Thoughts on Aerial Photos

First, I really enjoyed looking at the aerial pictures of the Point. Kudos to the photographers.

Looking at the pictures certainly confirmed some things for me.

First, the location of Sandcastle Suites is underutilized. I still would not be suprised to see a new hotel there in the next 10-15 years.

Millennium Island still has plenty of room. A midway across the Island (with a couple of attractions on it) would make for a muce needed shortcut to the back of the park.

I fear for the future of the Frontier Trail. I hope it is a priority to keep it in it's somewhat quiet form in the future.

Getting rid of the embarssing Cedars Dorm would open up some possibilities. Rerouting the Perimeter Rd and relocating the Wildcat would open up a nice area for expansion.

I can't help but think that parking garages will be in the future, but not where most might expect. I think one garage back near Soak City/Breakers would open up a lot of land between Gemini and Camper Village. But, I don't see a long term future for Circle B in the Village. Additonal Soak City Expansion (with a much needed Master Blaster and perhaps even a Wave Flow) would certainly make sense in the Circle B area.

Chew on all of that for a while.

I don't think that you'll get your Frontier wish for Christmas. I think over the next few years they'll remove what little sceneary is left for newer, bigger rides.

I do see all of that roome and millenium island and I could see sticking in a nice BM flyer. The only downside is that water in the lagoon/lake/toxic waste dump is disgusting, smells, and you would to walk over it to get to the ride. :(

Finally, just curious, how did Mr. Dutle and Mr. Foster get those awesome photos. I thought air space over amusement parks are restricted by the FAA. *** Edited 12/1/2004 2:06:46 AM UTC by Fastball84*** *** Edited 12/1/2004 2:07:51 AM UTC by Fastball84***

As far as the FAA goes, the only restricted area near CP is about 10 miles west of Put-in-Bay. Not sure what they do there... gunnery practice, wargames, UFO's, the usual. Anyway, we kept the required distance at all times and used the camera zoom at full the whole time. After looking at the pictures, I thought we were right on top of the place.

As for amusement parks themselves, aircraft, including mine, fly over King's Island quite frequently. They do tend to disapprove when you're on your 30th orbit in 20 minutes. That's when they think you're plotting something.

And just so you're 100% sure I wasn't incurring an FAA violation, there were several other aircraft in the area that day (airshow) giving rides over the park, at much closer range than we did. We saw them flying over all day long, while we were on the rides. Very neat experience overall.

I must have been mistaken. I thought Cedar Point was a sort of "no fly zone".

Fastball84, I worked on the lagoon in 2001, and I never noticed any foul smell.

There is a nuclear power plant west of Port Clinton. I'm sure THAT is a no-fly zone but Cedar Point is not. I know that at one time Disney was trying to make their airspace a no-fly zone but I don't know if it was ever given approval or not.

I was looking at the photos and MF needs a pint job more than I thought before.

How do you make a coaster small enough to fit into a "pint" jar?

And Vanessa,

Just waiting in line for Mantis over that lagoon almost made me sick. *** Edited 12/1/2004 9:03:27 PM UTC by Fastball84***

Couple of points:

Disclaimer: My knowledge has its limits in this area. Obey all safety regulations, and do not try this at home unless you have parental premission.

I believe nuclear reactors are NOT "no-fly zones". However, loitering near them is not allowed. I don't know when "circling" becomes "loitering", but I'm sure the feds have a handy form to determine that. Other areas under the same rule are: stadiums (that are not under any other type of restriction), water treatment facilities, and military installations.

I think Disney has created a psuedo-restricted area, due to their use of lasers and fireworks at night. They may have the full-blown restricted area, but I've never had the need to look into it. If anyone really cares, I could probably find out.

Only Iraq (to my knowledge) has no-fly zones. In the USA, we have military operation areas, restricted areas, warning areas, prohibited areas, and the ADIZ. The "good parts" of Wash D.C. are covered by a prohibited area, just for usless knowledge.

Final point for those who read all my ramblings: Raptordude needs a "pint-job" more than MF, pint meaning...ah, its not funny if I explain it.

I completely forgot... Jake and I appreciate the kudos Chief Wahoo. We also do kids' birthday parties, weddings, and bar mitzvahs for a small fee. Espionage photos are a bit more.

My how the place has changed...

http://www.acegreatlakes.org/march_1989.htm

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=1953

Thank you Dick Kinzel!

Great photos, Jake.