vistaway

I think it's too simplistic to just say that Wonderland has no competition and that's why attendance is so strong. True enough that there is no other major theme park competition, but if you speak to their marketing and sales folks, they will list off at least ten major competitors in the GTA (from the zoo - one of the largest in North America - to Ontario Place, etc.). Remember that family attendance and group sales is a major priority, and Wonderland does very well on both counts. They have a massive assortment of kids rides, two kids waterpark areas, solid shows, etc. They have kept pricing very affordable for both season passholders and day guests (with Web pricing and discounting). The new food options for this year only boost the park's family appeal (can you see a bunch of local Vaughan teens opting for the buffet over cheap pizza?). For a family like ours to spend a day, or half day, out, Wonderland is a great choice. We went nearly a dozen times last year, and rarely did we hit any coasters - mostly the same routine of Nick Jr. rides, Kidsville, Dora show, etc. And you can tell that there are lots of others like us. In fact, I think one of Wonderland's main challenges going forward is adding new attractions that entice people to come, but not ones that will only draw more teens and local kids. Cedar Point has a comparatively small local market, so there really aren't a lot of local teens that will overwhelm the park's thrill rides like Wonderland. I am sure there are other parks in markets similar to Toronto (SF Great America, for example) that have a similar situation in terms of competition (or lack thereof) but don't draw the same numbers. Face it, like it or hate it, Wonderland does what they do very well, and the numbers back that up.

Wow - can't believe how quiet Epcot was. Those IllumiNations crowds are ideal!

I worked at Epcot 1997 - 1998 and the Disney Wonder (inaugural crew) 1999-2000.

Hey exmouse, you must have a ton of great stories! Our paths might have crossed at some point - I was part of opening crew for the Wonder and joined the ship in Venice in May of 99 while she was being finished. Days of cleaning and unpacking the dining rooms, followed by evenings of riding the buses into Venice (for free, of course ), and cheap Peroni under the stars (being eaten alive by mossies). One of my favourite places on the ship was the server room behind Animators (next to the always-dirty toilet). The stacks of laserdisc players, servers, amps, etc that hummed away producing the show next door - that was pretty cool. I loved to start the Animators finale late at night when the dining room was empty. Seeing the show by yourself or with a few friends...too unreal. I played it for a few guests who missed it on occasion and it nearly brought them to tears.

Interesting, but not surprising, that they have gone with a different company to build the ships this time around. I think this decision, coupled with over a decade of industry progress, will result in some pretty different looking ships, at least on the inside. DCL was never happy with the job that Fincantieri did, at least the folks I spoke to weren't. Some basic things, like getting the water hot enough in the galley sinks, were problems well into the first and second years of sailing (and that's a big problem on a ship). So a move to a different company is not shocking. While I am sure they will keep the retro style that everyone seems to love, I think the bones of these ships will be quite different. Perhaps a main atrium running down the centre of the ship? A different approach to dining? Obviously there will be more onboard recreation, but in what form? It's going to be very interesting and exciting watching these get designed and built - that's for sure.

Interesting. Well, that's good news - I didn't get to see it last year (although I heard it many times from the parking lot). The only downside is that it eats parking space.

I suppose the Marketplace location makes sense - that site hasn't been well-used for years, although it's a great place to grab a beer and sit lakeside. And it's close to the centre of the park. So Coasters is where some other stuff was. What did they demolish? I am guessing the crappy old recording studio/airbrush buildings? It also looks like they got rid of the Sol Loco/Orbiter for good. The last photo shows Coasters right next to the restrooms, which is pretty much where it was.

The ferry has been tempting, but it wouldn't save any time for me, and the departures are inconvenient. From Milton, I am only 20-30 mins from Wonderland (on the 407). Cedar Point is 4.5-5 hours, depending on the border.

CW to Cedar Point I usually do the circle tour - down the QEW, cross at Buffalo, and then cross back at Detroit and up the 401. Less boring that way, and CP is pretty much the same distance either way.

CW have been slowly updating their Website, removing PCW references and updating logos here and there. So far, here are the actual park changes that they have mentioned (nothing exciting): New restaurants: Coasters "Our all new 50's style diner!" Located in Action Zone by Italian Job (must be an entirely new building) The Marketplace - International Buffet "Our all-new indoor market style all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant" (I think this is a new location as well...it's not replacing the Back Lot Cafe as I would have expected). A few name changes here and there, but otherwise the same (generally) poor outside vendors are still here. Shows Endless Summer (ice show in what used to be the Paramount Theatre) Twistin' to the 60's (International Showplace) (the Dora show, which we hit every time we're there, is still listed; mention of the stunt show has been removed from the site) They have also updated the site with new Season Pass images, which I am guessing are closer to what we can expect to see. My hope is that they have done a lot of general clean-up in the park. Maintenance has always been very good, but given that it's 27 years old, some basic things, like seating, gardens, railings, fountains, etc. had become tired. There is a job fair this weekend. It would be great to see a higher standard of training under the new leadership. I think it's fair to expect better service at a theme park fast food location than a food court one (although this is rarely the case). Sorry there isn't much exciting news to report, but at least us CW pass holders get a great deal on the MAXX Pass (around $85USD) so we can hit the other parks just a few hours away!

Hi all...longtime lurker...first post... Anyway, PCW just released 2007 season pass pricing and benefit details, and guess what, for the first time (ever?), it is only valid at PCW. No more Paramount 'park hopping' benefit. They are trying to make this change very clear by mentioning it a few times during the order process. Pricing is unchanged from last year ($69). www3.paramountparks.com/CanadasWonderland/shop/shopping_season_pass.cfm I took a quick look at other ex-Paramount parks and none seem to have 2007 details posted yet. - Andy