Manual on elective ii - theme parks and attractions

Theme Parks and Attractions
Theme parks
A theme park is a destination in its own right, which combines entertainment, food
and beverage and shops, and an environment that is different from that found outside
its gates. A theme is used to provide a focus for the design, development and
operation of such a park. The concept of theme parks was championed by Walt
Disney, who in 1955 opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California around Disney's
cartoon characters (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck etc.) and America’s past, present
and future.
In order to attract new and repeat visitors, a theme park must:
• Create a family atmosphere
• Be clean and visually pleasing
• Provide a wide variety of rides such as roller coasters, water rides;
• Provide a wide variety of shows and activities
Examples include:
• Walt Disney World and Resort, Orlando, USA, Disneyland Resorts in
California, USA; Paris, France; Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong SAR.
• Universal Studios, Florida and California, USA; Barcelona, Spain; and
Osaka, Japan
• Ocean Park, Hong Kong SAR
Zoos and aquariums
Large collections and displays of animals have served to draw visitors. Some
successful zoos create a great deal of public interest and visits because of unusual
exhibits, collections of animal species and efforts to recreate the natural setting
found in the wild.
Some zoos and aquariums include educational elements such as movies showing the
behaviour of animals. In order to enhance the visitors’ experience, the management
commonly provides opportunities for visitors to participate in interactive activities
such as feeding the animals or taking part in animal shows.
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