Inlight’s Post

I recently had the chance to visit Calaway Park, just outside Calgary. 'Calaway' is a portmanteau of Calgary and 'away' (who knew!). This visit was my first attraction since joining Attractions.io, with my "How can digital solutions enhance this experience?" hat firmly on. Experiencing an attraction firsthand is essential for understanding how operators can enhance the *existing* guest experience with digital solutions without overshadowing what's already great. Calaway Park already has a digital map and an augmented reality feature that seems especially geared toward kids—which made sense given the park's family-friendly focus! However, it made me think: how do attractions balance creating a seamless digital experience for parents and guardians while keeping kids entertained, and should it? Is there a way to cater to both, ensuring smoother navigation, easier purchasing, and overall convenience while maintaining the fun factor?

Thinking of Purchasing a Dark Ride? Dark rides represent one of the most fascinating and complex attractions in the world of #amusementparks. Before taking the plunge, there are several crucial aspects to consider to ensure an unforgettable experience and smooth operation. Discover our complete guide on how to purchase a #Darkride, from initial design to vehicle selection and more! Don’t miss the chance to turn your vision into reality with expert advice. Read the full article on our website!

Theme park evaluation. The concept of theme parks has its origins in the pleasure gardens and fairs of Europe, where people gathered for entertainment and festivities, dating back to the Middle Ages. Disneyland, opened by Walt Disney in 1955 in Anaheim, California, revolutionized the idea by theming the park around stories and characters, setting a new standard for design and guest experience. This innovation spurred the development of theme parks worldwide, blending storytelling with rides and attractions. Following Disneyland's success, the 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of competitors and new players, including the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971, which expanded the concept into a resort destination. The theme park industry became increasingly competitive, with parks striving for faster, taller, and more thrilling rides to attract visitors. In the 1980s and 1990s, the industry saw significant international expansion, with major parks opening in Europe and Asia, such as Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland, signaling the global appeal of themed entertainment. Universal Studios entered the theme park arena, introducing another level of cinematic immersion and storytelling, further pushing the boundaries of themed experiences. The turn of the millennium welcomed advancements in technology, allowing for more sophisticated and interactive attractions, integrating virtual reality and augmented reality elements. The 2000s also marked a trend towards intellectual property (IP)-based attractions, with parks securing rights to popular franchises to draw fans. The 2010s saw further globalization and investment in theme parks, with significant growth in China and the Middle East, as well as continued innovation in ride technology and guest services, including app-based experiences and personalized interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced temporary closures and operational changes across the industry, highlighting the importance of safety and adaptability in uncertain times. Today, the theme park industry is a dynamic blend of storytelling, technology, and guest experience, continually evolving with trends and audience expectations, while facing challenges such as environmental sustainability and changing entertainment consumption habits. #themeparks #Disneyland #disneylandparis #castmember #castlife

"🏕️ Exciting news! Introducing our new DIY virtual tour kit, crafted to cater to both campground owners and guests. Campground Views is your partner in enhancing the guest experience and showcasing your site's beauty. 🌟 #CampgroundViews #VirtualTour #OutdoorHospitality"

Attractions.io launches Indoor Mapping feature. https://lnkd.in/eqAZqyCP

Can New Disney Park Keep Company Afloat? New Disney Park After announcing a $60 billion investment in their parks sector last year, Disney finally revealed the rest of their plans… Which involves building new additions to Disney parks. But will the investment be enough to save the company from more extended losses? Disney’s Plans For New Attractions At Their Parks Since before the pandemic, Disney has increasingly relied on revenue from their parks to keep money coming in. Over the years, the parks proved a steady source of income to offset streaming losses and film flops… But even the experiences sector is slipping. LAST YEAR, DISNEY EXPERIENCES (THE DIVISION RESPONSIBLE FOR THEME PARKS AND CRUISE SHIPS) WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 70% OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATING PROFIT. But as of the company’s latest earnings report, the Disney parks are facing a new slowdown. Operating income for the parks was down 6%, with executives blaming a lack of consumer demand and higher costs. Yet, when Disney announced plans for a new park and attractions, die-hard fans saw their faith in the parks division renewed. At D23, Disney’s biennial fan expo, every plan for the new park additions was revealed before a crowd of thousands… And the company isn’t holding anything back. Attractions Coming Up The company revealed dozens of new additions to their experience sector, and it’s not just about adding more attractions… It’s about giving the less-popular areas in Disney parks a new makeover. The announcement uncovered two new “lands” in Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom. One will be in a completely new section of the park dedicated to the iconic villains in classic Disney films. This “villains” land will feature the antagonists we love and loathe in a new, spooky, section in the park where… The second addition to the Magic Kingdom park will be a land themed after Pixar’s “Cars” movies… And it will be part of an overhaul of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. As for the other attractions in Florida… A new land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be themed to the “Tropical Americas” and feature attractions based on “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones”. And in California, A new area themed after “Avatar: Way of Water” will be opening as well as new additions to the “Avengers Campus”, which feature two new rides. Last but certainly not least, Disney Cruises will be welcoming four new ships to its fleet. While this might pale in comparison to the other additions… The cruise industry has exploded since the pandemic, with a notable example being the success of the Icon Of The Seas. Pressure From Competition The new Disney park announcement comes as the company is facing renewed pressure from both a slump in visitor numbers… And competition from neighboring theme parks. In January, Universal Studios announced another park addition as well, with the creation of Epic Universe park… (Which also has a spooky, villain themed land as a major section of the park. Coincidence?)

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Theme parks and attractions everywhere have been recovering from their respective pandemic-related closures and the attached media feature attempts to chart the North American theme parks with the largest attendance gains in 2022, using the estimates from the TEA/AECOM theme park index for that year. Of course, using unofficial estimates to chart attendance is hardly the most accurate method to measure popularity...

Stepping into Disneyland is like stepping into a world where past, present, and future intertwine. Among the bustling crowds and dazzling attractions, there's a quiet charm in the remnants of rides that once delighted visitors. The Skyway, People Mover, and The Satellite Dish may no longer operate, but their presence continues to cast a nostalgic spell, creating a lasting impact on Disneyland visitors. • The Power of Nostalgia Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. For many Disneyland visitors, the sight of these old rides triggers fond memories of childhood trips and family adventures. The Skyway, for example, once carried guests high above the park, offering panoramic views that felt like a magical escape. Although it no longer operates, the support towers still stand as silent witnesses to countless cherished moments. These remnants serve as touchstones to the park's rich history. They remind us that Disneyland has been a place of joy and wonder for generations. For older visitors, seeing these relics can evoke a sense of continuity and connection to their own past. For younger guests, they offer a glimpse into the park's legacy, sparking curiosity and imagination about days gone by. • The Beauty of Physical Legacy In an era where technology evolves rapidly and attractions are constantly updated, the presence of these old rides provides a comforting sense of stability. They are physical markers of Disneyland's journey through time, illustrating how the park has grown and changed while remaining true to its roots. This blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall guest experience. • Lessons for Organizations Disneyland's approach to preserving these remnants offers valuable lessons for other organizations. Honoring history while embracing change strengthens brand identity and fosters deeper emotional connections. Balancing innovation with tradition creates a richer experience, and physical remnants can serve as powerful visual storytelling tools. • A Living Museum The remnants of Disneyland's rides of yesteryear transform the park into a living museum, telling stories of dreams and imagination. They remind us that while the world changes, some things remain timeless. This legacy, woven into Disneyland's enduring magic, is worth celebrating. Let’s connect, dream and create together! Justyn@storylandstudios.com PlainJoe Storyland Studios

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