Back at the end of 2008 I visited a fantastic inner city amusement park, Gronalund in Stockholm. While the park isn't home to the biggest or fastest, it is home to an ecclectic mix of rides and attractions in a picturesque waterside location. In 2009 the park is installing a 4D Zacspin ocaster from Intamin.
The park also recently announced plans to expand the park to include a compact B&M coaster.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
SAW Point
So today was a special media and advanced preview day of the all new SAW: The Ride at Thorpe Park. Only it hasn't gone to plan because Saw is broken already. Not the best start to the new season for Thorpe Park.
So is it a case that parks are pushing the boundaries to far, are manufacturers offering unproven products, is it the contractors that aren't building the rides properly.
Of course the park hasn't even opened to the public yet so it's unfair to cast too much criticism. After all aren't these preview days about testing the rides in real world situations to see how they cope.
In any case Saw shows that Merlin are prepared to up the ante and install rides that offer the complete package including top notch themeing. Saw is a more rounded and complete ride than the likes of Air and Stealth. MErlin seem interested in putting in rides befitting a THEME park rather than plonking down half hearted efforts that suit amusement parks.
I hope this very early teething problem sorts itself out and Merlin see the value of installing attractions of this nature. Lets hope this is a turning point and we start to see true THEME parks expanding in the UK.
So is it a case that parks are pushing the boundaries to far, are manufacturers offering unproven products, is it the contractors that aren't building the rides properly.
Of course the park hasn't even opened to the public yet so it's unfair to cast too much criticism. After all aren't these preview days about testing the rides in real world situations to see how they cope.
In any case Saw shows that Merlin are prepared to up the ante and install rides that offer the complete package including top notch themeing. Saw is a more rounded and complete ride than the likes of Air and Stealth. MErlin seem interested in putting in rides befitting a THEME park rather than plonking down half hearted efforts that suit amusement parks.
I hope this very early teething problem sorts itself out and Merlin see the value of installing attractions of this nature. Lets hope this is a turning point and we start to see true THEME parks expanding in the UK.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
No Wonder They Struggle
Is it any wonder so many US parks are struggling when they're barely open. Last night I decided to look in to a quick trip to the US in September to knock off a few parks that I've not been to yet. Only it's not worth it. The vast majority of the parks are only open on the odd weekend in September. I don't want to go sight seeing on the weekdays.
I can't even go in May as most are only open Weekends, and even if I went in June I need to be careful what days I choose. So that means July and August are the only real months to visit the US.
Looking at European Parks most are open right through May to October. And are open weekends in March and April, covering much more of the year and producing greater revenue.
Given the cost of the land of an amusement park you'd think they'd want to generate as much income as possible over as long a period as possible. A closed park makes no money. I'm sure even quiet days must cover the cost of reduced staffing levels. Isn't it better to earn $100 income than zero income.
I was most shocked by the Seattle area. I looked into going to the Rodeo at Pullyup to discover the neraby parks are only open weekends. Surely with such a big event in town they'd want to open on week days surrounding that event. Does it not drawer in tourists to the area looking for additional entertainment.
So it looks like this year will be a US free year as I check out parks in China and Europe. Oh and Florida, but that doesn't really count as proper USA.
I can't even go in May as most are only open Weekends, and even if I went in June I need to be careful what days I choose. So that means July and August are the only real months to visit the US.
Looking at European Parks most are open right through May to October. And are open weekends in March and April, covering much more of the year and producing greater revenue.
Given the cost of the land of an amusement park you'd think they'd want to generate as much income as possible over as long a period as possible. A closed park makes no money. I'm sure even quiet days must cover the cost of reduced staffing levels. Isn't it better to earn $100 income than zero income.
I was most shocked by the Seattle area. I looked into going to the Rodeo at Pullyup to discover the neraby parks are only open weekends. Surely with such a big event in town they'd want to open on week days surrounding that event. Does it not drawer in tourists to the area looking for additional entertainment.
So it looks like this year will be a US free year as I check out parks in China and Europe. Oh and Florida, but that doesn't really count as proper USA.
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