[intaminboy]

^knotts does better too.

[Jonathan]

Knott's is open year round, though, so it's not a particularly fair comparison. Kings Island beat Cedar Point in attendance a couple years ago and only lost last year by a very small number because of Gatekeeper. With Banshee they will probably be well ahead of CP this year.

[arby]

^^^Cedar Fair is generally tight lipped about some of their park's attendance/revenue numbers. Some of that information is released in their quarterly and annual reports, though, and the reports are public since they are a publicly traded company. You can dig through them here: http://ir.cedarfair.com/newsroom/news-releases/default.aspx

I'm still kicking myself big time that I didn't buy their stock a few years ago when they were down around $11 a share.

[pproteinc]

I was thinking the same thing smh. Gotta love the FUN ticker symbol. lol

[arby]

I can't believe I missed this before and I don't see that it has been posted. While reviewing Cedar Fair's financial statements I came across this from Mr. Ouimet:

One of the things I am personally most excited about when it comes to our future is the organic growth opportunities that exist at our core properties. Most notably in the near term is the re-launch of our Carowinds regional brand in 2015, which will be anchored by a new record-breaking attraction, and the complete renovation of our historic Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point.

Source: http://ir.cedarfair.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-release-details/2014/Cedar-Fair-Reports-2014-Second-Quarter-Results/default.aspx

[RollerBee]

Doesn't really say anything that we didnt already know.

[tarheel1231]

I wonder if it would be possible for Carowinds to operate year-round. I think they'd have to close on snow days or really chilly days (Like 20 degrees or lower), but I think it could be possible.

[coasterbruh]

its impossible. lots of coasters cannot operate lower than 34 degrees (right) so why bother going to the park? They tried the winterfest thing but that didnt catch on.

[RollerBee]

Cedar Fair canned Winterfest before it had time to catch on. Carowinds had already presold some tickets.

[dabrian]

It's possible in the future with the continued growth of the park but for me personally it's something I wouldn't be interested in as we go to the park so much in the season.

[goldsteh]

The answer is not year round operations, but rather extend the season by opening earlier in March each year.
They could possibly remain open through Thanksgiving and Christmas for a Holiday celebration like Winterfest. I actually think using Harmony Hall for holiday meals during that time would be very cool. They already have the stage and it could be decorated all up for all the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.

[arby]

We loved Winterfest. With our mild winters it was a great place to hang out for a bit, enjoy carolers, drink hot cocoa, etc. At an event one time they said that the maintenance crews never wanted it because it took away from their winter maintenance on the rides.

If they priced it right, I think it could bring in enough money for them to hire some extra seasonal crew. It's easy to find short term workers who want some extra Christmas money. There is a big market for Christmas events and I think they could make some money with it.

EDIT: Sorry for beating a dead horse...

[mark40511]

Not to mention the fact that it gets dark so early, enabling people to have more night rides....Then again, as the sun goes down the temp plummets.

[PalmTree55]

https://www.facebook.com/carowindspark

Here is your chance, if you didn't get a media invite, to attend the announcement! 25 lucky fans will get to go!

[Edwardo]

The question isn't can they make money with Winterfest. The question is can they make enough to make it worth while, knowing that they have to ready the park for the next operating season.

The reasons I heard from the park was that they had to work harder getting ready for the next spring and it just wasn't worth it.