What rides NEED more themeing?
I think Maverick and Top Thrill Dragster is pretty well done. Maybe a little more for Top Thrill, but other than that, pretty much all the Kinzel era rides. I mean, we have the Millennium Force station that looks like it walked out of Disaster Transport, if that counts.
Arms Down, Head Back, and Hold On!...Arms Down!...Arms Down......
This is such a dramatized use of the word "need." I know it's been said, but Cedar Point is an amusement park, not a theme park. I think a lot of people fail to see CPs aesthetics in of itself. The coasters, the rides, the beach, the colorful atmosphere, the history, the foliage...that is CP's theme. Just look at how they're remodeling Hotel Breakers by incorporating amusement park elements (as art/décor) with the hotel rooms and lobby.
If CP were to up their game on theming, the best area to focus on (in my opinion) would be the Frontier Trail/Frontiertown, because it's an area of the park--not just one ride. I think CP has done a great job with frontier trail for 2014, but maybe they'll focus on the area past the Gemini midway (near Maverick) in the upcoming years; though I can't say that area isn't decently themed already.
I think the park is going to have to start focusing more on immersive environments. In an age where people are constantly looking down (at technology)... The park needs to give reasons to look up. I think SeaWorld/BuschGardens does a good job at this. Rides like Kraken, Manta, Montu, Kumba and others all have light theming that make a world of difference. The theming is nowhere near Disney or Universal, but it at least gives something to do while waiting in line and gives a loose story. Manta has aquariums but also has a long winding line through a cave (no back and forth que rails).
The large pads of concrete with back and forth metal rails need to become more innovative. They have a great opportunity with Rogarou to build a loose storyline and immersive environment in around the que, station and ride. If the park will go beyond my expectations? I suppose we will find out in May.
! said:
This is such a dramatized use of the word "need." I know it's been said, but Cedar Point is an amusement park, not a theme park.
I think people draw too hard a line between amusement and theme. It's a very thin line and inconsistent line also. Some may say there really isn't any line. CP isn't strictly a "theme" park, because outside of Frontier Trail, there isn't a theme, but that certainly doesn't stop something from being built up to be thematic. Maverick, for example, is moderately themed as a western, and the ties to the old TV show are neat, but they could take it a lot further if they chose.
Also, let's look at the potential of Rougarou. They are changing the trains and painting the track. The real question in my mind is what else are they going to do. Is it going to be like Mantis was, i.e. zero theme except the loose concept that mantids tend to look like they are "standing up." If they don't do anything beyond trains/paint with Rougarou, then you're left with even less theme dynamic. Also, lights and fog alone do not a theme make.
Perhaps the fact that they chose an eclectic name means they might use Rougarou as a template for future rides and themes. Add a screech/roar like Banshee, perhaps plant red-eyed beasts in the woods/swamp, or maybe even (dare to dream) animatronics? Hell, simply surrounding the queue line with Blood on the Bayou decorations and music would be sweet.
^^
I completely agree about the line between amusement vs. theme, but you're using examples that haven't happened yet to prove that Cedar Point could put better theming into the park. That doesn't justify that they do or will. Rougarou has't been finished yet. Maverick didn't have have as much theming as you would have liked, etc.
I would also like to see something with Rougarou's queue too (say that three times fast, haha). It's just that I would be really surprised if it actually became a reality. Unfortunately, I think Rougarou's queue will be similar to Mantis', but with misters, FunTV and maybe a drink stand or two. I could be wrong though (and I hope I am). Tony did say something about that in the last blog post.
While we're on the topic, I will say that, in certain cases, no theme is better than one that doesn't work IMO. Do you remember when Gatekeeper was still in the planning phases and everyone on Pointbuzz wanted CP to build tall, iron gates, tombstones, and tattered medieval/brick walls near the queue (which is right next to the beach)? That would have looked horrible and defeated the purpose of "opening up" to the views of the lake. That's why I mentioned Frontiertown/Frontier Trail--because it would be plausible, and make sense for CP.
I've long described Cedar Point as an amusement park with some themed areas.
It will be interesting to see how Scoobydoogarou's queue and station will be designed.
Under Ouimet and his team the company does seem to be giving more time and attention to the aesthetics of the park. Someone elsewhere noted the fountain at the entrance to Lakeside Pavilion, saying that under Kinzel there would have just been a straight walkway to the door.
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