Why did everyone hate Dick Kinzel?

I don't see GL getting hotels in the future just for the water park. Even when I visit Disney I get bored with the water park before the day is even over. And again something a park does when it isn't open won't change the public's view. I have seen guests do much more inappropriate things while in the park then a calendar shoot. Even then the park had to okay it before it happened so it couldn't have been that bad of a shoot to where it would damage the park's look.

Ohio can support lots of waterparks. The more pertinent question is whether Sandusky can support five of them.

Waterparks tend to be local hang outs, the substitute for the local pool, rather than a destination attraction. I suspect that's why amusement operators see them as such cash cows even though their staffing and presumably insurance costs are much higher than iron ride parks.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Miss_Maverick07 said:
I dont want to say anything more about the calendar, as it would not be appropriate for this site. It did take place at WWK last summer, however.

I don't think anyone here would really care but can you at least send me a PM explaining more about it? Or anyone else for that matter who knows what she is talking about. I don't recall hearing about this and just want to know if it is similar to what was shot at Cedar Point a couple summers ago, with the pictures of the girl on the car in front of Palace Theater.

I just want to see for myself what you are considering to much for a family park. Remember the park let this happen so obviously they were ok with it happening IN a family park.

Was the photo shoot anything like the Miss America pageants that happened at Cp, many many years ago when the pageant got its start. Back when people didn't come to the park half naked.

Whatever the photo shoot for the calendar was, it wasn't open to the public right? If so, even if it was a Hustler magazine shoot, who cares? They were paying money to use the facilities in private.

If WWK would have sold tickets to the event, I would have bought one, probably it would have been money well spent.

kylepark said:
Here's the CP version:

http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Photo.aspx?id=1889

It would be nice to see some new lighting and grahpics that wouldn't interfere with the ride operator.

When was the last time that ride had a line that long?!?

I believe the last time the line was that long was when the flowered bell bottoms (forground) were in style!

Just how old is that Calypso ride anyway?

That has to be an OLD picture. I don't see anyone texting or talking on a cell phone!

You do know that at one time they had two Calypso's on the Main Midway? In the 1970's they had this one, which as I recall was next to the Midway Carousel (old location) and the other one , Tiki Twirl which was further down the Midway. The latter had a different scenery package than the stock Calypso.

I believe the Tiki Twirl was where the Matterhorn now stands.

Dutchman, you are correct about the two Calypso's, but the present Calypso was originaly located next to the Silver Dollar (Game Day Grill), about where the underpass for Raptor is now.

SteveH said:
Just how old is that Calypso ride anyway?

According to Wikipedia, Calypso opened in 1970.

That was the second Calypso. The first one opened in 1964.

Pete, Now that I think about it yes that's right. It rotated crews with the carousel back then, which is probably why I thought it was a little closer than that.

I think hate is a pretty extreme way for anyone to characterize their feelings. It is more of a distrust of Mr. Kinzel that bothered most. He was entrusted with a Lake Erie gem for several years, yet never could figure out how to inovate past the "latest, greatest, biggest, world record setting". During his years the park gained respect for being the largest amusement park with the most coasters and rides, however that was the biggest focus to retain repeat visitors. There was a trust founded in that he would follow the same footsteps as his predecessors, but he really failed in that respect and went down his own path of determining exactly what would happen year to year in improvements and micromanaged the day to day operations with tight leashes on his management. The atmosphere of being a relaxing vacation to most was lost to the "hustle and bustle" of the busy park with little being left for the entire family to enjoy together. That is why my family, when we can afford it, love Disney. Everything there is centered around family. I have a blast there, and as far as I know, there is not one record breaking ride in any Disney park. Yet I am willing to pay the extrememly high gate price for days on end.

^Is most expensive rides a record?

Only if it'll buy you a Golden Tick....er, Amusement Today ad space.

I've never been to Geauga Lake, so, I have not view on that part. What I will say, though, is I knew Dick Kinzel back in the 70s when I worked summers at Cedar Point and he was Director of Operations. He's a great guy! He was always out in the park checking up with employees and guests alike. He ate in the Employee Cafeteria with the rest of us. He built Cedar Point into Cedar Fair. While he may have overpaid for Paramount, I think he was a success overall.

PS- I used to LOVE talking with Jungle Larry when he came into the cafeteria!