California Great America (CGA) Discussion Thread

[CGA_88]

For anyone that cares, Firefall re-opened today.

[andre8]

Man, I wish I was older so I could experience Tidal Wave and Stealth.

[XYZ]

I went to CGA last night after 8pm, and it was the most crowded CGA was for as long as I could remember. For 90 minutes, I only could ride one ride, Grizzly. I saw the fireworks also, they were good. Though, the lines were out of control and it was hard to even go through the park because it was jam-packed.

[154bmag]

so I went there on the 3rd, it was crowded but the lines were kinds short, except girzzly and delirium firefall was finally running but the fire effects didn't work the fireworks show was probably the shortest i've ever seen yet it was still good

[ScottBrown]

Something about taking it out due to maintenance costs does not seem right. It wasn't a "big" coaster but it also wasn't a maintenence nightmare, really didn't cost that much more to operates than the other coasters, it just seems like that was not the reason.

 

You'd be surprised by that-

 

Most of the early generation (Non-flywheel) Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loops chewed through cables like an Accelerator coaster from Intamn does; not to mention, each day the weight assembly required lubrication, the motors tended to wear out (Especially in higher traffic parks; KD replaced/removed/restored the motors on KK every YEAR!) and other smaller things.

 

In all reality, other than the motor, it was labor costs as well as the novelty wearing out; where we respect and value a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop, the general public does not.

 

Only three of the flywheel Shuttles still live on- One at Hopi Hari, and the other is KK's model- itself a hybrid of the two Great America models. The remainder are the flywheel drive system models. Sadly, the parts aren't avaliable anymore, which almost requires a park to build replacements by hand, or as the case of Greezed Lightning at KK, cannibalize another model for replacement parts. Hopi Hari rebuilt the old KK from the ground up, and replaced all of the parts by hand- including the original weight system with a more beneficial cement block in the 'tube'. THe third is still extant at Gold Reef City in South Africa, it too having been rebuilt by hand when it was relocated there from Carowinds.

 

These smaller park don't operate their shuttles nearly as frequently as the larger parks do- less than 12 times per hour, as opposed to 30-40 times per hour in a 'standard' park. This prevents parts from wearing out over time, making them feasable for these small parks.

 

I'd LOVE for Intamin to get off their duffs and build a LSM version of the Schwarzkopf Shuttle loop. It would, I think, be a big win for small parks wanting to break into the big ride market.

 

I would love to see any of these coaster companies that offer launching coasters provide a newer modern replacement launching system for the old Schwarzkopf shuttle coasters that would keep them running into the foreseeable future

[Angry_Gumball]

According to reports from friends on Facebook, and CGA's Facebook page, it seems that Firefall is now open, with a few bugs that's been happening throughout the day. Glad to see though that the ride is back up and alive for the most part. After seeing it cycle last week all day, I knew it was bound to open within the week.

[ScottBrown]

Yeah I am hearing that it keeps getting stuck at the top, I think it may be time to just retire this ride it clearly doesn't want to work anymore

[deathbydinn]

^ I know the ride itself is old, but it's only been at CGA for three years now. I would hope that before just jumping to removing it it could recieve a major over-haul or even replace the whole ride itself instead of completely losing the ride. I really have no clue how popular it is, but I was always happy to see it added since it somewhat helps the two Great America's stay somewhat related, like in the Marriot days, although obviously, not to the same degree. But, I do just love a good top spin, so I'd hate to see one leave any park.

[ScottBrown]

Its just too bad this top spin can't manage to make a complete flip most of the time

[LulaCici]

I agree you will be unfulfilled if you're looking for a good day of coaster riding, but on the other hand, this has never really been that kind of park. This is my home park for now (and I grew up near Cedar Point), and when I first moved to the area I called it "OK America" or "Adequate America."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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bladeless fan dyson fan Air Multiplier

[ScottBrown]

I call it mediocre America

[jab88]

According to reports from friends on Facebook, and CGA's Facebook page, it seems that Firefall is now open, with a few bugs that's been happening throughout the day. Glad to see though that the ride is back up and alive for the most part. After seeing it cycle last week all day, I knew it was bound to open within the week.

 

Yeah, it was open, but as of a few hours ago-around 6:40 or so, the choice was made to close it for the day as it kept having the same problem repeatedly and was actually spending more time down than running it with guests on board, so it was closed so the problem could try to be identified and fixed. Hopefully it will be back up soon and the bugs worked out with it, it's only been Firefall's second day of running with guests on it.

[XYZ]

According to reports from friends on Facebook, and CGA's Facebook page, it seems that Firefall is now open, with a few bugs that's been happening throughout the day. Glad to see though that the ride is back up and alive for the most part. After seeing it cycle last week all day, I knew it was bound to open within the week.

 

Yeah, it was open, but as of a few hours ago-around 6:40 or so, the choice was made to close it for the day as it kept having the same problem repeatedly and was actually spending more time down than running it with guests on board, so it was closed so the problem could try to be identified and fixed. Hopefully it will be back up soon and the bugs worked out with it, it's only been Firefall's second day of running with guests on it.

 

I saw people stuck on the top of Firefall for 5 minutes during the fireworks. After, they starting testing it and the part of the ride that moves started shaking.

[ABW]

Ah, how nice. How'd you like to miss the fourth if July Fireworks Celebration for being stuck upside down on Firefall for a decent amount of time?

[jab88]

During the fireworks, it was stuck, but not upside down (I've never seen it be stuck upside down, I don't think it can, well hopefully anyways)-the guests were upright the entire time up there. As for the shaking, are you referring to the part with the yellow-orange circles on it or the gondola itself shaking? I've only seen the part with the yellow/orange circles do that, but the mechanics say nothing about it when they are up there watching it cycle.

[Tmcdllr]

The mechanics are not going to say anything about it to ride ops or the gp simply because whatever they say can be totally blown out of proportion.

 

I used to work there and I had ride break down, we were not allowed to say what the reason was. As much as we want to say what is going on, we simply cannot. And as much as we (the park guest) want to know what is going on, because they have a job to do, we have to respect that and just go with whatever they tell us.

[jab88]

The mechanics are not going to say anything about it to ride ops or the gp simply because whatever they say can be totally blown out of proportion.

 

I used to work there and I had ride break down, we were not allowed to say what the reason was. As much as we want to say what is going on, we simply cannot. And as much as we (the park guest) want to know what is going on, because they have a job to do, we have to respect that and just go with whatever they tell us.

 

True, I fully understand why they don't, besides it's not really my position to know about why the ride does what it does, aside from what I've seen it do when it at control. We basically can only say so much too about it to the gp for the same reason they could blow it out of proportion, such as when the guests come up there wanting to know why it's stopped at the top or why it's closed, we can't say why ( I won't and can't even say on here what it does), other than it's having technical difficulties or even how long it's going to be closed, because if they are given an estimated time, they will be back and be disappointed if the ride is not open at that time.

Edited July 6, 2011 by jab88

[Flagg O'Dim]

^It's only obvious that someone died on it, that's why they shut it down. --The GP's reasoning when a ride is down.

 

Good day today, even if it was (very) hot. Glad to see White Water Falls running three boats again. But they were getting stacked, due to GP trying to seat five across/standing up/bringing their 3-year-olds on it/whatever they can do to make more work for the ride ops. Funny moment: Some guy took his shirt off while the boat was on the lift, and ride op stopped the lift, saying "put your shirt back on!"

[jab88]

And at the end of the clip where the stand is blown up with the annihilator 2000, part of the Hometown Square Station queue ramp(maybe it's exit?) is visible, part of which still remains today as a concrete ramp behind the control room for Celebration Swings (to the left of Triple Play) and no longer accessible to the public as one has to go through Triple Play's old spot to access it.

 

I made an effort to find the old ramp today after reading your post. I spotted it while on the turnaround for Vortex, interesting how they just left it there. Almost seems eerie, in a way.

 

Yeah, that is where I first saw part of it too, on Vortex. It is interesting how they left it there, well that small part of it anyway. Only later when I began working there (last season) did I actually go look at it, well walk up to it and eventually onto part of the old railroad line itself. On another note, on the backside of the Grizzly, part of the track remains, only where it crossed cement.

 

^It's only obvious that someone died on it, that's why they shut it down. --The GP's reasoning when a ride is down.

 

Good day today, even if it was (very) hot. Glad to see White Water Falls running three boats again. But they were getting stacked, due to GP trying to seat five across/standing up/bringing their 3-year-olds on it/whatever they can do to make more work for the ride ops. Funny moment: Some guy took his shirt off while the boat was on the lift, and ride op stopped the lift, saying "put your shirt back on!"

 

 

I've never had that said at Firefall (yet) but have been asked that many a times at Swings, usually by teenagers as I'm checking seats, "Has anyone ever died on this?" "Have the chains ever broke?" To which I'll answer no, no one has ever died on this ride and no the chains have never broke and continue on checking seats. But I would not be surprised at all if the guests are thinking along the lines of what you put above when I tell them it's having technical difficulties, some stare with that 'I don't believe you look on their faces' before walking away.

 

As for Whitewater Falls, sounds almost like Rapids, some are almost never ready once they reach the end of the turntable, much like what you described above, in addition to not having their belts on, switching seats at the last moment, and so on, at which point once we get to the end of the turntable, near the gate, we have to push the gate to stop the turntable moving so the problem can be fixed.

[ABW]

Yet some more good news for the park, perhaps?

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-fair-reports-positive-sales-trends-through-the-fourth-of-july-holiday-weekend-125070544.html

 

SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today reported revenues through the Fourth of July holiday weekend were approximately $372 million, an increase of 2% when compared with the same period a year ago. This period traditionally represents approximately 35% of the Company's full-year revenues. During this same period, both attendance and average in-park guest per capita spending increased slightly, while out-of-park revenues, including its resort hotels, were up approximately 3%.

"While it's still early in our important summer season, we are quite pleased with these positive trends," said Dick Kinzel, chief executive officer. "So far this summer, our western region parks have seen an approximately 8% increase in revenues on a year-over-year basis, while revenues at our northern and southern region parks remain comparable to this time last year."

Kinzel mentioned that guests at the parks have responded favorably to the new rides, attractions and marketing initiatives that have been introduced this year. "Our new 301-foot-tall swing ride, WindSeeker, recently debuted to rave reviews at Cedar Point, Canada's Wonderland and Kings Island, while the introduction of Planet Snoopy at Dorney Park, Worlds of Fun and Valleyfair has proven to be popular with families," said Kinzel. "Similarly, our continued marketing efforts at Knott's Berry Farm and new programs at California's Great America and Valleyfair have clearly been effective at attracting guests early in the season.

"Likewise, we achieved strong and favorable customer response from the various special events at our parks this past weekend, including military promotions and fireworks," said Kinzel. "With additional special events scheduled for this summer, plus our strong market position as the affordable alternative to a week-long family vacation, we are optimistic that families who are choosing to stay closer to home this summer will take further advantage of our unique and attractively priced offerings."

Kinzel noted that virtually all of Cedar Fair's revenues from its seasonal amusement parks and water parks are realized during a 130 to 140-day operating period beginning in early May, with the majority concentrated in the peak vacation months of July and August. The third quarter of the year also historically has been the busiest for the Company's two parks that are open year-round, Knott's Berry Farm and Castaway Bay.

"As we head into our peak season, we feel very good about the momentum we continue to build for the business and believe our 2011 growth goals of revenues between $975 million to $1.0 billion and full-year adjusted EBITDA in the range of $350 million to $370 million are attainable," said Kinzel. "We will provide additional information regarding revenues, operating costs and cashflows as we finalize our second-quarter financial results, which are expected to be completed by the first week in August."

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Amusement parks in the Company's northern region include two in Ohio: Cedar Point, consistently voted "Best Amusement Park in the World" in Amusement Today polls, and Kings Island; as well as Canada's Wonderland, near Toronto; Dorney Park, PA; Valleyfair, MN; and Michigan's Adventure, MI. In the southern region are Kings Dominion, VA; Carowinds, NC; and Worlds of Fun, MO. Western parks in California include: Knott's Berry Farm; California's Great America; and Gilroy Gardens, which is managed under contract.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements as to the Company's expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors, including general economic conditions, adverse weather conditions, competition for consumer leisure time and spending, unanticipated construction delays and other factors discussed from time to time by the Company in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") could affect attendance at our parks and cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. Additional information on risk factors that may affect the business and financial results of the Company can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the filings of the Company made from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

[XYZ]

During the fireworks, it was stuck, but not upside down (I've never seen it be stuck upside down, I don't think it can, well hopefully anyways)-the guests were upright the entire time up there. As for the shaking, are you referring to the part with the yellow-orange circles on it or the gondola itself shaking? I've only seen the part with the yellow/orange circles do that, but the mechanics say nothing about it when they are up there watching it cycle.

 

The gondola was shaking when they were testing the ride after people were stuck on it for 5 minutes right side up.

 

 

I think our hopes for a new ride for 2012 should be over. Unless, they build a new ride on Invertigo's site, there is no land clearings anywhere that I could see, I even checked today on Star Tower.

[DarkStitch626]

Ride construction doesn't have to start this early

At all. It depends on the rides size to be honest.

I'm happy the park is seeing increased customer

Throughput.

[Tmcdllr]

Ride construction doesn't have to start this early

At all. It depends on the rides size to be honest.

I'm happy the park is seeing increased customer

Throughput.

 

 

Exactly.

 

Exactly.

 

There is no reason at this point to think nothing will happen, its only July!

[ABW]

I will be heading out to the park tomorrow. I should be wearing a plain red shirt and blue shorts. If you see me, be sure to say hi. Is anyone else going to be at the park tomorrow?

[CoasterBeagle]

I will be working tomorrow.