Station Line LCD TV, Worst Idea ever?

Went to Cedar Point this past Wednesday for the first time this season with my dad, step sister, and one of her friends. Had a great time.

One thing different was in the Maverick line in the old WWL station there is now an LCD (or plasma, flatscreen) TV. It goes on a continuous loop showing an on ride POV, reverse on ride POV, photo's available for purchase, photo packages available, showed a time lapsed construction from the webcams, and some different shots of Maverick in action throughout its course.

From one perspective I thought it was fine, showing pictures of people on the ride available for purchase and the time lapse construction video was cool as well.

However, I personally think showing an on ride POV is horrible. I don't understand why you would show riders what they are waiting in line for an hour and a half the very ride they are about to experience. You want to put that on the internet where people can go and make their own choice to seek it out, fine. But put it right in front of them before they are about to ride and practically force them to watch it (I couldn't take my eyes off the TV, lol), stupid.

This was my perspective, my dad hasn't been to Cedar Point in years and it takes quite a lot to impress him. One of the best elements of the ride is the second launch in coming through the tunnel. You'd be amazed how many people this year I've heard say, "I thought the ride was over with when we went into the tunnel" or "I thought we'd just roll through the tunnel, but that second launch was amazing." I'm not sure how many people have been on the Mummy at Universal Studios in Florida, but its the seem idea. You come into what appears to be a station platform where your welcomed back and asked if you enjoyed your ride before the Mummy comes and sends you back for more. Even though it isn't to the same extend, Maverick has this element of surprise to it and this TV in the station showing the on ride POV totally removes that element of surprise to anyone who watches it. A person who watches this knows when they enter the tunnel, the ride is NOT over with.

My step sister turned out to be quite scared of most of the rides yet we convinced her to get into line, hoping she would ride with us. We told her, "Oh its not so bad, not as high as the Gemini (which she rode)" and so on trying to encourage her. Yet there right in front of her was that stupid TV highlighting some of Maverick's most aggressive turns and high banks. Even my dad, who isn't an amusement person by any means commented to me, "I can't believe they have that TV here, its going to scare her from riding."

Maybe some people like it, but I think its a horrible idea. Why in the world someone would put an on ride POV less then some 30 steps away from the loading platform is beyond me. If they are trying to hype it up more, just step outside and look at it, thats plenty of hype, don't shove it into anyones face.

Personally I don't mind it because I already know what the ride is like from following it so much. But, I agree it's not the best idea if you want guests to experience the ride in person for the first time. For instance, Tony and Tyler said they wouldn't mention anything about the tunnel because they thought it was best experienced in person. But, now everyone in line can watch it on TV.

Honestly I like what Alton Towers does in their queue. They have these "shows" for each ride. I picked Alton as an example, because it's a "theme park", but closer to a thrill park like CP. Their coasters are "themed" to an extent, but not nearly like Disney. The TVs in line do a great job of getting people psyched for the ride without literally showing you the ride.

THIS is an example of one of the queue videos for Oblivion. You obviously know what the ride does since you have to pass it to get in line. But, you don't literally see an on-ride video of the ride while waiting in line. *** Edited 7/13/2007 6:19:47 PM UTC by halltd***

I'd lose the on-ride, as that gives away too much.. i'd leave the rest though.. Its a nice addition tbh..

Where is this monitor, exactly? I've never noticed it. I guess I've only waited in that building twice.

I believe its new.

Indeed it is, apparently.

*** Edited 7/13/2007 6:55:09 PM UTC by djDaemon***

You are quit right, I remember the Mummy ride at US and being that I had no idea what was coming it made it all the better. I can see how this could take away from the experience so to speak. Not that big of a deal but a good point.

I am glad it is new. I was beginning to think I was losing my mind because hadn't seen it the 6 times we have been on it LOL We will be there mon and tues.. I will have to check it out!

Is the LCD hanging somewhere visible in this photo?

http://www.pointbuzz.com/photos/Photo.aspx?id=6697&tag=media+day

No, it's not. But if it were there, it would be right under the Hitchin' Post sign on the wall. There's also one mounted in the Hitchin' Post-you see it as you enter the store from the ride. It's mounted very high up.

Be careful guys, if we complain too much, they'll put the character videos on!!;)

That would be hilarious Adam. :)

Like Jeff Young said, its right underneath the Hitchin' Post sign. I was there on July 2nd and it wasn't. So it was added sometime within the last week.

I have not seen this video yet so I don't know what is on it, but I agree you should not have an on ride video right before the ride itself. But I could see putting the commercials that they have on the website on it as well as highlights of the ride, just not the entire ride.

If you are standing at the bottom of the stairs and are facing up towards the station the TV is on your left. Here is a photo: http://www.experiencethepoint.com/mavtv.jpg

Personally, I think it is a nice touch. It is a nice 10-minute or so cycle of reverse POV, POV, construction footage, b-roll and even flashes the prices for the on-ride photos. If you don't want to see what the ride is like, then don't watch, it isn't exactly right in front of your face. I, along with everyone around me, seemed to really enjoy watching the construction and b-roll footage.

I should also say the other day I took several Cedar Point virgins to the park and they waited in line with the TV and all yet all commented that they thought the tunnel was the end of the ride. Most people talk in line and such and don't/won't stare at a TV for a long time. *** Edited 7/14/2007 1:57:40 AM UTC by Andrew***

Lol, its pretty close to being right in front of your face. Its hard to say, but its like, people in line will not make a knowing decision saying to themselves, "oh I'm not going to watch this so I can enjoy the ride." Its just not possible, people's eyes are drawn to the screen regardless if they knowingly want to watch or not. I agree with you about the construction, but the POV's, especially the forward one are out of place.

Bad idea, it takes away the element of surprise from the people who don't follow Cedar Point and only come once a year.

I liked the idea of the tv, it helps make the line seem shorter, but it wasn't as fun taking new people because they could see what's coming. It takes the surprise out. I do like the on-ride photos and the construction shots. Those were neat. I don't think they would even have to stick to Maverick footage. It would be neat to see facts about Cedar Point in general, such as the history, since it is in Fronteir Town.

I have yet to see it, but from reading about it I don't think I'll mind it. A nice way to make the line seem shorter.

The TV seems like an alright idea. Tons of parks have TV's in line...

The on ride POV however is retarded...That would definitely take away some of the surprise for the new people. And Cedar Point attracts a lot of tourists, so there are always new people...

Its not bad but I'd much rather they had it tuned into Sportscenter instead. :)