Bridgette Bywater named Park VP and General Manager, Tony Johnson to Retire
- Thread starter mwhinva
- Start date
I remember at the 2019 ACE mid-Atlantic Q&A, Tony Johnson said that Kings Dominion is “not out of the coaster business” and that they had conversations with manufacturers such as GCI, Vekoma, and Gerstlauer about future projects. He also mentioned that Volcano’s land was “a site to consider” for a new coaster. Is this outlook changing under Bridgette Bywater or is it going forward still?
I think you have to look at if CF as a company is changing their focus rather then KD doing it. I know during the height of the pandemic I heard the CEO talking about how their current focus was on guest experience over hot attractions.
I was at a Q&A session with Bridgette this summer through one of ChamberRVA’s events. Someone asked her about a replacement for Volcano and she was predictably aloof about answering the question, but she made a point of noting that KD’s team and the corporate team have made it their priority to ensure that the replacement project is a worthy spiritual successor to Volcano. She said she arrived at KD after Volcano was removed, so she’s been struck by how people talk about the coaster and how important it seemed to people and to the park; she said she’s never known of any other ride that people talk about that way. Notably, Bridgette did not use the hand-wavy “We don’t have any plans for that space right now” line like Tony did back in 2019.
Obviously this doesn’t tell us much, but it tells us that A) Some sort of Volcano replacement project is underway to some degree, and B) Bridgette along with the rest of KD and CF are aware of Volcano’s legacy and have stated a desire to make sure its replacement lives up to it.
Obviously this doesn’t tell us much, but it tells us that A) Some sort of Volcano replacement project is underway to some degree, and B) Bridgette along with the rest of KD and CF are aware of Volcano’s legacy and have stated a desire to make sure its replacement lives up to it.
I honestly get puzzled by the hatred this woman gets on some of the KD social media sites. Every interaction I have had with her including two times last night she has been polite, professional, and come off as passionate and devoted to the park. I don't usually buy into people being sexest but I honestly don't have another explanation at this point.
She has presided over the park through an incredibly complicated and chaotic time. If you ask me, Kings Dominion has navigated the last few years far better than the majority of regional parks—and certainly better than many of the other Cedar Fair parks—and that's despite Kings Dominion's middling status in the chain.
It's wild to me that anyone would question the competency of KD park-level leadership right now. No one will ever agree with every decision, but taken in totality, it looks to me like KD is doin' a hell of a lot better than their peers. I tend to agree that, at some point, it defies reason to such an extreme degree that I can only imagine sexism being at the root of it.
It's wild to me that anyone would question the competency of KD park-level leadership right now. No one will ever agree with every decision, but taken in totality, it looks to me like KD is doin' a hell of a lot better than their peers. I tend to agree that, at some point, it defies reason to such an extreme degree that I can only imagine sexism being at the root of it.
Yeah, but did you guys see how empty the parking lot was last night??
Amazing they didn’t close for lack of attendance. Must have cut pay for the employees.
I will add especially when you see the difference in how some of the same people view Kevin and BGW.
Given some of the criticism leveled. Firehouse had some technical issues and didn't open at it's scheduled time this evening. Bridgette was making rounds and personally tracked down a chef got answers to what was going on and stayed in the area answering guests questions and apologizing. She said it was a one time mistake on their part and were delaying opening till 6 to correct it and ensure they met their quality standards l.