Themed entertainment Archives

Themed entertainment

Themed entertainment, sometimes known as themed experiences, are artificial narrative environments based on well-known books or films. They may also present an alternative storyline to a popular IP, or an original work.

Whilst this genre of attractions is synonymous with theme parks, it is vastly flexible and can occur in retail spaces, zoos and aquariums, museums, restaurants, casinos, reports, multimedia experiences, or any space where a themed, immersive environment can be created as a visitor destination.

In themed entertainment, all aspects of the attraction will follow the theme or storyline, from scenography and props, to ride design and live performance, AV and media, retail product lines, and food and beverage offers.

The Walt Disney Company is one of the best-known providers of themed experiences around the world. The company operates theme parks and resorts, cruise and vacation experiences which are themed to its iconic brand with exacting detail. The brand celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2023, which was accompanied by Disney100: The Exhibition, the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created, with ten uniquely themed galleries which tell the Disney story through Walt’s own philosophies.

Another leading themed entertainment operator is Herschend Family Entertainment, which together with its parent company Herschend Enterprises, runs 26 themed experiences across North America, including the iconic attraction Dollywood. Visitors can expect exceptional hospitality, glamourous settings, high-quality shows, thrilling rides and an authentic Smokey Mountain experience, all of which reflect the Dolly Parton brand and fulfil the promise that they will “Love every moment.”

The themed entertainment industry is represented by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). TEA is a not-for-profit group that represents creators, developers, designers, and producers of captivating locations and experiences across the globe.

The association was founded in 1991 and has over 1,600 members, including experts in a wide range of disciplines involved in the development of out-of-home visitor attractions and experiences in the leisure and travel industries.