Six Flags WOA attendance
No, they (Cedar Fair) don't have the resources to buy the chain. Kinzel, in an interview not that long ago, said that one of his biggest regrets was not buying Geauga Lake when they had the chance.
The Funtime company that bought Geauga Lake in the early 80's was made up of former executives of Cedar Point. I don't know at what point Kinzel is referring to but it could have been then or it could have been sometime more recently.
If they sold enough shares of stock, CF could conceivably buy the whole chain. Look at how Premier Parks bought Six Flags a few years back.
But why would they?
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-Rob
Don't forget to vote for your favorite wooden coasters @ http://www.geocities.com/wcoasterpoll - the polls are open until November 30th!
Danny, who hears he just visits CP at the wrong times...
If Premier Parks (SFI) didnt' come in when they did and purchased the park, Geauga Lake, as it was, probably would not be here today.
That park was dying a slow death.
GLP was Funtime's cash cow and between the three parks in the chain (Geauga, Darien, and Wyandot) Funtime did not invest in the park like they should have. Major additions were very few and far between.
I'm not sure if Busch was ever interested in the property prior to 1995. If Sea World across the lake was losing money, I doubt if they would have purchased Geauga Lake today.
X Factor
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SFWoA: An Unofficial Guide
http://sfohio.tripod.com
I personally think that Sea World was a losing proposition just because you had to feed the animals year-round, yet you couldn't open the park year-round.
And yes, Danny, you must be going to CP at the wrong times, or just don't have the right friends to make a rideless visit fun.
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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"Climbing as we fall, we dare to hold on to our fate, and steal away our destiny to catch ourselves with quiet grace" - The Stairs, INXS
If zoos can be open year round with sea life animals, why cant the wildlife side of Six Flags?
Of course they would have to lower the admission price during the winter time(probably at zoo level prices) but at least they would be getting some revenue during the offseason.
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2 superheroes in Gurnee next season? Oh the humanity. :)
Are you a right friend to make my visit fun?! :)
Danny, who has had a blast rideless days at Dollywood with his parents
*** This post was edited by Koaster King on 11/15/2002. ***
I base my opinoins not just on the rides and waits, but on the overall experience. That means how I'm treated by employees in food services and on rides, what kinds of food services are available, park atmosphere, what other entertainment is available other than rides, and cleanliness. Another big factor is convenience of hotels, and parking.
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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
It's all how you put it into perspective: Given a choice between the last three years at SFWoA/SFO/GL versus LeSourdesville Lake/Americana/Great America Park, I'll take SFWoA.
Is there any other medium-sized market (ie. not Florida/Calif.) with a "secondary" park with 10 coasters, several of which are top of the line quality?
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Talk to the claw...
Since I live near SFWoA and have been visiting it since the glory days that were Geauga Lake, I can make a few observations. Someone said the park was dying a slow death, and was saved by SF, I would question that analogy. Raging Wolf Bobs, and the Water Park were pretty major investments for a company that was dying. It was never meant to be a CP or SF for that matter. It was a family park that drew from the region and was not a "Destination" type park as evidenced by it's lack of accomodations.. Folks went there because it was clean, and extremly well maintained even if it's appearance was aging. Generations of families had memories at the park that brought them and future generations back. Prior to SF, I had seasons passes on a regular basis, not only because it was near, but because the prices were reasonable, the employees were great, and most of all the rides were always in operation.
After SF bought it out things took a dramatic turn for the worse. The food was horrible, bordering on, if not inedible, and WAY over priced. The employees could care less about anyone's experience and worst of all they consistently have rides out of service. Our most recent visits have not changed that impression in the least. The only consistencies since SF's purchase, even before they branded it SF, is that there has not been one visit where at least 3 major attractions were out of service ( although not a major attraction I have been trying since SF bought the place to get my kids on Mr. Hydes Nasty Fall to no avail, and although we refused to go this year, we never actually saw the ferris wheel in operation prior to this year), the food prices have sky rocketed, and I actually feel sorry for the employees who always appear so miserable. It is obvious they are just biding their time, clocking in and out, and looking forward to a paycheck and nothing more (the most blatant example is the employee who ran to lock a gift shop door as we were entering, not suggesting an alternate nor apologizing for her rudeness, try explaining that to children who were already upset about their missing out on the ride they most wanted to go on). I would also confirm the observations of others when it comes to deliberate capacity control and consistently saw them running 1 train on several rides when we could have been marathon riding and had to wait in line instead.
I am not a Six Flags basher although that may not be evident from my ramblings, but I am an amusement park enthusiast, that can't fathom the idea of a park being operated by a company that size, with all their money and all their experience that can end up with such a shoddy product in the end. Their numbers are not down because of Cedar Point, look at the size of their local market, Sandusky pales in comparison to market size, their numbers are down because that's where they drove them, and I know for a fact I am not one of the only ones they drove away, there are many of us out here that feel they need to earn our business not take our business for granted! For me a ride to CP, Kennywood, Kings Island or for that matter a day trip to Conneaut Lake (LOVE THAT COASTER) are a much better investment of time and money. Pretty sad for an enthusiast like me to have so much potential wasted so close to home!!
It's posts like High on CP's... well written, non-abusive, and from someone who is a "local" to SFWoA...that have made me think twice when I made plans to visit different parks.
I went to Geauga Lake (and SeaWorld) just prior to the park being sold. Although it was small in comparison to CP, it was still a fun and pleasant place to visit. As it was, I doubt we would have even considered making another trip when CP had so much more to offer (and an hour closer).
Since it's been a SF park, the reviews have been more on the negative side than on the positive side. It seems the younger, thrillseeker only genre don't seem as bothered by service and guest experience issues because the rides are so great. Since I'm of a mind that services are just as important, when I read reviews that indicate poor levels of service, I tend to not want to drive the extra hour or spend the additional money to go to a park where I might be disappointed.
As we will likely visit other SF parks next season, we are going to get a season pass. We don't know yet whether we are going to get them at SFWoA or at SFGAm. SFWoA is closer by a little more than an hour, but I'd drive that extra hour west and purchase them at SFGAm instead for better service. One trip to SFWoA early in the season will determine that. I hope my experience is better than that of High onCP's.
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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
CPLady said:
"
Since it's been a SF park, the reviews have been more on the negative side than on the positive side. It seems the younger, thrillseeker only genre don't seem as bothered by service and guest experience issues because the rides are so great. Since I'm of a mind that services are just as important, when I read reviews that indicate poor levels of service, I tend to not want to drive the extra hour or spend the additional money to go to a park where I might be disappointed....One trip to SFWoA early in the season will determine that. I hope my experience is better than that of High onCP's.
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I would have to respectfully disagree about the reviews. From all the trip reports and other things I would say about 80% of the reviews have been GREAT about SFWoA and 10% undecided and 10% negative. It's just that when one negative is said it can go a long way in all walks of life.
I am from the middle crowd, and believe me I don't go just for the rides. SFWoA has some of the BEST hand down non ride entertainment to partake in. I went at least 10 days this past summer (a total of almost 75 I went all together to SFWoA) and spent it there not riding thrill rides. You hear mostly about just the rides since it overwhelms a persons senses so much even before they park their car with the way the Wild Rides side is designed. Most have to be strong to pass a coaster or just be looking for something else. This has been the BEST year for the park HANDS DOWN. They have had a DRASTIC turn around from last year. And I think most enthusiast and public season pass holders I have talked to in person totaly agree to that. Do they have a lot to do? Yes, but work park doesn't? SFWoA IMO is one of the best family entertainment places to go this part of USA (and so is the rest of Ohio for that matter... ;) )
Oh, and SFWoA's average price for food is 55 cents cheaper than CP and PKI according to my reports this past year overall in the food category ;)Only place they did bad was the pop machine(s) and sit down restaraunts.
Go enjoy a GREAT Ohio Park!!!
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"The Future of Roller Coasters"
-RollerCoasterGod
Haunted Ohio Parks...you've been warned!!
I would have said PKI but after tasting one of those Skyline Chili Dogs...YUCK!! What do they put in that chili?
Best tasting food at SFWoA hands down is at Mandrin Buffet...now there is some GREAT food and atmosphere!
Best Park food overall for the money and taste I would say SFWoA Shorty Pete's BBQ Smoke House. A BIG 1/2 of BBQ chicken, side, and roll all for under $5 YUmmmm
Oh, and if you go to SFWoA and you have a season pass stop by the Beachcomber's $1 for a LARGE drink $1 for bottle water. $2 for nice sub. CHEAP Daq. and Beer too!It's one of those "insiders" hangouts ;)I'm hungry now so I think I'll go eat.
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"The Future of Roller Coasters"
-RollerCoasterGod
Haunted Ohio Parks...you've been warned!!
*** This post was edited by Dutchman on 11/16/2002. ***
High on CP: Excellent post!
I too used to go to Geauga lake most years since the early 80s until SF bought it. I would also go to Sea World every few years. Both were great places, and although not a big park, Geauga Lake was always fun. It all changed in 2000. While there were some new coasters there, the park went downhill. 2001 was even worse when I was on a group trip with 40 people. (How can all 8 soap dispensers in the main restroom be enpty at 11:30 am?) A member of my group was even injured by being pushed down in the stampede to X-flight do to terrible crowd control. (The group voted to never go back) Personaly, I drove right by the park this year. If they get a new coaster next year I will stop by to ride it (using my pass from another SF park), but the only $ they will get out of me is whatever the parking cost is. The rest of my day I will spend at another park.
It's really a shame. I wish nothing but good things for the place, but I just don't feel like spending my time and money at a place like that.
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- Peabody
Like I have stated numerous times in other SFWoA topics, my first time to this park back in May was very pleasant. This park has alot to offer so I hope it succeeds in the long run.
The coaster collection there is very decent (especially Batman, X-Flight, and Villian). The wildlife section was very nice and the employees were very helpful in answering my questions (I always ask questions when it comes to animals).
My main beef was the 1-train operation on all three woodies.
As far as food is concerned, its typical overpriced, not that great, food. CP is guilty of this also.
If SFWoA could get its customer service up to the level of its sister park in Gurnee, Ill, this park would become a goldmine in my opinion.
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2 superheroes in Gurnee next season? Oh the humanity. :)
CPLady said:
It seems the younger, thrillseeker only genre don't seem as bothered by service and guest experience issues because the rides are so great.
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I remember when I was one of those younger thrillseekers, and I have to confess that the things that bother me now would not have bothered me than!! We will be getting seasons passes this year too, and like you will give them a shot, but won't base our pass purchase soley on SFWofA but for use in other SF parks.
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