How Disneyland faces challenges

Peter J.H. Lowe, Disneyland’s vice president for Hotel Operations, Food and Beverage and Business Solutions and Event Operations, said the presence of Universal Studio in Singapore is a challenge in a positive way.

“What is going on in Singapore is a great thing. The fact that they have convention facilities, a casino, Universal Studios and an F1 race is great for Southeast Asia. We see many large companies coming to the region, maybe from Australia or India, but they’re not always going back to Singapore everytime.

Once annual events become established, there is always need a degree of variety.”

Lowe said that Disneyland plans to open another theme park in Shanghai, China.

“ It is a wonderful opportunity,” he said, adding that China’s vast population would be an advantage.

“Our markets are different. We believe our market in Shanghai will be from, mostly, mainland China.

While in Hong Kong, it is more diverse. People come from local Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the fastest growing market is actually India.”

Lowe said the construction of Disneyland Shanghai will only start next year and it will take another five year to complete.

He was upbeat that the presence of Hong Kong Disneyland would remain strong.

“Our advantage is the location. There is no other Disney park in the world that is right on the sea,” he said. Lowe also added that Hong Kong Disneyland has tried to embrace the Asian culture not only on providing Asian style Food and Beverages but also providing merchandise that is related to Asian culture.

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How to Create a Theme Park

A theme park is an amusement park with a focus on one or more ideas. Rides and attractions are grouped according to theme. Some famous theme parks are centered on animals, while others are inspired by folklore or history. All require sizable areas of land and offerings that will entice visitors over a wide area. Follow these steps to create one.

Choose a concept. Your amusement park must be built around an idea that will appeal to people’s sense of fantasy and wonder. Think of things that cannot be easily experienced in everyday life. Imagine what a child might want to do if he could do anything in this world. Recall what a child might dream of becoming when she grows up. Theme parks satisfy a need. They speak to the spirit and give us time to step outside of reality.

Return to reality for a moment and consider where you will place your theme park. The typical theme park occupies a large tract of land. Land is expensive. Your theme park must be readily accessible to large numbers of people or else you won’t cover your expenses. Expect people to visit only a few times a year at most. Make sure your attractions can appeal to people outside of your immediate area. Consider a location near other tourist attractions.

Erect hotels if necessary and offer all-inclusive packages. Decide on your admissions plans. Most modern theme parks charge at the gate and then allow guests to enjoy as many rides as they want. Ensure that you have sufficient help. Many theme parks are seasonal. You will need to be able to guarantee a sufficient supply of workers at all times.

Stick to your theme. Make it come alive. If you have a roller coaster at a pirate theme park, decorate it to look like something that would appeal to a real-life buccaneer. Thrill rides can be made to suit almost any idea. Make your rides the fastest and most unusual. Put your employees into costumes. Serve food that appeals to your patrons’ sense of wonder. Name dishes in keeping with your theme. Theatrical performances can also enhance your theme. Get everyone involved. Give out special prizes and invite children up on stage. Hold themed demonstrations of dances or crafts. Shops should sell articles that relate to the theme of each area. You can have more than one theme, but make sure to separate them in different areas of the park.

Explore new technologies. Many theme parks feature robots in roles that cannot be performed by human beings. Computers are also used to manage standard rides and attractions. You can monitor the movements of cars through an exhibit or time particular displays. Computers are even used to program fireworks. Use computers to involve your guests. Create games that ask questions and provide interesting pieces of information. Often old-style carnival rides and games are dressed up with the help of technology. Consider old favorites and bring them into the modern era.

Pay attention to customer service. Use technology to improve the flow through your park. People don’t like long lines or things that break down. Word of mouth will sell your theme park.

By Brian Adler

http://www.ehow.com/how_4516759_create-theme-park.html

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