What is an Attraction?
An Attraction in a theme park setting is any ticketed, paid experience such as a ride or show. Attractions may vary in style from simple spinning rides for children to large thrill rides such as roller coasters. Attractions in theme parks are often rated on a theme park industry scale of experience by the terms B Ticket, C Ticket, D Ticket, or E Ticket.
- Attractions can vary in size and complexity.
- Attractions may have varying levels of anticipated thrills.
- Attractions may use varying ride systems or theatrical show effects.
Understanding Attractions
With the evolution from Middle Age traveling fairs and pleasure gardens to the earliest mechanical attractions seen in the 19th Century, theme park attractions have evolved greatly. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century brought about great technological and mechanical inventions that would forever change the face of amusement parks and eventually theme parks.
Theme park attractions can take on many forms, varying levels of experiences or ‘thrills’, and varying levels of cost and complexity. Modern-day theme park attractions can be broken down into five major categories:
- Roller Coasters
- Spinning or Flat Rides
- Water Rides
- Dark Rides
- Transport or Transportation
Within each of the aforementioned attraction categories, the theme park and themed entertainment industry uses the expected thrill level – and for theme park attraction designers level of capital investment – terms such as C Ticket, D Ticket, etc. Click here to learn more about the history of the attraction and ride coupon system originally used at Disneyland.
Related Terms
- B Ticket
- C Ticket
- D Ticket
- E Ticket