MGM Grand Adventures explained

MGM Grand Adventures
Resort:MGM Grand
Location:Paradise, Nevada
Theme:Movie studio
Owner:MGM Grand, Inc.
Operator:MGM Grand, Inc.
Season:Year-round (until 1998)
Area: (originally)
(after 1997)
Rides:7 (as of 1994)
Coasters:1
Water Rides:2
Status:Closed

MGM Grand Adventures was a theme park adjacent to the MGM Grand, a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States. The theme park and resort were both developed by MGM Grand, Inc. Construction began in October 1991, and both projects opened on December 18, 1993. MGM Grand Adventures originally occupied, located northeast of the MGM Grand. The park featured a movie studio theme. It included seven rides and four theaters offering various shows.

The park suffered financially, in part due to a low number of attractions. It also faced competition from the indoor Adventuredome amusement park, also on the Strip. In 1997, the MGM Grand began construction on a pool, a spa, and a conference center, taking up 15acres of theme park land. The park was reduced by 40 percent to 18.8acres. In 1998, the park switched to a seasonal schedule. It closed for the season on September 4, 2000, and never reopened to the public. In 2001, the theme park became a rental facility for corporate functions under the name The Park at MGM Grand. It operated this way for the next few years, offering a reduced number of rides.

A condo hotel project, The Signature at MGM Grand, opened on a portion of the theme park land in 2006. Topgolf opened one of its driving ranges on the remaining acreage in 2016.

History

Disney won the rights to use the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) name for theme parks in 1985, opening Disney-MGM Studios in Florida four years later. Separate plans by MGM Grand, Inc. were announced in October 1989 for an MGM-branded theme park in Las Vegas,[1] which began construction two years later.[2] [3] Disney challenged the Las Vegas project over its name, accusing MGM of trying to harm business at its Florida park.[4] A judge ruled against Disney in 1992, allowing the Las Vegas park to retain its name.[5] [6]

MGM Grand Adventures was built along with the MGM Grand resort, both opened on December 18, 1993.[7] [8] [9] The theme park was built at a cost of $120 million. It originally occupied 33 acres,[7] located northeast of the resort. The property was previously used for the Tropicana Country Club.[10] The park was built at time when Las Vegas was aiming to become a family friendly tourist destination.[11] [12] The park's general manager and his team spent a year studying the Opryland and Fiesta Texas theme parks for guidance.

MGM Grand Adventures opened with expensive ticket prices,[13] [14] which were reduced shortly thereafter. In 1996, the MGM Grand announced an $8 million reconfiguration of the park, which had performed below expectations.[15] In 1997, the MGM Grand resort began construction on a pool, a spa, and a 380000square feet conference center. They were built on 15 acres of land previously occupied by MGM Grand Adventures,[16] [17] reducing the park to 18.8 acres.

In 1998, MGM Grand Adventures switched to a seasonal operation,[18] with the park usually re-opening in April and continuing operations through the summer. In mid-2000, MGM Mirage (previously MGM Grand, Inc.) reviewed the park's land for possible alternative uses, despite being pleased with its performance.[19] The park closed for the season on September 4, 2000.[20] [21] [22] At the end of the month, MGM Mirage began putting all of the rides and attractions up for sale, while stating that the park could re-open in 2001 if the equipment could not be sold for an adequate price.[23]

In February 2001, plans were announced to rename MGM Grand Adventures as The Park at MGM, offering a reduced number of rides. The park would only be open for corporate group business and special events with 50 or more people, with general admission tickets no longer issued. Keeping the park open for special events was a way to generate income while still considering other options for the land, including the development of timeshares, luxury condominiums, entertainment complexes, or additional casino and hotel space.[24] The park remained open for corporate events into 2003, and became popular for its annual Jimmy Buffett concerts.[25] [26] [27]

In December 2002, MGM Mirage announced plans to build several condo hotel towers on a portion of the theme park land.[28] [29] Construction on the new project was underway in 2004,[30] and it opened two years later as The Signature at MGM Grand.[31] Topgolf opened one of its driving ranges on the remaining acreage in 2016.[32] [33]

Features and attractions

MGM Grand Adventures featured a movie studio theme.[13] It had several themed areas,[34] [35] including Casablanca Plaza, New York Street, Asian Village, French Street, Salem Waterfront, Tumbleweed Gulch, Rio Grande Cantina, New Orleans Street, and Olde England Street.[36] From 1994 to 1997, the park was renamed Scream Park each October for Halloween. This separate admission event included several haunted houses in and around the park's attractions.[37] From 1995 to 1997, the park also offered an annual Holiday Wonderland each December, featuring Christmas-themed entertainment.[38] [39]

MGM Grand Adventures could handle 16,000 people, although capacity was capped at 8,000 to prevent long lines, a common complaint at Disneyland in California. Most of the waiting areas, both indoor and outdoor, also featured air-conditioning and heating.[40] The park featured costumed walkaround characters such as King Looey, the park's mascot.[40] [35] Future actor Wayne Brady worked as one of the park's performers during the 1990s, playing various characters.[41] [42] The park also featured various food options, including Burger King and Nathan's Famous.[40]

Early on, the park featured seven rides:

An additional ride, SkyScreamer, opened on September 2, 1996. It was a 250adj=midNaNadj=mid skycoaster.[47] Riders were strapped into harnesses and lifted up a 220feet launch tower where they then pulled a ripcord, setting into motion a 100-foot free fall upwards of 70 mph (110 km/h).[48] [49] As of 2000, it was the world's largest skycoaster.[48] The ride would later be installed as part of a 2013 expansion at the Fun Spot America theme park in Florida.[50]

The park included several theaters and opened with five shows:[44]

The 40-percent reduction in acreage during the late 1990s entailed the removal of the Backlot River Tour, Deep Earth Exploration, and Manhattan Theatre. Although unaffected by the layout change, The Haunted Mine was also closed. During its final year, the park had several additional rides, including Les Bumper Boats, Pedalin' PaddleBoats, the Red Baron airplane ride, and a rock-climbing wall.[48] When the property rebranded as The Park at MGM Grand, it retained the remaining theaters as well as three rides: SkyScreamer, Lightning Bolt, and Parisian Taxis.[57] It also added team building activities such as obstacle courses.[58]

Reception

Architecture critic Blair Kamin, writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1994, called the park "an uninspired copy of Disneyland" with "unconvincing re-creations of historic streets."[59] During the same year, Alex Beam of Forbes wrote, "The nicest thing one can say about MGM's Grand Adventures theme park is that it isn't very crowded, for reasons that will become clear should you visit."[60] Meanwhile, Michael A. Hiltzik of the Los Angeles Times wrote that MGM "oversold its theme park's quality without devoting to it sufficient imagination and expense." He also criticized the park's outdoor setting as another drawback, noting that local temperatures can reach over 100 degrees during the summer.[61] The park had trouble competing against the Adventuredome, an indoor climate-controlled amusement park that also opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1993.[60]

The Las Vegas Review-Journal opined in 1999 that the park "failed to take into consideration that a third of its visitors come from California where theme parks are ubiquitous and always racing to unveil the latest in thrill rides."[62] Following its closure, the Las Vegas Sun reported that the park "flopped because it lacked any exciting rides".[63] The park's failure was also attributed to its small size and low number of attractions.[64] [65] [66]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Kerkorian unveils park plans . Las Vegas Review-Journal . October 4, 1989 . November 14, 2023 . subscription.
  2. News: MGM park officially under way . Las Vegas Review-Journal . October 8, 1991 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  3. News: Citron . Alan . MGM Grand: Will It Shift Vegas From Slots to Tots? . November 15, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . October 7, 1991.
  4. Web site: O'Steen . Kathleen . Disney: MGM 'piggybacking' . Variety . November 14, 2023 . October 6, 1992.
  5. News: Adelson . Andrea . Judge Rules in Disney Favor On MGM Name and Logo . November 14, 2023 . The New York Times . October 24, 1992.
  6. Web site: Ayscough . Suzan . MGM Grand theme park six weeks ahead of sked . Variety . November 14, 2023 . April 12, 1993.
  7. Web site: Las Vegas MGM Grand Plans an Early Opening. Upton. Kim. August 8, 1993. Los Angeles Times. October 31, 2015. October 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151023183531/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-08-08/travel/tr-21615_1_mgm-grand-hotel. live.
  8. News: Weatherford . Mike . City's first theme park . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 17, 1993 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  9. News: New MGM Casino Lays Big Bets On Families . September 1, 2022 . St. Louis Post-Dispatch . December 19, 1993 . subscription . April 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230427060628/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/140009141/ . live .
  10. News: Guzzon . John . Sports/Entertainment Award of Merit - Topgolf Las Vegas . November 14, 2023 . Engineering News-Record . October 24, 2016.
  11. News: Flemmons . Jerry . Las Vegas Is Fired Up . November 15, 2023 . Tampa Bay Times . March 6, 1994.
  12. News: Hawley . Tom . Video Vault The 'family friendly' phase of Las Vegas . November 15, 2023 . KSNV . June 27, 2018.
  13. Web site: 5 former thrills with a spot in Las Vegas history. Goldberg. Delen. June 14, 2011. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070405/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jun/14/5-las-vegas-thrills/. live.
  14. News: Lilly . Caitlin . 8 things about Las Vegas you'll have to explain to the kids later . November 14, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 14, 2015.
  15. Web site: $250-Million Vegas Revamp Is Planned by MGM Grand. . May 7, 1996. Los Angeles Times. October 31, 2015. February 5, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160205115643/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-05-07/business/fi-1357_1_mgm-grand. live.
  16. News: White . Ken . Can remodeling revive the ailing MGM theme park . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 11, 1997 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  17. Web site: It's the end of the lion at MGM — at least for a while. . May 14, 1997. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055416/http://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/may/14/its-the-end-of-the-lion-at-mgm----at-least-for-a-w/. live.
  18. Web site: MGM Grand Adventures Changes to Seasonal Operation. July 24, 1998. UltimateRollerCoaster.com. October 31, 2015. September 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150905153348/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jul98.shtml. live.
  19. Web site: Resort open to alternative uses for MGM Grand Adventures. . July 28, 2000. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221445/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jul/28/resort-open-to-alternative-uses-for-mgm-grand-adve/. live.
  20. Web site: MGM Grand Adventures . 2007-09-09 . 2007-09-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070919014022/http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/yellowpages/parks/mgmgrandadv_nv.shtml . live .
  21. Web site: MGM Grand theme park unveils spring, summer schedules . Travel Weekly . November 15, 2023 . April 7, 2000.
  22. Web site: Group-Only Adventures . Meeting News . https://web.archive.org/web/20080113131657/http://www.allbusiness.com/transportation-communications-electric-gas/4230072-1.html . January 13, 2008 . September 4, 2001.
  23. Web site: MGM puts its rides up for sale. Strow. David. October 11, 2000. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220612/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/oct/11/mgm-puts-its-rides-up-for-sale/. live.
  24. Web site: MGM converts theme park to group-rental operation. Strow. David. February 7, 2001. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061120/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/feb/07/mgm-converts-theme-park-to-group-rental-operation/. live.
  25. News: Scherzer . Barbara . MGM Grand celebrates first decade . Las Vegas Business Press . December 26, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040218205735/http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2003/12/26/news/news01.txt . February 18, 2004 . 'We repositioned the theme park as a versatile venue for corporate events,' Van Kalsbeeks says. 'We still have two theaters out there and have room to set up bands.' In addition, Jimmy Buffett rolls in at least once a year and the park turns into Parrothead heaven..
  26. News: Weatherford . Mike . Jimmy Buffett at MGM Grand . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 20, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20050103221538/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Sep-20-Sat-2003/news/22204178.html . January 3, 2005.
  27. News: Clarke . Norm . Showgirl gave city Playboy exposure . Las Vegas Review-Journal . September 20, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041029224701/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Sep-20-Sat-2003/news/22195483.html . October 29, 2004 . The "Parrothead Paradise" party at The Park at MGM Grand from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today..
  28. Web site: MGM Mirage, Turnberry to build luxury condos. Simpson. Jeff. December 6, 2002. Las Vegas Review-Journal. https://web.archive.org/web/20021220085315/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Dec-06-Fri-2002/business/20217908.html. December 20, 2002.
  29. Web site: Strip project planned. . January 10, 2003. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. July 22, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150722164609/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/jan/10/strip-project-planned/. live.
  30. News: Smith . Hubble . Plans for high rises plentiful, exec says . Las Vegas Review-Journal . October 23, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041125095759/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Oct-23-Sat-2004/business/25042460.html . November 25, 2004.
  31. News: Smith . Hubble . Broker: Rooms are still needed . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 6, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070608102415/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jun-06-Tue-2006/business/7797251.html . June 8, 2007.
  32. News: Curtis . Anthony . Las Vegas: Topgolf coming to MGM Grand . November 10, 2023 . The Arizona Republic . March 25, 2016.
  33. News: Carter . Geoff . How fake frontier towns, an erupting volcano and other Las Vegas attractions paved the way for Sphere . November 10, 2023 . Las Vegas Weekly . September 28, 2023.
  34. Web site: Las Vegas Deals Some of Its Fun Away From Tables. Schenden. Laurie K.. May 19, 1996. Los Angeles Times. October 31, 2015. October 16, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151016192040/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-05-19/entertainment/ca-5759_1_las-vegas. live.
  35. Web site: Miller . Greg Blake . Our Grand Adventure . Nevada Public Radio . November 15, 2023 . March 28, 2022.
  36. Web site: Sun's list of shuttered family-friendly Vegas attractions. Clifford-Cruz. Rebecca. February 23, 2012. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. September 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150915223823/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/feb/23/shuttered-child-friendly-atractionsmultiplier/. live.
  37. Retrieved November 15, 2023:
  38. News: North Pole moves to MGM theme park . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 15, 1995 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  39. News: MGM Grand Adventures opens Holiday Wonderland . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 18, 1997 . https://web.archive.org/web/19991013161123/http://www.lvrj.com:80/lvrj_home/1997/Dec-18-Thu-1997/lifestyles/6533577.html . October 13, 1999.
  40. Web site: Everett . Todd . Grand opens Adventures park . Variety . November 14, 2023 . December 15, 1993.
  41. News: Weatherford . Mike . Rising in the Ranks . Las Vegas Review-Journal . December 8, 2000 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010506020148/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Dec-08-Fri-2000/weekly/14962740.html . May 6, 2001.
  42. News: John Katsilometes reminisces with Wayne Brady about MGM theme park . November 15, 2023 . Las Vegas Sun . March 30, 2007.
  43. News: Hamashige . Hope . Their Jobs Look Like a Ride in the Park . November 15, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . September 19, 1994.
  44. News: Ogintz . Eileen . Inside the New Las Vegas: Gamboling for Children . November 14, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . February 20, 1994.
  45. News: MGM's simulator ride first of its kind . Las Vegas Review-Journal . July 20, 1994 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  46. News: Thrills . Los Angeles Times . September 28, 1997 . November 15, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  47. News: September 1, 1996. Free fall attraction comes to the MGM. Los Angeles Times. December 14, 2021. Newspapers.com. December 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211214150936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90414211/free-fall-attraction-comes-to-the-mgm/. live.
  48. Web site: Family Fun: SkyScreamer still draws crowds to MGM Grand Adventures. White. Ken. July 21, 2000. Las Vegas Review-Journal. https://web.archive.org/web/20010506112119/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jul-21-Fri-2000/weekly/13808642.html. May 6, 2001.
  49. Web site: Sin City Cyclones: Vegas visitors thrown for a loop. . August 30, 1997. Las Vegas Sun. November 5, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053408/http://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/aug/30/sin-city-cyclones-vegas-visitors-thrown-for-a-loop/. live.
  50. News: Expansion next year: New coasters may spice up Fun Spot . Orlando Sentinel . November 2, 2012 . November 15, 2023 . Newspapers.com.
  51. News: Cling . Carol . 'Sin City Spectacular' wraps up freshman TV season . Las Vegas Review-Journal . January 25, 1999 . https://web.archive.org/web/20000609192120/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jan-25-Mon-1999/lifestyles/10466437.html . June 9, 2000.
  52. News: Cling . Carol . Explosions abound in valley on 'Con Man in Vegas' set . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 19, 1999 . https://web.archive.org/web/20001006222211/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Apr-19-Mon-1999/lifestyles/11000637.html . October 6, 2000.
  53. News: Cling . Carol . Ed McMahon brings 'Next Big Star' to MGM Grand . Las Vegas Review-Journal . August 13, 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20011225022628/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Aug-13-Mon-2001/living/16743982.html . December 25, 2001.
  54. News: Loyal TV sidekick McMahon dies at age 86 . November 15, 2023 . Las Vegas Review-Journal . June 24, 2009.
  55. News: White . Ken . Ice show provides cool respite from Las Vegas heat . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 29, 1994 . November 15, 2023 . subscription.
  56. News: MGM welcomes gifted Peking Circus act . The Arizona Republic . February 26, 1995 . November 15, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  57. News: Theme park closes . Elko Daily Free Press . February 8, 2001 . November 14, 2023 . Newspapers.com . subscription.
  58. Web site: Baratta . Amy . MGM Grand theme park refit for group market . Travel Weekly . November 15, 2023 . May 21, 2001.
  59. News: Kamin . Blair . Three Attempts to Marry Form and Feeling . November 6, 2023 . Chicago Tribune . May 14, 1994.
  60. News: Smith . Hubble . Marketing Las Vegas: Child's play . Las Vegas Review-Journal . April 22, 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20011225232857/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Apr-22-Sun-2001/business/15892724.html . December 25, 2001.
  61. News: Hiltzik . Michael A. . Las Vegas Gambles on Families . November 14, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . September 23, 1994.
  62. Web site: Family Fun: Parents should have little trouble keeping kids entertained here. Paskevich. Michael. November 19, 1999. Las Vegas Review-Journal. https://web.archive.org/web/20020804022034/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Nov-19-Fri-1999/weekly/12379558.html. August 4, 2002.
  63. Web site: Analysis: Baseball, theme parks work in Florida, but not Southern Nevada. Velotta. Richard N.. April 3, 2009. Las Vegas Sun. October 31, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084038/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/03/baseball-theme-parks-work-florida-not-southern-nev/. live.
  64. News: Simpson . Jeff . MGM park shifts focus; Company to add attractions designed for business groups, not individuals . Las Vegas Review-Journal . February 9, 2001 . https://web.archive.org/web/20020108050709/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Feb-09-Fri-2001/business/15412185.html . January 8, 2002.
  65. News: Sodoma . Brian . Families still have options in Sin City . Las Vegas Business Press . August 8, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20030812115515/http://www.lvbusinesspress.com:80/articles/2003/08/08/news/news02.txt . August 12, 2003.
  66. News: Carter . Geoff . Remember MGM's 1990s theme park? . November 15, 2023 . Las Vegas Weekly . November 9, 2017.

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