Kinzel hints at 2011 ride in Sandusky Register

What you describe Dave sounds more like a disconnect between what Intamin promised and what they delivered.

Much like Holiday World's version of a flume by Intamin...

Much like almost everything Intamin does IMO.

^^^Took the words right out of my mouth. I'm still firmly in the I-can't-believe-they-screwed-up-a-flume-...-...-...-TWICE camp.

Recently, mostly, at least in the states. Those MiniHyper things they've been building left and right look fun. And iSpeed looks like a blast.

My argument against StR isn't that it was overhyped, or that it was somehow misrepresented to what was announced. My argument against it is that it isn't what they insinuated it would be after they removed WWL. I was disappointed in the announcement before it even opened.

All they said was that they were replacing WWL with another water ride.

I am loathe to criticize when I have not ridden the thing but everything about the ride screams Dollywood...not Cedar Point to me. Is it nice looking? Yes. It certainly is an improvement to the area. But, I really expected something better when they took out WWL and just by looking at the ride I think I would prefer WWL.

I think that once StR's boat issues are corrected, and the area grows in with all the charm they've planted (a damn lot, from what I can tell), people's perception of the ride, especially with regard to people comparing it to WWL, will change substantially.

The park never came out and stated that they were replacing the void left by WWL's departure with a ride that would copy the experience. Why would they?

I think Cedar Point could use a little of the "Dollywood" charm; that was actually a good comparison when I think of the ride; and DJ is 100% correct. When WWL was installed did it feel like a log ride in the trees? No...it felt like a log ride through a barren gutted forest that grew in over time...and this will be the same experience. The ride looks flippin amazing from the Frontier Trail.

I agree. And let us not forget that all of this change (oh, I said the "c" word) brought us Maverick, a completely awesome coaster. And if we didn't have Maverick, I'm guessing there would be quite a bit of grumbling that CP hasn't put in any great coasters lately.

All of the complaining really does get old at times. If StR doesn't float your boat for flume experiences, then enjoy the parks that still offer the ones you enjoy. Take CP for the things it offers that those other parks don't. Every park doesn't have to meet the entire spectrum of every park goers preferences.

Carrie M. said:
Every park doesn't have to meet the entire spectrum of every park goers preferences.

I don't think any park (or even single addition) can. Which is why it always feels like someone is complaining.

I dunno, I think Dollywood meets my spectrum. Even without an Intamin Hyper and a huge swinging flat ;).

One could only hope that StR was anything like Dollywood's flume, which is, I'll say again, amazing!

StR just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I know how that sounds. I do enjoy other parks that have a real flume ride, instead. I haven't been to CP in 4 years.

Did they really need another big, awesome, high-tech thrill coaster when they installed Maverick? Was it worth it to remove a classic and popular log flume? To me, no. Amusement parks seem more fun when their are many different experiences to enjoy, and people expect this, especially at such a large park as Cedar Point.

For example, Kings Island has a real flume ride. ;)

LostKause said:
Did they really need another big, awesome, high-tech thrill coaster when they installed Maverick?

Yes.

Was it worth it to remove a classic and popular log flume? To me, no.

Ummm... Have you ever ridden Maverick?!? ;)

Amusement parks seem more fun when their are many different experiences to enjoy, and people expect this, especially at such a large park as Cedar Point.

So, I don't really get it. Cedar Point has, like, 70 attractions. They took out a flume and put another flume in. For most people (non-enthusiasts), that's the same thing.

Now, granted, there are some height requirement issues at CP, where they could fill in some gaps, but as far as many different experiences, they have the beach, coasters, rides of all sorts, shows, upcharges, a waterpark, what more experiences do they need, and how does that relate to StR not being a good addition?

LostKause said:

Amusement parks seem more fun when their are many different experiences to enjoy, and people expect this, especially at such a large park as Cedar Point.

See, this is where I think the important distinction lies. I don't think every amusement park is a one size fits all experience. Ever. I don't think people go to any given amusement park with an ideal in their head of a typical amusement park experience.

I would suggest that people don't go to Hershey expecting the experience they had at Kennywood and they don't go to Kennywood expecting the experience they had at Dollywood and they don't go to Dollywood expecting the experience they had at Cedar Point. Throwing out home park biases, I think every park has a special marketing push they offer that is distinctive to other parks.

I believe Cedar Point's distinction has always been their coaster experiences. I understand they've wanted to broaden their market base in the recent years and likely they have to some extent. But their core base has been their coaster offerings. I would reckon without Maverick, the majority would be more unsatisfied than the few that wish WWL were still around over StR.

Maverick certainly is getting a lot of love - did I ride the same ride as everyone else? I agree this it COULD be an amazing experience...all CP needs to do is re-engineer the restraints so they're more like Carolina Cobra or the "new" I-305...

StR vs. WWL? I never rode either, so I can't compare at all... ;)

WWL wasn't removed just to build Maverick, it was removed because it was falling apart and becoming a money suck. I imagine the cost-per-ride on that thing was astronomical.

Carrie M. said:
I don't think people go to any given amusement park with an ideal in their head of a typical amusement park experience.

I don't think people think about amusement parks (and the experience) as much as we like to think they do. :)

Seriously though, you know what I mean.