Official E-mail response from PKI about TR
I'm sorry that you wrote them that letter.
(There was more of a response here, but I deleted it because the first line pretty much sums it up.)
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com
(There was more of a response here, but I deleted it because the first line pretty much sums it up.)
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com
The original poster of this thread should be ashamed. As Jeff stated, what marketing proof do you have that says "the people want GIGAs?
What people???
Enthusiasts?
Remember, parks don't build rides for enthusiasts alone. It sounds to me that you got your hopes up higher than Son of Beast's lift hill and you dropped down faster than Drop Zone. Next time don't get your hopes up. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and I can't WAIT to ride the new ride next year. I did get a HUGE kick out of some of the crazy rumors I was reading though.
Also, it seems to me that the park is taking a much different approach to marketing the new ride. That alone should be exciting for a lot of people. I was at the announcement and was also a bit confused at exactly what type of ride it is going to be, but you know what? With each passing minute I became more and more curious to what it will be like, and I realized that I was doing exactly what the park wanted people to do. They want people to be curious about what lies behind the facade. They want people to be surprised.
Face it. It works! Look at all the discussion about the ride announcement. The park wanted the word to get out and it sure is taking off.
The original thread reminded me so much of what I heard a enthusiast say to a park employee last year after a ride on Son of Beast.
" How dare you build this ride for us and MAKE us ride it?"
um.......make?
Face it folks, there are those people in life that are too jaded, and those that sit back, relax, and enjoy whatever life dishes out.
Personally, I can't wait to ride Tomb Raider. Too bad others have to worry about not getting their way to enjoy things in life.
- Sean (post #1 from me)
What people???
Enthusiasts?
Remember, parks don't build rides for enthusiasts alone. It sounds to me that you got your hopes up higher than Son of Beast's lift hill and you dropped down faster than Drop Zone. Next time don't get your hopes up. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and I can't WAIT to ride the new ride next year. I did get a HUGE kick out of some of the crazy rumors I was reading though.
Also, it seems to me that the park is taking a much different approach to marketing the new ride. That alone should be exciting for a lot of people. I was at the announcement and was also a bit confused at exactly what type of ride it is going to be, but you know what? With each passing minute I became more and more curious to what it will be like, and I realized that I was doing exactly what the park wanted people to do. They want people to be curious about what lies behind the facade. They want people to be surprised.
Face it. It works! Look at all the discussion about the ride announcement. The park wanted the word to get out and it sure is taking off.
The original thread reminded me so much of what I heard a enthusiast say to a park employee last year after a ride on Son of Beast.
" How dare you build this ride for us and MAKE us ride it?"
um.......make?
Face it folks, there are those people in life that are too jaded, and those that sit back, relax, and enjoy whatever life dishes out.
Personally, I can't wait to ride Tomb Raider. Too bad others have to worry about not getting their way to enjoy things in life.
- Sean (post #1 from me)
The frustration of that message came on the day of the announcment. We had 400 people surfing this site looking for information. Many of us work in cubicles all day and we're itching for information, something to look forward too. And what did we get? Nothing. At least now we know it's not a coaster.
I never expect PKI to scrap their plans for TR. I was writing my letter to let the parks know what I like, so that in 3 years we'll have a major coaster. I know it takes 3 years for the next big ride, that's why I'm writing now.
I've been on MF 3 times, it's great. But wouldn't it be cool to have a Giga like Steal Dragon with more hills and bunny hops at the end? Yes it would, so there is room for another Giga in Ohio and PKI has the room to build it.
Disney built DCA and noone is going because the coasters are just average kiddie rides. Their attendence in Orlando is down 7% and their hotels are only 70% full versus 90% at IOA (saw this in a report on another site). BGT built Rhino Rally and it's good but nothing special and now it's shut down because of the accident. Universal Studios built MIB which costed 100 million and is just a spin ride. It's cool, but I don't go to US to ride MIB, I go to ride Hulk and DD. BGW built a simulator for the Ireland section, those simulator rides make me literally sick.
See the pattern? If people lie down and take it, they'll keep building simulator rides. Then when it's time for a new coaster, they'll build a small clone, or a kiddie ride, with a small footprint saying they need to save money.
I always feel like the parks aren't listening to their fans. And that's why I had to let them know how I felt.
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Robin Fox - "I see Stars, Can You See Them Too?"
I never expect PKI to scrap their plans for TR. I was writing my letter to let the parks know what I like, so that in 3 years we'll have a major coaster. I know it takes 3 years for the next big ride, that's why I'm writing now.
I've been on MF 3 times, it's great. But wouldn't it be cool to have a Giga like Steal Dragon with more hills and bunny hops at the end? Yes it would, so there is room for another Giga in Ohio and PKI has the room to build it.
Disney built DCA and noone is going because the coasters are just average kiddie rides. Their attendence in Orlando is down 7% and their hotels are only 70% full versus 90% at IOA (saw this in a report on another site). BGT built Rhino Rally and it's good but nothing special and now it's shut down because of the accident. Universal Studios built MIB which costed 100 million and is just a spin ride. It's cool, but I don't go to US to ride MIB, I go to ride Hulk and DD. BGW built a simulator for the Ireland section, those simulator rides make me literally sick.
See the pattern? If people lie down and take it, they'll keep building simulator rides. Then when it's time for a new coaster, they'll build a small clone, or a kiddie ride, with a small footprint saying they need to save money.
I always feel like the parks aren't listening to their fans. And that's why I had to let them know how I felt.
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Robin Fox - "I see Stars, Can You See Them Too?"
Your message doesn't seem like you are telling them to build a big ride next time around, it is your disapproval with their decision for TR:TR. Who said they weren't going to build a rollercoaster next time around. Since when do parks like PKI build clones?
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A New World. A New Technology. One Last Hope for Salvation. Neon Genesis Evangelion
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A New World. A New Technology. One Last Hope for Salvation. Neon Genesis Evangelion
"Their attendence in Orlando is down 7% and their hotels are only 70% full versus 90% at IOA."
Are you aware of exactly how many hotels Disneyworld has on property as opposed to Universal? And that WDW's near-coasterless Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world? Not that this has anything to do with the original topic.
I'm sure that pki IS listening to their fans. That's why they built Nick Central. That's why they're building Tomb Raider. They find out what people want, find out if it's profitable, and build it. It's called having something for everybody.
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com *** This post was edited by Jacob on 7/9/2001. ***
Are you aware of exactly how many hotels Disneyworld has on property as opposed to Universal? And that WDW's near-coasterless Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world? Not that this has anything to do with the original topic.
I'm sure that pki IS listening to their fans. That's why they built Nick Central. That's why they're building Tomb Raider. They find out what people want, find out if it's profitable, and build it. It's called having something for everybody.
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com *** This post was edited by Jacob on 7/9/2001. ***
IF you have ever rode Spiderman at the end you shoot up into the simulated sky at the top of the buildings and then plung to the bottom.Sounds the same of what PKI is going to have at the end of Tomb Raider.Sounds like its jsut going to be the same as Spiderman with different themeing
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Cedar Point, doesn't get any better then that:)
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Cedar Point, doesn't get any better then that:)
I for one am totally gung-ho for the Tomb Raider Ride. No, I don't think that if we let them build simulators now that they will keep building them instead of coasters. Parks know that simulators can NEVER match up to the in-your-face blast of air, the authentic feeling of being on a great rollercoaster. If MIB did cost 200 million and thinking that Tomb Raider would be about 50 million, (not saying that it is, just an example to get my point across) don't you think that parks should know that coasters would be a 'cheaper' way out? I'd certainly think so. Yes, many people are probably disappointed that it was not a rollercoaster. We do not see them being rude to park managers complaining about it. I for one would never dream of doing that. Robvia seems like he really enjoys Cedar Point over Kings Island. If this is the case and trying to compare Kings Island to Cedar Points Millennium Force, why don't you complain to Cedar Point as well and tell them to get a new ride? It's selfish to write to the head hancho, telling them what to do. Hey, we're lucky enough to get a dark ride here in Ohio. I haven't seen one, this will be a hit. I can GUARANTEE that. "And you can take that to the bank!" This will be a novelty, and so, it will be praised upon for what it is: A one of a kind ride. Stop complaining about it and enjoy what PKI puts out. They've worked their butts off to stay in the competition. Releasing 5 rollercoasters within a 6 year span. That is a LOT of money my friend. Give them credit. They deserve more than you could ever imagine.
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Shawn Bailes
110 Drumline
http://ohiodrumline.tripod.com
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Shawn Bailes
110 Drumline
http://ohiodrumline.tripod.com
Not really being a person who "jumps on other peoples thoughts", what the heck"
Robvia:
The equation of surfing for information or working in a cubicle should not even be considered in an equation of common sense and realistic sight.
For the 3 rides on MF by yourself, you can bet there are many many many many more people who have ridden other amusement park rides other than a rollercoaster and were filled with fun.
The bottom line here is the bottom line.
PKI has been doing the right things in recent times, and that equates to the bottom-line of PKI-Paramount-Viacom.
I am unsure of occupancy rates and the exact figures, but IOA just openned-up their 2nd hotel this year onsite.
It should not matter how much a ride costs to find entertainment in it.
You can bet the parks are not aiming at spending the utmost millions to impress the riders because they spent 100 million on MIB, or 200 million on Spiderman.
That's fine if you don't go to US to ride MIB, but many other people do.
The day some enthusiasts realize there is actually a near quantum leap between actual coaster enthusiasts and the general public, will be a day of improvement.
Nobody is going to lie down and take it, when it comes to the entertainment dollar in the amusement industry.
I rarely say this, but you really do need some sort of attitude adjustment as it pertains to the amusement park industry.
Robvia:
The equation of surfing for information or working in a cubicle should not even be considered in an equation of common sense and realistic sight.
For the 3 rides on MF by yourself, you can bet there are many many many many more people who have ridden other amusement park rides other than a rollercoaster and were filled with fun.
The bottom line here is the bottom line.
PKI has been doing the right things in recent times, and that equates to the bottom-line of PKI-Paramount-Viacom.
I am unsure of occupancy rates and the exact figures, but IOA just openned-up their 2nd hotel this year onsite.
It should not matter how much a ride costs to find entertainment in it.
You can bet the parks are not aiming at spending the utmost millions to impress the riders because they spent 100 million on MIB, or 200 million on Spiderman.
That's fine if you don't go to US to ride MIB, but many other people do.
The day some enthusiasts realize there is actually a near quantum leap between actual coaster enthusiasts and the general public, will be a day of improvement.
Nobody is going to lie down and take it, when it comes to the entertainment dollar in the amusement industry.
I rarely say this, but you really do need some sort of attitude adjustment as it pertains to the amusement park industry.
I wonder how many people email PKI a day complaining about TR the ride. If I would email PKI about TR:TR the ride I would say thanks for not giving out information, its great seeing everyone pissed off, wondering what it would be.
You know Kings Island didnt even have to announce they were getting a ride. They didnt have to disclose the price. They didnt even have to say it was a dark ride. But they did. You should be greatfull they mentioned anything. Even a name to it. I just wish you would all shut up. Suspense is supposed to be fun.
On the lines of rollecoasters.. some of the rollercoasters at PKI do pale in comparisson to rides at other parks, but they are classics. And Beast and Son of Beast could kick the crap outta and ride. Giga or not, I would rather have the Beast and Son of Beast. Now for all of you who are complaining that its not a coaster.. shut up. Im upset its not a coaster too. But if Kings Island says its not like anything else and it will change the face of thrill rides, it will be like nothing else and it WILL change the face of thrill rides. And for the person who said its going to be exactly like spiderman.. it wont be. Why would kings island want to copy some other parks idea? They'd rather do something 10 times better. I do beleive almost every new thing they have built in the past.. what 20+ years.. have either been a record or the first of its kind.
If you're going to email PKI, keep it to yourself. No one cares, they arent going to tell you anything different than what the press release says. The moment they release new information they will send it out to the people who signed up for the news letter. So I suggest you sign up and shut up.
You know Kings Island didnt even have to announce they were getting a ride. They didnt have to disclose the price. They didnt even have to say it was a dark ride. But they did. You should be greatfull they mentioned anything. Even a name to it. I just wish you would all shut up. Suspense is supposed to be fun.
On the lines of rollecoasters.. some of the rollercoasters at PKI do pale in comparisson to rides at other parks, but they are classics. And Beast and Son of Beast could kick the crap outta and ride. Giga or not, I would rather have the Beast and Son of Beast. Now for all of you who are complaining that its not a coaster.. shut up. Im upset its not a coaster too. But if Kings Island says its not like anything else and it will change the face of thrill rides, it will be like nothing else and it WILL change the face of thrill rides. And for the person who said its going to be exactly like spiderman.. it wont be. Why would kings island want to copy some other parks idea? They'd rather do something 10 times better. I do beleive almost every new thing they have built in the past.. what 20+ years.. have either been a record or the first of its kind.
If you're going to email PKI, keep it to yourself. No one cares, they arent going to tell you anything different than what the press release says. The moment they release new information they will send it out to the people who signed up for the news letter. So I suggest you sign up and shut up.
Robvia typed:
"I never expect PKI to scrap their plans for TR. I was writing my letter to let the parks know what I like, so that in 3 years we'll have a major coaster. I know it takes 3 years for the next big ride, that's why I'm writing now. "
I am willing to bet that insulting the park won't get you a single blink from anyone that works in the park.
I don't mean to keep such a nonsense thread going but I just don't understand the logic behind e-mailing the park when someone is disapointed about a coaster not being put in.
Can someone please shed some light on this for me?
Ten years ago if we had heard that a park was going to install a coaster one year after the other, we would be freaking out or doubting it. Since PKI has added a coaster every year since 1998, and other parks have done similar tactics, it seems to me that there is a increasing number of jaded enthusiasts that have more of the "WANT WANT WANT" logic instead of the " WOW! That sounds really cool! Let's ride it before we decide if we like it or not" type of thinking.
Why not look at the ride for what it is worth, instead of for what it isn't?
-Sean
HurricaneGeauga said:
"I have a question for you. At IOA which ride has the longest wait, and is he favorite ride there? What's that? Spiderman?
Here is my input i think it will be a simulator/coaster/flume/dark ride
sort of like JP mixed with spidey/ MIB/ and a water coaster. Why? They will use the 80 foot building. I also think it will be 3-D
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HurricaneGeauga- Just in case"
So HurricaneGeauga, did you even read the press release. It's not going to be like anything that has ever been out. And please, dont complain about the lines at IOA i went middle of June and the lines were only 45 min long.. But I booked smart and stayed at the Hard Rock with no line no wait.
Jacob said:
"And that WDW's near-coasterless Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world?"
Just a quick correction...Tokyo Disneyland is the most visited theme park in the world. Magic Kingdom is the most visited inside the continental United States. Just thought I would point that out since I am a mega Disney fan. TOGO_Fan
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If Every Coaster Was Rough, I'd Be In Heaven...
Check out this link....It should answer most of the ride questions....
http://213.196.27.24/grp_ride/lostcity.asp
These are the same guys who assembled the new vertical mine coaster in South Africa.
http://213.196.27.24/grp_ride/lostcity.asp
These are the same guys who assembled the new vertical mine coaster in South Africa.
That's a coaster. TOMB RAIDER is not a coaster(tm).
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com *** This post was edited by Jacob on 7/13/2001. ***
Jacob
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http://www.PKIGuide.com *** This post was edited by Jacob on 7/13/2001. ***
Man, this is one of the ugliest things I've ever read. It almost makes you want to hang up your coaster enthusiast "badge". No one should be demanding anything from a park like PKI that has given so much lately. The reason they're not releasing all the information is to build a buzz. Hey, it worked great for the movie ET. There are how many other parks he could be visiting in the US if he doesn't like PKI's direction? For all the good things the internet can supply, I'm afraid the instant gratification factor is one of the bad things.
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Batwing-Bow Down
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Batwing-Bow Down
Hopefully on a slightly saner note, I'd like to add that we are the unusual theme park fans. Many families go and quite a few people don't go on roller coasters (particularly when the height restrictions are nearly all 48-54"). Sure, we love coasters to death and will travel all around for them, but the variety of rides helps considerably.
My home park is SFGAdv, and while I haven't been on Nitro yet, I've been on all of the other coasters and love them dearly, knowing all of the elements. Chaos, Evolution, Twister (Top Spin), Jumpin' Jack Flash, and even Dino Island are must rides when I can help it. The Lethal Weapon Stunt Show is great for after meal digestion, too. The lines for many of these rides tend to be as long as the coaster lines. The make up of those lines are also different. The shows are good for the people who hate intense rides or for the crowd too young or old to go on the coasters. Parks can never forget these people because they come in and pay money as well.
Just thought I'd throw that little bit in.
My home park is SFGAdv, and while I haven't been on Nitro yet, I've been on all of the other coasters and love them dearly, knowing all of the elements. Chaos, Evolution, Twister (Top Spin), Jumpin' Jack Flash, and even Dino Island are must rides when I can help it. The Lethal Weapon Stunt Show is great for after meal digestion, too. The lines for many of these rides tend to be as long as the coaster lines. The make up of those lines are also different. The shows are good for the people who hate intense rides or for the crowd too young or old to go on the coasters. Parks can never forget these people because they come in and pay money as well.
Just thought I'd throw that little bit in.
robvia said:
"Disney built DCA and noone is going because the coasters are just average kiddie rides. Their attendence in Orlando is down 7% and their hotels are only 70% full versus 90% at IOA (saw this in a report on another site). BGT built Rhino Rally and it's good but nothing special and now it's shut down because of the accident. Universal Studios built MIB which costed 100 million and is just a spin ride. It's cool, but I don't go to US to ride MIB, I go to ride Hulk and DD. BGW built a simulator for the Ireland section, those simulator rides make me literally sick."
If a 6,000 foot looping Intamin launched coaster is a kiddie ride, I must have been left on Back to the Future at Universal. I have a feeling that most of the negative comments on DCA are coming from some of the 'snobbish' coaster enthusiasts. I found the park to be very interesting and look very beautiful with it's theming. Granted the park opened with the poor man's Tower of Terror and Great Movie Ride, I had a great time and would gladly go again. Even IOA has a less-than-perfect pair of S&S towers and a cheesy flat ride not up to standards.
About the Disney and Universal resorts, I'm not surprised when Disney has almost 23 resorts I believe and Universal is working on their 3rd. Anyway, I know the main reason for attendance down has to do with the return of the MSEP back to Disneyland and all of the 2000 celebration being gone this year. I would expect another increase next year with the addition of dueling crazy mouses to AK and Walt's 100th Birthday at MGM. They're actually up in attendance at MGM anyway, because of Millionaire. Epcot was the only big dipper(although still the second most visited park in the nation), because of the 2000 things.
I'm not too crazy about the simulators like "Bermuda Triangle", "Akbar's Adventures", or "Wild Arctic" either as they're usually not very interesting and make me a little sick. But Men in Black and Spiderman were the highlights of my Florida trip last week and I had at least 5 rides on each of them. That's more than the coaster I rode the most, Kraken, at 4 times. They are a ton of fun for me and therefore, I'm extremely excited about Tomb Raider. I was actually pretty pissed that Rhino Rally was still closed.
Lastly, if theming and dark rides weren't such a big deal, why are the top 10 parks in the US almost all theme parks: MK, Epcot, MGM, AK, Disneyland, BGT, SWF, IOA, USF,... Cedar Point is #14 I think, followed very closely by the usual Ohio dominator PKI at #15 hoping to bury them with the new attraction next year. I hope they give them a run too.
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Danny
"Disney built DCA and noone is going because the coasters are just average kiddie rides. Their attendence in Orlando is down 7% and their hotels are only 70% full versus 90% at IOA (saw this in a report on another site). BGT built Rhino Rally and it's good but nothing special and now it's shut down because of the accident. Universal Studios built MIB which costed 100 million and is just a spin ride. It's cool, but I don't go to US to ride MIB, I go to ride Hulk and DD. BGW built a simulator for the Ireland section, those simulator rides make me literally sick."
If a 6,000 foot looping Intamin launched coaster is a kiddie ride, I must have been left on Back to the Future at Universal. I have a feeling that most of the negative comments on DCA are coming from some of the 'snobbish' coaster enthusiasts. I found the park to be very interesting and look very beautiful with it's theming. Granted the park opened with the poor man's Tower of Terror and Great Movie Ride, I had a great time and would gladly go again. Even IOA has a less-than-perfect pair of S&S towers and a cheesy flat ride not up to standards.
About the Disney and Universal resorts, I'm not surprised when Disney has almost 23 resorts I believe and Universal is working on their 3rd. Anyway, I know the main reason for attendance down has to do with the return of the MSEP back to Disneyland and all of the 2000 celebration being gone this year. I would expect another increase next year with the addition of dueling crazy mouses to AK and Walt's 100th Birthday at MGM. They're actually up in attendance at MGM anyway, because of Millionaire. Epcot was the only big dipper(although still the second most visited park in the nation), because of the 2000 things.
I'm not too crazy about the simulators like "Bermuda Triangle", "Akbar's Adventures", or "Wild Arctic" either as they're usually not very interesting and make me a little sick. But Men in Black and Spiderman were the highlights of my Florida trip last week and I had at least 5 rides on each of them. That's more than the coaster I rode the most, Kraken, at 4 times. They are a ton of fun for me and therefore, I'm extremely excited about Tomb Raider. I was actually pretty pissed that Rhino Rally was still closed.
Lastly, if theming and dark rides weren't such a big deal, why are the top 10 parks in the US almost all theme parks: MK, Epcot, MGM, AK, Disneyland, BGT, SWF, IOA, USF,... Cedar Point is #14 I think, followed very closely by the usual Ohio dominator PKI at #15 hoping to bury them with the new attraction next year. I hope they give them a run too.
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Danny
Closed topic.
