Storyland Studios Selected to Design Film City in Lagos, Nigeria
Storyland Studios has been selected to master plan and design a film city and entertainment industry campus in Lagos, Nigeria.
Legends Panel 2003 – Three Visionaries Speak
Get ready for an amazing presentation. The IAAPA Legends panel is hosted each year by industry leader Bob Rogers, Chairman of BRC Imagination Arts. This 2003 panel was one of the first of Bob Rogers’ annual Legends panels. This panel featured three exceptional voices from the attractions industry. All three have now left this earth,…
Kids create Theme Park and Volcano Rollercoaster alongside Katapult
Finalists and the eventual winner of the Theme Park Designer Competition, have collaborated with international themed attraction designers, Katapult, to create a brand new theme park design.
Katapult & Simworx create unique Ferrari midway attraction concept
The Ferrari concept is a media-based attraction, featuring immersive simulator rides, an esports adrenalin hub and exclusive themed dining experiences for all the family to enjoy.
First Ubisoft Entertainment Center to open at Studios Occitanie in France
“We’re proud to be designing a truly next-generation concept that will allow those who grew up in the digital media age to experience Ubisoft’s diverse worlds through three-dimensional immersive storytelling,” said Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Clients at Storyland Studios.
SPREE Interactive Press Conference @ IAAPA Orlando – Today
Calling all journalists and press! You are invited to an exclusive SPREE Press Conference @ IAAPA Orlando – Booth 3040
Join us in a panel with I.E. PARK S.R.L. SOLI BUMPER CARS and Sala Entertainment for the latest news on future installations in the GCC region and for a teaser on the newest VR Bumper Car project. Moderated by VR industry leader Bob Cooney.
4 in 5 UK consumers demand attractions do more to get them back through gates
COVID-19 safety measures, smart tech, personalisation, and loyalty apps tops list 16 November 2021: New research reveals that despite COVID-19 rules easing, only 50% of Brits have visited an attraction since the start of the pandemic, with nearly half admitting they are still hesitant to visit due to safety concerns. According to the latest research…
THOUSANDS OF REASONS TO VISIT BOOTH# 1000
THOUSANDS OF REASONS TO VISIT BOOTH# 1000
Orlando-Based Fine Ink Studios Selects Storyland to Create America’s First Franchised Luxury Tattoo Experience
“It will be a complete luxury experience, from the time you walk in to get your tattoo art or body piercing, to the aftercare,” said Matt Ferguson, Chief Innovation Officer at Storyland Studios.
IDEAS to Revitalize Miami’s Historic Jungle Island Park
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, November 9 –IDEAS, an Orlando-based brand and experience design firm, has been selected to redesign the historic Jungle Island animal park in Miami, Florida. The firm is guiding the overhaul of the iconic, 84-year-old destination with a dynamic new guest experience that includes adventurous family attractions, showstopping entertainment, and WILD animal encounters. Originally…
Absolute Efficiency: a guide to operational efficiency in the theme park industry
Absolute Efficiency is the first ever book about managing queues in theme parks. It uses almost 400 sources, and looks at parks from around the world. We know that queuing is the biggest cause of complaints, and this book will provide you with hundreds of solutions. How do you shift visits from busy days to…
TRIOTECH SHOWCASES BRAND NEW ATTRACTION AT IAAPA EXPO 2021
Doubling down with its largest booth ever at the show Montréal, November 2nd, 2021 – Triotech is thrilled to announce its participation to IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando with the biggest booth in the company’s history. Covering 3,600 sq.ft, the leader in interactive media-based attractions will showcase several of its attractions directly on the show…
Gerstlauer to Build One-Of-A-Kind Infinity Roller Coaster in the United States
STEVENSVILLE, MD (October 20, 2021) – Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH, a proud partner of Ride Entertainment, has signed an agreement to manufacture a one-of-a-kind Infinity roller coaster for a soon-to-be-named customer in the United States. The attraction, which is scheduled to open in late 2022, will be formally announced in the Gerstlauer booth (#4831) at…
IDEAS Brings Experience Design Expertise to Regional Workforce Systems with New Engagement Tools
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, October 25 – For more than 10 years Orlando based IDEAS, a brand and experience design firm has created highly effective brands and workforce system solutions. Their new innovative slate of workforce development tools provides a new level of inspiration and development in a simple subscription-based offering for workforce regions. CareerVerse is an…
Strategy: Themed Finishes
A good strategy upfront, mitigating risks, and excellent execution by a very talented and disciplined team yields dividends during the project’s implementation phase.
JRA VP Shawn McCoy to Present Emerging Trends in Immersive Design at IAAPA Expo
JRA Vice President Shawn McCoy will offer his thoughts on “Emerging Trends in Immersive Design” at the 2021 IAAPA Expo. The session, co-presented with Cynthia Sharpe, Principal, Cultural Attractions & Research at Thinkwell Group, takes place on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join us at the Family Attraction Expo 2021!
We are back this year with our 2021 edition of the Family Attraction Expo, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on the 10th and 11th of November.
2021 Prayer Networking Breakfast during IAAPA
We are excited to invite you to attend the 2021 Prayer Networking Breakfast during IAAPA! It is on November 18th and features guest speaker David Durham, Executive, Creative Ride Engineering, Walt Disney Imagineering. About this event We are excited to be back at the Orange County Convention Center and host this event live. This will…
Halloween Scents Strike Fear at FRIGHT NIGHTS, Thorpe Park Resort
Aroma Prime has created a fear-inducing range of smells for Thorpe Park Resort’s FRIGHT NIGHTS 2021! Celebrating 20 years of fear, this year’s pongs have demanded extra attention in the lab to get them just right. Particular care was put into the storytelling aspects of the scents in the new scare maze Trailers, which give…
How to make a fiberglass statue?
The production method of fiberglass animal sculpture sculpture refers to the use of various plastic materials (such as gypsum, resin, clay, etc.) or hard materials that can be carved or sculpted, such as wood, stone, metal, jade, etc. , agate, aluminum, FRP, sandstone, copper, etc.), to create a certain space visible and tangible art image, to…
Agents of Influence: A Spy-Themed Video Game Combating Misinformation
How Alterea Inc., a live experience design company, pivoted with a digital project during the pandemic. It isn’t common for video games to be featured on Themed Attraction. To be fair, it wasn’t common for live event companies to create them, either, but that was exactly the position we found ourselves in this year as…
Grand Prize Winner and Finalists Announced in International Storyland Design Challenge
“The sheer talent among creatives in our space is staggering,” said Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Clients at Storyland Studios. “We were thrilled with the astounding response to the challenge, and excited to present the winner and finalists with their well-deserved awards.”
‘This Is How We Roll’ Documentary To Tell The Story Of Fred Grubb And Rocky Mountain Construction (Out Oct 8)
On October 8, 2021, a brand new documentary from YouTube powerhouse Coaster Studios will debut worldwide. This Is How We Roll will pull back the curtain to reveal a never-before-seen look into the twenty year history of one of the most remarkable stories in themed entertainment- Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC).
TA Podcast E35: Tony Bruno
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Our guest is Tony Bruno, former VP of the Disneyland Resort Hotels & the Downtown Disney District. Under his guidance, over 4000 cast members operated The 4 Diamond Grand Californian Hotel & Disneyland Hotel – as well as the 49 unique brands that comprise Downtown Disney. Today he leads Hospitality Development at Storyland Studios helping…
IDEAS to Lead Port Experience Design Workshop at Seatrade Miami
IDEAS will host cruise industry leaders in a first of its kind experience design workshop at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami on September 27
Halloween is coming! Come choose a dinosaur dress up
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated on October 31, and in 2021 it will take place on Sunday, October 31. The tradition originated during the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as the day to…
SAVE THE DATE Prayer Networking Event during IAAPA 11-18-2021
Save The Date for the Prayer Networking Event during IAAPA – Thursday, November 18, 2021
How do flowriders work?
Flowrider is water park ride system with submersible propeller pumps that inject a three-inch sheet of water over a smooth, composite membrane riding surface. As a result, it produces a stationary wave – or sheet wave – that allows riders to surf its continuously flowing face. Contrary to popular opinion, the Flowrider is not a…
JRA and Cortina Productions Team Up on Design of TheZone
Located within the Northwest Arena in Jamestown, New York, TheZone will be an interactive play space for children ages 2 through 12 that builds upon the Arena’s 20 years of successful stewardship of youth recreation and athletics.
Designed by Jack Rouse Associates and Cortina Productions, both world-renowned firms who design displays for museum, sport, and entertainment venues including the National Comedy Center, TheZone will be colorful, fun, and inviting, from the LED marquee that welcomes you in, to the five zones of diverse, dynamic activities inside.
TheZone features a fully ADA-compliant design! All kids can expect to experience play in a way meaningful to them, from designing a sports uniform to testing their speed against real and simulated rivals, climbing, throwing balls, jumping, and simply having fun creating their own play in an enriching, age-appropriate space.
With support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public resources, TheZone expects to be welcoming guests during summer 2022. For more information, visit https://funatthezone.org
Katapult collaborates with The LEGO® Group and Merlin Entertainment to create LEGO® DOTS Festival Experience
Themed attraction designers, Katapult, have unveiled a new experience at 11 LEGOLAND® Discovery Centres celebrating LEGO® DOTS.
Will theme parks ever be ready for sadness?
The future is more immersive, more experiential, and more storytelling! The creed of our profession today – but the stories we tell are seldom other than those of happiness or fear. I was born in 1987. Reborn in 1994. Disney’s The Lion King was such a life changing moment for many of us 90’s kids.…
Katapult complete REBUILD THE WORLD, PLANET LEGOLAND® experience across 8 LEGOLAND® Parks
A new experience at 8 LEGOLAND® Parks worldwide has been designed and rolled-out by international themed attraction designers, Katapult working in collaboration with The LEGO® Group and Merlin Entertainments.
The man bought a $50 million mansion built a water park, and became a billionaire 15 years later
What I want to share with you in this issue is: An man bought a luxury villa covering an area of 4,000 square meters 15 years ago for 50 million. Now this mansion has become his family’s private water park, he build a water park, and the price has also changed. It is nine times…
The Experience Disconnect: What You Want vs. What Your Guests Want
Designing a guest experience can be a fun and innovative exercise. Whether you are starting from scratch, revamping an existing attraction, or fine-tuning your operating model, this is the chance to be creative and provide something that you genuinely want your guests to experience.
But here’s the question… do they want to experience what you want them to experience?
The story of America’s regional theme parks
Everybody knows pretty much everything about Disneyland—how it got started, how the Imagineers do their thing, and so on. But nobody hardly ever talks about the parks that most of us across the country enjoy far more often. The regional theme parks, different from amusement parks, owe their existence to the magical land Walt built…
IDEAS to Design Next Generation Space-Themed Destination
Pale Blue Dot Ventures has partnered with Orlando-based experience design firm IDEAS to design an all new space-themed entertainment and education destination in coastal Santa Barbara County, CA.
Sketch comedy at theme parks — room for improv-ment?
Given the vast, seemingly universal popularity of sketch comedy, here’s a thought experiment to mull on — could some of the better known characters or skits from television ever be brought into a theme park attraction?
Is there an argument for building real-world connections between themed attractions across the globe?
Over the course of the last couple of decades, increasingly easy and inexpensive international travel has made the world feel smaller; making the appeal of such ideas limited, even as recently as five or ten years ago. Why would I want to look at Orlando through a window, when I could just fly there tomorrow? But as we all begin to finally wake up to the evidence climate scientists have been waving in our faces for several generations — perhaps flying to Orlando tomorrow isn’t the best idea — and the separate realisation that something like Covid-19 can ground flights without much warning, the idea of seeing the world without actually travelling very far may become more appealing. The future of themed entertainment may well be a hybrid, combining in-person visits with virtual experiences set in far flung locations.
Student Showcase panel discussions now live!
The Inaugural Themed Attraction Student Showcase continued with feedback panels for the submitted projects. Day one featured the individual projects. Day two featured the team entries. Industry veterans panel Tom Morris (Walt Disney Imagineering / retired), MK Haley (University of Texas at Austin / WDI R&D), Louis Alfieri (Raven Sun Creative), Peter Cliff (Holovis), Thomas…
The Integrated Storytelling by Design book is out now
In the words of the publisher, this pioneering work equips you with the skills needed to create and design powerful stories and concepts for interactive, digital, multi-platform storytelling and experience design that will take audience engagement to the next level.
Storyville Gardens Theme Park Announced for Middle Tennessee
Immersive, interactive theme park to feature stories from cultures around the world. Storyland Studios, the experience design and production studio with offices in the US and Europe, has been selected to design Storyville Gardens, an interactive, story-driven theme park based in Middle Tennessee. Storyville Gardens’ mission is to inspire a renewed love for reading…
What you need to know before investing in a water park
The water park is not only one of the most popular vacation paradises for all ages all over the world but also a wholesome place to learn and grow. It is a huge deal and inclusive business program with great profit-earning potential. Besides, it is a diverse deal and designed into any form and scale…
Steampunk Western Storypark Finds Home in Northern Arizona
Acorn Entertainment Group is excited to announce that we have made an offer to build Jackalope Junction™, the world’s first Steampunk Western Storypark™, in the heart of Historic Williams, Arizona, the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” on a prime 77 acre parcel, part of a future planned community development by Kansas Development LLC. Teaming up with Acorn Entertainment Group…
Madame Tussauds Blackpool Commissions Custom Aroma For New Figure
Madame Tussauds Blackpool has launched a new wax figure of YouTube gamer DanTDM—with a brand new sensory dimension! For the first time ever at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, a specially bespoke scent has been designed to accompany a celebrity figure. AromaPrime was commissioned to concoct the essence, designed to enhance immersion for fans meeting their idol.…
Storyland Studios Welcomes Veteran Imagineer Jim Clark As Newest Executive Director
Storyland Studios is proud to welcome veteran Walt Disney Imagineer Jim Clark as their newest Executive Director. Clark’s 27-year tenure with the Walt Disney Company included work at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland, with two decades at Walt Disney Imagineering. Most recently, he served as Senior Creative Producer for the Tokyo Disneyland Expansion,…
What do we do when the Whole World is Themed?
What do we do when the Whole World is Themed? Attraction business success starts with emotional content, customer service and a human connection. Did you know that theme and story are not the most important characteristics of a successful attraction? It may sound like sacrilege on its face, but legendary (now retired) theme park designer…
The Big FAT Problem in the Attractions Industry
Featured Photo Credit: https://orlandoinformer.com/blog/rides-at-universal-for-larger-guests/ This essay contains mentions of weight numbers, percentiles, and size-related traumatic experiences and may be triggering to those with such experiences or eating disorders. You’re 12. You’re excited. You’ve waited all year for the summer to come and school is finally out! You and your friends are headed down on a…
TA Podcast E34: Ben Thompson
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Ben Thompson is a global themed entertainment and marketing strategist who spent the last 20 years in leadership roles at global monoliths like Mars Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and the Merlin Group, where he was responsible for opening 4 LEGOLAND®️ Parks and 40 location-based entertainment sites worldwide. Ben is now the Chief Strategy Officer…