Theme Park Research Articles

Coordinating paths and schedules of groups visiting multiple capacitated locations

We study a situation where a large number of people visit a popular venue (e.g., an art gallery, a mall, a theme park, or an exhibition) where points of interest are located (e.g., paintings, shops, attractions, or pavilions). Visitors have a maximum amount of time available for the overall experience. The points of interest have a limiting capacity and, whenever the turnout of visitors exceeds such capacity, queues and service disruptions occur. Given the maximum time available along with the time spent queuing, a selection of the points of interest may become necessary. Visitors usually act as autonomous decision-makers and do not take into account their interaction with other visitors. This leads to remarkable inefficiencies that could be, to a certain extent, overcome through a coordination of the paths and schedules of the different visitors. The resulting optimization problem is modeled as a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP), where the goal is to minimize a weighted combination of the points of interest not selected and the time spent queuing. Computational results show the benefits that can be achieved by using the model proposed as a tool to support decision-making.

Touristic Learning Behaviors and Outcomes in Theme Parks: The Role of Activity and Affectional Contexts

ABSTRACTExisting studies have highlighted the significance of touristic learning; however, few have explored the effectiveness of different learning contexts. This study employs a combination of spatial–temporal behavior analysis and survey research to investigate how activity context (static vs. interactive) and affectional context (positive vs. negative) influence visitors' spatial–temporal behaviors and learning outcomes in zoological theme parks. The results indicated that interactive contexts are more effective than static contexts in extending visitors' duration of stay, increasing the diversity of venues explored, and enhancing both emotion and learning outcomes of visitors. The moderating effect of affectional context is significant, with the positive context notably enhancing emotion and learning outcomes of visitors associated with the interactive context. Additionally, visitors' emotion played a mediating role in the relationship between activity contexts and learning outcomes. These empirical findings offer valuable practical implications for the design of educational experiences within theme parks.

Rollercoasters and research: applying data-enabled design to a semi-public context

IntroductionData-enabled design (DED) is a design approach where research data is integrated with design praxis in an iterative and hands-on fashion, and it has been successfully applied to design for people in the healthcare domain. However, how to utilise DED as a more broadly applicable approach that facilitates design for larger populations in semi-public spaces remains an open question. Understanding the advantages and challenges of applying DED in various contexts is crucial to guide design researchers further and prevent methodological mismatch.MethodsIn this article, we report on applying DED in an open, semi-public context with a large population of visitors. Here, DED was applied in projects with student design researchers who had limited control over the data gathered from people in the context.ResultsWe share the results of a two-week design workshop that involved sixteen student design researchers and was organised in collaboration with Särkänniemi, one of Finland’s largest theme parks. Using design proposals and reflections from five teams, we investigate the use of DED in this context, reporting on perceived challenges, barriers, successes and future directions for taking the DED approach into similar (semi-)public contexts.DiscussionsWe conclude with reflections from the workshop organisers’ point of view and share the feedback from our industry collaborator, highlighting challenges and opportunities in translating the DED approach to a new domain.

Theme park visitors’ responses to monetary promotions: The moderating roles of promotion frequency and original price

Previous research has shed light on how monetary promotions affect visitors’ purchase intentions, leading many theme parks to adopt these strategies. Yet, with different promotion frequencies and original prices, the effectiveness of these promotions may diverge. Utilizing three experimental studies, this research demonstrates that perceived value fully mediates the significant impact of monetary promotions on purchase intentions. Original price moderates this effect, whereas the moderating role of promotion frequency was not significant. Specifically, for high-priced theme parks offering minimal discounts, “amount off” was preferred over “percentage off,” irrespective of promotion frequency. When original prices are low, the effectiveness of two promotional messages becomes indistinguishable. Both theoretical and managerial implications are further elaborated.

Exploring the Female Tourists' Identity in Contemporary Chinese Theme Parks Tourism

Exploring the Female Tourists' Identity in Contemporary Chinese Theme Parks Tourism

Disney Business Logic Analysis

This paper analyses the development of the Disney Company since its founding in 1923, discusses the evolution of its main business, the risks, and opportunities it faces, and looks forward to the future development direction of Disney. As a giant in the global entertainment industry, Disney has successfully grown from a single animation studio to a global enterprise with diversified businesses including media networks, theme parks and resorts, consumer products business, and film and television entertainment services. The article provides a detailed analysis of how Disney has maintained its business growth and market competitiveness by adapting to digital transformation and globalization challenges while continuously expanding its IP library and strengthening its industry leadership through M&A strategies. It also explores Disney's risk management strategies in the face of global economic volatility, digital transformation challenges and intellectual property protection, as well as new opportunities arising from global expansion, technological innovation, and cross-border cooperation. Through a comprehensive analysis of Disney, this paper aims to provide a case study on how innovation and strategy can achieve sustainable business development in the era of globalization and digitalization.

Impact of diversification on strategic business management

This study focused on analysing the role of diversification as a tool that enables businesses to adapt to changes in the external environment, mitigate risks, and ensure sustainable development. The study explored the main types of diversification: horizontal, vertical, concentric, and conglomerate. Each type of strategy has its own distinct characteristics, benefits, and risks. Horizontal diversification allows companies to expand their product range by utilising existing resources and knowledge, facilitating rapid entry into new markets. Vertical diversification offers the opportunity to control the supply chain or distribution channels, reducing reliance on external partners and enhancing operational efficiency. Concentric diversification enables companies to expand their business by leveraging existing competencies and technologies, thereby minimising risks. Conglomerate diversification, although the most risky, allows businesses to enter new industries unrelated to their core operations, potentially increasing profits. Successful use of different diversification strategies to achieve market leadership is illustrated by companies such as Disney, Tesla, and Mironivsky Hliboproduct (MHP). Tesla employed all types of diversification, controlling every stage of the production of its electric vehicles, including the creation of infrastructure for charging stations. Disney also implemented diversification by expanding its presence through the acquisition of studios, the development of theme parks, and the launch of streaming services. MHP demonstrated examples of diversification by controlling the entire production chain from raw materials to finished products, while also expanding its range of meat products. The conclusion emphasised the importance of a cautious and well-considered approach when selecting a diversification strategy, considering available resources, market opportunities, and the specific characteristics of the business. Successful implementation of a diversification strategy allows companies not only to reduce risks but also to strengthen their position in the face of volatile economic conditions and competitive pressure

Traumy i chwały: polityka, narracje i pamięć pod rządami Partii Sprawiedliwości i Rozwoju w Turcji

This paper examines the use of memory as a political tool by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, emphasising the impact of the official historical narrative on commemoration of selected historical traumas and glories, in addition to its influence on collective identity. Over the last two decades, Turkey has undergone a cultural transformation under the rule of the AKP. This transformation has taken place through reevaluation of the Islamic-Ottoman past while distancing itself from Kemalist secularism. Adhering to the principles of Islam, the AKP has articulated its political agenda through a cultural initiative inspired by Turgut Özal’s Neo-Ottomanism. To this end, a series of narratives was developed under a cultural programme based on nostalgia for the Ottoman while scrutinising different aspects of the country’s secular paradigm. The programme was carried out through the commemoration of identity, including the Conquest of Constantinople in 1453 as well as the construction of ‘sites of memory’, such as museums, theme parks or mosques. The establishment of ‘sites of memory’ around these selected narratives allows for an in-depth exploration of how political ideology intersects with memory, contributing to the ongoing transformation of Turkey’s cultural and political landscape.

Change agency during crises: path development in tourism destinations

ABSTRACT The study explores the role that change agency and regional preconditions play in a region’s path development. To address empirically this research question, the study uses the cases of two destinations in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uses quantitative and qualitative data to investigate the industry’s capacity for path development in the face of significant external shocks. The findings reveal marked differences regarding industry adaptation and resilience between the two regions. While one destination struggled with coordination, the other, anchored by the popularity of a major zoo and theme park, demonstrated a more cohesive response. This contrast highlights the pivotal role of regional preconditions and change agency in shaping a destination’s ability to navigate crises. Key conclusions suggest that crises can serve as catalysts for industry development; however, the extent of such transformation is constrained by the regional preconditions, place leadership, and collaboration that a destination can mobilize.

Virtual ecological landscape design of theme parks based on entertainment robots and VR devices

Currently, the design of virtual ecological landscapes in theme parks has become an innovative form of entertainment. This study aims to explore how to construct virtual ecological landscapes in theme parks through entertainment robots and VR devices, in order to provide an interactive entertainment experience between tourists and nature. We have built an outdoor sensing system and collected environmental data through sensors. Implement motion control of entertainment robots through programming, enabling them to interact according to environmental changes. Then, through information control and feedback technology, interaction with tourists is achieved. Analyze the motion trajectory of robots to optimize their performance, use virtual reality technology for design and rendering, achieve interactive effects through VR development platforms, and optimize VR devices through controlled simulation technology to enhance the virtual experience of tourists. Finally, combining the principles of ecological landscape design with landscape design techniques, applying VR design technology to achieve the design of virtual ecological landscapes in theme parks, considering the layout and combination of natural elements, in order to create virtual landscapes that are similar to real ecology. Through the application of VR technology, tourists can experience the landscape changes under different seasons and weather conditions, increasing the fun and realism of interaction. The results indicate that the virtual ecological landscape design of the theme park has been achieved through the combination of entertainment robots and VR devices. Tourists can obtain an immersive entertainment experience through interaction with robots and the application of virtual reality technology. Through robot trajectory analysis and ecological landscape recognition technology, the landscape design effect is optimized.

Diversity in Disney’s Theme Parks: Is it working?

In celebrating the centennial of the Disney Studios, it is also important to note cultural challenges to Disney’s representation and how the studio/corporation responds. This includes looking beyond their cartoons and films, but also into their theme park offerings, which are arguably extensions of Disney’s animation innovations. To do this, we drill into three popular Disneyland theme park attractions that are simultaneously cinematic and controversial, placing Disney in a delicate balance between the need for renewal and their fan’s reactions to change in any form. Indeed, sometimes it seems that Disney is not responsive enough or that they are too reactive. Our contention is that, in recognition of Disney as a cultural influencer, their attempts to improve representation in the theme parks will help lead to a better small world.

Theme park greening VR design based on entertainment robots and genetic algorithm optimization: Digital entertainment design experience

Theme parks should provide attractive green design and digital interactive experiences to attract tourists and improve their satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to achieve a digital interactive experience in theme park greening design through the use of entertainment robots and genetic algorithm optimization. The study analyzed the characteristics of experiential theme parks and introduced landscape 3D modeling techniques for creating interactive 3D models of green spaces in theme parks. By using technologies such as sensors and cameras, entertainment robots can perceive the presence and behavior of tourists. Entertainment robots can interact with tourists in real-time, customize them according to their interests and needs, and provide unique and enjoyable experiences for tourists. By collecting and analyzing feedback and behavioral data from tourists, the advantages and improvement points of digital interactive experiences can be identified. Through comparative experimental analysis with traditional experience methods, it was found that digital interactive experience can significantly improve tourist participation and satisfaction. Through user data analysis of interactive experience, this design can effectively improve the greening design of theme parks, enhance tourist participation and entertainment experience.

Assessment of the potential of theme parks for the socio-economic development of the region

Parks have become widespread and have a significant impact on the culture of the population, regional development, the economy, as well as on the dynamics of social processes. The potential of theme parks in the context of regional development was assessed. As criteria for evaluation, we used open data from statistical collections on the subject of the study through the application of the expert assessment method. Experts ranked by importance the indicators for assessing the potential of theme parks. Each measure was scored on a 1-to-5 scale Available statistics by study topic were grouped as follows: theme park infrastructure; leisure facilities; services offered in the park; Internet provision; organized leisure activities; staffing; financial terms. The parks of Lipetsk, Moscow and Vladimir regions have high potential, at the end of the rating are the parks of Tambov, Kostroma and Smolensk regions.

Perencanaan partisipatif taman tematik Perumahan Kampoeng Semawis Semarang

This community service focuses on participatory planning of thematic parks at the Kampoeng Semawis Housing Complex, Semarang. This area has great potential to be developed into a useful public space, but currently the existing green open space is still less than optimal in its use. The focus of this service is to create a thematic park that not only functions as a green open space, but also as a place for social interaction and education for residents. The main issue faced is the lack of community involvement in planning and managing public spaces, which results in a lack of sense of ownership and concern for existing facilities. Through a participatory approach, this program aims to increase citizen participation in planning and managing public spaces. It is hoped that with this thematic park, the level of citizen participation in maintaining and utilizing public spaces will increase, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for the residents of Kampoeng Semawis. This community service aims to examine the participatory planning process for thematic parks in Kampoeng Semawis and its impact on community participation and the quality of life of local residents. It is hoped that the results of this program can become a model for the development of public space in other residential areas in Semarang.

Data-driven sales optimization with regression and chaotic pattern search.

Lead generation is the process of gaining potential customers' interest to increase future sales, and it is an essential part of many businesses' (amusement parks, theme parks, clubs, etc.) sales processes as their membership is more expensive. The main objective of these businesses is to increase the count of customers. By generating sales leads, a club/park can find leads who have already expressed interest in its products and services and access their audience potential, allowing them to focus on future marketing and sales efforts on those leads that are more likely to convert. The current work focuses on how to convert a lead to a customer in optimum number of days. We collect two kinds of data: customer data and lead generation data. The customer data consists of all the leads who have taken the membership, and the lead generation data consists of all current leads. The details of those converted from a lead into a customer in the last 60 days are filtered out from the customer data. Using this data, patterns are generated, which are used to predict the following activity (step) for qualified leads, along with the optimal number of days required to complete that activity. This optimal number of days is found using the Hybrid Chaotic Pattern Search Algorithm (HCPSA). This novel approach here helps in boosting sales by prioritizing leads who have expressed interest and identifying the optimal window for converting them into paying customers. This strategy holds significant potential to benefit businesses across various industries.

The close complementarity of museums and theme parks as a tourist package in European capital cities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse museums and theme parks as a tourist package and how the proximity of airports to the city and public transport influence the development of this tourist package to stimulate tourism demand in cities.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative indicators have been applied in our methodology to measure the most visited European theme parks and museums from 2012 to 2022. Moreover, the localisation of airports has allowed us to address the importance of theme parks and museums in cities and their regional economies.FindingsThe results suggest that the location of the city, entertainment complementary activity, airport proximity, intermodal passenger transport, air and train accessibility, tourism demand and supply, and a high concentration of population in cities have a high influence on the development of a tourist package that includes museums and theme parks to stimulate the tourism demand in European urban cities. London and Paris are two of the most visited cities in the world, and these are the most attractive European cities for tourists in terms of efficiency because tourists can optimize much better their space and time to visit the city’s tourist attractions during their holidays. Another important finding is that the public transport service plays an important role in museums and theme parks’ visits and the optimization of space-time for tourists when they are visiting a city and its tourist attractions on holidays, especially subways, trains and buses. Although time-space measures of accessibility in public transport in cities must be improved to optimize the time of the native population and tourists.Originality/valueThis research shows the complementary role of museums and theme parks as an attractive tourist package and an entertainment, cultural and educational activity to improve the quality of tourism supply and redistribute tourist flows in European countries. Moreover, there are limited studies that tackle the theme of parks and museums in a tourism context.

PEMETAAN SEBARAN RTH PUBLIK (TAMAN TEMATIK) KOTA BAUBAU BERDASARKAN SISTEM INFORMASI GEOGRAFIS

The existence of green open space as a Baubau City park is one of the building blocks of the urban landscape of Baubau City, in addition to functioning as a means of channeling people's aspirations, it is also an effort to realize the green city concept. The lack of information regarding the existence of thematic parks results in the ineffective use of parks as public spaces. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the distribution of existing public green open space thematic parks and to provide information related to thematic parks in Baubau City. This research was conducted by applying the interview method to obtain an overview of thematic parks and direct observation to collect spatial data on the location of each thematic park in Baubau City. The result of this study is a description of the location of the thematic park based on a geographic information system (GIS) which is presented in the form of a map.

Waiting for the next new ride at Disney world? Understanding the determinants of capital expenditures among theme parks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of capital expenditures (CAPEX) in the theme park industry, particularly following the financial stresses induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. CAPEX drivers are poorly understood due to the idiosyncratic nature of this industry, which is dominated by a few large players. It also aims to identify the variables influencing both the growth and maintenance components of CAPEX among U.S. theme park operators.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses contingency theory to analyze both financial and nonfinancial data from U.S. theme park operators between 2009 and 2021. The paper also uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to manage issues of multicollinearity and to ensure robustness in the findings.FindingsThe analysis identifies several key determinants of CAPEX. Resources and the presence of competing theme parks in proximity to an operator’s parks positively affect CAPEX. Conversely, higher leverage, dividend payouts, intellectual property (IP) dominance and population density in areas with their active parks correlate with reduced CAPEX. The paper also notes distinct trends in maintenance versus growth CAPEX post-COVID-19, with maintenance CAPEX increasing as operators invest in existing assets while growth CAPEX trending downwards.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s scope is confined to U.S.-based theme park operators, limiting the generalizability of the findings internationally. Moreover, data limitations restrict the sample size due to the consolidation of the industry players, potentially affecting the statistical power of the analysis.Practical implicationsThis research offers significant insights for theme park operators, industry analysts and policymakers. Understanding the factors influencing CAPEX can aid operators in strategic planning and investment decisions, especially in a post-pandemic economic environment where efficient capital allocation will be crucial for recovery and growth. A major contribution of this research is the development of a new measure for IP dominance, which allows theme park operators to quantify the impact of IP on their investment strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes uniquely by incorporating both financial and nonfinancial determinants in analyzing CAPEX within the theme park industry, a sector significantly impacted by the pandemic. It introduces novel metrics for assessing the impact of IP on CAPEX and differentiates between the factors driving maintenance and growth expenditures. The findings enrich the existing literature on hospitality management and provide actionable insights that could guide the strategic financial decisions of theme park operators.

Destination Marketing Through a Signature Dish: The Case of Orlando’s Signature Dish

This case study examines how a destination can be marketed through a signature dish. In particular, this case study discusses how Visit Orlando selected its signature dish and how they use it to promote Orlando. Orlando’s signature dish “Orlando’s Honey Nougat Glace” created by Chef Catherine Delrieu of Mon Petit Cheri was decided to be a great way to display the fresh and unique ingredients found in the local area. This dish showcases local honey, which is a huge staple of Florida. Visit Orlando used this as an opportunity to encourage visitors to explore outside of the theme parks and taste the area’s delicious local cuisine. This study discusses why and how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can utilize signature dishes to promote their destinations.

Selling the nation: the commodification of monstrous, mythical and fantastical creatures

ABSTRACT This paper addresses a lacuna in animal geographies, extending the limits of this area of scholarship to include considerations of inanimate nonhuman animals. Drawing upon insights from animal geographies and interdisciplinary monster studies, a case is made that, in having effect and impact, monstrous, mythical and fantastical creatures exert agency which can be harnessed to support the creation and commodification of tangible assets. The Scottish tourism industry has commodified legendary creatures that feature prominently in folklore, tradition and cultural heritage. The Loch Ness Monster, kelpies and unicorns are used to support three facets of contemporary heritage tourism, namely (i) Scotland the theme park, (ii) post-industrial commodification and economic regeneration and (iii) a search for the authentic, or subversive nationalism. There is potential for further studies to elucidate how monstrous, mythical and fantastical creatures are intertwined with how people understand and engage with the world that they live in.