I absolutely love the idea of micro parks, especially if they are located in smaller metro areas that lack a major theme park or FEC. These harken back to the era when you could find a ”Kiddieland” park in or around most major cities and I hope they are successful and proliferate as such.
I sorely miss my hometown’s park, Boyle’s Joyland, ever since its demise in Topeka in the early ‘90s. We, unfortunately lost so many of these small parks, I think, partly due to recession, partly due to safety concerns, and also because the owners became too old or died and had nobody who wanted to keep them going. I think now there is a greater opportunity for these larger companies to invest the money to build the smaller parks and realize a greater return on their investment in a shorter amount of time.
Selfishly, though, as an enthusiast, I hope that some would consider including a handful of attractions that would appeal to all ages: a mid size coaster, log ride, dark ride, and flats, paired with an admission structured for those who wouldn’t utilize the kiddie offerings of those parks. It is a concept that, if done well, could be very successful.
I agree with and relate to everything you said! I fondly remember kiddie parks that used to be here in the Boston area. Many of these newer micro parks are much more sophisticated. I'm particularly intrigued by Katmandu in Punta Cana. That will truly have Disney/Universal-level attractions, just a lot fewer of them than at a full-sized park. Alas, there won't be any coasters.
I want a Universal park near me! Arthur, can you put in a good word with the brass over there?
Um, after I get them to build one in New England.
I absolutely love the idea of micro parks, especially if they are located in smaller metro areas that lack a major theme park or FEC. These harken back to the era when you could find a ”Kiddieland” park in or around most major cities and I hope they are successful and proliferate as such.
I sorely miss my hometown’s park, Boyle’s Joyland, ever since its demise in Topeka in the early ‘90s. We, unfortunately lost so many of these small parks, I think, partly due to recession, partly due to safety concerns, and also because the owners became too old or died and had nobody who wanted to keep them going. I think now there is a greater opportunity for these larger companies to invest the money to build the smaller parks and realize a greater return on their investment in a shorter amount of time.
Selfishly, though, as an enthusiast, I hope that some would consider including a handful of attractions that would appeal to all ages: a mid size coaster, log ride, dark ride, and flats, paired with an admission structured for those who wouldn’t utilize the kiddie offerings of those parks. It is a concept that, if done well, could be very successful.
I agree with and relate to everything you said! I fondly remember kiddie parks that used to be here in the Boston area. Many of these newer micro parks are much more sophisticated. I'm particularly intrigued by Katmandu in Punta Cana. That will truly have Disney/Universal-level attractions, just a lot fewer of them than at a full-sized park. Alas, there won't be any coasters.