kennywood!007 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Wild Escapes...Sounds like it could have a zoo of some sort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddie200330 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 holy crap, 1000 acres is pretty damn big, I doubt Kennywood is even 100 acres(before the expansion). Cedar Point is like 364 or something I belive, so that would make the new park 3 times the size of CP and look how many coasters they have!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennywood!007 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Theme Park, Zoo, and Waterpark....hmmm. I have high hopes for this park Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennywood!007 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I just saw some info on my local news about the park. Its said to have an indoor/outdoor waterpark and themepark! This park sounds like its gonna be amazing. They interviewed a Kennywood guy and he said they have 108 years of tradition which this new park does not, but seriously if the park is "Disney Like" like my news said Kennywood looks pretty bad. I really don't see how they can compare KW to this new park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelTheFORCE Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 They didnt say anything we dont already know on the news about Wild Escape, but they did say one thing about KW. They said that KW wont be looking into expanding for about 8 years, so that means no B&M or any new coaster for that matter for maybe 8 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 WTOV9 released the following in their 11 oclock segment. Â New for the area: New power plant New stores (Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Eat N' Park, Bob Evans, etc) OK Given for Cabelas Phase Three (Convention Center) Â 100 Acre Indoor/Outdoor water park 500-700 Rooms 1/3 to be completed by next year? (Don't know what that is supposed to mean) Â Operator was not announced, but they said that a press conference is in the works and should take place in a couple weeks. More details and the all mysterious "Who is doing this?" should be revealed then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 They said that KW wont be looking into expanding for about 8 years, so that means no B&M or any new coaster for that matter for maybe 8 years. Â There is a really good reason why Kennywood doesn't have a B&M coaster to begin with ... they cannot afford it. Â Kennywood is a great park, but without any MAJOR changes in the way traffic is routed there, their numbers just don't grow. They have been at the million mark for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Rosenzweig Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 They said that KW wont be looking into expanding for about 8 years, so that means no B&M or any new coaster for that matter for maybe 8 years. Â There is a really good reason why Kennywood doesn't have a B&M coaster to begin with ... they cannot afford it. Â Kennywood is a great park, but without any MAJOR changes in the way traffic is routed there, their numbers just don't grow. They have been at the million mark for years. Â It's the stagnant Pittsburgh population that is really holding Kennywood back. Ask any upper at the park, and that's what they'll tell you market studies have found. Â Everyone in Pittsburgh and within a 50 mile radius knows about Kennywood, and knows where it is. Â -Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 It just doesn't seem like anyone is on the same page with this thing. Here is a new news clipping:  "Wild Escape" will be built by a company based in Iowa on 100 acres of land at the Highlands. Initially it will employ one thousand people and will feature both indoor and outdoor sections, so it can remain open all year. It will also house a water park connected to a 7-hundred room hotel. County Commissioner, David Sims, says once the entire project is completed--the hotel will expand to 17-hundred rooms. The water park will be open to the public and feature an amphitheater and lots of rides. The other news tenants are: T-J Maxx--PETCO--Bed, Bath and Beyond--The Shoe Show-- Sally Beauty--clothing store, Cato & Lane Bryant, a women's store for plus sizes--Michael's, a craft store--Books A Million--Fashion Bug--The Olive Garden--Chedders Restaurant--Ruby Tuesday-- Starbucks--Quiznos--12 new Cinemark Theaters--Wesbanco and a Cold Stone ice cream store. Commissioners also say to expect more development project announcements in the future.  Strap yourself in and prepare for the ride of a lifetime: the Wild Escapes Theme Park is coming to The Highlands.  The Ohio County Development Authority officially announced the attraction during a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday. The first phase of the park could be open as early as next July. The 100-acre park, which is about twice the size of Kennywood, was the major - but not only - announcement at the Ohio County Development Authority meeting Wednesday as members approved a $200 million development agreement to move forward. The other big announcement - at least for some in attendance - was that Olive Garden would be locating at The Highlands. That news garnered more applause than the theme park.  Ohio County Commission President David Sims said the first phase of the three-year, three-phase Wild Escapes project could be completed and open for business next summer "if things go well."  The park will have thrill rides, an indoor and outdoor water park, ongoing entertainment and retail opportunities, Sims added.  The indoor aspect of the park, which will be open year-round when complete, is estimated to be bigger than the Mall of America complex in Bloomington, Minn., Commissioner Randy Wharton said.  There also will be a hotel that will start with 500 to 700 rooms but may eventually reach 1,000 rooms, Wharton said.  The park is expected to create about 1,000 jobs and bring tax revenue to the county, Wharton added.  "It really benefits everybody," Sims said.  Getting the first phase of the project - about 40 acres - ready for next year involves an "aggressive schedule," county Administrator Greg Stewart said.  There is a significant amount of earthwork to be done, Sims said.  Officials broke ground on the theme park following the announcements.  The theme park was not the only big announcement during the meeting.  The names of future tenants making up the previously announced Power Center of retail stores alongside the Target site were released.  The stores include TJ Maxx, PetCo pet store, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Shoe Show, Sally Beauty Supply, Cato, Lane Bryant, Michael's craft store, Books-A-Million and Fashion Bug.  Stewart said development on the Power Center will begin in September with a projected April 2007 opening.  "It's a big, fast-track project," Stewart said.  Also coming to the site is a 12-screen Cinemark Theatres and outparcel lots for Starbuck's, Quizno's, Cold Stone Creamery, WesBanco, Ruby Tuesday's restaurant and Cheddar Casual Cafe.  "There is also a letter of intent for an Olive Garden restaurant," Commissioner Tim McCormick said to a thunderous applause from the crowd.  "Olive Garden was the most common request from people and we got it for them," McCormick said.  The outparcel lot buildings will be owned by the county, from which it will receive lease revenues, Wharton said.  A third phase of Cabela's distribution center was also approved.  Sims said another 500,00 square feet will be added adjacent to the current center, totally 1.7 million square feet when finished.  "When it is finished it will be the largest contiguous building in the state," Wharton said.  It will add another 1,000 jobs and is aiming for a January 2008 opening, Sims said.  The development authority also approved Stewart's advancement on obtaining Straub Honda Hyundai and Robinson Automotive Group to The Highlands site.  McCormick said the site is really ''coming along'' and ''keeps exploding in a big way.''  "It will help everyone in the area, including downtown (Wheeling), the Downs, and even Belmont County," McCormick said.  Also, the name "Wild Escapes" is wrong. All of the artwork that I have seen so far reads "Wild Escape". Did a little more digging and found this:  www.portnebraska.com/index_files/Page350.htm  If we dig even further, we can find this article from AB 11/12/2002:  Ex-Disney official joins Omaha park effortJoyce L. Gray, a 10-year veteran of the Walt Disney Co., has signed on as executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for the management company developing an amusement park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, across the Missouri River from Omaha, Neb. The $70 million, 77-acre park set to open in May 2003 and built out over five years would have several roller coasters and a river raft ride, according to developers.Gray worked 10 years for Disney. After serving as vice president of entertainment at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., where she helped open Disney's California Adventure, she was promoted to vice president of entertainment for the Walt Disney Co., overseeing development and promotion of entertainment at all the company's theme parks, including the Hong Kong project. The 39-year-old Gray has family near Council Bluffs, prompting her move to the area. With Papa's Park, the management company developing the new amusement park, Gray will be responsible for promoting and marketing the park and developing its entertainment program.  Looks like the funding didn't come through for the project in Iowa:  www.omahariverfront.com/articles2005/20050131_cbwaterpark.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreatOne Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 The other big announcement — at least for some in attendance — was that Olive Garden would be locating at The Highlands. That news garnered more applause than the theme park.  HAHA...only in West Virginia. Come on, Olive Garden? This being TPR, we all know Carabba's > Olive Garden (by a mile). Seriously, do you really need to get excited about an Italian restaurant that isn't even that great? I'd be more excited about getting a Sonic Drive-In.  -Bryan "my family is from WV, but I act like I don't know them" Wood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrillrider15 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Well this could be a fun thing to watch develope. It sounds great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelTheFORCE Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 They said that KW wont be looking into expanding for about 8 years, so that means no B&M or any new coaster for that matter for maybe 8 years. Â There is a really good reason why Kennywood doesn't have a B&M coaster to begin with ... they cannot afford it. Â Kennywood is a great park, but without any MAJOR changes in the way traffic is routed there, their numbers just don't grow. They have been at the million mark for years. Â Not only can they not afford it, but they dont want to overpopulate a smaller type park like kw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 ^ Overpopulate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dailey Enterprizes Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I've said this before and I'll say it again, the only thing I'm looking forward too is the possibility of Kennywood's expansion plans being improved and put into high gear because of this park. I always knew a major park would someday be built in the area because there are alot of people living in this corner of PA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelTheFORCE Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 ^ Overpopulate? Â Thats what they said on the news around opening day. They were talking about Swing Shot and said that a small ride like that is fine, but if they would get a bigger attraction it might overpopulate the park and be too crowded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dailey Enterprizes Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 ^ Apparently Kennywood isn't Six Flags! I doubt that "overpopulation" is the reason because it's not like there are already thousands apon thousands of people there everyday like it was at Coney Island in the 1920s. I heard the main reason why they're not building a major coaster is because they wouldn't be able to get enough money back in a season to keep finances in the green. Meaning there are simply not enough people going to the park and until the Mon Valley Expressway is built, I doubt any new coaster will be built, but that's why I'm hoping this new park "threat" will speed things up a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 ^^ I think you may have misunderstood them. I am sure they would have no problem with the park being "overpopulated". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterEricHP Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I worked at the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh when I lived there and the first thing we asked people when they came was their zipcode. I was amazed how many people came there from West Virginia. So judging completely off parents with small kids that were willing to drive from WV and Ohio to come to a Children's Museum.. I'd say people would have no problem driving to a decent park down there. (not that any new park could EVER come close to beating Kennywood) Â I can see this park being a junior Vekoma park like Cypress Gardens.. bleh. Â Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Ok, let me explain something here. This is not inside information, this is coming from the mouth of the General Manager of Kennywood. When I spoke to him in May, he was very candid about what he wanted to do for the park when the expansion goes through. Â He specifically said that he would NOT put inversions into Kennywood. For good reason. Kennywood is a family park. Most families want to be able to ride MOST if not all of the rides together. Â He did say he wanted a B&M coaster, probably a terrain back near the train tressles makes sense, thats where they acquired land from. But, putting inversions on a ride immediately ups the height requirement. There are 3 rides in the park above that 48 inch requirement. So, there goes anyone's theory for a B&M invert. Â Second, he wants to add another woodie! So, for Kennywood to expand the Mon-Fayette expressway needs to get finished and guarantee that KW will get its own exit. Once that occurs you will be sure to see that they will expand. And I wouldn't plan on seeing anything HUGE until at least 2009-10 season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okinawaboy11 Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 http://www.portnebraska.com/index_files/Page350.htm    Looks like they are getting a Roller Soaker and possibly a Cyclone woodie.    The other big announcement — at least for some in attendance — was that Olive Garden would be locating at The Highlands. That news garnered more applause than the theme park.  HAHA...only in West Virginia. Come on, Olive Garden? This being TPR, we all know Carabba's > Olive Garden (by a mile). Seriously, do you really need to get excited about an Italian restaurant that isn't even that great? I'd be more excited about getting a Sonic Drive-In.  I would GLADLY take Olive Garden over Carabba's. Carabba's always burns their food and it tastes like kaka. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatFalafelGirl Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 The other news tenants are: T-J Maxx--PETCO--Bed, Bath and Beyond--The Shoe Show-- Sally Beauty--clothing store, Cato & Lane Bryant, a women's store for plus sizes--Michael's, a craft store--Books A Million--Fashion Bug--The Olive Garden--Chedders Restaurant--Ruby Tuesday-- Starbucks--Quiznos--12 new Cinemark Theaters--Wesbanco and a Cold Stone ice cream store. Â Good Lord. that write up of "new tenants" reads like the Officical Sprawl Shopping List. Blech. But however, i can see where they are going with it, and i'm sure everyone in the area will be very excited. it's about 5 1/2 hours away from DC, so still pretty far away, but still do-able, and hey, i'll have a least 700 hotel rooms to choose from if i want to stay the night! Also, someone was commenting about the name of the park-if you live in the area, you get to see the tourist board commercials for WV, "West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful!" So the name really makes perfect sense. Â -Fa"i always thought it was spelled CaCa"lafel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okinawaboy11 Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 ^ Maybe it is CaCa, who knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dailey Enterprizes Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 Kinda reminds me of Hershey Park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterFanatic Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 Just a reminder everyone. Those concept drawings are from the failed Nebraska project. Although, it will probably be pretty fun in and when they use the same ones for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECZenith Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 Yeah, I would imagine they would still have the same kind of rides as the Nebraska project, the art makes it look pretty decent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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