Evaluating the Guest Experience at Theme Parks: An Empirical Investigation of Key Attributes

    Authors

    A. Milman

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Tour. Res.

    Keywords

    theme parks; attributes; evaluation; guest experience; PRODUCTS; SATISFACTION; Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism

    Abstract

    The study identified and documented a consumer-oriented attribute inventory for evaluating theme parks. Data were collected from 608 Central Florida residents, domestic and international tourists who identified and ranked the level of importance of 41 attributes and park characteristics when visiting a typical theme park. Further analysis of the data using factor analysis identified seven key constructs that summarised important areas of concern when consumers evaluate theme parks. The majority of these factors were related to guest experiences such as (i) entertainment variety and quality; (ii) courtesy, cleanliness, safety and security; (iii) food variety and value for money; (iv) quality of theming and design; (v) availability and variety of family-oriented activities; (vi) quality and variety of rides and attractions; and (vii) pricing and value for money. Implications for theme park owners, operators and marketing executives were discussed in light of the increasing demand for distinctive guest experiences while visiting theme parks. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Tourism Research

    Volume

    11

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    373

    Last Page

    387

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000270955400004

    ISSN

    1099-2340

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