A theme park is an amusement park in which all the settings and attractions have a central theme, such as the world of the future. So the question is how an amusement park is defined.
It is a commercially operated park offering various forms of entertainment, such as arcade games, carousels, roller coasters, and performers, as well as food, drink, and souvenirs. Amusement parks differ from circuses, carnivals, and world's fairs (see exposition) in that, parks are permanently located entertainment complexes, open either all year or seasonally every year. In today’s theme parks more or less exotic worlds which do not exist in reality are staged on a delimited area as a setting for entertainment (cp. Stemshorn 2000, p.9). A huge number of leisure opportunities are packaged within a theme park and serve as a contrast to everyday life (cp. Opaschowski 1998, p.24 et seq.). They are characterized by following features: # Sophisticated, extensive services for different target groups # Extensive and differentiated gastronomic offers; # all inclusive entertainment range # Continuity and change # Usage of marketing instruments like special prices or special offers, joint venture or special offers for target groups; # Possibilities for overnight stays by integrated or nearby situated hotels; # Perfection and professionalism as quality mark; intensive training of staff; # Attractions: the general range of attractions includes rides with a lot of thrill, nostalgic carousels, clowns, shooting galleries and so on; # Artists, stunt- shows, music- shows, parades, animal- shows, firework and more. (www.kuwi.uni.linz.ac.at/LehreUniLinz.htm)
On the following pages theses features and some more characteristics of theme parks will be explained in detail by using the two examples "Seaworld, Orlando" and "Oceanpark, HongKong". Questions like "Where are the trends goning?" or "What is special about a modern theme park" will be answered.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition
1.2. Socio- cultural aspects
1.3. Current market situation
2. Comparison Sea World, Orlando and Ocean Park, Hongkong
2.1. Sea World
2.1.1. General Information
2.1.2. Specials
2.1.3. Future planning
2.2. Ocean Park
2.2.1. General Information
2.2.2. Specials
2.2.3. Future planning
2.3. Comparison
2.3.1. Similarities
2.3.2. Differences
2.3.3. Conclusion
3. Future Development
3.1. General trends
3.2. Criticism and risks
3.3. Summary
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to analyze the future development of theme parks by conducting a comparative study of SeaWorld in Orlando and Ocean Park in Hong Kong, exploring how these institutions adapt to changing societal demands and technological advancements.
- Evolution of modern theme park concepts and definitions.
- Comparative analysis of operational strategies, animal-focused attractions, and service standards.
- Integration of socio-cultural aspects and consumer psychology in leisure market planning.
- Strategic management of technological innovations and "hyper-reality" in park design.
- Examination of risks and ethical considerations related to mass leisure and the loss of regional authenticity.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1. General Information
SeaWorld is a chain of marine theme parks, a combination of a marine zoo and a leisure park. It has its operations in Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio and previously Cleveland. The parks offer a variety of animals living in the sea like killer whales, sea lions, dolphins and so on which are making stunts and shows for the visitors. The icon is a killer whale named Shamu, which was the first killer whale ever in a SeaWorld park. Today these animals are still the main attraction in Shamu Stadium, a 7-million gallon habitat.
The parks were founded by George Millay, an Irish entrepreneur who was also the inventor of Wet’n Wild Orlando, the World’s First Waterpark. Today SeaWorld is owned by Bush Entertainment Corp., the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Bush, a famous brewery but also owner of nine theme parks with 15,000 employees. SeaWorld get involved with wildlife conservations through rescue of beached whales, dolphins and other marine animals as well as through many contributions. Staff members participate in research and wildlife preservation.
SeaWorld has even created an own non-profit foundation called SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Furthermore, SeaWorld has the best killer whale breeding program worldwide which gave birth to 23 whales since 1985. SeaWorld Orlando covers a 200 acre area which has already about 80 million people visited up to now. The wide range of services allows all people to join SeaWorld. Visitors can get wheel chairs, strollers and climate-controlled pet kennels for rental. Diaper-changing and baby-nursing areas, first-aid, foreign currency exchange, 24-hour automated teller machine, taxi and bus parking may be found on-site. An additional service is to offer facilities for meetings and conventions. SeaWorld organizes more than 400 parties a year on average. With a capacity ranging from 30 to 25,000 people it is particularly suitable for holding big events.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the concept of theme parks and discusses their socio-cultural role and current market situation.
2. Comparison Sea World, Orlando and Ocean Park, Hongkong: Provides a detailed look at the operational structures, unique features, and future strategies of two major global theme parks, followed by a comparative analysis.
3. Future Development: Explores general trends in the theme park industry, including technological integration and criticism, and summarizes the path forward for theme parks.
Keywords
Theme Parks, SeaWorld, Ocean Park, Leisure Industry, Wildlife Conservation, Socio-cultural aspects, Hyper-reality, Experience Society, Market Strategy, Tourism, Attraction Management, Future Trends, Customer Needs, Education, Globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the development trends of modern theme parks by comparing SeaWorld, Orlando, and Ocean Park, Hong Kong, to understand how they adapt to societal changes and customer demands.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers themes such as market situation, socio-cultural influences, technological advancements in attraction design, wildlife conservation, and the risks of mass leisure.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The objective is to identify key success factors and future developmental patterns in the theme park industry through a practical comparison of two leading international operators.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The authors utilize a comparative case study approach, drawing on industry literature, secondary research, and observational data to contrast the models of SeaWorld and Ocean Park.
What is discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body provides detailed profiles of the two parks, discusses their unique specializations, examines their future redevelopment plans, and conducts a comparative analysis of their similarities and differences.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Theme Parks, SeaWorld, Ocean Park, Leisure Industry, Wildlife Conservation, Hyper-reality, and Experience Society.
How do SeaWorld and Ocean Park differ in their educational approach?
While both emphasize conservation, SeaWorld integrates educational programs directly into its entertainment shows and park experiences, whereas Ocean Park delegates these efforts to autonomous organizations like the Ocean Park Academy and the Conservation Foundation.
What is the "beat-of-the-drum" effect mentioned in the context of future development?
It refers to the strategy of introducing unique, breathtaking attractions unexpectedly to maintain a "must-see" status and generate buzz without over-reliance on traditional advertising.
What risks does the author associate with the rise of hyper-reality in theme parks?
The author identifies risks such as the blurring of reality, the loss of regional identity, the "dulling of the mind" through passive consumption, and the potential for customers to become overwhelmed by too many choices.
- Quote paper
- Anne Tucholka (Author), Steffanie Weese (Author), 2006, Future Development of Theme Parks with the Help of a Comparison between SeaWorld, Orlando and Oceanpark, Hongkong, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/63024
