Theme Park Research Articles

THE HOLIDAY EFFECTS ON AMUSEMENT AND THEME PARK COMPANIES’ STOCK PRICES

This study offers further evidence of the holiday effect on excess stock returns and volatility, and additional insights into its impact on the amusement park and attractions industry in the United States. The generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model and dummy variables are adopted to investigate pre- and post-holiday excess returns and volatility. Empirical results suggest the following: (1) both excess returns and excess volatility happen more frequently in pre-holidays than post-holidays; (2) the frequency of excess volatility is higher than excess returns for the holiday effect; and (3) nearly all significant excess volatilities are negative. We, therefore, conclude that the holiday effect exists in publicly traded amusement and theme parks.

Optimizing Experiential Quality to Drive Positive Post-Consumption Behaviours in Kenyan Theme Parks

Experience quality has become increasingly important, particularly for the theme park sector. This is because visitors' post-consumption behaviours are influenced by experiential quality, and this has an impact on theme parks' overall success. There have been studies on the relationship between psychological outcomes such as perceived value, image, experiential satisfaction, and behavioural intentions in theme parks and experience quality; however, most of these studies have focused on the global north. In light of this, this study examines management' and guests' perceptions of experiencing quality, perceived value, and post-consumption behaviours (satisfaction and behavioural intentions) in what are thought to be Kenya's top theme parks. According to the research findings, improving experiential quality is critical for nurturing favourable post-consumption behaviours from both managerial and tourist perspectives. Furthermore, visitors place a premium on cost/affordability, outstanding service, and enjoyable and thrilling encounters as critical components of delivering visitor value and creating quality and memorable experiences. Both managers and guests reported high visitor satisfaction and positive behavioural intentions. The authors suggest that optimising the quality of visitor experiences at theme parks leads to beneficial post-consumption behaviours and overall park success

Visitor Profile: Shaping Experiential Quality, and Post-Consumption Behaviours in Kenyan Theme Parks

Visitor experiences are individual occurrences characterized by their subjective nature. As a result, each consumer has a unique perspective on the quality of experience depending on their visitor profiles. The literature implies that demographic and travel characteristics are factors that may influence the perceptions of visitors. While some studies have examined the influence of these factors on marketing variables, more information is still needed to help predict visitors' post-consumption behaviours and to understand how they interpret experiences. This study explored whether experiential quality, perceived value, satisfaction, and behavioural intentions differ according to individuals’ demographics and travel characteristics. A survey was conducted collecting data from 324 visitors in presumed leading theme parks in Kenya. A t-test for independent samples and a Kruskal–Wallis test were used for the analysis. Except for gender and first or repeat visitors, the results for all other demographic and travel characteristics showed significant differences in at least one of the variables studied

Study of Cultural and Tourism Industries Enabling Urban Renewal Around Animation and Comics

In recent years, anime, games and derivative products have become increasingly popular in Japan and are loved and respected by more and more people. In the development of anime peripheral culture, anime theme parks, anime festivals, mascots and other derivative products, are also on the rise. Considering its great development prospect and potential commercial value, it is the remarkable propaganda and performance of the anime peripheral culture, and its development will have a greater impetus to the development of the anime peripheral culture, so the study of the peripheral area is of great significance. Taking Bengbu City as an example, we analyze its role in local economic development and conduct an in-depth study on the animation peripheral culture and local characteristic industries in the surrounding areas in order to promote the development of the city's economy.

Innovating for retention: strategies for enhancing customer retention in theme parks

ABSTRACT Customer retention holds strategic importance in securing a vital competitive edge for theme park businesses. This study examines the role of different types of motivated consumer innovativeness (Hedonic, Functional, Social, and Cognitive) on memorable experiences and their effect on customer retention. The moderating effect of perceived safety on this relationship is also explored. We designed a conceptual model based on Consumer Innovativeness and broaden-and-build theories. Data were collected from 503 tourists at three renowned theme parks in India using a non-probabilistic sampling method. The results show a significant influence of types of consumer innovativeness on creating memorable tourism experiences, significantly affecting customer retention. Notably, perceived safety played a positive moderating role. This study discusses results across age (young /old) and gender (Male/Female) with theoretical implications that could also contribute meaningful insights to marketers, government bodies, and corporations involved in leisure tourism.

Perceived service quality and visitors' sustainable visit intentions in theme parks: empirical analysis on the THEMEQUAL scale

Theme parks, as indispensable commodities within the tourism industry, wield significant influence in fostering local and national economic development. However, despite their crucial role, there remains a dearth of comprehensive research concerning the determinants of theme park visits. Employing the THEMEQUAL scale, this study uses an ordered logit model and an in-depth interview method to investigate the effects of service quality on visitors' sustainable visit intentions (SVIs). The results show that service quality is the most pivotal determinant shaping SVIs and that the effects are moderated by COVID-19, i.e., a reduced emphasis on service quality in bolstering visitors' sustainable visit inclinations during this pandemic. In particular, the staff delivering assurances and being courteous markedly influence visitors' perceptions. This research contributes to a comprehensive interplay between service quality, COVID-19, and visitors' SVIs, providing references for policymakers and managers to develop theme park recovery policies in the post-pandemic era.

Definition and Theories of Theme Park Experience

Theme parks offers customers typical experience consumption, and the core value is to create great experiences for consumers. Consumer experience can occur at every stage of consumption. Discovering the essence of tourism experience has been the focus of researchers. Consumer experience is a complex construct. Understanding consumer needs and creating a good experience for consumers have important implications for both academic research and management practice. Therefore, it is important to understand the definition and related theories of theme park experience. The controversy over the term experience in the marketing world comes from the different ways in which scholars understand it. Researchers study experience in many scenarios, which results in different understandings of experience. By reviewing the current mainstream experience research, it can be found that experience theory and traditional marketing theory are not consistent in many aspects. Numerous scholars have proposed new concepts and theories to advance the discipline, but the integration of the entire theoretical system is very limited. This paper analyzes and summarizes the definition and theories of theme park experience, finally offers several perspectives of further studies on theme park experience research.

Strategies for Global Promotion of Chinese Yellow Wine: History, Present, and Future Development

Huangjiu, or Chinese Yellow Wine, is a significant cultural heritage item in China, with a long history and traditional brewing techniques. This paper examines the historical significance of Huangjiu, its current market position, and potential strategies for global promotion. Historically, yellow wine has played a pivotal role in Chinese society, being used in rituals, celebrations, and as a medicinal beverage. The production methods, which have been in use for over 3,000 years, contribute to the distinctive flavors and health benefits of the beverage. Currently, Yellow Wine has a robust domestic market driven by cultural preferences and health perceptions. However, it faces challenges in international expansion. These challenges include regulatory barriers, cultural differences, and competition from established wine producers such as those in France, Italy, and Spain. To enhance global brand recognition, it would be beneficial to leverage Chinese cultural events and collaborate with international wine experts. It is essential to improve the legal and regulatory frameworks by establishing standardized quality processes and providing tax incentives. This will facilitate exports and maintain the authenticity of the product. It is imperative that product development innovates, creating new wine varieties and sustainable production methods, to cater to the diverse global market and align with the prevailing sustainability trends. The promotion of Yellow Wine may also be facilitated by the expansion of wine tourism through initiatives such as the establishment of wine theme parks, which would offer visitors immersive cultural experiences. The following recommendations are proposed for stakeholders to consider firstly, producers should focus on quality and innovation; secondly, marketers should develop targeted marketing campaigns; and thirdly, supportive regulatory environments should be created. Further research should investigate the potential health benefits of Yellow Wine, consumer behavior in different regions, and its integration into modern culinary practices. The prospective evolution of Chinese Yellow Wine necessitates a comprehensive strategy that addresses quality, innovation, marketing, and regulatory challenges. By leveraging its distinctive cultural heritage and overcoming obstacles to international expansion, Chinese Yellow Wine can achieve sustained growth and global success. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional cultural products into the global market to preserve heritage and drive economic growth.

Implementasi Wisata Edukasi Ramah Anak di Taman Lalu Lintas Kota Bandung

Taman Lalu Lintas Ade Irma Suryani Nasution is one of the first traffic-themed educational attractions in Indonesia with the concept of a theme park. The purpose of making this park is to increase traffic safety awareness for young children. This research was conducted to find out the tourist attractions in the park, and the implementation of child-friendly aspects considering that the main target of this park is children aged 0-13 years. The research method used is qualitative. Data collection techniques are carried out by direct observation, documentation, and interviews. The results show that the tourist attraction in the park follows the concept of educational tourism which presents attractions and facilities regarding basic traffic that can be learned by visiting tourists by learning while playing. As well as the existence of child-friendly indicators that are applied to the implementation of educational tourism at Taman Lalu Lintas Ade Irma Suryani Nasution by looking at the factors of Safety, Health, Comfort, Flexibility, Security, and Aesthetics which can make tourists feel free to travel in Taman Lalu Lintas Ade Irma Suryani Nasution.

The Theme Park as Simulation of American Rape Culture: #MeToo and the Problem of Justice in HBO’s Westworld

Drawing on Jean Baudrillard’s theorizing of the theme park, this study recognizes the TV show Westworld (2016-2022) as a simulation of contemporary America with intriguing questions about rape culture and justice in a post-#MeToo moment? In seasons 1 and 2, android characters like Dolores (Evan Rachael Wood), Maeve (Thandiwe Newton), and Akecheta (Zahn McClarnon) are violated but rebel against sexist and racist programing, and the “Man in Black” represents the violating nature of the stereotypical, Western hero. The principles of the Old West, like benevolent violence, are reflected in a TV industry where the actors of Westworld document their own violation in #MeToo artifacts, such Wood’s documenting of abuse in Phoenix Rising (2022), and interviews with Newton. In thinking about justice, Westworld falters, because it frames redress only in terms of further violence and revenge. Wood and Newton, however, represent the prevention of future violence, offering a possibility of justice.

The Memorable Experience in Tourism: the case of the Beto Carrero World Theme Park (SC, Brazil)

A memorable tourism experience corresponds to the memories retained in the tourist’s memory based on the individual experiences perceived during all the phases of a trip to a particular destination. Theme parks are tourist attractions designed with a thematic identity that allows visitors to escape from routine and are based on offering a different world with alternative experiences that can become unforgettable. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the influence of memorable tourism experiences from the Beto Carrero World theme park perspective in Penha-SC, Brazil. This research was conducted using data collected from 680 tourist visitors to the park, using a questionnaire comprising 27 variables that are part of the memorable tourism experience constructs: hedonism, novelty, renewal, meaning, involvement, knowledge, and social interaction. The data was analyzed based on sociodemographic characteristics and multivariate analysis using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The results made it possible to identify a new proposal for a conceptual model to evaluate the meaning of memorable experiences in theme parks and positively confirmed the influence between the memorable tourism experience and each firstorder construct, revealing that immersive hedonism and perceived meaning had the most significant impact on the memorable tourism experience in the theme park.

Analyzing Physics Experiment using Sensor Smartphone in Traveling Carnival

Smartphone integration for high school students has significant potential in physics learning. This research aims to analyze smartphone sensor data in the context of physics experiments carried out at traveling carnivals. This research uses experimental methods to compare smartphone sensor data collected via the Phyphox application with video analysis data obtained using Tracker software. The research results show the effectiveness of smartphone sensors in several carnival games, including simple leg swings, bicycle spins, kora-kora vehicles, and merry-go-rounds. Smartphone sensors can show graphs of simple harmonic motion, angular velocity, and centripetal acceleration on the game vehicle. However, limitations arise in the case of Ferris wheels and mini Ferris wheels, where smartphone sensors show reduced effectiveness caused by the instability of passenger seats during the ride. This research suggests avenues for further exploration by computing physical quantity values derived from smartphone sensor data, offering insights into potential improvements and applications in dynamic environments such as theme parks.

Navigating parallel interactive narratives in virtual reality

ABSTRACT The application of Campbell’s hero’s journey in cinema commonly adopts a director-centric approach in which the director decides how the viewer will see the narrative. A parallel interactive narrative in virtual reality titled Table for Two adopts screen production enquiry to investigate the divergence from the hero’s journey from a director-centric approach towards a navigator-centric approach. Here, the conventional cinema viewer is proposed as a navigator due to the immersive, interactive, and intellectual role they perform in terms of 360-degree viewing, teleportation, and meaning creation. While hero’s journey has been examined across various narrative platforms such as literature, theatre, cinema, gaming, theme parks, education, and more; there are limited discussions on the hero’s journey and its relevance to virtual reality experiences. Table for Two is a one-shot 360-degree audio-visual experience captured simultaneously by three 360-degree cameras. The navigator is encouraged to teleport from one narrative to another as the remaining narratives unfold irrespective of their choices. Each navigator is empowered to untie the knotted pieces and construct a narrative puzzle. Table for Two diverges from the hero’s journey through its multi-linear structure, simultaneous parallel narrative approach, and 360-degree spatial storytelling that offers freedom to navigate.

The Effect of Promotion and Destination Image on Interest in Revisiting Artificial Tourist Attractions (Case Study Theme Park Dunia Fantasi Ancol)

This study aims to: (a) to identify the effect of promotion on the interest in visiting Dunia Fantasi Theme Park (b) to identify the effect of destination image on the interest in visiting Dunia Fantasi Theme Park (c) to identify the extent to which promotion and destination image together affect the interest in visiting Dunia Fantasi Theme Park. This research applies an associative method with a quantitative approach. The research population includes tourists who have visited the Dunia Fantasi Theme Park. Sampling was done by simple random sampling with a sample size of 100 people. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and processed with the IBM SPSS version 25 application. Data analysis in this study used multiple linear regression methods. The results of the study indicate that: (a) promotion has a positive impact on tourists' revisit interest in Dunia Fantasi Theme Park, which is supported by a regression coefficient of 0.309 and a significance of 0.000 <0.05. (b) destination image has a positive effect on tourists' revisit interest in Dunia Fantasi Theme Park, as evidenced by a regression coefficient of 0.460 and a significance of 0.000 <0.05. (c) promotion and destination image together have a positive impact on tourists' interest in revisiting at Dunia Fantasi Theme Park, as evidenced by the F value of 100,600 and a significance of 0.000 <0.05.

Immersive protagonists – exploring the notion of the ‘hero’ in theme parks

ABSTRACT This article considers how the prolonged immersive storytelling experiences that theme parks provide have developed over time, with a particular focus on the role the individual guest can choose to take. Using examples from the Star Wars Intellectual Property developed for Disney Parks, and specifically Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (an extended three-day/two-night immersive experience), I consider how the role and agency of the individual participant/guest has changed over time and opened up from rather passive, to much more engaged. I argue that recent developments in theme park land, attraction and experience design (including extensions made possible by digital media) have opened up different structures in the narrative, allowing guests the option to become protagonists in a story they have agency over. This significantly extends the notion of the templated ‘hero’ Joseph Campbell introduced as part of his hero’s journey framework and makes way for the guest as immersive protagonist.

What keeps historical theme park visitors coming? Research based on expectation confirmation theory.

Culture is one of the most important factors in attracting tourists and influencing the tourist experience. In China, "theme park" is a new field of tourism research, an excellent theme park can not only drive the development of a city's tourism industry, but also help it better publicize its history and culture. The article takes Kaifeng, China as the background, and selects the Song Dynasty historical and cultural theme park, which was established based on the traditional ink painting Qingming Riverside Drawing, as an example, to study the factors affecting tourists' travel experience in historical and cultural theme parks, and based on which it explores the reasons for the formation of tourists' satisfaction and post-trip behavioral intentions, to provide references and suggestions for the development of cultural theme parks from the point of view of travel experience. Based on the expectation confirmation theory, this essay introduces five constructs, namely, expectation (tourism motivation), performance (service quality), confirmation (tourism experience), satisfaction, and post-trip behavior intention, to construct a model of the factors influencing tourists' satisfaction by tourism experience in historical theme parks and analyze the intrinsic correlation among the factors within the model. It is found that tourists' tourism experience is mainly affected by tourism motivation and service quality, satisfaction and post-trip behavior intention are jointly determined by the above three. According to the research results, this study believes that tourism motivation, service quality, and tourism experience should be the focus of attention of the current tourist destinations, therefore, focusing on tourists' motivation to optimize the quality of service, helping tourists to enhance the sense of tourism experience, and improving based on the above focuses is of great significance to promote the development of historical and cultural theme parks.

테마파크 도입에 따른 지역 상권 활성화 및 도시재생 정책 제언

Purpose: This research aims to analyze the policy direction required for establishing a theme park city and the governance implications for utilizing tourism resources and developing tourism from the perspective of revitalizing local marketplaces and urban regeneration. The ultimate goal is to formulate strategic tasks related to the local marketplace and urban regeneration of the original downtown area by implementing the theme park Legoland in Chuncheon.
 Methods: It investigated cases of famous tourist attractions where theme parks implemented, and explored policy issues related to the revitalization of local marketplaces and urban regeneration following implementing the Legoland in Chuncheon. The criteria for the selection of theme park city cases were selected to meet the accessibility of the environment and space in the region, geographical interaction with local marketplaces and oldtown, tourism-related activity and convenience, stability and functionality. And it was also targeted at representative theme parks that have elements such as theme, extraordinary, aesthetics, and synthesis.
 Results: Based on the case of famous theme park city, the following five policy issues were presented. The proposed policy issues include the establishment of a regional governance system, a strategy to revitalize the oldtown, a specialized strategy for local marketplaces, the establishment of an urban regeneration circulation system, and the promotion of urban regeneration in connection with local marketplaces.
 Conclusion: This study discovered policy issues for the revitalization of local marketplaces. The five main issues of this study are theme parks, which provide implications for contributing to revitalizing local tourism, urban regeneration and creating regional tourism policies.

A Drink on the Terrace with Truus from Delft: Place Attachment at De Efteling Theme Park

Theme parks have been described by scholars as asocial and placeless, but recent research by McCarthy demonstrated that Southern Californians exhibit a strong sense of placement attachment and sociality at Disneyland. With the third highest attendance among theme parks in Europe, De Efteling in the Netherlands provides a congruent comparison to Disneyland since both parks were based in large measure on fairy tales, opened in the 1950s near two large metropolises, and mainly designed under the creative vision of one person. This study uses mixed methods of in-depth interviews, an online survey, and participant observation to determine the sense of place attachment within cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions for De Efteling by local fans and then compares the results with Disneyland. The findings indicate De Efteling fans exhibit place attachment across the three dimensions largely in alignment with McCarthy’s study on Disneyland, but also reveal key differences due to the nature and characteristics of the ownerships, theming, fans, and scales of operation of the two parks. This study not only further rebuts the long-held contention of theme parks as placeless and lacking sociality, but also calls for exploration and comparison with other global theme parks.

Analysis of Latin American Theme Parks in a Tourism Context

The main goal of this manuscript is to analyse Latin American theme parks as tourist attractions for stimulating future tourism demand after the pandemic crisis. The methodology used in this study is a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring the most visited Latin American parks from 2011 to 2022 and where they are localised to address the importance of the location of these theme parks and the cities in which they are operating. The results reveal that Latin American parks such as Six Flags Mexico, Beto Carrero World, Hopi Hari, La Feria de Chapultepec and Parque Xcaret are tourist attractions that promote and improve the tourism industry in Latin American cities, and their entertainment activities attract millions of visitors each year. One of the most important findings from this study is that the bus is the primary and most efficient (regarding travel time) mode of transportation in the cities analysed, as well as that there is a high correlation between the success of tourist attractions, their accessibility by plane and on land and their distance to Latin American cities. Moreover, this research constitutes an empirical illustration of the importance of theme parks in cities as tourist attractions and provides a new emerging contribution to the literature on the relationship between theme parks and the means of transportation at tourist destinations.

A comparison of three evolutionary algorithms for group scheduling in theme parks with multitype facilities.

During the peak tourist season, large theme parks often experience a simultaneous influx of visitors, resulting in prolonged waiting times for popular attractions. This extended waiting significantly reduces tourists' satisfaction and may negatively impact their willingness to revisit the theme park. In Taiwan, schools at all levels often plan graduation trips to theme parks for their students. Students are divided into groups and must enter and exit the theme park at the same time. This article presents a new theme park problem with multitype facilities (TPP-MTF) for student groups. Based on the group's preference for theme park facilities, multitype reserved tickets with popular facilities are designed for groups, so groups do not need to wait for the reserved facilities. Since the waiting time for groups can be reduced, the theme park can also obtain ticket fees in advance and estimate the number of visitors to the theme park, so the theme park and the group can achieve a win-win situation. This article proposes a new decoding approach for a random permutation of integer sequence and embeds it into an immune-based algorithm, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the TPP-MTF problem. A theme park in Taiwan was taken as an example and numerical results of the three algorithms were analyzed and compared to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.