Looking forward to starting an amusement or a theme park business? If so, find here a stepwise guide on starting an amusement park for beginners covering the various steps associated with it.
The amusement park business is perfect for fun-loving, passionate individuals who want to establish a profitable self-rewarding business. We are all aware of the success stories of Disney Land, Knoebels, and Cedar Point.
Establishing an amusement park business requires substantial capital investment and proper strategic planning. Also, it requires plenty of vacant land and water resources depending upon the size of the park.
In starting an amusement park preparing a business feasibility report is a must. It provides important physical planning guidance and physical parameters, such as total land size needed, building space required, etc.
Is Amusement Park a Profitable Business?
The Amusement Parks industry has grown strongly over the past five years, driven by a rise in international and domestic visitor numbers and rising consumer spending.
In the coming years, the growth of this entertainment business is expected to continue as a number of drivers continue to positively influence the industry. For example, travel spending is anticipated to increase as the economy improves over the next five years.
Furthermore, it also recommends the attraction mix and major components. Engaging the right experts for these tasks is a must. You will need to consult with experts like project consultants, architects, and civil engineers to prepare the plan and execute it properly.
12 Steps to Start an Amusement Park Business
1. Research the Market & Select your Type of Amusement Park
Before investing in developing an amusement or a theme park, it is essential to gather more information about the local demand. Do market research, and find out what kind of fun and enjoyment local customers are looking for amusement.
If there is a nearby amusement park, visit to find out the facilities provided there. Also, check the number of people visiting to enjoy themselves there and the pricing of the facilities. Based on the information collected, design your amusement park business.
There are different types of amusement parks that exist. Some of the popular amusement business ideas are listed below:
- Eco Amusement Park
- General Amusement Park
- Water Theme Park
- Zoological Theme Park
- Historical Amusement Park
- Musical Theme Park
- Amusement Park with Mini Golf Course
- Ski Resorts
Key Points for Market Research:
- Target Audience: Families, teenagers, tourists, school groups.
- Competitors: Existing amusement parks, local fairs, entertainment centers.
- Location: Accessibility, population density, tourism potential.
2. Create an Amusement Park Business Plan
Preparing a business plan is a must on the basis of the feasibility report. You should mention your business objective, vision, and mission statement. A marketing plan should be done carefully.
Financial planning should include the total capital investment, means of finance, expected revenue return, and break even. You will need to decide the size of the park, equipment, staffing, and also working capital investment.
Some of the basic topics that must be addressed in your business plan are the following:
- Initial and recurring costs
- Target customers
- Pricing plan
- Hiring manpower
- How much profit do you expect?
- How and where to find customers
3. Amusement Park Business Legalities
First, you must register the business. The amusement park business attracts several permissions and safety rules that vary from state to state. You also need to obtain permission from the Government to operate the amusement park. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to check the amusement park business legalities.
For example, in the United States, many small business owners prefer to register their companies as LLCs as it protects personal assets among other extra benefits.
4. Name your Business
Select a catchy name for your amusement park business. A properly thought-out name not only fetches extra customers but also enhances the brand image of your business.
Learn More: How to Name Your Business? Step-By-Step Guidelines
5. Financing Options For Amusement Park
Starting an amusement park requires substantial capital. You will need funds for land acquisition, construction, equipment, and operational expenses.
Sources of Funding:
- Personal Savings
- Bank Loans
- Investors
- Government Grants and Subsidies
6. Acquire Land For an Amusement Park
The land is the primary resource that you must have. The land size will depend on your business plan. Select a large size of land on the roadside that meets up the requirement of entire equipment accommodation.
You can either purchase the land or can have a long-term lease. If short on budget, you can also think about a small indoor amusement park idea. In that case, you will need to find a small property in a good location in the city.
7. Hire Manpower
In establishing an amusement park, you must engage expert professionals to implement the idea rightfully. Hire experienced skilled operational employees. Proper training in operation, safety, and customer dealing are important.
8. Purchase Equipment
Select the equipment carefully. Select the kid’s specific rides and also keep the equipment for the teenage and young crowd.
Purchase equipment from reliable suppliers. Check the warranty period, installation charges, and after-sale service commitments.
You must make arrangements for food and beverages inside the park. It is also an alternate option to generate extra income. You can establish your own food court or you can lease out some spaces to reputed food chain retailers.
Always remember; you are not offering a product, you are offering a memorable fun experience to your clients at your amusement park.
9. Designing the Park
The design of your amusement park is critical to its success. It should be appealing, safe, and enjoyable for visitors.
Design Considerations:
- Layout: Efficient use of space, easy navigation.
- Themes: Attractive themes to captivate different age groups.
- Safety: Ensuring all rides and facilities meet safety standards.
10. Staffing
Hiring the right staff is crucial for smooth operations. Your team should be trained, customer-friendly, and efficient.
Key Staff Roles:
| Staff Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Management | Overall operations, decision-making |
| Technical Staff | Maintenance of rides and equipment |
| Customer Service | Handling customer queries and complaints |
| Security | Ensuring visitor safety |
11. Pricing Plan
Fix pricing carefully. You can offer discounted pricing for groups or school visitors. Apart from ride-specific tariffs, you can also offer tickets for a full day or for all ride
12. Promote Your Amusement Park
There are several ways, you can promote an amusement park. Rather than advertising, you must make it known to your audiences. You can publish advertisements in kid’s magazines and kid’s channels.
Create your own website. Upload exciting videos there. You can offer an online ticket-buying process also. Establish business tie-ups with tour operators. Promote your amusement park on social media also.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an amusement park?
The amount of investment will largely depend on the type and area of the amusement park. However, to construct a small waterpark in the United States, the cost will be roughly in the range of $50,0000 to $1,00,0000. The cost can increase to $50 million for bigger waterparks. For Indoor parks, an approximate investment will be around $10 million to $ 20 million.
How much money do amusement parks make a year?
As per the latest report from Statista, the total revenue generated from amusement and theme parks is expected to be over 22 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. Industry experts predict higher growth of CAGR of 5.8% in the coming 5 years.
How long does it take to build an amusement park?
It can take 2-3 years, including planning, construction, and obtaining necessary permits.
What types of rides should I include in my amusement park?
You can include a mix of thrill rides, family rides, and kids’ rides to cater to different age groups.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
