Can the Mobile Area Support a Large Amusement Park? (Birmingham: amusement parks, condos)

[A&M Bulldawg]

The Mobile area is the top tourist destination in the state of Alabama. There the sugary white beaches and great shopping. Because of this tourism, can the Mobile area, including Baldwin County, support a large amusement park?

[7spider]

It would be hard in this economy, but if they created a family orienated amusement park with reasonably priced admission and discounts for the local people to keep it going in the off season, that might work. A Disney world/ Six Flags deal with high admission, parking, food etc. won't work. Myrtle Beach tried this with Hard Rock Park, spent a ton of money and was bankrupt in 6 months. People on vacations don't want to spend a fortune at an amusement when you can enjoy the beaches and parks very reasonably, and have just as much fun.

[Alatex]

Amusement parks seem to be having trouble most places.

Six Flags stock is sick. Jazzland in New Orleans couldn't make it.
The aforementioned Hard Rock park in Myrtle Beach couldn't make it.
Visionland in Birmingham went bankrupt and changed hands a couple times. Opryland is long gone from Nashville.

That said, I do think Mobile-Baldwin can support some major entertainment venue, but amusement parks seem to be falling increasingly out of favor almost everywhere.

[A&M Bulldawg]

I know this may sound crazy to some of you: after the economy prospers, do you think the Mobile area can support a small scale Disney park or something of that sort?

[nutleynut]

How about a boardwalk situation like in Asbury Park, NJ or Santa Cruz, Ca. That's free admission and you just pay for whatever you want to take advantage of?

[A&M Bulldawg]

I think that will work, especially in the Gulf Shores area. Sticking to the Disney idea, I think that the park will do good in the open lands of Baldwin County.

[Alatex]

How about a boardwalk situation like in Asbury Park, NJ or Santa Cruz, Ca. That's free admission and you just pay for whatever you want to take advantage of?

Yes, I think that the "T" area of Gulf Shores would be perfect for that.

Chicago's Navy Pier and Houston-area's Kemah Boardwalk are other good examples.

The Wharf in Orange Beach does have a stand-alone ferris wheel, but that's the only ride they have.

Sticking to the Disney idea, I think that the park will do good in the open lands of Baldwin County.

How about something like Disney's Hilton Head Resort in South Carolina ?
It's not a theme park, but it is still a draw.

[mimpdaddy]

I think it might work but know need to rush it let it fall into place.

[7spider]

Piers, boardwalks, themed amusements all sound like fun, but do you have the roads and highways in place to support all those exciting ideas. I love an attraction, but I hate traffic. Being originally from the NY/NJ area I've seen the trash and crime that comes with the boardwallks,like Atlantic City or Seaside Heights in NJ, not cool. I agree there could be some kind of attraction that would make sense for the kiddies, but be careful and learn from the mistakes and problems in other places. This area is beautiful and has a lot going for it, just don't try to turn it into something you're going to grow out of and sick of.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by nutleynut

How about a boardwalk situation like in Asbury Park, NJ or Santa Cruz, Ca. That's free admission and you just pay for whatever you want to take advantage of?

There's not much room left in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach for anything anymore outside of the state park, the condos have taken up all of the good space.