A new report from themed attraction designers Katapult provides critical psychographic data for U.S. operators, showing that high-frequency guests have dramatically different motivations—and breaking their loyalty is easier than you think.
Katapult, an international themed attraction and experience design company , has released the findings from its Theme Park Superfans Survey 2025. The report, conducted in association with U.S.-based theme park influencer Parkineer , surveyed 100 of America’s most dedicated theme park fans —a high-value group that averages 9.5 visits to theme parks every year.
The survey uncovered that “superfan” is not a single category. The report identifies three distinct guest profiles, each with unique motivations, interests, and, most importantly, different breaking points. For U.S. theme park operators, understanding this fragmentation is the key to increasing revenue, driving loyalty, and avoiding the simple mistakes that turn a magical day into a “worst ever” memory.
The Three Faces of the Superfan
The report’s most eye-catching finding is its categorization of these high-value guests:
- The Magic Seekers: This group is motivated by the creation of “special memories” and the “holistic experience”. They are the least likely to prioritize thrill-seeking.
- Key Stat: Only 23% of Magic Seekers prioritize visiting parks with unique ride technology.
- The Craft Collective: These are discerning enthusiasts who appreciate theme parks as “a form of art and engineering”. They bridge the gap, wanting both “thrill-seeking and immersive storytelling”.
- Key Stat: This group shows high brand loyalty, with 2-in-3 feeling a “strong emotional connection” to theme park brands.
- The Supercharged: These are the hardcore hobbyists for whom visiting parks is a “core part of their lifestyle”. They are highly knowledgeable, critical, and focused on one thing: rides.
- Key Stat: “Thrill-seeking is their number one motivation” , and 75% prioritize unique ride technology (the highest of any group).
From Insights to Action
The survey reveals a clear opportunity for operators: a park optimized for “The Supercharged” (maximum ride efficiency) may be failing its “Magic Seekers” (holistic, friendly experience).
Insights Director at Katapult, Robbie Jones, said: “This research has bust the myth that superfans only want new, high-octane rides. Self-interest is put to one side for most respondents, as they prefer to experience parks vicariously through their family and friends.”
Speaking on the report release, Katapult Creative Director, Andy Sinclair-Harris, added: “The insights provided from ‘Super Fans’ are intrinsically beneficial to how we design for theme parks. In the same way a restaurant looks to seek the approval of a food critic, ‘super fans’ remain the high watermark and barometer of the critical taste within themed entertainment.”
As a B-Corp Certified themed attraction design company whose work is enjoyed by 95 million guests annually, Katapult utilises an insights-driven approach to help operators generate more income and more fans. The company’s services range from feasibility studies and masterplanning to concept design and turnkey production.
The report can be downloaded from their website.
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