Are theme parks losing interest in senior citizens?
In the past 10 years theme parks have concentrated more on thrill rides than slow moving dark rides.
Cypress Gardens closed to be changed to a park for children (Legoland)
Epcot has closed slow moving rides like "World of Motion" and it has opened instead faster rides like "Test Track"
At Universal, King Kong was more suitable for senior citizens than "The Mummy"
At Busch Gardens Tampa, they either build roller coasters or children's playgrounds.
We all are going to be senior citizens one day, so lets not ignore them.
p.s. I'm not a senior citizen
um, theme parks aren't really meant for senior citizens. and I know many 60+ year old people still riding the mega coasters and rides around theme parks.
Interesting thoughts!
However, Test Track is not that "thrilling" for senior citizens. If anybody has ridden in a convertable, they will be ok. Horizons is a better example.
While I am trying to think of some counterpoint ideas, what about the Seas with Nemo and Friends. Then again, it always was a dark ride.
From Rob P
Posted October 26, 2010 at 2:30 AM
I'm in my mid 50's now and I understand where you're coming from with this observation. I still ride most things but then I was never a real thrill ride freak anyway. However I don't think that the Parks should only accommodate the younger audience by scrapping the slower dark rides in favour of fast coasters. A good balance is needed. After all is said and done I think most people in all age groups probably prefer a good mix of attractions. Otherwise it becomes a repeated experience lurching from one coaster to another. A bit boring too.
At the moment I think most Parks have got the balance right but rumours, even here on TPI ,of the scrapping of rides like Snow White are disturbing. Particularly if that is going to be the trend.
I hope not. The Parks should provide something for everybody so that the whole family can continue to enjoy them together.
Hmm, I dont know about you, but the senior citizens LOVED Busch Gardens (especially when it wasn't too hot). For instance, there was a group of senior citizens who'd come in a few times a week because they loved the animals. True, they could give a cane-shaking at the rides, but the seniors LOVE the animals... and I think walking a lap around the park was their exercise as well.
The seniors aren't all about the rides. I remember they were freakin' MAD at Busch Gardens when they took away the skating show and replaced it with Katonga a few years back.
At a certain age, you're just happy to be spending time with your family and/or friends in a social environment. The sensations of strolling through the park are just as good as riding anything. I'm only 23, but I already enjoy taking newcomers on attractions I've experienced more than riding something new by myself.
From Formula 40
Posted October 27, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I'm absolutely crazy about thrill rides. If my health permits it, I hope to be able to ride roller coasters well into my 70's. I'm sure other people feel that way
I agree! I think the real question should be do they want to take away rides that Gandparents, and parents, can ride with their young children. It seems that we "senior" citizens are not that affected by the lack of slower rides. The big loosers are the really young ones that are not tall, mature, heavy, or just big enough to ride the faster rides.
I have to say, both of my parents are over 65 yet still enjoy theme parks. My father will ride what he feels he can while on the other hand my mother has never been a real "rider" on anything that moves much faster then a snail. Yet both of them enjoy going to the theme parks when my husband and I haul them along. My dad will ride the smaller coasters while my mom plays what we affectionately call "Pack Mule" while she randomly yells "Your INSANE!" at us. Once in a while she'll get on something faster but we've always had fun regardless.
My Mother-in-law is very much in the same boat, she's over 65...but she runs my husband and I into the ground at theme parks. There is nothing this woman won't ride, she wants to run to each ride and otherwise has more energy then two caffeinated 30 year old's.
I don't think it's a matter of really not being able to ride at all. Remember a lot of these people were riding the originals long before most of us where tinkles in their eyes. So if they want to keep riding or just enjoy having fun, let them! As my mom mutter once upon a time "You only live once, but damn, in your case Carrie.. your gonna die young if you keep putting your damn hands up on those coasters then who's gonna supervise me in my dotage?!"
:)
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