It's a question I've had with industry types, friends, ad people and other enthusiasts. In fact, we had a conversation about it at dinner the other night during our event. Looking at our sites, our year-over-year number of visitors isn't what it used to be. We've mitigated that to some degree by trying to make the sites more interesting, and there has been great payoff in those efforts, as people are spending a lot more time looking around and interacting.
But it seems like people just aren't as into coasters as they used to be. One of the most obvious reasons is that the building boom around the turn of the century is little more than a memory. If we do see something like that again, it won't come for decades.
I suppose I only have to look as far as my own experience to really understand it. Other parts of my life certainly take priority now. There is no RollerCoaster Tycoon, no Millennium Force being built, and frankly nothing that really captures the imagination. Immersive theme park experiences appeal more to me than the typical traditional amusement park.
The devices themselves, for me, quickly became secondary to the social component as well. The first few years I was into it, I couldn't wait to ride the next big thing. Now I'm content going to events and parks knowing that I'll be meeting up with someone.
I'm still hoping for another renaissance. Those were such exciting times. I just don't see it happening any time soon, with the big operators buried in debt, and the obviously realization that building giant rides is little more than a short-term win.
I think you answered your own question.
The net took off and the online communities were created on the bubble. The initial numbers were inflated and the current numbers are the 'real' ones.
I suspect that like most things, it's cyclical. I also suspect that one cycle covers a large period of time in this case.
Yeah, I think that's kind of what I was getting at. It's not just that there are fewer people into it, but those who are lack the intensity of interest.
I guess for me it's just the idea that I don't feel that kind of excitement the way I used to. I also think that's why I've been driven to the whole Universal/Disney thing.
I guess I was confused because you started by talking about sheer numbers - the idea of less people doing more at your sites.
I got nothing for you. I think enthusiasm changes. Interest evolves. I'm not sure I'd want to hang out with someone who is still as excited about coasters (or excited in the same way) 10 years later as they were on day one.
Under normal circumstances, I tend to get into something for a while, take it to the Nth degree and then burn out. Honestly, the only reason I think I'm still interested in parks/coasters as much as I am is because of coasterimage (and on a secondary levels, involvement with CoasterBuzz and the podcast and such).
I'd have probably quit visiting parks a long time ago without those connections.
Seems like a natural ebb & flow to me. The difference is that after the bubble, there's not a constant influx of fresh-faced coaster dorks to keep things feeling lively.