11 minutes ago, terry wass said:

i did puchase my gold pass today. So basically a no to pestige and down grade platinum as I went to CP once this year. However to the point of the thread I feel CF is pushing KI as the family park in Ohio and most amusement park publications are indicating a push that way as families spend more $$$ than young people looking for the next 300 foot coasters. So yes the next improvements are probably Planet Snoopy and Soak City and another dining establishment with indoor seating. Would love a water coaster in oak city. Not really surprised with the lack of anything new next season. I know every one on this site is in the  big coaster thrill group. just trying to be real about it.

Whether people like to believe it or not, families make the $$$. Even CP’s 2023 additions appeal more to the families and younger audience as opposed to something massively thrilling. I can see the waterpark and Planet Snoopy sections being touched next as well.

2 hours ago, Kenban said:

This also makes a Kings Island annual pass more expensive than even Cedar Point, which is selling gold passes for $99.  The only park in the chain more expensive is Knott’s Berry Farm who has not announced 2023 pricing yet.

It does seem odd that they are deviating a bit from their previous costing model.  Could be a couple of different reasons:

• KI is a more valuable asset than the other parks so they are reflecting that in the pricing.
• Adjusting to cost of living/cost of doing business variations across the communities they have parks in.
• They sold too many gold passes to KI and are trying the Disney approach (that failed lol) at raising costs to better control attendance.
• Some other reason or no reason at all.

It does seem odd that they are deviating a bit from their previous costing model.  Could be a couple of different reasons:

• KI is a more valuable asset than the other parks so they are reflecting that in the pricing.
• Adjusting to cost of living/cost of doing business variations across the communities they have parks in.
• They sold too many gold passes to KI and are trying the Disney approach (that failed lol) at raising costs to better control attendance.
• Some other reason or no reason at all.

Or trying to reduce the babysitting they do during the year and help curb the incidents at the park.


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9 minutes ago, disco2000 said:

It does seem odd that they are deviating a bit from their previous costing model.  Could be a couple of different reasons:

• KI is a more valuable asset than the other parks so they are reflecting that in the pricing.
• Adjusting to cost of living/cost of doing business variations across the communities they have parks in.
• They sold too many gold passes to KI and are trying the Disney approach (that failed lol) at raising costs to better control attendance.
• Some other reason or no reason at all.

Another potential reason could be the issue that’s been starting to plague theme and amusement parks…..

fights and rowdy crowds. 
 

Now before you read ahead, please know that I am not trying to start an argument or debate. I am just simply stating a theory. Many people accuse Disney of the same exact theory below:

Even though I don’t agree with the theory, raising prices can be seen as a way to discourage the rowdy crowds. In a lot of business minds, it’s the poorer people who misbehave. (100% don’t agree with that) So by raising prices they can keep poorer people away and then the rowdiness may subside.

 

Thoughts?

5 minutes ago, nhimes90 said:

Another potential reason could be the issue that’s been starting to plague theme and amusement parks…..

fights and rowdy crowds. 
 

Now before you read ahead, please know that I am not trying to start an argument or debate. I am just simply stating a theory. Many people accuse Disney of the same exact theory below:

Even though I don’t agree with the theory, raising prices can be seen as a way to discourage the rowdy crowds. In a lot of business minds, it’s the poorer people who misbehave. (100% don’t agree with that) So by raising prices they can keep poorer people away and then the rowdiness may subside.

 

Thoughts?

Its quite possible to be honest but I think you have to raise the pass prices quite a bit to make any noticeable difference.

Disney's approach is probably more pricing out people who aren't willing to spend extra money inside the park, imo.

24 minutes ago, nhimes90 said:

Even though I don’t agree with the theory, raising prices can be seen as a way to discourage the rowdy crowds. In a lot of business minds, it’s the poorer people who misbehave. (100% don’t agree with that) So by raising prices they can keep poorer people away and then the rowdiness may subside.

 

Thoughts?

Not necessarily just the wealth level of the unruly guests, but also requiring them to put up more money.  The theory would be the more you spend on the experience, the more likely you are to behave yourself because you're more invested in the visit/season.  How much of an impact that would really have, I dunno.

I think it strictly to raise revenue.  It is a small enough price jump that will not discourage most renewals.

yes gold pass is slightly more at KI than CP , but CP has no early entry for gold pass. However my visit this year to CP had Mellenium Force, Maverick and steel vengence all down to start the day. That kind of puts a damper on early access.

2 hours ago, nhimes90 said:

Even though I don’t agree with the theory, raising prices can be seen as a way to discourage the rowdy crowds. In a lot of business minds, it’s the poorer people who misbehave. (100% don’t agree with that) So by raising prices they can keep poorer people away and then the rowdiness may subside.

I don't think this is a major part of their goal. I think it's about simple revenue. [If If they decide they want to discourage lower income buyers a more effective way would be to nix the installment plans for passes. Kings Island didn't have this option before 2010ish. Dollywood, Holiday World, and Indiana Beach still don't have them].

I can't understand though why Kings Island passes are 30% more than Cedar Point other than they think the KI customer will still pay it. Bold move.

Looks like a trip back to WoF is necessary.  

I will post photos of Carowinds and Dollywood construction progressions anyone wants them.  

On 8/11/2022 at 1:07 PM, nhimes90 said:

Even though I don’t agree with the theory, raising prices can be seen as a way to discourage the rowdy crowds. In a lot of business minds, it’s the poorer people who misbehave. (100% don’t agree with that) So by raising prices they can keep poorer people away and then the rowdiness may subside.

 

Thoughts?

I have seen this suggestion many times over the past few years & I keep having the same question:

Why is it some believe that the people starting/ involved with these incidents can't afford the increase?  And along with that question- why do some only believe it's teenagers?

Like yourself, I do not agree with that as well.  Don't punish the majority for what a fraction of unruly guests do.  

As I have said before- put the unruly ones on social media blast being escorted from the park & charged to the fullest extent of the law.

Construction well on the way at Carowinds.  These are taken on 9/4/2022. 

 

On 8/11/2022 at 1:32 PM, jsus said:

Not necessarily just the wealth level of the unruly guests, but also requiring them to put up more money.  The theory would be the more you spend on the experience, the more likely you are to behave yourself because you're more invested in the visit/season.  How much of an impact that would really have, I dunno.

That as well as if they are receiving more money, any loss from incidents gets mitigated by the greater capital upfront as well.

12 hours ago, Rustbucket said:

Construction well on the way at Carowinds.  These are taken on 9/4/2022. 

 

I would really like to see Afterburn receive a repaint. With all the new re theming it will make Afterburn stand out. I hope they give it some love this off season.

For anyone curious about our sister parks and their 2023 additions/changes...

Carowinds opened Aeronautica Landing last Thursday. I think it looks really nice! The Trabant and WindstarZ are delayed until "later this spring." Good photos and information here: https://www.coaster101.com/2023/04/06/aeronautica-landing-officially-opens-at-carowinds/

Worlds of Fun had an extremely rough opening day on Saturday. Zambezi Zinger is delayed until "later this spring," but in the meantime the park has been almost completely repainted. The lands are re-emphasized, there are new ride signs, and there's a lot of new hand-painted mural work. I don't believe they're finished, but these photo albums have good photos of the progress so far here, here, and here. 

56 minutes ago, KIghostguy said:

For anyone curious about our sister parks and their 2023 additions/changes...

Carowinds opened Aeronautica Landing last Thursday. I think it looks really nice! The Trabant and WindstarZ are delayed until "later this spring." Good photos and information here: https://www.coaster101.com/2023/04/06/aeronautica-landing-officially-opens-at-carowinds/

Worlds of Fun had an extremely rough opening day on Saturday. Zambezi Zinger is delayed until "later this spring," but in the meantime the park has been almost completely repainted. The lands are re-emphasized, there are new ride signs, and there's a lot of new hand-painted mural work. I don't believe they're finished, but these photo albums have good photos of the progress so far here, here, and here. 

I'm really glad to see WOF getting some love.  I first went to the park in 2008 and was surprised by the poor state it was in.  It had been terribly neglected.  For a park with such an amazing "theme" on which it was designed, I felt all potential had been ignored.  The pics indicate its turning a corner and getting the love it deserves.  Thanks for sharing KIghostguy.

Carowinds continues to hit the ball out of the park with their capitol improvements, IMO.  They've obviously taken a lesson from Canadas Wonderland - whom I believe to be the outstanding leader of the Cedar Fair parks.  I truly hope KI's move to add two flats this year is an indication of many more to come and they follow the same trend.  

I can't re-find where I saw this, but apparently large sections of Shivering Timbers got retracked this off season.

59 minutes ago, silver2005 said:

I can't re-find where I saw this, but apparently large sections of Shivering Timbers got retracked this off season.

 

 

I can concur. I've seen photos on their Facebook page, as well as from other members of the community. I can confirm there have been crews working on the airtime hills for months now.

It’s not really an addition, but Worlds of Fun basically quietly announced 5 ride closures right before the start of the season.  The 3 in the kids area are right next to each other and suggests either expansion or just straight replacement in the kids area.  The other two feel unrelated, Falcons Flight is relatively new but I understand has been very problematic, and Monsoon which I believe is the same model boat ride as Kings Islands Congo Falls and is actually newer than Congo Falls.  Feels a little strange to see right before the 50th anniversary starts.  But my hope is this is the start of a large multi year capital investment.

Is it just me or does Titan Track sound like its pretty loud?

 

9 minutes ago, silver2005 said:

Is it just me or does Titan Track sound like its pretty loud?

 

Couldn't tell on predator.

I’ve seen YouTube videos and heard people talking about World’s of Fun being a “giga worthy” park. I get where people are coming from with the Kansas City region and the desire to remain competitive with St. Louis and Silver Dollar City but I’m not sure they’re ready to break 300ft with a coaster just yet.

15 hours ago, silver2005 said:

Is it just me or does Titan Track sound like its pretty loud?

 

Looking all over yesterday to see if there was a POV of Zambezi Zinger out yet lol. I hear a slight breeze-like sound but nothing noticeable to be honest; though it's hard to say.