Many people enjoy visiting theme parks. All across the world, theme parks of various sizes—from tiny local fairs to huge vacation complexes—utilize rides and attractions to entice visitors. The very best theme parks are designed by engineers who specialize in creating not just a mechanical ride but a total sensory experience that creates an unforgettable memory. Just ask anyone who has ever been to a world-class Theme Park Designer; most of the enjoyment comes from things that have nothing to do with the movement of the ride, but rather with the overall sight, sound and storytelling that go into the design of each attraction.
A good theme park designer understands this interplay and utilizes a team of experts in all areas to ensure the very best final product. Some of these areas of design include:
- Engineers. First and foremost, rides must be designed to be safe. Engineers design rides, build prototypes, and test the structural integrity of any ride long before the first visitors arrive. This process avoids injuries and also ensures that the flow of the ride is optimized for maximum enjoyment and minimum wait time. A good theme park engineer never loses sight of the “big picture” and weighs in not only on individual rides but also the flow of traffic, ride placement and other issues that impact the overall experience of visitors to the theme park. By focusing on both micro- and macro-design, engineers help theme parks provide an enjoyable and safe journey for visitors.
- Storytellers. A good ride really imitates the art of storytelling. There should be a clear beginning and end, with an exciting climactic point somewhere in between. Visitors should feel themselves drawn into the story as participants, not just as viewers. The very best in theme park designs incorporate this idea into all the elements of a particular area. These areas often have an overarching theme, such as Disney World’s Tomorrowland, which centers on futuristic rides, games, shows and attractions.
- Ergonomic/Age-Appropriate Planners. A good theme park offers a mix of children’s, adults and in-between rides. Having something for everyone ensures that all visitors to the park have a memorable experience. Some rides that are suitable for small children may not attract older children, and some rides are appropriate only for healthy adults with no physical issues. It is an important part of the design of a theme park to balance all of these elements to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Chick Russell has been a leader in theme park design for decades. Chick Russell’s theme park design company employs the very best in storytellers, creators, engineers and other experts to imagine and create the most incredible theme park experiences in the world. Some examples include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Transformers the Ride 3D at Universal Studios, Graceland: Home of Elvis Presley, and Disneyland Paris resort planning. Let Chick Russell and his team help you design the perfect theme park experience, no matter what the size of your project.
