Kiddieland Update

[Ilovthevu']

While just passing by it, the Polyp is still dead as it was opening weekend (at least what I've seen), and so was the Galleon today. The Tornado works though (whoopie).

[CoasterNick3157]

Too bad the park will close for good at the end of the year.

[Ilovthevu']

Isn't next year the last year? I thought it was at the end of the 2010 season.

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/ne ... 7_01.shtml

[Galvan]

No,

2009 Is the last season for kiddieland.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1582779,kiddieland-closing-close-chicago-052009.article

[monsterfan99]

That is really sad. Go figure money starts a family feud and kills an amazing park. Looks like I may be going there a lot, including closing day.

[RBull4life]

This is just sickening. Thats all I really have to say about this. Going to miss the Little Dipper.

[Chitown]

I bet Arthur Fritz (park founder) is rolling in his grave right now especially since this is his family doing this.

[BrianPlencner]

This is sad news indeed.

While most of us have been following the family dispute since it came to light back in 2006, I've always been a bit hopeful that the family would work out their differences. Unfortunately, it looks like that did not happen.

While it may be to early to tell, I wonder what will happen to rides on the property. While it took a bit of time, Little Amerricka was able to move the Little Dipper from Hillcrest, so maybe someone will come in and save Kiddieland's.

--Brian

[ttd rox]

Atleast we still have Meteor but that doesn't do much. It won't be the same without Kiddieland.

[BrianPlencner]

Everyone,

I wanted to pass along this note about Kiddielands "Closing Ceremony", which is scheduled to take place at the park on Sunday, October 4, 2009. As I find out more information, I will update this thread.


Kiddieland's Closing Ceremony
10/4/2009

Kiddieland will offically and formally retire our rides at an all-day ceremony on Sunday, October 4, 2009. On this day, we will close individual rides one at a time with a brief ceremony. Our plan is to auction off individual seats on each ride for the FINAL ride ever at Kiddieland. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to various charities and organizations dedicated to the preservation of Amusement Park history and memorabilia. We will post a link on our home page when we have more complete details about this Ceremonial event. We will not be open to the public and admission will be included as a part of the auction process.



--Brian

[monsterfan99]

I hope I can some how get into that event. I would love a last ride on the Log Flume there.

[FParker185]

I will without a doubt be there.

[Ilovthevu']

I noticed that for the bidding of rides besides that the only rides that have been bidded on are the Steam Train, Carousel, Whip, and Little Dipper that it says Polyp. Does that mean it's finally open??

[FParker185]

They were working on Polyp when I was there back in June. They appeared to be replacing a lot of hydraulic lines. I don't think they would have been working on it if they didn't think it would reopen, so I'm guessing it has in fact since reopened.

The ride is worth a lot more money running over "needs work". Though I'm pretty sure it will be shipped overseas and stripped for parts since there are a few of those model polyps left traveling in Europe.

[monsterfan99]

Anyone know if they have the closing schedule posted yet? I see a few rides I am thinking of bidding on, but don't want to be the person that wins 2 rides that close at the same times.

The bids also make me wonder how high the Little Dipper will go and what happens if no one bids on a ride (I'm looking at you pipeline coaster?)

[BrianPlencner]

What I want to know, as it does not say on Kiddieland's Closing Ceremony page, is this: Can you buy tickets to this event, if you do not bid on a last ride, or you submit a bit for a last ride, and are not the highest bidder? The page does say the following

Winning bidders will also be allowed to purchase up to three (3) additional admission tickets to the event for guests/family members at $25 per person. Tickets are good only for admission and ride time on rides prior to "The Last Ride" on any and all rides in the park. All guests must have a ticket and all tickets are the same price. 2 & under tickets are not available for this event. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

So, my question is this: Is there a way to pay $25, and just go to this? Or, do I have to bid and win?

--Brian

[monsterfan99]

^ From the way I read it is someone has to win a bid. This should not be too hard with the sheer amount of seats being sold. Then, you can buy the extra tickets. I think that is right because it says in a few places "this is a private event and not open to the public."

What I didn't see until last night was this

If a winning bidder chooses to have an additional guest share his/her seat (maximum seat occupancy rules and guidelines must be followed) the additional rider or guest can be listed on the certificate if the winning bidder so chooses.

I was going to buy 2 seats on a certain ride, but if we can put two people in there, no point to it. Just saved us some money.

Also, the bidding for the train confuses me. There are only 5 bids for a ride with 34 seats, yet the bid is up to $100. Are they letting people bid on multiple rows in one bid for the same price? As in someone is trying to buy the train for $100 for all 34 rows? This bidding page is confusing me.

[FParker185]

If all the seats aren't filled up you can still bid and win with a $50 bid. The way it will work is the person who paid the most will have the first choice of seats, then it goes down though the bids. And since most of the rides at Kiddieland are flat rides or single car rides, it really shouldn't matter at all where you sit. I bid $50 for the Polyp. If I win and anyone wants to go, I will gladly offer my 3 allotted guest tickets to anyone here who needs one, with prepayment being preferred (paypal works, and I'm willing to work with anyone, I just don't/wont have the $$ to buy the tickets outright then take payment later. I'll post here if I win or not.

[monsterfan99]

^ Good idea to offer spots. I plan on bidding on the Log Jammer and should I win, I will also have 2 tickets open.

I will say I am amazed the Steam train, with 34 seats, is up to $125.

[Ilovthevu']

Polyp is still not working. Maybe, it really works but they are so concerned about selling it that they don't want to operate it until they can get money for it.

[monsterfan99]

The schedule for the closing day is up.

http://www.kiddieland.com/kiddieland.asp?tempID=83

I am surprised that the Log Jammer is closing so early and that the Little Dipper is not last. But the idea of making the ride with the most seats last makes seance. It might actually make it to where all 52 seats get sold.

[Ilovthevu']

Log Jammer and Pipeline are towards the beginning probably so people don't get so cold because it's October 4th remember, and thus more people will bid on them.

[monsterfan99]

Bidding is over for the last rides. I won my bid of $51.00 on the Log Jammer. Anyone else bid on a last ride?

[FParker185]

I won my final bid for the Polyp, which I doubt will be running, will have to clarify this with the park on what will happen in that case. But either way, my guest tickets have been spoken for.