News: CNN Money adds a new coaster guide

Posted at 3:31 AM EDT (0731 GMT)

May. 16th, 2004 -- At first, many people thought that 2004 was not a excellent year for parks. Although not many popular parks set out to build record breaking coasters, few parks built coasters for the 2004 guests to enjoy.

Just a sample of the new rides include: "Revenge of the Mummy" at Universal Orlando Parks in California and Florida, as well as "Halfpipe" opening at Six Flags Elitch Gardens.

Aside from giving people a sample of the new upcoming attractions, CNN also looked at the changing face of the amusement park industry. Brian Witherow from Cedar Fair claimed: "In terms of our capital expenditure, the focus is on the family resort side of our business rather than on the high-glamour thrill side," said Brian Witherow, a spokesman for Cedar Fair.

The reason why a family based resort is becoming the standard, is that a variety of guests are visitng amusement parks today. Arthur Gruen from Wilkofsky Gruen Assosiates says: "Today, families are bringing their parents or even their grandparents with them to amusement parks," he said. "That's one reason why there's been a shift in focus. Many theme-park operators are adding fewer new rides and instead finding ways to become more family-friendly destinations."

The amusement park industry is still suffering from a post 9/11 financial downfall. Various parks have been constantly adding new attractions, but experts still believe it will take a whole new park to give the industry a boost.

Read the entire article at: CNN Money