Big Screen Removal [John Hildebrandt tweets]

^I'm pretty sure that new lights will be going on the Giant Wheel...especially with WindSeeker being immediately adjacent to that area.

The term he used was "Ignite the Night" thats part of the name of the NEW nighttime event thats coming to the park "Luminosity: Ignite the Night". As to what it includes, its anyones guess...but the assumption is ride lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and music (and apparently it is easily re-programmable). It obviously won't be using the screen...so we'll find out what it is shortly I hope.

However it is received at Cedar Point will finalize how it goes to the rest of the Cedar Fair parks. Like how "Fast Lane" did last year.....next year we might be seeing "Luminosity" at all the Cedar Fair parks.

Didn't "Fast Lane" start at King's Island last year?

Yes.

Yes Fast Lane did. That's the point I'm trying to make. "Fast Lane" started at KI and is now being unrolled to all the Cedar Fair parks due to its success. "Luminosity" is said to do the same thing if it is a success.

Kinda hard to tell, but the Pagoda cam seems to show the screen already gone. The projection booths are still there.

Rapids, it is still there. It is hiding behind the tree. You can also still see it if you look on the TTD cam.

Here is Mr. Hildebrants new tweet that he just put out: "We're putting in over 2,900 new electronic lockers at CP and SC for 2012. Our guests will enjoy the improved service."

http://pointbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/27314.aspx

They need to remove as much concrete and asphalt as they can and replace with bricks and landscaping.

I agree with getting rid of asphalt but I don't get the replace concrete with bricks sentiment. The trouble with the asphalt is the heat coming off of it so I would like to see all of that removed. But beyond bricks looking nicer than concrete what value is there in replacing concrete with bricks?

Bricks can be taken up and replaced if underground work is needed. Everytime work is done in an area with concrete, another patch appears. Over time, all those patches make the area look shabby.

That sounds reasonable. As long as the brick midway does not turn into some of the brick streets that I have seen. Talk about shabby.

And they just look nice. Look at the pavers they did by Windseeker, and then look at the concrete of the main entrance/midway. I really think concrete just looks trashy and ugly. Kings Island has replaced almost all of their concrete with pavers and it looks much nicer.

I think before anything, they need to replace the black top on the Gemini midway. That has to be #1 on the list.

You always start in the front and work your way back. Of course, you fix anything in disrepair, but you have to keep in mind, first impression is everything. Once I get past the midway carousel, I feel like I am walking on a street, rather than through a park. Many people who go there, aren't even there for the rides, so give them a nice experience, too.
I was extremely impressed at how nice King's Island looks with the brick pavers, now, considering how badly it looked a few years ago with all of that crappy looking concrete.

Maverickoo - It makes more sense to convert areas that are currently being worked on. I agree it would be nice to get rid of more of the asphalt. But, if they already have capital projects going on in other areas, those will probably be changed first.

Zoug68 - What's your definition of "many people"?

All of those who go, who only go to hang out with friends and family but can't ride the rides. Those people are paying $40-$50 just so they can spend more money on things that those of us riding rides are too busy to buy. My brother-in-law and nephew go with their whole family even though they only end up playing the carnival games. Take a ride on the train and tell me how many of those older folks ride the roller coasters.
I'd actually go as far as saying anyone who has gone there and not gotten the admission price they paid in riding time. That probably is just about every person who has gone there at one time or another.

Here is the advertising pitch that captures that angle - "Cedar Point - much more than rides - we have BRICKS!"

If I am going to a park and I am not riding rides I have to say that seeing bricks is pretty low on my list of things to look at.

I am with Jason - if they are tearing the concrete up for another reason - undergrounds or new ride area, then put in the bricks. But just tearing up concrete to replace with bricks does not make sense. There are way too many more meaningful ways that the park can spend that money.

Well, Shades, I hate to burst the bubbles of those of you who think roller coaster riders are the only ones who go to Cedar Point. Many non-riders do go and THEY spend money. They are not the ones standing in line for an hour or more at a time staring in space. They are the ones who pay to play games. They are the ones buying crap in the gift shops. They are the ones buying food. They are the ones sitting in on shows and buying drinks.

Why do you think they have shows at Cedar Point? For those of us who prefer to ride rides? Or are they there more for those who don't?

Something I read on here a lot from people who do ride a lot is how they try to get free water because they are too cheap to buy $3 pop.

So, the least we can offer those who visit the park and spend the money we don't spend, is a beautiful park to visit that they want to come back to. And considering they have not built a huge ride in 5 years, I'd say that Cedar Point can afford it.

As support for what you said, my mom, who is 92 years old, loves going to the park for the atmosphere. She starts at Doughnut Time to enjoy a coffee and pastry while enjoying the patio. Then, she likes to go through the park to take in the sights, eat some food, take in a show and maybe hang out on the boardwalk by the Breakers. Does not ride at all except maybe for the train and sky ride. But, she enjoys her time at the park and she did make comments on how nice the Windseeker area looks, and also what a nice addition the new fountain was. People do notice those things and they bring pleasure and enhance the experience.