http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseC...4348&EDATE=

While I would like to see a larger investment made into the park. I think Herschend may actually turn this park around.

Well, Herschend was VERY conservative with their capital expenditures for 2009. Just look at Dollywood, where they postponed the planned addition for 2009, citing the economy and increased material costs. Herschend seems to be not just into rides either, but entertainment and shows, as evident at Dollywood. As an aside, Herschend Family Entertainment also now owns the Newport Aquarium.

I strongly suspect that unless there is drastic improvement in the economy, the years of record investments in parks year after year are over for quite some time. Don't be expecting major investments in parks on anywhere near as regular basis as in the past. Just as 2000 was a singularly remarkable year for capex, I think we will one day look back at the industry with a line of demarcation--pre-2009 and post 2009. When will major reinvestment begin again? Short answer: no one knows.

I do expect massive changes in ownership in North American parks in the short term, and perhaps even closure of large numbers of marginal parks in the midterm.

^^Now let's ride some White Lightning!!

I wouldn't count my unbuilt coasters before they even start construction. Addams Family, anyone? Airplane at KI, anyone?