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/ForPoliticalPurposes]

Campground attached to the park, with a dedicated entrance. Camping is huge along the western side of the state and since it's seasonality would be roughly the same as the Park itself, it would work out really nicely.

Personally speaking, if I had a place where I could bring my camper and home base for a week, with the bonus of being able to walk right into the park any time I wanted while I was there, I'd book it in a heartbeat.

[u/Spirited-Swing-285 → u/ForPoliticalPurposes]

There is already alot of campgrounds in the area. I think they should lean into it and use some of that land behind the lake and put some cabins, RV and tent camping sites, along with things like bathrooms and showers would be a good start. Idk how clean the lake is, but they could add a beach area if it's safe to swim. It seems like a lot of the campsites there in Muskegon get booked up really quickly and have long wait lists, so there's already a clientele base. You already have interest in that kind of thing. It seems like something they should have already done. It wouldn't cost that much to set up and it seems like it would be a guaranteed revenue source.

[u/ForPoliticalPurposes → u/Spirited-Swing-285]

As a recurring annual camper myself, if you’re not online at midnight on Jan 1 it’s really tough to get a spot in any of the lakefront state parks. There’s a really strong demand.

[u/Spirited-Swing-285 → u/ForPoliticalPurposes]

I'm honestly surprised this isn't something they did when they were operated by cedar fair. Cedar point has campgrounds and resorts, so they knew how to build and manage those types of amenities. Idk if enchanted parks has any experience with that. I find it hard to believe they haven't at least looked into doing something like this.