But why the urgency for this year vs SBNO unless you believe they're going to begin construction during the summer season - money meter would be racking up pretty good for that too.
The park wanted the ride gone before daily operations started for 2019. Out of sight, out of mind (except for coaster-theme park fanatics). its been SBNO for almost a year before it started to be removed. The money meter is not running when the land lies dormant.
Demolition opens up the area for surveying. Clear site lines to allow a precise measurement of the land area available for potential new development. Allows CF/KD to come up with high level site plans. Allows CF/KD to send out proposals to attraction vendors and say that we would like this type of attraction, with this potential theme, and here is the space you have to work with. Come back to us with a high level design proposal of your attraction.
Depending on how immersive the area will be themed and how integrated the attraction(s) need to be, having the land clear and ready for re-development is prudent. Again, when the "Lost World" ride complex opened to the public in May 1979. Construction started, (land clearing/grading), in June 1977. Almost 2 years to complete the themed area.
I don't see a 2020 attraction on this site. If the park gets anything for 2020, I see that going either in Old Virginia or the Soak City water park.