NEWS: Lakemont Park's Leap the Dips an upcharge attraction

[thrillrider]

I just got a email regarding why leap the dips(oldest operating coaster in the world) is now not included in the pop wrist band. It will now cost you $2.50 per ride.

 

Here is the email.....

 

"Please be aware that it was with much regret that we were left with no choice but to make the Leap The Dips an "extra pay attraction".

 

For the past number of years, the Leap The Dips has incurred start up costs that are twenty (20) times greater than the Skyliner roller coaster. The Leap The Dips simply was not built or designed to take the volume of riders that it attracts, especially on our promotional days.

 

We were left with no choice but to attempt to limit the number of riders and or to charge a fee to ride the coaster. If we would not take this step, it would be very likely that the Leap The Dips would not be available for anyone to ride in the very near future.

 

In an attempt to offset the disappointment of this ride now being an extra pay attraction, each rider will receive a VERY NICE keepsake ticket.

 

We appreciate your patronage and if you should have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me."

 

Sincerely,

 

Barry Kumpf

General Manager

Edited May 7, 2010 by robbalvey

[Josh Linn]

Now I'm really upset that the ride was closed when I went there in '04.

Edited April 27, 2010 by robbalvey

[kidcoaster 2]

Personally, I like this step for the park because I would hate to see the line for the ride on the parks busier days, and if it helps keep the ride going than I am all for it!

 

For those who will be upset about the additional fee, $2.50 is not really that much (Plus you still have Skyliner on the POP), and it is better to pay that small fee than to not be able to ride it at all .

[ginzo]

Sounds very fair to me.

[robbalvey]

I totally support this.

[monsterfan99]

With it's age, you have to do what you have to do to keep it going. However, it's cool they are adding a keepsake ticket.

[DCody]

$2.50 is nothing when you think about some of the awful upcharge attractions in Vegas. This is a good idea.

[robbalvey]

$2.50 is nothing when you think about some of the awful upcharge attractions in Vegas.

I dunno...Manhattan Express is worth every penny of that $16!!!

 

--Robb

[Josh Linn]

$2.50 is nothing when you think about some of the awful upcharge attractions in Vegas.

I dunno...Manhattan Express is worth every penny of that $16!!!

 

--Robb

 

No doubt. It produced one of the most hilarious on-ride commentary videos of all time.

[redfoot12]

I'm planning a Western PA trip at some point and this park was going to be included. Notice I said "was".

 

 

 

 

 

I'm jk-ing.

 

I really like this idea if it prolongs the lifespan of the ride.

[ebl]

I have never been to Lakemont Park, but should I ever go there, I'd pay to ride Leap the Dips. It's a historic, classic ride. If the park can collect a few bucks to keep it operating, why not?

 

Eric

[Skycoastin Steve]

No doubt that it's a smart choice to charge extra if it keeps a 100+ year old ride in operation.

[Josh Linn]

I have never been to Lakemont Park, but should I ever go there, I'd pay to ride Leap the Dips. It's a historic, classic ride. If the park can collect a few bucks to keep it operating, why not?

 

Eric

 

Not to mention the admission to the park itself is dirt cheap anyway, so even with the extra $2.50 you'll still be spending a ton less than you would at another park.

[eddie200330]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but when they first "re-opened" the ride a few years back it was $2.50 a ride. They just started the free rides not that long ago. I really hope they collect alot of money because I swear that ride is about to fall down every time we go around!! Maybe they can get some new padding for the seats to make the "dips" a little less painful an the rear and back. All in all, you can't beat the price for the park and the 2.50 is just a drop in the bucket for a trip down memory lane.....

[grinch1313]

It seems totally worth it to me to keep the coaster operating. I think it's a great idea.

[thrillrider]

I agree, but at first I was puzzled but the decision.

 

I hope this does not effect the pop sales. A lot of people go to this park just for leap the dips and the skyliner. Now, people may be more inclined to purchase just enough tickets for the two coasters instead of the pop, thus spending less money and time in the park.

 

I hope to see this coaster live on for a long time, and I am happy that I had the opportunity to ride it.

[DenDen]

Heck, I'd buy a ticket online just to help preserve it.

[thrillrider]

I would go to the park to ride the skyliner as well.

 

This coaster is very underrated.

[Josh Linn]

I would go to the park to ride the skyliner as well.

 

This coaster is very underrated.

 

Agreed...the first half of the ride has a TON of air. Unfortunately, it fizzles out after that, but it's still an above average ride.

[Hercules]

I totally support this move. I also totally support Barry's quote, stating the keepsake ticket is very nice

 

Maybe I'll post a picture of one after the park opens for the season.

[thrillrider]

Me too^^

 

A few years ago, I bought a ltd T shirt. It's still one of my favorate shirts.

[Chris Benvenuto]

Whew, I'm glad I got on it when I did last summer. But, in the long run if it keeps the ride running and well-maintained, I'm all for the idea.

 

L-T-D's is a fun, cute lil' old ride. It's over 100 years old, yet it's still fun to ride and I even got a few pops of air on the last few hills. Hopefully, if I ever return to Lakemont w/ this policy in effect I'll have to ride and get one of the special ticket stubs in honor of being one of the limited riders of that season of attendence.

 

You've made it to 100+ L-T-D's. Here's to 100 more?

[SharkTums]

Leap the Dips was KT's first Woodie Credit! She loved it and rode it a ton that day, although I would NOT let her ride in the back seat!!!

 

I don't think $2.50 is asking a lot of people!

[larrygator]

I totally support this move. I also totally support Barry's quote, stating the keepsake ticket is very nice

 

hmmmm! I wonder whos' company is selling Lakemont the tickets!

[thrillrider]

Awww....cute picture.