Forget those paper maps with showtimes and ride locations. Although those maps still exist and are handed out by the millions each year, one major amusement park company is turning to mobile to help visitors reach special events, rides and shows.
Hipcricket is powering the mobile offerings doled out to opt-in park visitors to eight of Cedar Fair’s parks.
Beginning this summer Cedar Fair, owner of parks such as Cedar Point in Ohio and King’s Dominion in Virginia is hoping that mobile notifications of discounts, promotions, special events and other park opportunities not only bring more guests into parks but help guests in-park have a more exciting time. Mobile marketing and advertising company Hipcricket has been tapped for the mobile strategy.
“We’re always looking for new ways to further connect with visitors while they’re in our parks and also in between visits,” said Lee Alexakos, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company’s vice president and corporate division head of marketing and advertising. “This is the first time that we’ve launched a cross-park mobile marketing initiative and we’re pleased by how easy it is to deliver timely and relevant messages to our guests.”
In-park, the theme park giant is advertising that visitors can visit their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages for ride and showtime information; once the visitor has ‘friended’ the park via a social network, they can opt-in to receive special offers from Cedar Fair’s local parks.
“By using Hipcricket’s hyperlocal mobile marketing solutions, Cedar Fair is able to connect one-on-one with its park visitors and offer them timely and relevant information, no matter where they are,” said Eric Harber.
At the Cedar Point Facebook fan page, for example, potential park visitors are informed that the park’s new water ride, “Shoot the Rapids”, is open. Visitors are also shown information about season passes and discounted rates for park entry. They can click the ‘Events’ tab for information on special ride nights, fireworks spectaculars and other information. Cedar Point has been voted “Best Amusement Park in the World” for the past twelve years by “Amusement Today” newspaper readers; it is the flagship park for the company.