Coasterguy21
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Posts posted by Coasterguy21
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Ha! That took me so long to realize it was a Revolution. I just thought that was a part of the building.
At any rate. This is exciting for Nickelodeon Universe!
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^ That is great! They need a new group sales person. Someone who will bring in hot dog eating contests, concerts, and big groups of people to the park. Muskegon just had 2 huge bike festivals. They should of had a ride your motorcycle to MIA and get 10 off admission ect
I'm game. In my line of work, I'm all about promotions. I just love that kind of stuff. Marketing and Sales are one of my fortes!
Anyway, the Coaster Campout for this park is intriguing. Are any other parks in the chain planning a campout this year? Wondering where the camping area will be. Honestly, it's a good deal if you can pack 4 into the tent (just like Cedar Points) $50 per person, food and admission included plus a night at an great park.
Wondering if maybe we'll get some "teasers" of a potential 2016 attraction at this years campout (Camp Rou? )
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^They opened it as Twisted Sisters, but the band threatened to sue the park due to the name use. That's when it was changed to Twisted Twins.
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I'm sure Schlitterbahn wouldn't mind picking up a few more slides like they've done from Wet-N-Wild in the past. That time frame would give them enough time to ramp down the operation, move what they need to, transfer and re-train the staff.
Which leaves the question, what do they do with a semi-prime piece of land. Resort, condos, tourist traps?
Is it just me, or could we possibly be looking at Universal's third gate? Maybe that Nintendo Theme Park since they bought rights? Guess we'll see.
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^ They have well over 100 acres of unused land behind Wildcat and next to Timbers
.....with a train blocking it. How much walking time would going around behind all of that really save?
There's actually already a service road that runs back between the train and Thunderhawk/Wolverine Wildcat. It's fairly large and there is plenty of room to pave that and turn it into an actual path and put in a new service road next to it OR keep that service road and put in a new path.
There wouldn't be much room to add rides or attractions on that path. Maybe a flat or two and a restaurant or food stand. Any future attractions I bet will have to deal with the train somehow or sit adjacent to Grand Rapids. The connecting "midway" would help a lot though.
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There are a lot of great choices in Grand Rapids Mi. Beer City!
Anyways, about this massive land clearing.....
Excuse me? Some of us farther south may take offense to that. Kalamazoo's craft brew scene is growing really fast and we already have Bells anchoring. Of course I'm just throwing a fun argument up...but between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Southwest Michigan is truthfully beer heaven! Lets see more bars like the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange too. Nothing like grabbing an expensive beer for cheap because the market crashed (and Bells, Great Lakes, Founders and many other regional, national and international creations are featured there).
Anyway, yeah....back to this land clearing...you bring that Hofbrauhouse, I'll bring the money (and credit cards). Enough said!
But, in all honesty, I am expecting a Dive Coaster and am rather excited about it if it does come to fruition.
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^Partially correct! They do have an overall capital expenditures budget however, which was set at $170 million for 2015 (mostly due to the Hotel Breakers renovation). They expect it to be about $120 million (which is up from the 9% of revenues guidance figure they adopted before) for years leading to the future. So, essentially, every park has to work to get their share of that $120 mil.
They do operate the parks completely separate though, as you said. It goes into that ROI calculation. They'll spend as long as they know it can be recuperated via admission, season pass sales, parking, other investments and hotel sales. For example, say Fury 325 gives Carowinds a really good year (which it appears it will), the money earned from Carowinds doesn't mean that they build a coaster at Knotts because of that good season.
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Actually Valleyfairs market is quite similar to both CW and Carowinds. All three markets draw from a base of about 9 million. CW is like the Disneyland of Canada which explains its popularity. The twin cities are Charlotte metro areas are very similar in size. Carowinds has us beat when it comes to weather but that doesn't stop Cedar Point. My point is that i believe Cedar Fair knows there is a lot of growth potential with Valleyfair and i think we are seeing the ground work being done to support that. I agree that i think Valleyfair has a lot in store for us in the next few years.
Sorry, that is correct, Valleyfair & Canada's Wonderland's market size is the same (9 million). It's just that Toronto is a heavily visited city and that aids with the parks attendance (that and, as you said, its like the Disney World of Canada). This helps Canada's Wonderland pull in well over 3 million people a year. However, Charlotte's market size is 14 million (all quoted from Cedar Fair's Investor Relations page) and Charlotte is the the third fastest growing city in the United States (which is why so much focus is going on there probably). They pull in roughly 1.5 million to 2 million a year, which is why they would invest there if attendance starts to slip. Valleyfair sits at the 1 million mark (which isn't bad for having a shorter operating season than Carowinds). Yes a new coaster could help boost that a bit and I am anxious to see how attendance does increase following the next major addition.
With that said, and the present market size of Valleyfair, it is getting to be about that time for a major addition. You don't want to saturate the park too much for the market, but, in this case, you wouldn't. I'm not so sure about 2016 but in the near future, a new coaster would not surprise me one bit.
^Yes, Cedar Fair has new regional headquarters in Charlotte.
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Construction is still on-going on the parks present new coaster...El Diablo
All jokes aside, El Diablo is still being built (and will still be marketed as a coaster).
The current TV ad running in New York DMA and the e-mail newsletter sent to pass holders both mention El Diablo as a new ride, no reference to it being a coaster.
That's good news! The website still shows it as a coaster though :/ https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/el-diablo/overview
Personally, I don't care how they advertise it. A new attraction/ride is a new attraction to me. Coaster or not! Its up to whoever wants to "count it" as part of their coaster count I guess.
Parks: Continuing to blur the lines between flat ride and rollercoaster!
At any rate, may have to add SFGAdv to my list of 2016 visits if a new coaster does indeed go in.
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^Whenever you type in the L word, it automatically corrects to lockers. Right now I am actually typing the L word but watch.....lockers! Try it yourself, it's the same with that coaster at SFMM...the one named like an energy drink, because otherwise it would come out as Full Throttle). I think it is hilarious honestly
Lockers man...lockers!
Anyway, back on topic. This launched coaster that may be coming in 2016 intrigues me. People are thinking a launched RMC, which would be awesome. But am I the only one envisioning a potential launched B&M invert that hugs the terrain? Either way...exciting!!
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^Maybe on the last page
I'm just keeping an open mind to it. I actually think its an enjoyable stand-up coaster. At the same time, I didn't mind Mantis that much either. I think the conversions, at least from Stand-Up to Floorless, fall more so into the "improving customer satisfaction" category with quicker load times moreso than driving traffic through the gate.
I'm just going off that because of the "two possible conversions" mentioned in the conference call (in which there are two B&M Stand-Ups left in the chain). This could, of course, mean any coaster (could even include an RMC Mean Streak).
There was a report on another site that was mentioned numerous times (but has yet to be verified) that stems from an interview that was had at Fury 325 media day with Rob Decker. He stated they were going to "coast into 2016" and "making a huge splash". During the interview (which I have not been able to find so do not mark the words here), he supposedly said that they were looking into a possible conversion of an existing attraction at the park. Once again, just passing on what was said and this hasn't been confirmed. But, just in case, I'm keeping that "open mind". Granted, he couldn't have said any of that OR what he did say doesn't exactly hint as a conversion (some enthusiasts will try to take it any way they can to speculate). As for the "coasting into 2016" line, I'm pretty sure that meant that Fury 325 (the 2015 coaster) will take them right into 2016 (waterpark).
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Yep. It's official. A 2016 coaster is coming for sure. If not a coaster a new attraction for sure.
The contradiction is strong with this one! (even though technically a coaster is a new attraction)
Construction is still on-going on the parks present new coaster...El Diablo
All jokes aside, El Diablo is still being built (and will still be marketed as a coaster). As for whatever else is going on "construction wise". The rumors will continue to fly.
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I'm going outside of it all and not just posting coaster predictions. Here's my prediction chain wide for 2016. As more clues or signs arise, these will very well change. Just a thought out opinion is all due to the fact that not much in the way of anything is known for 2016 yet.
-Cedar Point/Soak City: Record Breaking Bolliger & Mabillard Dive Machine.
-Canada's Wonderland: Bolliger & Mabillard Wing Coaster. Thinking "Ziz" will round out the trifecta of Behemoth, Leviathan and Ziz.
-Carowinds: Water Park Expansion (re-branding to Soak City) and Potential Conversion of Vortex (still keeping an open mind about that though I hope differently). If that conversion doesn't happen, I see something being added to the dry side too. Maybe a new flume or a flat ride of some sort.
-Knott's Berry Farm/Knott's Soak City: 2016 seems like it'll be an odd-year in SoCal. I may actually think either nothing or maybe a flat ride of some sort. Maybe that waterpark expansion that has been tossed around for years.
-California's Great America: Boomerang Bay waterslide additions. Not a rebranding yet. Maybe a flat.
-Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Flat Ride to help fill the void left from Hangtime's departure.
-Gilroy Gardens: Yeah....
-King's Dominion: I have no reasonable guess at this moment
-Kings Island: A flat ride?
-Michigan's Adventure: Chance Hyper GTX or the 210 foot tall Chance Hyper that was planned way back in the day. I could see the Back 40 becoming Planet Snoopy as well with rides being rethemed and some new ones as well.
-Valleyfair: No clue but I don't expect it to be a lay-low and just general improvements kind of year.
-World's of Fun: No clue why, but I have a feeling that this will be the next park to get a Dark Ride.
I also see SlingShots being added to many of the parks. Not too expensive of additions and get a good return on ROI.
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Valleyfair will get something new coaster wise soon. Its inevitable.
However, comparing the amount of coasters Canada's Wonderland and Carowinds gets is an entirely different story. Canada's Wonderland is the most visited regional/seasonal amusement park in North America and is in a huge market area just outside of Toronto. Investment will continue to be heavy there. Carowinds is located near a Top 25 city and an extremely large market as well. In addition, the new regional headquarters will be there. Both markets considerably larger than the Twin Cities markets. The bigger the market and the more attendance, the better chances you have at frequent additions.
This isn't to say anything won't come in the future. I believe Cedar Fair is allocating about $120 million a year for capital expenditures chain wide (if I remember the figure correctly from a previous conference call. I'll have to double check). Assuming Cedar Point gets that Dive Coaster, Carowinds gets the water park expansion and Michigan's Adventure gets that "major capital" that was teased in the papers (which could only amount to $10 million really, if it is indeed the largest in park history). Then there is STILL a lot of money left for investing into Valleyfair (depending on what CW actually gets).
Valleyfair will grow well into the future and I think this year's addition is pretty swell. The future is exciting as always (and this goes for the entire chain). Don't worry, your days of thankfulness for a new coaster will be approaching soon.
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If the Rougarou conversion goes well, they've already identified two other coasters that could undergo similar conversions. (Source: http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2014/11/heard-on-cedar-fair-3q14-earnings.html). With that said, I would expect CGA's Stand-Up and Carowinds as well. With Mantis being converted and SkyRider disappearing at CW, I think the chain is moving away from Stand-Ups in favor of a more comfortable riding experience AND better capacity.
If a coaster isn't getting much ridership, it doesn't matter if its sentimental value or not. Ouimet made that clear! Sometimes you have to let go/honor the past to build for the future (that wasn't the direct quote but it was something along those lines). I would not be surprised if Vortex eventually became a floorless coaster. Personally I would prefer Vortex at Carowinds NOT make the conversion....it's actually a rideable standup that is rather enjoyable! But, who knows what the future holds. I just wouldn't be surprised to see it go that way.
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Generally, it is 210 feet and its mostly township restrictions. Even though the Coast Guard does fly nearby, the base is out of Muskegon County Airport. For the most part, the airport does not affect the city (afterall, Cedar Point was closer to Sandusky-Griffing than MiA is to MKG. MKG has scheduled air carriers though, so that is a huge difference).
The park can seek exemptions so they can build above the height limit. if a SlingShot was to be built for 2015 and be over 200 feet, I'm sure we'd hear whispers about it my now.
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^Very true! Wasn't saying they were going to be removed, just going with the "guests vote with their feet" quote. I always figured one of the three would end up biting the dust and now we know it's Turnpike.
Maintenance and age aside....I hope Sky Ride doesn't go anywhere. I ride it frequently when there.
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The percentage of nerds riding the Sky Ride and the Cadillac Cars is going to jump by approximately 800% this year.
They won't be removed anytime soon then with an increase like that . ^That is my favorite quote of the last few pages
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^Taking the Busch Gardens Williamsburg approach eh?
I'll be happy with general park improvements because I see the park for what it is. Either way, like I said, I'm sure we'll see something major soon, I keep going back to that "major capital" quote. Until then, it's still just a wait and see. As for the improvements this year...guess we wait for opening.
I'd be down with a drop tower for sure!
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I personally love the location of the Gliders and Beer Garden presently. I'm just glad the park finally has beer (last park in the chain).
I haven't been able to confirm if Trabant was taken out or not. I haven't ridden that ride in 15+ years but did used to enjoy it. I could see a new ride going in over in the Falling Star spot eventually, but Trabant is small enough to have a new food stand or store go in (with all those types of changes that have been happening at other CF parks, I'm guessing that'll eventually make its way here). Of course, the biggest focus the past few off-seasons have been the infrastructure and technology upgrades. Once those are set, I'm sure we'll see more attractions added. I'm not talking about the park literally having a major growth spurt, but additions that are good for the park. After all, we know it isn't neglected like so many seem to think.
I, too, have also thought that a Planet Snoopy would be a perfect fit for the Back 40. However, would they rename Zach's Zoomer? Afterall, Zach still works at the park in the summers and his mom is still Park President. I could see them keeping that name and it still being a Planet Snoopy (kind of like an additional ride within the kiddie area). Even so, if they were up for it, it could be renamed. Big Dipper could as well and all the present rides could be re-themed (kind of like what happened with Geauga's kiddie rides when they came over to CP for Planet Snoopy). Just re-theming and renaming rides and two coasters already there to anchor. A few more rides could be added and from there its just theming aspects. If Frog Hopper could find a new location over there, it'd be even better.
As for the future, I just keep thinking back to that quote of "We have some major capital on the way". I'm sure whatever it is will be one of the biggest investments for the park and I would bet it would be for the 2016 anniversary year. I could see a Chance Hyper GT-X or maybe one of their actual Hyper Coasters. Whatever it is, I'm excited. It could be a flat ride, or a ProSlide HydroMagnetic Slide.....I don't care. I'm intrigued and can't wait to try whatever it is out.
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Yeah. Scorpion, for as long as I can remember, has operated with just one train. Personally, I would wait for it though, I love it! It was my first looper when I was a kid and I think it is just an awesome coaster. It was closed the last time I went back in May of 2014.
I didn't mind Gwazi. I liked it a lot when it was dueling and after it got the new trains (May of 2011 visit). Didn't really complain. I decided to ride it again this past year because it was on the chopping block. It surely was a lot rougher than the last ride, but it didn't bother me too much. I could tell things were different many of the riders on the train though. It's a giant plot of land, so it'll be exciting to see how things unfold in the future.
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According to the latest tweet, and being mighty thankful to the wind for blowing off the cover on the art, it looks like the World's Largest StarFlyer will be coming to I-Drive.
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I think that Valleyfair is going to be getting a coaster before Michigan's Adventure
Why would you think that?
Cause Matt O. said that Valleyfair, Carowind's, and California's Great America were the parks with the best growth potential in the chain.
@grsupercity, because they're from Minnesota. @Rollercoaster Rider, it was Brian Witherow that stated that, not Matt Ouimet. Carowinds obviously has the best. I'm extremely pleased that Valleyfair and California's Great America are on the list. These were two of the three parks (the other being Worlds of Fun) that was for sale by Cedar Fair back in 2008. Glad to see that two of the three have the greatest growth potential. And Worlds of Fun, they aren't doing bad either. There's definitely potential there still as well.
Back to Michigan's Adventure, while its been discussed that it has the highest profit margin in the chain and, thus, an extremely valuable asset to the company, I feel the growth potential isn't too terribly large there. Of course capital being added over the years is great, but I'm afraid that dumping a lot in over a short time period would ruin the park. But maybe there was more growth potential than imagined. Roger Jourden wanted to build a resort hotel and a campground for park visitors as well as a 200 foot tall hypercoaster back in 2000. The RV Campground became a reality across the street, but is not owned by the park or chain. Essentially I haven't done a market analysis, but the market was more healthy back in the day than it is now. Will the park grow over the years? Yes, but I don't see the need to build large things right now when the park is still reporting strong attendance.
Others may not like it, particularly those in the state, but I feel the park is doing just fine. It's exactly what it is. Cedar Fair has done a lot, from adding new attractions that drew in some people to general improvements, to much needed infrastructure upgrades.
Major capital, as Camille Jourden-Mark pointed out in the newspaper article, could mean just about anything. I'm hedging my bets here, but I believe the new capital for 2015 will be in the waterpark. The dry side got it for 2013 with the Lakeside Beer Garden (much needed) and Lakeside Gliders, which was a great addition. Judging by the way the rest of the chain is going, I'd expect a trap door capsule slide complex and some other speed slides to go in at WildWater Adventure. Maybe a Constrictor type tube slide as well.
I do see a Disk'O being a fairly good addition (and it being stated that it is a coaster). Just not sure if it would be added standalone, or as part of an overhaul of an area. With that being said, I honestly can see an overhaul and relocation of some Kiddie Rides to form a "Planet Snoopy" or "Camp Snoopy" type area. Being in Michigan, I honestly would prefer the "Camp Snoopy" name adoption, but whatever works.
I do believe a coaster is in the works within the next five years. 2008 was the last one added, and while everyone says it shouldn't count because it wasn't a new coaster, ask the gates what they think, because attendance surged following the addition of Thunderhawk and it is still riding strong. A Chance Hyper GT-X would be an awesome addition, but I, for some reason, would prefer a mixture of that with a regular hypercoaster standing over 200 feet tall. Something not too terribly expensive, but makes a presence.
I guess we'll find out soon. I'm rather excited to hear about this capital.
Also, if the opportunity ever presented itself, I would not be surprised to see Duck Creek purchased by the chain. It's an extremely popular RV Resort and people camp there that may not even attend Michigan's Adventure. I feel it would be a worthy investment for the chain if it ever came about.
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There's a difference between people wanting the park to build a new coaster and the park needing a new coaster to be built.
Eventually major capital will be added, but that is not something you want to rush (technically, the capital added over the past two years is major). Not until you can predict how much of an ROI you could get on the new attraction. Even then, a new coaster doesn't necessarily translate to something big. It could be a Gerstlauer for all we know.
Michigan's Adventure is a case in point, adds a relocated coaster in 2007, still riding high on it. People claim the park needs a new coaster, but that's not the case, they just want it. Eventually they will build one, but why build one when you're still "riding the wave" so to speak.
Cedar Point (CP) Discussion Thread
in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Posted
Quote from this article: http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-cedar-fair-dark-rides-20150415-story.html
I think we're looking at a coaster and no dark ride, for 2016 at least.