Would You Pay to Visit Your Own Park?

Peak’s Amusement

At Peak’s Amusement, you pull into a well-marked, easy-to-navigate parking lot—and it’s free. There’s no shuttle, but the walk to the entrance is pleasant and quick. Security lines are long, but they move efficiently, thanks to well-trained staff and well-designed entry points. A smiling team member chats with your child while checking your bag. Before you know it, you’re in the park and smiling too.

Nearly every ride is open, and only one minor attraction is down. But as a courtesy, it offers signage explaining why and an employee suggesting other nearby options. All food outlets and shops are open and fully stocked. Employees greet you at entrances, offer helpful suggestions, and make you feel welcome.

Food prices are on par with a better casual dining experience—not cheap, but fair for the quality. A freshly grilled burger with house sauce and a side of fries? Better than expected. Portions are satisfying, and dining areas are clean and comfortable.

Ride wait times are mixed—shorter for family attractions, longer for thrill rides—but guests don’t mind. Queue lines have fans, music, and friendly employees checking in on guests. One team member notices your child is wearing a birthday button and offers a free skip-the-line pass for the ride they’re waiting for. It’s a small act, but it feels magical.

You leave Peak’s Amusement tired—but smiling. The memories made were worth every minute.

Lessons from the Field

Here’s what you need to ask yourself: is my park more like Overlook Ridge or Peak’s Amusement? If you want your park to deliver a Peak’s Amusement experience, you need to start with one principle: Be a guest in your own park. And do it often.

Here’s how to start:

Mystery shop your own experience. Go through the entire guest journey, from parking lot to exit gate, without special treatment. Take notes on what you feel, not just what you see.

Observe emotions. Are guests smiling or stressed? Are employees going through the motions or truly engaging?

Empower your team. Encourage micro-moments of magic. A high five. A kind word. A helping hand. These touches elevate a day from good to unforgettable.

Visit other attractions. Explore other parks, museums, zoos, and even restaurants. Pay attention to the tone, the flow, the friction points—and the standouts.

Lead from the frontlines. Don’t just read guest feedback—go see it for yourself. When leaders are visible and present in guest areas, problems get solved faster, and team morale often rises.

Never forget that every day matters. The guest visiting on a slow weekday deserves the same energy and excellence as those arriving on a holiday weekend. The last day of the season should feel as magical as the first.

In the end, success isn’t just measured in ride capacity or revenue per cap. It’s measured in smiles, return visits, and stories guests can’t wait to tell. When you truly see your park through the eyes of your guests—and act on what you see—you begin the journey from Overlook Ridge to Peak’s Amusement.

How ITPS Can Help

At ITPS, we understand that it’s not always easy to see your park from the outside in. While managers should always experience their park as a guest, their presence is often noticed, and team members may not always operate as they normally would. That’s why having an independent, unbiased perspective is so valuable. Let us be your eyes. Through our customized guest experience audits, we evaluate your park just as your guests do—from the parking lot to the exit gate. Our team provides actionable feedback and practical recommendations to help elevate your operations, guest satisfaction, and overall park performance. Whether it’s your first season or your fiftieth, we’re here to help ensure every day feels like opening day—for you and your guests.