How Casinos Inspired the Design of Modern Theme Parks

Who would have thought that some of the biggest theme parks in the world would have been inspired by casinos. But over the last few decades that is exactly what has taken place, and for online casino players this could provide the opportunity for a nice holiday or adventure.

The rise of the super casinos has taken entertainment architecture to an entirely new level. Seeing how casinos attract customers and transport them to different areas (including the classic blackjack and roulette tables) was something that theme parks were keen to emulate. 

How casinos laid the blueprint for theme parks to follow

As theme parks have increased in size and pushed the boundaries of imagination, it is now common that when you visit you will visit different zones and encounter different experiences. 

The inspiration behind this modern layout of theme parks has been very much set by casinos. 

Take the Venetian, Parisian, Stratosphere and New York New York casinos as examples. The Venetian successfully recreated the feeling of Venice complete with canals into a hotel and casino space. The Parisian has beautifully taken the heart and soul of Paris and dropped it into the Nevada desert. Whilst the Stratosphere and New York New York hotels have incorporated thrill seeking rides physically into their buildings. 

For decades, casinos were overwhelmingly ahead of their time. Pushing design, technology, materials and architecture to their absolute limits. Innovators and experimenters it’s easy to see why they served as the perfect inspiration for theme parks to follow. 

Seeing how theme parks were able to create small worlds within confined spaces is the reason why theme parks are often divided into sections. Everything fits into that theme perfectly. Whether it be space, the Wild West, the dawn of the dinosaurs or medieval times – rides, food, music and decor all match up to that theme perfectly.

Casinos first showed how a space could be transformed, and its theme parks that have taken that inspiration and taken it to an entirely new level. 

Mapping 

The world’s biggest casinos can accommodate thousands of guests at any one time. If you have ever been to one of these mega casinos, it’s amazing how they never feel overcrowded and everything you need always seems to be in reach. 

This isn’t by accident. 

When casinos are being built and the design is being considered, the paths that guests tread is extensively thought through. 

The relation of the distances between tables and slots, where to place bars and restaurants, where to put in the basic amenities are all massively thought through so that visitors can navigate their way through the casino and have what they need effortlessly. 

This attention to detail has been replicated by theme parks. Take how when you queue for a ride, there is often food and drink nearby, vending machines, restaurants, merch stands and toilets. 

One ride is often positioned to the next and if one ride is busy, there is often another one which isn’t just around the corner. 

Just like casinos, theme parks need to accommodate hundreds of thousands every year and if the mapping and layout of the park isn’t right, the overall experience just won’t be right and the theme park can’t be successful. 

The guest always come first 

The one thing that casinos have always done exceptionally well is put their customers first. Whether it be complimentary drinks when the players are playing, clear and succinct information regarding the different table limits or just staff being there to offer a helping hand, the way that casinos treat their guests has been replicated by many different businesses including theme parks. 

Theme parks often have staff on hand to help their customers with any questions. Whether that be for directions or for general information, it normally doesn’t take long to track down a member of staff.

Rides often cater for every type of customer. If a customer has physical disabilities there is often a different queue for them which gives them plenty of space and comfort. 

If it is a hot day, water or cooling mists are usually deployed to help keep guests cool. 

Even simple things like ride information times or the ability to book a specific time for a ride are all simple measures that help guests plan and plot their days. 

Often people leave both casinos and theme parks wanting more and that is usually down to the fact that guests are made to feel a million dollars every time they visit. 

Casinos clever use of technology has paved the way for theme parks

Casinos have always been keen to ensure that technology plays a major part in their design and what they offer to their customers. 

Slot machines have been integral to the rise of casinos. They may have started in basic fashion, but slot machines are now hugely sophisticated. They use the best graphics, have world class sound and some even use virtual reality and AI technology to power them. 

The same can be said of theme park rides. Technology is playing a huge part in how theme parks are keeping up with the times. 

It is usual for some of the best rides in a themepark to have some sort of backstory. As riders wait to queue there are usually short films, or signs that build into the overall theme. The ride is usually the finishing piece.

Now with AI completely redefining how movies, music and short films can be produced, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the quality of these supporting elements is taken to an entirely new level. 

Virtual reality is a hugely fun piece of technology. It is set to be worked into and play a leading role in slot games in the future, but it is theme parks where the most fun can be had. Theme parks are all about creating unbelievable customer experiences that help take guests to another dimension.

Virtual Reality is one of the best ways that is achieved and you can be assured that for both casinos and theme parks it is set to be the one of the most important elements to help springboard them into the future.