International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014

ISSN 2229-5518 139

Wayfinding in Theme Parks

Bella Ullas Prof. Aju.R

Department of Architecture Department of Architecture
College of Engineering College of Engineering
Trivandrum Trivandrum

Abstract—This paper aim to examine the complexity human wayfinding process in theme park. Thirdly, to study the major
wayfinding process in theme parks pertaining to architectural nodes which act as decision making points in wayfinding.
built environment. As a measure architectural factors like site Fourthly, to locate and examine the architectural character of
planning, path configuration, nodes, landmarks and legilbity are the major landmarks which become the important components
studied in chosen theme parks. The present study is undertaken of cognitive maps. Fifthly, to understand the legibility of the
at Wonderla Amusement Park in Kochi, Dream World Water
built environment based on visual aids like signage, maps, etc.
Theme Park in Athirappilly and Silver Storm Water Theme Park
in Athirappilly. Also literature studies were undertaken in Disney
World Magic Kingdom in Florida, Universal Studios in
Singapore and Epcot Theme Park in Florida. A key finding II. LITERATURE REVIEW
indicates that the configuration of circulation path and the

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spatial organization in relation to the path plays a major role in
the experience of the visitor. Outcomes from this study will
Wayfinding is described as a complex process and always
benefit designers, policy makers and theme park managers to been referred as a reaction to the environment depending the
plan or manage wayfinding system in theme park for visit is either pre-planned or unplanned [3]. Some visitors
conveniences. have prior knowledge before they refer to landmarks [1].
According to Passini [9][10] wayfinding is the cognitive
Keywords— Wayfinding, theme parks, site planning, paths, ability to assimilate spatial information, make maps find one’s
nodes, landmarks, legibility way, make decisions and execute the three decisions:
cognitive mapping, decision-making and decision execution.
Wayfinding also flows psychological patterns based on visual
I. INTRODUCTION perception. Montello [8] identifies that wayfinding can be
defined as the decision-making process that made the
People do wayfinding throughout their lives. They individual navigate on their own way. To improve the
navigate from place to place, relying on knowledge that is functionality of the environment, Brandon [2] emphasizes the
mediated by structures and categories of understanding process of wayfinding is part of understanding memory,
people’s daily experiences in the space they live [7]. cognitive mapping and spatial recognition. Many researchers
Wayfinding is a natural skill that people learn as small sought that the patterns of cognitive and mind mapping is
children [4] and develop as they grow up. It takes place in related to human emotions and movements [3].
many different situations, such as driving across a country,
walking in a city, or moving through a building [6].
A. Human Wayfinding Behaviour
Much research has explored the issues of wayfinding in Kevin Lynch's [17] The Image of the City is regarded as
unfamiliar locations, such as airports, shopping malls, the foundation for human wayfinding research. Based on his
galleries etc, and also on urbanization which had been investigations Lynch divided the contents of the city images
discussed widely [5] but less research concerned on the pattern into paths, edges (boundaries), regions, nodes, and landmarks.
of wayfinding related to spatial layout in the theme park. Weisman [20] identified four classes of environmental
Theme park wayfinding process includes the selection and variables that influence wayfinding performance within built
identification their own route and path inside the park. environments: (I) visual access, (2) the degree of architectural
Whoever has experienced getting lost will feel unpleasant differentiation, (3) the use of signs and room numbers to
especially for those are the first time visitor [3]. provide identification or directional information, and (4) plan
configuration.. Garling et aL [11] proposed to classify the
Data was elicited from observational studies conducted in environment by examining the degree of differentiation, the
chosen theme parks. The objective of the research, firstly, is to degree of visual access, and the complexity of spatial layout.
examine the spatial organizational aspects which impacts the Cornell et aL [15] tested people s accuracy of place
wayfinding in the site planning level. Secondly, to study the recognition and used the results to develop a model of
effect of character of approach, entrance and paths on the wayfinding.

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014
ISSN 2229-5518 140

B. Wayfinding in Theme Parks

In Figure 2, the purpose to combine themed lands that
Visitors' movement becomes an issue in leisure park but
separated is to avoid visitors from getting lost. It improves
how they can reach their destination at ease without being
circulation and the events distribution of visitors. The Loop
confused or worried about being losing track. Any visitor who
Plan is yet another basic circulation plan. The Loop plan is
at the first occasion will take their time to enjoy and get commonly found in Universal Studios theme parks, such as
familiarize to find their way and may not realize how Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios
confusing and difficult to reach the destination [3]. By Singapore. Modified versions of the Loop are also at many
navigating the surrounding and using elements such as paths, other parks. The plan is simple: the entire circulatory system is
nodes, landmarks, signage, spatial organization, sound, colour, made up of a single walkway loop that passes in front of most
etc. they can easily follow the best route to their destination. major attractions [3].

The Loop indicates either large pond or open space be

They are a few examples that patterns can be extracted
from visitor’s movement in a theme park. They could be placed in the center of the park, as the main focal point. The
categorized in three movements: axis, looping and loop walkway provides an existing viewing area that can
thoroughfare as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 [3]. accommodate a large group of visitors. The themes of the
lands remain separate, and visitors have no trouble finding
their way. Examples of theme parks that been practiced using
this movement: 1) Universal Studio in USA. 2) Universal
Studio in Singapore. 3) Alton Towers Theme Park in United
Kingdom. 4) Disneyland Anaheim in California.

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Fig. 1. An example of thoroughfare movement

Figure 1 shows a place of passage from one location to

another. The pattern of this pedestrian provides clearly to
identify entrances. Circulation pathways can cross
Fig. 3. An example of the axis movement

thoroughfare, providing individual intersections to each

playing zone. Examples of theme parks that been practiced
using this movement are: 1) Sesame Place Bucks County in From Figure 3, the Axis formations provides an escalating
Pennsylvania and 2) Six Flag La Roude in Montreal [3]. or point to point pattern. Visitors will not be able to miss any
zones areas provision. They have a controlled movement and a
midsection meeting point. The information-gathering and
decision-making processes visitors used to orient themselves
and move through space; how people get from one place to
another. Humans make decisions as they move through a
space, and that depends on information signages and clues
received as they move. First, we access what we are viewing
upon reaching on site. Second, interpret the visual and written
information what we saw. Thirdly, is to make decisions based
on what we observed, move ahead in real time and repeat
these steps until found the destination [3].

Most decisions in wayfinding are based on information on

architectural elements such as entrances to the building,
Fig. 2. An example of the loop movement transition points one zone to another, exits, path and stairs.

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014
ISSN 2229-5518 141

Components such as colour, textures are part of navigation

and rotations in wayfinding. Examples of theme parks that Wonderla (formerly Veega Land) is an amusement park
been practiced using this movement: 1) Movie World, Warner designed by architect Joseph John and operated by Wonderla
Bros. Australia, 2) Universal Studio Japan, 3) Flamingo Land, Holidays Limited Company and located at Pallikara, Kochi.
North Yorkshire, England [3]. Opened in 2000 and spread over an area of 82 acres. It lent a
new dimension to tourism in Kerala. Built on the slope of a
lush green hill, this beautiful park which crossed the 1 Crore
III. METHOD visitor mark this year, has 54 land, sky, water kids rides is
built to international standards and maintenance.
Case studies were done to understand the role of built
environment in wayfinding processes undergone in theme
parks. Different architectural factors which affect wayfinding Dream World water theme park is situated close to the
were analyzed in the chosen theme parks and then compared. Athirappilly waterfalls in Thrissur district of Kerala. The park
The factors are as followed: is designed in such a way that tourists belonging to any age
group can effortlessly reach all the amusement rides without
x Site much walking or climbing. Since it is a water park, out of 42
rides in the park, 24 rides are water based.
x Planning 
x Spatial Organization 
x Paths 
 x Approach 
x Entrance 
x Configuration of Path 
x Path-Space Relationship 
x Form of Circulation Path 
x Nodes 
x Landmarks 

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x Architectural Character 
x Colour 
x Texture 
x Scale 
x Position 
x Legibility 
x Signage 
Fig 5. Clustered organization of spaces at Dream World
x Maps 
x Visibility 
The Silver Storm Water Theme Park is located 19 km from
Chalakkudi in Thrissur district of Kerala. There are water
rides , dry rides and also a Chinese village in the park. Silver
IV. CASE STUDIES Storm Amusement Park is run by a group of enterprising
NRIs, launched with financial assistance from the Kerala State
The present study is undertaken at Wonderla Amusement Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (KSIDC). The first
Park in Kochi, Dream World Water Theme Park in phase of the park was launched on August 5, 2000. The park
Athirappilly and Silver Storm Water Theme Park in was expanded in later years, reaching its fifth phase in April,
Athirappilly. Also literature were undertaken in Disney World 2005.
Magic Kingdom in Florida, Universal Studios in Singapore
and Epcot Theme Park in Florida.
Magic Kingdom Park is the first-built of the four theme
parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. It
opened on October 1, 1971. Designed and built by Walt
Disney Enterprises, and is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney
characters. In 2013, the park hosted 18.58 million visitors,
making it the most visited theme park in the world for the fifth
consecutive year. The park is represented by Cinderella
Castle, a replica of the fairytale castle seen in the 1950 film.

Fig 4. Radial Configuration of Paths at Wonderla, Kochi

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014
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Epcot is the second of four theme parks built at Walt

Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida. It opened as EPCOT
Center on October 1, 1982, and spans 300 acres (120 ha),
more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom park. It is
dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely
technological innovation and international culture, and is often
referred to as a "Permanent World's Fair." The park is
represented by Spaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere that also
serves as an attraction.

Fig 6. Star shaped circulation path at Magic Kingdom, Florida

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located

within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore.
It is the second Universal Studios theme park to open
in Asia and the first in Southeast Asia. It is 20 hectares (49
acres) in size. There is a total of 24 attractions of which
consists of 7 themed zones. The grand opening of this theme
park was held on 28 May 2011.

IJSER Fig 8. Combination of two centralized organizations at Epcot, Florida

Fig 7. Loop shaped circulation plan at Universal Studios, Singapore

V. CASE STUY ANALYSIS

WONDERLA DREAM SILVER MAGIC UNIVERSAL

EPCOT
KOCHI WORLD STORM KINGDOM STUDIOS

Every ride Linear, dry Two themed

accessible rides near areas Future
Based on Seven themed
Planning without much entrance and Six themed lands World and
topography zones
walking or wet rides World
climbing. towards rear Showcase

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014
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Combination
Spatial Clustered Linear Centralised Centralised of two
Adjacent spaces
Organization organization organization organization organization centralised
organization

Approach Spiral Frontal Oblique Frontal Frontal Frontal

Elaborate,
Contrasting Signifies pillars
articulated, Signifies pillars Entrance
the form and and overhead
perpendicular and overhead leads to
character of beams, change in
to the path of beams, entrance
Entrance Hidden place, threshold,
approach, perpendicular to plaza, then
perpendicular perpendicular to
recessed, the path of move in any
to the path of the path of
central approach direction
approach approach
location
Combo Plan,
Configuration of Composite, Combination
Radial Linear Star plan Loop plan
Path branching of Loop and
Wheel
Pass-by
Pass through Pass-by spaces,
spaces,
Path-Space Pass-by Pass-by spaces, loop around large
Pass-by spaces integrity of
Relationship spaces spaces terminates at water body in

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each space is
central hub centre
maintained
Narrow path
Different forms,
encouraging
Hollywood theme
forward
land lined with
motion,
Narrow path, palm trees and
Form of Narrow open Narrow open Trams, monorail, enlarged by
enlarged by replicating ‘Walk
Circulation Path path path buses, ferryboats merging
merging spaces of Fame’, New
spaces, path
York theme land
in a large
features and
space so
classic landmarks
random
Entrance
Landscape Intersection of the
plaza,
Point in 3 to 5 features (land single walkway
Decision Central plaza, intersection
directions, marks), loop with
Nodes making pointing to five of Future
decision making decision entrances to
points directions World and
points making different theme
World
points lands
Showcase
Universal Globe,
Far Far Away
Spaceship
Medieval Castle shows
Rhythmic Earth is a
architecture fictional palace,
Architectural windows, Fairytale land sphere,
style, Fantasy land Battlestar
Character medieval style supported by
imagery of Galactica
architecture style three pairs of
castle rollercoaster
legs.
shows metropolis
of future

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2014
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Far Far Away White

Castle has beige structure, on
coloured walls and a closer look
brown tiled cladded with
Marble, colour
Colour and roof, Battlestar triangular
Lateritic stone Colourful Colourful scheme of white,
Texture Galactica is a red tiles,
brown, pink
and blue roller derivative of
coaster with white pentakis
posts dodeca
hedron
Imposing,
Battlestar
Large, strong Galactica Large, 18
Scale Large Huge Large
image rollercoaster at a storeys high
height of 42.7
metres
Along the Universal Globe is
visual axis placed at the
At the Entrance to
from the entrance , Castle
High on the crest entrance, Central, along a theme park,
Position entrance, and rollercoaster
of hill front end of strong visual axis strong visual
parallel to the located on
the site axis
path of opposite sides of
approach the lagoon,
Enough
signage for
ride Directional Signage that

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Uniform
specification, signage, verbal, resembling the
Wooden- ride Inadequate, pattern,
less signage information character of the
specifications no different
Signage to show centers, layout theme land,
blue- other facility uniformity, signage for
direction, too maps, signage Warnings shown
red- warnings less visibility each country
many for visually on movie
pavilions
destination in impaired clapperboard
single
signage
Guide maps
Guide maps,
to maintain
Six you-are-here No maps are No maps are Guide maps, separate colours
Maps orientation
maps provided provided GPS systems for different theme
and sense of
lands
location
High from
central
Less ,
lagoon,
Less , revealed in
High from central presence of
Visibility High due to exceptions parts as one High from
lagoon, presence large void,
sloping site are tall proceeds central plaza
of large void Paths
buildings through the
intersect at
linear path
right angles
and straight
Table 1. Comparative analysis of case studies

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References
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guide Prof. Aju.R for his support and guidance.

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