Maverick marketing: too apologetic?

So, I finally got around to watching the interviews and reading the web site material.

Is Cedar Point being way too apologetic about the size of this thing? The entire batch of material practically screams "we know it's not tall, but it will still be fun anyway. Really! Trust us!"

It would seem that the reaction is favorable around CBuzz and (from what little I've read) PointBuzz. And, really, if a bunch of coaster dorks aren't all worked up about how "not tall" it is, why would anybody else be?

It's almost as if they've been marketing the Tallest and Fastest so long, that they aren't sure what to do with this thing...despite the fact that most of us seem pretty excited by it.

Well, how much has the mainstream national media paid attention to recent rides at Dollywood, SFOG or La Ronde? I don't know that they intended to capture national attention, but Cedar Point is used to getting it. You also never know what the reaction will be until it's out there, and the interviews were shot months ago (well, that, and individuals expressing their feelings about the ride aren't generally a cohesive parts of a specific marketing goal).

I have been saying for a long time that CP does not know how to market anything that is not a record. My point was that they would always build records and I was wrong about that, I apparently I was right they don't know how to market something that they can't say "ON THE PLANET" about.

I watched all the interviews and didn't detect anything apologetic about them at all.

Personally, I think everyone needs to stop disecting every little thing they do and just chill. First it was the signs, then are they marketing too much, now they are under marketing it.

This Cedar Point marketing conversation is getting almost as annoying as the Apple vs. Microsoft conversation. *** Edited 9/12/2006 6:03:54 PM UTC by eightdotthree***

If they market something as Tallest and Fastest people say that's all they can do. Now that they are marketing something as not being the "-est" everyone says they don't know how to market.

Make up your minds people.

-Tambo

I'm on the west coast (yes, Los Angeles) and most people I ask about Cedar Point have never heard of it. And I'm talking about people standing in que for coaster rides... the enthusiasts.

The good thing is they've built something that lasts more than 12 seconds (TTD). WT was a waste in my opinion (riding a piece of track back and forth) and MF is absolutely boring after the tunnel. This ride seems to at least give a good ride with exciting elements all the way through. I'm glad they've finally realized they don't always have to break records to draw a crowd. Sometimes less is more.

I'll ride it in two years. I'm off to Port Aventura, Spain next spring to ride their new Intamin 4d.

I don't think I have ever accused Cedar Point of marketing "too much." I'm not even sure such a thing is possible, as long as you don't break the bank doing it. So, I have made up my mind, thanks. I'm just surprised that some of the marketing material focuses on what the ride *isn't*, rather than what it *is*.

I heard someone on the radio this morning refer to Maverick as a new version Cedar Creek mine ride, except on steroids.
ahhhh, free advertising.

I don't know, but saying 'Our 17th Coaster' doesn't sound apologetic to me.

I didn't get the apologetic vibe, either. Maybe CP just wanted to say "Hey, it's not a record-breaker, like just about all our other coasters, but this time we tried to go for the fun instead of the record books." I think they'll be proven right. Maverick looks like it's going to be a blast.

"We've quit breaking records, and started having FUN instead".... :)

As a side note, check out the clever use of the stock ticker symbol... why am I not *marketeering* someone's new ride right NOW??!!? ;)

I think so too---this may well have more staying power than just about anything else they've built in a while.

But, why not just say "We're building a really fun coaster that the whole family will enjoy", rather than tack on the "It's not a record breaker, but..." part first?

The word but, IMO, is a sure-fire sign that someone graduated with a marketing degree without having really LEARNED the subject... ;)

Unless it's "But wait, there's more..." :)

Ron Popeil, you ARE a marketeer... LOL!
*** Edited 9/12/2006 6:54:26 PM UTC by rollergator***

While all you guys are debating about this coaster I will be in line.....still not giving a rat's ass about the specifics or any other trivial BS. ;)

Doesn't anyone just WANT to ride and get the "feel" for coasters anymore?

-Tina

Of course I do---but unless you know something I don't, this one isn't available to be ridden yet.

This is just another one of those business-side-of-the-industry questions, kind of like the interminable price war question. It isn't about the coaster itself.

Perhaps they should have apologized for the fiasco that was TTD it's first two years. ;)

Other than that, Maverick IMO is their most solid addition since Magnum and Gemini, and I'm glad parks are getting that in today's jaded market, pure fun aces fear, intimidation and ego.

It's still not enough to get me to fly back to CP anytime soon, but it looks like they've easily scored a winner with this one (possible capacity issues aside).

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Brian Noble said:This is just another one of those business-side-of-the-industry questions, kind of like the interminable price war question. It isn't about the coaster itself.

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But Brian, that's our point (well, mine anyway, LOL). Do CP guests really CARE about the business side of the industry? IMO, not one iota! They DO care about "Hey, what's CP getting NEXT year"...and frankly, they've been fed the TTD apologies - to the Po!nt where CP lowered admission prices already.

I just don't see where CP would do any good to *air its dirty laundry* or even to suggest that Maverick is anything LESS than "the strongest addition since Magnum". When seeling season passes for next year, isn't it really "all about the coaster"?

As usual, I have no EMOTIONAL connection to any particular side/aspect of the argument...but I do love the discussion... :)

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RavenTTD said:
I have been saying for a long time that CP does not know how to market anything that is not a record. My point was that they would always build records and I was wrong about that, I apparently I was right they don't know how to market something that they can't say "ON THE PLANET" about.

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I totally agree! Like with SkyHawk..I never saw Advertising for it and when I went with my friends this year, they had no clue CP even had a new ride.

I think Maverick will get alot of attention, esp. since its CPs 17th coaster and all the construction hype for it.

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rollergator said:
The word but, IMO, is a sure-fire sign that someone graduated with a marketing degree without having really LEARNED the subject...

Unless it's "But wait, there's more..."

Ron Popeil, you ARE a marketeer... LOL!

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Or for Levis: "Yo but be bangin' in yo Levis!"

^ "NOW how much would you pay?".... :)

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Nathan Alex said:
I totally agree! Like with SkyHawk..I never saw Advertising for it and when I went with my friends this year, they had no clue CP even had a new ride.

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Where are you from? I am in Pittsburgh and saw lots of tv ads for it.