Cedar Fair eyeing PKI?

[Galvan]

Cedar Fair maybe considering purchasing PKI according to an article In the Toledo Blade

Heres my question: Cedar Fair looks like its falling into the trap that Six Flags did in the previous administration, give away the gate and hope families flock to the parks, put up massive coasters that are great for enthusists like me, but doesnt do squat for families.

Obviously, Six Flags failed miserably when they tried this, whose to say that Cedar Fair wont as well.

As for Cedar Fair buying PKI, I really hope it doesnt happen, PKI is by far, a clearner, nicer, and overall better park then Cedar Point will ever be, and it would be a shame to see PKI's charm be destroyed by Cedar Fair.

[SF Critic]

I believe that the whole Paramount chain is being eyed. .

[Cryptkeeper]

As for Cedar Fair buying PKI, I really hope it doesnt happen, PKI is by far, a clearner, nicer, and overall better park then Cedar Point will ever be, and it would be a shame to see PKI's charm be destroyed by Cedar Fair.

I respectfully disagree with your assesment of PKI. I'm not exactly sure what Paramount King's Island has been doing over the last few years. This year, they re-did their entire kiddie section and ended up taking more rides out then they put in (I believe they took out 5 and put in 3..though please someone correct me if I'm wrong). Though I haven't been to PKI this year, I'm told that the kids' section looks rather barren compared to how it used to look.

Rumors are flying that Flight of Fear might be on the way out at year's end. I don't believe the rumors as of yet, but if they serve true, that's a really bad move IMHO.

Also, a year ago, they took out 2 family and park favorites, the flying eagles and the antique car rides. They shipped the eagles out and said the antiques *might* be back in the future, but still have yet to make a return. Yes, granted, they did also put in Italian Job that year, but that ride has never operated the way it was intended (ie, w/ all the themeing and effects of the ride working).

So basically, what I'm saying is that imho, over the last few years, PKI has lost quite a lot of its charm and heart. I really don't like the direction they've been going in.

On another note, I really don't think that PKI is clearner then CP. I've never seen trash cans overflowing at any trips to CP, but on 2 or 3 trips I've seen trash overflowing out of garbage cans on trips to PKI (just as an example).

I don't think most people would argue that CP is more effecient in the way they move the lines then PKI (though you didn't state that wasn't true, I'm just building my case for CP/CF not being all that bad ).

That being said, I really don't think it would be horrible if CF bought PKI and some of the other paramount parks in the chain. That's my $0.02.

[Chitown]

While I am not the biggest fan of the Cedar Fair chain, I will say the options are limited so they are probably the best choice to purchase a couple Paramount parks.

Cedar Fair has the efficiency and cleanliness right, but when it comes to overall atmosphere, etc., they lack in that department.

If PKI were sold to CF and all the licensing of the characters went with it, that park using the Peanuts would kill the atmosphere of PKI.

Strictly my opinion of course.

[ihauntu2]

Isn't the Toledo balde the same rag that claimed Cedair Fair was looking at buying SFGAM, or SFMM?

Just a thought.

[Galvan]

I think so, but hey, I report, you decide

[Trailblazer Tony]

I think it might be a good idea if they do it right. Both parks have a great environment that they are working with (Cedar Point being surrounded by Lake Erie and PKI being built in a wooded, mountainous space) and both are distinct. If you are looking for thrills, most go to Cedar Point and it will always be the first pick among Ohio residents and travellers for thrills. So, to also own a park that is famous for it's family appeal would be a great thing! They would be covering both amusement park audiences in a big way.

However, i also agree that there are plenty of negatives. I am as well, starting to see Cedar Fair going the way of Six Flags which would be a poor decision. The removing of the Nickelodean characters at PKI would be sinful and finally, if PKI starts turning into a thrill park, that too would not be good. All and all, let's hope everything happens for the best.

[Galvan]

No use for this topic anymore.... http://www.sfgamworld.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6227