HFEC Picks Up Mangement Contracts for DL, EG

shavethewhales · January 25, 2011, 02:36:22 PM

http://www.hfecorp.com/about/HFE-CNLAnnouncement012511.pdf

Looks like HFEC will be managing both Darien Lake and Elitich Gardens, but will not have ownership in either park. They won't be in charge of expanding or really changing either park either.

As I said elsewhere: I don't feel like this partnership is going to improve the company at all. I hope this doesn't lead to a trend of increased bureaucracy and corporate feelings in the parks. Already SDC and DW are loosing the little things that make them special bit by bit. In recent years we've seen classic attractions shuttered, in-park advertisements spring up, and carnival games start to take root. These might sound like typical things for an amusement park, but that's just it - SDC and DW used to be so much more than amusement parks to the point that people didn't even really think of or call them amusement parks back in the day.

Darien Lake and Elitich Gardens are about as bland and typical as they come. It would be one thing if they were buying the parks and transforming them with the Herschend touch, but just handling the management contracts is something different entirely.

Bleh, progress...

Junior · January 25, 2011, 05:12:31 PM

I agree, don't know how this helps the Herschend family company, but, they always plan well ahead for anything they do, and even projects that don't last long...all the Whitewaters (except Branson)...Grand Palace/Grand Village...Celebration City...are examples of ideas that for one reason or another did not work out, but the company seemed to learn lessons and regear, and move in a positive direction which made the company stronger. I wish them the best of luck while I continue to scratch my head about this move.

sanddunerider · January 26, 2011, 09:04:42 AM

i'm not up on all of the details as some of you are, But this move for HFEC sounds questionable..And i sure hope this does not effect SDC...

Steve Always has good points and as always great info,

darienlake · January 26, 2011, 01:46:42 PM

Darien Lake is a wonderful park. I live by and work at the park as a Seasonal Member. For Info On the Park you can visit my Fansite www.darienlakeonline.com and visit the Official site at www.godarienlake.com

Darien Lake is made up of a Theme Park and Waterpark plus a Hotel and Campgrounds. CNL Lifestyle Properties is the Landlord and HFEC are the operators.

Questions you can always ask me!

sanddunerider · January 26, 2011, 02:02:59 PM

welcome to the site DL>!

Swoosh · January 26, 2011, 04:22:57 PM

Sounds like Season Passholders may get discounted admission to both DL and EG this season. They still discussing it, but it is sounding promising.

sanddunerider · January 26, 2011, 05:07:32 PM

that would be a nice bonus

..

I wish they would offer a "real' discount at dixie stampede in branson.

...

darienlake · January 26, 2011, 05:37:17 PM

What would be nice is FREE admission with a DL or EG Season Pass to other HFEC Parks.

Swoosh · January 26, 2011, 06:01:57 PM

yeah that's not going to happen - if EG or DL passes even get discounted admission to anywhere else at all.

sanddunerider · January 26, 2011, 06:43:28 PM

agreed swoosh....... that wont happen.

sanddunerider · February 02, 2011, 08:06:10 PM

posted today:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/darien-lake-theme-park-resort/darien-lake-q-a/10150092290355842

darienlake · February 12, 2011, 04:19:43 PM

QuoteHerschend signed a three-year deal with CNL to manage and operate Darien Lake.

Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2011/01/25/georgia-firm-to-manage-darien-lake.html

shavethewhales · July 22, 2011, 05:05:00 PM

From what I'm hearing, it sounds like HFEC is hardly bringing the Herschend charm to DL or EG. It looks like they're being run much the same as they were under Six Flags. To be fair, Elitch Gardens is apparently cleaner and nicer-run than it had been, but I hear nothing but complaints about DL still being run down, overgrown, dirty, etc...

You really don't see any signs of Herschend influence looking at these parks. They haven't even given "Ride of Steel" a proper name yet.

Maybe they just haven't had time, seeing as they only signed the deal a few months ago, but at this rate they're going to go the way of PARC before long. I expected more from them.

jmc75 · July 22, 2011, 05:51:50 PM

My question is do they use their funds to upgrade the park or do they have to ask for money everytime. If that is the case that maybe why the lack of anything being done. Also to me it may be hershend entertainment but in all honesty is any of the family involved anymore. Especially at a with a park out of missouri.

shavethewhales · November 21, 2011, 11:36:43 PM

Sounds like Darien Lake will open 3 new family rides for 2012. As I understand, CNL is the one who pays for these expansions, so they very well could be brand new rides, but I have a feeling something from CC might be in the mix. The Orbiter is still MIA, though it was taken out long ago so I assume it had a buyer. There are a couple of kiddie rides HFEC still wants to get rid of from CC though, plus the shot tower.

Either way, good to see the park expanding again - they've had some weird years recently, and the dry park needs a good kick start.