Matt Ouimet Taking over Cedar Fair

[PatchOBlack]

I don't think I've been to other Cedar Fair parks (Knott's doesn't count since I visited long before they owned it), but the last time I visited Great America, it was filthy. There was trash throughout the park, and the grossest thing was the entire wall of chewing gum in one of the queues. Ick.

Also, when I asked an employee where First Aid was, she didn't know. I thought that was appalling.

I hope Matt Ouimet can bring a little of the Disney standard of cleanliness to the Cedar Fair parks.

If I might ask, when was this visit? Just curious if it was before or after my last visit to the place. I did notice that the employees, while courteous, seemed rather apathetic. Then again, perhaps management failed to give them a reason to treat the job as anything other than a paycheck.

[Amphigorey]

If I might ask, when was this visit? Just curious if it was before or after my last visit to the place. I did notice that the employees, while courteous, seemed rather apathetic. Then again, perhaps management failed to give them a reason to treat the job as anything other than a paycheck.

I think it was in 2003 or thereabouts. When did you visit?

[Freak]

Remember, folks, Cedar Fair owns more than KBF.

Yeah, but I think Knott's has suffered the worst under Cedar Fair ownership.

I went to Paramount's Great America (I HATE the new name CF gave it, so much fail) months before we bought it and I have to say it kinda was the way it was before CF touched it, though I'm sure the employees being apathetic may be a side-effect of CF ownership/management. I know a few of my area managers ended up being promoted to GMs of the respected parks.

[felinefan]

I remember one time I was doing Calico Railroad, and this one lady said she was so glad to see KBF was a Cedar Fair park. I thought why on earth do you want all parks the same? Knott's was unique in its history, its theme, etc.. Since CF took over, they have destroyed/replaced many beloved attractions, like Haunted Shack, the Original Berry Stand and the Boysenberry bushes, etc.. And maintaince is horrific. Not to mention that the pay is way below standard. I once ran into a guest who was one of the original employees, and she said Knott's had always been a cheap place to work. More than one long-time employee told me they could work on the Outside for three times what they were being paid at Knott's. They wish they could leave, but it's like a bondage on them. Besides, I think they were afraid of what would happen were they replaced (especially on the train).

[PatchOBlack]

I think it was in 2003 or thereabouts. When did you visit?

About two years ago, I believe. Didn't notice a lot of trash. Just a general lackluster feeling.

I went to Paramount's Great America (I HATE the new name CF gave it, so much fail) months before we bought it and I have to say it kinda was the way it was before CF touched it, though I'm sure the employees being apathetic may be a side-effect of CF ownership/management. I know a few of my area managers ended up being promoted to GMs of the respected parks.

Hmm. Well, under Paramount, they seemed to at least seemed to match the rides and such up with movies. The employees seemed perkier as well. Remind me to tell the story of my meeting with a female Klingon. As for the name change, well, I wouldn't call it an epic fail, but I will say it seems to match the pattern of being uninspired.

[Freak]

^ Cedar Fair has a LONG history of uninspired attraction names. Trust me, before Xcelerator was settled on, there was "Xtreme Xcelleration" to go with Supreme Scream and Perilous Plunge. I know they changed Top Gun to "Flight Deck" which is the most generic name I've ever heard of. Blech.

[dazyhill]

^ Cedar Fair has a LONG history of uninspired attraction names. Trust me, before Xcelerator was settled on, there was "Xtreme Xcelleration" to go with Supreme Scream and Perilous Plunge. I know they changed Top Gun to "Flight Deck" which is the most generic name I've ever heard of. Blech.

I'll agree with you that the name "Flight Deck" is blah. Unfortunately, Paramount probably owned the copyright to the name "Top Gun" and CF had to change it.
Matt visited Knott's last week. I did not get a chance to see him though. :( I would have told him to go walk the Western Parking lot and see for himself how awful it really is.
Everyone that did get to see him (mostly management) said he was very nice.

[Freak]

Oh I'm sure Paramount owns the "Top Gun" name without a doubt. But how about "Afterburner" though? That wouldn't have been too bad.

[CBeilby]

Oh I'm sure Paramount owns the "Top Gun" name without a doubt. But how about "Afterburner" though? That wouldn't have been too bad.

Already used at Fun Spot in Indiana

[Freak]

Is it trademarked? Of all companies, Cedar Fair wouldn't have a problem with dupli-naming coasters in their ownership.

Also, it seems the original Afterburner is currently SBNO (standing, but not operating) since 2009? Is it on its way out?