Moreover, CP has just about reached 'market saturation' in its sphere of influence. They basically have to introduce major installations just to keep attendance up, primarily because all the people in the are that want to go to CP *alreasy* go to CP. To grow the business, they have to convince *new* people to go to CP. Tapping previously limited/unxplored areas is a good way to start.
Now, while I think going after Chicago peeps is a good strategy, that should reap rewards, I *do* question targeting the Baltimore area. Living here in DC, there are no less than SEVEN different amusement parks within about a four hours drive (Kennywood, Knoebels, Hershey, SFGAdv, SFA, PKD, BGW and several smaller ones). I dont know what tpye of penetration they will make in this market. I will note that either last year, or the year before, I saw commercials on a Bmore station for Kennywood. I wonder did that help them out any.
And just to respond to timber guy, I cannot see CP being percieved as any less "commercial" than SFI since every thing you get from CP in the way of tourist guides has Snoopy plasterd all over it. Furthermore, I'm not certain that the "lakeside" aspect will be a winner either, though that just might be me being jaded growing up a five minute walk away from Lake Michigan on Chicago's Southside!
What *will* go over big is just the chance to do something new. Most Chi peeps who are interested in amusement parks have been to SFGAm many times already. There is no real "big" competition other than the relatively *tiny* parks of Indiana Beach and Santa's Village. The thought of a HUGE park not *too* far away, would be very intriguing. From the few people I know of in Chi who have heard of Cedar Point, all of them are more excited about going there in the future than SFGAm, primarily because of the mindset that "different is better". Good move on Cedar Fair's part. My wallet will thank them :)
lata, jeremy
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The world's next Miss Universe?
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BMCOASTER
bmcoaster@wi.rr.com
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YOUNGSTOWN 2010
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http://popupdreams.tripod.com
*** This post was edited by Starcraft Dad 6/5/2003 2:13:31 AM ***
-Matt
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I-4: The scariest ride in all of Orlando!
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"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation." - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
http://www.loopscrew.com
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YOUNGSTOWN 2010
Mr. Kinzels house is the most visible one. Does that home look extravagant to you? I have been inside. It is nice but it is not a mansion. There are much bigger homes over in Sandusky.
timberguy said:
CP is more of a destination than SFGAm.
I could not disagree more. Some of you CP "slaves" disgust me. (Sorry if that was harsh, been driving me crazy lately)
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Warning: I do not think like the average person. My remarks have plenty of thought behind them. Take it for what it's worth, if you disagree, please, feel free to express it, but don't put me down because of it.
*** This post was edited by SFGAMDie HARD 6/5/2003 5:42:42 PM ***
Carlo
My home park is SFGAm, and as much as I really like the park, you are seriously delusional if you believe that SFGAm is more of a "destination park" than CP.... How many resort hotels does GAm have? Oh, that's right, NONE. Yes, there are hotels nearby, but most of those didn't show up until AFTER Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall opened...but even so, the number of hotel rooms near GAm is nowhere near what there is at CP.
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--George H
---Currency tracking experiment... http://www.wheresgeorge.com (Referring to The "George" on the $1 bill - Not Me)
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Warning: I do not think like the average person. My remarks have plenty of thought behind them. Take it for what it's worth, if you disagree, please, feel free to express it, but don't put me down because of it.
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Do you bleed Blue?
wahoo skipper said:
He doesn't own all of those houses on the Chausee.
I don't mean just there. How about someplace warm, Florida?
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YOUNGSTOWN 2010
Most families don't go to Branson just to go to SDC. Most families don't go to Washington DC just to go to SFA. However, many families do go to places like Orlando, and even Sandusky, just to take part in the theme park offerings. I cannot think of any other US cities off the top of my head (well, MAYBE Williamsburg) that draw families to them for the sole purpose of going to a theme park, usually for multiple days at a time.
-Matt
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I-4: The scariest ride in all of Orlando!
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