College - Author 1

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Department - Author 1

Experience Industry Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Date

3-2021

Primary Advisor

Keri Schwab, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Experience Industry Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Stories are powerful tools used to both connect and communicate through a multitude of mediums. Movies, marketing campaigns, and experience design in theme parks are modern examples of storytelling, using various practices to bring the narrative to life. The purpose of this study was to analyze the manipulation of storytelling elements to create and build an immersive adventure experience in selected theme park attractions. A comparative analysis was conducted on theIndiana Jones Adventure and the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance rides at Disneyland using an instrument that analyzed both experience design and storytelling practices. Findings concluded that the practices used were effective and were also customized to better fit the narrative of each ride. Recommendations include using a combination of experience design techniques and storytelling elements to involve guests in the adventure. Further implications are analyzed based on the prevalence and implementation of this story structure throughout history.

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