Off season tour and 2014 season details

 
I attended a back stage tour of CGA on March 1. First off, huge thanks to CGA's Roger, Ryan, Tyler, Clayton and everyone else who made this event possible. We all really appreciated it, and got even more excited for the season to start!

This season won't feature a new ride, but CGA is improving nearly every aspect of the park instead. Cedar Fair continues to invest heavily in the park, and the results are everywhere.

New additions and improvements for 2013 season

A group of media were invited to a special event Saturday to witness all the new additions and improvements CGA will have for 2013. Among them:

• Three new Haunt mazes, with one being in a new structure and the other two replacing older mazes.
• New show in Action Theater, but what it will be has not been announced. They did say that it won't be a white water rafting movie.
• Kidzville River Adventure will be removed.
• Parking lot is getting a makeover
• Three new shows: Pop Fusion, On Broadway and Team Charlie Brown. Happiness is Snoopy will return.
• Many buildings/rides being repainted
• Different areas will now have their own special music. No more Lady Gaga blasting across all areas.
• Themeing will be huge on Gold Striker.

For pictures, see the reports on Theme Park Review.

New coaster codenamed Au13, to be revealed Aug. 29

CGA has posted teasers on their Facebook about a full reveal of "Au13" on Aug. 29. The image, showing a gold miner, teases that the coaster will "strike new records."

Via Facebook

Cedar Fair has recently trademarked the name "Gold Striker," which seems will be the name of the new coaster, based on the teasers.

Meanwhile, the coaster has achieved vertical construction:

Via Facebook

Stadium parking issues resolved

An agreement has finally been reached between the city and Cedar Fair regarding parking. For the full details, you can read it here:

http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/cache/2/q0a3xe55n3jtdo45wkvsju45/59508201082012123204636.PDF

This article sums it up nicely:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_19692990

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.