I kinda like how these rides will fill in that gap between the flyers and the rest of planet snoopy. Am I personally excited about these rides? No. Doesn't mean it wont improve that area and make it more cohesive.
Project 2017: Planet Snoopy Expansion & More
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
Thomas is right. That area has a strange emptiness about it, with flying ace way off in the corner. Filling gaps is certainly not a bad idea. Their timing is just way the hell off.
It's worth noting that the 2017 expansion will take place entirely in the original Planet Snoopy area- the area that was formerly Nickelodeon Central. Except for the new fountain that replaced the old Green Slime Zone/Snoopy's Splash Dance play area, this area was mostly untouched during the 2013 expansion. I guess, in a way, this is the first major change to the area since the Paramount days.
It's quite a shame the park was so misleading with the marketing for the Planet Snoopy announcement. Had they not made it seem like Project 2017 would be geared toward thrill seekers, I would probably be a bit happier with this expansion.
It's quite a shame the park was so misleading with the marketing for the Planet Snoopy announcement. Had they not made it seem like Project 2017 would be geared toward thrill seekers, I would probably be a bit happier with this expansion.
I think there is one key issue that is being over looked on this. For many people the announcement and the video leading up to the announcement were the first chance that they had to get an impression of Chad and bassed on what I have seen reaction wise for many it was not a good first impression. While I won't go as far as some and say that he alienated a large par of KD's customer base I will say that he seems to have angered an important group of customers. Add to that the fact that Pat who help the position be for him was both well like and respected by both guest and employees alike and it seems to me he is starting off on the wrong foot. I am not saying the announcement wouldn't have happened under her. I am pretty sure that it would have but based on my very brief two conversation with her and from what others have told me I don't think the pre announcement hype and games that have left so many hurt feelings would have gone on.
Zimmy said:
That makes sense. I'm sure a lot of parents, grandparents, etc. feel the same way. I will admit; the reason we went to BGW over KD is because that's what our parents and grandparents preferred. BGW offered more for them (including beer) and had a smaller, yet adequate lineup for kids.
Adults pay, children play, meanwhile the adults might need a diversion like a cold drink. This has been the basis for almost every Busch Gardens that was built (including the ones that no longer operate).
If Nicole's theory about the alcohol license is true, then BGW might need to start worrying. She's right on the money. Otherwise, I feel like this will have been a shot in the dark for Kings Dominion. I don't see any long-term effects coming from this otherwise. The targeted demographic will see advertisements, but all of this could easily disintegrate after a year if not planned wisely.
horsesboy said:
I'm not sure one can pinpoint the source of the marketing approach. There is a new marketing head, as well, at KD.
I am not saying it was necessary the creator of the idea but he did become theface of it both through the video and at the announcement. As president of the park it also seems highly unlikely that nobody asked his input in the plan. At very least he had a say on the video.Nicole said:
What is the name of the new marketing head at KD, Nicole? Last I knew, KD's VP of marketing was still Scott, who was a former marketing team member at BGW. He took the position at KD in early 2015, but I hadn't heard that he left.
And I agree with what you said about Chad, horsesboy. I feel the same way. I assume he was just doing what Marketing told him to do, but the fact that two weeks ago he was dropping hints about a Hurler replacement and now he's pretending he did no such thing makes him seem two-faced. I personally don't see him as such, but I fear many people will.
And I agree with what you said about Chad, horsesboy. I feel the same way. I assume he was just doing what Marketing told him to do, but the fact that two weeks ago he was dropping hints about a Hurler replacement and now he's pretending he did no such thing makes him seem two-faced. I personally don't see him as such, but I fear many people will.
Early 2015 is new.
Anyway, this is all getting totally ridiculous. Trying to pin an honest misstep on individual members of leadership is insane.
I'm 99% sure Kings Dominion tried to emulate Cedar Fair's and Kings Island's marketing strategy of essentially trolling their guests. The miscalculation they made is that in order for that to fly, the park in question needs to have been consistently adding things their fans want. Kings Dominion has not been doing that. As a result, this strategy (clearly) blew up in their face.
This hasn't been some long series of public-facing marketing blunders. They made one mistake. Put down the pitchforks, take a deep breath, and calm down.
Anyway, this is all getting totally ridiculous. Trying to pin an honest misstep on individual members of leadership is insane.
I'm 99% sure Kings Dominion tried to emulate Cedar Fair's and Kings Island's marketing strategy of essentially trolling their guests. The miscalculation they made is that in order for that to fly, the park in question needs to have been consistently adding things their fans want. Kings Dominion has not been doing that. As a result, this strategy (clearly) blew up in their face.
This hasn't been some long series of public-facing marketing blunders. They made one mistake. Put down the pitchforks, take a deep breath, and calm down.
I have to address something else for everyone who is reading this thread as well:
This isn't Busch Gardens. I know many of us are used to a park which, in the past, has displayed true, chronic incompetence and a level of tone-deaf disregard for its fans that is truly unparalleled. I'm sure that the perception that KD could be totally out-of-touch with its customers is even triggering a certain level of PTSD in some of you. I get it. We don't want KD to slip down into the same trench BGW dug itself into a few years ago. I totally get it.
That said, Nicole and I spoke to Chad, Scott, and Katelyn immediately following the announcement. During the conversion, we gave them a bit of a hard time about Hurler, Winterfest, and even Rocky Mountain Coasters. From their reactions, it was crystal clear that they knew what we want—hell—it is clear that they have been actively reading our exact words.
This sets KD right now so far apart from BGW a few years ago. BGW's leadership was truly out of touch. They made a point to wall themselves inside their castle and never read anything anyone anywhere said about them or their park. Today's Kings Dominion is NOTHING like that. That said, if you want to scare them back into retreating from their fanbase, reactions like this are a great way to do just that.
This isn't Busch Gardens. I know many of us are used to a park which, in the past, has displayed true, chronic incompetence and a level of tone-deaf disregard for its fans that is truly unparalleled. I'm sure that the perception that KD could be totally out-of-touch with its customers is even triggering a certain level of PTSD in some of you. I get it. We don't want KD to slip down into the same trench BGW dug itself into a few years ago. I totally get it.
That said, Nicole and I spoke to Chad, Scott, and Katelyn immediately following the announcement. During the conversion, we gave them a bit of a hard time about Hurler, Winterfest, and even Rocky Mountain Coasters. From their reactions, it was crystal clear that they knew what we want—hell—it is clear that they have been actively reading our exact words.
This sets KD right now so far apart from BGW a few years ago. BGW's leadership was truly out of touch. They made a point to wall themselves inside their castle and never read anything anyone anywhere said about them or their park. Today's Kings Dominion is NOTHING like that. That said, if you want to scare them back into retreating from their fanbase, reactions like this are a great way to do just that.
I seriously thought KD would of announced something with the Hurler on the 20th and I think that Hurler will be a tombstone at Haunt for the 2017 season since nothing is being said about it. The announcement for more kid rides doesn't really bother me since I have 3 kids and one being 5. Bringing more families into the park does bring in more money. When I go to the park with just the wife or with friends, I spend maybe $30 dollars for the day but when I have the kids with me, I spend over $100 because I have to feed 5 people, they want to play games, they want gifts, etc. We only had BGW passes this year and are getting KD passes next year because there are more coasters that my 5 year old can ride at KD. Right now he can only ride Loch Ness and Verbolten at BGW whereas he can ride Grizzly, stunt coaster, richochet, and rebel yell at KD.
I do agree with the poster above and I would of rather have the rides spread out through the park so you can hit those rides as you are taking turns on riding coasters. If Nicole is right and KD gets park wide beverage license next season then I'll be there.
I must say that KD trolled everyone and I people were TRIGGERED after being in person for it.
I do agree with the poster above and I would of rather have the rides spread out through the park so you can hit those rides as you are taking turns on riding coasters. If Nicole is right and KD gets park wide beverage license next season then I'll be there.
I must say that KD trolled everyone and I people were TRIGGERED after being in person for it.
I find it interesting that KD has removed the photos of Snoopy looking at Hurler from their Twitter & Instagram feeds. I guess they decided they shouldn't have done that after all? Only one still up that I see is Snoopy looking at the white spray paint on the pavement.
Hello, first time on the forum. I'd just like to add that I don't think "There's really more coming!" is referring to a second announcement at a later date. It's likely referring to the additions announced on Saturday. If a second announcement were coming, I would think they would put something along the lines of "stay tuned for more" at the end of the announcement. To me, "There's really more coming" says that there are more attractions coming to the park next year, not "we're also announcing (insert mystery attraction here) at a later date."
To me, it just seems like "There's Really More Coming!" means more things are coming to the park than what is currently there. Just a standard tagline.
Also, the photo of Snoopy with a blueprint was taken from a photo the park posted on social media to tease the expansion.
I hate to say it, but those who still think another announcement is coming should probably just let go. In the realm of marketing, to over-hype an announcement is one thing. To say "We'll tease an announcement and invite hundreds of customers to attend, then save the REAL announcement for later!" is an entirely separate (and suicidal) marketing disaster.
My hypothesis is that marketing was aiming for a Donald Trump-type campaign, in the belief that there's no such thing as bad publicity. Sure, they pissed off their fans, but maybe now there's a lot more people talking about the Planet Snoopy expansion than there would have been if they just made a small Facebook announcement.
Also, the photo of Snoopy with a blueprint was taken from a photo the park posted on social media to tease the expansion.
I hate to say it, but those who still think another announcement is coming should probably just let go. In the realm of marketing, to over-hype an announcement is one thing. To say "We'll tease an announcement and invite hundreds of customers to attend, then save the REAL announcement for later!" is an entirely separate (and suicidal) marketing disaster.
My hypothesis is that marketing was aiming for a Donald Trump-type campaign, in the belief that there's no such thing as bad publicity. Sure, they pissed off their fans, but maybe now there's a lot more people talking about the Planet Snoopy expansion than there would have been if they just made a small Facebook announcement.