Parks visiting other parks?

One of my favorite stories:

It was once reported on Screamscape that four SFNE employees visited Hersheypark one rainy day to ride Roller Soaker - which of course was a sure sign they were looking to build one at their park. The person who submitted this nugget knew they were SFNE employees because they were wearing rain coats with the park's logo on them.

Turns out the four were Gator, Bass, Jimvid, and myself. We bought the jackets at SFNE because of the constant rain we'd encountered that trip. ;)

Perhaps they are back at it again but when I worked at Cedar Point in the 90's the park visits had ground to a halt. Some of the VP's and Kinzel himself would take park trips but that was about it.

In earlier years I understand that is was much more common for even middle management to go check out the competition and learn from others. Maybe Dick felt there was nothing left for those folks to learn but I suspect it had more to do with money and time.

I don't know how it is at Holiday World but the days of an offseason, even for seasonal parks, are over. Back in the day things were pretty quiet from November-April at Cedar Point. That isn't the case anymore.

Yes...we bemoan the loss of having a bit of slow time.

This year, more than ever, we're already working on next season. It's confusing...but exciting. :)

Paula

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Raven Maven said:
Actually, it's quite fun to visit with folks from other parks. Most of us are cut from the same cloth--we have a good time sharing ideas and telling stories.

Paula

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I wish I would've been told that before I came over last year... ;) (That, and I wanted to compliment a couple of your workers, too.)

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Raven Maven said:

Oh...and we talk about enthusiasts, too. ;)

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Oh, do we ever!

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Raven Maven said:
This year, more than ever, we're already working on next season. It's confusing...but exciting. :)

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Next season? What could you possibly need to start doing that far in advance? 60th season, so I guess you have to build something bigger than Kingda Ka or something... as a water slide. 'Playa knows it's true.

Well, they can't launch your inner tube into Bahari faster than 40 MPH without slamming you into those spitting heads and besides...*claps hand over mouth*

Ooh. I've already said too much.

*takes off running*

-Me

If anything, I think Cedar Point could learn something from Six Flags Fiesta Texas. That is up there as one of the best looking parks I've ever seen (BGW still gets top honors). I didn't see one bit of grafitti anywhere (they confescate markers and pens at the entrance I was told by guest relations). Throw in the rock quarry and the various themed areas, and it's one tough park to beat appearance wise. The patriotic show at night was also great. Now, if they only remove the horrible triple-helix on Rattler and get a replacement for the deported Vekoma coaster, it would be even better.

SFFT was a fantastic park, and as far as *hospitality* is concerned, MOST parks could learn a lot from them....theming, shows, friendliness, VERY good park all-around.

The treble-helix would be FINE if they'd loosen up the trim entering that section...now it's just boring.

Now, as far as "confescating", that just SOUNDS dirty...;)