Sky scraper and go karts leaving

At least the rumor of it ending up in STR's vacancy is not true. For now.

Worst idea.

Challenge golf costs very little to operate during the season. One operator per shift, basic landscaping upkeep (which they would do no matter what if it is still standing) and the basic maintence to keep the lights and sound running. And all that labor is already there, this is just somewhere to work on when they have down time. I know when I was in Technical Services, other than the initial check of equipment before the season, I would just wonder over when I didn't have anything pressing to do and start working on stuff.

Since the budgets to operate are so little they probably figured why not, and it does bring in money during the season. Though how much I can't tell you but I rarely see a day when someone is not playing the course.

I would love to see them keep challenge golf, but after an overhaul.

It would be awesome if they added a laughing clown that spits the ball back out like on Happy Gilmore... "YOU'RE GONNA DIE, CLOWN!"

Re: a shopping/entertainment district at CP in place of Challenge Park, or off-point...

Cedar Fair just announced a master plan for California's Great America, which includes such a thing that can (presumably) be open year-round:

http://greatamericanthrills.net/2016/03/30/californias-great-americ.../img_1256/

Year-round operation is surely a consideration, and it's worth noting that their proposal says such a district may be located outside of the theme park entrance. A CGA attraction like this would be offering a Northern California alternative to Downtown Disney and CityWalk.

Cedar Point offering such an area just seems unlikely to me.

I just don't see a year long venue at CP. It would be a flop during the winter months just like the "Christmas in the Park" event.

I'm not sure where the people would come from to make it worthwhile as an investment. Especially retail offerings as the Sandusky Mall can be a ghost town during the winter months.

I don't see anything happening with the Challenge Park area other than a Soak City expansion.

^ Agreed

Whether or not they build an entertainment district, I disagree with those who think it must be a year-round operation to succeed. Plenty of entertainment areas are seasonal, from our own Put-In-Bay to most of the operations along the east coast. The park itself is seasonal and it is thriving, no reason a seasonal entertainment district couldn't be a successful seasonal operation.

If I something like that is built, it would be smart to build it by the Marina, maybe where the Cedars are now. That would allow area boaters to take their boats there as another boating destination. I feel it would be extremely popular with area boaters if done right.

I wouldn't say it's impossible. Still...

I should point out that when I think entertainment district, I'm thinking Downtown Disney or Citywalk, places with movie multiplexes and significant live entertainment venues, which is why I've been thinking it would be unlikely. That said...

A small area with restaurants and shops -- maybe a Sandusky Merry Go Round Museum shop and display space? -- likely would be a great addition. I would put on the other side of the peninsula near Breakers, Sandcastle and Lighthouse, since there are just more guests there. Easier to transport Marina guests there than vice versa. Ideally, such a district would be located such that guests exiting the Magnum gate would walk through the area en route to their accommodations, and so be easily tempted to stop in for a drink or a bit.

I think it would be a better fit by the resorts as well. We'd be more inclined to walk down to the area while staying at one of the resorts as opposed to boarding the shuttle to go to the marina area, of course that's just us so others may feel different. Something like this could also help with the goal of getting more people to stay on peninsula for several days as it would be yet another entertainment option, including remaining open after the park closes.

I for one would love to see some kind of entertainment venue. It wouldn't matter to me if its back by the resorts or at the current Cedar's location, Just to have something nice and relaxing to do after a day at the park. A seasonal venue would be the only way to go. There would be no reason to try and keep it open year round. There are plenty of very successful seasonal restaurants/venues around the area. An open air restaurant with some live music and nice open bar would be a big hit.

Off topic: If any area needs an overhaul, it's SANDCASTLE SUITES. I read some reviews of it on trip advisor and it's quite sad how many people were so disappointed with it. It really needs renovated, the entire property. and of course, the prices are outrageous. I never stayed there b/c not worth the money. AND you are not allowed to swim at the giant chunk of beach! that beach is a waste of space! but maybe they have plans for it, down the line.

On topic: I think Ripcord should stay while there is plenty of room for a pro-bowl slide to squeeze in. If they add a new ride in place of STR, it should be a flume, one built properly and not by intamin!

I very much agree that Sandcastle Suites needs an update. The location is absolutely beautiful, but it's way too outdated! I haven't stayed there in a while, and when I did, it was later in the season. But if they redo the pool area, I would love to see the pool bar being used again. Nothing beats being able to order a nice drink while catching some sun. Sandcastle is on some prime real estate, and I have no doubt that Cedar Fair sees the need to update too.

In terms of ripcord, I have seen people say that ripcord will move inside the park to where shoot the rapids was. That's a large plot of land to just place a sky coaster in. I would really like to see a visually appealing ride in that location

The best thing to go where Cedar's is, in my opinion, would be a Boardwalk-style hotel.

It wouldn't only be an entertainment district, but a mixed use development that would easily be able to support itself, with the guests at a new hotel above the shops and the guests from the marina.

Where are all of these shoppers going to come from for a shopping district?

TwistedWicker77 said:

I very much agree that Sandcastle Suites needs an update. The location is absolutely beautiful, but it's way too outdated! I haven't stayed there in a while, and when I did, it was later in the season. But if they redo the pool area, I would love to see the pool bar being used again. Nothing beats being able to order a nice drink while catching some sun. Sandcastle is on some prime real estate, and I have no doubt that Cedar Fair sees the need to update too.

In terms of ripcord, I have seen people say that ripcord will move inside the park to where shoot the rapids was. That's a large plot of land to just place a sky coaster in. I would really like to see a visually appealing ride in that location

Sandcastle just got an update back in 2008 I believe. Doubt it will be anytime soon.

Don't be too sure. Most of the hotel industry renovates no less than every 6 to 8 years. Now that Cedar Fair is run by a guy with hotel experience, I imagine they'll eventually get to a similar cycle.