Leading High-Performance Teams in  Waterpark Operations

Overview:

In the first live session of the year, Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technology, sits down with Professor Lynne Vincent, an Associate Professor at Syracuse University, to explore the psychology behind haunted attraction design.

5 Insights from This Live

• Fear as a Catalyst for Excitement:
  Fear isn’t just about scares; it’s about creating controlled excitement. Haunted attractions tap into human psychology by giving visitors the opportunity to confront fear in a safe, enjoyable space.
• The Creative Process of Haunted Attractions:
  From initial concept to execution, the development of attractions like Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion requires years of collaboration, testing, and iteration. Creativity thrives through trial and error.
• Balancing Fear and Fun:
  Effective haunted attractions find the sweet spot between creating thrilling scares and ensuring visitors leave with a sense of enjoyment, not trauma. This balance is essential to maintaining a positive guest experience.
• The Importance of Guest Feedback:
  Collecting and analyzing guest feedback, especially emotional responses, is crucial for fine-tuning the design of attractions and ensuring their continued success.
• Cultural Narratives as a Source of Innovation:
  Drawing from diverse folklore and cultural tales, such as the Krampus legend, helps create fresh, engaging experiences that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.

5 Notable Quotes:

• “You want people to experience and explore that fear because haunted attractions are one of the safe places that you can explore fear.”
  – Lynne Vincent
• “It’s good to have these moments where you’re pushing yourself into scare or fear in a safe environment, in a fun way.”
  – Sondra Shannon
• “Frightmare farms in New York offers the monster candle which is a way to let the actors know to do a less sensory intense experience.”
  – Lynne Vincent
• “They’re doing more things to accommodate people who might be a little more overloaded by the sensory… sensitivity to the sensory aspect, the noises.”
  – Sondra Shannon
• “The really creative haunted attractions are the ones that are bringing different elements, different backgrounds together.”
  – Lynne Vincent

Syracuse University’s Approach:

Professor Vincent’s work at Syracuse University blends research with real-world applications, particularly focusing on how emotional experiences influence behavior. Her insights on haunted attraction design come from her deep understanding of organizational behavior and how creative teams collaborate to produce effective, emotionally-charged experiences. 

Professor Lynne Vincent’s Preferences and Technology:

Lynne’s research emphasizes the importance of psychological principles, especially in how they affect the emotional engagement of guests. While she’s primarily focused on behavioral science, she also recognizes the role technology plays in enhancing the immersive experience.  

Improving Guest Experience:

According to both Sondra and Professor Vincent, guest feedback is key to improving attraction design. Collecting emotional feedback allows designers to refine the experience, ensuring guests walk away with excitement, not fear. Innovations like sensory training and providing alternative experiences for different audience needs are also becoming more common to ensure inclusivity.

Creating Memories and a Guest-Centric Culture:

In the haunted attraction industry, memories are created by tapping into universal emotions, and a guest-centric approach is at the heart of that experience. By carefully designing each moment and ensuring guests feel safe yet exhilarated, these attractions foster a culture where visitors are eager to return year after year.

Gatemaster’s Guests’ Appreciation and Value:

Gatemaster Technology’s commitment to providing cutting-edge tools for attraction operators is reflected in the show’s discussion. The insights shared by Sondra and  Professor Vincent underscore how essential it is for operators to understand the emotional dynamics at play and leverage technology that enhances both the guest experience and operational efficiency.

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