Posted
Forty-five percent of 165 U.S. tourist attractions surveyed between 2000 and 2005 either started serving alcohol during that period or expanded venues in which it was sold, says theme park consultant Dennis Spiegel, whose Cincinnati-based International Theme Park Services conducted the study. Spiegel says the trend is not surprising given a widening acceptance of alcohol in American society and the huge profits resulting from alcohol sales. Parks say guests are asking for these products.
Read more from The Herald-Tribune.
But, I think the pricing works in the parks' favor, in terms of providing a good atmosphere. I don't mind paying $6 for a beer once in a while. But, I probably won't buy four of them.
Stadiums charge even more, but there folks don't seem to mind the price of four beers...
I guess it's just the novelty of it not being the norm. People are surprised to see beer served at an amusement park. Something about it feels naughty perhaps...escapism. :)
ICEEs rule! :)
Some parks remain alcohol-free in order to reinforce the family atmosphere. This is true for many small parks and for some mid-sized parks such as KW and HW. Other parks include alcohol because it fits with the theming of the park or because the park wants to be more accommodating to adults. The Busch parks and PKI are examples of this. Revenue is a major concern, of course, especially with many of the larger corporate parks. Naturally, in the case of the Busch parks, there is another corporate reason for serving beer.
Regional factors are also involved. Some parks might be in "dry" counties or towns or might be in regions where alcohol is looked upon with disfavor. Such parks would not serve alcohol.
Even parks with the same ownership vary in policy here. WDWMK is alcohol-free because it is so oriented toward families with children but WDWEC (especially the World Showcase section) would be missing something if no alcohol were served.
*** This post was edited by Arthur Bahl 7/12/2006 4:33:11 PM ***
I disagree, I'd much rather have an overpriced beer than an overpriced water.
Absolutely!
I'd rather pay $6 for a 20oz. beer than $4 for a 20oz. Pepsi.
It's not like it's Holiday World and everything else is free. Free Pepsi vs. $6 beer = me drinking Diet Mountain Dew all day. $6 vs. $4, though? That's a different story.
IOA even has happy hour in the bar that's in the big tree thingy. 1/2 price domestic drafts and wines. Can't beat a $2.50 beer on a hot day!
*** This post was edited by kpjb 7/12/2006 4:55:32 PM ***
But close enough... in Arthur's post above. :) I've yet to visit any theme park that serves alcohol where the alcohol detracts from the "family atmosphere." Not even one.
MOST places, though, I'll agree with Jeff. Selling drink does not equate to widespread drunkenness.
--Dave Althoff, Jr.
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