Exclusive: Matt Ouimet interview

I think he's surrounded by a pretty good team, too. Even though a lot of the executives have been around at CF or PP for a long time, those that remain don't seem like the types who were stuck in Dick-and-Jack mode. In fact, I suspect they're finally in a place where they can realize their full potential.

I did notice that the car in his parking spot still has California plates, but hopefully he's not in any hurry to leave!

Nice job Jeff.

Thanks for that video, Jeff. I've been feeling jaded against Cedar Fair for the last few years. But, upon seeing this, I can truly say I'm excited for the future of the company and Cedar Point in particular. It's especially nice to see the CEO respect the position of the GM when headquarters is located at the flagship park.

I like hime so much. He said he hasn't had a lot of time as far as operating season goes. He's going to be impressed with the Ride Operations teams. I've never been to a park where you keep walking the majority of the time in line for coasters other than at CF parks.

My favorite part of the interview was his discussing "genetic vacation behavior" as a reason to appeal to families and kids. I wonder sometimes if my attractions to amusement parks now is due to my exposure to them as a kid.

Nice interview. He's the kind of guy you could listen to for hours. You know, like Gonch. ;-)

Perhaps we should do a podcast. :)

We would have to try to remember how. :-)

I figure we'll be due after Dollywood.

I really enjoyed the interview. It seems like he gets it. He gets the whole family aspect, and how important it is to Cedar Fair to bring future generations into their park. I know with my family I enjoy sharing the amusement park trips, and how much fun it be.

My son will be 21, and he really has no interest in it anymore unless he's going with us. My 9 year old daughter is on the other end of the spectrum at this point. She loves amusement parks. Even though she's tall enough to ride most rides, she just isn't that brave yet to do them all. She loves getting books and reading about amusement parks, and coasters. Will that continue? Or will she go the way of my son is another question. He was the same way as her when he was younger.

Growing up in my family we went to Wildwood every year for vacation, and that's where I fell in love with amusement parks, and coasters. I believe most families have some type of exposure to parks. My parents were never big amusement park fans, but they love Wildwood's boardwalk. They would encourage us to ride. My mom only like to ride rides at Disney parks. For some reason with Disney's name on the ride she felt more safe. I loved our Disney trips growing up, and that still is one of my favorite paces to visit.

I like that Matt gets that. Being from Disney how can he not? I like that at the same time he realizes Cedar Fairs niche, and that is their rollercoasters. He understands that's part of it. I think he's going to take them in a much better direction than they were heading with Kinzel at the helm. I look forward to more enjoyable experiences with out Cedar Fair Platinum Passes.