Why'd they ax the log ride?

I'm excited for Maverick, but does anyone know why they would take down a popular, fun ride like the log ride? The line was always so long to get on & it was my favorite non-coaster ride of the park, so I know it wasn't losing it's appeal. I could enjoy the water without getting soaked (which I hate) like the other water rides. I can see why Demon Drop, & a few others that aren't very popular are targets for removal, but I just don't get why the log ride got the ax.

But it wasn't all that popular. Near the end, it was giving less than 600,000 rides a season. That's good for a ride like Chaos, but not so much for a ride like White Water Landing.

Take its age and condition, combine it with the amount of land it was occupying, along with the prime location, and throw in the upgrade in the attraction, and the decision made a lot of sense.

I believe that maintenance was also becoming a major issue.

Yeah I heard that it requried ALOT of maintenance.

That being said, I agree that it was a bit of a disappointment for CP regulars that might not have a hotel to change out of their soaking clothes after riding Thunder Canyon or Snake River Falls. Still, I think Walt made some excellent points.

Did they give any notice during the season that they were going to take it out of the park?

Yes. They had a big OnPoint contest where you could win the last ride on WWL with Tony and Tyler (and one of your friends). I believe it wasn't announced until September/ October.

It was October 13 when they made the announcement that it was WWL's last operating season and started the contest.

Walt said:
But it wasn't all that popular. Near the end, it was giving less than 600,000 rides a season. That's good for a ride like Chaos, but not so much for a ride like White Water Landing.

Take its age and condition, combine it with the amount of land it was occupying, along with the prime location, and throw in the upgrade in the attraction, and the decision made a lot of sense.

I agree now stop reading my mind (and get me a saeson pass and coke while youre at it ;))

Actually, it wasn't an ax(e) - it was more like a not-so gentle bulldozing. :)

Not to mention a not-so gentle this thing...ing. :)

<In Amazement> A Daewoo...! </In Amazement> ;)

Ahhh, so it's a Daewoo 340 LCV tracked excavator with steel splitter attachment. Amazing!;)

Whoo, 2800th post!

*** Edited 11/22/2006 3:25:46 AM UTC by TTD 120mph***

To quote Spock....

(insert dramatic crecendo of music here)

"the needs of the many.....outweigh....."

(insert voice of william shatner quickly)

"...the needs of the few".

There's your answer Chief! Welcome to 2006!

It was a great family ride, but it was getting old and too hard to keep up with. Maybe there will be a new log ride in the near future for Cedar Point.

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Cory Marshall

Opps, "Axe"...my spelling deficiency showing for the CP world to see :}

Yea, I get that Mav will be much more popular than the old log ride. But I'm suprised the rides were down on it. We always waited what seemed a very long time to get on (in the stinking direct sunlight) & it was such a great family ride. Grandma/pa could still go on it & not go into code blue.

Why not take down the Mine ride instead. We never waited to get on that.

A new log ride that doesn't drench you...I hope so TTD (your pics put me in the dirt :(
*** Edited 11/22/2006 1:20:21 PM UTC by Master Chief***

It's still weird not having a log ride of some sort. Every time I go to a new park that has one, I ride it. The line was quite long for the one at Hersheypark when I was there, and it was presumably a similar Arrow model with two chutes.

There's nothing anyone can do about them taking down WWL now. I'll definitely miss the ride, but its gone forever. I'll like Maverick WAY better though. :)

Hopefully they will put in an even better flume in the near future that doesn't soak everyone. Flumes apparently don't have very long lifespans at CP since they've now taken out three. LOL!!

Next time you need help spelling, you should trying 'ax-ing' a dictionary. ;)

I suspect it will be a great many years before CP gets a new log ride, if ever. They've been around so long, and they're a fixture at so many parks still, that the investment just would not excite that many people. There would have to be some sort of new twist, like an inverting flume ride or with some sort of launch. Personally, I love log rides, and hate to see their removal whenever it happens.

On the other hand... Maverick!

I agree with Jeff...I've been to a few parks myself, and time and time again have seen some sort of a flume ride. I do like Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon, but having something like WWL would make a lot of sense for those who don't wish to be soaked. Not to mention it was kind of a nice, relaxing ride amidst the treetops..not complaining here, though. WWL ran a great life, and Maverick is a great addition...perhaps CP will someday consider a replacement for WWL.