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Cedar Fair attendance up 3 percent

By Robert Niles
Published: September 10, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Amusement park operator Cedar Fair reports that attendance and revenue at its theme parks both increased by three percent this summer over last.

Here's the news release announcing the data. And for those of you with accounting degrees, too much time on your hands, a deep interest in the business of theme parks... or all of the above, here is the link to Cedar Fair's latest 10-Q report from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Many analysts were worried that a softening economy and higher gas prices this summer might hurt theme park attendance. I had guessed that a weak dollar would lead to more international tourists heading to Orlando, replacing U.S. tourists who would opt for visits to regional parks over the Central Florida ones, keeping attendance solid at any park with a new attraction or decent promotion this year.

Looks like Cedar Fair parks, including Cedar Point and Kings Island, have been doing okay (with the caveat that I haven't looked through all of the 10-Q, in case something bad's lurking in there).

Readers' Opinions

From James Rao on September 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Great news! Anytime one of the major players has a good year it should be celebrated. Especially in these shaky economic times. And the fact that they mentioned my home park, Worlds of Fun, in a major press release just makes me smile!

Gratz, Cedar Fair!

From Derek Potter on September 10, 2008 at 6:38 PM
good news, considering there weren't really any new big attractions for most of the cedar fair parks this year. Next year will bring some big new rides.
From Robert OGrosky on September 10, 2008 at 7:05 PM
I helped in the success of Cedar Point this year w/me and my 2 kids visiting and sprnfing a good amount of money on souvenir's!! And I havent been there in a few years but had a great time, much better than my local park (SFGAM) and just wish it was closer than a 6 hour drive!!! Glad to hear that they weathered the economy.
From Scottland Jacobson on September 10, 2008 at 9:11 PM
I helped as well spending a week at Cedar Point and a day each at California's Great America, Canada's Wonderland and Carowinds.

I hope Cedar Fair continues to take its Cedar Point model and instill it in the other parks. For an amusement park, I still think Cedar Point offers the overall best experience with incredibly friendly employees, excellent through-put on the rides, incredible grounds, varied food and souvenier choices and outstanding rides. It can't be beat!

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