Cedar Point (and possibly Cedar Fair) going wireless?

It sounds, and looks, as if Cedar Fair is looking to provide wireless access at its parks. If you haven't heard about the new wireless hotspot over at Dorney Park, you can read about it here:

http://www.dorneypark.com/public/news/index.cfm

Well, I happened to be enjoying a chocolate chip cookie and a bottle of chocolate milk on Friday around 11:30 in Donut Time sitting at the long bar that is at the window looking out onto the midway. A few minutes into my late morning snack a few CP higher-ups walk in, one of them with a camera and started talking about expanding the dining area inside, putting a kiosk with computers up in the general area I was sitting in, wireless internet, cable pulling, and wireless speeds. Needless to say as soon as I noticed their presence my ears were on high alert. The guy with the camera took a few pictures of the wall, the area where I was sitting and one or two more of the building inside. After about 15 minutes I think they realized I was listening in very closely and went outside and started walking the midway. So it sounds like next year we could be enjoying internet access at Donut Time and throughout the park.

Funny. Isn't CP's advertising something to the effect of "log off" and "ride on"? :)

-Tambo

I really hope they get wireless.

At least until you've spent the money to get into the park. ;)

I think its a bad idea. I mean, sure, its convenient. But what the heck ever happened to a vacation?

Give me access in my room/cabin/campsite, but not in the park.

I thought they had wireless at Donut Time?

Evidently not, or if they do, they don't let people know, and they're going to expand it.

Not yet, but they will.

Finally, I'm in the right place at the right time! Remember who you heard it from first. ;)

Great... Pointbuzz will not be updated on a daily basis from Cedar Point.

"OMG OMG I just saw some guy with a shovel. Project 2008 has started.."

I'm with dj on this one.

I agree... next thing we'll have is "Best outdoor office space on the planet!" ;)

Walt or Jeff, does CP set up wireless access for the media day of a ride opening or is it an ethernet line?

It was wireless this year.

I think this is a bad idea. It is bad enough that people can't go
to cedar point or any other park and leave the cell phone at home
or in the car. Before cell phones became popular,people went
to the park and were able to make it through the day without
going into withdrawal. Now people,can't go a day without checking
e-mail? If you can't tear yourself away from the computer-maybe
you should stay home. The last thing i am thinking about is phones or computers. I hope this doesn't happen.

It's bad enough with all the cel phones in queue lines already, now we need people playing on their phones/PDA and ride ops needing to wait for people to secure them. (They won't be leaving those in the ride boxes)

In talking with Stacy Frole today she said that wireless access is "something that's up and coming and starting to become more prevelant." She also said that it wouldn't surprise her if they were looking at bringing hotspots to all of the parks in the chain, as they like to keep up with the times.

I really don't see much of a downfall to bringing a wireless hotspot to the park. If its something people would like, why not?

Besides selling doughnuts I'm not sure what they would get back from it. It seems pointless and a good way to keep people from exploring the midway and riding thier rides.

I think its a great idea. I'd pay for it if it were reasonable. I work for a consulting company and I'm remote 100% of the time. That coupled with the fact I'm at CP regularly would probably up my time and visits.

If I had my choice Donut Time would be a good spot inside the park. Second floor of the Red Garter wouldn't be to bad either. I would love to see spots in Soak City. I could let the kids run around and while I get some work done.

When I'm on call it stinks to have to run home (which granted isn't that far) for a 10 minute fix. So round trip its like an hour and a half for something that takes me 10 minutes if I had a wireless connection. Plus I have to pack everyone back into the van. Which usually is a major pain.

There are probably several people that are in the same boat. Based on the amount of laptops I see in our local coffee shop I wouldn't think CP would have much trouble getting back any expenses for installing it. The only issue I see is they would need to get the word out.

Between business folks using it, employees, normal folks and nerds, they should easily get people to spend more money and time in the park. People that use the wi-fi probably don't come to the park alone. Some come under force by their kids. So a wi-fi connection may be just what they need.

Last time I looked they were in the business to make cash. If this is a revenue generator I say go for it.

I would love if they had Wi-Fi in the hotels. That way I can keep up with things and talk to my friends after a buisy day at the park. I dont think it would really cost them a whole lot to put it in.

Come on people, leave the laptops at home and enjoy the park,its bad enough with all the cell phones around,totally annoying.