What should've been planned for WoF when Cedar Fair took over:Highlander wrote: I think Cedar Fair's intentions are clear. They've done nothing to keep the theme running but the problem is that they've let the ambience of the park fall off as well, particularly the landscaping. Having a thrill ride park is fine but it makes it more of a place for teens and less a place for families. WOF has been great as an attraction to the area for people from Iowa, OK, Kansas, Nebraska etc... I do not think it will remain as much of a draw, especially in times of expensive travel, when all people are going to get is Fairlyland on steroids.
Camp Snoopy, by the way, is very much a toddler park. Now that my kids are in their teens, we don't even bother. Frankly, I think the park is in dire need of at least 1-2 new thrill rides and a few "thematic" rides enjoyable by the entire family. That's the advantage of a theme park, something like the "Pirates of the Caribbean" in Disneyland isn't a thrill ride but they make it interesting enough to be enjoyed by everyone in the family, even thrill-seeking teens. WOF has nothing like that at all...nothing to bridge the gap between thrill and toddler except for maybe the log ride and the train neither of which are very interesting. WOF has mostly been stagnant for the last 10 years but the direction is heading (creeping) is not where I'd like to see it go. Perhaps Schlitterbahn will force them to make some changes.
One country of the park should've been redesignated as the "thrill zone" where all the large coasters or thrill rides are located. This could've been a large expansion to the park to create one large zone that concentrates on competing with the Six Flags of the world.
If Cedar Fair actually had a vision for WoF it could've been an absolute jewel of an attraction today. Each country could've had a more detailed image and would be a "park within a park" concept. Each country could've felt like a small theme park within the larger park. I believe Hunt Midwest already had this in mind when the park began. Each country had an identity and a certain flavor that added to the overall experience with some elements mixed throughout the park. That identity for each country could be narrowed to appeal to couples, families, young adults, small children, etc. This would give the park a much more expansive reach in terms of attracting patrons-- something for everyone kind of angle. The park needs to return to being the type of place a family could take a destination vacation.
I'm thinking more along the lines of something Disney would execute and Cedar Fair is operating a glorified carnival midway with some flashy coasters. CF's conception of what this park is and what it can be is entirely off the mark. They celebrate things like plans to remodel all the restrooms.
Think about what a narrow market WoF is currently attracting...
I realize it is an entire industry problem, but there's no reason Kansas City couldn't have a great amusement park that residents can be proud of. I also realize there are currently very few amusement parks that achieve this goal. WoF has the potential, location, market, etc.
