Can a theme park ever be too quiet?

[Matt N]

Hi guys. On paper, everyone’s dream theme park visit is one with no queues. Queues are the bane of everyone’s existence when it comes to theme parks, so to not have them sounds like a dream… right? After a recent visit to Paultons Park on 5th June that was particularly deserted, as well as some ensuing discussion with people off the back of that, I’ve been pondering this notion. With this in mind, I’d be interested to know; in your view, can a theme park ever be too quiet? Is the theoretical ideal of a park with no queues and no crowds really such an ideal in reality?

Personally, I’m actually somewhat undecided on this.

From my own perspective, a large part of me would say no. A quiet park means all the more rides for you, and as a person who doesn’t mind doing a good number of rerides on things I enjoy, that suits me down to the ground! There are very few things better than a nice riding marathon, in my view, and depending on the park, some of my best memories in theme parks have been from times where I’ve just been able to ride over and over (a 30-ride day at Thorpe Park in September 2023 sticks particularly fondly in my mind)!

On the other hand, though, some might argue that depending on your own tolerance for reriding, queues are almost necessary to lengthen the day and break up the rides a bit. There’s also the argument about atmosphere that I can see; I had a brilliant day, but at points, my Paultons visit was almost quite surreal due to the sheer lack of crowds. When you’re the only person within visible eyeshot at points, it is certainly quite an odd experience!

So on balance, I would probably lean towards no, but I can see some of the arguments for yes. I can also see that the answer might differ depending on the park; I’ve certainly found riding lots of rides easier and more enjoyable in some parks on a quiet day than in others!

But I’d be keen to know; do you think a theme park can ever be too quiet?

 

[Maelstrom]

The quietest I have been to were IMG and motiongate in Dubai - at points we were the only people on a ride or even in the queue. Great for lots of rides but atmosphere was lacking and made park feel a bit flat and we felt a bit awkward at times.

My three trips to Knotts berry farm have been the same- might seem odd for a park with 4m attendance a year but all three were a midweek day in the middle of October. Most rides walk on all day and on most rides lots of empty seats etc. While not as bad as the Dubai parks I think would have enjoyed it more with a bit more atmosphere from a few more guests. I am sure will find it very different next time though and will wish could go back to what was like previously- as next time I go to California (possible next year) will be in August.

 

[D4n]

Based on trips to Energylandia, Legendia and Motiongate , absolutely a park can be too quiet. Walk on rides in completely happy with but empty areas can make things feel soulless and frankly a little bit awkward when staff members are remembering your face throughout the day.

Motiongate staff didn’t help this by actively telling us that they didn’t want us to do any more rerides.

 

[East Coast Mariner]

I'll say "Yes", but only to extremes.

Assuming it's a good park that keeps all the rides open, the only reason I'd want other people there is so it's not too weird walking around. All the attention from every kiosk and sideshow would be on me, which would be a bit uncomfortable. Regarding the actual rides, though, I'm quite happy to walk on and be the only person on it.

 

[Poisson]

Yes.

When the power has tripped and nothing is running. Or the park is closed.

 

[rob666]

Good topic Matt.

Bluntly, from a personal perspective...no.

Park the car right up close to the gates, on your first ride in seconds.

Old, bad mobility, limited energy...get all those young pests out of my way and away from my bloody wankle and dodgy hip.

Pick your own seat, no waits whatsoever, no queue at the bar, pick a bench or lawn for your early afternoon nap, and home in time for Pointless and an early bed.

I understand what people mean about atmosphere and so on, but I really enjoy ghost town parks, you know (in this country) you have struck a lucky day.

Finest time, a whole hour on the Beach, accidentally, via the ice drome, on a Sunday morning, before the staff turned up.

Just me and half a dozen mechanics...who stole all my sweets with menaces.

 

[tactic]

Depends how quiet we mean by too quiet. I’ve had a time at the end of the day at thorpe after it rained where they wouldn’t start half the rides as there weren’t enough people. Me and my mate were told we couldn’t go on saw as they needed a minimum of 4 people to run it. We waited 10 mins in the station then gave up when no one came. Was a similar experience for other rides, samari, colossus, etc. as all the staff kept telling us they needed more people to start the rides.

However, in my opinion, a quiet day is always the best if there’s nothing like that going on. Less queues = more rides, what more needs to be said!

 

[Vik]

Quietest I have seen a park. Cinenitta World near Rome in 2016. Barely 100 people there. 8 of which would have been on the coach we boarded from Rome. The most deserted place I’ve ever visited I think.

 

[owenstreet7]

Personally, I think as long as rides keep operating - I don't think it can be too quiet but if rides are on rotation or close, it would affect my experience.

Although I believe the perspective from GP and Enthusiast is very different. The former may want a day trip and enjoy the rides once (or twice) whilst an Enthusiast (and possibly GP too) will enjoy everything but want to ride the headliners a few times over. This may mean that if they get through rides too quickly, it may not be worth a full day for them.

I have sometimes gone to a park for an extra day or few on my trips and that's actually been a good thing as I've been able to ride some favourites again and again on that trip (plus cover any spites that may not have been picked up on if I went for a single day).

Fantastic question once again @Matt N