larrygator

The people with the most theme park experiences are the experts. It is pretty straight forward in my opinion. I can't judge a coaster/ride and compare it to others unless I have ridden it. I can't compare food at two different restaurants unless I have eaten at both. I can only tell you the cleanest park I have been to I can't compare it to the cleanliness of someplace I haven't been. The Golden Tickets by category are not based on Mutual Riders, the results are listed by %. It might by different for the coaster listings. I'll use the Funhouse/Walkthrough category since it is a complete farce. Noah's Ark Kennywood 34% Frankenstein's Castle Indiana Beach 13% Ghost Ship Morey's Piers 12% Gasten Ghost Hotel Liseberg 11% Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund 10% So we have two Funhouse (Noah's Ark) & (Lustiga Huset) and three haunted Walk Throughs Noah's Ark use to have stunts but now it is simply a walk through, while Lustiga Huget is a multi-level Fun House, with wacky stairs, tilt rooms, trick floors and multiple other stunts. I would love to hear from just one person that went to Grona Lund and Kennywood that believed Noah's Ark is better to try to understand why. The three haunted walk-throughs are all entertaining, and although I feel Gasten Ghost Hotel if for superior I could see how people that like less scary/more hokey could vote for Frankenstein Castle. Ghost Ship was top notch when it opened, but if you do them all I think there is only one that truly stand out as one you want to repeat over and over. But that's what happens when 80% of voters are from the US. Best Shows - SFFT still gets legacy votes based on it's Fiesta Texas days

It's a double-edged sword in my opinion. If you want an expert opinion you ask experts. If you want a popularity contest you ask everyone. Sorry, if people get butt hurt for not getting their participation trophy. I concede using mutual rider comparisons works also, but you are still not getting the critical mass for less ridden attractions, and bias are caused by local favoritism and new hotness factor.

No, it certainly isn't easy keeping track. TPR Awards would be a challenge. From the get go, many of the categories would need to be tweaked. Many categories are just too broad such as Dark Ride. You need different categories such as: Modern Dark Rides (i.e.: Spiderman), Classic Dark rides (i.e.: Disney's Haunted Mansion) and Ghost Trains (i.e.: Knoebels Haunted Mansion). But then you have some current categories such as FunHouses that don't even exist in the US anymore. I don't even think voting should be open to everyone. Unless you have been to Europe a few times and Japan you really can't compare between the continents. If I remember correctly it wasn't until Robb sent names of TPRs trip participants to Amusement Today that Europa Park and Valhalla got the boost to put them on or near the top. No European Funhouses, outside of Blackpool's Noah's Ark, were even listed on the ballot that first year I got a ballot.

If a coaster is rated in the Top 10 or 20 but you have to ride a coaster under certain conditions to appreciate it, then it is overrated in my opinion. Sorry Boulder Dash, Voyage and Beast.

Yes, I experienced that ride op, but she and the two restraint checkers were quick. Her talking was annpying, but at least it didn't slow operations. Justice League - they were letting re-rides so I rode about 10 times trying to find bonus point opportunities and my score kept getting worse. One part was not operating. The images on smoke screen directly after Lex says he is unleashing the LexBots was not working properly. The projection was on the floor, but if you shot the images on the floor the points registered.

No big loss. Thoughts and prayers for those that are traumatized. Get over it! Bring on the long delayed wooden coaster!

Same here, I think I missed voting 3 or 4 years ago and was not sent a ballot the following year. I used to write in selections for more than half the categories.

I did the All Day Dining at Sea World two years ago, on a day I was spending 7 hours in the park before meeting up with my cousin. To me it was not worth the $35 as selection was limited to the weakest food in the park. I ate three meals but only really enjoyed one of them. The Mexican was sub par, the Chinese was weak, and the Nathans hot dogs were the best of my three meals. Although the desserts were good each time. I certainly ate over $35 in food but could have enjoyed myself spending $20 on 2 meals elsewhere. Or maybe $35 in desserts and pretzels would have been better. If you are not a picky eater or if you are a high volume eater it is a great deal because you only have to wait 60 minutes between meals

FYI - I'm working on a similar thread to 2019. We are still waiting for news from a few major US parks and quite a few European parks. The What's New for 2019 thread will probably be posted around the end of September.

The park is beautifully empty today. Thank you light rain.

Cedar Fair definitely wants investors to forgot the past two months where the stock dropped twelve points from $65 - $53 leading to the disappointing 2nd Quarter Report. We usually don't see companies release monthly data. They released data for the month of August which was extremely strong. It doesn't make-up for the shortfall over the first 7 months of the year, but Cedar Fair is eager to get that positive news out there aggressively well ahead of the 3Q report expected in November. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cedar-fair-reports-record-revenues-080000598.html Cedar Fair Reports Record Revenues In August PR Newswire•September 6, 2018 - Strong performance in August driven by increases in attendance (+5%), guest spending (+1%) and out-of-park revenues (+7%). - Company reiterates its commitment to 4% distribution growth. SANDUSKY, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and immersive entertainment, today announced that preliminary results for the five weeks ended Monday, September 3, 2018, represented record revenues for the fiscal month of August. For the five weeks, preliminary net revenues were $288 million, up 6%, or $17 million, when compared with the same period in 2017. This was the result of a 5%, or 255,000-visit, increase in attendance, a 1%, or $0.52, increase in average in-park per capita spending and a 7%, or $2 million, increase in out-of-park revenues, including resort accommodations. "Over the past five weeks we have experienced strong growth across all aspects of our business, reaffirming our confidence in the resiliency of our business model and the outlook for growth in the business for the long term," said Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair's president and CEO. "During this time, we successfully executed on a number of initiatives designed to drive guest urgency while at the same time maintaining integrity in our pricing structure. These efforts resulted in a solid lift in attendance and increased guest spending inside our parks during the period. We also saw robust demand for our hotel and resort accommodations, an asset class we are actively developing in an effort to generate additional and attractive returns over the longer term. Looking ahead, we believe these strong results reflect the positive response from consumers for the compelling entertainment experiences we provide to our guests of all ages, and we expect that to continue for the balance of the year." Year-to-date preliminary net revenues through Labor Day, September 3, 2018, were $1.04 billion, up slightly when compared with the similar period through Labor Day, September 4, 2017. The 2018 results compared with 2017 reflect increases of 1%, or $0.38, in average in-park per capita spending to $47.46 and 5%, or $5 million, in out-of-park revenues, including resort accommodations, to $120 million. These increases were offset by a 1%, or 225,000-visit, decrease in attendance to 20.0 million guest visits. "For the remainder of the year, we are focused on building upon the momentum we have established over the past five weeks," continued Zimmerman. "Our near-term strategy includes fully maximizing the potential of our very popular seasonal celebrations including Halloween Haunt, The Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest. Our fourth quarter has become a meaningful period of operations, particularly as we leverage our highly popular fall events to jump-start sales of our 2019 season pass and all-season products, which are off to a strong start." Zimmerman noted that the strong August results were not enough to entirely overcome the challenges the Company faced through the first seven months of the year. Based on the year-to-date results and outlook for the rest of the year, the Company now expects 2018 full-year net revenues to be in the range of $1.32 billion to $1.34 billion, and full-year Adjusted EBITDA1 to be in the range of $460 million to $470 million. Zimmerman also reiterated the Company's commitment to delivering a steady 4% annual increase in the cash distribution to unitholders while continuing to invest in the business at a responsible level.

It is a lot closer distance than the ditance between Lighthouse Point's Cottage #1 and the closest Cedar Point entrance gate.

An old favorite is returning to Casino Pier. Another indoor scrambler returns to the East Coast Centrifuge Coming Back to Seaside Heights September 7, 2018 SEASIDE HEIGHTS-Known in local circles as the best ride on the boardwalk to ride after you pounded down a few drinks along the boards or at the clubs, the Centrifuge is coming back. Once located on the far end of the Casino Pier, which has since been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and removed, the spinning, twisting ride offered a spectacular light show and music. … and here is an inside look of what is coming to Casino Pier in Spring 2019! Our awesome indoor scrambler, CENTRIFUGE, that is making a comeback to Casino Pier in Spring 2019! Who is as excited as us?!? In the 1990’s, the ride gained in popularity as a cult favorite amongst teenagers and twentysomethings. It was at one time one of the more popular rides in Seaside Heights. The Casino Pier announced the ride will open in 2019.

I don't know what 2020 will hold, but I don't think the following would be a unrealistic five year plan 2020 - Endeavor 2021 - Additional Water Slide Tower 2022 - Skyscreamer (195ft or 240ft foot model) 2023 - Multi person Water Slide 2024 - S&S Free Fly or RMC Raptor

Unlike you, I have absolutely no faith and do not trust temporarily set-up fair rides in the United States.

Although the article is 4 months old it is worth noting that Rye Playland was mired in turmoil all summer. Two years ago the Westchester County negotiated to have Standard Amusements operate the park for 30 years. You can read below that Westchester County alleges they are owed money by Standard Amusements and that Standard Amusement never replaced Jacob Falfas with another experience amusement park operator to lead the park. Report calls for re-evaluation of Playland agreement with Standard Amusements By Ryan Deffenbaugh - May 8, 2018 Westchester County Executive George Latimer said the county will invest millions of dollars and get little in return under the terms of a contract negotiated by former County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration to privatize management of the Playland amusement park in Rye. Latimer’s office released the findings of a new report on the park management deal to the media on May 7. At a news conference, Latimer criticized several provisions of the contract that Astorino signed with Standard Amusements LLC to operate the park. Latimer said the deal was evidence the prior administration viewed the 30-year contract more as a way to get the amusement park off the county books, rather than improve Playland. “I think it is fair to say that there are individuals serving in the last administration who have said publicly … they didn’t believe that we should have an amusement park,” Latimer said. “I think the lack of commitment to looking at Playland as an asset is what undermines this overall arrangement. You will negotiate the deal very differently if you see this facility as I do, which is, this is the jewel of our park system.” The deal between the county and Standard Amusements, a company backed by a Manhattan hedge fund, calls for the county to spend $33 million in capital investment, along with pool reconstruction costs of $9.5 million. Standard Amusements, meanwhile, is responsible for $27.5 million in investment, $14 million of which is earmarked for rides. The county is also required to make additional investments for the maintenance of the park. The county’s Board of Legislators approved the deal in May 2016. After Latimer took office at the start of this year, the county board called on his administration to review the deal. The report was led by Latimer’s Director of Operations Joan McDonald and County Attorney John Nonna. Among the complaints alleged in the investigation: Standard Amusements still owes $1.25 million out of a $2.25 million upfront payment on the contract. The Astorino administration allowed for five extensions on payments Standard Amusements owed to the county under the deal without prior approval from the Board of Legislators. Neither the county nor Standard Amusements undertook a detailed assessment of the renovations needed to be done at Playland. The county estimates the park needs $125 million worth of renovations, which the report said could require the county to pay out between $65 million and $95 million beyond its initial commitments. The county will not receive a share of the profits until Standard Amusements has fully recouped its initial payments of $2.25 million and capital investment of $27.5 million. By Standard Amusement’s calculations, noted in the report, that means the county would not receive any profit share until at least 11 years after Standard Amusements takes over Playland management. Standard Amusements is in default on a material term of the contract: that the company provide an experienced amusement park operator to lead the park. The person the company originally named, Jacob Falfas, has apparently left the company and has not been replaced. The agreement with Standard Amusements covers 100 percent of the salary for the 30 county employees at the park, but only 30 percent of fringe benefits. At the news conference, McDonald expressed concern with another provision that requires Standard Amusements to make its capital investment only after the county has made half of its promised investment. “When the private entity doesn’t have skin in the game in the beginning, that’s not a great thing,” McDonald said. Nonna said there are three main legal issues the county must address regarding the deal. First, has Standard Amusements met its financial obligations to this point, and can the company meet all future obligations? Second, if the contract is not beneficial to taxpayers, can it be renegotiated? “And finally, if we can’t renegotiate, can we terminate the agreement?” he said. “Is that more beneficial for the taxpayers? What is best for the taxpayers is our responsibility – and that is the way we have to look at the legal issues.” Latimer said the report was delivered to Standard Amusements and its attorneys. His office also plans to reach out to the company for a meeting. Asked to respond to the report, Standard Amusements Partner Nicholas Singer provided a short statement by email through a spokesperson. “We are pleased Westchester County has completed its review and look forward to engaging with the county to resolve any concerns as expeditiously as possible,” Singer said.

Currently legislators in Rye are currently at odds with Standard Amusements about a 30 year lease signed last year. Legislators do not believe Standard Amusements is holding up there end of the contract, so I don't expect any big additions at Rye until this is worked out.

As a reminder, Dan posted this about a year ago. The dynamics have not changed there will not be dramatic changes to the dry side for years. Baby steps, baby steps in the form of classic rides first.

This article from June addresses transportation enhancements that will occur with the opening of the mall. Also as an FYI, the CEO of KidZania is projecting 500,000 - 1,000,000 yearly visitors to KidsZania New Features Announced For American Dream Mall The $3B entertainment destination will have an 800-room hotel, more than 20 restaurants, and 2 revolving kitchens, among other things. By Daniel Hubbard, Patch Staff | Jun 21, 2018 8:00 am ET | Updated Jun 21, 2018 9:53 am ET 2 New Features Announced For American Dream Mall BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The closer American Dream Meadowlands gets to its Spring 2019 opening date, the more is found out about what kind of amenities the $3 billion entertainment and retail destination will have. There will be more than 120 places to eat, including more than 20 sit-down restaurants, and 20,000 square feet dedicated to "health, wellness, beauty, and spa facilities." An 800-room hotel is also under development. A gourmet food hall will have a cooking studio and two revolving kitchens showcasing up-and-coming chefs and food concepts. American Dream will use technology to enhance customers' experiences. Augmented reality displays will be available throughout the complex. Smart bracelets will allow parents to shop and stay connected to their children throughout the campus. Tourists factor big into Triple Five's plans for American Dream Meadowlands. Between 30 and 40 million people could visit American Dream annually. There are plans for a hotel and a special tourism center at the $3 billion entertainment and retail destination. A reception team will be fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Arabic, and other languages. Shuttles will take people to and from airports and New York City. We already know that a huge LEGOLAND Discovery Center with a 4-D cinema, LEGO brick pool, rides, and classes for kids will be there. There will also be the first Sea Life aquarium in New Jersey. It will feature a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel. An indoor waterpark and an amusement park are also being built. KidZania, a miniature city run by kids 4 to 14 years old will also be there. It will have its own currency and companies like Honda, Sony, Kellogg's, Coca-Cola and others have sponsored businesses and landmarks in the attraction. A commuter shuttle will run between NJ Transit's Meadowlands station and the Secaucus train station. NJ Transit will operate a direct bus line from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City to American Dream. New York Waterway is in talks to run a shuttle to take passengers to and from marinas along the Hudson River along the Gold Coast — Edgewater, Weehawken, and North Bergen — to American Dream. American Dream was originally slated to open in 2017. Then last summer Triple Five pushed back the completion date because it had difficulty securing the $1.1 billion in financing. It worked with Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan to secure $1.6 billion in financing earlier this year.

Chipper's Magical Mystery Tour closed during the 2004 season. In May 2004, a child died on Rye Playland's Mind Scrambler (indoor scrambler). The child was riding alone and slid under the restraint and was thrown from the ride. My guess is that Six Flags lawyers realized the similarities in the rides and restraints and decided to close Chippers Magical Mystery Tour. Whether is was planned to be temporary (until restraints were modified) or permanent closure, who knows, but it didn't return for years.

1) Thank you for creating a new thread. If someone can type the words Knoebels and cottage correctly, this will be the only post to show up if they search by topic heading. 2) I think people have already been decorating the the cabin with merchandise won at Fascination. I guarantee that clock is a Fascination prize.

Man, there is some funny shit being posted on these threads today! I think there just is a fairly high contingent of people who are getting really sick of all the stupidity happening in the world right now which, unfortunately, spilling over into our forums more and more lately. And we can either: A. Sit back, do nothing about it and cry ourselves to sleep a little more each night. B. Be angry and mean about it. C. Poke fun at the people with our own brand of mean-spirited humor and at least TRY to laugh at the whole thing, because if we didn't we probably would end up doing B... and then the second part of A... D. I should have locked the thread when a saw it and it only had two responses.

I don't even understand how some of these arguments start coasterbill asked why people are complaining about the restraints. invertalon stated why he did not like the restraints, he stated his point of view based on his opinion. ytterbiumanalyst you implied that invertalon used extreme height to justify why others are complaining. I read it that invertalon was only stating his opinion, and that others 6ft 6in and taller would agree. He never implied that all the complaining was due to tall people. As numerous people have stated throughout this argument they is no one perfect restraint for every person and every coaster. Taller people and shorter people will argue about the same restraint. Rounder people and thinner people will argue about the same restraint. There is not one size fits all because we are not all the same size.

It is truly an amazing coaster for its age. GCI did a great job with the work they did. They were a few years where I did not want to ride it. I never complain about the strong laterals after a ride or two because there is so much padding.

Dude, use proper grammar on the forums. “Gunna” and “mabey” looks unprofessional and there are actually policies about it on TPR’s forums. Use an autocorrect program if you need to. Didn't realize yall were grammer nazis on here Yes we are, especially when posts become eyesores to our professional, international and intelligent communities of readers. Just follow the rules if you want to continue to post on TPR. It is not that much to ask. Occasional errors are fine. Disregard for spelling, capitalization and punctuation are not acceptable.