Kings Island owner on track for another record year

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Halfway through the year, the owner of Warren County amusement park Kings Island confirmed financial results are on record-setting pace.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. has seen a 5 percent increase in net revenues to $424 million for the first six months of 2015, the company reported Tuesday when sharing quarterly results.

So far this year, average per-person guest spending at parks has increased 2 percent from a year ago; attendance has grown 3 percent and out-of-park revenues are up 8 percent, according to Cedar Fair.

After expenses, Cedar Fair had a net loss from January through the end of June of approximately $26 million versus a net loss of $40 million for the same time period of 2014.

“Our strategy heading into 2015 was to provide experiences which would encourage our guests to visit our parks early and often,” said Matt Ouimet, president and chief executive officer of Cedar Fair, in a written statement.

“Our parks are not just a place to ride rides, but a place to make lasting memories with your families and friends. We believe our commitment to our guests will result in another year of record results for Cedar Fair and a greater total return for our investors.”

Results improved last year thanks in large part to the debut of new $24 million roller coaster Banshee. Kings Island's operators were expecting another successful season with the introduction of two new family rides and other major renovations. A makeover for the 2015 season of International Street includes the Tristate's largest Starbucks, upgrades at the funnel cake stand and more.

Altogether, Cedar Fair owns and operates 11 amusement parks, three outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels.

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