Matt Ouimet named President of Cedar Fair

[Dutchman]

Gilroy Gardens
- This park is truly a hidden gem, and the parks theme and purpose should not change AT ALL
- That being said, invest some $$ into the park. Some new family themed rides (again, dark ride!!!) and a new coaster or two (again, themed to the park and it's purpose as a "family" park). Maybe a smaller wooden coaster like wooden warrior at Quassy (video below). This could be a GREAT addition to the park. Make it small like that one, but through the trees and gardens of Gilroy Gardens would be amazing. There is plenty of room for something like this near the Rock Maze at the back of the park.
[/QUOTE]

Bear in mind that Cedar Fair doesn't own Gilroy Gardens, it has the operating contract only. Any major additions to the park are at the discretion of the actual owner. It was originally owned by a trust set up by the Bonfante family, but I seem to recall that it's now that it belongs to the City of Gilroy.

[BuenaVista28]

I wish some of you Disney fans would root for DCA's success as much as you root for carny Knotts.

---------- Post added 07-03-2011 at 02:09 PM ----------

Well Disney's loss is Cedar Fair's gain.

I think Disney made a huge mistake in letting him go and look forward to seeing what he does for Cedar Fair.

Im not so sure its "Disneys loss", Ouimet has not been able to hold a job since he left Disney. He left the Corrinthean college job "immediately" which usually means he was fired, big positions like CEOs etc dont leave "immediately" if they are not asked to leave.The Starwood Resort gig he was only there for a couple of years as well. Seems like good ol' Matt has a tough time hanging on to positions.

As for this Cedar Fair position, if its 2011, he will resign by 2013/14 if he keeps his current track record. Dont expect any miracles folks. Knotts has evolved into a Six Flag style park anyhow, there is no way they can tear down all the carny coasters and build elaborate themed experiences, its a thrill park now and will always be that way, not even good ol Matt can put the genie back in the bottle.

Im happy that Disneyland Resort has George K, no 'loss' here. Wish best of luck to Matt on his 3rd job in a few years, but I'll stick with George for Disneyland, thanks anyhow!

[sir clinksalot]

Bear in mind that Cedar Fair doesn't own Gilroy Gardens, it has the operating contract only. Any major additions to the park are at the discretion of the actual owner. It was originally owned by a trust set up by the Bonfante family, but I seem to recall that it's now that it belongs to the City of Gilroy.

Oh I know ... but they for sure have some influence. I know the actual owners would not allow the park to get any attractions that don't meet the theme/vibe of the park. But the park does need something.

[jcruise86]

I wish some of you Disney fans would root for DCA's success as much as you root for carny Knotts.

---------- Post added 07-03-2011 at 02:09 PM ----------



Im not so sure its "Disneys loss", Ouimet has not been able to hold a job since he left Disney. He left the Corrinthean college job "immediately" which usually means he was fired, big positions like CEOs etc dont leave "immediately" if they are not asked to leave.The Starwood Resort gig he was only there for a couple of years as well. Seems like good ol' Matt has a tough time hanging on to positions.

As for this Cedar Fair position, if its 2011, he will resign by 2013/14 if he keeps his current track record. Dont expect any miracles folks. Knotts has evolved into a Six Flag style park anyhow, there is no way they can tear down all the carny coasters and build elaborate themed experiences, its a thrill park now and will always be that way, not even good ol Matt can put the genie back in the bottle.

Im happy that Disneyland Resort has George K, no 'loss' here. Wish best of luck to Matt on his 3rd job in a few years, but I'll stick with George for Disneyland, thanks anyhow!

Good for him for leaving Corinthian Colleges so quickly! It's a for-profit college that, well, let's just say it's been in the news for practices started well before Matt arrived there. Life is short and I'm impressed that Matt got a better job at a much better organization.

And I'm sure there are many in Southern California like me who would like to see both Knott's and DCA become more wonderful.

[Aladdin]

Knott's got the better President, this past month.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for Disneyland, WDW, and DL Paris.

Don't suppose Knott's and Disney would "trade presidents"?

[ilovemegs]

x

[indianajack]

Seeing all the negative press that Corinthean gets, it's not a surprise that Matt would jump ship since he has ethics and probably couldn't stomach working there.

I think most of us would like to see both DCA and Knott's be successful by being wonderfully themed.