Cedar Fair CEO expects good summer

5/7/2008

SANDUSKY The head of Cedar Fair Entertainment says attendance at the company's amusement parks should increase if travelers stay closer to home because of high gas prices and the struggling economy.

Cedar Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Kinzel says visitors still will show up at its parks such as Kings Island and Cedar Point in Ohio. But he expects they'll spend less money on games and souvenirs. They'll also see higher prices for hot dogs and funnel cakes.

Kinzel tells The Associated Press that there are some encouraging signs already. Season pass and group sales are up over last year, although hotel reservations are down. He says some families may be planning shorter stays this year because of the economy.

Cedar Fair operates 11 U.S. amusement parks and six outdoor water parks including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, in Allentown, Pa. as well as Canada's Wonderland amusement park near Toronto.

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