Halloweekends More Popular this Year?

It seems to me that nearly every halloweekend of 2003 has been much busier than in 2002. Do you agree/disagree? Also, do you think the increase in attendance this year could result in extended halloweekends hours or dates in 2004?

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Rides 2001
Guest Services 2002
www.veronicaspreciousgifts.com

I think it's all been weather related. The last couple of weekends have been superb, weatherwise. The first couple were not as nice and attendance reflected that.

Looks like ANOTHER warm up is on the way for this weekend, so expect large crowds.

MrScott

And no, I don't think CP will extend hours next year. The weather is just too unpredictable to warrant the cost.

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"If we go any faster, she'll blow apart for sure!"
*** This post was edited by MrScott 10/21/2003 6:00:36 PM ***

I think some of it had to do with TTD also. At least it being preety reliable on being open anyway. Or mabey it was Warewolf Canyon... no wait... that wouldnt be it.

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"...and enjoy the rest of your day here at Cedar Point, America's 'Roller Coast'"

I must ammend my earlier comments to include increased advertising dollars in Ohio. I make that statement on NO fact, just that my brother in Columbus said that he has been seeing Halloweekends commercials A LOT. That, coupled with the great weather has lead to increased attendance, IMO.

It wasn't Werewolf Canyon or any other single attraction (TTD). It was the package. The Halloween themeing (did I just say themeing?), the great weather & the last chance to ride CP's coasters is what did it.

CP Finacial People are smiling from ear to ear, I'm sure. I'd bet the Unit holders are, too. Except for the additional cost that Dragster may have placed on CF, the season was a money maker.

MrScott (all of which is a guess on my part)

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"If we go any faster, she'll blow apart for sure!"

Interesting ideas. I just know in the past Halloweekends was the perfect time to go and ride all the rides with very short lines. This year that's not the case at all. Perhaps advertisement has been a big part of it. It's wise on CP's marketing dept. to heavily advertise in Ohio. They advertise in WV in the summer, but not for halloweekends, which makes perfect sense. I would, but not many people are willing to travel 4+ hours for halloweekends, and anyone who is willing knows about it already I'm sure.

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Rides 2001
Guest Services 2002
www.veronicaspreciousgifts.com

Yes, weather does play a role in attendance, but I agree with Vanessa that attendance is generally increased.

The first season of Halloweekends, there were so many DEAD days where I felt the park was closed for me. Now there are some less crowded days, but nothing like it used to be.

In my opinion, it's all related to exposure. Very few people knew of Halloweekends at the beginning. I remember friends thinking that CP closed in August. It's all different now. There have been several seasons of Halloweekends now with increased advertisement, and they are becoming well-known. I hear random people talking about "going to a halloweekend," so the mass public now knows CP is open well through October. And the attendance increase reflects that...