Rather then just retype my own take on stuff that has already been said...
furie said:
Maybe with the new land, they're trying to entice local custom instead? It's a move to ensure more Spanish people (particularly families) visit?
They know they can't rely on foreign trade so much, so are going for a narrower spectrum?
Definitely concievable. It would be interesting to know whether Sesame is big over in Spain?
vadge said:
I think the main problem with PA is it's location. Once upon a time, British families (in particular) were happy to flock to the hole of Salou in search of a week of sun and cheap booze. However, the resort (if you can call it that) has gone downhill and seems to be getting worse and worse (if that's possible!).
Couldnt agree more. it seems to be a common theme amongst all of those places to be honest. They certainly are a far cry from what I remember in my late teens - which wasn't exactly a high standard back then either.
Which like you have and Furie have said, suggests they can no longer rely on the Brit trade milking the sun, sea, sand and sangria. They need to get their own people through the door. Whether Sesame Street is going to do that is a bit of a weird notion. Personally, I don't see it, but then, I never watched the show.
nadroJ said:
I'd prefer to have seen PA come up with a new completely original kid orientated land, with a completely original theme unique to the park, rather than just invest in an out-dated franchise, I mean, look at Merlin's examples in Mutiny Bay and Wild Asia, both stylised versions of themes which could easily fit into PA and both of which could be adapted to appeal directly to, say, an age 10 and under audience. To me it would not only fit better into PA's overall theme but would also offer something brand new rather than a tired regurgitation. It's just laziness in my opinion.
AMEN TO THAT!
However, as much as I agree that I would much rather see an original concept in place the benefit of having a pre-exisiting franchise set up shop in your park is enticing. Especially in the current financial climate. Much like Drayton Manor did with Thomas Land, this Sesame Street will come as a predesigned package that will probably save them a fair whack on the design process. Would the makers of Sesame Street even contribute to construction as they will be make bucket loads from merchandising at a later point etc??? Plus, it is self marketing to a degree. As you say, everyone is already familiar with Sesame Street to a certain level. Therefore you haven't got to worry about introducing new characters/stories/ideas etc. All that work is done already so the marketing can be a walk in the park too. Making it cheaper for them.
They may even entice in new guests that wouldn't normally visit a park. There are some out that are huge fans that will go simply because it is their 'thing' they like. Harry Potter land is getting the same response. Thousands are going or planning to go. Because they like theme parks? Because they want to ride the rides? Nope, purely becase it is Harry Potter and their fandom dictates that they must see it... (I know this is the case... Im one of them
(Side note - I do also want to ride the rides and of course I like theme parks).
In terms of the DLP/PA discussion. I can only really go on my own feelings here.
I would choose DLP over PA if offered the chance of heading abroad for a weekend - this is despite the weather being worse in Paris too.
Does the announcement of a Sesame Street land going into PA entice me to consider diverting to PA rather than DLP. Not in the slightest. Which is what a lot of people will think and to that end, is what I think Marc was getting at in the first place.
Also related to what Marc said; If you look at it that a British family are deciding to go somewhere abroad with the kids for the weekend to have a short break, BOTH DLP and PA are obvious choices. Both are resorts, both are advertised in the UK and are appealing to Brits, both are brilliant places for a weekend getaway and both have similar type attributes (rides, shows etc etc).
The point being, which would they chose and is PA doing enough to entice people away from those Mouse Ears....
