I probably have an obvious question that was asked before but I can't find it.

Cedar Point is the greatest park in the world, and I couldn't be more thankful that it is within 3 hours of me. However, I can't help but wonder why does Cedar Fair put so much money into Cedar Point?

I mean, wouldn't it be a wiser investment to make a park that is open all season long your flagship that breaks all the records? Why do they put so much into a park that is only open a measly 4 months of the year?

Can someone explain this to me or direct me to this answer? I can't find it anywhere. It just seems mind boggling to me.. not that I'm complaining!

Cedar Fair started off as 2 parks that merged back in the 80's, Cedar Point and ValleyFair.

Through the 80's and 90's, Cedar Point did a great job of balancing coaster installations with other park improvements and became the Roller Coaster Capital.

Along the way, Cedar Fair bought a park here or there. Knott's Berry Farm in California, Worlds of Fun in Missouri, Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon and eventually Six Flags Ohio in Aurora.

Cedar Fair didn't become the mega-corp that it is now until acquiring the Paramount chain in 2005. By that point, Cedar Point was already established as the coaster capital. It doesn't make much sense to suddenly go and dump a ton of money into one of their warm weather parks so that it can become the new flagship.

I understand that. Although I would think that they will be looking to invest more in their warm weather parks in the coming years.

As attendance rises in the warm weather parks and Cedar Point stagnates at around 3 million forever, I can't help but imagine that they would figure the attendance as peaking and focus their attention on improving attendance where there is more room for growth.

If Cedar Fair makes the first 500 foot coaster, I won't be surprised if they put it in another park and start a new tradition.

Cedar Point is often voted as the best amusement park in the world. So, yes, it is their flagship park and gives the company a good reputation in the industry and associated market. To keep it that way takes investment. If you have a gem, you need to keep it polished.

The CEO has a special attachment to the park. That said, as long as he is in charge of the show, Cedar Point will still invest in big thrill rides.

Dick Kinzel pretty much likes to invest in 5 parks in the chain.
-Cedar Point
-Knotts Berry Farm
-Kings Island
-Carowinds (his son is general manager)
-Canada's Wonderland
-Kings Dominion

If Cedar Fair really wanted to build the first 500ft coaster, they would only do this at Cedar Point. The reason being: Knott's really has no room to put something like that, Kings Island, Carowinds, and Kings Dominion all take great pride in having a equal balance of something the family can ride all together and thrill rides, and Canada's Wonderland has a very high attendance so why waste $25 million on a attraction that isn't going to bring more people in?

Dick Kinzel takes great pride in Cedar Point. He wants that park to have the best of the best. He has gotten better though at sharing the love to more parks.

^I somewhat disagree with you, Coolkid. Most of the parks in theory could handle a 500 foot roller coaster. The only reason it wouldn't happen is because of Dick's love for his ole' amusement park.

coolkid2345 said:

If Cedar Fair really wanted to build the first 500ft coaster, they would only do this at Cedar Point. The reason being: Knott's really has no room to put something like that, Kings Island, Carowinds, and Kings Dominion all take great pride in having a equal balance of something the family can ride all together and thrill rides, and Canada's Wonderland has a very high attendance so why waste $25 million on a attraction that isn't going to bring more people in?

1. And Cedar Point has room for a 500 footer?

2. It works the other way too. Why waste 25 million on something at Cedar Point that doesnt bring people in? (Even though they have been trying it since 2000)

Yes they do. They have a parking lot, Disaster Transport, if they were going to tear down Mean Streak.

Canadas Wonderland has a very high attendance and a roller coaster would do very little to bring people in. It isn't like Cedar Point doesn't benefit any from putting a roller coaster in.

And i did say "If" Cedar Fair were going to build the first 500ft coaster.

I seriously doubt a 500 foot coaster will be built by anyone. Certainly not in the next 20 years.

Probably not ever. I remember all the shows in the 90's that everyone was predicting coasters to go in the 800 foot range by the end on 2010. The price of these things went up...By a lot.

Hey, where are our flying cars too?

^^^Right here...

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/flying-cars-by-2011/

Cedar Point is the "Star" park of Cedar Fair.

I really wish people would start using thread titles that actually offered some clue about what was in them.

The company's typical capital expenditure plan is to spend money where it feels there's a reasonable chance they'll make it back as a result of it within a few years. They've historically been a little more aggressive with newly acquired parks where necessary (thus the new big rides at the Paramount Parks), and with basic infrastructure where it was lacking (Michigan's Adventure).

Cedar Point gets a substantial amount of investment because of its attendance, the on-site hotels and the often overlooked fact that attractions and facilities often need to be retired and replaced because they're getting old.

crazy horse said:
^^^Right here...

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/flying-cars-by-2011/

I don't see those in every family's driveway, like everyone in the 80's talked about. :)

What?

You don't have one yet?;)

No, I have 4. I just said they aren't in everybody's driveway. :)

Putting a wing on your car doesn't make it a flying car Zach. ;)

Ah! Ya got me. :)