Ahhh yes, received my Getaway Guide in the mail today. Here's my review: First off, you will notice that the guide is printed on smaller stock than in years past, but the design and layout more than makes up for one less inch in paper size. CP did a commendable job on layout, and getting across the message that "This is the new Millenium, we have something to boast about in y2k, and we are still the bes in the business" by their useage of that cool font and simple lines as borders and for word separation , not to mention the outgoing despcriptions and text. The pictures as always are of outstanding quality and helped accentuate the resort atmosphere very nicely, although IMHO more empahasis could've been palced on the coasters. Some new shots there would've helped. CP comes alive at night during the summer with a whole different personality and beauty; in the future, a few night shots would definitely be an awesome addition, too. Now onto the map: I stated this before in a previous post, but it is probably the only aspect I am truly disappointed with. When I was younger, I used to spend hours on end gazing upon the map in awe before and even after our trips out to Sandusky. I also know that alot of us still do that. I think that's where my concern for the state of the map stems from.
Looking at it from a logical standpoint, there are definitely a few reasons for the departure from the old fromat. REgferring to last year's map, lots of eye candy does lead to a perception of clutter by many people, and especially with continued additions it becomes imossible to keep the map readable. Last year's map approached a work of art as nearly as any map could,though, in my artistic opinion. With this said, this year's map left off detail probably to make it more easily readable but also for the fact that they changed the detail/zoom level by pulling up further into the sky. This leads to my next observation: The map was also drawn keeping future addtions in mind by showing more unused space on the peninsula. In conclusion, though, I'm hoping for two things: That this won't be quite the version of the map we see when we purchase our souvenir map come opening day, and if not maybe this is only an "interim" map. Sorry to sound so critical of the darn map, but I guess I've become a highly demanding conossieur of the Point like us all, and having a map that is (not to sound juvenile here) prettier than other parks has always remained a point of high pride with regards to CP.
I'm finished now ;)
-------------
-Dave Kochman
Pittsburgh