2007 Operating Schedule Released

The 2007 operating schedule has been released. It can be found here. There are a few changes. As we knew, the park is opening a weekend later. The first change is the weekdays in May are now 10am to 7pm instead of 10am to 8pm. Another change is the weekend after Labor Day is now Noon to 8pm instead of 10am to 8pm. It also appears they are starting Halloweekends a weekend sooner. The third weekend in September now is set up like a Halloweekend instead of a Bonus Weekend. That is the only changes I see. If I missed something let me know.

Here we go again, cutting back the operating hours... I'm really sad to see this happen, again.

Yeah, that's bad. I've always enjoyed going in mid-May, but I just don't know anymore. The hours are already short pre-Memorial Day, and cutting them back further just makes that trip less appealing.

Based on changes like this, you'd think that CP was hemorrhaging money.

I don't know, it makes sense to me. Is anyone ever at the park on weekdays in May? Not really. Why shouldn't they make some cuts. Like I posted on Coasterbuzz, I wonder how much money they save per hour the park is not open.

Well, I guess there are two ways to look at that, Jeff. Attendance is lower in May, obviously. But, are there things they could do to increase attendance? Probably not, but the simple fact that they are making cuts, rather than enhancements is somewhat troubling.

This, to me at least, is especially troubling when you look at the collective changes - increased ticket price, increased parking and shorter days. All of this results in a lower overall perception of value, as far as I'm concerned.

I see no problems with these changes. Most parks aren't even open weekdays during May anyways. 9 hours is plenty of time to ride everything when the lines are essentially non-existant.

Look at the bright side...We aren't seeing 11AM or Noon openings during the summer, or 9 PM closings during the summer, all of which were viable possibilities.

Well, though I also enjoying going on every day they shortened, we can't have it both ways.

One thread comes along and a lot of us urge the park to make smart business decisions. A thread like this comes along and a lot of us urge the park to stay open more when the park is dead.

Cutting hours when there's not many people in the park is a smart business decision that will positively affect Cedar Point's bottom line... which, in turn, positively affects our experience there when we get more new rides with the consequent savings.

Sure, some of us may get 3 less rides in on a early or late season trip this way, but putting the consumer first doesn't always mean cut prices, extend hours and hold tons of give-a-ways. Cedar Point knows (and has always known) that 'putting the consumer first' means making sure there's a financially healthy Cedar Point for future years too.

Another change is less 11pm closings in the summer. All no more 11pms on Fridays at all.

Gonna be a lot of complaining first years come July. :) *** Edited 11/3/2006 5:54:51 PM UTC by Rider***

I really disagree about complaints.

I worked 2005 and 2006, so I've seen the effects of the changes in hours.

July closings moving from 11PM to 10PM: This is probably the biggest cut, as it happens when there is the potential for the park to have a relatively high number of people in it. Yet most of the rides, except for some of the really popular majors, were completely dead after the 10 PM laser/light show in 2005. A lot of people just left the park, shopped, or played games. I never once heard a complaint last summer about the change in hours. For the ride crews, that extra hour of sleep was a lifesaver. I know that it wasn't a factor in the decision, but it made the summer vastly more enjoyable. Is it a coincidence that people noticed the staff seemed to be friendlier and in a better mood? Maybe.

The earlier May closings are almost certainly smart decisions. It's still cold in May, and there are very few people in the park. On TTD, for example, we would often stuggle to fill the last few trains of the night. Ever notice how TTD is usually running at least half an hour after the park closes to clear its line? Never happens in May. We'd close and clear our line in maybe two or three cycles.

I would imagine that the park does save a significant amount by closing earlier. Staffing is freed up and electricity is saved. Is it really efficient to run WT's LIMs if there are 2 people on the train? Are rides on Maggie or Millie really that much fun on cold nights with a half-full train?

What I don't understand...

In the shoulder season, why close at 7pm? Why run 10am-7pm? Why not run Noon-9pm instead?

I'm thinking about my experience with my local park. When they decided to cut their hours, they always did it by chopping off the end of the day. Why not chop off the start of the day instead, that way locals who might think about dropping in for dinner can still make it after work?

Of course, this is coming from someone who always finds it easier to stay up late than to get up early...

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I can tell you I would appreciate that. If I were to go for a midweek, I would rather have a later start and stay up later at night. And it gives the ride crews/maintenance a bit more time to get stuff checked out and running in the morning.

Man this sucks. I was planning on going in May next year. But, I like staying in the park as late as possible. I really don't like the hours they have now. Bah!!

As far as increasing attendance, there are PLENTY of things they can do. They need special events. Reasons (besides their awesome rides) to get people into the park. Tons of other parks do this. Even Disney does with things like the Food and Wine Festival, etc... I was just at Alton Towers in England last weekend and there were two hour queues on a Saturday in late October because they had a special event. Its not really all that complicated.

While I can somewhat understand the reasoning behind it, I have to agree, what's the reasoning behind cutting the end of the day rather than the beginning?

I agree with RideMan. From our standpoint noon to 9pm would be better on Sundays in May. That would give us more time at the park after church.

We go to the park many Fridays after work so the 10pm closing is disapointng. After dark is my favorite time, now you only get that on Saturday

Not to mention the fact that you can literally watch the park get busier from 11:30 to 1:00 on Sundays...

*** Edited 11/3/2006 7:15:21 PM UTC by DBCP***

This was my first year out of college and therefore the first year that I could afford to and had time to make several trips. There were a few times I went directly from work (toledo are) to sandusky and enjoyed 2-3 hours at the park in may. Cut that down to 1-2 hours and the park and it just isn't worth the drive for me.

I can though understand why they take it off the morning instead of night. Many of the school trips, especially those from Michigan leave the park around that time of night. This allows them the whole day in the park instead of having to leave before it closes.

^ What a surprise... Tim's complaining again. ;)

Seriously, though - this is why the park needs nightlife.

If someone is trying to decide whether or not to visit/stay at the park in may, and sees that after 7:00, the park closes and there's nothing to do, it might make them think twice about it. I know if I'm planning on staying up there and there's nothing to do but sit around in the chilly air, I certainly wouldn't spend the cash.

Give me something to do after close, however, I'll be there with cash in one hand and drink in another.

-Josh

I LOVE THE EARLY CLOSE IN MAY!!!!!! Cedar Point I Love you!!!

This is the best news ever! Made My Day!!!

I wonder why they cut back a hour in May.

Because the park is pretty much dead.

I'd rather see them shift the day to a noon to 9 schedule rather than 10-8.