Themed Attraction Design
Themed Attraction Design
Students will have the opportunity to visit overseas parks that are operated by the industry leaders: The Walt Disney Company and Universal as well as visit cultural sites throughout Japan. The proposed course will take students to Hong Kong and Tokyo to visit those destinations. While these are operated by the same entities that operate the US parks, various other aspects will be observed that are not available domestically. This includes new themed lands/areas, unique ride operating systems, unique menus and merchandise offerings, and different entertainment opportunities. Due to the vastly different cultural standards, these offerings overseas are something that students would not normally have an opportunity to experience and is something they should if they are to be truly successful in the themed entertainment industry as these cultural difference impact design and operations. In addition to visiting the two theme parks, it is also planned to visit a unique Warner Bros. studio tour that will give the students backstage access to the props, sets, and costumes of the Harry Potter franchise as well as a Japanese amusement park, Mt. Fuji, Osaka Castle, and Para Park; of which are top rated cultural destinations in Japan. Lastly, the industry is currently seeing tremendous growth in the overseas markets such as Asia and the Middle-East and this program will help better prepare the students for this growth.
Objectives for the course include:
- Cultural Understanding and Appreciation
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Real-world Application of Design Principles
- Global Perspective and Adaptability
- Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology
Tentative Program Itinerary
- May 21-22: Hong Kong
- May 23: Travel to Tokyo
- May 24: Tokyo Disneyland
- May 25: Tokyo Seas
- May 26: Tokyo Disneyland
- May 27: Tokyo Warner Bros.
- May 28: Mount Fuji
- May 29: Fuji-Q Highland
- May 30: Takayma Old
- May 31: Travel to Osaka
- June 1: Universal Japan
- June 2: Nara Park, Osaka Castle
Click here to enroll in this program
Contact program leader Michael Cole via email with your questions.