Cedar Point Interview

We recently asked Tony Clark of Cedar Point’s On Point! blog some questions about the park. Here’s what he had to say:

cpinterviewThank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us! So what exactly does your job entail other than writing the On Point! blog?
[Tony Clark] I manage a few things here at the park. The biggest is probably the website, cedarpoint.com. This includes content management, design management and of course, our other interactive elements like Facebook, the blog and our YouTube channel. I also manage our VIP Tour program (including a staff of about 6 people) and I also coordinate our Platinum Pass ride nights. Oh, and I’m in charge of most photo and video needs for the park (specifically for our new LED signs on the Causeway and the Main Entrance).

What is your favorite part of working at Cedar Point?
[Tony Clark] Even though I work in an office for most of my day, the fact that I have the world’s greatest amusement park outside my door is probably the best part. I can walk outside and see people having a good time – or a thrilling time, based on the screams! The job is not all fun and games – it is a business, after all. But a business at an amusement park is a sweet deal.

What is your favorite thing about Cedar Point itself? What do you feel sets it apart from other amusement parks?
[Tony Clark] I’d say it’s the park’s sheer size. The park has so much to offer when you look at how much land it takes up (and no, we’re not running out of room!). In second place, I think the best thing about this park is the ability to be the first in technology. Tallest, fastest, longest are all pretty cool – but the fact that we try out new ride technology that shapes the industry is definitely worth noting. Of course, it’s not always 100% reliable, but our team has improved reliability considerably.

When was the first time you visited the park?
[Tony Clark] Unlike most people that work here, I grew up in Wisconsin so the first time I visited was in 2000 (I was drawn to Millennium Force).

What’s your favorite ride in the park?
[Tony Clark] Millennium Force, of course, of course!

Everybody loves food, where’s the best place to eat in the park?
[Tony Clark] There are three places that I tell people – Happy Friar near the Gemini (garlic fries are the best, but stay away after eating), Famous Dave’s at the Marina and the new Chippery – check this out if you get a chance. They slice and make their own potato chips daily. And I must say, they’re probably the best chips I’ve had in a long time. It’s inside Toot Sweets/CJ’s Provisions near Cedar Junction.

If you could choose to go back in time and blog about all of the happenings inside the park during any time period of its extensive history, when would it be?
[Tony Clark] That’s a difficult question and now I have to think. Since ride construction is probably the most fun to cover, I’d say the Magnum and its construction progress. That coaster changed thrill ride history and nobody could imagine going that high or that fast. It would have been fun to be here to interview, photograph and document this. And, we’d have pretty cool photos to show today!

If you had to operate one ride for the day which would it be?
[Tony Clark] Even though I’ve operated a few rides here at the park, I’d like to try Raptor. It’s one of my favorites in the park and it’s pretty fast-paced.

When groundwork for a ride like Maverick is beginning, do you find it difficult to refrain from “spilling the beans” on what all is coming to the park in the next season?
[Tony Clark] Well, considering my job is on the line, no. There is the urge to tell someone, but I think it’s more fun not to tell and let people think!

We’ve been hearing great things about the new Starlight Experience. Where did the idea for this attraction originate?
[Tony Clark] In a year without a major attraction, we were looking for something to enhance the guest experience. A few of our corporate staff members had witnessed a similar display during their travels and were very interested. So, the rest is history and here it is.

Can you give us any hints as to what’s coming in the future for Cedar Point?
[Tony Clark] Although I can’t be specific, we’re always looking at our portfolio as a whole. What are we missing? What should we have? What will enhance a guest’s visit? What don’t we need? Food stands, rides, attractions – we look at it all. We are currently working on 2010 (even though 2009 just started) and I think most guests will love it.

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