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NEWS
Competitors not a concern for Cedar Fair, says CEO Matt Ouimet
POSTED 16 Feb 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
Ouimet said the company would continue to invest in Knott's Berry Farm, but that it does not need to compete with the likes of investments by the likes of Universal and Disney to be a success Credit: Al Behrman/AP/Press Association Images
With California’s hotbed of theme park attractions all making significant investment into new developments, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet has said the company does not feel pressured to make the same commitment at Knott’s Farm following a record annual earnings report.

Speaking during an earnings call, Ouimet was questioned about about park investments and whether those would rise in the wake of increased competition. Last year, Universal Studios Hollywood launched its Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, while Disneyland California is preparing for the launch of its Star Wars land in 2019.

“We will not respond in capital to whatever Disney does or whatever Universal does, that’s not part of our playbook,” said Ouimet.

“What we will do is continue to position Knott’s as the community’s park and the expansion of our water park is a good example of where we can differentiate Knott’s from the other major players at a very modest capital investment.

“You'll continue to see us investing in Knott’s. We believe there’s still running a room, particularly when we’re priced at about $100 for a season pass and other players are well above $100 for a single day at this point.”

For 2016, Cedar Fair recorded its seventh straight year of record results, reporting a 4 per cent increase of US$53m (€49.8m, £42.4m) in net revenues to US$1.29bn (€1.21bn, £1bn). Figures were driven off the back of a 656,000 visitor increase to a record 25.1 million guests for the year.
RELATED STORIES
  Disney makes Rogue One additions to Hollywood Studios park


Following the release of Rogue One – the latest film to come out of the Star Wars universe – Disney’s Hollywood Studios has premiered a number of new features inspired by the film at the park, with plans for further Star Wars additions in 2017.
  Public backlash forces closure of Knott's Berry Farm halloween attraction


A temporary attraction installed for Halloween at Knott’s Berry Farm has been shut down after complaints from mental health advocates.
  Disney offers new look at upcoming Star Wars lands


Disney has revealed a new artist's impression for its Star Wars lands being built at its theme parks in Florida and California.
  Wizarding World of Harry Potter makes Hollywood debut


Universal Studios has officially debuted its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, with its Hollywood location the second to come to the US.
MORE NEWS
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
+ More news   
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Salary: c£70,000pa + benefits + relocation support
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NEWS
Competitors not a concern for Cedar Fair, says CEO Matt Ouimet
POSTED 16 Feb 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
Ouimet said the company would continue to invest in Knott's Berry Farm, but that it does not need to compete with the likes of investments by the likes of Universal and Disney to be a success Credit: Al Behrman/AP/Press Association Images
With California’s hotbed of theme park attractions all making significant investment into new developments, Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet has said the company does not feel pressured to make the same commitment at Knott’s Farm following a record annual earnings report.

Speaking during an earnings call, Ouimet was questioned about about park investments and whether those would rise in the wake of increased competition. Last year, Universal Studios Hollywood launched its Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, while Disneyland California is preparing for the launch of its Star Wars land in 2019.

“We will not respond in capital to whatever Disney does or whatever Universal does, that’s not part of our playbook,” said Ouimet.

“What we will do is continue to position Knott’s as the community’s park and the expansion of our water park is a good example of where we can differentiate Knott’s from the other major players at a very modest capital investment.

“You'll continue to see us investing in Knott’s. We believe there’s still running a room, particularly when we’re priced at about $100 for a season pass and other players are well above $100 for a single day at this point.”

For 2016, Cedar Fair recorded its seventh straight year of record results, reporting a 4 per cent increase of US$53m (€49.8m, £42.4m) in net revenues to US$1.29bn (€1.21bn, £1bn). Figures were driven off the back of a 656,000 visitor increase to a record 25.1 million guests for the year.
RELATED STORIES
Disney makes Rogue One additions to Hollywood Studios park


Following the release of Rogue One – the latest film to come out of the Star Wars universe – Disney’s Hollywood Studios has premiered a number of new features inspired by the film at the park, with plans for further Star Wars additions in 2017.
Public backlash forces closure of Knott's Berry Farm halloween attraction


A temporary attraction installed for Halloween at Knott’s Berry Farm has been shut down after complaints from mental health advocates.
Disney offers new look at upcoming Star Wars lands


Disney has revealed a new artist's impression for its Star Wars lands being built at its theme parks in Florida and California.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter makes Hollywood debut


Universal Studios has officially debuted its new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, with its Hollywood location the second to come to the US.
MORE NEWS
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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