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 […]
Read more...In tough economic times, a big operational challenge can be keeping up employee morale and guest satisfaction. That’s why effective leadership training plays a key role in moving an organization forward in a positive and productive way. Nowhere is this strategy embraced more than at the Walt Disney World Resort where company executives promote a […]
Read more...For the large park and resort segment of the amusement industry, 2010 was clearly the Year of Potter as Universal Orlando’s newest attraction overcame some curious design decisions to still become the year’s undisputed runaway hit. For the coming year, the big question for Universal and its large park competitors is whether the big gains […]
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