well)?
- If so many wanted Winterfest back, why didn't they come in droves?
As one park spokesperson said, "Stay tuned."
After great promotion and great reviews, Kings Island's revival of Winterfest in 2005 was considered a success by the park, then owned by Viacom.
Then, at the beginning of the 2006 season, the park is owned by CBS Corporation (Viacom split into two, and a new Viacom was created, CBS being the new name of the old corporation). PKI starts selling advance tickets to the 2006 Winterfest for only $9.99. The event is advertised in park brochures, and by posters throughout the park.
Then, on June 30, Kings Island has yet another owner. Cedar Fair, L.P. completes its acquisition of Paramount Parks. Shortly after:
- The park is no longer selling Winterfest tickets.
- All in-park advertising of Winterfest has been removed.
- Plush bears with the Winterfest logo are being given away as prizes at the "Age & Weight" game on Coney Mall.
There are many conflicting theories, answers, and statements going on now, such as the thread on PKI Central.
For the return of Winterfest:
- Good reviews from those who went
- Cedar Fair has the opportunity to improve upon the event, make it better, bring in more guests than 2005.
- Stopping ticket sales may be a publicity stunt to get guests to demand the event happens.
- The last time it was held, prior to the hiatus: Paramount acquired Kings Island in 1992, prior to November, when the event began that year. They were good enough to honor a prior commitment, so why wouldn't Cedar Fair do the same?
- One of the most frequently asked questions the park recieved was "When are you bringing back Winterfest?" Why drop it again?
- CF may be dropping the "Paramount's" prefix from the park prior to Winterfest. They may even include the event as part of 2007 season passes.
Against Winterfest's return:
- Low attendance, especially due to season passes not being included, and high admission price ($25). In the beginning, passholders got discounts, but they weren't substantial enough.
- The event, especially now, is by no means sold out!
- Not only did they pull ticket sales, they pulled all promotion of Winterfest!
- Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, tried a Christmas event in 1994. I won't go into details, but it was the last "Christmas in the Park" CP held. Why risk it again with KI (and Carowinds, who had the event in '05 as well)?
- If so many wanted Winterfest back, why didn't they come in droves?
As one park spokesperson said, "Stay tuned."
The Lost Bronson Arroyo Commercial
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
I live in the greater Cincinnati area, and have seen many commercials from the Champion Auto Group, which has dealerships throughout Northern Kentucky. How come I never saw this one, starring Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo, around Memorial Day? Watch, listen, and find out!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Information regarding Sunday's Son of Beast incident.
I apologize for a lack of updates on what happened Sunday at Kings Island, regarding the Son of Beast roller coaster. As listed on PKICentral.com:
From the desk of Maureen Kaiser:
Son of Beast FAQ
7/11/2006
There seems to be a great deal of speculation in the online communities as well as in the media about where, when and how Sunday’s incident took place. Please take a look at the following questions and answers, and feel free to contact me directly (maureen.kaiser@paramountparks.com) with any additional questions or concerns. As more information is released or known, I will be sure to share it with you. Please know that I would never share anything with you or the news media that wasn’t the 100% truth as I know it.
Thanks!!!!
Q: What happened? When? What were early reports?
A: On Sunday, July 9, at 4:45 p.m., a Son of Beast train rolled into the station after completing a full cycle. Some guests complained of discomfort. The Kings Island safety team, as well as Mason Fire and Safety immediately responded. 27 guests were transported to area hospitals. 25 were treated and released that evening. 2 were admitted to the hospital.
Q: Other reports say there were more guests at the hospital. What’s the deal?
A: We transported 27 guests from PKI. I don’t know about the number of guests who may have walked in on their own.
Q: Who is inspecting the ride?
A: On Monday, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and OSHA ride inspectors, as well as industry experts, arrived at the park to begin their inspection process.
Q: How is PKI assisting with the inspection?
A: We are cooperating fully with the Department of Agriculture. In addition, engineers and safety managers from Cedar Fair and PKI, as well as PKI ride maintenance technicians are assisting with the inspection.
Q: What have you learned from the inspection?
A: Preliminary evidence indicates there is a cracked vertical wooden post. Preliminary reports also indicate that this would not have been found by our pre-opening inspections and likely happened just before or right as the incident occurred.
Q: How long will the inspection take?
A: It could take weeks.
Q: When will the ride reopen?
A: The ride will remain closed until we are completely satisfied that the ride is safe.
Q: Where is the cracked wooden post?
A: In the rosebowl.
Q: Is the loop separating?
A: No.
Q: Is the loop dangerous?
A: No.
Q: Why is a train stopped on the tracks?
A: Two trains can’t be in the station at the same time. Therefore, to get the guests out of one train, another must leave the station.
Q: Were guests in the stopped train? Did they have to walk down the hill?
A: No. The train was empty.
Q: Why is it still there?
A: The inspection is in its early stages and we don’t want to jeopardize it by sending a train through a complete cycle.
Q: Why were empty cars sent out of the station before this incident occurred?
A: We had a biohazard incident earlier, and our park protocol for this insists that checks must be conducted before we can load guests again.
Q: How many board feet of lumber will the Department of Agriculture inspect?
A: 2.5 million board feet of lumber will be inspected.
Q: What is the daily maintenance done on Son of Beast?
A:
1) Mechanical (PKI Maintenance)
2) Electrical (PKI Maintenance)
3) Operational (PKI Rides Operations)
Park maintenance technicians walk every inch of wooden track to complete the daily inspection.
During daily inspections, workers look for anything unusual including loose fasteners, deteriorating wood, misalignment of steel and wood connections. They will also test all safety systems and thoroughly review the trains to insure they are operating correctly.
All inspection processes are based on master check lists, developed specifically for Son of Beast.
A boom lift is used by the park for the sole purpose of inspecting the loop on Son of Beast every day.
Q: Didn’t PKI file suit against the manufacturer of Son of Beast?
A: Yes
Q: Wasn’t a part of the suit regarding sub grade wood?
A: Yes. However, all lumber determined to be sub grade was replaced or reinforced before the ride opened in 2000.
Q: Was any of the wood mentioned above in the area we’re focused on now?
A: No.
Q: Did PKI get a hefty sum of money when the lawsuit was finished? Some $20 million? Why wasn’t this reinvested in the ride?
A: We have received a judgment on this case, and we are in the process of recovering a portion of the money promised. At this time, we have received no money as a result of this lawsuit.
Q: How many guests does each train hold?
A: Thirty guests. Five cars to a train.
Q: How many guests have ridden this attraction since it opened?
A: We have provided nearly 6 million safe rides since the ride opened in 2000.
Q: Why didn’t the ride open with the park on Sunday?
A: As mentioned above, wood coasters require extensive inspection before they can open. If irregularities are found, we tend to them immediately. This can take time. There was work down in a different area of the ride than the area in question.
Q: Does maintenance happen daily?
A: Yes. Safety is our top priority at PKI, there is no doubt about that. We will never open a ride to our guests unless we are completely confident that the ride is safe.
Q: What about the work done over the winter?
A: We did an extensive amount of work during the off season to improve the comfort of the ride experience.
Q: When was the ride certified by the state?
A: May 19
Q: Is there wood hanging from the track?
A: No.
Q: Did Cedar Fair voluntarily close the ride Sunday?
A: Yes. Our ride operators were fantastic. They recognized the issue and took steps to ensure safety. This set the wheels in motion at PKI. We responded immediately and continue to respond to guest needs.
Q: Have you talked directly with the media at all? Or are you just releasing statements and stonewalling them?
A: We held a press conference on Sunday night. I did interviews with news crews all day yesterday. My job is to keep people informed and I will do that until this story is complete. We utilize a variety of methods to do this – statements, press conferences, one-on-one interviews.
Q: Am I safe on roller coasters?
A: YES
From the desk of Maureen Kaiser:
Son of Beast FAQ
7/11/2006
There seems to be a great deal of speculation in the online communities as well as in the media about where, when and how Sunday’s incident took place. Please take a look at the following questions and answers, and feel free to contact me directly (maureen.kaiser@paramountparks.com) with any additional questions or concerns. As more information is released or known, I will be sure to share it with you. Please know that I would never share anything with you or the news media that wasn’t the 100% truth as I know it.
Thanks!!!!
Q: What happened? When? What were early reports?
A: On Sunday, July 9, at 4:45 p.m., a Son of Beast train rolled into the station after completing a full cycle. Some guests complained of discomfort. The Kings Island safety team, as well as Mason Fire and Safety immediately responded. 27 guests were transported to area hospitals. 25 were treated and released that evening. 2 were admitted to the hospital.
Q: Other reports say there were more guests at the hospital. What’s the deal?
A: We transported 27 guests from PKI. I don’t know about the number of guests who may have walked in on their own.
Q: Who is inspecting the ride?
A: On Monday, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and OSHA ride inspectors, as well as industry experts, arrived at the park to begin their inspection process.
Q: How is PKI assisting with the inspection?
A: We are cooperating fully with the Department of Agriculture. In addition, engineers and safety managers from Cedar Fair and PKI, as well as PKI ride maintenance technicians are assisting with the inspection.
Q: What have you learned from the inspection?
A: Preliminary evidence indicates there is a cracked vertical wooden post. Preliminary reports also indicate that this would not have been found by our pre-opening inspections and likely happened just before or right as the incident occurred.
Q: How long will the inspection take?
A: It could take weeks.
Q: When will the ride reopen?
A: The ride will remain closed until we are completely satisfied that the ride is safe.
Q: Where is the cracked wooden post?
A: In the rosebowl.
Q: Is the loop separating?
A: No.
Q: Is the loop dangerous?
A: No.
Q: Why is a train stopped on the tracks?
A: Two trains can’t be in the station at the same time. Therefore, to get the guests out of one train, another must leave the station.
Q: Were guests in the stopped train? Did they have to walk down the hill?
A: No. The train was empty.
Q: Why is it still there?
A: The inspection is in its early stages and we don’t want to jeopardize it by sending a train through a complete cycle.
Q: Why were empty cars sent out of the station before this incident occurred?
A: We had a biohazard incident earlier, and our park protocol for this insists that checks must be conducted before we can load guests again.
Q: How many board feet of lumber will the Department of Agriculture inspect?
A: 2.5 million board feet of lumber will be inspected.
Q: What is the daily maintenance done on Son of Beast?
A:
1) Mechanical (PKI Maintenance)
2) Electrical (PKI Maintenance)
3) Operational (PKI Rides Operations)
Park maintenance technicians walk every inch of wooden track to complete the daily inspection.
During daily inspections, workers look for anything unusual including loose fasteners, deteriorating wood, misalignment of steel and wood connections. They will also test all safety systems and thoroughly review the trains to insure they are operating correctly.
All inspection processes are based on master check lists, developed specifically for Son of Beast.
A boom lift is used by the park for the sole purpose of inspecting the loop on Son of Beast every day.
Q: Didn’t PKI file suit against the manufacturer of Son of Beast?
A: Yes
Q: Wasn’t a part of the suit regarding sub grade wood?
A: Yes. However, all lumber determined to be sub grade was replaced or reinforced before the ride opened in 2000.
Q: Was any of the wood mentioned above in the area we’re focused on now?
A: No.
Q: Did PKI get a hefty sum of money when the lawsuit was finished? Some $20 million? Why wasn’t this reinvested in the ride?
A: We have received a judgment on this case, and we are in the process of recovering a portion of the money promised. At this time, we have received no money as a result of this lawsuit.
Q: How many guests does each train hold?
A: Thirty guests. Five cars to a train.
Q: How many guests have ridden this attraction since it opened?
A: We have provided nearly 6 million safe rides since the ride opened in 2000.
Q: Why didn’t the ride open with the park on Sunday?
A: As mentioned above, wood coasters require extensive inspection before they can open. If irregularities are found, we tend to them immediately. This can take time. There was work down in a different area of the ride than the area in question.
Q: Does maintenance happen daily?
A: Yes. Safety is our top priority at PKI, there is no doubt about that. We will never open a ride to our guests unless we are completely confident that the ride is safe.
Q: What about the work done over the winter?
A: We did an extensive amount of work during the off season to improve the comfort of the ride experience.
Q: When was the ride certified by the state?
A: May 19
Q: Is there wood hanging from the track?
A: No.
Q: Did Cedar Fair voluntarily close the ride Sunday?
A: Yes. Our ride operators were fantastic. They recognized the issue and took steps to ensure safety. This set the wheels in motion at PKI. We responded immediately and continue to respond to guest needs.
Q: Have you talked directly with the media at all? Or are you just releasing statements and stonewalling them?
A: We held a press conference on Sunday night. I did interviews with news crews all day yesterday. My job is to keep people informed and I will do that until this story is complete. We utilize a variety of methods to do this – statements, press conferences, one-on-one interviews.
Q: Am I safe on roller coasters?
A: YES
Thursday, July 06, 2006
"NOT SO FAST!" or "Paramount's Kings Island, a Cedar Fair, L.P. Park"
So as to not confuse people, Cedar Fair revised the front page of their website. On the map, they added the "Paramount" to the five Paramount parks that they just acquired.
Does this mean that they're going to keep the Paramount names altogether?
Not necessarily.
If you go to the parks, it's still business as usual, for the most part.
Staffing has improved on rides, especially The Beast.
Does this mean that they're going to keep the Paramount names altogether?
Not necessarily.
If you go to the parks, it's still business as usual, for the most part.
Staffing has improved on rides, especially The Beast.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
It's Official: Cedar Fair acquires Paramount Parks!
In case you missed it:
On Friday, June 30, the agreement was finalized for CBS Corporation to sell its Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair, L.P. for $1.24 billion. Having acquired five parks that Paramount/CBS owned, including Kings Island, Cedar Fair now owns twelve parks across North America, now including also, Canada's Wonderland, the Partnership's first property located outside the United States. This agreement gives full and immediate control and management of the five Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair.
It is however, unknown, what concrete and/or visual changes will take place, and when. For now, and most likely until the end of the regular operating season, the five parks will operate as normal under their Paramount moniker. Also, the current season pass programs will be maintained: meaning that Paramount passes will not be accepted at existing Cedar Fair parks, and vice versa. When 2007 passes go on sale, and/or the system of pass validity across the expanded Cedar Fair chain is not known, but it is likely that one season pass will grant its holder the option to access all three of Ohio's major parks (Kings Island, Geauga Lake, and Cedar Point).
Licensing for Nickelodeon for four years, and ten years of Paramount licensing, were included in the acquisition. It is expected that Nickelodeon Universe will be maintained here, but the name of the park will go back to simply Kings Island - even if Paramount ride names and theming was to remain.
Press Release and more Acquisition information
On Friday, June 30, the agreement was finalized for CBS Corporation to sell its Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair, L.P. for $1.24 billion. Having acquired five parks that Paramount/CBS owned, including Kings Island, Cedar Fair now owns twelve parks across North America, now including also, Canada's Wonderland, the Partnership's first property located outside the United States. This agreement gives full and immediate control and management of the five Paramount Parks to Cedar Fair.
It is however, unknown, what concrete and/or visual changes will take place, and when. For now, and most likely until the end of the regular operating season, the five parks will operate as normal under their Paramount moniker. Also, the current season pass programs will be maintained: meaning that Paramount passes will not be accepted at existing Cedar Fair parks, and vice versa. When 2007 passes go on sale, and/or the system of pass validity across the expanded Cedar Fair chain is not known, but it is likely that one season pass will grant its holder the option to access all three of Ohio's major parks (Kings Island, Geauga Lake, and Cedar Point).
Licensing for Nickelodeon for four years, and ten years of Paramount licensing, were included in the acquisition. It is expected that Nickelodeon Universe will be maintained here, but the name of the park will go back to simply Kings Island - even if Paramount ride names and theming was to remain.
Press Release and more Acquisition information
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
In Atlanta, you WILL drive 55!
Saw this funny video about some college students from Georgia State all lining up on the Perimeter freeway keeping their speed at 55mph, which is the posted speed limit. More proof about the anarchy on our roads...
Original entry from CoasterBuzz's Jeff Putz
It's a little old, but still worthy today...
Original entry from CoasterBuzz's Jeff Putz
It's a little old, but still worthy today...
Cincinnati's Population Decline: is Willie speeding it up?!
Previously posted at PKICentral.com
This month, one of the top stories around Cincinnati has been on the continued loss of population in the City of Cincinnati, its causes, and its solutions. No other "big city" has lost so many people as of recent as Cincinnati.
To clarify, this is about the City of Cincinnati itself, including its neighborhoods, but within City limits. This does not include its suburbs, in Hamilton County, surrounding counties, or across the river in Kentucky and some parts of Indiana (which make up the metro area). The greater Cincinnati metropolitan area in general is still experiencing popuation growth.
Who's to blame?
I'd say people from all around, inside and out of the city, left and right wing, and so on. We realize we need jail space, but not everyone can agree how to fund it.
The public schools, choked by political correctness, are a deterrent to families that have the means to move to suburbs, but are the only choice by those with little, and can't enroll in a private school.
Until the social service corridors are spread out and de-concentrated, people won't consider Over-The-Rhine, no matter how close it is to the CBD. Has historic preservation been a hindrance to its success?
Want to shop for groceries, clothes, electronics, and other essential goods?. Odds are you need a car to get to Hyde Park, Kenwood, Rookwood, Deerfield Twp., etc.
Transportation infrastructure is pitiful. We complain about the commute, but won't spend money for a rail system. Don't get me started on I-75.
Some of the media, especially some talk radio. I agree with some of what the guys at 700 WLW say, but their "screw the city" attitude is causing part of the problem. "All the cultural activities we need are outside City limits" says Bill Cunningham.
ChannelCincinnati.com
Is Aronoff Center in Erlanger? Is Paul Brown Stadium in Fairfield? The Reds play in Blue Ash? Carew Tower's at Kings Island?
What to do?
Get the Banks built. I don't care who builds it or who is on the board.
Expand the County commission... three men having the say is not diverse enough.
Build a light rail system. People will want to live and work near the stations
A metro government for the city, and the suburbs in the county: I believe in a sense of individuality for suburbs, but we can't ignore the big guy in the center.
Why I still care:
A great collection of architecture, from historic to ultra-modern.
Two major league sports teams, performing arts, UC, XU, other higher institutions
An exciting skyline and river view
Kings Island is nearby: Do Lexington, Indianapolis, Columbus have such a large, great park in its metro vicinity?
Many large companies headquartred here (and some great small ones, too)
Some of the city's own neighborhoods are great places to live. The tree-lined streets and nice homes interest me more than the cookie-cutters in the exurbs.
What do you think?
This month, one of the top stories around Cincinnati has been on the continued loss of population in the City of Cincinnati, its causes, and its solutions. No other "big city" has lost so many people as of recent as Cincinnati.
To clarify, this is about the City of Cincinnati itself, including its neighborhoods, but within City limits. This does not include its suburbs, in Hamilton County, surrounding counties, or across the river in Kentucky and some parts of Indiana (which make up the metro area). The greater Cincinnati metropolitan area in general is still experiencing popuation growth.
Who's to blame?
I'd say people from all around, inside and out of the city, left and right wing, and so on. We realize we need jail space, but not everyone can agree how to fund it.
The public schools, choked by political correctness, are a deterrent to families that have the means to move to suburbs, but are the only choice by those with little, and can't enroll in a private school.
Until the social service corridors are spread out and de-concentrated, people won't consider Over-The-Rhine, no matter how close it is to the CBD. Has historic preservation been a hindrance to its success?
Want to shop for groceries, clothes, electronics, and other essential goods?. Odds are you need a car to get to Hyde Park, Kenwood, Rookwood, Deerfield Twp., etc.
Transportation infrastructure is pitiful. We complain about the commute, but won't spend money for a rail system. Don't get me started on I-75.
Some of the media, especially some talk radio. I agree with some of what the guys at 700 WLW say, but their "screw the city" attitude is causing part of the problem. "All the cultural activities we need are outside City limits" says Bill Cunningham.
ChannelCincinnati.com
Is Aronoff Center in Erlanger? Is Paul Brown Stadium in Fairfield? The Reds play in Blue Ash? Carew Tower's at Kings Island?
What to do?
Get the Banks built. I don't care who builds it or who is on the board.
Expand the County commission... three men having the say is not diverse enough.
Build a light rail system. People will want to live and work near the stations
A metro government for the city, and the suburbs in the county: I believe in a sense of individuality for suburbs, but we can't ignore the big guy in the center.
Why I still care:
A great collection of architecture, from historic to ultra-modern.
Two major league sports teams, performing arts, UC, XU, other higher institutions
An exciting skyline and river view
Kings Island is nearby: Do Lexington, Indianapolis, Columbus have such a large, great park in its metro vicinity?
Many large companies headquartred here (and some great small ones, too)
Some of the city's own neighborhoods are great places to live. The tree-lined streets and nice homes interest me more than the cookie-cutters in the exurbs.
What do you think?
Calling out to everyone!
If anyone knows of any planning, development, urban design, GIS or like jobs available at entry level, please let me know A.S.A.P.
Preferably in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and some surrounding states...
Preferably in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and some surrounding states...
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Skyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Who says the big city isn't the place to be anymore?
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSkyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Add to that, buildings taller than the Chrysler Building, and even the Sears Tower are in the plans!
I guess the hide-and-spread-out mentality that some said 9/11 caused is B.S... at least in Chicago. I've been to several big cities: Chicago is just plain breathtaking. Of course, the Chicago area is a booming metropolis well spread out and populated, but there is a great mass transit system there to put it all together. I doubt this would all be happening in the old "cheap parking" mentality, so where these skyscrapers are going up had to have been low-rises and/or parking lots.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSkyscraper Projects Booming in Chicago
Since 2000, no fewer than 40 buildings at least 50 stories high have been built, are under construction or are being planned. It's a surge in high-rise construction that hasn't been seen here since the 1960s and 1970s when the Sears Tower, John Hancock Center and other buildings helped give the city one of the most distinctive skylines in the world.
Add to that, buildings taller than the Chrysler Building, and even the Sears Tower are in the plans!
One factor that has fed the construction frenzy is the attitude at City Hall. Chris Carley, developer of the Fordham Spire, remembers the time several years ago when proposals for high-rises would prompt city officials to ask about knocking off 10 or more floors.
Today, the official attitude is reversed.
"I remember at least two (planning and development) staff members saying `Can't you make it taller? We really would like it taller,'" Chicago architect David Haymes says about discussions with the city for a planned condominium tower.
I guess the hide-and-spread-out mentality that some said 9/11 caused is B.S... at least in Chicago. I've been to several big cities: Chicago is just plain breathtaking. Of course, the Chicago area is a booming metropolis well spread out and populated, but there is a great mass transit system there to put it all together. I doubt this would all be happening in the old "cheap parking" mentality, so where these skyscrapers are going up had to have been low-rises and/or parking lots.
And you thought American sports fans were misbehaving...
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif200 England fans detained in Stuttgart
This is not to belittle the fans in our NFL stadiums and our NBA arenas, but geeze, Europeans really take their football (we call it soccer) too seriously.
Then again, we still pay a lot less for gas here than in Europe...
STUTTGART (Reuters) - Riot police detained around 200 England soccer supporters on Saturday after they clashed with German fans, throwing bottles and chairs and trading punches in a square in the center of Stuttgart.
Tens of thousands of English and German fans had gathered in the central area, many drinking throughout the day, to watch Germany's 2-0 second-round World Cup win over Sweden on big screen TVs.
England fans were in the city for Sunday's second-round match against Ecuador and trouble broke out shortly after the end of Saturday's German game.
This is not to belittle the fans in our NFL stadiums and our NBA arenas, but geeze, Europeans really take their football (we call it soccer) too seriously.
Then again, we still pay a lot less for gas here than in Europe...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Reporting from Cincinnati's new Duke Energy Center
I'm on a wireless laptop at the newly expanded and renovated Duke Energy Center in Downtown Cincinnati... very impressive building that'll get some more activity in the downtown. The question is, will it slow the city's population decline? But go see the place sometime, there's a free open house, including a concert with Rusted Root in the beautiful, new, massive Grand Ballroom on the thrid floor. Off I go!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
TR: Cedar Point 6/2/06 - CoasterMania
Cedar Point pt 2 6/2/06 - CoasterMania (incomplete, oddly enough)
It’s just after 4 am, I get a shower, all groggy, and stuff, as it’s that time of year again: we get up early to ride coasters! I pick up Brian from his room at around 5:15, and we head over to the park. Not even minimal breakfast service is available yet, so fortunately, I stopped at a Wal-Mart before leaving Thursday afternoon for some snacks.
Just before 6:00 am, Robin greets us at the podium inside the front gate, of course, to inform us that Millennium Force was still being worked on. That meant that Raptor, Top Thrill Dragster, and Skyhawk were our ERT ride selection. Our “group” grew some. We had Adam and Alan, as well as the ladies, Karen and Rachel, and good old friend, Jim from Philadelphia, who I first met at the same event four years ago. To get started, two Raptor flights, front seat, before making our way up to Top Thrill Dragster for two rides there. It was consistent for once (at least this time), and I got the chance to see manager Tony Clark, who is featured in Cedar Point’s official blog, OnPoint. What’s better than traveling over 120 mph when you’re half awake? Also, I noted that the big sign next to TTD was changed to say “Are You Ready? 120 MPH, 420 feet tall” in place of “The World’s Fastest Coaster!,” as it was surpassed last year by a similar installation in New Jersey.
Because some of us hadn’t been on it yet, we go on SkyHawk in Frontier Town. After riding, I seemed to be the only one that really like this ride. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ride model ended up at Kings Island eventually. With some of us not to excitied, especially Jim, about flats, we go back to the Dragster for another high powered launch. Millennium Force, of course, was still down, and we decide to head back towards Raptor for another ride, plus some donuts at the Donut Time stand.
Oddly enough, the Donut shop didn’t open until 8:30, when I got there. The line ended up being a little long and slow, but I got satisfied with the pastries I love…
By the time I fed myself, it was time to head over to Raptor for a third ride of the day. The general public was quickly making their way in, and because Jim was with us, we decide to do his favorite coaster, Magnum XL-200. Because I have my “likes” I decided to get on Corkscrew and pass up on a ride on Magnum – I must have MUCH better roughness tolerance than most ENTHUSIASTS! But really, Corkscrew is still a great ride, though I don’t exactly see the need for the redundant seatbelts.
I meet up with the group once more for two rides on the Magnum, then 1 Gemini ride, blue side only (for now). We decide to go to the nearby Cedar Creek Mine Ride (see yesterday’s trip report), and then just relax for a little bit. The rain was coming down a little, so we head back down to the main midway, one more Magnum ride, then back toward the Coliseum Ballroom, for the 1:00 pm Question & Answer session. I pick up a regular soda for $2.75, which is cheaper than last year, still a little pricey. The Coliseum is one of Cedar Point’s oldest buildings, and built in 2006, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The lower level, now used as the main arcade, was originally a rathskeller, used for beer prior to Prohibition. The upper level was built as a dance pavilion, which was later renovated in the Art Deco style in the 1930s, as it is seen today. It may be occasionally used for some events, but during the 1930s and 40s, it was THE place to be at Cedar Point – and helped keep the resort alive with traveling bands and perfomers to get through the Depression.
The Question and Answer session featured managers and executives from Cedar Point and Cedar Fair, L.P. Tony Clark, from the Blog, had the tough job of assisting with the microphone… which failed at times, despite Tony’s hard work. You could say that the Q&A turned out to be a roller coaster ride in itself. Some question asked:
- What is your 2007 project?
- What is your 2020 project (150th anniversary)
- How about changing the name of the kiddie coaster at Kings Island back to Beastie?
- I can’t fit into the restraint of Intamin coasters and it’s embarrassing. DO SOMETHING!
- What about chain-wide season pass system for 2007?
One of the high points was when Scott Holmes wanted to thank the maintenance staff for their hard attempt to get Millennium Force up and running. John Hildebrandt, the park’s Vice President and General Manager called Mont Jasper, director of construction and maintenance, on the cell phone! Then not too long after, a surprise visit from none other than Cedar Fair’s big guy, CEO Dick Kinzel, who went up to assure that the Millennium fix as being done. He drew a large applause, and some cheers (especially from me, with the Paramount Parks purchase!).
With not too much time between Q&A and catered lunch, our gang gets in the line for Blue Streak. It ends up being not too long a wait – even though it is the longest wait I’ve had for that coaster. Quite possibly, it’s my favorite wood coaster in Ohio, it still gives a smooth, fast, air-filed ride. Not bad for a coaster named after the high school football team. I also run into a guy wearing his Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak shirt, which brings up my desire to head to that old, classic, yet troubled park, as its days may be numbered.
It’s time to head to the Point Pavilion for lunch, where the serving gets started just before 2pm. Not much better parts to CoasterMania than free food! While we’re all eating, Tony Clark of CP, and Lexi Robinson from Geauga Lake hand out raffle tickets for some great prizes to be given away. The next day, is CoasterEXT at Geauga Lake, the second annual such event at the sister park just 1.5 hours east of Cedar Point. One of those prizes is the old White Water Landing wait sign – and then the Millennium Force wait time sign, as it won’t be running (as of right then).
Just after 3pm, we all decide to break up and do other stuff. Jim decides to head back to Philadelphia, and Brian, who has been on a 7-day-plus coaster trip to the South, wants to get to his room for some rest. I, however, head back to the car, to grab my stuff, as I’d like to do the water rides, even though it’s no more than 75 degrees out and cloudy.
After stopping in the bathroom at the Coliseum, I get on the good old Cedar Downs Racing Derby carousel, where I run into someone from the Cincinnati area, John Fidyk. We also walk up the midway to ride Iron Dragon, which has a fast-moving line. Wanting to get on the train to Frontiertown as soon as possible, I head for the earliest available seat, then look for a place to store my bag, which brings me to another thing.
In previous years, you had to give articles to a non-rider or store them in a locker, at most Cedar Point rides and coasters, they wouldn’t let you leave stuff in the station – presumably as a safety and theft/liability issue. Other parks, like Kings Island, have always had places in the stations to store items. But, as an effort to be more convenient and respond to demands, they began to allow loose articles last year. This year, Cedar Point has installed storage bins in most ride stations (except Disaster Transport, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which have separate load and unload platforms). They are large, and are clearly marked by train number or color, in large Helvetica numbers (or lettering.) The bins are also attended by ride operators, so moron guests don’t put their stuff in the wrong section.
It’s just after 4 am, I get a shower, all groggy, and stuff, as it’s that time of year again: we get up early to ride coasters! I pick up Brian from his room at around 5:15, and we head over to the park. Not even minimal breakfast service is available yet, so fortunately, I stopped at a Wal-Mart before leaving Thursday afternoon for some snacks.
Just before 6:00 am, Robin greets us at the podium inside the front gate, of course, to inform us that Millennium Force was still being worked on. That meant that Raptor, Top Thrill Dragster, and Skyhawk were our ERT ride selection. Our “group” grew some. We had Adam and Alan, as well as the ladies, Karen and Rachel, and good old friend, Jim from Philadelphia, who I first met at the same event four years ago. To get started, two Raptor flights, front seat, before making our way up to Top Thrill Dragster for two rides there. It was consistent for once (at least this time), and I got the chance to see manager Tony Clark, who is featured in Cedar Point’s official blog, OnPoint. What’s better than traveling over 120 mph when you’re half awake? Also, I noted that the big sign next to TTD was changed to say “Are You Ready? 120 MPH, 420 feet tall” in place of “The World’s Fastest Coaster!,” as it was surpassed last year by a similar installation in New Jersey.
Because some of us hadn’t been on it yet, we go on SkyHawk in Frontier Town. After riding, I seemed to be the only one that really like this ride. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ride model ended up at Kings Island eventually. With some of us not to excitied, especially Jim, about flats, we go back to the Dragster for another high powered launch. Millennium Force, of course, was still down, and we decide to head back towards Raptor for another ride, plus some donuts at the Donut Time stand.
Oddly enough, the Donut shop didn’t open until 8:30, when I got there. The line ended up being a little long and slow, but I got satisfied with the pastries I love…
By the time I fed myself, it was time to head over to Raptor for a third ride of the day. The general public was quickly making their way in, and because Jim was with us, we decide to do his favorite coaster, Magnum XL-200. Because I have my “likes” I decided to get on Corkscrew and pass up on a ride on Magnum – I must have MUCH better roughness tolerance than most ENTHUSIASTS! But really, Corkscrew is still a great ride, though I don’t exactly see the need for the redundant seatbelts.
I meet up with the group once more for two rides on the Magnum, then 1 Gemini ride, blue side only (for now). We decide to go to the nearby Cedar Creek Mine Ride (see yesterday’s trip report), and then just relax for a little bit. The rain was coming down a little, so we head back down to the main midway, one more Magnum ride, then back toward the Coliseum Ballroom, for the 1:00 pm Question & Answer session. I pick up a regular soda for $2.75, which is cheaper than last year, still a little pricey. The Coliseum is one of Cedar Point’s oldest buildings, and built in 2006, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The lower level, now used as the main arcade, was originally a rathskeller, used for beer prior to Prohibition. The upper level was built as a dance pavilion, which was later renovated in the Art Deco style in the 1930s, as it is seen today. It may be occasionally used for some events, but during the 1930s and 40s, it was THE place to be at Cedar Point – and helped keep the resort alive with traveling bands and perfomers to get through the Depression.
The Question and Answer session featured managers and executives from Cedar Point and Cedar Fair, L.P. Tony Clark, from the Blog, had the tough job of assisting with the microphone… which failed at times, despite Tony’s hard work. You could say that the Q&A turned out to be a roller coaster ride in itself. Some question asked:
- What is your 2007 project?
- What is your 2020 project (150th anniversary)
- How about changing the name of the kiddie coaster at Kings Island back to Beastie?
- I can’t fit into the restraint of Intamin coasters and it’s embarrassing. DO SOMETHING!
- What about chain-wide season pass system for 2007?
One of the high points was when Scott Holmes wanted to thank the maintenance staff for their hard attempt to get Millennium Force up and running. John Hildebrandt, the park’s Vice President and General Manager called Mont Jasper, director of construction and maintenance, on the cell phone! Then not too long after, a surprise visit from none other than Cedar Fair’s big guy, CEO Dick Kinzel, who went up to assure that the Millennium fix as being done. He drew a large applause, and some cheers (especially from me, with the Paramount Parks purchase!).
With not too much time between Q&A and catered lunch, our gang gets in the line for Blue Streak. It ends up being not too long a wait – even though it is the longest wait I’ve had for that coaster. Quite possibly, it’s my favorite wood coaster in Ohio, it still gives a smooth, fast, air-filed ride. Not bad for a coaster named after the high school football team. I also run into a guy wearing his Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak shirt, which brings up my desire to head to that old, classic, yet troubled park, as its days may be numbered.
It’s time to head to the Point Pavilion for lunch, where the serving gets started just before 2pm. Not much better parts to CoasterMania than free food! While we’re all eating, Tony Clark of CP, and Lexi Robinson from Geauga Lake hand out raffle tickets for some great prizes to be given away. The next day, is CoasterEXT at Geauga Lake, the second annual such event at the sister park just 1.5 hours east of Cedar Point. One of those prizes is the old White Water Landing wait sign – and then the Millennium Force wait time sign, as it won’t be running (as of right then).
Just after 3pm, we all decide to break up and do other stuff. Jim decides to head back to Philadelphia, and Brian, who has been on a 7-day-plus coaster trip to the South, wants to get to his room for some rest. I, however, head back to the car, to grab my stuff, as I’d like to do the water rides, even though it’s no more than 75 degrees out and cloudy.
After stopping in the bathroom at the Coliseum, I get on the good old Cedar Downs Racing Derby carousel, where I run into someone from the Cincinnati area, John Fidyk. We also walk up the midway to ride Iron Dragon, which has a fast-moving line. Wanting to get on the train to Frontiertown as soon as possible, I head for the earliest available seat, then look for a place to store my bag, which brings me to another thing.
In previous years, you had to give articles to a non-rider or store them in a locker, at most Cedar Point rides and coasters, they wouldn’t let you leave stuff in the station – presumably as a safety and theft/liability issue. Other parks, like Kings Island, have always had places in the stations to store items. But, as an effort to be more convenient and respond to demands, they began to allow loose articles last year. This year, Cedar Point has installed storage bins in most ride stations (except Disaster Transport, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which have separate load and unload platforms). They are large, and are clearly marked by train number or color, in large Helvetica numbers (or lettering.) The bins are also attended by ride operators, so moron guests don’t put their stuff in the wrong section.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
TR: Cedar Point 6/1/06
I arrived at Breakers Express after checking in at about 4pm, moved into my room, but had to wait an hour until my friends came. Fortunately, I learned that Breakers Express and the other Cedar Point resort hotels have free wireless internet access in their lobbies. Therefore, I took my laptop down, though it was a bit of a hassle as my old Dell notebook has very short battery life and tendency to crash. I intend to replace it with a new MacBook eventually. It’s widescreen, built-in wireless, faster, and much longer battery life, so I can hang out in cafes and other hot spots better. So, I had the chance to blog-up my reports, check news, and look at a few YTMNDs.
Just before 5:30, the guys finally arrived and we headed over to Cedar Point. Brian and I parked at the Soak City/Resort gate, and we made our way onto the good old Magnum XL-200. Not much to more to say, except for the great lakeside/beach setting, airtime, and the wind. There’s much more FORCE here than on the blue giga coaster in this park!*
My favorite, Gemini, was running both sides, as the park was somewhat busy. Took a ride on each side. This coaster, 28 years old, has everything to expect from an old classic racing coaster, but much more – great airtime, racing interaction, and head-choppers – and yet still very smooth!
We then went over to Cedar Creek Mine Ride. It’s a fun ride, but not as exciting as Adventure Express at Kings Island. It runs smoother and longer, but I hope eventually they ditch the single T-bar for the newer U-bar restraints found on Express, Magnum, and Gemini.
Our next duty: the new Skyhawk, an S&S Power Screamin’ Swing. I found this to be a good, fun, good capacity flat ride. Not forceful, as I would have thought, but you get some NICE airtime at the pinnacle of the cycle! The section was improved some. The adjacent restrooms in the lower level of the former Frontier Lift station were remodeled, with changing stalls before the actual restroom. (Guess which CP restroom will be renovated next?) This is a great addition, especially for all those who ride Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon (guests are allowed to ride in only their swim trunks, no shoes or shirt necessary).
Brian and I were going to get on Mean Streak, but we got there at the time they were going to take a train off and go to one train operation. D’OH. Rather than wait, we decided to skip getting MS and headed down to the train station, just after taking photos of the White Water Landing/Project 2007 site. Surprisingly, there more animatronics and theming on this amusement park train, compared to the Hollywood theme park to the South that Cedar Fair is buying…
Getting off the train, we see that Millennium Force is still closed and may be in jeopardy for the big CoasterMania day ahead. But Mantis is open, and has no wait in the station, so we got on the front row. Since there were only 8 or so on that train, the first drop brakes were turned off, giving a nice intense ride. We also notice that Top Thrill Dragster has a short line, on the ramp up to the station, so we make our way there next thing, and in 30 mins or less, ride in row 6 in the rear part of the station.
Being hungry at around 8 or so, we made our way to Famous Dave’s restaurant on the Marina. It’s a very neat place, and great food as well – I had the ribs platter, which was very filling! It set me back over $15 for the meal and drink, but was worthwhile still.
Back into the park, Brian and I hop on the sky ride, going east to ride Raptor, in the front seat. With almost no wait, we get on, and I try my singing routine, but the seasonal bugs ruin that! Great coaster, bad time of year! With less than an hour left, we also go on Blue Streak, Wicked Twister, and Disaster Transport. I might get heat for this, but I like CP’s indoor ride better than Flight of Fear. The bobsled style is neat, and the room with the squealing is cool, too. Just one of those sounds that say “Cedar Point!”
With less than 15 minutes till park close, we make our way toward our car – but with it being next to Magnum XL-200, we decide to ride that great Hypercoaster, in front. It hits the pretzel turn, brakelss, due to few riders on board, even more fun! This is probably my second favorite Cedar Point coaster.
Due to the fact that the CoasterMania gets started after 5am the next day, on the way back to Breakers Express. But old habits die hard. I go to the pool and hot tub for half an hour to cool down, then update my blog and track record with my computer in the lobby. Before “hitting the hay,” I watch Glenn Beck on CNN Headline, the Midnight repeat, or course. One thing I like about Breakers Express is the good selection of channels – not to mention the location, cleanliness, elevators, and more. More on CoasterMania, the next day, to follow soon.
Just before 5:30, the guys finally arrived and we headed over to Cedar Point. Brian and I parked at the Soak City/Resort gate, and we made our way onto the good old Magnum XL-200. Not much to more to say, except for the great lakeside/beach setting, airtime, and the wind. There’s much more FORCE here than on the blue giga coaster in this park!*
My favorite, Gemini, was running both sides, as the park was somewhat busy. Took a ride on each side. This coaster, 28 years old, has everything to expect from an old classic racing coaster, but much more – great airtime, racing interaction, and head-choppers – and yet still very smooth!
We then went over to Cedar Creek Mine Ride. It’s a fun ride, but not as exciting as Adventure Express at Kings Island. It runs smoother and longer, but I hope eventually they ditch the single T-bar for the newer U-bar restraints found on Express, Magnum, and Gemini.
Our next duty: the new Skyhawk, an S&S Power Screamin’ Swing. I found this to be a good, fun, good capacity flat ride. Not forceful, as I would have thought, but you get some NICE airtime at the pinnacle of the cycle! The section was improved some. The adjacent restrooms in the lower level of the former Frontier Lift station were remodeled, with changing stalls before the actual restroom. (Guess which CP restroom will be renovated next?) This is a great addition, especially for all those who ride Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon (guests are allowed to ride in only their swim trunks, no shoes or shirt necessary).
Brian and I were going to get on Mean Streak, but we got there at the time they were going to take a train off and go to one train operation. D’OH. Rather than wait, we decided to skip getting MS and headed down to the train station, just after taking photos of the White Water Landing/Project 2007 site. Surprisingly, there more animatronics and theming on this amusement park train, compared to the Hollywood theme park to the South that Cedar Fair is buying…
Getting off the train, we see that Millennium Force is still closed and may be in jeopardy for the big CoasterMania day ahead. But Mantis is open, and has no wait in the station, so we got on the front row. Since there were only 8 or so on that train, the first drop brakes were turned off, giving a nice intense ride. We also notice that Top Thrill Dragster has a short line, on the ramp up to the station, so we make our way there next thing, and in 30 mins or less, ride in row 6 in the rear part of the station.
Being hungry at around 8 or so, we made our way to Famous Dave’s restaurant on the Marina. It’s a very neat place, and great food as well – I had the ribs platter, which was very filling! It set me back over $15 for the meal and drink, but was worthwhile still.
Back into the park, Brian and I hop on the sky ride, going east to ride Raptor, in the front seat. With almost no wait, we get on, and I try my singing routine, but the seasonal bugs ruin that! Great coaster, bad time of year! With less than an hour left, we also go on Blue Streak, Wicked Twister, and Disaster Transport. I might get heat for this, but I like CP’s indoor ride better than Flight of Fear. The bobsled style is neat, and the room with the squealing is cool, too. Just one of those sounds that say “Cedar Point!”
With less than 15 minutes till park close, we make our way toward our car – but with it being next to Magnum XL-200, we decide to ride that great Hypercoaster, in front. It hits the pretzel turn, brakelss, due to few riders on board, even more fun! This is probably my second favorite Cedar Point coaster.
Due to the fact that the CoasterMania gets started after 5am the next day, on the way back to Breakers Express. But old habits die hard. I go to the pool and hot tub for half an hour to cool down, then update my blog and track record with my computer in the lobby. Before “hitting the hay,” I watch Glenn Beck on CNN Headline, the Midnight repeat, or course. One thing I like about Breakers Express is the good selection of channels – not to mention the location, cleanliness, elevators, and more. More on CoasterMania, the next day, to follow soon.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Checking in from Sandusky pt 2 - Thursday night TR
The Night Before CoasterMania
Went to Cedar Point with Brian for several hours, around 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Magnum XL-200, 1-2
- Gemini, first car blue, then again on last car red
- Cedar Creek Mine Ride, 1-3
- Skyhawk, seat 16, facing the Town Hall Museum
- Train Ride, from Frontier Town to Millennium Midway
- Mantis, Front Row
- Top Thrill Dragster, Row 6
Dinner at Famous Dave's at the CP Marina
Sky Ride, heading east
- Raptor, second row
- Blue Streak, 2-1
- Wicked Twister, 14th row?
- Disaster Transport, row 1
End with:
- Magnum, 1-1
Tomorrow will definitely be busy, big, and hectic.
I gotta get back to my room, watch some of Glenn Beck on Headline News, then most of all SLEEP! I have to take off to the park just after 5 am!
Went to Cedar Point with Brian for several hours, around 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Magnum XL-200, 1-2
- Gemini, first car blue, then again on last car red
- Cedar Creek Mine Ride, 1-3
- Skyhawk, seat 16, facing the Town Hall Museum
- Train Ride, from Frontier Town to Millennium Midway
- Mantis, Front Row
- Top Thrill Dragster, Row 6
Dinner at Famous Dave's at the CP Marina
Sky Ride, heading east
- Raptor, second row
- Blue Streak, 2-1
- Wicked Twister, 14th row?
- Disaster Transport, row 1
End with:
- Magnum, 1-1
Tomorrow will definitely be busy, big, and hectic.
I gotta get back to my room, watch some of Glenn Beck on Headline News, then most of all SLEEP! I have to take off to the park just after 5 am!
Checking in from Sandusky pt 1
I am checking in from the lobby at Breakers Express near Cedar Point now, waiting for my friends. We'll be going to the park tonight, doing some of my favorites for the first time in 2006.
Tomorrow is CoasterMania, all day at Cedar Point, with lots of ERT, free food, a Q&A, and friends! Saturday is Geauga Lake, over an hour to the east of Sandusky, for CoasterEXT event. Sunday, back to CP for more of my favorite park* before going back home hum.
Bored and can'm make it up? http://ytmnd.com/list/?search=&user=coastersnsich
*Unless of course Cedar Fair makes Kings Island great again...
Tomorrow is CoasterMania, all day at Cedar Point, with lots of ERT, free food, a Q&A, and friends! Saturday is Geauga Lake, over an hour to the east of Sandusky, for CoasterEXT event. Sunday, back to CP for more of my favorite park* before going back home hum.
Bored and can'm make it up? http://ytmnd.com/list/?search=&user=coastersnsich
*Unless of course Cedar Fair makes Kings Island great again...
Monday, May 22, 2006
Some more info and details about the Cedar Fair/Paramount deal
As you know, Dick Kinzel went on the NBC game show "Deal or No Deal" with Howie Mandel, and chose to take the banker's offer of $1,240,000,000 ($1.24 billion) for Paramount Parks. The Banker also threw in Nickelodeon licensing.
Seriously, here's some details from today's conference call:
- $1.24 billion price
- Cedar Fair, L.P. will own 12 properties
- Canada's Wonderland will be Cedar Fair's first investment outside of the United States.
- 25 million guests for the chain
- More diversification; no park will contribute more than 22% of revenue
- Nickelodeon licensing agreement, 4-year DEAL! (SHUT UP HOWIE!)
- Paramount movie licensing up to 10 years - Cedar Fair is looking at whether to keep or dump theming
- Cross-marketing possible
- No changes in operating schedules for Paramount Parks
- Cross-incorporate ideas between all the parks
- Maintain distribution policy
- No plan to divest any Cedar Fair or Paramount Parks properties
- 2007 capital investments and additions already in place, Cedar Fair will honor Paramount commitments, though no attractions over $20 million will be added
- Winterfest concept to be looked at, future to later be determined
- Cedar Fair will not expand/acquire any more properties for 3-4 years.
- Management of parks will be addressed
- Star Trek: The Experience at Las Vegas Hilton is included in the deal
- CBS will keep stock in Great Wolf Lodge
- Capital spending divided between two companies can be spent in a better way
- Will keep up Paramount's great safety record
- Deal was awarded late last night (Sunday) and voted on by CBS Monday morning.
- There was a number of interested bidders.
- Job cuts to be looked at after closing of deal, especially in corporate level
- No immediate effect on Geauga Lake
- No changes visible to public this season.
Sources: PointBuzz, PKI Central
Seriously, here's some details from today's conference call:
- $1.24 billion price
- Cedar Fair, L.P. will own 12 properties
- Canada's Wonderland will be Cedar Fair's first investment outside of the United States.
- 25 million guests for the chain
- More diversification; no park will contribute more than 22% of revenue
- Nickelodeon licensing agreement, 4-year DEAL! (SHUT UP HOWIE!)
- Paramount movie licensing up to 10 years - Cedar Fair is looking at whether to keep or dump theming
- Cross-marketing possible
- No changes in operating schedules for Paramount Parks
- Cross-incorporate ideas between all the parks
- Maintain distribution policy
- No plan to divest any Cedar Fair or Paramount Parks properties
- 2007 capital investments and additions already in place, Cedar Fair will honor Paramount commitments, though no attractions over $20 million will be added
- Winterfest concept to be looked at, future to later be determined
- Cedar Fair will not expand/acquire any more properties for 3-4 years.
- Management of parks will be addressed
- Star Trek: The Experience at Las Vegas Hilton is included in the deal
- CBS will keep stock in Great Wolf Lodge
- Capital spending divided between two companies can be spent in a better way
- Will keep up Paramount's great safety record
- Deal was awarded late last night (Sunday) and voted on by CBS Monday morning.
- There was a number of interested bidders.
- Job cuts to be looked at after closing of deal, especially in corporate level
- No immediate effect on Geauga Lake
- No changes visible to public this season.
Sources: PointBuzz, PKI Central
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