Comments on: Do Theme Parks Have A Future?

By: Kevin Graner

Kevin Graner — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:36:42 +0000

This concept will also take away from the experience that children have. it just seems so fake and every child remembers the car ride to a theme park

By: Karlen Castile

Karlen Castile — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:49:47 +0000

Disneyland has been a long thriving park- so much so that Disney has subsequently opened up Disneyland Parks in Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong, which have all done well. Disney World also came a few years later, and is actually the most visited amusement park in the world. While other theme parks might be spiraling downwards (Magic Mountain, Universal Studios) Disney continues to maintain an international fan base that keeps them moving, and my bet is that they will continue on this path as they have for the past 60 years.

By: Rachael Waller

Rachael Waller — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:40:01 +0000

Although the number of theme park tourists is decreasing, there will always be people who want to visit the parks for entertainment. People love the thrill of rides and while it is clear they do not want to stand in long lines to wait for a ride, they will continue to do so if the entertainment is worth the wait. While many teenage boys enjoy playing video games in their own home, the thrill does not match that of a ride at a theme park. The world may be becoming increasingly digitally consumed, but I think theme parks will continue to attract costumers because of the unique entertainment it provides.

By: Jenny Seto

Jenny Seto — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:36:33 +0000

I think that among the younger generation there is definitely a clear decrease in attention span. I know that my younger cousins can’t play with certain toys for more than 15 minutes before they are bored and want to move to the next toy. I believe that this has come from parents overwhelming their children with so many toys, TV shows, movies, etc.
With Disneyland though, I would argue that young children have quite a lot to look at. When I took my younger cousins who were 3, they were dazzled by the huge scale of everything. But I think that as they get older, they will share the same fate that the article is talking about and will not be willing to stand in line.
For me, though standing in line is tedious, I don’t mind doing it because there is a very nostalgic element for me in the rides at Disneyland. I don’t know if that will translate for children nowadays, because they will just see Disneyland like another toy or another diversion rather than a special event.
Even though that makes me sad, I think that Disney is making a smart move to put in this new Toy Story, customizable ride because it will make it more like a customizable, special event rather than just another ride that is the same every time you go on it. Indiana Jones was certainly the precursor to that with three different paths to go on and I think around 1000 subtly different combinations of events, which is why it is one of the most popular rides in the park.
For Disneyland to continue to make money, it does need to cater to the younger generation now so that they will bring their children back when they grow up. And this is what Disneyland has always done and why I think it will still continue to be viable and successful in the future.

By: Ashly Sells

Ashly Sells — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:16:14 +0000

I believe that there will be an increase of intolerance among people in today’s generation as our world progresses in technologies, ie. video games; this is what’s most important. Amusement parks need to adjust to these changes of our society, and adapt rides that have shorter lines and create rides that are more exciting to today’s kids. An example of this is creating a ride with the Harry Potter theme. This is what draws in more people to the amusement center. It is about keeping up with today’s generation, and making proper adjustments accordingly.

By: Haley Reed

Haley Reed — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:12:03 +0000

Although I realize the need for all, by United States standards, ancient establishments to adapt, I agree with many of the previous posts stating that people want a piece of nostalgia in such a changing world. I think the synthesis of the old and the new, and perhaps a more efficient way to deal with the long lines is the best solution for old theme parks such as Disney Land. I am certain from my experience with people that waiting in line is not much of a hindrance. If people feel like going to DisneyLand they will go, regardless of the potential overcrowding. It is too nice to be able to do something non-digital in this environment we are all in, and I think people would be adamant about keeping theme parks afloat.

By: Brendan K

Brendan K — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:26:15 +0000

It is the responsibility of a solid business or industry to adapt their model to the consumer wants and needs. If people became fatter, then seats would be made bigger, if people grew in height, then clearences would be made taller, and now, if attention spans are shorter, then lines (if theme parks are to survive) need to be made shorter. If theme parks are to die, then it is the fault of their creators and executives for their inability to adapt, not the fault of an ADD generation.

By: Jon Taplin

Jon Taplin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:39:01 +0000

Whitney- It seems you’ve hit on a key point that Jenna and Ashley also mentioned–Disney’s Brand. If California Adventure was contructed “on the cheap” it hurt Disney’s Brand and that is a critical fix that must be undertaken now.

By: R, Heidt

R, Heidt — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:36:18 +0000

Going to a theme park is a spectacle. It’s exciting and fun the first time, but the next time you visit doesn’t quite add up to the adventure that it was. Theme Parks need regular customers, but there is just not that demand anymore. Disneyland was once seen as the ultimate escape, bringing you to a remarkable land of plenty and adventure. Now it can’t quite live up to the new standards of multimedia. It’s becoming dated and it seems nothing can stop this process because it’s design promotes crowds, which ultimately creates a slow pace to an overwhelming bombardment of music, cheer, and fun. Taking children to a theme park is hard on parents. If children are not interested the likely-hood of a parent pushing there children to do something that is ultimately a hassle is not strong.

By: Andrew Munoz

Andrew Munoz — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:17:05 +0000

The statement “people still like to gather together in real (not virtual) spaces” is pretty relevant to our culture. Whether or not people remain as intrigued by more “old-fashioned” forms of theme park entertainment (roller coasters, stage performances, costume characters, and so forth) and are affected by new elements of the theme park, the fact that Disneyland is a landmark of California and the United States, it will likely remain something friends, family, and many other groups resort to when wanting an entertaining day. Whether or not American society as developed a knack for video games or more interactive attractions at theme parks, the immense attraction to environments like Disneyland should remain pretty consistent.