The Experience Economist - Americas Edition 2025

LDP recent project mix

Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach is the newest U.S. addition to the artificial wave global family, and Wavegarden’s 12th project to open.

24% Resorts, clusters and mixed use

21% FECs, indoor parks & play

19% Theme parks

Kathleen LaClair shares industry insights Expert view

6% Museum & gallery, science centre

5% Sports entertainment

5% Viewing attractions

comes the typical challenges - the company closed Six Flags America in Maryland at the end of its season, as part of a long-term strategic plans and initiated a reduction in workforce, as operations are centralized. Along a similar path, LEGO recently acquired all LEGO Discovery Centres and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres from Merlin Entertainment, as Merlin refocuses on immersive temporary and touring attractions. Surf park mania Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach is the newest U.S. addition to the artificial wave global family, and Wavegarden’s 12th project to open. A leading designer of artificial surf parks, the company has another 10 projects under construction and 45 in planning, across four continents. And that’s just one company. Wave Pool Mag estimates that there are 200 projects in some stage of planning or development globally. Interest and participation in surfing is trending, due in part to the inclusion and coverage of the sport in the last two summer Olympics. On a recent visit to Dreamworks Waterpark at American Dream in New Jersey, LDP learned that their indoor wave pool is open for surfing lessons after hours and sessions typically sell out. In addition to serving as a practice facility for more experienced surfers, beginners are using the artificial waves to “save face” and get a leg up prior to surfing the real deal, on upcoming vacations. Artificial lagoons On a visually related note, we also continue to see significant interest in and development of, artificial lagoons. Recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning, artificial lagoons are becoming increasingly popular in developments, with hundreds of projects in planning stages, under construction or opened, globally. The largest developer of this attraction is

4% Immersive

4% Waterparks

4% Heritage

3% Wildlife, nature and botanic

3% Event venue or show

2% Workplace brand centre or hall of fame

69%

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

23% 5% 3%

As specialists in economic forecasting and strategy for visitor attractions, LDP’s project portfolio serves as a reliable gauge of where developers are focusing their attention. Given that no single source tracks all experience economy projects, our workflow provides a strong proxy for industry priorities. Dollywood is a regional park standout Featured on the cover, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are home to Dollywood, the award- winning theme park co-owned by Herschend and country music icon Dolly Parton. Dollywood has a long history and impressive multi-generational visitor base which drives regional tourism and is a major contributor to the region’s economy. The destination resort also includes a waterpark, the DreamMore Resort and Spa and recently opened Heartsong Resort. IAAPA inducted Dolly Parton into the Hall of

Fame this year, citing her vision, investment, and heart for her community, which helped the park and resort grow into a globally recognized destination. Dollywood Parks and Resorts anchors the attraction dense area of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, which is also home to the Titanic Museum, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a Ripley’s Aquarium, the Anakeesta adventure park, and countless smaller attractions. Consolidations and acquisitions The merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags earlier this year continues a trend of consolidation in more mature markets and strengthens the company’s U.S. regional dominance. With a now combined 42 regional theme and waterparks across the Americas, the portfolio will likely see attendance close to 50.0 million this year, and the new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation will take fifth place in terms of major global operators, and third in the U.S. However, with it

Feasibility

Enhancement Strategy/other Due Diligence

Crystal Lagoons, whose initial projects were part of larger residential real estate developments, serving as an amenity for residents and driving water view premiums for the developer. The company’s new era, the public access lagoon (PAL) features the lagoon as the central feature of larger retail- dining-entertainment developments. The lagoons are relatively inexpensive to build and can be easily scaled to fit urban and more rural project sites, though they typically range between 3 and 10 acres, but can be much larger. Artificial lagoons serve as an elevated amenity that draws a wide range of development and user types, offering a beautiful view, a great backdrop for special events, relaxing beaches, and recreational activities.

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