Continuing the series of posts from regular contributor Fallsview, here is part 3…
Here are a few of my thoughts on proponents and attractions within Niagara that could use a little push and TLC.
Marineland: The problem with a place like Marineland is that, even though it’s nice to see a family run company start from scratch, and have very good success. They are limited by not having a large corporation such as the Disney brand backing them. Almost all theme parks today are looking to fill every square inch of their properties with the latest and greatest thrill rides. This place could be one of the greatest theme parks in North America…. If they had the financial backing. With the size of their property, they could house Canada’s largest Amusement & Animal Park along with a nice concert venue, right next to a famous world wonder. However despite their success, Marineland is missing the boat on almost every level of what makes a great theme park. The biggest being the largest draw in any of today’s National theme parks, “The Waterpark.†This is where at least 70% of patrons end up at the end of the day and why most purchase season passes to Wonderland and Six Flags!
Speaking of waterparks: I have really nothing negative to say about HOCO properties, other then I hope they push through at least with their proposed outdoor waterpark. This alone would help draw patrons to their property. And with talk of a new massive Titanic Museum, they could take these harder times a little slower without as high of a financial risk. Fallsview waterpark does not offer season passes to local residence, which would probably help give a sense of appreciation back to the community that feels shunned by this industry.
Great Wolf Lodge: This place is a true one stop destination but is very expensive, it does not offer daily passes to their waterpark and sadly has probably shelved their winter skating path and new aquarium. Yet there new billboard shows sold out more times than not? So I am disappointed that with their success they haven’t even properly cleaned up the side of the property that was to house the new aquarium.
Skylon Properties: What can I say about this place! In 1988 George Yerich bought out John Gruyich’s ownership share of the Skylon for $13 million cash. Over 3 million annual visitors at 12 bucks a pop! That’s a lot of money to not re-invest back into your property. For the second year in a row, no lights coming down along the tower for the Christmas display. No sign of any of their proposals ever coming to fruition, no real modern updates to their amusement area or main shopping area, their outside property looking as old and dated as it did 20 years ago. And them opposing two proposed high rise towers in the last year, because the 52 story Hilton would stand taller then their tower. And a new 5 star 26 story Westin hotel was opposed by Yerich properties because of a fear of congestion along their property. Even their website seems outdated, and they have done nothing in the way of making it a real property destination. Time to invest in a marketing company and clean up the old Pyramid Place building.
Other parts in the series: