Is Cedar Fair Drying up the Lake?
I have to give the Coasterdom podcast credit. Their last two shows have been jam-packed with juicy tidbits. Geauga Lake is a medium-sized amusement park located in Eastern Ohio and owned by Cedar Fair. Cedar Fair also owns Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) and acquired Kings Island (Cincinnati, OH) last year. Maybe Cedar Fair thinks that Ohio’s a bit too crowded. Last winter they removed Geauga’s Steel Venom and X-Flight and shipped them to other parks within the chain.
And now according to the Coasterdom podcast, The Kevin and Nate Show, Geauga Lake will lose
two more coasters. Allegedly the B&M floorless coaster Dominator will move to Kings Dominion and the Vekoma SLC Thunderhawk will go to Michigan’s Adventure. If these rumors turn out to be true, could Cedar Fair be draining Geuga Lake dry with plans to close it permanently down the road? Maybe some enthusiasts out there who are into the financial side of the theme park industry have some insight into why Cedar Fair is doing this.
In my opinion, if Dominator really is moving to Kings Dominion I couldn’t be more excited. That park sorely needs and B&M coaster. I just wonder where they’ll squeeze it in.
What do you think of Geauga Lake’s future? Do you think Cedar Fair is managing this re-shuffle correctly? Leave a comment below.
September 2, 2007 at 10:39
You're stealing our beloved Dominator!! I guess I'll have to head south again next summer. As for now, thanks to your info, I've already rounded up my park buddies and we're heading out to Geauga Lake next Saturday to squeeze in some farewell rides.
September 5, 2007 at 17:39
Sorry Judy. Cedar Fair may be downsizing Geauga for the better. This post on Coasterdom makes some good points as to why it may work better as a smaller park. I'll be sure to welcome Dominator to KD, if the rumors are true. Virginia can never have too many B&Ms. Keep them coming!
September 7, 2007 at 16:43
Oh well, Joel, it looks like I have to squeeze in one more trip to Geauga Lake tomorrow. It's going to be poncho weather, but I'm going anyway for a few last rides…. and don't be changing the color of the paint on Dominator like they did to poor X-Flight. That really messes with my brain!
September 8, 2007 at 16:26
You missed a perfect day of riding at Geauga Lake. There were no lines at all, unless you wanted a front seat on a coaster. Then, you might have to wait ONE ride. Enjoy Dominator when you get it. I rode in the front seat today for the first time ever. It's visually impressive, especially the first loop. The back seat is still the best, though! SMOOOOOOTH!
February 2, 2008 at 16:59
Geauga Lake was a great park.It brings lots of good memories.Farewell dear friend, you know you saw better times.