What would happen with a second theme park?

[voodoobones]

I was just thinking about what it would be like if a second theme park was to be introduced to the Spokane/Coeur d' alene area and felt it could actually be good for Silverwood.

If someone else came into the area and started up another theme park it would make the area more of a destination for theme park enthusiast and perhaps drive more tourist to the area. The end results being more visitors to Silverwood.

• Could the Spokane/Coeur d' alene area support multiple theme parks?
  
• What other benefits would there be to adding another theme park?
  
• What could be the draw backs?
  

Just a fun exercise to stretch the mind and to actually post something on this forum. Seriously, this place could use a few more post.

[Bud Parsley]

Off the cuff, I think Cd'A could support another theme park. The area really is a tourist destination. For crying out loud if you include Kellog, you've got 4 water parks in the area! I can't think of another place with 4 water parks so close together except maybe SoCal!

So yes I think it could work out well on the surface. And I'm a true believer that competition is always a good thing. If Silverwood has a competitor, they will be forced to stay on top of their game. Sure both parks would draw more people, but both parks would also be competing for guest's dollars.

I thinkt the big problem is that, to be considered on par with Silverwood, any new theme park is going to need to make a huge investment. Silverwood is no longer a small park. The new park would have to open with roughly the same amount of offerings as Silverwood. That would take a pretty penny.

So to wrap up, yes, I think another theme park could work. But no, I don't think it is likely, especially in "these tough economic times"...

[wolfblood]

Add me to the list that the Spokane/Cd'A area can support a second theme park.

The way I see it, Washington State could also certainly benefit from having a major theme park.

The tricky part is, any new theme park in the states haven't faired too well.

Case in point, Wild West World. It opened in Kansas in May 2007, and closed just two months later. The park blamed it on bad weather and bad attendance, while others pointed out it had a lousy buisness plan...especially since the owner was found guilty of various charges of fraud.

Then we have the Grandaddy of all new theme park failures, Hard Rock Park/Freestyle Music Park. This thing is such a failure I could do a whole thread about it. But I'll just point out the main problems.

1. Bad Location
2. Lack of Marketing
3. Steep price with no discounts, and very limited hotel partners
4. Unrealistic expectations (30,000 people a day, over 2 million it's first season etc.)

Now as for any new theme park being built, the tricky things are certainly finding a good location and getting proper finacing to have the place built.

It's like they say, Location, Location, Location. If the park isn't built in a good area, it's pretty much screwed, especially if it doesn't do the right things to make sure it'll survive.

[65skylark]

Not a chance! IMHO of course.

Silverwood has only made it because it spent half of it's life as a permanent carnival. Then very slowly added a few larger rides here and there until finally gained some momentum after adding a couple world class woodies. And I'll bet if you could ask Mr Norton right now he'd say he didn't realize the impact that first wooden coaster would have. Silverwood has done a lot of things right but they have also benefited from good luck/timing and having the only show in the Pacific Northwest worth driving more than an hour for. And that has only been for the last 10 years or so.

And water parks are certainly not theme parks. When you consider one is a very small indoor park and one is a very small outdoor park there really isn't much even in that category.

P.S.
Florida has way more than four water parks in a smaller proximity than the four mentioned adn they are all MUCH larger.

[kaseydewey]

with two theme parks it is more thrill & possibly less lines (: its so agrivating with teens and their impatience. two theme parks would be crazy, i agree there is enough water parks in fact im dedicated to silverwood never been to wild waves splashdown or boulder beach. im strictly a coaster kid. - - - more thrills heck yes!

[incoasters]

I believe it would be good for another theme park in the area. I'm not from northern Idaho but more competition would be good. I live near Lagoon in Utah and frankly Silverwood kills Lagoon. Silverwood is smaller but is better at giving people what they want. I feel that if Lagoon had competition it would be made to strive to survive.

[taylorrose35]

The place really is a vacationers place. For weeping out noisy if you consist of Kellog, you've got some water parks in the area! I can't think of another place with 4 water parks so near together.

[Nuttyguy]

The CDA casino at one time had blue prints and plans (and a model in their hotel lobby) of a Theme Park to compete with Silverwood.

I don't see a new Theme Park opening up effecting Silverwood at all. I agree with Bud Parsley, they would have to come in with ALOT of money and offerings to even be considered a competitor to Silverwood.