New for 2014

The park has been open for what, about a month? Being closed for 2 days means, all other things being equal, a 2/30 (approx 7%) drop. Of course, all things aren't equal since those 2 days were weekend days. So attendance so far would be down 10% (or more) simply because of the water main break.

I suspect there is another factor. With the economy improving and no $25m coaster, CP/CF may have made the decision during the offseason to ramp up promotions this year, regardless of what actual attendance turns out to be.

I personally believe they have reached the proverbial "bridge too far". Many "once a year" visitors I have talked to are beginning to head the advise given here to go elsewhere if you don't like it and vote with your wallet.

Really? Im around a lot of people in my line of work and that's not what I'm hearing. And exactly how many once a year visitors do you think spend time on pointbuzz?

SteveH said:
Many "once a year" visitors I have talked to are beginning to head the advise given here to go elsewhere if you don't like it and vote with your wallet.

I would think most of the once a year visitors haven't even had a chance to heed your advice yet because most of them typically arrive in August. That's the month the park sees the majority of its visitors. It's the locals who typically show up in May and June.

The individuals I have talked with are family's, friends, and co-workers. I am sure if I polled forum users I would only get enthusiastic answers that would indicate no problems whatsoever. (BTW I hope this post satisfies the English competition teachers that post here)
What I do believe though is that schools, churches, and small groups that make a day trip are looking into alternative destinations, and future bookings are not as prevalent as the park would like - leaving them to advertise so many "daily hot deals" at all the parks - even at KI with their new coaster.

Do you mean English composition teachers?

SteveH said:
I am sure if I polled forum users I would only get enthusiastic answers that would indicate no problems whatsoever.

You should probably actually read this forum once in a while before making completely baseless comments.

...I do believe... future bookings are not as prevalent as the park would like - leaving them to advertise...

The park has always advertised. That you seem to believe CP is doing so more than, say, last year could probably be accounted for by the lack of a new marquee ride this year, rather than some desperate attempt to bump attendance.

It seems to me that, aside from the promotions following the water main break, promotions aren't much more numerous than last year. I think with social media those promotions are just more visible now.

SteveH said:
What I do believe though is that schools, churches, and small groups that make a day trip are looking into alternative destinations, and future bookings are not as prevalent as the park would like - leaving them to advertise so many "daily hot deals" at all the parks - even at KI with their new coaster.

I'm not quite following the logic. If the park is seeing a drop off in group bookings, why would it increase promotions aimed at individuals and families, rather than more aggressively pursuing groups?

The recent promos and deals are chain wide. Kings Island is running a 1 day sale on tickets today similar to the one which ran on Tuesday for Cedar Point. I highly doubt these have anything to do with attendance, other than that June historically has a lower attendance than July and August.

SteveH said:
What I do believe though is that schools, churches, and small groups that make a day trip are looking into alternative destinations, and future bookings are not as prevalent as the park would like

You don't know what you are talking about.

Several groups I am involved with have been burned out visiting CP just about every year, and don't feel there is enough new for 2014 - so they are visiting other attractions for their yearly summer outing.
In addition, a family relation who is a bus driver that regularly conducts day trips to the park for schools, church groups, and business organizations tells me there is a lot less business headed to Cedar Point and more to competing destinations like the Zoo.
I may not know what I am talking about, but at least I am not drinking in my boat with a look of constipation on my face.

If the several groups you are involved with were the only groups Cedar Point ever hosted, well, yes, you'd have a point.

Your experience with a handful of groups doesn't really equal a downturn in Cedar Point's group business.

Is your family relation who is a bus driver also the Lemon Chill guy?

SteveH said:I may not know what I am talking about, but at least I am not drinking in my boat with a look of constipation on my face.

I think Pete has it made. I wish I was drinking with him on his boat. That "look" seems to be one of happy contentment. I have a much different look when I am constipated.

Pete said:
You don't know what you are talking about (about SteveH).

I see that you're undecided, say how you really feel. LMAO!
I think you meant this??:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rh6qqsmxNs

I'm guessing that's a picture of him on a ride, though he could be crapping his pants on it also; you never know. What do you think Steve? Let's hear more of your insightful comments on avatar pictures.

I second what Pete says. You're talking out of your fecal evacuation port, SteveH. Your anecdotes make not the facts.

SteveH said:
I may not know what I am talking about, but at least I am not drinking in my boat with a look of constipation on my face.

For someone who has been around for 9 years, it's disappointing that you feel the need to make personal attacks.

It's very telling as to what type of person SteveH is if he thinks having boat drinks are bad. Here's to you Steve, may your gifted insight into CP group sales never be clouded by the horrible influence of a boat drink!

"Fecal evacuation port," I have to remember that one. LOL

Steve H is picking up where ThePointGuru left off.....