Oakwood Discussion

[Coaster]

I think it's both true that Aspro's woeful neglect of the park caused it to decline, and that the current difficult business conditions have pushed the park from limping along into permanent closure.

If Oakwood was the only park affected I'd look at things differently, but the culling of rides and parks closing is industry-wide at the moment. UK parks have all been hit hard, and much like Oakwood, I'd say it's a combination of years of neglect and current conditions being tougher meaning the former is coming around to bite them harder.

Looking at the bigger picture, many 'non-essential' businesses are struggling - this isn't limited to just theme parks. I think the biggest issue is the current cost of living crisis, meaning families in particular are much more careful with their money. When the majority of UK parks offer an inconsistent (or, often, poor) experience, this becomes a big problem. Imagine saving up hundreds to visit a park, only to find many rides closed, slow queues, etc. You wouldn't exactly feel inclined to go back.

It's both mismanagement and a symptom of larger economic issues IMO; it doesn't have to be one or the other. Sadly it's a situation I can't see improving for some time, as with every cutback the parks make, the worse their guest experience becomes.

 

[flyingguitar]

I'm going to have to disagree here. Those activities listed are all health-conscious physical pursuits, which are soaring in popularity with families and young people, whereas Megaphobia is a rickety old wooden coaster, albeit a good one. Looking at the number of lodges and other accommodations available at Bluestone, there are probably around a maximum of 2000 people on-site at peak times throughout the season. It's a broader range of clientele than a theme park, so let's estimate around 500 of those would want to ride a thrill coaster. That's just twenty trains' worth of guests across a week.

I would honestly love to be wrong in this case, and would personally book a stay at Bluestone in order to ride Megaphobia again. Although according to policy, I still wouldn't be able to take my dog.

It isn't a healthy activity, but the also don't have just healthy activities, they have a wide range but all of them are active.

My point was that Bluestone is activities based, and is an active holiday. Compare it to a beach in Spain, you won't be doing anything other than sit on the beach.

It may not be as healthy as biking but most people don't think about that when on holiday, they see a ride and if it looks good may want to ride it (or their kids may want to). The people at the park are seeking out a holiday where they bike arround and do activities such as zip wiring, they are not planning on having a sit at a beach all day