Maverick - 5/28/07

You were talking about the ride being exposed to the elements. My point was that it was irrelevant because we're talking about an interior space.

Besides, it's easy to bait you.

So your idea is to use something with water, add a bunch of moisture control stuff at extra cost, instead of just using something that doesn't create moisture?

I'm sure they'd sign off on that.

You're right. It's easier to just give up because it didn't work the first time. That sounds more feasible anyways.

When you say "mist curtains" , are you refering to the same type of effect that is used on pirates of the carribean?

Is the Maverick Open today, because I haven't seen any Trains moving around on the WEB CAM yet?

It's open. I've spotted it on the webcam several times. It didn't open for Joe Cool this morning, but has been running since the park opened.

Last night a buddy of mine went, and he said the ride was closed and kinzel was on the platform yelling at someone on the phone. He said that kinzel looked really upset.

Not good news if the ride is not open today.

What does it say about empowerment when the CEO of the third largest amusement park operator is dealing with a maintenance issue on a single ride?

It says, "micromanagement!" :)

I just pinged someone at the park, and they said the ride is in fact open today.

^Exactly. I really do like the guy but sometimes he just leaves me stumped. That is why I look forward to seeing what happens to Cedar Point post-Kinzel. There is the fear amongst investors that things will slide but it is my belief, knowing the talent that is there, that the exact opposite will happen.

I agree. I think we'll see unprecedented changes for the better. Some may be a little risky, others not. I think it's OK to fail a little if you succeed in other big ways. The biggest risk now is mediocrity and being oblivious to what your customers are saying (see: food pricing and quality).

The day that Cedar Point gives me something to do after the park closes is the day that I'll be a happy guy.

Kinzel yells pretty well when departments don't stay on budget. This is especially true now that it is more difficult to attract guests.

The company really could go either way. Yes, there is talent but will they be able to face the problems that are working against the amusement industry well? In Cedar Point's case, record breaking rides that they have thrived on now have dim return on investment. I think that Kinzel was simply fortunate enough to have been the CEO of Cedar Fair during the modern golden age for amusement parks. He is talented in some ways yet dated in others. It would be interesting to see someone else at the reigns of the company but it doesn't come without risks.

*** Edited 5/29/2007 7:44:16 PM UTC by Jump to Conclusions***

The "after the park closes" stuff you are looking for may end up being one of the risky failures. The only way to really do that effectively is to provide some type of safe, reliable, late night alternative to leaving your kids in the hotel room. That won't be easy.

It isn't that I think it is a bad idea. I myself would love it too. But, there are some barriers there. Disney can do it because of the sheer volume of people on property. And, they can rely on full time help with the childcare.

I have no idea what happened with foods. I understand there are some former foods executives who are now at the park but under the guise of the franchises. It seems like their current plan is to try to play ping pong with two balls...and both hands.

Jump...I do give credit to Kinzel where credit is due. There is no doubt that he is the guiding force behind the company's success over the past 20 years. To say he might have been in the right place at the right time is like saying Eisner just happened to be in the right place at Disney for the past 20 years.

I think both had definite leadership/visionary traits that were perfect for both companies. But Eisner stayed on too long...and I'm afraid that might end up happening here as well.

But, Eisner didn't address a lot of things that were sorely necessary at Disney during his tenure, and Kinzel has done similarly. Kinzel isn't the only person to bleed Cedar Point red. There are many others in various departments that are as commited to the company as he...and have many incredible talents.

Any on ride pov's yet?

Jump to Conclusions said:
The company really could go either way. Yes, there is talent but will they be able to face the problems that are working against the amusement industry well?

Did I miss something? Because aside from years of boneheaded moves by Six Flags, last I checked the industry was doing extremely well overall, both in the regional parks and the destinations.

Well gee...if Rollercoaster Tycoon gets anymore realistic I won't need to go to parks anymore!

:-)

Jeff I appreciated your suggestion to keep your head back on the restraint through the first couple of turns. Not to say there is a right or wrong way to ride a coaster, there are definately more enjoyable and less enjoyable experiences.

No one wants a headache through their day at CP.

maverick is now my fav. incredible.

Noted from Jeff's First message: I think that this is the ride that the amusement park-going public has been waiting for, for, like, forever (not ages ). It's not too intense, it's mostly comfortable to ride, and you can ride it over and over without feeling like someone beat the crap out of you. And who knew the thing would be an airtime machine? I mean, airtime in the inversions... that's not something I expected at all.

Makes me think of riding Raging Bull at SFGAM, except without inversions. Can't wait to ride it Father's Day weekend!

That almost sounded like a direct quote from the podcast. :)