What makes a park great?

I think everyone is going to have a different definition of "great park." IMHO the park that best offers a good mix of classic rides, modern rides, good food, great prices, beauty, a relaxing atmosphere, and excellent operations is Knoebels.

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Dominator56 said:
Last year I had the best time at Geauga Lake only because there were so many friendly staff members working there.

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Maybe I missed that during my 6 visits last season.

On the note of wanting to come back the next day, that's how I felt EVERY single visit at SFWoA, because the park was fun and had a great variety of things for all of us to do, as well as a great variety of different foods that adults and children enjoyed, away from the 'norm' of just 'dogs and 'burgers. I never had any problems with 'customer service' issues like I've seen people mention, ...I was there to enjoy myself with my Godchildren, and most important to me was their safety and the fun we had together. The problem I had with not wanting to return to GLP under CF control was (1) the park was boring compared to SFWoA days (2) the food selection is the same traditional, greasy junk served at amusement parks, that I cannot digest...now with the loss of Subway & Arthur Treachers as GLP 2005, I can't even eat in the park if I went there...for me a great day means NOT having to leave the park to eat outside of it (3) The music in the kids section of GLP'04 was irritating, and to the theme of similarity to Barney or PBS, not the theming of Looney Tunes and other fun tunes that reminded me of my childhood.

Maybe in time GLP will change (I hope so), so I'll have to wait a few years and see...just having a new coaster or a new waterpark isn't all that's important...the complete package that I enjoyed during the SFWoA days is missing now...The Fun Is Gone...sorry

Have you even been to GL this year? I was there for opening weekend and it was a vast improvemnet over last year. Everyone was real courtious, very nice and into the jobs they had. We pulled up in the parking lot, and the attendant was cheery and really nice to us, and once in the park, all the employees at the food stands and on the midways were very nice and pleasant. Ride ops were right on the money with the operations, and never had a problem with them at all, as they were real nice, and were into the job at hand. Of course you still had your typical down time on some rides, but thats to be expected.

Food selection? you do know that GL now has BBQ ribs, pork, chicken, gyros, the beachcomber with a new menu, build your own burger options,(for those of you who whine about what gets put on them) and smoked turkey legs are just a few of the new food options.

Your really missing out on a great time if you think like that. The park has changed in the off-season, and for the better. How can you whine about a park that was purchased only 20 some days before opening? I say this because you talk about GL from last year,( In which I still saw a big improvement over SF in 2004) so cut them some slack. Are you saying you can run a park that you never ran before better after only 20 something days? I wanna see it. Please. GL is on the right track, and I can't wait for Wildwater Kingdom! the size of the park, combined with the size of the new waterpark, is a dream come true for me as I love Waterparks, and I love GL. GL & WWK is shaping up to be the biggest theme park waterpark combo in the country.

I know that don't make a park, but if they keep up the good work as I've seen over the weekend, this place will be rockin' in no time. You people are too hard on GL. It's now CP's SISTER park, NOT RIVAL park. so ease up you CP heads! by the way, I just think some of you are in Sea World Denial. IT'S GONE!!! GET OVER IT!!!!!! *** Edited 5/12/2005 3:44:34 PM UTC by lakecrystal***

^I think you should calm down. Yes, it's true that CF only had 20 days to get it together for 2004 but that doesn't explain the poor service during The Haunt which was in October. I do think that Geauga Lake will be better in all areas this year, but the park has only been open for 2 days this year and I have not gotten the chance to get out there yet to see for myself. I just think that maybe Cedair Fair should be more carefull and stop taking over so many parks. They just may become the next Six Flags if there not careful.

lakecrystal,

I understand where your coming from...I haven't been to GL in 2005, and only have talked to 10 folks who have been there already this year. I still can't digest all those 'new' greasy food options you mentioned. I am a huge fan of waterparks, both indoors and out. I'm opting out of GL for 2005 for the reason that there is nothing special to go there for, except possibly for the delayed waterpark, since I've been to that park 29 times in 4 years, and frankly, I'm bored with it.

...What bothers me more than anything else, is people who assume, and then spread rumors and lies...

...Nothing really is ever gone, as long as you remember...

*** Edited 5/12/2005 4:18:41 PM UTC by midwave***

Are salads more to your liking? cause they have that too. sounds to me like your a really picky eater. I never noticed overly greasy food you talk of. at least not since SF. I feel sorry for you, it's a shame you have to miss out on a great place because of your stomach. Both in digesting food, and in digesting the fact that Sea World is gone.

Plus, are you saying I spread rumors and lies? Sorry, I just state the facts I gather. *** Edited 5/12/2005 4:24:01 PM UTC by lakecrystal***

mixed salad with chicken and guacamole they had back at the SFWoA....do they have anything like that at GL? would be great if they did...I just can't digest anything greasy or processed sauces...glad I picked up some hints from my Italian heritage.....if I goto GL, I'll have to leave to eat at Bob Evans and get their new baked Cod dinner, served on a bed of rice, with steamed veggies...mmm...and only $7.49 :)

picky? hmm...dunno...though, we never really had to eat out at a restaurant since I grew up with a stay-at-home-full-blooded Italian mother who cooked/baked foods of recipes across the globe :) I'm happy with something simple as egg pizza (scrambled eggs and seasonings baked on dough), which IMO would be a great quick treat at any amusement park.

*** Edited 5/12/2005 4:57:57 PM UTC by midwave***