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Gary Conroy and the AMPventure ropes course


OLD TOWN 25 years of Central Florida fun


Now in its 25th year, Old Town remains an affordable alternative to Central Florida’s big theme parks. Park World takes a look at what makes this Kissimmee amusement outlet unique


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ince opening on December 12, 1986, Old Town has retained its allure as a typical small American town from the 1950s or early ’60s. In fact, were it not for the introduction of new rides and attractions, you might almost have thought time had stood still in this little corner of Central Florida, just outside Orlando.


Originally designed as a place for families to relax, dine and shop after a day at the area’s large theme parks, notably at Walt Disney World, there’s something else at this Kissimmee venue that hasn’t changed over the years – the entry price; it’s free.


“Many perceive the ’50s and early ’60s as an era when the heart of America was small communities, and times were good,” notes Gary Conroy, the park’s president. “That loyalty and sense of belonging is captured in Old Town because of the passion and dedication of the shop owners and various communities that help create the atmosphere guests love.” Conroy is under no illusion as to the opportunity offered by his neighbour with the big ears: “We see Disney as an asset to our business model because it provides us with a customer base,” he tells us. “People enjoy coming to Old Town after spending the entire day at the larger, crowded theme parks. We offer less hustle and bustle, less chance of standing in long lines and, more importantly, fewer requirements to empty your wallet. Yet we sill maintain a theme park feel. That is what our guests appreciate and why they keep coming back.” In 2010, all of Old Town’s amusement assets were acquired by Brothers Entertainment Management Group, which has overseen operations of the park for over a decade.


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To celebrate the 25-year milestone, Old Town’s owners are inviting visitors past and present to share their memories by posting photos on the park’s Facebook page. The photo with the most “likes” will earn its owner an Old Town family pack. Many of those images could come from customers of the Old Town Portrait Gallery, one of Old Town’s original merchants, where customers dress in period costumes. “We chose to open our business here because it


had a community that felt like family,” remembers Charlotte Thompson, whose late husband John was the gallery’s original owner. “Despite some shops changing over the years, that underlying feeling still exists.”


Another draw for families has been Old Town’s renowned classic and muscle car cruises, the longest running, weekly automobile events in the world. Partly because of these cruises, Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest times of the week for the park. “You’ll often see the same people out there every weekend,” notes Dave Dean who has brought his classic cars to Old Town for 22 years. “It’s a nice place to gather where people are friendly and can relax.” In recent years new attractions have included the


Pepsi AMPVenture Experience ropes course, however Conroy insists, “We are committed to Old Town’s identity as a small town community from a nostalgic era. We will continue to focus on raising the standard so that we provide all the dynamics of a theme park in a small environment.”


Several special events are planned for 2012, including an American Hero Fest, as well as new stores. Next time you’re in Orlando, take a detour from the well-trodden tourist path and check out Old Town for yourself.


myoldtownusa.com MARCH 2012


Rides and


attractions Old Town features around 20 rides and attractions including the 1,437ft-long Windstorm rollercoaster by Zamperla, Century Ferris Wheel by Chance, Carousel, Larson Tilt- A-Whirl, ARM Flying Dutchman and Super Shot tower ride, Fajume Wacky Worm coaster, bumper cars, go-karts, children’s rides and active attractions like the AMPventure ropes course, zip line, climbing wall and laser tag.


A SUPERventure wristband allows a day’s unlimited use of 12 attractions for $24.95, while the $34.95 AMPventure also includes zip line, rock wall and ropes course. A value pack of 30 ride tickets is available for $25, or 45 ride tickets for $35. Individual tickets sell for $1.25 each. Children’s rides require two tickets each, while most attractions range from 4 to 6 tickets each. But don’t forget, Old Town admission is free!


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