Wizarding World of Harry Potter Update Who would have thought that a single Boy Wizard could bring such financial magic to the theme park industry? Yet, that’s exactly what has happened with Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened two summers ago to great fanfare in Central Florida. Harry’s World is comprised of ...
Read more...Okay, two quick questions: Who is Jake Sully and what is a Na’vi? Not quite sure? That shouldn’t be surprising because you’re probably in good company as it relates to the number of average Americans who don’t know the answer without first Googling it. While we haven’t found any official polls on how many Americans ...
Read more...Dave Herbst served as a publicist at the Walt Disney World resort for 30 years. During his career, Herbst witnessed many changes to how Disney World publicizes itself. Recently, The Large Park Report visited with Herbst for his unique and compelling insights into these changes. Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine: When you began at Disney, ...
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Amusement park officials want visitors not only to enjoy the rides and attractions but to feel safe as well. Many parks have Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on staff as well as employees trained and certified as first responders who are there for sickness, injuries and heat-related issues. Coney Island Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, welcomes more ...
Read more...Many of the industry’s larger parks and resorts focus heavily on the family vacation market—a segment that remains one of the travel industry’s largest. While there are many ways to reach out to family vacationers, many amusement operators emphasize family friendly shows and attractions as their main tool. These can be very effective, but another ...
Read more...On October 15, 2011, something unique will have happened when it comes to the amusement industry in America. That’s the date that the only new United States theme park will open for 2011. Yet, unlike recent past parks (such as the ill-fated Hard Rock Park in South Carolina), LEGOLAND Florida will have an air of ...
Read more...These days, technology continues to change at such a rapid pace that just keeping up with the changes can be a challenge. This challenge, though, can present a unique opportunity for theme parks in key areas such as publicity and marketing operations. Many of the industry’s larger parks and resorts are, in fact, seizing this ...
Read more...It’s back. That dreaded scourge to operating budgets throughout the industry. The malcontent that refuses to recognize fiscal years or finalized budgets. Three words that bring chills to the ears of many amusement executives: higher gas prices. While some local parks do benefit from higher prices because vacationers generally end up staying closer to home ...
Read more...With winter behind us in most places and summer creeping closer, now is a great time to preview what the industry’s larger parks and resorts have in store for this year’s peak season. While none of these parks will offer something as big as Universal Orlando’s 2010 boy wonder named Harry Potter, several are bringing ...
Read more...When the modern theme park era began in the early 20th century, the business model was generally based on a “pay-per-attraction” system where guests would buy separate tickets for access to individual rides or shows. So popular was this approach that it continued throughout the 20th century, including the 1972 opening of Walt Disney World ...
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