By BROOK FLAGG
Contributing Writer/The Business Press
As the theme park formerly known as Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom prepares to re-open, other Inland amusement parks appear largely unaffected.
Pharaoh's Adventure Park, the new moniker given to the 20-acre property in Redlands by its current operators, is in the final stages of its renovation and will likely open within days of notifying the public, according to representatives.
"It's still early June, but we have not identified an exact opening date yet," said Dave Simon, operations revenue manager for Yucaipa-based Aladdin Entertainment Group.
A buffet restaurant with themed dining rooms is anticipated to be ready for opening day, and the existing water play, go-cart, and miniature golf areas are expected to be restored. Some new attractions will be completed in increments. "It's part of our projected two-year plan," Simon said.
Founded in 1995, Pharaoh's is still the youngest of the Inland amusement parks, which include Castle Park, Fiesta Village, and Scandia.
Prior to closing in 2007, Pharaoh's boasted a variety of water attractions that stand to make a comeback this summer. Fiesta Village, located in Colton off Interstate 215, features two water slides and was the only Riverside-San Bernardino-area park to feature any water attractions in Pharaoh's absence.
Fiesta Village president Michelle Kapuscinski said the prospect of another water park opening should have not impact on her business. "Both businesses are sustainable and viable; we're two different experiences." She cited amusement rides, batting cages, roller skating, and laser tag as attractions that set Fiesta Village apart.
Other park representatives who are unmoved by the reopening include Alex Villallbos, marketing director at Scandia in Ontario. "We're on one side of the Inland Empire and they're on the other. It's not like we really were competing."
Yet each of the parks stake a claim to the family entertainment market, suggesting some level of competition.
"Teens love Pharaoh's," Kapuscinski said, "but that's never really been our focus anyway. We're a family park, and we've been here for 40 years. That nostalgia is always going to be a benefit for us."
Simon said the reincarnated Pharaoh's has similar priorities. "We're glad to be able to provide family entertainment again, and help guests make memories worth repeating," he said. "It's now a full-blown water park and family entertainment center."
After closing, the property's function under another management group as a venue for rave parties was a source of public controversy. After obtaining a new conditional use permit in April, the owners are intent on cultivating a revitalized image.
Simon has observed a largely warm public reception. "We're getting numerous, very supportive calls," he said.
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