HFT 4755: Theme Park and Attraction Management

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HFT 4755 Theme Park and Attraction Management

• The Future of Fun

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Today

• What are the forces that influence the future of
  theme parks and attractions?
• Your expectations

3
Impact of Changes on the

• Supply side
• Technology
• Gaming, Entertainment, Military, Aerospace
• Expectations by customers
• Demand Side
• The people demographic patterns
• The physical environment
• The political and social environment
• The economy

4
The Milman Study

• The goal of the study was to survey decision
  makers in the theme park and attraction industry
  and solicit their vision regarding future trends
  (Milman, 2001, 139)

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The Milman Study

• Surveys sent to 191 GMs in US and Canada
• Managers at 122 (63.9) theme parks and
  attractions responded to the survey
• 30.3 Amusement parks
• 23.5 Theme parks
• 15.1 Zoological parks
• 9.2 Water parks
• 21.9 Others

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The Milman Study

• Profile of the respondents
• On average open 239 days
• Median annual attendance 500,001-750,000 pax
• 51.5 permanent employees
• 200 seasonal employees
• Median age of facility 30 years

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External Constituencies that will impact future
operations

• Customers
• Economic forces
• Employees
• Demographic forces
• Competitors

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Likely Future Themes

• Interactive adventure
• Fantasy and mystery
• Movies and TV shows
• Science fiction/futuristic
• Space

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Changes in the community

• Diversity
• Aging of the population
• Consumption by upscale travelers
• Social consciousness
• Changes in technology
• Environmental sensitivity

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Attractions of the future will be

• More intimate
• Ethnically and culturally sensitive
• More exotic theming
• Expand ex. NA
• Cater to older people
• Nature oriented parks

• Museums will adopt more theming
• Safety and security
• Shared values
• Evolving technology
• Story telling

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Concluding thoughts

• Excitement and challenges will continue!!!
• Your expectations
• At the beginning of the semester you told me

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Final Exam

• Time and date
• Thank you
• Watch myUCFgrades for postings!
• Good luck HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS BREAK