What kind of theme park enthusiast are you, in general?

[ChrisFL]

I figured I would post this here since we tend to be more open minded to non-Disney experiences on this side.

I love a lot about classic Disney attractions, and a lot to love about other amusement style parks like Hersheypark and Busch Gardens. I love rollercoasters although some may be starting to be too crazy for me (Kingda Ka, for example).

I am a huge fan of the classic EPCOT attractions and I am sad that they're gone.

I prefer Busch Gardens Tampa to Animal Kingdom in many ways.

I enjoy MGM/DHS and while I prefer Universal, it's still a fun park.

I love themed restaurants, like the Sci-Fi Dine in theater and the Enchanted Oak Tavern

I enjoy any theme park where you can see the quality and dedication that went into it, with the little details. That is why i love IOA so much and why my dream more than anything right now is to go visit DisneySea...the two parks actually seem to have some things in common.

I didn't like DCA at all when I visited but love Disneyland and how much they fit into such a small park!

I want to visit Ohio badly to see the parks up there.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

Well its been a few since I have been to parks except for Disney and Universal but here is my experience. At the moment my favorite park is MGM with ToT and RNR and has best 3D show being the Muppets. But with that said I do love Universal also even though I miss kong, BTTF, Nick Studios, and the Hitchkock show. Busch Gardens is a great park but I havent seen them in about 6 or so years so not sure if they have changed for better or worse recently. The only 3 Disney parks are just ok imo none of the rides rly stick out to me saying that was amazing, but again only done some things recently in August I will know more as were spending a day in each park will get to do as much as possible.

AK is kinda nice with Dinosaur and EE though...even though I found EE srsly tame coaster it was pretty impressive the theming that went behind it and I actually rly rly liked dinosaur. IOA seems like an ok park and I love coasters so I am excited to go check it out. Does not seem like a whole lot to the park right now but that may change with Harry Potter. When I was a kid my favorite park was always Universal and tbh with their new coaster opening up it may retake the lead in my eyes because it just sounds awesome.

I used to go to the park Kings Island in Ohio when I was a kid and it was a great park but it was before I did a lot of the bigger rides. The beast was always a great ride in my eyes though and I am probably gonna make a trip back up there comming next year to see if its as good as I remember it and maybe try some rides I didnt do when I was smaller.

Just wanted to add even though I say Muppets is best 3D show, Terminator is insanely close and its a must see anytime I am at Universal they are almost neck and neck just sorta depends on the mood your in if you want to see the comedy or just the great show from Terminator. Last time I went to Universal I thought they were slipping some with the "actors" I guess you would call them running the rides and it just seemed like they werent trying too hard made the ride less enjoyable such as Jaws.

 

[Timmy Boy]

Great topic! Well, I'm an all around roller coaster nerd. I'd love to go to Cedar Point someday or King's Island and ride coasters all day long. It'd be so amazing.

However, I am majoring in Theme Park Management from UCF. So to me, I like to look into different parks operations aspects. To me, a quality done park is clean, organized, guest friendly, and appealing. I like a clean park, because it shows that there is enough organization with the sweepers in the park to keep the park clean. It also shows that the park takes pride in itself.

I like organization too. It's no fun to be on a platform waiting for the roller coaster to dispatch and see the loading team talking to each other, joking around, and not dispatching the train. To me, each loader should have assigned duties to look for, not loading another loaders rows, and communication is key. This goes for all rides, not just the coasters. With an efficient crew who knows what they're doing, the line will continue to move, and more guests will be happier.

Guest friendly is acheived through the teams and among other things. The staff must be trained to know all areas of the park. Nearest restrooms, closing times, other park (if applicable) hours. This will ease the guest experience, and will gain confidence in the park. Another part of guest friendliness is the layout and signage of the park. This should be done to the simplest of terms. Let's face it, people aren't too bright when they walk into a theme park. The signage should let guests know what is going on.

Also, it must look appealing. This doesn't have to be crazy IOA or Disney theming. It could be natural beauty, such as very few trees knocked down, nice gardens, etc.

So, that's what I look for when I visit parks. Yes I know, it may be too strict, but if I eventually become a leader in an area or park, I'd want nothing but excellence.

 

[Tinker-tude]

I tend to look for the same things you look for, Chris.
I like really good theming that has a LOT of detail, both artistic and technical.

I love coasters.

I like a wide variety of experiences in one location.

I really like parks who treat their employees well enough that they are happy to be there and motivated to make our park experience as pleasant as their experience.

I like a variety of foods available, both fast and restaurants.

I like seeing other people's visions and imagination come to life.

I like unique memorabilia.

I like creative landscaping.

Characters who really ARE their characters.

Entertainment variety - shows, music, dancing, animals, etc.

Clean parks with maintainance kept up.


That's what I can think of right now. We've really liked USO/IoA, SeaWorld, King's Dominion, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Great America, and Disney. We're trying Hershey in September. I'd love to try other Six Flags parks, too. Gotta love those coasters!

Tamie

 

[TIGGERGUY]

I look to different parks for different experiences.

I like Six Flags over Georgia for its great coasters, southern flavor and keeping the feel of the landscape (complete with hills).

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have unique rides like Men in Black and Mummy, great theming in IOA, better play/water areas for kids and my favorite restaurant in Mythos.

Magic Kingdom is magical. Epcot is such a pleasure just to walk around in, as is AK. The Studios are ok, but they do have some of the best thrill rides in TOT and RnR.

 

[ChrisFL]

Also, it must look appealing. This doesn't have to be crazy IOA or Disney theming. It could be natural beauty, such as very few trees knocked down, nice gardens, etc.

I agree, sometimes theming can be simple, but it should flow well and portray a certain emotion.

 

[ky07]

I agree, sometimes theming can be simple, but it should flow well and portray a certain emotion.

This may be way off topic but ChrisFL you are not missing anything by missing KingsIsland in Ohio cause we use to go there alot and went there in 2006 and man what a dump and not to mention how rude and nasty the employees are and I guess Universal has spoiled me cause that is the only park I want to go now.
Not only for Universals great themeing but how clean the parks are and how polite the employees are cause they make me excited to come back the next year and just ashame that some parks just want the money and don't care what shape the park is in

 

[Ileana]

I'll visit any Theme Park/Adventure Park anywhere

I'm dying to go to Cedar Point, Six Flags in NJ (been there before, but over 10 years ago) and some park in California that I cannot remember the name of (and no it's not Disneyland smarties)

I wish I had the resources to travel State to State & visit every park. That's my lotto dream!!!!

 

[Ileana]

This may be way off topic but ChrisFL you are not missing anything by missing KingsIsland in Ohio cause we use to go there alot and went there in 2006 and man what a dump and not to mention how rude and nasty the employees are and I guess Universal has spoiled me cause that is the only park I want to go now.
Not only for Universals great themeing but how clean the parks are and how polite the employees are cause they make me excited to come back the next year and just ashame that some parks just want the money and don't care what shape the park is in

Is that the one in Cincinnati? I visited a Paramount Kings Island (or maybe Dominion) about 7 years ago. The coasters weren't that special, the wooden one (I think Son of the Beast? or something like that) gave me the biggest headache of my life, and I NEVER get headaches on coasters.

 

[ky07]

Is that the one in Cincinnati? I visit a Paramount Kings Island (or maybe Dominion) about 7 years ago. The coasters weren't that special, the wooden one (I think Son of the Beast? or something like that) gave me the biggest headache of my life, and I NEVER get headaches on coasters.

Yep thats the one and man talk about a place going down hill

 

[ChrisFL]

Thanks for the info. I do still want to visit Cedar Point though

 

[keishashadow]

1st trip to CP last summer, way better than i had expected

imo, being @ any amusement park beats the heck out of sitting @ home twiddling my thumbs

 

[donaldduck352]

Yep thats the one and man talk about a place going down hill

Sorry to hear about Kings Island.Have'nt been in awhile.It was pretty cool @ 1time.Maybe will skip it this summer And just go too Cedar point.

 

[coastermom]

I'll visit any Theme Park/Adventure Park anywhere

I'm dying to go to Cedar Point, Six Flags in NJ (been there before, but over 10 years ago) and some park in California that I cannot remember the name of (and no it's not Disneyland smarties)

I wish I had the resources to travel State to State & visit every park. That's my lotto dream!!!!

WE have been to Cedar Point and LOVE IT . I have to say we are season pass holders to SF in NJ and can tell you all the good and the bad. I really want to do the california tour ... SF magic mountian , Knotsberry farm and Disney land with California Adventure ( I think that is it's name) but the kiddies are all differnt ages and well a trip to Cali is far off for us now.

I am a coaster FREAK . I look into a park that has something for MY whole family . My son is only 6 while my Teenage daughters also need to be amused . Disney had it down pat for us . USF/IOA are good but my son needs to be 48 to 54 inches before I return again with the whole family.

 

[ChrisFL]

WE have been to Cedar Point and LOVE IT . I have to say we are season pass holders to SF in NJ and can tell you all the good and the bad. I really want to do the california tour ... SF magic mountian , Knotsberry farm and Disney land with California Adventure ( I think that is it's name) but the kiddies are all differnt ages and well a trip to Cali is far off for us now.

If I were you, I'd wait until California Adventure gets its $1 Billion makeover, which should be done in 2-3 years, but it looks like it will totally transform that park (and it needs it!)

 

[Metro West]

Great topic! Well, I'm an all around roller coaster nerd. I'd love to go to Cedar Point someday or King's Island and ride coasters all day long. It'd be so amazing.

However, I am majoring in Theme Park Management from UCF. So to me, I like to look into different parks operations aspects. To me, a quality done park is clean, organized, guest friendly, and appealing. I like a clean park, because it shows that there is enough organization with the sweepers in the park to keep the park clean. It also shows that the park takes pride in itself.

I like organization too. It's no fun to be on a platform waiting for the roller coaster to dispatch and see the loading team talking to each other, joking around, and not dispatching the train. To me, each loader should have assigned duties to look for, not loading another loaders rows, and communication is key. This goes for all rides, not just the coasters. With an efficient crew who knows what they're doing, the line will continue to move, and more guests will be happier.

Guest friendly is acheived through the teams and among other things. The staff must be trained to know all areas of the park. Nearest restrooms, closing times, other park (if applicable) hours. This will ease the guest experience, and will gain confidence in the park. Another part of guest friendliness is the layout and signage of the park. This should be done to the simplest of terms. Let's face it, people aren't too bright when they walk into a theme park. The signage should let guests know what is going on.

Also, it must look appealing. This doesn't have to be crazy IOA or Disney theming. It could be natural beauty, such as very few trees knocked down, nice gardens, etc.

So, that's what I look for when I visit parks. Yes I know, it may be too strict, but if I eventually become a leader in an area or park, I'd want nothing but excellence.

Very well said and I agree!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Hey Chris.. good question..

I'm from Florida.. so I definitely feel very lucky to be just a few hours away from the theme parks..

Universal/Islands of Adventure is probably my favorite theme park vacation destination. I love the resorts, the service, the parks, the Express perk, the close proximity, the value, etc.

A close second for me is the Disneyland Resort in California. It's similar to Universal's layout except they only really have 1 hotel that's as good as Universal's (which will change with the rebuild coming up of the Disneyland Hotel) and California Adventure isn't exactly Islands of Adventure (but the upcoming changes will definitely make it more worthwhile).

I do enjoy WDW but it's getting more expensive by the day and the cost-to-value ratio of the whole experience is getting a little off for me. If they'd announce new attractions or enhancements as frequently as they do price increases, it might be more worthwhile. I'm no longer an annual passholder.

I've also been dreaming of visiting the Tokyo parks and that might be coming true this year! If God willing, I currently have a trip scheduled to Japan after Thanksgiving of this year.

 

[keishashadow]

Hey Chris.. good question..

I'm from Florida.. so I definitely feel very lucky to be just a few hours away from the theme parks..

Universal/Islands of Adventure is probably my favorite theme park vacation destination. I love the resorts, the service, the parks, the Express perk, the close proximity, the value, etc.

A close second for me is the Disneyland Resort in California. It's similar to Universal's layout except they only really have 1 hotel that's as good as Universal's (which will change with the rebuild coming up of the Disneyland Hotel) and California Adventure isn't exactly Islands of Adventure (but the upcoming changes will definitely make it more worthwhile).

I do enjoy WDW but it's getting more expensive by the day and the cost-to-value ratio of the whole experience is getting a little off for me. If they'd announce new attractions or enhancements as frequently as they do price increases, it might be more worthwhile. I'm no longer an annual passholder.

I've also been dreaming of visiting the Tokyo parks and that might be coming true this year! If God willing, I currently have a trip scheduled to Japan after Thanksgiving of this year.

OT - haven't heard of DLH rebuild do you mean DVC @ GC just wondering since we have ressies end of June/early July & would hate to be tripping over construction workers.

 

[Ileana]

However, I am majoring in Theme Park Management from UCF.

Are you really?

That's too cool!!!

I have no plans to ever move back to Orlando, but if I ever did, I'm parking my rear at Universal's door and begging for a job

 

[donaldduck352]

I have no plans to ever move back to Orlando, but if I ever did, I'm parking my rear at Universal's door and begging for a job [/QUOTE]

That would be pretty cool!!!!