"CoasterDome"?

As the days become shorter and colder, I begin to fantasize about a tent big enough to put over Cedar Point for the winter. Of course, this is silly, however, the group of investors that proposed a covered auto racing track (adjacent to the Pittsburgh airport) seem to be very serious about starting development---and, if a one-mile indoor racetrack is feasable, then maybe the day of the indoor cold-weather amusement park is not too far into the future.

I know such a park couldn't be as large as CP, and the rides would have to be smaller (at least not as tall), but, when the wind howls, and the snowflakes are blowing parallel to the ground, even a scaled-down effort---if the quality was there---could be the perfect cure for 'coaster cabin fever.

Whether it could sustain a large enough crowd during the warm months to allow year-round operation is debatable, but that's something all snow-belt parks face during the winter. If CP can make it on only a few months each year, then perhaps an indoor park could do the same. (Yes, I realize a good chunk of CP's yearly take is from the hotel trade, but many of the the summer-only parks survive with no lodging income.)

I'm just sort of curious to see what others think of the idea, and what rides could be designed for the more-compact area. Note I'm not talking about a let's-throw-some-rides-into-the-middle-of-a-shopping-mall attraction. Although scaled-down, it would be a true amusement park.

Just a few thoughts of mine. Maybe a few of yours?

Personally I am glad to live in an area where the park can be closed for several months. Why? Well if I had a chance to go to a park year round i would get tired of the place very quickly. With Cedar Point the time off gives me time to relax, have a social life, and help me realize that there is more to life than just Cedar Point. (you wouldn't beleive that if you saw my room) Also when the park opens up again you have a better appreciation for the park, and learn how to enjoy it more and to get the most out of each and every visit.

Then again being able to ride a coaster year round like Magnum or Raptor isn't a bad idea. Then again thats why we take trips to Florida or California to help with the withdrawal pains.
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Daniel J. Haverlock
'99 Magnum Count: 801
Is it May yet?

I agree with Dan, I need that time away, plus I like the anticipation to see how different the park is going to be each time I visit. Right now I'm hoping I can build a time-capsule and go directly to May 13, 2000

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Neil
Pittsburgh, PA

The way I see it is: No other park could take place for Cedar Point, Cedar Point is just that good!

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-Chris
"Any day, is a great day, to ride a rollercoaster!"

Well this does exist..sort of. At the Circus Circus resort hotel in Las Vegas, there is a large dome called the "Adventuredome" They have one rollercoaster, a simulator and a few other small rides. It is a fun place to visit and well themed. It is on the small side though. Go to http://www.adventuredome.com/ for more info.

One of my friends actually thought about this on our last couple trips. As far as i can figure, an actual mall like structure could cause problems. First it would (like stated before) have to be incredibly tall. Second, if it was to collapse how much damage would be caused to the rides? Plus the winter gives us time to talk to people we wont see all summer thanks to the Point. but a christmas trip to CP would be pretty damn cool.

Malls with amusement park rides exist. Mall of America and Edmonton Mall (great coaster) as a couple of examples.

If I were worried about the mall structure collapsing, to hell with the rides being damaged, you wouldn't find me in there!

*** Edited 5/25/2005 4:49:45 PM UTC by Pete***

Whew, I found something 'far-out' enough to rival this idea.. the post date!

As crazy as this sounds I have thought about this too many times. As it may seem impossible, and I am sure that right now it is, it would be really cool to have a completely controlable environment to house Cedar Point - Just like in the Truman Show.

I like weather. Weather is good. No weather is bad. There nothing like getting lucky enough to be at Cedar Point on a bright summer day without a cloud in the sky.

Taking the weather factor out of anywhere makes it less enjoyable.

An indoor amusment park would be great even during the season. You wouldn't need to be outside in the hot sun all day, which can be an inconvenience at best, and even a health hazzard for some
(people who don't drink enough water). But it would be an insanely huge and expensive project to do it at Cedar Point. It's a cool thought though.

It's not as far-fetched as some think though. Back when Epcot was just a concept sketch at WED, they had a giant dome over it. Of course, this was back when Walt Disney was still alive and envisioning it as a living community, not a theme park.

But had it become what Walt originally intended, you could bet that dome would be there. He wouldn't have included something so intregal to the concept sketch if the chances of it being possible were slim to none. Plus, the center of Epcot was supposed to be some kind of giant skyscraper, I'm guessing much taller than TTD. If he knew they had the capability to build a giant dome over that, CP could possibly do it in the distant future as well if the income and desire are there.
*** Edited 5/26/2005 1:23:11 PM UTC by CPMatt***

Why does the dome have to go over coasters? Make the dome 150-200 feet high and then coasters go up through the roof to outside.

But then we wouldn't have those wonderful days with intermittent showers that keep the crowds away from CP and the lines small.

Why is Cedar Point the only existing park that people ever think about putting a dome over?

*arm in the air*
I know
I know
Pick me
Pick me

*Pointing to JuggaLoyus*

OK why?

If you people like indoor amusement parks so much i believe cleveland has an huge annual indoor park. Or at least they did when i was a kid.

Because its the best park on the planet and closed half the year.

OldCPer said:
But then we wouldn't have those wonderful days with intermittent showers that keep the crowds away from CP and the lines small.

Exactly. Also, weather is great at Cedar Point. Nice warm days with a calm breeze, cool October evenings during Halloweekends, what would we do without those?