Balancing Act

When you walk through the gates of a theme park, what pulls you in? Is it the thrum of a coaster zooming overhead, the swirl of music from a family dark ride, or the smell of popcorn near a character meet-and-greet? The best parks seem to have it all; each piece carefully selected and arranged to create a complete, resonant guest experience. But striking that balance between thrills and calm, indoors and outdoors, is complex. Taylor Baird, PGAV Designer, explains, “Finding the right mix of attractions is a constant challenge for every operator. And the mix will vary by location and brand. At Walt Disney World, for example, the past 25 years have brought pressure to add more thrill rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but still meet the needs of a broad family audience.”

At PGAV, designers are always thinking about the right mix. Here, a few of them share their strategies and their gut instincts when finding balance.

It’s Not Just About Thrills
A park’s reputation often skews toward its headline attractions, promoting “the tallest,” “the fastest,” “the first-of-its-kind.” However, a park built entirely around these superlatives can alienate a considerable portion of its potential audience. Alyssa Garcia, Landscape Architect, speaks from experience, “When the whole family isn’t into heights or roller coasters, a visit to some theme parks just doesn’t make sense. If you push solely for those intense thrill rides, you might miss out on a family demographic.” The goal is to be inclusive with a thoughtful mix, incorporating thrill rides for teens, immersive dark rides for families, gentle experiences for young children, and spaces to rest and recover.

Speaking of recovery, A.D. Gladu says benches might be a park’s most underappreciated and overlooked design aspect. They aren’t a splashy new ride, but they can help everyone feel welcome. As multigenerational traveling parties increase, maybe it’s time to focus on these easy wins. Gladu says, “I bet most parks could triple their number of benches and nobody would look around and say, ‘Wow, there are just too many nice places to rest.” Have you ever tried to walk with a 5-year-old while the kid is licking the ice cream cone, and it drips all over their shirt and the walkway? Much easier if everyone gets a five-minute break on a bench in the shade (don’t forget the shade!)

Umbrella Policy
Speaking of shade… The weather is an ever-present (and ever-increasing) factor. Ever sprinted for the car when the thrill rides shut down in an intense Orlando downpour? Or walked outside in Abu Dhabi? It’s HOT. Megan Nielsen Hegstad, Senior Project Manager, says, “Climate—and the fact that it’s changing—is a major factor in shaping the right attraction mix. Indoor experiences offer a clear advantage during extreme heat or rain. As weather patterns become less predictable, even traditionally temperate destinations are being forced to adapt.”

Data Meets Instinct
Choosing the right mix of attractions is both science and art. The ops model PGAV uses considers attendance goals, capacity needs, and throughput to plan attractions. But that’s only part of the equation.  “When developing an attraction mix, we balance data-driven insights from the Ops model with a story-first approach,” Baird explains. “Start with the narrative we want to tell and select ride systems that best bring it to life. In my experience, the most compelling destinations fully commit to the story, where every element from ride systems to effects works in harmony. It’s an artful process that requires both analytical thinking and instinct.”

Some rides or elements might not check every operational box, but still deserve a place because they bring emotional resonance, thematic clarity, or kinetic energy to the park. Baird says, “While not a ride, the entry experience is essential to any park’s success. A well-designed arrival builds anticipation, offering a smooth transition into the wonderous world you’re entering.  From first approach to the grand reveal, the entry sequence should create a sense of wonder.”

Underappreciated Gems
In the rush to innovate, some classic ride systems deserve a second look. Simple dark rides still captivate because of their charm, clarity, and craft. These experiences deliver story and nostalgia in equal measure and can be built affordably to complement bigger investments.

Baird remarks, “What makes a theme park special is its artistry.” Attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean have endured for decades not because of cutting-edge tech, but because of care, detail, and storytelling. While digital media can be powerful, our screen-saturated lives make it harder to impress with pixels alone.”

Art + Strategy
Ultimately, the right attraction mix takes strategy and heart, data and instinct, spectacle and subtlety. The best parks blend these elements into something unforgettable. And when every ride, rest stop, and reveal works together to support the story, that’s when the magic happens.