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The theme park sizing formula: rides, retail and open spaces

Opinion
theme park sizing formula rollercoaster

Undoubtedly, the content of a theme park and the quality of its attractions is what makes it great. But there are other factors to take into account too, such as tempo, spacing and layout. Is there a perfect formula for theme park sizing?

Wonwhee Kim

There is a saying about comics, which says that the story is actually what happens in the blank spaces between the panels. When it comes to theme park sizing, could we say the same is true – that theme parks are what happens between the open spaces?

By Wonwhee Kim, founder of The Park Database

Identifying a theme park sizing formula

Recently, we’ve been exploring the idea of theme park sizing.  Among many other things, the tempo and spacing of certain parks is the secret behind their success.  Universal Studios, for instance, follows a remarkably consistent theme park sizing formula, particularly in its most recent parks. This can be illustrated as follows:

Universal studios theme park sizing formula

Approximately 40% of the park is open space – for example, common areas, lakes and landscaping as well as support facilities. Between 30 and 50% of the park consists of the attractions themselves.  The rest – approximately 12-15% – is home to food and beverage offerings and retail.

We like to examine topics like this by breaking things down into their components. Therefore, seeing this kind of ‘fingerprint’ for each park was quite illuminating.  The Park Database has various detailed theme park sizing reports for top attractions available, for those who want to explore in greater detail. We’ve taken the time to measure each theme park down to their individual attractions.

Disney continues to dominate

When we analyse theme parks, we never get far without talking about the power of this much-loved brand. Disney is the unquestioned global leader of theme parks. The below chart illustrates its dominance once again.

One day Magic Kingdom pass price changes

For nearly the past 50 years, ticket prices at Walt Disney World have been rising at nearly 4%. This is after counting for inflation.  What was once a middle-class family outing in 1970 has risen to the level of a luxury experience, at $120.

Next week, we’ll be looking at adventure tourism and the rise of indoor VR experiences.

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The Park Database

The Park Database is the leading market intelligence solution for the attractions industry. https://www.theparkdb.com/

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