Heather Kramer Interview 12/7/04
Heather Kramer Interview
December 7th, 2004
Kevin Toth: Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you landed this job, how you started in the amusement business, etc…
Heather Kramer: I am proud to say that I am the Public Relations Manager for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. I have been a part of the Dorney Park and Cedar Fair families for over seven years now. I grew up in the beautiful Lehigh Valley and visited the Park often. As a summer job during college, I started out here in 1997 as a seasonal Ride Operator on the very first Steel Force crew! I continued to spend my summers here throughout college, and, in January of 2002, I came onboard full-time as the Park Operations Area Manager. After three years in that role, I decided to shift gears a bit and dive into this position.
Kevin Toth: Explain to us how the transition from Operations Manager to PR Manager was for you. How do the roles/jobs differ?
Heather Kramer: Well, we like to joke here that I was wearing “two hats” for the last couple months. Since my transition took place while the Park was still in operation, we decided it would be best for me to spend a couple days a week learning my PR responsibilities and weekends with Park Operations. While they really are very different jobs, I knew that my one goal through it all was to continue to provide the best possible service to our guests. It was a great experience and really it was the best of both worlds. I really enjoy this industry, so it was easy to dedicate myself and go above and beyond for something I love.
Kevin Toth: Did you receive any complaints from guests when they arrived at the park only to find that Hercules was no longer a part of the coaster lineup?
Heather Kramer: Although we have had a few guests express their disappointment over the dismantling of Hercules, we have had a wonderful response to Hydra The Revenge and guests are receiving it very well.
Kevin Toth: Did the park have any emotional regrets with knocking Hercules down?
Heather Kramer: Hercules is an important part of Dorney Park history and of course it was a difficult decision. We are only looking ahead now.
Kevin Toth: Let’s say (unfortunately) that Hydra was not coming in 2005 to sit on Hercules’ former setting. Would Hercules still be standing, or was 2003 pretty much the end of the Herc either way you look at it?
Heather Kramer: I would have to say that 2003 was the end of an era for Hercules “either way you look at it.”
Kevin Toth: How does Thunderhawk rank in the ride popularity survey? Can we expect to see it operating at Dorney for several years to come?
Heather Kramer: Thunderhawk is still one of our most popular rides here as far as rides given and one of the most popular coasters in our area. It is a significant part of Dorney Park’s history and guests from all over still visit to experience this great ride.
Kevin Toth: When was the last major rehab for the 80 year old Thunderhawk? Are there any plans in the near future to repaint and/or retrack Thunderhawk (not that it needs it)?
Heather Kramer: We technically haven’t conducted a major rehab on the Thunderhawk since 1925. There are no plans to do more than our annual maintenance in the near future.
Kevin Toth: Dorney has had some record breaking attendance in the last few years, how was 2004 with respect to recent years?
Heather Kramer: Of course 2002 was a record season at the Park. Although inclement weather negatively affected 2003 and 2004, we are looking forward to a sunny 2005 for the unveiling of Hydra The Revenge!
Kevin Toth: What was the overall guest reaction to the new for 2004 “Revolution?”
Heather Kramer: “Revolution” was received well by our guests. They’re always up for a good thrill ride!
Kevin Toth: Approximately when did Cedar Fair begin talking to Bolliger & Mabillard about bringing a new coaster to Dorney Park for 2005?
Heather Kramer: Approximately two and a half years ago.
Kevin Toth: Hydra’s layout is the most unique floorless design to date. What did the park ask Bolliger and Mabillard for? Who’s idea was it for a pre-lift inversion?
Heather Kramer: It is my understanding that we went through several designs for the entire layout with Bolliger and Mabillard before making our decision. We specifically asked for the Cobra Roll and Jojo Roll, whose name and concept can be credited to Dorney Park’s vice president of construction, Joe Greene.
Kevin Toth: Why did Dorney Park decide to go with Bolliger and Mabillard for their 2005 coaster?
Heather Kramer: We have an excellent relationship with Bolliger and Mabillard; they are top-notch and well respected in the industry.
Kevin Toth: Why did they choose a floorless coaster?
Heather Kramer: We obviously were going for something unique, and, because there aren’t too many floorless coasters in our area, we knew it would be a hit.
Kevin Toth: It was noted in the press release that Hydra will have the rails filled with sand similar to Talon. Was this necessary, or is it a move to please the locals?
Heather Kramer: The sand-filled tubular steel track does make it a quieter ride. Although we work hard to be a neighbor-friendly park in all that we do, this feature also gives the mental-impression of a smooth ride, which is important on a steel coaster.
Kevin Toth: How do you feel Hydra will stack up against some of your 2005 competition? Herysheypark is opening Turbulence and Six Flags Great Adventure is opening Kingda Ka, so do you think some of your possible attendees in the area could be steered elsewhere?
Heather Kramer: We are anticipating the competition, but Hydra The Revenge is a great ride offering many unique elements. As stated by John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manger of Dorney Park, “This ride will keep coming at you.”
Kevin Toth: In a previous interview with Chris Ozimek in 2002, he had stated that Dorney Park was headed on the same path it had been for the last ten years. Therefore, he expected to keep seeing B&M roller coasters at Dorney due to the great relationship between the two parties. After Hydra, do you see this continuing? What other types of coasters could you possibly see fitting into the landscape?
Heather Kramer: We look forward to a continued outstanding relationship with B&M. We are always keeping our options open to see what is available in the market and in innovative concepts.
Kevin Toth: Will there be or have there been any notable changes to the park since the changing of VP/GM, to John Hildebrandt?
Heather Kramer: John Hildebrandt has picked up where a legend left off. Both John Albino and John Hildebrandt share a common goal … to make Dorney Park the best! We look forward to working with Mr. Hildebrandt.
Kevin Toth: Is it true that the park may be removing the Skyscraper ride?
Heather Kramer: The Skyscraper has been removed and is being moved to Valleyfair, a Cedar Fair, L.P. park in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Kevin Toth: What’s the best kept secret about Dorney Park?
Heather Kramer: Did you know that there are three movies that contain scenes that were filmed at Dorney Park? That’s right, “Hair Spray,” “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows,” and “Rounding First” for which the scenes were just filmed at the Park this past season!
