Theme Parks & Economy

Just found this article/video on MSNBC.com about theme parks and the current economy.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/911434.asp#BODY

I thought it somewhat interesting, especially the part about Six Flags spending $130 million on new attractions despite a recent slump, then using "Top Thrill Dragster" at their "Cedar Point" park as an example (hee hee).

The article also mentions EPCOT's "Mission: Space" and the video shows footage of various coasters & attractions from around the country.

Will Theme Parks bounce back from the post 9/11 slump? What do you think? (My guess is yes...)

That is actually a big mistake. CP is probably already calling them for a correction on that one.

I think that the small parks are going to again have a stellar year. It is a combination of things, and I don't think domestic travel is as big a factor as it is made out to be. Fuel costs are a bit of a factor, but they are steadily going down now. The real factor is that people's attitudes have changed. People are into nestogia right now, and those small parks offer that, as well as a better price, better customer service, and a more family friendly atmosphere. The big parks will make some gains over last year, but if they do not start paying attention to things like customer service, they are going to continue to lose family appeal, which is the bread and butter of the industry.
------------------
"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

That is a really dumb mistake. I think most parks will do well this year.

------------------
All who think Mean Streak needs a match taken to it say I.

The destination,resort parks will probably continue to struggle this season. The local, day trip parks should do well enough. The GP is still leary of both the stability of the economy and travel concerns.