Leisure Business Advisors LLC

Master Planning a Theme Park: The First Steps

The feasibility study is the first step the development team takes in master planning a theme park because it provides important guidance for designers, construction companies, and management. An industry expert usually prepares this detailed study, which is required by potential lenders and investors. It is critical that designs are in line with market needs and justified investment.

This study provides initial physical parameters, such as total land size needed and building space required. It also recommends the attraction mix and major components. Click here for more details on the feasibility study process.
 
The planning firm conducting the feasibility study may also expand that effort and add initial theme park design and master planning. These could include images of the new leisure attraction seen through the eyes of a typical visitor, which would help define the project's "look and feel" in financing and promotional presentations. This effort would also begin the detailed planning process needed to move the project towards completion.
 
Although the actual process developers use to build a theme park differs from one project to another, the following paragraphs outline a typical approach for the initial conceptual design stage.

Concept Development in the Feasibility Study

The development process generally begins with a site visit and initial meeting to discuss the client's vision for the new leisure attraction. Conceptually, the design effort begins with a blank page. The greatest opportunity occurs when unique aspects of the project can be effectively integrated with the proven experience of comparable attractions elsewhere and potential market support for this particular location. The resulting plan is generally the strongest tool in financing and operational efforts.

Design Charrette

As the feasibility study nears completion, the physical and financial framework is in place for conceptual design. The transition often occurs in a "design charrette" that brings together the client group with designers and other creative team members. The study's findings are discussed, and ideas presented by all involved.
 
Specific goals for this brainstorming session differ, depending on the type of leisure attraction being developed. For a new theme park or amusement park, this effort can begin with selecting a general overall theme and specific themes for individual areas. The most popular themes typically involve adventure or fantasy.
 
From the start, it is important to keep the potential guest experience in mind. Ultimate success depends on the new leisure attraction meeting visitor expectations and desires.

Land Use Plan

At the design charrette, the master planning process also begins. It often starts with a "bubble diagram" that applies the feasibility study's physical recommendations to the client's site. This initial land use plan becomes more refined and detailed as it adapts to the particular needs of the concept and site.
 
A "theme park" typically has five to seven distinctively themed areas under a broad overall theme.  Each themed area has a unique identity that is reinforced by its architecture and landscaping. .

The functional layout often follows the "loop" approach that is common with many recent theme parks. In this layout, the themed areas surround a central lake that often serves as the location for evening spectacles. Another common layout is the "hub and spoke" approach that Disneyland first popularized. It has a central visual icon (such as a castle) as its hub, with themed areas fanning out from this centerpiece. Other layouts are used, and none is clearly superior to the others. Unique site characteristics influence the choice of the best functional layout, as well as other design aspects.
 
After establishing the themed areas, individual components are distributed within each area. Major rides and shows are typically placed at the edges in order to attract guests throughout the park. This approach helps maximize overall holding capacity and crowd flow. The main shops are generally placed near the exit for convenience.
 
Based on typical guest behavior and pedestrian planning standards, a visitor circulation plan can also be prepared to ensure smooth movement throughout the theme park. This enhances guest comfort and prevents bottlenecks.

Illustrated Master Plan

Functional needs are combined with visual theming in an illustrated master plan. Structures are often color-coded by type in order to aid optimum distribution and placement.

Aerial Perspective

Although functional aspects are critical for operational success, a new theme park also needs to be visually appealing and understandable to non-professional individuals involved with the project. An effective way of showcasing a new theme park is with an aerial perspective, often from a "bird's-eye" perspective. This perspective gives a better sense of what the theme park would look like as it more clearly comes to life in the eyes of viewers. As the overall design vision for the project takes form, more detailed views of smaller parts of the project (such as an individual themed area) can also be prepared.

Concept Art

Our visual perspective can also shift to ground level, now that we have a detailed overall perspective. These artist conception images provide a view of the new leisure attraction through the eyes of a typical visitor.

Past Consulting Projects

Selected past theme park and amusement park projects are described below. These include past consulting efforts by John Gerner, LBA's managing director.

More Information

Click on one of these links for additional information.

• Feasibility Study Process
• Other Services
• LBA's Management
• Press and Media Coverage

Contact Information

Email Address for Initial Inquiries:
info@leisure-business.com
 
Office Address:
Leisure Business Advisors LLC
2010 Princess Anne Avenue
Richmond, VA  23223  USA

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