Is the economy lowering your trip counts?

I've already been twice. I plan on having my trip number significantly increase this year. Last year I had 4, this year I hope to nearly double it.

On the bright side, although I am not sure how much of this holds true, since that Al-Zarqawi was killed I have read that gas prices should go down a bit.

Even if that is the case, it won't bring down prices of other necessities.

It looks like I mih level out at 6 or 7 trips this year. Thats down almost 50% from last year. Boooo

It is my opinion that your Economy is doing much better than your Media would have you beleive. They only report negatives. As for me? My purchasing power is way up. My trip this year should cost me 15% less than last year. I may even take a few jerry cans and fill up on your cheap gas!

I agree with Canada4CP. Outside of the gas prices coming to reality the economy on a whole seems to be cranking. So much so that the intrest rates are going up again to "calm down" the growth. Reportedly inflation is next to nothing (which is hard to believe with energy prices rising), unemployment is way down and spending is way up.

Sure there are slow spots in the economy like the American auto industry or places like northeast Ohio where it isn't going as well, but then again we do have among the lowest cost of living for a "big" city. But overall the economy can't be an excuse for attendance issues. In fact places like CP and GLP usually benifit from flat or weak economies (like the early 90's).

I have divided my time for cedar point in sections. I went
two days in may and will not be back till halloweekend. I went
to kings island opening weekend and will not return till fearfest.
I also eliminated the trip to hersheypark. Maybe next season.
I must buy another car before halloween season-my current
vehicle is starting to show it's age.

I guess I should of been a bit more specific. The economy in Cedar Point's primary market is in very bad shape. The country as a whole is doing ok... Not great, but not bad. Consider it in purgatory at this point.

The reason I brought this whole thing up is that I asked a co-worker if her family would be going. Her answer ran along the lines of her husband struggling to bring in a solid check, her kids going to school and the usual "we really cannot afford it" sort of thing.

Some of you may sit back and ask how you cannot afford Cedar Point for a day? Some of you may understand... It's really quite sad right now.. with numbers in the thousands, families are moving out of Michigan each week at an alarming rate.

Are the car companies to blame? No... Not entirely. There are a lot of areas we can place the blame. But it's really time to quit placing blame and do something.

I'm not to well versed in how Ohio's economy as a whole is doing at this point in time. But I hear it's not good either. *** Edited 6/11/2006 10:51:01 PM UTC by Coastern3rd***

Yes, the economy has definately affected my trip counts. I haven't even been there yet this year, and normally I would have already gone 2 or 3 times. Aside from gas, of course, my issue is that I can never find anyone to go with because none of them can afford to go. Kind of depressing that you have to save up weeks in advance now just to go to CP for a day...

Given what I do for a living and the availability of jobs, there is zero danger of me not having a well-paying job any time soon if I stay in the Greater Cleveland area. I can't complain.

Besides, PointBuzz adds to my discretionary income. ;)

Yeah, I just gave you another 12 bucks.

MrScott

My trip count is up this year. However, it is do to having a season pass this year! I am also struggling due to higher gas price but CP is important to me so I am cutting costs in other areas. Trip number 4 is coming Sunday June 18th can't wait to RIDE ON!
*** Edited 6/11/2006 3:31:07 PM UTC by CoasterXtreme72***

Not really. We'd already decided to stay more within the region for our vacations this year before the economy had a chance to change our minds.

In July we'll be heading up to Mich. Advent. for a couple of days, then down to CP and Cleveland for a few more. We live in Dayton, OH and have PKI & CP passes this year and figured it would be the best way to utilize our passes.

We may go down to Dollywood on Labor Day weekend, (we won a free trip through our car dealership for it). And I'm toying with the idea of going to Indiana Beach' coaster event in August, even if I'm alone for it.

All in all, I'll get two more parks under my belt in MiA and IB if all works out. Plus, we'll stay within 5-6 hours no matter where we go.

I have only made one trip to the point this year (last sunday) as opposed to my total of like 8-10 trips last year... The economy has hit me, although I am a full-time college student, I have a fixed 'allowance' from mother dearest, but am getting less in terms of food, general goods, and gas due to the petro-chemical fueled inflation (no pun inteneded).

And by the way, I drive a 2006 toyota prius with an 11.9 gallon tank and am AVERAGING 49.7 MPG... So I am definitely saving a small fortune there as I got the car on April 14th and already have 3900 miles on it... and for perspective, I drove from Bowing Green, OH to Baltimore MD and back with one fill-up each way... my car is awsome!
*** Edited 6/12/2006 2:45:11 AM UTC by Andrew VanAtta***

I skipped a trip to Hershey/Dorney/SFGAdv, and settled for 3 consecutive days at the Point opening weekend. I am taking the family in mid July, then will hit last week of August and hopefully a Halloweekend. It is 3 1/2 hours for me, so gas is keeping my other amusement park trips down, but not the Point, so far. Time will tell.

Talk about weird timing....

I just got let go due to more cutbacks... this time it had nothing to do with GM, it was the contractor I was working under and my time with the company was insufficient to warrant keeping me around.... Damn the auto industry.

Sorry to hear that, man. I feel your pain, as our hours have been cut by 10%, which were already down 28% from last summer.

If you're not opposed to moving, take a look in Wisconsin, Minnesota & Iowa - they are experience some serious growth.

EDIT: There is no G in Wisconsin.
*** Edited 6/12/2006 1:58:08 PM UTC by djDaemon***

What are you talking about? I got to Wisgonsin all the time. :)

I'm considering NYC or Southern Indiana... But I am pretty opposed to moving away from the area... but you have to do what you have to do...

EDIT: There is an S in Wisgonsin ;) *** Edited 6/12/2006 2:01:03 PM UTC by Coastern3rd***

If you check out Monster (and others), there are a lot of engineering-related jobs in and around GB and points south. I almost got a job in Appleton, and I would have gotten a 50% jump in salary. Oh well, though. :(

I'm also not a big fan of leaving the area, but I don't see a turnaround for the area in the near future, unfortunately.

The Good Economy isn't having any effect on me, things can't be any better around here. I have gone to CP every week so far this season but one and I am planning on going more then I ever have in the past.

I have driven only about half the times that I went this year. Since I have a parking pass, I tell everyone if they take me then theyll get free parking. Therefore I get there for free and gas doesn't have any effect on me.

Hi,

Last year we made 5 trips,this year one so far and one more definitely planned.Might add one more,but thats about it.I guess I am affected by the overall cost of living.

The only bad thing about this economy is the gas prices. There are tons of jobs out there,hell,at my hospital we are trying to hire PCA's (nurse aids), they paay $12.50 an hour,are full time,and have FULL Cleveland Clinic Benefits-insurance for a 30's person and spouse is $41 every two weeks. Plus full retirement plan,401k,PTO time,etc.

We have 6 of these jobs on my floor alone and cant get people to apply and the only requirement is a HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Anyone can do it and it isnt that hard and the benefits are awesome. But we cant seem to give the jobs away at the moment.