If I had to guess, anything that already has been budgeted/planned will go ahead if not slightly delayed. The money to these companies is on paper, and it’s just a number. If that number has already allocated, then I’ll imagine they’ll still spend it.I'm not sure whether this comes under operations or a separate topic, but how do we think that the pandemic will impact future investment prospects at the park?
I'm not really sure at the moment, personally. The approaches taken (or announced) by various different companies across the world currently are very different; some (e.g. Cedar Fair, Universal) are seemingly just pressing ahead with everything they had planned previously, whereas others (e.g. Six Flags, Disney) have begun cancelling & delaying some of their future projects.
I think it depends what approach Merlin takes; on the one hand, I don't think KIRKBI and Blackstone would want to see their recent £6bn investment go without the investment needed, and investment will drive up attendance. On the other hand, they may want to sit tight and see whether there is any money left for them to invest, or whether guest numbers are good enough to warrant investing. Regardless of what happens, I don't think investment will stall completely, but I think there's a good chance it could slow down.
Certainly not at the Merlin parks.Do you think we will see longer opening hours to help squash the amount of people in the park? Could we see summer having am and pm tickets? 10 - 3 4 - 9
Do you think we will see longer opening hours to help squash the amount of people in the park? Could we see summer having am and pm tickets? 10 - 3 4 - 9
https://www.looopings.nl/weblog/141...ekers--aparte-tijdsloten-en-koortsmeters.htmlA visit to Plopsaland is likely to look very different in the future. Behind the scenes, a major plan is underway to make the Plopsa parks completely corona-proof.
Plopsa director Steve Van den Kerkhof confirms this to Looopings. For example, a large container is expected to be placed at the entrance, which visitors are obliged to pass through to have their body temperature measured. Anyone who turns out to have a fever is sent away. Groups there are also obliged to wash their hands thoroughly.
The parks will run at one third of the capacity. At Plopsaland De Panne that amounts to about four thousand people. In order to let in as many people as possible, Van den Kerkhof wants to work with two periods: from 9 am to 3 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm. "Everyone has plenty of time to do all the attractions, because we allow fewer people at the same time." Shows In queues for attractions and at souvenir shops and catering establishments, boxes are painted on the floor, so that people can stand 1.5 meters apart. Safety bars are continuously disinfected by employees. Meet-and-greets and shows are out of the question for the time being.
When we can experience the Plopsa parks in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland in this way, we have to wait and see. "When everything is on paper, we test the plan with medical experts," says the director. Then the Plopsa Group takes it to the authorities. The parks will remain closed for the time being. "Health comes first." Social abstinence Van den Kerkhof hopes that governments want to distinguish between well-attended music festivals and amusement parks. "In our parks we have the space to respect social abstinence." He says he takes the investments required to make the parks corona-friendly. "I keep in mind that we will not be running at full capacity this summer."
The Director of the Plopsa parks has said they are planning with limited capacity to have morning and afternoon sessions.
https://www.looopings.nl/weblog/141...ekers--aparte-tijdsloten-en-koortsmeters.html
I can see a potential for a screening on re entry in the early days to detect temperature. I know Disney are seriously looking into doing this and workplaces here in the UK have done it.
Temperature testing don't work as people can have a non covid-19 related temperature as well as covid-19 carriers don't always show any symptoms at all.
I think they will reluctantly half the amount people on the park. All queues will have the 2 meter standing sticker, it will just add to long frustrating day but they may have no choice.
I’ve just thought, 13 won’t be open as it needs a minimum of 18 people.
Fill the water test dummies up and have them in blocked out seats, job done.
Wouldn’t be a problem as I very much doubt they’d be that incompetent to just close single seats...Good luck climbing over them to get on / off.