Obviously in marketing, the end result in what I do is getting people excited and getting people through the gates.
This isn't a glorfication thread nor a 'whats still' wrong one. I'm intrested in what your thoughts are, as enthusiasts, about how Pleasurewood Hills has/is positioned/positioning itself this year.
SHOOT! :)
-- Edited by PWHSocial on Friday 12th of April 2013 09:35:29 PM
Yes I am excited, I have been through the gates 3 times so far this season, and I shall be up again soon no doubt, I am looking forwards to riding hob's pit when it opens, it will be great, the teasers that I have seen so far are brilliant, and the park appear to be doing a good job, not only are you getting people in, you are making them want to stay on park.
One thing you could do slightly better, is advertisement of closing times on park, just a little sign in the entrance booths' to say "Park shuts today at: ......, would be a great little improvement. Also make sure that the golf carts your staff use have horns on them, Last week on park, one came flying up behind me, and I only just got out of the way in time.
-- Edited by hobohippie95 on Friday 12th of April 2013 10:12:37 PM
Yes. I am excited. Although last season had a load of new stuff I remember Lawrence saying that it was a transitional season. I didn't really know what he meant by that but it is now evident. I personally got over excited last year; 5 new attractions and a new logo but the park was still getting the same old reviews on forums - Easter was plagued with issues much like this season but something is different this year which makes me think that the park is going in the right direction: communication.
The communication from the park has been better than ever. Rides have been down but we know about them, the park has let every one know every day which is great. Plus the added touch of a free P2P attraction is also a great move.
Last year the marketing was fresh and exciting also; new logo and new campaign was great to see but to me it was going for the wrong message; aiming for a Thorpe Park feel but this year they seem to be heading for more of an AT feel to the marketing. The latter is much better suited to the type of park PWH is in my opinion; aiming for magical, family fun works much more for me.
I think I've waffled enough for now but I really hope this continues in this direction; in terms of the marketing, social presence and information and the inclusion of us here in discussing in more detail of what is happening on park and what we think. I don't know about anyone else but I for one have not been as enthused about a season as I have about this one. Something has clicked somewhere and it's turned on something good.
Trouble is when a company owns many parks I often wonder if they're more interested in their other projects than PWH. But it's good to see PHW in good hands and with people are really care about it. Their heart and intentions are in the right place.
The future of the park is exciting, it's an on going project, but will only work if people turn out. There is always things to do, improvements to make... keeping on top of it all is difficult.
I'm quite looking forward to seeing what they do next year now.
I still don't know if I like the new logo, if I didn't know better it wouldn't entice me into the park.
-- Edited by Bubbles on Saturday 13th of April 2013 06:28:01 PM
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It's always the cracked ones that let the light in.
How does a logo entice you to the park? As far as logos go though PWH have certainly had worse! I for one really like it.
Because the banner is like the shop front.. it's the first thing you see. Either at the entrance or on posters. It wouldn't entice me to pick up a leaflet or see what PWH was, had i not already know. So far it just hasn't grown on me.
-- Edited by Bubbles on Saturday 13th of April 2013 06:51:44 PM
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It's always the cracked ones that let the light in.
Yeah I remember reading complaints about how the golf buggies are driven.
One thing you could do slightly better, is advertisement of closing times on park, just a little sign in the entrance booths' to say "Park shuts today at: ......, would be a great little improvement.
There used to be a sign on the toilets stating when the park closed, I presume that's gone then?
And in answer to the main question, YES! Despite last year being the best year for the park for many years, this year has surpassed that already, and for one reason: quality. The quality of the attractions, the quality of the marketing, it's all being done how it should be done! (especially all the little extra special detailing, it's just brilliant)
I'll be honest, when Alexis first took over, I was cricitical of how the park was being run. From 2007 to 2011 all the park had seen was the Timber Falls refurb. 5 years, one ride refurb and a new kids play area....wtf? But it's clear now that the issue wasn't the park managers, it was CdA. And good riddance I say.
From what I've seen so far this season, it seems the park is now in the best hands it could possibly be in.
Didn't CDA do the same thing though. From 05-07 they rethemed a number of rides, repainted and rethemed many of the areas and bought in the incredible Wipeout. Then they just seemed to stop investing. I just hope the investment pays off for Loopings and the park so this current trend can continue.
For the 2005 season, they brought us Thunderstruck, the amazing Tales of the Coast, the new look Main St and refurbed restaurants. Then in 2007 we got Wipeout, and that was pretty much it.
Biggest difference right now is that they appear to be sorting out the infrastructure of the park, which is something that hasn't been worked on for many, many years.
more thrill rides needed very desperately - the sorting out of the thrill rides we have - 4 of them need some sharp work - ok so enigma is getting it we hope that does happen. Marketing is good yes - the new style is much better than seen before.
I am confident that by the end of 2014 perhaps we will finally have riddled out some things.. I am excited to think the park may be having a good season ahead which will be totally weather dependent - i just hope the public respond
I've certainly never been engrossed in the progress of PWH as much as I am. What has been happening over the last few months really makes me want to visit again, if I do it'll be during the summer, just need to see if I can sway some people with me.
I think once 'Enigma' has completed it's refurb and 'Fireball' is relocated (and fingers crossed made to look permanent/spinning at full height, the video I watched a couple of days ago was depressing and made it look boring) will be the next major step! Unless there's something else planned that we don't know about!
Trouble is when a company owns many parks I often wonder if they're more interested in their other projects than PWH. But it's good to see PHW in good hands and with people are really care about it. Their heart and intentions are in the right place.
The future of the park is exciting, it's an on going project, but will only work if people turn out. There is always things to do, improvements to make... keeping on top of it all is difficult.
I'm quite looking forward to seeing what they do next year now.
I still don't know if I like the new logo, if I didn't know better it wouldn't entice me into the park.
-- Edited by Bubbles on Saturday 13th of April 2013 06:28:01 PM
yeh I guess they might have interests in other projects, adn then not concentrate fully on PWH for example- that may nto be the case for all similar owners etc
Don't mean to be picky, But didn't he say "This isn't a glorification thread nor a 'whats still' wrong one. I'm interested in what your thoughts are, as enthusiasts, about how Pleasurewood Hills has/is positioned/positioning itself this year." Afterall.. Don't we have enough of them?
-- Edited by jskinner97 on Sunday 14th of April 2013 07:57:20 PM
I just HOPE the return on this investment meets the targets of the current owners because the last thing the park needs is to go stale or be flogged off again. If they are satisfied with returns, then going by what they are doing now you've got to be excited. Even the smaller things like creating more atmosphere in the park (music, more from Woody etc.) is extremely positive.
