Building Expenses
Price ranges vary when it comes to how big or small a roller coaster is. For example, roller coasters like the ones that you see in small theme parks or malls cost about $1-2 million. Generally, waterparks cost between $10 million and $40 million to build. Indoor theme parks require $10 million to $30 million to build. Many of the more complicated dark ride systems can cost up to $20-$30 million, or even more. It can cost anywhere from $10 million to $100 million to build a roller coaster. The cost depends on complexity and location of the coaster.
Factors Influencing Costs
- Size
- Type
- Complexity of ride
- Geographic location of park
- Length of coaster
- Features like inversions
For instance, Steel Vengeance, one of the world’s tallest hybrid coasters, cost $30 million to build.
Additional Financial Considerations
Liability insurance can cover costs of property damage, legal fees, settlements, and medical expenses caused by roller coasters. More complicated rides mean more things can go wrong, thus requiring a contingency budget for unexpected expenses or modifications during construction. Advanced technology, such as sound, lighting, and virtual reality, increases costs.
The average cost to build a roller coaster is $8 million. Disney’s Expedition Everest roller coaster cost $100 million. Building rides takes years. Knowing roller coasters are expensive, small park coasters are $1-2 million. Large coasters like Kingda Ka cost about $25 million.
Reasons for Insurance
Amusement parks need insurance to protect against liability claims and property damage. Accidents and injuries happen frequently at parks, necessitating coverage for legal fees, settlements, and other costs if visitors get hurt or property gets damaged.
Types of Insurance Needed
- General liability insurance
- Property insurance
- Event cancellation insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- Cyber liability insurance
General liability insurance covers injuries, property damage, and lawsuits. Property insurance protects against damage from disasters, accidents, or fires.
Cost of Insurance
Insurance costs vary based on the park’s size, features, location, and history. Small park insurance can cost a few thousand per year, while larger parks with major rides might pay over $500,000 annually. Complex water parks and major theme parks often pay seven figures for coverage.
Importance of Insurance
Insurance is crucial because it protects the substantial investments parks make in infrastructure and rides. Replacing a major roller coaster can cost tens of millions of dollars. Without coverage, parks may not survive major accidents or disasters. Insurance ensures continued operations.
Coverage Details
Policies cover bodily injury liability, property damage, medical payments, and much more. Coverage limits, premiums, and deductibles depend on the park’s risk profile, with more dangerous rides and a history of accidents increasing costs.