How to Make a Theme Park in 8 Steps: From Design to Operation

1. Market Research and Feasibility Study

Before a theme park project starts, you must clearly know the type of your future visitors, male or female, children, youth or adults, families with children, teenagers seeking thrills, or international tourists? Defining the market positioning will affect everything from the choice of amusement equipment to the ticket price.

It may seem difficult and nowhere to start, but there is a simple and effective research method. Lead your team to spend one month in the competitor’s amusement park, manually recording how many visitors there are every day, the distribution of different age groups among the visitors, the ratio of males to females, etc. You also need to clearly understand what services they provide and what gaps your park can fill. Your competitors will not tell you this important data; you must spend time and effort to explore and form a feasibility report.

The accuracy of the research report is also related to the time of your research. During winter and summer vacations, there will certainly be more visitors, and for a water theme park, the summer season is the peak season. You need to exclude other factors that affect the accuracy of the research report.

2. Location Selection

A theme park’s success depends heavily on its location.

Accessibility

• Close to highways, airports, or train stations

• Within a reasonable drive of a major population center

Land size and shape

• Enough space for current attractions

• Room for expansion over the next 10–20 years

Environmental conditions

• Is the land prone to flooding or earthquakes?

• Are there ecological restrictions?

• What is the average climate, and how will it affect year-round operations?

Legal and regulatory issues

• Zoning laws and construction permits

• Compliance with local building codes and safety standards

Examples:

• Small indoor parks thrive in urban shopping malls, benefiting from existing foot traffic.

• Medium-sized parks often succeed in suburban areas where land is cheaper but still accessible.

• Large destination resorts typically locate near tourist hubs, such as Orlando or coastal cities.

3. Theme and Storyline Design

Common categories of themes include adventure, fantasy, future, and film works. For example, Jurassic dinosaur theme parks, ice and snow theme parks, and Disney or Marvel parks built around IPs. Theme design has a magical power: an ordinary roller coaster can become an adventure through a Jurassic jungle, a pirate ship can become a journey in a world of ice and snow. A highly creative theme can bring all amusement equipment together around one focus, creating a world where visitors feel completely immersed.

The question is, as an operator, which theme should I choose to build a theme park that truly has differentiation and enough attention? The feasibility analysis mentioned above is the best reference. If your report shows that teenagers are the majority, then fantasy and adventure themes are the most suitable. If young female visitors dominate, then romantic themes and IP-based theme parks are the best choice. If the focus is on adults, or even business visitors, then the choice of theme should lean more toward “future technology” or “cultural experience.”

A successful theme cannot only attract attention at the time of opening; it must be able to expand continuously over the next five to ten years. For example, a “future technology” theme can continue to introduce new content as technology develops, while a “fantasy world” can maintain freshness by adding new storylines and characters. Only a theme with extensibility can ensure that the park will not quickly become outdated.

4. Budget and Financial Planning

Dreams require the following: The costs required to build a theme park:

• Land purchase or lease

• Engineering and construction

• Ride and attraction equipment

• Infrastructure (power, water, safety systems)

• Staffing and training

• Marketing and promotions

Revenue sources:

• Ticket sales (daily passes, annual passes)

• Food and beverage

• Retail and souvenirs

• Events and live shows

• Licensing and partnerships

Investor perspective:

• Provide detailed cost breakdowns

• Show revenue projections

• Present long-term profitability models

5. Park Layout and Guest Flow

When people ask what the secret to a successful theme park is, the answer often comes down to simple things like whether guests can transition comfortably from one experience to the next. A well-designed and well-designed park directly impacts the guest experience and the operator's operational efficiency. It also naturally guides guests from one area to another, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

There are two common approaches to theme park design. The first is the hub-and-spoke model, which uses a central landmark as a visual anchor, with paths radiating outward to the different themed areas. The castle at Disneyland is a prime example of this concept.

The second is the circular model, which encourages guests to wander around the looping attractions, experiencing everything along the way. Each system has its advantages, but the goal remains the same: smooth circulation and balanced attendance.

Attendance also depends on practical details. Restrooms, restaurants, and souvenir shops must be conveniently located without creating congestion. Signage, maps, and landmarks should be clearly visible to prevent guests from feeling lost. Accessibility is also paramount: ramps, elevators and wide trails ensure that everyone, including visitors with disabilities, can enjoy the park.

6. Ride and Attraction Selection

Rides are the highlight of any park — but they must align with the theme and audience.

Types of attractions:

• Thrill rides: roller coasters, drop towers

• Family rides: carousels, Ferris wheels, bumper cars

• Water rides: log flumes, rapids

• Dark rides: immersive, story-driven indoor experiences

• Transport rides: trains, monorails, boats

Customization:

• Align ride design with theme (e.g., a jungle-themed coaster, pirate ship swing ride)

• Incorporate interactive elements and technology

Key consideration:

Always meet international safety standards and obtain certifications

7. Construction and Installation

Once planning is complete, the park begins to take shape. Infrastructure — electricity, water, and security systems — comes first, followed by ride installation and landscaping.

This is also where SUNHONG adds value. Our clients benefit from free installation services, ensuring that equipment is set up safely and efficiently, without unexpected extra costs. Landscaping, seating, and waste management are also critical, as they influence both aesthetics and visitor comfort.

8. Operations and Management

Opening day is only the beginning. A theme park must run smoothly every day to keep guests coming back. Key aspects include:

• Recruiting and training staff

• Maintenance and safety checks

• Marketing campaigns and seasonal events

• Continuous updates to attractions and layouts

A park that feels fresh and evolving will always attract repeat visitors.

Comparing Parks of Different Scales

What Makes a Theme Park Successful?

Beyond construction and rides, success depends on:

• A unique and immersive theme

• Smooth layout and guest flow

• Uncompromising safety

• Excellent customer service

• Regular innovation and updates

• Multiple revenue streams

SUNHONG's One-Stop Advantage

At SUNHONG, we specialize in helping clients turn their vision into reality with a complete, end-to-end service:

• Planning and concept design

• Customized ride production

• Free installation and safety certification

• Post-construction guidance on park management

Whether you’re building a small indoor park or a large destination resort, SUNHONG provides tailored solutions backed by years of experience.

Conclusion

Building a theme park is about more than rides — it’s about creating a world that tells a story. With careful planning, smart design, and the right partner, your dream park can become a reality.

At SUNHONG, we believe every park should be unique, safe, and unforgettable. Ready to create your own theme park? Contact us today to start your journey.