DESIGNING A THEME PARK Principles of Hospitality & Tourism

Resource: Totally Fun Companyhttp://www.totallyfuncompany.com/index.htm

Multi-Step Process

1. Feasibility study2. Concept development3. Themed architectural design4. Project management

1. Feasibility Study

Main Goals

Determine size of the park

How big?

Determine investment level needed

How much?

Feasibility Study

Study the market’s demographics

Analyze current business trends

Evaluate the competition

Determine the theme

Determine the facility size

Feasibility Study

Establish operating budgets

Predict attendance

Predict guest per capita spending

Determine return on investment

2. Concept Development

Brainstorm ideas for attractions, restaurants, stores, branding concepts.

Select intellectual property, such as books, films, TV shows, music, etc.

Develop sub-themes or “lands” Develop main attractions of “lands”

Develop master plan. Include map, layout, landscaping, graphic

style, rides, shows, food-service areas, retail, guest services, public areas.

Make sketches and storyboards.

Two Popular Park Layouts

1. The Loop Developed by Randy Duell for Six Flags Over

Texas

Most common layout

Big promenade that circles the park

Never get lost; you are always somewhere on the loop.

Two Popular Park Layouts

2. Icon Design Philosophy Big visual landmark

Pulls you through the park

Disney approach

Park Lay Out - Disney Approach

Mickey’s 10 Commandments

1. Know your audience

2. Wear your guest’s shoes

3. Organize the flow of people and ideas

4. Create a “come to me”

5. Communicate with visual literacy

Mickey’s 10 Commandments

6. Avoid overload

7. Tell one story at a time

8. Avoid contradiction

9. For every ounce of treatment, provide a ton of fun.

10. Keep it up

3. Architectural Design

Architecture is “Part of the Show.” It should make the guest want to return. Just being there should be fun!

Make architectural drawings, 3-D renderings, arial views

Ride Design

Don’t just create rides, create adventures.

Click on each of the rides http://www.totallyfuncompany.com/ride.htm

Live Shows/Special Events

Entertaining

Interactive

Talent Filled

http://www.totallyfuncompany.com/project.htm

Stunt Shows

Special effects

Feel the action

Close to the audience

http://www.totallyfuncompany.com/stunt.htm

4. Project Management

Oversee the actual construction of the park.