Smaller, Independent Theme Parks Thriving

[The Interpreter]

Very interesting article, covering Holiday World and Beech Bend, then all the sudden there is this:

... Dennis Speigel who consults theme parks nationwide. He says in these times, large bureaucratic companies often have limited access to credit and are unable to commit to new attractions.

Louisville businessman Ed Hart says he understands the strengths of these smaller parks. He once operated Kentucky Kingdom before selling it to Six Flags. He built up that park with big rides and one of the industry's first water parks accessible with a general park entrance fee. While Six Flags closed that park earlier this year, Hart is now in negotiations to reopen Kentucky Kingdom next summer. He says he sees the smaller parks leading the way in the industry.

"Park owners are starting to realize that the future is more in creating family entertainment as opposed to just trying to appeal to teenagers with these high-thrill rides," he says....

http://www.wfpl.org/...parks-thriving/

[Guest rcfreak339]

Not surprising. Smaller interdependently owned parks are usually Fun, Clean, Friendly and Cheap...I can also seem them leading the way in the next few years.

[PREMiERdrum]

... Dennis Speigel who consults theme parks nationwide. He says in these times, large bureaucratic companies often have

"Park owners are starting to realize that the future is more in creating family entertainment as opposed to just trying to appeal to teenagers with these high-thrill rides," he says....

Kinzel? Are you listening???

[Dieseltech20]

I'm not a teenager and I like thrill rides??

[Pillsberry123]

It doesn't surprise me at all. People just aren't willing to spend two hundred dollars for an amusement park visit anymore. Holiday World takes every advantage it can by making a visit as cheap as possible, and this is why its attendance has risen. Larger chains need to take note of this.

And I agree that parks need to focus more on family atmosphere. The "coaster wars" have ended at this point. It's become obvious that the bigger and faster we build coasters, the more expensive and less reliable those coasters will be. In these economic times amusement parks need to go back to basics.

[KI Kevin]

In these economic times amusement parks need to go back to basics.

...which is not a bad thing at all...this means cheaper, yet equally thrilling coasters. aka I think we'll be seeing a lot more GCIs and Gravity Group coasters in the future.

[westcoaster]

If someone had the money this is the time to reinvent and open more Family Parks. They are cheaper to get in, and not exhausting, You don't need 15 coasters at each park.

yes Coaster wars are over!!.

Cheap food, great rides, Family rides, and relaxation...are the needed Degree. Lets look at Holiday world,

the new Ky Kingdom in Louisville what a place that will be!!!

[XGatorHead 8904]

... Dennis Speigel who consults theme parks nationwide. He says in these times, large bureaucratic companies often have

"Park owners are starting to realize that the future is more in creating family entertainment as opposed to just trying to appeal to teenagers with these high-thrill rides," he says....

Kinzel? Are you listening???

Just to be clear, Mr. Speigel is not the one that said the above quote about the future being in family entertainment. That was said by Ed Hart if you read the complete story. Your editing made that unclear.

the new Ky Kingdom in Louisville what a place that will be!!!

I'll believe it when I see it.

-Gator, not a fan of that park in Louisville (but who was ready to give it a second chance this year)...

[Purplehaze]

as opposed to just trying to appeal to teenagers with these high-thrill ride

Exactly! Yes kids and teens are the future but there can be no future without the NOW. There is so much more that could be done to appeal to the older generation. That older generation is who funnels money down to the teens. My parents who attend KI pretty much once a week do not go to ride the rides but to shop, eat and watch shows. They said to me anymore its all about the coasters and that does not appeal to them.