Current Trends Paper

Simon Tracy

The Pennsylvania State University

RPTM 210: Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism

Prof. Brian Soulé

TA. Angelica Brill

February 2, 2024
 Major theme parks and attractions serve a large purpose and are a crucial component of

the local commercial recreation and tourism sector of the travel and tourism industry in offering

people of all ages a form of “organized fun” in immersive environments, but what about the

recent influence of the so-called “micro theme parks” scattered throughout the nation that have

quickly emerged as a new trend? This new twist on the classic large-scale theme park has the

potential to reach more diverse audiences of all ages from across the country. An article that I

came across titled, “Micro parks: The most exciting new trend in theme parks” dives more into

this topic and how it has affected guests and other parks specifically.

The article began with introducing the main purpose and goals of these brand-new forms

of theme parks. Put shortly, a “micro theme park” has similar offerings to what major theme

parks in large tourist destinations (i.e. Orlando, Florida, etc.) would have to offer, except less and

on a smaller scale in size. For example, “... Walt Disney World’s four theme parks span

approximately 1,000 acres” (Chieffi, 2023). The Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida, an extension

to the well-known LEGOLAND Florida theme park is to the size where, “You could fit about

220 Peppa Pig Theme Parks into that space” (Chieffi, 2023). Surely, not all micro parks are that

specific size, but that is just one example mentioned in the article of how small these places can

be. Next, the article’s topic shifted to focusing on locations of where these new parks are

emerging, and to my surprise, they are not where one would usually be located based on

historical tourism trends. In fact, a variety of new parks, each one unique to a specific audience

focus, are opening across the country – anywhere from a Universal kid-friendly park in Texas to

a “Mattel” theme park in Arizona. Finally, the last major point made in the article was all about

the impact that this “new generation” of theme parks will have on guests/attendees and other

competing businesses in the industry.

 First, when thinking about what the trend of “micro parks” will impact in our field

specifically, is the audience of guests that they’ll be able to reach economically and

geographically. For example, “These parks are more accessible and affordable than traditional

theme parks and provide a memorable day without sacrificing quality, immersive theming or,

most importantly, fun” (Chieffi, 2023). Simply put, not everyone, especially newer families who

have younger children and may be living on a tight budget financially, is looking to spend a

week at a major destination theme park, so these will be able to make it easier for those targeted

audiences to travel somewhere closer for just the day, or even a few hours, in order to best

accommodate their needs.

Second, where will this trend impact our field? There are several answers to this question

in that locations have expanded quite broadly in recent years. According to Chieffi (2023), “...

while it was becoming increasingly common to find these micro parks close to major parks, such

as Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, they are beginning to blaze a trail all their own.”

As I mentioned before, varying locations in new cities across the country will allow for more

ease of access for those not wishing to travel far, but it will also create an entirely new chain of

destinations that will draw in more tourists than they ever have before. For example, while

Arizona is famous for its national parks, the new “Mattel” micro theme park that’s being built

will, in addition, bring a new wave of tourism and influx of people into the local economy.

Third, one reason why this trend will impact our field, specifically consumers in the

industry, is because it’ll provide more flexibility for families to visit on optimal days such as

weekends while still feeling like they’ve fit everything that they wanted to do in their day. As

mentioned in class, “Weekends account for >50% of the volume of many commercial recreation

and tourism businesses,” and these parks are perfect to achieve just that (Soulé, n.d.).

Additionally, these micro parks might also become more popular hotspots for those three-day
weekends in the year such as Memorial Day and Labor Day where guests might feel a bit less

stressed and overwhelmed with before, during, and after their vacation.

Fourth, when will micro parks begin impacting the commercial recreation and tourism

industry? Well, they already have, and there are more on the way. With Peppa Pig Theme Park’s

success in Orlando, there is already a second one being built in Texas in addition to the Universal

kid’s park, “...with a planned 2026 opening” (Chieffi, 2023). Throughout this decade, more of

these parks are breaking ground quickly. To construct and ensure all new parks are running

smoothly, more people will be needed which means there will be increased career opportunities.

Fifth, in exploring how this trend will affect our field, it’ll first increase the flow of repeat

customers due to its relative location and lower price range. As mentioned in class, there is an,

“... importance of repeat customers” in the industry, which increases, “Customer loyalty,”

“Customer satisfaction,” and other factors of the guest’s experience (Soulé, n.d.). Additionally,

these parks will help to ease the burden of overcrowding due to their size and specific focus.

According to the article, “This means shorter lines, lower wait times and more opportunities for a

positive overall experience” (Chieffi, 2023). People will be more motivated to spend their money

where they’ll be impacted in a good way emotionally in addition to the other logistical and

economic benefits.

In conclusion, in my opinion – “micro theme parks” are a very rapid growing trend that

has surprised many leaders in the industry. We should all care about the infiltration of these new

parks because they will boost the local and national economy, increase job placements, and serve

as new hotspots for the latest and greatest technology (including virtual and augmented reality).

Micro parks will enhance the overall theme park industry and experience by not only bringing

the same level of fun to more people, but also allowing for more spaces where brand new stories

of thrills and fun that might have not been told yet are now able to be explored.
 References

Chieffi, T. (2023, September 15). Micro parks: The most exciting new trend in theme parks. The

Points Guy. https://thepointsguy.com/news/micro-theme-parks/

Soulé, B. (n.d.). Trends and Challenges [PowerPoint Slides]. Penn State University. RPTM

210.02 SP24 - Trends and Challenges (Blanks).pptx