Space Spiral could have stayed!

Upon viewing the recent photos of the Gatekeeper construction, it is very obvious that the Space Spiral could have been kept. It is clear that the reason the park people didn't want to keep it had nothing to do with needing space for the new ride.

Space Spiral is gone for other reasons, like lack of ridership and high maintenance costs, among other reasons.

Well imagine tearing it down once Gatekeeper was up! They took the opportunity to remove an outdated ride.

While there technically was room, it would have been pretty cramped over there.

And it would have cost a lot more to remove it later on, as the "timber" approach would not have been available.

bobby79 said:
Upon viewing the recent photos of the Gatekeeper construction, it is very obvious that the Space Spiral could have been kept. It is clear that the reason the park people didn't want to keep it had nothing to do with needing space for the new ride.

Very obvious and clear!

Agreed, Space Spiral could have stayed. Then again the issues with the ride would have stayed as well. Lets face it, the ride was old and wearing out. The park had three options: overhaul it, maintain status quo, or remove it. I'll miss the ride, but I'm sure they had their reasons. It was a great ride that soared high that anybody could go on.

I'm sure in the future there will be discussions like this when some of Cedar Point's steel coasters will be slated for removal. It happens, nothing lasts forever (even cold November rain.)

~Rob

I'm still fairly certain we'll see some sort of observation tower replacement for Space Spiral in the forthcoming years. It's not as if nobody makes observation towers anymore. And even though Space Spiral's tower was seemingly solid what with the however many foot deep foundation, the superstructure was still going on fifty years old. Not all steel lasts forever, and I figure a uniform cylindrical tower structure is a bit harder to maintain in the long run than something like the Eiffel Towers or Oil Derricks that have more individual structural components that can be replaced without changing the whole thing.

I see a new observation tower being built somewhere near the back of the park.

Imagine the new view if it would have stayed -- it's ridership would have gone through the roof.

The windows were so terrible, I doubt the view would be that much better.

Restless Bohemian said:
...it's ridership would have gone through the roof.

Or probably not, as it was often closed.

It's clearly visible why SS was removed from the site. The ride was almost 50 years old, and I imagine it was getting more difficult to maintain the aging mechanical equipment. Given the drastic change to the area, it was the perfect time to demolish SS. GK's entrance plaza will look spectacular with the existing half-circle line of flags that once stood before SS.

Count me in as one who agrees that CP will build a replacement observation tower sooner than later. The park has too much of a scenic panorama to not have a calm and relaxing way for all types of visitors to take in the sights of the peninsula. It would also add another tall ride to the park's impressive skyline.

With any luck, it could allow for riders to feel the wind in their faces when they reach the top of the tower. I've always appreciated the Eiffel Tower at Kings Island for this reason and the breezes coming off of Lake Erie would be especially refreshing (or chilling depending on the time of year).

Replacement observation tower?? Really?? Come on people. Windseeker is Space Spirals replacement. We are not going to see another double decker donut observation tower ride like Space Spiral or any other like ride.

^^ What about the Ferris Wheel? (even though I know it's not quite the same) ...although, the more I think about it, another observation tower *would be nice behind the last overbank on MF. And SS *was a cool ride.

Who said WindSeeker is Space Spirals replacement? Not everybody likes WindSeeker. Carowinds and Knott's Berry Farm both have Observation Towers and WindSeekers. Plus the Eiffel Towers at Kings Island and Kings Dominion.

^ Agreed. WindSeeker is no more of an observation tower than Millennium Force or Top Thrill Dragster.

I was at the park a week ago for the GOCC tour. Yes SS could have stayed, but that would be one awfully crowded area.

As long as the admission price reflects the removal of such attractions (and their associated maintenance costs), I am ok with the exit of rides like SS.

Upcharges and price increases are always passed on to the customer - why not the savings when something is removed or SBNO?

I am a firm believer that if an attraction is down for a prolonged period the admission price should reflect the reduction in service. If my cable or phone service is interrupted, I expect a credit on my bill for the month - why should a trip to CP be any different?

SSL488 said:
I was at the park a week ago for the GOCC tour. Yes SS could have stayed, but that would be one awfully crowded area.

In fact, in contrast to this thread, I heard a few people on the tour comment on how Space Spiral would have never worked in that tight spot. I don't think it would have been much worse than it was with Disaster Transport, but you get a different perspective once you see the site in person.

But ultimately, the ride came down because of age and maintenance, not space constraints.