Is Old Town going... downhill?
The economic situation that is affecting the world in these recent years has not done any good to some of the minor attractions here in Central Florida. Thankfully, almost all of them have survived the worst part of this recession, but it has still not completely ended. And some minor attractions are still suffering. Here's a question that we wanted to share with you: Is OLD TOWN loosing a lot?
Here you are some reasons why we are a bit worried about it:
First of all, the "Pharaohs' Fury" ride is being removed, after being at Old Town for many years:
Packing and leaving soon:
Another thing that left is the game booth that was against that wall:
The Old Town sign, that may well reflect its future:
The Pharaohs' head was placed there as a photo-opportunity:
Also, according to Screamscape, the Wave Swinger ride is being sold:
"The wave swing at the front of Old Town appears to have been listed as being for sale at the UsedRides.com website. That’s a prime location for a new very visible new ride if they plan it out right, so I've got to wonder what they may have planned."
They even had their name on the swinger:
This ticket booth is losing its function...
So, what do you think? Old Town has always been one of the most important minor attractions in Kissimmee.
Maybe their "problem" is Fun Spot U.S.A. Why is it a problem for them? Well, they've got more (and newer) rides, they're much more family-friendly, and they're continuously expanding.
Old Town is doing everything but that. Of course, as we announced yesterday, the Full Speed Arcade is going to move to Old Town, but it was previously located across the road from Fun Spot, so it's really nothing new. Then, to conclude, what's Old Town's future? Maybe it's still too early to tell.
Really don't want this to go, it has a place in my childhood :( Hoping its actually for some decent expansion :P Sad these rides have been lost...
ReplyDeleteThat's always a good question. Another thing I noticed last time I was there is, the field they use for overflow parking is now for sale. Where is everyone going to park for large events like the Saturday Night Cruise? Really makes you think what the future has in store for Old Town.
ReplyDeleteCompetition from Fun Spot is changing the way they're doing business. I wouldn't be surprised to see more amusement rides gone in the next few years, and eventually the whole property taken over by Fun Spot, who actually knows what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteI used to like going to Old Town. Every time we went to Disney we made a point to stop there. The first time we've been there was 20 years ago. The last time we went there was last Summer and it was in a sad state. We were trying to figure out why and we realized that nothing has changed, there has been no upkeep and stores keeps closing.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's very depressing to see the current state of Old Town. The thing is that, as one of the Anonymous said, they've remained just as they were years ago. And that, even though may sound great, it is not. I'm studying in th Hospitality industry, and we're learning that if your activity (a restaurant, a theme park, an amusement park, etc...) doesn't keep up with the rest of the other businesses, you will soon or later have to close. We hope Old Town is aware of that, and that they will make the necessary changes to their park/outdoor shopping area.
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