TheMTD

You know I was always impressed with Wild Adventures personally. I think they had one of the coolest animal exhibits (dare I say better executed than Animal Kingdom). Their Safari train brought you right into the grazing area -- much closer than Disney's safety buffer. Although, I always wondered if the animals ever got ticked off at the tourists -- they could probably headbutt and kick people on the train (really no protection). Who knows the outcome of CG? Its sink or swim for them. I really hope they "swim" and add completely different offerings than the local big players. But seriously, Orlando's got 7 major players -- 4 Disney Parks, 2 Universal, Sea World.... They need something unique... and I laughed when Universal added a Ski Show last year. Its like a way of Universal slapping CG as the red headed stepchild.

No...the former skier backed out as he thought that he wouldnt be able to earn any money...I agree. Well, I disagree. I think without the debt of the previous owners -- its a pure profit center. I mean seriously -- if you can't figure out how to make money when a park draws 1.2 - 1.5 million visitors, then the management is retarded. I still think CG has a long way to go -- but its really gone a long way over the past 4 years. It went from totally dead, to at least a blip on the radar for tourists. Starliner is a solid woodie, no Dania Beach Hurricane -- but still. They need to dump the crappy little rides and focus on top-notch attractions. They will never compete with Disney or Universal. So offer stuff neither of those parks have -- possibly some of the unique style rides from Europe. How about a cool Moto-Coaster? I'm no fan of the Volare, but at least Universal or Disney don't have one. I think if they offer something different, people will come. As for Wild Adventures -- I think with H running the place, it will eventually eclipse Six Flags Over Georgia as the state's best park.

Here's a link to the story -- but its official, both parks are under new ownership. http://www.theledger.com/article/20070925/BREAKING/70925009/1039 Herschend Family Entertainment of Missouri bought Wild Adventures for $34.5 million. Cypress Gardens was bought by the unknown Land South Holdings for $16.8 million. I think both parks needed management shakeups. But, I'd imagine the new owners could bring the parks in a new direction. I know Wild Adventures bought a log flume back in 2004 that is still rusting away in a field -- never installed. Considering C.G. just spent 5 million on the Starliner alone -- they really didn't get any of the money they sank into the park (claimed 70 million).