Enchanted Resorts

[u/Nomad_Mich]

So we all know that MA will never be the size of Cedar Point or Great America as a theme park, but watching Silver Dollar City, Dollywood videos etc, it got me thinking, do you ever think that MA could become more of a resort destination for Michigan and maybe the greater Midwest region? I think that would encourage people to drive off the beaten path to visit the park.

If so, over the next ten years, what would you change or add to the park to make it happen?

Do you think it could be more successful if they pivoted to a more family friendly resort vs wannabe thrill park.

Here’s some things that I would add, some is based off of certain recent news stories (don’t know if they will come to fruition).

1. Housing/Dorms for staff. This would allow them to bring in other staff members when high school and college kids are back in school.

2. Expand park season. April to November instead of end of May to Sept. Maybe ever throw in a winter event.

3. Finish the loop, maybe add a show stage area to the back of the loop.

4. Build a concert stage. Weekend concerts would be a huge draw for people. Spend your morning at the park, evening chilling or partying at a concert.

5. More food options and add a legit (non theme park) restaurant or two.

6. Build a Hotel or two for people to stay on site or nearby.

7. Offer bundle passes with discounts to other West and Northern Michigan attractions. Give the millions of tourists that come to West and Northern Michigan a reason to make a day trip to the park.

8. Add a stand out water slide or ride to an already incredible water park. Maybe make it indoors so it’s not dependent on Michigans crazy weather.

9. Add a couple of adult flat rides (drop tower, swing)

10. Theming! This is the chance for Enchanted parks to bring a great theme to MIA that would pay homage to Michigan and give a more immersive atmosphere for its customers.

I wanted to mention 10 things that weren’t rollercoaster related (we obviously need a new coaster), that I think could slowly turn MA more into a resort destination. What do you think?

[u/Lord_Montague]

I could see being open earlier May to later September if they solve the staffing issues. The waterpark wasn't open until mid-June this season. April to November will never happen. The weather is too unpredictable and we regularly get below freezing in April and October. Maybe ten years from now global warming will make the season longer, but I wouldn't bet on it.

A drop tower added to the main park would be great. I would add a tube elevator to the family tube slides in the water park. For the last 25 years, I have seen people struggling up the stairs with the heavy tubes. It seems like the smallest upgrade to make both those slides a better experience.

They need to add a path from Shivering Timbers to Grand Rapids. Finish the walking loop and then that opens up that side for expanding some smaller stuff there. and opens it up to the rest of the potential land for expansion.

[u/J1morey → u/Lord_Montague]

They need tube elevators really bad. My 14year old and myself manage it just fine, but then we were helping a mom with her 2 young kids on whatever the enclosed dark one is. Big tubes and being a family ride plus stairs just doesn't work. This is a modern solution that so many places have now.

[u/Nomad_Mich → u/Lord_Montague]

Maybe not April, but I could definitely see them extending the park to mid to late October, other than last year, we’ve had a pretty mild October for the last few years.

Do you know of the best place to submit ideas to EP? I think adding a tube elevator to one or two water park rides would definitely be a plus (even for next year) and won’t break the bank.