Three Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. properties, Carowinds in Charlotte, NC, Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA, and California’s Great America in Santa Clara, CA, have made an interesting pivot. After experimenting with year-round operations in early 2023, these beloved parks are one-and-done, now returning to their traditional seasonal calendars, closing their gates for the winter and gearing up for a grand reopening in the spring of 2024.

Last year, these three Cedar Fair parks generated quite a buzz when they announced their decision to remain open on weekends during what was formerly their off-season. The move was seen as an attempt to cater to the insatiable appetite of park-goers even when the weather turned frosty. However, their gamble didn’t quite pay off as expected, with the anticipated hordes of visitors failing to materialize during those winter weekends.

Now, the plan has been revamped. Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and California’s Great America will be bidding farewell to guests on December 31, and welcome them back for the 2024 season in the spring. Carowinds will kick things off on March 9, followed by Kings Dominion and California’s Great America on March 23. The parks will then shift into daily operation mode starting May 24.

Interestingly, not far from Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is making a different play. This theme park, located just 71 miles away, is choosing to remain open almost year-round, closing its doors for a mere 18 days from January 7 to January 26. It’s a strategy that has worked for them. 

The reaction from fans of the Cedar Fair parks has been palpable on social media, with many expressing their disappointment at the removal of the year-round operation. This sentiment is understandable; after all, the parks did dip their toes into uncharted waters. However, the question remains: What went wrong?

Clearly, the winter weekends simply didn’t attract the expected crowds. Perhaps the climate in these regions during the colder months, combined with the limited ride offerings, deterred visitors. It’s also possible that guests were hesitant to venture to the parks during a season traditionally seen as “off” for theme park enthusiasts.

One thing is for sure: the amusement and theme park industry is ever-evolving. Cedar Fair’s attempt to extend their operating season was a bold move, albeit one that didn’t quite pan out. As they prepare to return to their more familiar schedules, it will be intriguing to see what lessons they take from this experience and how it might influence future decisions.

In the roller coaster world of amusement and theme park management, sometimes the ride isn’t always smooth, and adjustments are necessary. Cedar Fair’s recent experiment with year-round operations is a prime example of that. For now, fans of Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and California’s Great America will have to wait after New Year’s Eve for spring to get their adrenaline fix.