SFWOA Attendance

Where is everyone getting the attendance figure of 1.5 million people this year?  With X-Flight having lines of over 4 hours this summer, this statistic seems to be low.

Yes, but X-Flight's capacity was what?  400 pph?  Am I giving them too much here?  I really have no clue what it was, but it wasn't good.  Jeff has been mentioning the 1.5 million figure and it is supposedly based on a reliable source of market research I think. 

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-Matt
2001 Magnum Crew

I bet 1.5 million is pretty accurate. When I went it seemed like they got the regular Geauga Lake crowd on the rides side, but many of the Sea World customers abandoned them. The wildlife side was completely dead compared to what it was like when it was Sea World. Maybe the whales will help on the wildlife side, but it'll be an uphill battle to get the business back. I don't see 2002 being a better year for SFWOA, since any gains in the wildlife side will probably go with a loss on the rides side, since they don't have a major new rides attraction for 2002. The new hypercoaster was apparently cancelled because of problems with the residents around the park.

They're getting that number from me. I've seen credible third-party marketing research that indicates they did 1.5 million this year. From my visits, that wouldn't surprise me. Whatever attendance Sea World had is gone. Even in the peak of the season it was dead over there. The "feel" of that side of the park isn't what it used to be (ever more clear to me after visiting Sea World Orlando).

Losing the whales was one thing, but there are little things about the actual condition of the park that are troubling as well. I've mentioned the poor condition of the habitats (Penguin Encounter is disgusting), but even the human habitats aren't great. There's a restaurant building near the ferry dock filled with boxes and stock, all plainly visible through windows to the public. Hello? The idea for amusement parks is to not let them see your "inards."

I want so much for this park to get it together. One industry person put it to me this way: Six Flags as a company is still young and management poor. Until the bankers that run the company get industry talent in key positions, the company as a whole will not have the service level that the independents, Cedar Fair, to some degree Paramount and the Orlando parks can give.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

So the wildlife area really was dead? It was deserted when I went as well all three times but I though maybe I was just in a small park of the old Sea World and the people were everywhere else.

Edit: I'd like to add, that I talked to a nice older lady the other day, and she said she didn't go back (she's a SW fan) because she likes the animals and friendly enviroment, not the rides. I'll post something more about this soon.

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Buckeye Lake's coming back!
My fellow Americans; Let's Roll!
WoodenCoaster.com

*** This post was edited by bigkirby on 12/3/2001. ***

Who in the ride mind would let any SF park care for animals? Its pure insanity! They can't even take care of a big piece of wood or steel.
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Six Flags New England loses its "floor" for 2002!!!
Visit www.geocities.com/sfneguy for info. about SFNE!!!

The park is getting back on it's feet. While I agree that Cedar Point is managed better, Six Flags takes care of Villain fine. :)

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SFWoA Online
http://sfwoa.coasterbuzz.com

srosatsfne, that's a low blow. Six Flags has had the safari drive-thru at Great Adventure for years, and I haven't read about any complaints. I also think your comment about them not being able to take care of a coaster is also ridiculous. According to a credible source, SFA did 2 million visitors this year. And that's without:
a) A CCI
b) A B&M
c) A large waterpark
d) A wildlife park

And before anyone says SFA has no competition, consider that PKD and HP are two hours away in either direction.

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SFA 2002-What are they building?

srosatsfne, LMAO.  The funniest things in life are those that ring true the most...
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the buzzer formerly known as gatorwoodie
Son of Drop Zone - PKI CoasterCamp I Champions!!!

From my sources at work we did a lot better then 1.5mil. Add another million to that. This was from all upper management that I became good friends with. Of course your right the parks true stats will never be released so its all one person 3rd party vs. another. Again though who I heard it from was very realible.
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Don't mess with the X in 01
X-Flight team member 2001!

I'd believe the 1.5 million stat. It seems that whenever I went to the park there weren't too many people there. Lines for X-Flight always took a while even though there weren't many people in line. The wildlife side also seemed pretty deserted.
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There is no force like Millennium Force!

Attendance and revenues are two separate things.  I recall hearing about a big corporate event at the beginning of the season where they sold discounted tickets for under $5.  In-park spending better have been pretty high on that day to balance the loss at the gate.

I agree that in-park spending is a big deal, but you can't emphasize it as the expense of your gate integrity. I mean, they jack up parking to $10, sell Fastlane tickets, etc., meanwhile you can get discounted tickets or bring a friend in for free with your season pass. If the average gate is less than $20 for a park that size, that's bad if you ask me.

Other parks I've been to offer discounts within reason, but they're giving it away in Aurora.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

Ah, but SF can afford to "take a hit" at the Ohio park and make up for it elsewhere.  If Paramount and CF gave away the gate at their OH parks, it would be devastating to the bottom line.  I think SF is looking more long-term in OH, and they see that any dent they put into the other chains "flagship" parks is good for SF...even if it is bad for competition (and therefore, ultimately, the consumer).

And, on a side note, I certainly spend a LOT more in terms of souvenirs, food, etc., when I am at a park where I feel that I've gotten a "deal" at the gate.  For me, this does NOT mean a cheap/reduced admission so much as a great VALUE (see: HW, KW).  Shoot, Jill and I got into Dorney for less that $30 total.  Bottom line:  If a park is run well, has great rides, and friendly staff, I'll gladly spend money to advertise for them...

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the buzzer formerly known as gatorwoodie
Son of Drop Zone - PKI CoasterCamp I Champions!!!

wut does LMAO mean? sry about the wildlife thing i just had to let a little steam off about SFNE's management and there hasn't been any SFNE posts lately.

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Six Flags New England loses its "floor" for 2002!!!
Visit www.geocities.com/sfneguy for info. about SFNE!!!

LMAO means Laugh(ing) My *** Off

I miss Geauga Lake and Shamu :(

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Buckeye Lake's coming back! :)
My fellow Americans; Let's Roll!
WoodenCoaster.com