Cedar Fair and the Economy

It really seems like Cedar Fair is trying to capitalize on the current state of the economy. Experts say a lot of people are going to be visiting local attractions rather than large vacations this year. I've seen many more commercials for Cedar Point/Geauga Lake this year than in years past, different ones too. I have probably seen at least 4 different Cedar Point commercials and even one for a platinum pass today. Has anyone else noticed this? I hope this works out well for CF.

I have seen a lot of steps to advertise CF parks in this economy: Radio and tv advertisements, coupons, flyers and a lot more Fun Time emails with discount info and special events. I think CF is trying to make the best of the bad economy by trying to advertise as much discounts as possible. I have also noticed CP and CF cutting back a little this year example: Getaway Guide which was a solid bussiness decision.

On the other hand it seems CF has a busy year in 2010 (potential coasters at Kings Dominion, Carowinds and Cedar Point). I understand that these plans were drawn up way before the economy hit bottom. I think this may real make or break them with all these additions! With steel prices so low CF can get more ride for less money. If they are solid rides that are advertised well and the parks have promotions/discounts, CF can see a great year.

However, I just dont think it is working. Every day I go this year Im shocked with how dead it is compared to years past. I know the summer season has just begun, but the crowd (or should I say lack of) last Saturday on a picture perfect day that the park expected to have a lot of people for (first 11pm close) the park was dead, MF I dont think went past an hour wait the whole day.

In the market for CP, I haven't seen them do anything they don't do every year, aside from some significantly deeper admissions discounts.

The Ride Warrior thing I don't really get. But I have seen 2 comercials wherever i travel in the Mid-Atlantic States. I remember in 2006 when admission was only $39.99. They really need to lower there price because people might go to Kings Island,Kennywood, or Idlewild because they are cheaper.Idlewild & Kings Island have pretty decent water parks with admission. Kennywood is the worst deal because you only get 30 rides for $33. I think if they had a few more sponsors like Nestle,Toyotta,and Purrel it could help to. I don't know how well they are doing this year because the park was crowded on Memorial Day Weekend but the quenes were pleasant and pretty normal waiting times. Last year everything was crowded. More discounts like the "drink wristbands" would be nice.

Kennywood's rides are worth the $33 rides, besides in an average summer day how many rides do you actually expect to do?

I've seen a few of the commercials. What park are the scenes with the actors shot at? I suppose the have a good reason for it but it always drives me crazy when advertisements for Cedar Point are filmed on rides that are not located at cedar point.

^I think Knott's!

I think its Dorney, because it looks like Talon in the background.

coolkid2345 said:
Kennywood is the worst deal because you only get 30 rides for $33.

Kennywood is probably the best deal, with 5 coasters that are very well done with wait times almost never going above 30 minutes. The coasters of course aren't as
great as some of the ones at cedar point (and with 17 coasters, the 50 some dollars that they charge isn't all that bad), but the wait times and the park in general are worth it.

^ Its not fiftey-sum dollars is only $43.95. Plus 26.00 tickets at Mejiers!

Kennywood tickets are $22 at Giant Eagle, or $23 online if you live in the right zip code. And frankly, Kennywood is worth $33. Every roller coaster there is beyond solid, and they have some amazing flat rides that you just can't find anywhere else anymore. And the food doesn't suck either.

^It doesn't suck AND its cheap! I love their food prices.

Aw man, now you guys got me thinking about Kennywood food.

2 words. Potato Patch.... (or Small Frys if you don't feel like waiting in line)

I was at a Cleveland Indians game over the weekend. Cedar Point has an ad between innings on the main scoreboard. They also did a between innings feature on the scoreboard which was a race between red and blue coasters. It was a steel coaster more like Magum than Gemini. The fans were urged to cheer for their color. Later in the game Cedar Point had an ad on the ribbon boards around the ballpark. It's the first time I've ever seen CP ads at the ballpark. I wonder if they are doing this at Detroit Tiger games or some of the minor league parks in the region.

I've seen many Kennywood billboards around Cleveland more than in past years and yesteday I heard an Idlewild/Soak Zone commercial.

I wonder why CP doesn't advertise on Sports Time Ohio like Kennywood does.

Well so far the weather this year has been colder than normal and I'm sure the requirement for passports for entering the U.S. is going to but a dent in the south western Ontario visitors also.

^^ - because they already have enough amateur basketball players at the park.

At a graduation party last week I overhead a conversation among 2 couples about Cedar Point and how they haven't ever taken their kids (8-12 year olds) to CP. They mentioned that it costs too much to get in etc. I've heard the cost of a ticket reason many times. I didn't say anything as I wasn't in the conversation. I usually say the cost for a CP ticket is a better value than most tickets to a sporting event or concert. At CP you can be there 12 hours, the others last about 3 hours. The cost of food is crazy at all three so that shouldn't be much of a factor. Actually, from what I've observed CP food prices are a little lower than those at an Indians game. They charge $4.25 for a regular hot dog. $4.00 for the 20 oz. Pepsi. Me I buy the peanuts from a street vendor for $2 and I'm set.