The decision to close or remain open during heavy rains is a difficult decision for theme park officials as they weigh absorbing the daily expense of keeping a park up and running for a small crowd or just closing.
Knott’s spokesman Jason Soyster said the park typically closes once or twice a year because of bad weather. The rain, he said, hinders guests’ experiences, adding that the decision is partly made because of financial factors.
“They (the guests) wouldn’t have a good time,” he said, “because so many of our rides don’t operate in the rain.”
A Tuesday in January is not one of Knott’s peak days, Soyster said, and the rain would shrink the crowd even more.
“There are some cost savings associated with not opening,” he said.
If it were a peak day – say on a summer weekend – the park likely would not have closed because of the rain, Soyster said.
Soyster said there is no formula for when to close the park because of rain, with the choice instead made on a case-by-case basis by park management. The last time Knott’s closed was about a year ago.
Soyster said he was unsure how El Niño may affect the park’s operations.
“It’s a risk,” he said, noting such decisions are something all outdoor venues in Southern California may face. “With all the entertainment outdoors, it is something that could impact businesses.”
Read the rest at the OCRegister
Knott's News: Just another reason having a sizable collection of dark rides and other indoor attractions is a good idea.
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