Article: Idlewild amusement park offers discounts to maintain appeal

Higher prices, shorter hours and fewer employees have marked the 2009 season at Idlewild & SoakZone parks.

Officials at the sprawling Ligonier Township amusement complex say it's all aimed at keeping the park competitive in a very difficult market.

Idlewild, purchased by a Spanish firm, Parques Reunidos, in December 2007, draws more than a half-million visitors a year to its seven themed areas, including Storybook Forest, Raccoon Lagoon and Jumpin' Jungle.

"Everybody is quick to blame the new management, but everybody has had to adjust to some difficult economic times," said Julie Donovan, director of public relations for the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.

Donovan said it's too early to ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!