$15 to get a VIP seat for fireworks?

Go someplace else and watch fireworks if you don't like how Cedar Point is now pricing the best seating; it's not like fireworks are hard to find on the Fourth of July.

All things considered, I much prefer a Ouimet-led Cedar Fair to a Kinzel-led Cedar Fair.

^+15

Judging from the view I had on the live webcam I would guess just about anywhere in the front of the park not directly behind a building or a tree was probably an OK place to watch from.

It's not like fireworks are confined to a small area, they cover the sky. I don't get your thoughts Miss Maverick. If you don't want to pay for a seat and food then don't, sit elsewhere on the beach for the fireworks. I sat all the way back by the lifeguard shack and had a great view.

But how can a great view ever compare to the view I used to have for free?

I actually agree with Miss Maverick, to be honest. Was this year's display any better than previous years? What made this year's fireworks worth the $15 they charged besides the food? And the fact that some of the same people who would complain about how awful CP food is, are the same ones who are defending the fact that there was "free food" (more than likely: a boiled hot dog inside a stale bun, a bag of crunched up chips, and a cookie) with the $15 purchase? Listen to that statement. That price is extreme for a "VIP" seat for some fireworks.

However, I too miss sitting up by WT for free. But I will say, no matter where you are on the beach, the fireworks show is visible. But, I had the best seat in the house when I worked there. Right on the deck on the backside of WT's electrical room, for free may I add.

Don't get me wrong though. I enjoy a lot of the changes that have been made to the park since new management has taken over, but I agree that I have been seeing a lot of random up charges added year after year.

Obviously the premium viewing area was a huge success as they sold out of tickets. Next year this viewing area might be even larger to accommodate more guests who will pay the fee. If we would have been there I would have gladly paid to be in the area, food and drinks would just be a bonus.

As long as the park meets attendance goals I would expect prices to keep going up, as well as to see more and more additional fee based premium areas/lines. The fact that the hotels sell out, and that fast lane and fireworks viewing areas are a huge success means that many people are happy with, and like these changes.

I've always watched them somewhere near Giant Wheel/Gatekeeper/Wicked Twister, but inside of the park. Not sure why being on the beach is so much better. I don't see what the big deal is. I'm pretty sure at one point, the beach by Wicked Twister was closed to the public and was considered the "employee beach" anyway, so that area being restricted is not unheard of throughout history.

I probably wouldn't pay $15 for a chair and some minimal food, but if my household income was 2-3X what it is, I'd consider it just to be more comfortable and not have to worry about claiming my spot 2 hours early or whatever. That it sold out means there was sufficient demand at the price point, so good for CP coming up with a clever way to make a bit more money and offer a higher level of service at the same time.

TwistedWicker77 said:

What made this year's fireworks worth the $15 they charged besides the food?

2 simple words. Personal space. It's ALWAYS worth an upcharge.

Plus the fact that they provide a seat, you don't have to bother bringing a blanket or your own chairs. As with a lot of things, I find it nicer to pay someone to do something for you rather than doing it yourself.

TwistedWicker77 said:

What made this year's fireworks worth the $15 they charged besides the food?

From a corporate standpoint? That people would pay $15 for fireworks, food and a place to sit.

I'm not the type that usually pays to be closer or up front for much, maybe for concert tickets within reason. I wouldn't pay to watch from the beach instead of the park but frieworks for me are not a closer is better sort of thing. I'm sure to others it's a big deal. I used to think preferred parking was just a rip off but now that they moved it I can see its usefullness in some situations like if you planned on making use of the picnic pavillions for a large group of people as the preferred looks to be about as close as you can get to the picnic tables. Paying extra for the vehicle holding all the coolers to be close is a nice option. I still don't feel any need for it myelf but I can see the point of it now. I think the park realizes that there are people (though not me) who will upgrade in almost any situation just becasue there is an upgrade to be had. Some because they see value in it and others just because having the "best" available makes them feel important.

It amazes me how many people forget that this is a business.. How do you think the park pays to stay open and continue to reinvest in shiny new roller coasters? So they decided to charge for a small portion of closer VIP seats? Don't want to pay the extra $15.. move 20 feet further down the beach. Its pretty simple.

And whoever wants Kinzel back over the current regime? Please keep that Kool-Aid to yourself. Thank you.

Let's get one thing clear- The viewing of the fireworks from the beach, anywhere inside the park, or even in the parking lot for that matter has NEVER been FREE.

I understand it's a business and that's not unclear to me. But throwing in a lawn chair and charging $15 for a close spot in an area I used to sit at for free is ridiculous. Not to mention, the display is not any different, better, or longer. But, apparently to a lot of people, $15 is worth it to them, so it is a good business decision. I'm just saying, even these day trips keep getting more expensive.

I'm just willing to agree to disagree I guess.

Putting up a fence and a gate and charging me sixty bucks to get into a park I used to walk around for free is ridiculous. :)

Not sure why $15 is an "extreme" price for what's provided, nor how (I'm assuming you didn't get the VIP seating) the park offering an option made your day trip more expensive.

noggin, I said I'm willing to agree to disagree. So maybe we can move on from the disagreement. If you paid and had a good time, great for you!

Just like I've said before, anywhere on the beach is a great view for the fireworks. I just can't fathom paying $15 for something that I used to see for free, regardless of the mediocre at best food and lawn chair.

Considering the growth of the park and the attractions available now, compared to what was offered before, your comparison of having to pay $60 for something that was once free (probably not even in your life time) is kind of silly to me.

WolfBobs said:

Don't want to pay the extra $15.. move 20 feet further down the beach.

Or don't pay the $40+ admission per person, plus percapita $$$, plus $15 per person and go see a free fireworks show somewhere else.

If it is profitable, CP will continue abandoning Pay One Price and shifting to a'la carte upcharges. The only way to stop it is vote with your $$$: go somewhere else.

TwistedWicker77 said:

Considering the growth of the park and the attractions available now, compared to what was offered before, your comparison of having to pay $60 for something that was once free (probably not even in your life time) is kind of silly to me.

It was free in my parents' lifetime and they aren't eactly old as dirt.

Yeah, it used to be you bought either individual ride tickets or a ticket book with a number of tickets at a discount. On certain days you could buy a ride all day wrist band. Later, you could buy the wrist band every day and then eventually they did away with the wrist band when everyone had to pay the ride all day price. There was a time when they charged a small general admission fee just to enter.

Obviously, parks found the pay one price model profitable and they all went to that. Maybe the new model is a pay one price to ride with a lot of premium options available. It's just an evaluation of the admissions model to maximize revenue.