2012 off-season addition/improvement list

The following is a list of new additions/improvements to CGA over the 2012 off-season. Keep an eye out for these on opening day:

Improvements

Via Facebook.

• New paint jobs for Demon, Flight Deck and Columbia.
• Redone boardwalk area in front of Logger's Run.
• Retracked areas of Grizzly. 

Additions

• Fast Lane queue system for 11 rides and two shows.
• Wheelchair elevators for Vortex and Logger's Run.
• New staircase for Grizzly.
• Four new shows.

Cedar Fair will retain ownership of park

Cedar Fair announced today in a press release that they will retain ownership of CGA due to JMA Ventures backing out. Perhaps Cedar Fair has realized the potential of the park, as it was one of their top 4 performing parks of 2011.

Interesting quote from the press release, from Cedar Fair president Matt Ouimet: “California’s Great America was a strong performer in 2011 and we are confident this will continue into the future as we build the park’s customer base through new marketing initiatives and capital investments.”

These "capital investments" are hinted at in an article by the San Jose Mercury: "[Santa Clara Mayor Jamie] Matthews said he's also thrilled to hear that Cedar Fair Entertainment plans to "make major investments" in the park, including a new waterslide attraction and roller coaster. "

Things could be looking up for CGA. Stay tuned.

Surprise! No new rides for 2012

From Screamscape:

2012 - No New Attraction - (11/8/11) Our sources tell us that CGA has confirmed that there will be no new rides for the 2012 season, as the new management will focus on taking control of the park and putting their own house in order.

Looks like we will have another "transition" year, similar to 2007. At the very least, maybe Flight Deck and Drop Tower will be renamed once again.

New wooden coaster is coming...just not in 2012

Theme Park Review members who attended a Q&A session with park management recently were told that the wooden coaster is indeed back on track, and will be built either in 2013 or 2014.

I'd expect the coaster to open in 2013, seeing that it would be within the time frame of the two-year height variance extension.

As far as 2012 announcements go, Cedar Fair plans to announce new additions for "all" of its parks in late August/early September, so stay tuned.