Update: Skyhawk Construction 1/24

While I don't think Frontier Trail was ruined, I think Millennium Force had a negative impact on the atmosphere. Of course, there are trade-offs in everything and no doubt it was worth it in that case.

Millennium Force had more of an impact than Skyhawk will have going into what was a dead section of a nearly dead area of the park. It was space that was unnoticed and unused.

The point made earlier about the area not being finished yet was a good one. I can withhold judgment.

But Walt, wouldn't you agree that this ride would have breathed life into that area and been noticed whether or not it was blended into the surrounding area?

With MF...at least they made an attempt.

Millennium Force cut the Trail in half. Yeah, it's a wooden tunnel, but it's an entirely different place now. The first time I walked the trail in May 2000, I was disappointed. Not that it wasn't worth it - with progress comes change.

Frontiertown in 1970 was different than Frontiertown in 1990. The area continues to evolve. I mean, if the employees wore Western-themed outfits or cowboy hats, maybe I'd buy it. The theme is light, rides don't have back stories. In keeping with the light theme, the ride logo and colors have an Americana feel and the ride's buildings will fit in with other surrounding structures. I just don't see this as a big deal.

I think this was mentioned, but the trees are usually very lush during the summer. Picture this scene with a big shade of green behind it.

http://www.pointbuzz.com/Gallery.aspx?i=3072

I totally agree with Walt on this one though. Change is a great thing.

I took the photo gomez posted and painted the trees on so it's easier to imagine.
http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=30725hf.jpg

A "pretty darn dead" atmosphere can be relaxing.

Yes, but it's also not carrying its weight in revenue-generation. If a big chunk of your real estate isn't generating ridership (and I'm referring to all of FT here) then you've got to do something to make better use of that land. From the hints that have been dropped about plans for the WWL site, I think Skyhawk is only the first step in making that happen.

I mean, if the employees wore Western-themed outfits or cowboy hats, maybe I'd buy it. The theme is light, rides don't have back stories

These are good points, but I don't think backstories are necessary for an "area theme"; rather, FT had a moderately convincing "sense of place", even though each individual attraction doesn't have a backstory. Rather, each attraction's structure at least tried to blend in with "historical" and "wilderness". The sense of place has been slipping to be sure, but I do recall some area-specific costuming and even trash cans back there once upon a time (or perhaps that's just nostalgia talking.)

The point made earlier about the area not being finished yet was a good one.

Agreed. It does look like they've made an effort to keep the infrastructure and support buildings consistent with the area, so that's good. Once those structures age in, they'll look great. And, I don't mind the Red White and Blue thing, especially if some extra bunting ends up around Town Hall etc. to help blend skyhawk in.

That sort of blending is not without precedent--for example the DayGlo paint scheme over by maXair/troika/etc.

Frontier Town trash cans were last seen either 2003 or 2004 I'm not sure which year they disappeared. The Wicked Twister (Oceana) Midway went through a major update the past 5 years and looks great now. Don't judge FT until CP has time to do more with it. Like many of you said already, Skyhawk is just the beginning.

I think a nice display of American Flags with a nice florial display in front of Skyhawk would look great.

The Wicked Twister (Oceana) Midway went through a major update the past 5 years and looks great now. Don't judge FT until CP has time to do more with it. Like many of you said already, Skyhawk is just the beginning.

I think a nice display of American Flags with a nice florial display in front of Skyhawk would look great.

I agree 100% with that. I think there will be more changes in FT in the next few years.

^Thanks for agreeing, but next time you don't have to quote my entire post when its right above yours. A "^" works just fine. Just a tidbit of help before you get slammed by a member who is having a bad day. :)

Just a thought...

Maybe the revitalization of Frontier Town could bring more significant changes than expected. Frontier Town is notably more "modern" than the Trail, so perhaps they are trying to add more of a 1950's* feel to the Town Hall area, and work backward (in time) from there. Since the Trail has a 19th* century feel, the "theming" would extend from the 1950's* (or 1960's*) back to the Trail (1800's*) in a progressive fashion.

The reason I feel this has a shred of probability is because FT was originally opened in '67 (correct me if I'm wrong, Walt). So, its been 40 years. Perhaps they would like to keep the Town Hall area "themed" within a certain time arc relative to present day.

Yeah, I know - this is a pretty random thought I am still on my first cup of coffee, I'm sure you all will understand. ;)

(*I'm speculating at time frames, of course) *** Edited 1/28/2006 2:25:00 PM UTC by djDaemon***

I have a strong feeling that the addition we're seeing this year...combined with the facelift that Frontiertown is getting (according to T & T)....combined with the termination of WWL and what is to come in 2007, will truly complete the "tranformation" of the area.

Step 1: Take WWL down

Step 2: Build Skyhawk

Step 3: Frontiertown lighting/improvement package

Step 4: Continue improvements, open new ride...and probably new little "area" around new ride.

This is how it all looks to me...and right now we're stuck in step 2. Yes, Skyhawk is going back there to "revitalize" that area of the park, but I think you need to not just think of the current year, but years ahead as well. Obviously, Skyhawk is just the first in several "major" improvements in the next couple years to that area of the park, and that is why it doesnt feel like it fits in.

Heck...talk about tranforming. I was pissed when they took away the "air-gun" stations...I LOVED those!

After re-looking at the pictures of Skyhawk...say the word "Americana"...like "Colonial America"...the red white and blue...the shiny gold turn of the century sign?...is this the new direction for Frontier Town? Think about it...you get off the Frontier Trial, and step back into a time truly representative of the old fashioned cars, Town Hall...lot of white...a barber shop....flags here and there...I like it.
*** Edited 1/28/2006 3:43:05 PM UTC by Kevinj***

If anyone read the article on the main page it mentions vending houses.So I guess this pretty much confirms what the structures they are building next to the queue.

bholcomb said:
If everyone on these boards was just happy about 1 decision CP made, I'd crap myself.

Hey - I'm happy they are finishing the paint job on Magnum! :)

http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/inside_park/webcam/camera3.cfm
Man look at those vents, they're huge!

Why are they putting up lightpoles before any kind of landscaping or cement is poured. Their locations are strange as well.

What are you talking about Adam? I thought those big stainless steel vents were part of the Frontier Town theming package.

I'm just pointing out how BIG they are and how much they stick out.

I mean you've got to admit, they're HUGE!!

*** Edited 2/2/2006 6:52:28 AM UTC by TTD 120mph***

Awww... I was really hoping they'd vent into the water, or at least hide them.

Hopefully they have plans to cover those things, or at the very least help them blend in more than they do right now.

I guess my sarcasm wasn't detected. They stick out like a sore thumb.

If you look at the webcam it looks as if their building a fence next to the vending strucures. The vents will blend in better when they put steel roof on because they'll both be steel.