CoasterBuzz Podcast #94 - November 5, 2007

Jeff and Pat review this week's news in the amusement industry.

• Kennywood goes Hollywood. We were barely alive for the Brady Bunch episode at Kings Island.
• There was a fire at Alton Towers. Does a park that's not usually open at night really need outdoor lights?
• We say it every other show, but we'd really like to see park-by-park attendance results from Cedar Fair. Conference call is Tuesday. Jeff says the company owes a more detailed explanation about why Geauga Lake failed, just to put the unit holders minds' at ease.
• Recycling ride names is really inconsequential for most of the park-going public.
• The bridge on Ravine Flyer II is truly destined to be a landmark.
• Geauga Lake pricing sounds about right, emphasizing the season pass. Will they be able to sell the value proposition right? Is it a better value against local recreation centers? Kind of surprised that they're charging for parking at all.
• Mainstream media buys are not the be-all, end-all to success.
• What's wrong with putting a tourist attraction next to something historic? Gonch compares to Hershey as being the complete package. Jeff reminds us that the US doesn't have a whole lot of history to begin with.
• When a wood coaster has been completely replaced over time, is it still historic? Gonch asks if a copy is just as important.
• Why is public breastfeeding even an issue? Which part of it is something that's dirty or improper?
• The amusement industry isn't very good at looking outside of itself and is stuck in a rut. Shapiro said this last year, but Jeff thinks he's not doing what he said.
• Jeff shares details of his IAAPA presentation, and of closing weekend on the Paddlewheel Excursion.