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AttractionPros brings you into the room with the top leaders, executives, and influencers in the attractions industry, to gain the widest possible perspective of all areas of the industry. Most people are only exposed to the practices of their own organization without seeing how the rest of the industry operates. By following AttractionPros, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and learn from the best of the best, whether you are the CEO or just beginning your career.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
36 min
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Every attraction promises memorable experiences, yet the moments that stay with guests are often impossible to capture on a screen. Whether it's resisting the urge to view every experience through a phone, creating attractions that are better in person than on video, or designing experiences that inspire guests to return, the challenge is creating memories that last long after the visit ends. In this “extra helpings” episode where Matt shares even more thoughts from his recent CoasterNerdCon trip, Matt and Josh talk about why being present matters, and how attractions can create experiences that guests want to relive.
Being Present in the Moment
“I really wanted to just be present in the moment, and I wanted to take a picture with my mind instead of with my phone.”
There is a balance between documenting experiences and fully enjoying them. From concerts to fireworks and theme parks, Matt and Josh reflect on how photos can preserve memories, yet they rarely recreate the emotions of actually being there. Guests should experience special moments firsthand rather than view everything through a camera lens.
Experiences Go Beyond the Camera
“Get out and experience it.”
Roller coaster POV videos, virtual reality, and ride photography are all ways to capture the experience. While videos and photos can spark excitement, they cannot reproduce the physical sensations, atmosphere, sounds, and emotions of being on an attraction. Additionally, attraction photography creates lasting keepsakes without distracting guests from living the experience in real time.
Bottling the Perfect Park Day
“Well, the park is the bottle.”
Inspired by a conversation at Knoebels, Matt explores the idea of "bottling" the feeling of a perfect day at a park. However, operators already package memorable experiences through the environment, attractions, food, and guest interactions. They also acknowledge that while consistency is important, the variety of each visit is what keeps guests coming back for something new.
Creating Reasons to Return
“One of the things I talk about from a guest experience standpoint is planting the seed for the next visit.”
Exceptional guest experience extends beyond today's visit. By highlighting attractions guests have not yet experienced, encouraging different ways to enjoy familiar attractions, and promoting future opportunities, attractions can naturally inspire repeat visitation without relying solely on discounts or promotions.
When Audio Becomes Part of the Attraction
“It truly enhances the experience.”
On-ride audio, synchronized music, and storytelling can elevate an attraction. Matt highlights recent examples that seamlessly blend audio with ride movements, while Josh reflects on Hard Rock Park's legendary music-driven roller coasters and why perfectly timed soundtracks create memories that guests still remember years later.
What attraction experience has stayed with you long after you left the park? Have you ever chosen to put your phone away and simply enjoy the moment? Share your thoughts with us on social media or by visiting AttractionPros.com. We'd love to continue the conversation and hear your perspective.
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