Is it Time to Bring Back Fascination?

Man do I miss Fascination. This was something that added variety to a trip, and it was a fun break from the park, in the air conditioning, on a hot summer day.

Does anyone know if Cedar Point kept all their Fascination tables and signs? I really think CP could have success bringing this back. With Cedar Point's latest trend of going retro (Shoot the Rapids, 2011 ride), I couldn't think of a better game to bring back. If the highly desired retro boardwalk that people seem to want ever emerged, this could be a great tie-in as well.

Couldn't they glass box a section of the main midway arcade, air condition it nicely, and bring back 1/2 of the tables or so? Stick the large, classic Fascination sign outside with an arrow pointing in, and utilize the prize counter from the main midway arcade.

There could be a conversion system...1 winning Fascination ticket = 50 tickets (for the younger crowd) or something, and there could be an exclusive selection of historic Cedar Point memorabilia prizes available only to Fascination winners.

I think this could be a huge draw for the people that grew up with Cedar Point & its classic Fascination game. It'd give the 60 & up crowd a reason to come back to Cedar Point with their families. I'm 26 and would be ecstatic about it as well -- this was the only game I ever played regularly.

If Cedar Point wants to get their attendance figures up, maybe they should start carefully thinking about the things they once offered that truly appealed to everyone. Along with that new 2011 ride, how about they announce "Classic Fascination Game Returns for 2011!"

Excuse me for my ignorance, but could you tell me what the Fascination game was?

http://www.mahalo.com/fascination-game

It had to be one of the most addicting games ever. You could just sit there peacefully, throw your money away, and be completely content.

I think if they want to bring back the older crowd that no longer goes to the park, they need to put in slot machines. They would bring in tons of money, They could put it in any location, that is no longer used. The old Pirate Ride location ould be great.

I am a GAMBLER, and I am so happy the State of OHIO will be getting them. I agree to put a few Slots and Tables in the Park.

Fascinating idea to bring back Fascination as a retro game on any Boardwalk section that CP may someday build. I remember it well. It was very popular, in its day, with the adults. Games at CP could use a new/old twist.

However, my vote (like I get one) is a big no on slots or any gambling at the Point.

I'm pretty confident that Cedar Fair prides itself on having family-friendly parks. It would be a cold day in you know where before you see any gambling paraphernalia in one of their parks.

EDIT: But the fascination game would be great to have. Especially because so many of the parks have a lot of those "water races" that are so boring.

I have played this game before. Very addicting and fun. Kennywood used to have this game. It would be nice to see back at the park.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/n9nds/2726118467/

Indiana Beach still has theirs. Every time I go there (which isn't often anymore, I feel that place has gone way downhill) we always play Fascination. I'd love to see it at Cedar Point, especially on this Boardwalk ;-)

airee85 said:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/n9nds/2726118467/

Indiana Beach still has theirs. Every time I go there (which isn't often anymore, I feel that place has gone way downhill) we always play Fascination. I'd love to see it at Cedar Point, especially on this Boardwalk ;-)

Hmmm...would love to play Fascination once again sometime. Is Indiana Beach worth a 4 hour drive? Is it comparable to Michigan Adventure or so? The Steel Hawg ride looks pretty fun...

I loved Fascination. Santa Cruz had a small setup for a long time. I haven't been back since they said they were taking it out, and that is not entirely coincidental! ;)

At the time, I heard that they are tough to maintain and find parts for.

It was one of the first LAN parties ;)

Wonder if Mentor-on-the-Lake still has their hall, near the former Erieview park?

Ffej said:
Is Indiana Beach worth a 4 hour drive?

Yes, absolutely.

Dispatch Master Transport said:
I'm pretty confident that Cedar Fair prides itself on having family-friendly parks. It would be a cold day in you know where before you see any gambling paraphernalia in one of their parks.

Not true. In 2005, Kinzel said they would add gambling if it was legalized in Eerie county.

http://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Thread/52891.aspx

Fascination just reminds me of Magnum Dan and his protest at its removal for Johnny Rockets. Whatever happened to Magnum Dan?

Also, let's not forget they used to have instant lottery ticket machines all around the park...

@Ensign Smith -- You're talking ancient history sir.

I remember dumping tons of money away at fascination in CP in the air conditioning and being happy as a clam. But I did get to be pretty good at it and could win tickets often. It was so fascinating how addictive that silly game was.

Ffej said:

Hmmm...would love to play Fascination once again sometime. Is Indiana Beach worth a 4 hour drive? Is it comparable to Michigan Adventure or so? The Steel Hawg ride looks pretty fun...

I'd say so it is too. I feel like it's not as fun as it use to be, but then again, that was when I was a kid, so that might have something to do with it. It's definitely a unique park that any park/coaster enthusiast needs to visit if they had the chance, in my opinion.

I think this would be a great addition. I only played it a few times as a kid but it was a great time every time! Are we still talking about a hypothetical boardwalk? Im actually against any form of boardwalk. I have never been to CP without staying in the resorts and there are too many people back that way for when all I want is quiet to relax and recoup.

Hell yeah! Fascination was crazy addictive and fun. I remember it essentially as a license to print money for the park. I don't know if the fascination with Fascination died off and it was losing money or what, but I would spend some serious cash there now.

I was digging through more of my old camcorder tapes and found one from the year 2000 with footage inside of Fascination. I really enjoyed playing this game and seeing this video (and hearing the sounds) brought back nice memories.

Video

Will the children of today feel the same way when they grow up and reminisce about a time when they ate at Johnny Rockets? I think not.