Kalahari resorts to be purchased? (by cedar fair?)

Probably just a silly misquote from someone (not by me)

But I was speaking to a gentleman today who works for the company (namco) who runs the arcade at Kalahari in Sandusky.

He told me they were closing the arcade at Kalahari in about a month. Since I am a big fan of the arcade (my kids love the route 66 bowler) I asked him why! It always seemed to be busy...

So again - probably just him misquoting something he heard, but he said - "Kalahari was purchased by Cedar Point and they have their own arcade services"....

I tried the limited resources I have to verify his statement... no luck so far. Anyone else hear anything along these lines?

Cedar Fair is borderline over-leveraged as it is. If they did, I'd be calling for the board to be replaced.

Makes no sense what so ever.
Than what, buy Great Wolf Lodge and the other indoor water park going up?
Makes no sense to have 2 indoor water parks in the same town owned by the same company.

^^Haha - too bad you probably don't have quite the pull of Carl Icahn! ;)

Definitely not true. I would bet my next 5 paychecks and my CP Platinum Pass.

I would never say never though for the reasons Jeff mentioned I highly doubt the story. I do think Cedar Fair missed the mark on the indoor waterparks popping up in their backyards. But, for them to purchase Kalahari...particularly after they just built the waterpark expansion...seems pretty unlikely.

Now, I could see them buying the Ruta property on the corner of Causeway and Rt 6 as they have actually given thought to that in the past. And, it's location makes a great deal more sense.

Unless they are planning on halting or reducing the dividend payouts, I don't see how they can buy anything else right now.

The only reason I say it isn't impossible is:

If Kalahari really IS up for sale I could see the argument that Cedar Fair purchase it so nobody else will. What Cedar Point does lack is a real conference facility. And, another opportunity to boost year round revenue in Ohio isn't a completely stupid idea.

Personally, I'd like to see them get their own house in order before buying another one. Professionally I can see the case.

But, I can't imagine that the powers-that-be who built the Kalahari and just expanded it are ready to get out unless they, themselves, got overextended.

I did hear a comment about the financial strength of Kalahari which said it was "built like a house of cards".

Maybe CF only bought the Kalahari Sandusky property, not the entire company?

If my Platinum Pass gets me into Kalahari, I'll be all for it! I had a blast there in April. Although for the company I think it's a silly decision.

It's still highly dubious, but there's one way I could see this happening -- or at least Cedar Fair having the financial wherewithal to make it happen. If they were to succeed in selling a large portion of Geauga Lake property to developers for a good price (a big if), that might provide the necessary cash infusion for a move like this.

But I strongly doubt it.

I agree with most of what is being said - I just figured I'd ask if anyone heard anything similar.

The fact is that Namco is getting out of the arcade at Kalahari, but why? Could be a number of things. Even just Kalahari deciding they dont want to give up that 50% of the arcade revenue that namco takes off the top.

I have a hard time believing CF would buy it, but being a regular Kalahari guest and a Platimum pass holder, I had to ask....

The American arcade market has been on its way out for the last decade or more. Namco may be downsizing their American market just as Konami did a few years ago.

The cheaper option would be to close Castaway Bay. With all the competition I can't believe it's profitable.

I just don't see the attraction of indoor water parks. I know a lot of people like them though...but it seems like there are way too many of them in the Sandusky area for any of them to make money.

^Ever heard of the Wisconsin Dells? Its located 1/2 hour north of Madison, and it has tons of indoor water parks, including the original Great Wolf and Kalahari (located across the road from each other no less) and still manages to support 3 outdoor water parks (including the largest water park in the World.) Sandusky is far from saturated.

Sandusky feels more and more like the Dells every year. We just need more upcharge rides along 250....

Speaking of Dells-esque atmosphere in Sandusky, has anyone noticed the new electronic sign for Ghostly Manor on 250?

Chief Wahoo said:
I would never say never though for the reasons Jeff mentioned I highly doubt the story. I do think Cedar Fair missed the mark on the indoor waterparks popping up in their backyards. But, for them to purchase Kalahari...particularly after they just built the waterpark expansion...seems pretty unlikely.

Now, I could see them buying the Ruta property on the corner of Causeway and Rt 6 as they have actually given thought to that in the past. And, it's location makes a great deal more sense.

they could close it so profit for castaway bay will be threw the roof

The problem with the old Radisson, as I understand it, was low occupancy on winter weekends. I think they did ok during the winter weekdays because of the conference space.

So, they build the indoor waterpark which drives weekend business and now I believe Castaway not only breaks even during the offseason, but I think it is profitable.

So, even if Cedar Fair would purchase Kalahari (or any of the Sandusky indoor waterparks), or even build another one from scratch, I don't think they close down Castaway Bay. There is no reason it can't stand on its own.

^^ I really don't see that happening either since Kalahari just added onto their waterpark making it the largest indoor park in America.

If this was true (which won't ever happen) Cedar Fair would kill the charm of Kalahari...