How to Design Theme Park Rides
The last time you were at a theme park, you may have though that you could design one of the rides. Maybe you weren't satisfied with the ride you just got off of. Maybe you had an adventure story in mind you knew would translate well into a ride. Here's how to get started designing it.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Subscribe to "Amusement Today" (see link in Resources) to stay current on ride design trends. Visit the Theme Park Adventure website for editorials and message boards.
-
2
Visit as many theme parks as you can and study each of the rides. Note the unpopular choices as well as those visitors flock to. Make a rough sketch of the designs that appeal to you.
-
-
3
Walk around with a sketch pad to catch inspiration when it strikes. Buy the book "The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards if you need sketching help.
-
4
Brainstorm ideas for a fun ride. Get crazy with your concepts. Describe how you envision they'll work and draw mini-sketches to remind yourself of what you're aiming for.
-
5
Find a story to match with your ideas. Tap into popular culture and your obsessions. Theme park rides are about catching the wave of popularity. Even Disney continuously updates their ride designs so guests don't feel like they're walking into a time warp.
-
6
Think about who's going to be drawn to the ride. Pre-teens, teenagers and adults all respond to different stories. You'll get a much better design if you target your audience.
-
7
Meditate on the design for your theme park ride. Imagine people waiting in line, getting on and going through the experience. The more detailed you are in your head, the better the design will be on paper.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The complexity of the story behind your design has a lot to do with how long the ride will last.
