Much like Blue Bayou Water Park/Dixie Landin’s bid last summer to expand its campgrounds and parking, The New York Times is reporting that regional parks across the country are trying similar measures to expand their business
Regional parks—those close enough to big cities that they can be visited in a day—are a $10 billion-a-year business, according to trade group International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Attendance at these venues outpaces that of large destination parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. But behind their whimsical facades, amusement parks are a risky business. The cost of entry is often in the hundreds of millions of dollars and can reach a billion or more, and tight budgets make it hard to invest in new attractions and marketing.
Operators are adjusting by creating more reasons for visitors to stay longer, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association. Parks are adding restaurants, shops, hotels and campsites to keep guests around.
