Farewell, Wildcat.

While only rumor, there is a poster on KICentral, TheLip2, that claims to have run into Ouimet on the midway, having a conversation with him. I found this tidbit interesting about Wild Cat:

"I totally forgot two other things that he said. He asked what my favorite park was and I told him that I really liked Kings Dominion. He then went on to tell me how great the GM Pat Jones is down there. When he was asking me about visits to Cedar Point and discussing that park he said something like, "Be honest with me, are you mad at me?" I said, "Mad at you for what?" He said, "For taking out Wildcat." I replied that I did not even know that they were taking out Wildcat. He then asked if I ever got to ride it and I said that I had. That was pretty much the end of that part."

The other thing he claimed Ouimet said:

"We need to do something for you guys down here to replace Son Of Beast because there just isn't anything we can do with it."

Of course this is just a poster on the Internet, but it does sound believable and match several other reports. From what you experienced, Jeff, does this sound like Ouimet, asking lots of questions like these?

Ffej said:
...Iron Dragon's appearance and significance has further declined...

Yeah, I'm totally going to miss looking at ID's transfer track as well. It's so beautiful, and added lots of charm to the park.

...Luminosity seems in the wrong spot.

Perhaps to those of us who haven't actually analyzed the situation it does. But I think it's wise to defer to the people who actually know what they're doing. There's no better spot for Luminosity. There may be alternatives, but none that are better.

I believe I was the very first person on these forums to mention the lack of front-center space for the orientation of Luminosity, on April 22nd, by looking at the posted pictures, demos, and park maps.

BayernKurve agreed and followed up on April 22nd with, "I'm calling it right now about Luminosity.....I think it is going to be so packed/crowded that Wildcat will end up needing to be moved..."

These were apparently valid observations/opinions/predictions, and we didn't need to be in charge of planning to make them.

djDaemon followed up with "I don't think moving WC would create any "usable" space - you're really just gaining a chunk of concrete between a fence, some bathrooms and the theater."

My point being...you love to call people out for observations/opinions/predictions being invalid since we're not in charge of the park. Yet, you make your own and you're not in charge of the park. Where were your facts that removing Wild Cat would not create any usable space for Luminosity? Where are your facts that there is no better spot for Luminosity? Your opinion is just as valid as mine.

I made one statement regarding my opinion about the removal of WildCat. I was wrong, obviously. (Also, ad hominem.)

You've reiterated multiple times that Luminosity is in the wrong spot, the planning was done poorly and that the park's leadership is questionable. That's hardly the same thing as my comment about WildCat being moved.

As for suggesting there is no better spot for Luminosity, I have the following fact: there is no other open area in the park large enough and with adequate access.

You suggested Luminosity could be put in where AWE currently resides. As I pointed out the last time you made the suggestion (and ignoring the fact that the area in question is smaller than the ID midway), doing so would require demolishing a live entertainment venue, which leads to no net gain in terms of live entertainment offerings. Presumably, the reason Luminosity exists in the first place is to expand the entertainment offerings in the park. This is to say nothing of the possibility that the park may very well have plans for the area you suggest as an alternative.

Its good to see that even with a Disney god in charge, folks still armchair QB the place.

djDaemon said:
There's no better spot for Luminosity. There may be alternatives, but none that are better.

That is the potentially troubling statement. I do not know what the show is but if they are trying to put 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag that is a problem. Simply saying that where they put the show is better than any alternatives does not necessarily make it work.

Now if they have the space limitations defined and work within those constraints and put 5 pounds of stuff into a 5 pound then they are in good shape.

I think that the concern that some folks have is that the show has grown beyond what it started out as and will no longer fit into the area. Without seeing the show I do not know how anyone could know that, but with the removal of Wildcat I can appreciate how that way of thinking can come about.

CPboy77 said:
Weird that Wildcat and the big screen are still on the map.

The map I picked up at the park over the weekend does not have the big screen. It does include WildCat though.

The map on the website has now been updated to include Luminosity but still shows Wildcat. The PDF version is even called "CPMAP_wLUMO."

It still doesn't have any labels on it though. I'm not sure how that's helpful for "planning a visit." Why not just upload a PDF of the same map used in the printed version?

That map makes Wildcat look tiny, I know it's a small footprint ride and the map isn't to scale but that map really over does it.

[url][url]One of the last photos of Wildcat. RIP

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=388568514514847&set=a.123609194344115.8755.123605507677817&type=1&theater

Look! The map includes DA!! wow! saved me $5 :)

djDaemon said:
I made one statement regarding my opinion about the removal of WildCat. I was wrong, obviously. (Also, ad hominem.)

You've reiterated multiple times that Luminosity is in the wrong spot, the planning was done poorly and that the park's leadership is questionable. That's hardly the same thing as my comment about WildCat being moved.

You've made plenty more than one opinion on the topic. Also, where did I ever attack your personal character in that post?

Yes, I believe Luminosity is in the wrong spot, and I was not referring to AWE; I was referring to placing it directly in Wild Cat's place, to avoid cluttering Iron Dragon (and I'm entitled to this opinion).

Yes, I do believe the planning was done poorly for this project, and I've already stated my reasons for that (again, I'm entitled to the opinion).

You twisted what I said about the leadership. I never said the leadership was questionable in general, but that I questioned them for this particular project. In fact, I pointed out how much I agreed with the leadership decisions multiple times, excluding this project.

And people thought I was talking crazy talk back on April 22!! lol

I think there is a lesson to be learned here for all involved with the planning of Luminosity; Cedar Point is as much Disney in the hearts and minds of it's loyal fans. NEVER would Disney pull out an attraction without prior warning for fans to get in their last rides, photographs, souveniors, etc. The powers that be at CP need to keep this in mind going foward; I think the issue everyone has based on all the comments on various sites is the simple fact CP fans weren't "psychology eased" into the transition (which you would have thought Cedar Fair would have learned their lesson from how the closing of Geauga Lake was handled and the long running anger Northeast Ohio still holds towards Cedar Fair, but I digress.)

Personally, I am totally fine with Wildcat being removed knowing what this show has the capability of being (again, with proper execution.) My only wish is for Matt Ouiment and John Hildebrant to remember it is the DETAILS that make all the difference, whether it be how you handle removing something from the park, adding something to the park, or any other changes. Nail the details and I guarantee you the comment boards will return to singing nothing but praise for Cedar Point/Cedar Fair.

My visits to Cedar Point will be all the more enjoyable if there are any who don't show up there because Wildcat was removed without warning. Because, chances are, those are the type of people who would be complaining while there and I will be much happier not having to listen to them.

Had they announced its closing back in October, people who be bitching that they should have announced it in August. Those who couldn't get to the park for a final ride in August would have bitched that it wasn't announced earlier in the summer. Nobody wins when a ride closes but the park does not own anyone a last chance to get a ride in, especially if it is for something small like Wildcat.

BayernKurve said:
NEVER would Disney pull out an attraction without prior warning for fans to get in their last rides, photographs, souveniors, etc.

Has Disney officially announced that Snow Whites Scary Adventures is closing in a couple weeks for good? Asking because I didn't hear one.

I don't feel the park has a responsibility to "psychologically ease" the loss of a ride. That's taking it a bit too far. Outside of enthusiasts, no one is going to lose sleep over Wildcat being gone.

Had they announced it when they announced Luminosity then people would have at least been able to see the connection and been able to understand a little better. To be honest if it would have happened then, then I wouldn't of had time to help coach my former crew member and who was going to be the ATL on what to expect and what to be ready for.

Also, I wouldn't of had time to be getting excited to ride it again with my friends at the controls. There is a huge difference between ripping it out 2 weeks before the season starts and months in advance as far as the psychology associated with each.

Kevinj said:
I don't feel the park has a responsibility to "psychologically ease" the loss of a ride. That's taking it a bit too far. Outside of enthusiasts, no one is going to lose sleep over Wildcat being gone.

That is where you're wrong. I've heard and overheard many families talk about how disappointed they are. These are people who live around Dayton, who would be in the KI zone per-say. I was surprised to hear it to be honest but this goes beyond just enthusiasts.

I didn't say people would not be disappointed, but some of you talk about this as if it is going to lead to some type of adjustment disorder. Of course there is disappointment; there should be.

Was the timing crappy? I would never argue with anyone on that, but I think CP realizes that to. If you did not see Wildcat's end coming, you've had blinders on. I bet we could come up with a list of the next 5 rides to go, and be pretty accurate.

I just wish they would have put the stage where Wildcat was. It would seem more symmetrical and flow better. (In my opinion, don't yell at me) :)