Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Issue 69 Editorials

It’s elemental

Martin Palicki, IPM publisher

As we have discussed in InPark before, we are creatures drawn to water. But we are also enthralled by the sky, seeking the thrill of flight and looking out above the clouds. We also love racing alongside the ground, feeling wind in our faces.

As an industry, we have relied on the elements of water, wind and earth for excitement from the start. And in this issue of InPark we delve into them all.

Flying theaters exemplify our fascination with flight. And with new projects recently opened in Europe joining established locations in North America and Asia, flying theaters are becoming ubiquitous in the entertainment arena. We look at how the latest in technology has impacted both the development and operation of such venues.

Similarly, we look at two of 2017’s popular new roller coasters and how the elemental thrill of speeding along tracks close to the ground is enhanced with theming and storytelling.

Finally, it is clear that water seems to be most effective when it is part of the mix. Waterparks are a natural complement to a theme park. Volcano Bay transformed an underutilized portion of land at the Universal Orlando Resort into a successful third gate. The LEGOLAND Waterpark at Dubai Parks & Resorts similarly provides an alternative to the other three theme parks on the property, and by my own personal observations, seems to be one of the more popular locations on the property.

The elements together are what create successful visitor attractions, and our continued treatment of these elements in new and exciting ways is what will keep our industry evolving and growing for years to come.

Game changers

Judith Rubin, IPM editor

The theme of this issue is “Game Changers” but in truth, game changing has always been the name of the game in this industry. Not only must providers and operators compete with one another, they collectively must compete with in-home entertainment.

The game changers and leaders of the themed entertainment industry are very distinguished indeed, considering they stand out in a business community that is, by nature, driven to constantly innovate, reinvent and re-invest.

In an atmosphere of constant change, there are constants. Companies of long standing re-invent themselves and their offerings, and maintain their position as leaders. Designers, producers and specialists continue to hone their craft, pick up new tools, and collaborate on projects that raise the bar every time. New players come into the mix. New genres of attractions and new approaches to development emerge. Tradition and innovation, experience and experimentation are partners, always.

There’s no standing still. Everyone has to hit the ground running, and keep on running.

At InPark Magazine we have remained competitive as well. We keep up with you – the members and gamechangers of the industry we serve – by keeping our eyes and ears open, and staying engaged with the people, companies, products, projects and trends of the themed entertainment space.

The original content that InPark publishes for you – in print, online and via social media – represents decades of experience covering the industry and facilitating the exchange of information in a useful, business-to-business context.

We’re pleased to have welcomed several new contributors this year, and will continue to do so as we grow and adapt along with the industry. We’d love to hear from you

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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