Kentucky Kingdom opening delayed until at least 2012

Looks like HW may have another record year!

That was also my first thought.

Part of me really doubted it would open next year, not sure why!

Did KK really pull away customers from HW? HW is so much a better park and I guess that KK will need to bring in new rides to fill in the gaps from gone rides. What is (was) the latest status on Twisted Sisters or its current (idle) name?

I don't think it's so much that KK pulled people away from HW. I think it's that a lot of people who always went to KK never made the additional drive to HW until KK was no longer an option.

A corollary question: How many of those customers, having now been introduced to the glories of Santa Claus, Indiana, will be satisfied going back to KK?

So, why can't Ed Hart just open the waterpark sections for 2011, so the park show some kind of revenue? Why?

So since they first thought it would be 2011, did they have an updated map of what would be in the park to replace what is now gone and what remains, what would stay and operate?

I think this is the right decision.If they rushed reopening and people get disappointed because there are no new attractions ready yet they will not come back.Wait and do it right with some new signature attractions,expand the water park.Does anyone know what is still there ?

If they open in 2011 I probably would not go without something major to pull me there. I probably will go in 2012 with all the new stuff 50 million will buy :)

Agent Johnson said:
So, why can't Ed Hart just open the waterpark sections for 2011, so the park show some kind of revenue? Why?

Exactly my thoughts, AJ. Keep the park visible, keep some income coming in, and stay "current" in the area. Lost visibility this season translates into more people "trying" HW, and possibly being lost to KK forever...

It just seems somewhat strange the Ed is the "investor", so therefore he is 100% relying on the state to issue bonds to re-start the park with all public money.

Which, why can't I drive to Kentucky, and propose the same business plan, wait for the check, and open the park for myself? Its like buying a new car, $0 down, 0% interest, once aproved, drive it away.

I don't see KK ever opening again. The commonwealth has no business funding this bond ever. Imagine what Dallas from Beach Bend must be thinking if this went though. His tax dollars being used to fund his competition.

So KK is short for Konneaut Kingdom? That would be unfortunate for the residents of central KY that have supported the park over the years. (Well, at least some have.)

Trust me, if Pennsylvania was giving away $50 million to get Conneaut up to speed, there would be a line up in Harrisburgh of park owners wanting a chance to make the the place competitive again, including the old owners.

However, Thats a lot of money to re-open the park. KK does not need $50 million. It has a completed ride package, minus Chang, Twisted Sisters, and few other pieces. The remaining equipment is fine, as the waterpark is also ready to go.

Ed Hart wants a new signature attraction, and I guess some new paint. I am not sure what the rest of the money is for.

A heck of a lot of new paint. Lord knows they need it!

I'd imagine He wants at least a new signature coaster and a waterpark expansion. Wonder if he'll ever get the twins running? Maybe they're looking at Timberliners in that $50mill ;).

It's not like they're trying to reopen SFNO. $50M does seem a bit high for a property that was for all intents and purposes fully maintained and functioning up until earlier this year.