Return to the Theme Park Identity

[Mushroom]

We all know the standard comparison of Busch Gardens to Kings Dominion: BG is a theme park, KD is an amusement park.

...But we've also seen that KD has been taking great efforts to make the park more beautiful, more immersive, better themed, more appealing, and so on. To me, it seems they really want to bring KD back to its glory in which it was truly a special experience, making the park something to remember.

KD really does seem to be stepping up their game to become more of a park, less of a concrete slab with rides. Look at Planet Snoopy: it's beautiful, has plenty of attention-to-detail, and totally memorable and immersive. If the park were to complete every project like Planet Snoopy, we could have the potential for a truly spectcular experience. Also take note of the dense landscaping and beauty that it seems like they've added to make the park more beautiful and appealing. Maybe they're realizing that people are attracted to a park that immerses them as much as it thrills them (similar to Busch Gardens). If you've noticed, KD really has become a very nice park ~ parts are just remarkable (and nearly BG-quality in marvel).

I'm not saying KD will ever be like Busch Gardens (though they may be working hard to get much closer). That's not really their market (they mainly aim for thrills, with the experience playing a supporting role to enhance the experience). But it seems like they're realizing they can sort of do both, for a total experience. After all, why not cater to both markets: the thrills and the experience?

Basically, what I'm getting at is this:

-Does Kings Dominion have the potential to become a truly wonderful park/experience? (I say yes)
-Have they been working & shown willingness to get the park to a more glorious state? (I say yes)
-Could they do it if they kept up their work? (I say yes)
-Would it be better for the park itself? (yes)
-Would this be a move that they would be willing to keep up to enhance the park (If this is the direction they want to go)?
-Is this the best direction for the park to go? (changing from a thrill ride concrete slab to a place for everyone to savor ~ two great markets that they're kind of double-dipping into both ~ only Woodstock knows the answer)

Thoughts?

 

[IndyRacingNut]

-Does Kings Dominion have the potential to become a truly wonderful park/experience?
It was once like that when the different areas were actually THEMED, but they strayed from that 20 years ago.

-Have they been working & shown willingness to get the park to a more glorious state?
Not from what I've seen so far. And that's what's kept me from getting a season pass for the last 10 years. The bean counters have hindered any hopes of truly making it a "Theme" park ever again.

-Could they do it if they kept up their work?
What work?

-Would it be better for the park itself?
God, I hope so...But it's going in no direction right now. Cedar Fair parks are looking to be more like Six Flags, and THAT is a fact.

-Would this be a move that they would be willing to keep up to enhance the park (If this is the direction they want to go)?
Depends on your definition of "enhance". If collecting a bunch of roller coasters while neglecting the aesthetics of the "theme park" KD supposedly tries to be, then no. Not by a long shot.

-Is this the best direction for the park to go?
Anything is better than where they're at right now. I can name a million things I'd like to change about the park, and that would barely scratch the surface. But let's face it. KD is and always will be an AMUSEMENT park...Not a THEME park. BIG difference.

 

[netdvn]

-Does Kings Dominion have the potential to become a truly wonderful park/experience?

Everyone has the potential. Now the strive to do so? That can be questionable. Remember also that the last 4 attractions have been attractions by Cedar Fair. Intimidators, Dinosaurs Alive, WindSeeker, and also Planet Snoopy.

-Have they been working & shown willingness to get the park to a more glorious state?

I will say this year the employees have been AMAZING. They were all kind, helpful, and willing. It could be because it's the beginning of the season, but the operators are having fun with their job (minus a few here and there) which helped show that they might be working with their employees to help bring glory to the park.
-Would it be better for the park itself?

Again this could be questionable, but as long as Cedar Fair isn't making all of the parks decisions and making each of the parks similar to one another, then it should be fine.

-Would this be a move that they would be willing to keep up to enhance the park (If this is the direction they want to go)?

I will wait and see how Planet Snoopy looks 5 years from now.

-Is this the best direction for the park to go? (changing from a thrill ride concrete slab to a place for everyone to savor ~ two great markets that they're kind of double-dipping into both ~ only Woodstock knows the answer)

Like someone said above any direction in enhancing the park experience is a very good direction to go. They just need work on their employees, get them cleaning the areas all over and try to get more pavers to reduce the heat that the pavement causes.

 

[I305Evan]

-Does Kings Dominion have the potential to become a truly wonderful park/experience? (I say yes)

Yes. The park still has a way to go, but the direction they're in right now is a positive one.

-Have they been working & shown willingness to get the park to a more glorious state? (I say yes)

Haven't gone to the park since the height of Paramount, but from what I've been hearing, yes.

-Would it be better for the park itself? (yes)

Most definitely. Paramount destroyed the park's charm and atmosphere. CF is working to get that back while still expanding their rides/attractions.

-Would this be a move that they would be willing to keep up to enhance the park (If this is the direction they want to go)?

I most definitely hope so.

-Is this the best direction for the park to go? (changing from a thrill ride concrete slab to a place for everyone to savor ~ two great markets that they're kind of double-dipping into both ~ only Woodstock knows the answer)

To be fair, the park always had rides/attractions for families to do. It just had a bad setting. The direction the park is going in right now is perfect and I feel a lot more parks should follow this direction (Magic Mountain). Amusement/theme parks should cater to everyone. You're not gonna wanna take your kids to a dump no matter how many world-class rides they have.