Sorry, that was a long title. Back in November, I attended a Q&A with park president Jim Lake. Mr. Lake worked for Disney for over 15 years before jumping ship to SWSD. He did say that pin trading was a priority to him, coming from Disney merchandising this makes sense. SWSD was the first SW park to get pins in 2018. It was popular amoung pass members for a short time, but was essentially phased out. He also said that new animal experiences ground up are a priority. As an example, he pointed to the new jellyfish exhibit opening this year. From the renders, it looks very similar to the animal areas of SW Suadi. He addressed some other concerns such as employment issues, saying that training of the employees was not up to his or the company's standards. He also said that they are and have been understaffed since the pandemic. As a San Diego resident, I can attest that they send people to hire high schools at least once a year. This issue slowly seems to be getting better.
Now for what people actually want to yell about...the 5% surcharge. He claims it was necessary to improve the profit, but didn't have an answer when my family as well as others questioned why they don't advertise it more clearly, or just raise the prices by 5%. He also pulled some corporate bs out of his but, most notably when asked why they removed toilet seat covers from the park, he stated "Florida doesn't have them, they are our model." The most interesting question of the day was when a small kid asked about the then still SBNO Tidal Twister. When asked, Mr. Lake admitted that it was to be demolished soon after, and admitted that the ride was a technical nightmare, and more Hassel than it was popular. After responding to the small child, he stated "Tidal Twister will close permanently, but you can look to that area for future attractions of a similar style." He also said that three aquariums on site where not cleared by state inspectors, and would be demolished. Two of those aquariums are located right next to and behind Tidal Twister. TT has been completely demolished, and the tidepool area around it is blocked off. I would personally love to see something like pipeline here, but I am not sure with the zoning issues of San Diegos Midway District. There is also a large cement patch located behind Emporer and AR. They paved about 1/3 of it, then stopped. At first I was thinking a screaming swing, but it doesn't seem too likely at the moment.
Mr. Lake also stated that he wanted better food options at the park. In my opinion, they have in the three months since that Q&A. SWSD turns 60 on March 21st, so while I doubt it, some kind of anaversary celebration like they did for the 50th. Unfortunately, the Q&A was limited to a little over an hour, but Mr. Lake did stay long after to individually receive feedback and answer questions. This was a really nice gesture, and shows that he, and the rest of managment actually care. I know people don't really care about SWSD, and most people on this site will never get down here, but it is a very pretty park, and the only SW park to actually be located on the water. Overall, if you are in Cali, make to two hour trip down here, and support an underappreciated park. Thanks, have a nice day.
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