[kunpc1]

I think a lot of youl under-estimate the amount of money a full water park "revamp" and/or expansion costs. Between a water park improvement, general park improvements and whatever else we may end up seeing added to the park next year, 10-15 million dollars is an easy benchmark to hit.

[TheCrypt]

I don't think I underestimate water park expansions. My home park just got a renovation which consisted of new signs, new volleyball courts, a new wavepool, repainting of every slide (omit 2), new pool decks, a complete renovation of our lazy river, and more. $10 million can easily buy a lot when you're talking about water parks.

[kunpc1]

It all depends on what the park is looking to add. The new proslide hydromagnetic slide Mammoth at Holiday World was $9 million. I'm just saying that an entire water park "spruce-up" can easily hit the $10 million mark.

So saying

there's no way Canada's Wonderland will be receiving anything upwards of $15 million

is a little silly as the water park expansion, general improvements and any other attractions added to the park next year may easily exceed that amount.

[TheCrypt]

I'd rather not argue about this, but who's to say a hydromagnetic slide will be coming to a Cedar Fair park any time soon? Also keep in mind that Mammoth is the longest waterslide in the world. That seems awfully expensive (especially when I can't think of a Cedar Fair waterpark where it has the kind of draw that Splashin' Safari has). Maybe $15 million is a bit limited.

[kunpc1]

I have a feeling that next year may be a well-balanced year for Wonderland. I see something on the park side for both adults and kids. I just hope that the water park gets some TLC. It's been far too long since anything has been added. Splash Works needs something to up the capacity and help with the lines.

I think a tower complex like the one at Geauga Lake Wildwater Kingdom would be great! 3 speed/body slides and 4 tube slides. With the way Splash Works moves people through Whirl Winds and the Black Hole, this could really pump through a lot of people!

[denning]

Sadly waterpark updates are not on the table, management has made clear that Splashworks is attendance neutral and has limited marketing value because the season is so short.

Same reason the beloved Zumba Flume will never get a proper replacement.

Personally, I think a Tornado where the high speed slide used to be would be a perfect addition but it is not in the cards.

[mdc1271]

How many years has CW gone without adding any NEW Attraactions? I believe 4 years over 31 we have not received any new rides. Cedar Faire's 5 Year plan for Wonderland was to :

Build a coaster(s)
Re-theme kids area
Flat ride
Waterpark.

We've seen 2 new coasters which was something Wonderland definitely needed, they've built new attractions for kids, a new flat ride, new restaurants. I think the waterpark is due to be updated, with the recent work done at Kings Island and Cedar Point, I think we are up next for some work to be done at Splashworks. When was our last additions to Spashworks. Attendance is neutral because there is nothing new. We've had the best weather for good crowds at Splashworks this season. I think new attractions will bring more people to the waterpark.
Once again, I think we need to look toward "the family" for new attractions. Even over the next few years. I'd still like to see a giant ferris wheel, plus an antique steam train.- Even if its a mini- style like at Centreville.
I am sure there is some strategic marketing planned for 2013!
That's all I have to say for now.

[chadta]

because the season is so short.

Same reason the beloved Zumba Flume will never get a proper replacement.

they just built shoot the rapids at cp a few years ago, so im not sure that particular argument holds water

I would love to see a surfing thing like they have down at kings island, my kids loved it

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10 ... =2&theater

I would love a lazy river like cedar points, with rapids

[denning]

At the themepark review event last week managment explictly explained why we should not expect a new flume ride or waterpark upgrades. The season is too short and they like rides that can hyped right from the beginning of the season for word of mouth.

Personally I think that waterslides are cheap updates that should be done in off years, but again managaement described them as being attendance neutral.

Plus our eater season is even shorter than Ohio's and from all accounts Shoot the rapids is a flop. Locally, Timber Wolf Falls and White Water Canyon are not generating the type of lines to allow for a new flume.

On the good side, we were told that we could expect a major new attraction every 4 years.

The plan is to alternate a big ride each year for the big 4.

1. Canadas Wonderland
2. Cedar Point
3. Knotts
4. Kings Island

[HAUNT MANIAC]

Has anyone heard anything about Pin Trading coming to Wonderland next year? I know Knott's has just started a Pin Trading program this past May and I was just wondering if maybe Cedar Fair will be doing a company -wide roll-out of Pin Trading at all the parks. At Knott's, you can trade with cast members as well, (just like Disney!).

[Dom497]

^If anything, I see a roll-out of the Fun Rewards program next year to some Cedar Fair parks...not some silly )in my opinion) pin trading program.

[TheCrypt]

You could very well see both. In my humble opinion, I think that the Pin Trading would create a memorable, attractive, and enticing market for any Cedar Fair park that would receive a program such as this. Not to mention, it would be chock-full of revenue. I mean, Disney charges something like $10 a pop! That sounds like a major revenue booster to the Cedar Fair chain. Plus, aren't we still in debt from the Paramount acquisition? $1.24 BILLION US dollars!

As a Kings Island customer, I partake in FUN Perks, and while the perks are enticing, it is pretty much a ripoff! The business model does work, however, as I know I have made a point to buy tons and tons of items at the park specifically for FUN Perks credit. I would expect for it to be rolled out amongst many parks in 2013.

[HAUNT MANIAC]

If you have never been to a Disney park, Dom, then you might call a Pin Trading program silly. However, Disney makes HUGE profits from Disney Pin Trading and they have entire stores dedicated to only pins. It makes financial sense. It is easy profit. At Disney and now Knott's you can trade with cast members for exclusive pins that you can not buy in the stores. This creates highly collectable pins and a lot of interest and visiblity of the Pin Trading program. Here's hoping for 2013!

[Dom497]

Well, I've been to Disney World twice. In the end, every person has their own opinions on things, I may not like something but you may like it, and vice versa.

[coaster_maniac]

Most likely just a few upgrades OR expanding water park.