A quick web search states that there are 475 Amusement Parks in the US. Most can name the 50 (+/-) that are associated with the household names; to use round numbers we’ll place that at 75. This means that approximately 85% don’t have access to multi-million dollar budgets to install new and improved or game-changing refurbishments.
Take the image above; that isn’t an actual rocket on the wall and the child isn’t an astronaut- BUT by taking a blank canvas and adding texture & layers to it the experience of a child’s imagination unfolds. Here are some ways you can give a refresh and develop a memorable Guest Experience on a smaller budget:
- Paint: One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to re-theme a kids amusement ride is by painting it.
- Decals: Another way to re-theme a small kids amusement ride is by using decals. You can buy pre-made decals or create your own using a design software. Decals can add a new dimension to the ride and can be a fun way to incorporate characters or tie into a park theme.
- Accessories: Add accessories to the ride to give it a new look. For example, you can add themed seat covers or handlebars. Create a sign featuring the ride’s new theme.
- Lighting: Add new lighting to the ride can give it a new dimension and make it more visually appealing (outline LED strings or spotlights). You can add throughout the ride or to highlight different parts.
- Sound: Adding sound effects to the ride can enhance the experience for kids. You can add music or sound effects that match the ride’s theme.
- Mix of lights, sound, and fog: a lot of kids aren’t ready for the “prime time” of roller coasters, but still like the thrill of the unknown. Poll your young guests to see what they’d like to experience.
- Update Landscaping: make the area around it visually appealing- fill in grass patches, include some seating, etc..
Not to make the above too simplistic- but assume you give yourself a $5,000 budget to do the above and, without an increase in ticket prices or discounts, the charge per ride is $2.00 and in 2024 you have 110 operating days. Using VERY rough math, this refreshed experience would need to generate just an additional $46 per day to cash flow. Let’s further assume you operate an average of 10 hours per operating day: $5 per hour or 3 new riders per hour. Actually, three new riders per hour already generates a $1,600 profit and would pay for the improvement on the 84th day.
That is VERY rudimentary math but helps generate a point: even a relatively small investment to improve guest experience will pay for itself and generate an ROI in a short window.
Queue CREATIVITY!
As always, remember that when re-theming a small kids amusement ride, safety should always be a top priority. Make sure any changes you make are in compliance with safety regulations and do not compromise the integrity of the ride.
#guestexperience #themeparks #smallparks #zoos #innovation #creativity
