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How Do I Build a Theme Park?

By Lakshmi Sandhana
Updated May 17, 2024
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To build a theme park when you haven't done so before may seem like a daunting idea, but it's quite easy when you tackle it in a planned way. Conducting a feasibility study, outlining a vision for the park, and creating a design framework are some of the first steps to take. Putting together a land use plan, illustrating the master plan with color codes, and drawing up an aerial view are some of the more advanced steps.

A feasibility study helps everyone understand the requirements of the project. Investors will need to see this study because it contains details on market analysis, financial viability, and projections. The project size is considered in the light of available cash, investments, and market needs. Designers and builders also use the study as a guide before starting to build the theme park. Important planning recommendations and guidelines are contained in the study.

Working with a leisure business firm or developer who has previous experience with building theme parks ensures smooth operations. The feasibility study could also include a master plan and a rough theme park design. It can have details on the amount of land required, the mix of entertaining elements that need to go into it, and the total building size needed.

Designing a conceptual framework is the next important step when you want to build a theme park. Designers and builders use the findings of the feasibility study to put together the overall look of the theme park. They work with other creative staff and discuss overall themes and more specific pieces for the park. Making comparisons and brainstorming unique elements to differentiate this particular park from others are important at this stage as well. At all times, the team keeps the visitor experience paramount because the success of the park depends on how well it can entertain or satisfy visitors' expectations.

Making several site visits and applying the recommendations made in the physical study to create a workable land use plan is the next step to follow to build a theme park. The land use plan is refined and sets the layout in place. Some theme parks are designed in a loop fashion where differently themed areas are centered around a lake. Others may use a hub-and-spoke design with a structure taking up the central location and themed areas radiating out. The best design to use to build a theme park is the one that fits the available land space and makes the maximum use of it.

An illustrated master plan color codes all the themed areas and details the placement and distribution of rides, shows, and shops. The design takes into account elements like smooth crowd flow and holding capacity of areas to ensure visitor comfort. Putting together an aerial perspective helps everyone get a bird's-eye view, which is very useful when the building stage starts and the design comes to life.

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Discussion Comments

By Animandel — On May 29, 2014

For a family, a trip to the theme park is a major investment. There are a virtually endless number of things to do at a theme park and most of them cost more money than you would think they should. To avoid taking too big of a chunk out of your bank account you need to plan ahead for your family's trip to the theme park.

Buy your tickets in advance. Purchasing online will save you 20 to 25 percent compared to the price of tickets at the entrance. Also, avoid eating inside the park. Food prices are outrageous. Eat a hearty meal before going to the park, and get a healthy snack to keep you energized until you leave the park.

By Feryll — On May 28, 2014

I work with a program that challenges children to tackle real world situations and develop ideas for the business world. It should come as no surprise that one of the projects my kids have proposed is building and operating a theme park.

It's easy for adults to write off theme parks as a big waste of money and time, but there are studies that show that theme park activities help kids build self esteem and these activities can also encourage better health through exercise.

By Laotionne — On May 28, 2014

Do you know how Six Flags got its name? I recently learned that the chain of amusement parks started in Texas and that the name was based on the fact that Texas has existed under six different flags since its existence. I don't know all six of them, but three of those flags would be the U.S. flag, the Mexican flag and the Texas Republic flag.

By Drentel — On May 27, 2014

I don't have the money or the backing to build an amusement park, but even if I did I'm not sure I would want to make that investment. I realize the businesses can be very profitable, but I wonder what you would have to pay for liability insurance. That's a bill I would not want to see on my desk.

I'm sure there are other bills that would just as unsightly, but it is interesting reading about and thinking about what it would take to build a major amusement park. I guess that's the kid in me.

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