CoasterBuzz Podcast #94 posted

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Jeff and Pat review this week's news in the amusement industry.

Kennywood goes Hollywood. We were barely alive for the Brady Bunch episode at Kings Island.
There was a fire at Alton Towers. Does a park that's not usually open at night really need outdoor lights?
We say it every other show, but we'd really like to see park-by-park attendance results from Cedar Fair. Conference call is Tuesday. Jeff says the company owes a more detailed explanation about why Geauga Lake failed, just to put the unit holders minds' at ease.
Recycling ride names is really inconsequential for most of the park-going public.
The bridge on Ravine Flyer II is truly destined to be a landmark.
Geauga Lake pricing sounds about right, emphasizing the season pass. Will they be able to sell the value proposition right? Is it a better value against local recreation centers? Kind of surprised that they're charging for parking at all.
Mainstream media buys are not the be-all, end-all to success.
What's wrong with putting a tourist attraction next to something historic? Gonch compares to Hershey as being the complete package. Jeff reminds us that the US doesn't have a whole lot of history to begin with.
When a wood coaster has been completely replaced over time, is it still historic? Gonch asks if a copy is just as important.
Why is public breastfeeding even an issue? Which part of it is something that's dirty or improper?
The amusement industry isn't very good at looking outside of itself and is stuck in a rut. Shapiro said this last year, but Jeff thinks he's not doing what he said.
Jeff shares details of his IAAPA presentation, and of closing weekend on the Paddlewheel Excursion.

Phoenix = The Rocket. ;)

I think they knew well in advance that the Paramount Park attendances would drop with the change in admission policies. So eliminating the per-park breakouts makes their life easier...

-'Playa

I'm starting to realize there are 2 types of coaster geeks. The 'it's reality, get over it' type, and the type that have a love and respect for most coasters, etc, especially the oldies - Geauga, Conneaut, etc.

I guess in the brainwashed corporate money hungry american society, it's gonna be that way to an extent.

Lemme go get myself one of those North Face jackets. On my way to the Point of course. (First I'd better post in the 'Secret' thread - after I "get a life" of course).
*** This post was edited by J7G3 11/6/2007 12:03:27 PM ***

J7G3 said:
I'm starting to realize there are 2 types of coaster geeks. The 'it's reality, get over it' type, and the type that have a love and respect for most coasters, etc, especially the oldies - Geauga, Conneaut, etc.

Love and respect?

I love and respect my wife, my parents, friends, family - that sort of thing.

I pay to ride roller coasters.

Forgive me for not putting those two things on the same level. I have clearly sinned.

---

Then again, who's to say you can't have it both ways - an emotional attachment, but also an abilty to accept the reality of things?

The first without the second describes a child when they want something and can't have it. What does that child do? Whine, complain and maybe even throw a fit...

...oh wait, nevermind. :)

Hmmm... too bad I can't figure out how to 'quote' your response Gonch, like you quoted mine.

You're forgiven :) I sure as heck have a love for amusement parks and rollercoasters. Of course I wouldn't compare that to the wellbeing or feelings I have for other humans.

The Geauga Lake Big Dipper is special to people because it is old, but also because how often do you get to ride in big open seats like that? If it was built somewhere else, the 'classicness' of it would be gone.

Sure, I know I whine and complain. I have my faults.

I guess I do that sometimes, and sometimes I'm just sarcastic and make fun of others ... it's a toss up. I'd rather just try to argue my point instead of trying to make others look like asshats. I'm so well-worded, I know. Hey, we all got our opinions ;)

Can you respond without being sarcastic? Not trying to be jerk, I'm genuinely curious.

I think sometimes what is sarcastic to one person, is not sarcastic to someone else. Especially when you read it online or in a forum or email, it's tough to tell what the person who wrote it was trying to convey.

There is so much sarcasm on this forum, but it's sarcasm only to me when I see it that way. Same goes for the podcast. I think we all have our opinions, I sure as heck don't mean any of this to directly insult or hurt anyone. I like reading things that make me think. Sometimes I just can't help but think the way our society is helps us think in a 'little box.' It's tough to get out of it.

Make any sense? Wording myself is not one of my strong points. I'm better at it in person.

I see it from the exact opposite angle.

Just because I'm an enthusiast and post to the forums and do the podcast and have my own site or whatever, I'm suddely supposed to manufacture this attachment to the rides that, quite frankly, just doesn't exist for me.

It's all about perspective and neither side is right or wrong in opinion.

On a coaster forum, people tend to not want to hear "TEAR IT DOWN!!!!"

On a land developers forum people probably don't want to hear about coaster preservation when talking about the exact same issue.

The point is, it only feels weird to say, "I don't care if that ride is destroyed" in this little enthusiast microcosm. Anywhere else and it's a perfectly acceptable opinion that has nothing to do with societal conditioning.

I see your point, Gonch, but wholeheartedly disagree with the last sentence. Devo was right (see wikipedia).

It's just an attitude in society, pay more to skip the line, etc. etc., I just think it sucks. I'm really into karma, so that may explain a lot.

I'm also increasingly board with the new B&M's, etc., and the way the parks are being run, flash pass and all that. I have a strong soft spot for the older parks, just my preference. I love the big newer parks too, I just think they could be run a little better.

As far as public breastfeeding, I have no problem if it's done discreetly. My problem is the militaristic wackos who scream they need to feed their kid anytime, anywhere, and if you can't deal with it, then it's your fault you're so repressed. If I'm at an amusement park, that's the last thing I want to see. And maybe some parents don't want their kids to see it, either. Not all "natural" functions need to be done publicly without some discretion.*** This post was edited by ilovethewildone 11/8/2007 6:16:21 AM ***

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