Amusement parks are expensive to build. You need about $109.61 per expected first year guest. To attract a million guests, you would need $109,610,000. Approach banks, investors and wealthy individuals for funding. There is more to starting a business than just registering it.
Major amusement parks have rollercoasters, water parks and live entertainment. Research and development costs are hard to predict. Attractions go through development without being built. Disney visualizes many ideas that do not happen. At other parks, one idea goes from start to finish.
Where is the roller coaster capital?
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio has 18 coasters covering 10 miles.
What state has the best amusement parks?
Florida has Magic Kingdom Park, Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
How much do amusement parks make?
Large parks like Disney and Universal make about $1 billion yearly, with 8-10% profit. Smaller parks make less than $100 million and are 95% of the market.
Is owning an amusement park profitable?
Experts say profits are 5-10% of revenue. With $1 billion revenue, profits are $80-100 million.
Location affects rent costs. Manhattan rents could be $80,000+ per month. Florida or Tennessee rents could be under $1,000 per month.
Offer employees free entry for family, parking and merchandise discounts. Outsourcing entertainment and staffing can be cost effective but quality can suffer.
Bring $20-$30 per person for food and $50-$75 for souvenirs. Disney charges high prices to limit attendance and cover expenses like infrastructure, maintenance and high worker wages.
Even a 5,000 square foot indoor facility with bounce houses, arcade games and pizza requires $250,000 for building, design and installation. Acquire an existing park put up for sale or buy a franchise to avoid starting from scratch. Read this guide to equip yourself for the amusement park business. You can start small in a US town and grow nationally if consistent and creative.
Steps to Starting Your Own Amusement Park
- Understand the industry; make a market research and marketing plan.
- Get necessary financing.
- Secure a location.
- Decide on park offerings based on investment.
- Obtain licenses and permits.
- Hire qualified staff.
- Open on schedule after inspection.
Market research covers customers, competitors and advertising. A marketing plan retains and grows your customer base.
Financing options:
- Debt
- Equity
- Cash reserves
Offerings based on budget could be simple (mini golf) or elaborate (rollercoasters). Quality attracts more guests.
Research rents and local real estate. Obtain business licenses, construction permits and operational permits before opening doors.
Hire qualified managers, ride operators and maintenance crew before inspection. Pass inspection before opening date.
Opening and operating an amusement park is expensive but can be rewarding if planned properly for the target market.