How to Start a Theme Park Business

Theme parks are often a popular choice for families and young adults seeking entertainment during the summer months. Based on a common theme, parks generally offer rides, shows, games, performances and food. While fun is the number one thing visitors seek when they arrive at the park, it often requires hard work and dedication to build the park and get it open. People interested in opening their own park need to become educated about the this niche of the entertainment and tourism industry and know in advance how to start a theme park business.

Instructions

1. Establish a business plan. Write down the strengths and weaknesses you face opening a theme park business based on the general location where it will be housed. Consider what competition exists as well as the population in the surrounding area. Include the financial aspects of owning and operating a theme park business. Decide how much funding you will need to start the park as well as how much you’ll need to charge for admission, rides and other aspects once the theme park is open to make a profit. Ensure that the local area and population has enough people and money to make it profitable.

2. Seek out funding. Starting a theme park business is often an expensive venture once you consider the cost of purchasing rides as well as leasing or purchasing land. Speak with loan officers at banks and credit unions to determine if your business would qualify for a loan even if the loan doesn’t cover the entire cost to start a theme park. Seek out investors who are willing to invest money to start the park in return for a share of the profits or repayment with interest once the park is open.

3. Create a theme. Determine what theme your park will have. Consider your location as well as the target population when selecting a theme. Look at what types of rides and attractions are available to tie into your theme.

4. Obtain land. Purchase land on which you can build your theme park business. While leasing is an option, you could be forced to move the theme park if you can’t negotiate an additional lease after your current lease is up. Purchasing land also gives you freedom to place rides and construct buildings anywhere you want to on the land, while a lease may have restrictions.

5. Secure proper permits. Check with your local city or county to get any permits you need to be able to operate your theme park business. Most cities require a business license, and you need building permits if you plan to construct any buildings on the land.

6. Develop the theme park. Find new and used attractions and rides to put in the theme park from manufacturers, distributors and sellers such as Ital International. Place buildings throughout the park to house food, entertainment and restrooms. Map out pathways through the park, and make sure to include space for park offices.

7. Purchase insurance. Secure liability insurance to protect your theme park business in the event someone is injured or killed on one of your rides. Obtain property insurance to protect against any damage to rides or buildings that occur as a result of natural disaster, fire or vandalism.

8. Prepare for opening day. Hire staff to manage the rides, entertainment, security, food and other aspects of the theme park business. Obtain employees to manage the day-to-day operations of the park such as marketing and finances. Buy supplies for food and souvenir shops in the park. Develop publications and marketing materials along with a theme park map, which will be useful once the park opens.

9. Market and advertise the theme park. Use radio, television and newspaper to conduct general advertising campaigns to the public about your theme park business. Consider special discounts such as free foods or season passes to attract customers to the park. Extend your marketing and advertising to communities beyond your area since some families may take a vacation to your theme park during the summer months.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your city for any tax rebates or special funding you may qualify for through the economic development office since you're bringing a new business to town.

• Join a professional organization such as the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions to network with other professionals in the field.

References

• Ital International: Amusement Park Rides for Sell

Resources

• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions