Storytelling creates the basics of the thematics of a park. The story comes first, and the characters, the theming and the rides are then designed to carry it.
The backstory below was written for a water park, and it shows how that works in practice.
A park backstory in practice: the legend of Princess Aqua
In the heart of the shimmering realm of Aquatopia, nestled amidst crystalline waterfalls and cascading streams, lay the enchanting water kingdom known as Marina Kingdom. At its core resided a princess named Aqua, a being of boundless energy and an insatiable thirst for aquatic merriment.
Aqua, unlike any princess before her, possessed a profound affinity for the exhilarating rush of water slides, the refreshing embrace of wave pools, and the infectious laughter of families sharing joyous moments. Her heart yearned to transform Marina Kingdom into a realm of unparalleled aquatic enchantment, where visitors could transcend the mundane and immerse themselves in a world of boundless water-borne wonder.
Fate intervened when Prince Arief, a visionary royal with an unparalleled mastery of aquatic attractions, arrived in Marina Kingdom. Recognizing its untapped potential, he approached Aqua with a proposal to elevate the water park to unimaginable heights. Together, their combined expertise and unwavering passion ignited a collaborative endeavor that would transform Marina Kingdom into an aquatic paradise beyond compare.
The grand unveiling of the revamped Marina Kingdom was a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur. Families from realms far and wide flocked to experience the exhilarating thrill of water slides that spiraled into the heavens, the mesmerizing tranquility of a lazy river that meandered through enchanted landscapes, and the whimsical magic of water play areas that ignited the imaginations of children. Aqua, now revered as Princess Aqua, stood as the embodiment of Marina Kingdom’s enchanting spirit, ensuring that every visitor reveled in the aquatic wonderland she had envisioned.
Princess Aqua, a beloved figure in the Marina Kingdom water park, became the guardian spirit, whispering aquatic adventures to the staff. She would be seen at dawn, inspecting water quality and ensuring every element exuded an aura of aquatic enchantment. Under her watch, Marina Kingdom became a beacon of joy, laughter, and unforgettable watery escapades. Her spirit, akin to Nyi Roro Kidul, became an integral part of Marina Kingdom’s folklore, shared by visitors and staff. The legend of Princess Aqua and Marina Kingdom endures, a testament to the transformative power of passion and the boundless enchantment that unfolds when water and dreams intertwine.
Preliminary character design befitting the park’s storytelling
Early concept sketches explored the creation of a strong and relatable female heroine, refining an art style inspired by modern global media influences. Some concepts were tailored toward Western audiences, while others embraced Eastern and Asian-inspired aesthetics. Additional character explorations included both classical and Eastern cartoon styles, expanding the creative pool for reference, evaluation, and design refinement.
The queue is part of the attraction
Guests spend a significant amount of time waiting, so make every moment count. Use themed environments, interactive elements, and storytelling opportunities to transform queues from waiting areas into immersive experiences.
See how story-led design reads across a whole park in our theme park portfolio and water park portfolio. Storytelling is built into our theme park design services from the first concept sketch.
More from our Insights series:
- Theme Park Master Planning and Zoning: From Vision to Master Plan
- From Design to Reality: How Theme Park Attractions Are Designed and Delivered
- Theme Park Commercial Planning: The 7P Process, Target Market and Sponsorship
Planning a theme park, water park or integrated destination? Talk to the Sanderson Global team.