Cedar Point sent shockwaves through the theme park industry yesterday and not for a record setting roller coaster. Across the country, employers of low wage jobs are feeling the squeeze from not being able to find enough candidates to work. Many are blaming the extended unemployment benefits, but we think the issue may run a
In a strange turn of events, theme parks are suing the state so they can reopen. In Ohio, Governor Mike Dewine has given the green light to open several types of attractions including zoos, aquariums, movie theaters and museums. However, theme parks like Cedar Point and Kings Island (owned by Cedar Fair) are still in
I can’t think of a more complicated business to reopen than a theme park during these difficult times. No matter where you sit on the staying closed vs. reopening everything bandwagon, the public perception is what matters. Those waters are murky right now. Movie theaters, restaurants, retail locations: they can all follow each other’s lead
By now, you’ve probably heard about the hubbub regarding the virtual reality haunted house at Knott’s Berry Farm and Great America. If not, I’ll keep it brief. A new haunt experience recently debuted at those parks where guests were not ushered through a maze with live actors at the two parks owned by Cedar Fair.
Most people keep their eyes on Disney and Universal since they are the giants in the theme park industry right now. However, Cedar Fair may be the most fascinating company to follow in the United States right now, as they are making some very unique changes to diversify their offerings and up their game. Matt
To say I was skeptical of Mack Rides’ new VR Coaster concept is an understatement. I’ve been chatting with several industry insiders for months about this project and I decided to withhold any real judgement on the experience until I tried it out for myself. Mack was giving IAAPA attendees a trial run at Fun
During the 2015 second quarter conference call for Cedar Fair, CEO Matt Ouimet announced the company would be testing virtual reality on roller coasters starting this Fall. “This is only a test, but it starts to give you a flavor for the opportunities that could happen over time, where we could create a compelling and
Waiting in line sucks. No matter if you are at the grocery store, grabbing a bite to eat or at the DMV getting your driver’s license renewed, it seems that your life slips away as you trudge forward ever so slowly. No matter what theme park you visit on the planet, the number one complaint
On a recent visit to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pennsylvania, I got a chance to try out the new FastPay system the park has been piloting. Cedar Fair, who owns the park and many others like Cedar Point, Kings Island and Knotts Berry Farm, has been testing the new touch to pay
Theme Park University examines some recent news stories about waiting in line in theme parks. What is fair and what does the law say about the issues?