Perspective: The Interns Shaping the Future of Attractions
Interns: the bright-eyed, energetic crew that brings a burst of youthful energy every summer. They might debate you over the merits of ankle socks vs. crew and give your side part the side-eye, but they also infuse our team with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Beyond their lively presence, they serve as a valuable focus group for gauging the state of our industry.
We chatted with a few of our interns to hear what they’re looking for at attractions, their thoughts on the current industry landscape, and what qualities they seek in mentors as they embark on their professional journeys.
Carly Delay is a landscape architect and a recent graduate of the University of Florida; Jinsong Li is a recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a Master of Fine Art in Interior Design; Cynthia Viets attends Washington University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture; and Brendan Gannon is attending the University of Kansas to earn his master’s degree in architecture.
The Appeal
New and interesting experiences are key drivers of engagement. Jinsong captures this sentiment perfectly. He says, “The primary factor driving me to an attraction is its uniqueness. I am intrigued by theme parks with innovative rides and interactive experiences, museums with immersive exhibits, and zoos with naturalistic enclosures that mimic the animals' native habitats. When deciding where to visit, I consider the history of the place and its blend of modernity, originality, creativity, and uniqueness.”
Inclusivity
Carly is very cognizant of the inclusivity of attractions. She explains, “Because I have epilepsy, some places can be hard if there are only roller coasters or ride-based activities. I seek places that are intentionally inclusive, where there are other things to do beyond coasters. Those extras can keep everyone entertained, including great food, character meet-and-greets, games, and zookeeper talks.”
Over the past few years, Carly has observed increased efforts to make attractions more inclusive. She shares, “I’ve noticed a growing awareness of unseen disabilities. One of my epilepsy triggers is standing in confined spaces for extended periods. Having information beforehand is crucial; it helps me know what to expect on the rides and in the queues. I’ve found Disney’s new system to be particularly user-friendly. It allows me to book a specific time, avoiding potentially triggering queues and enabling me to fully participate in all the activities.”
Why is it fulfilling?
With a heightened awareness of environmental changes and animal welfare, those entering the workforce appreciate the chance to make a difference. Jinsong notes, “It's fulfilling to contribute to sustainability and conservation efforts through design. Creating spaces that educate and inspire visitors to care about the environment and wildlife is a meaningful aspect of my work.”
Carly Delay, PGAV intern, alongside a furry friend.
The push for more naturalistic animal habitats does not go unnoticed. Carly says, “It’s great to see that habitats now reflect an animal’s natural environment. I’m glad there’s a push for better animal care standards. These habitats benefit the animals and help our guests engage more and learn about them. As someone who is fascinated by plants, I appreciate attractions incorporating signs next to plants, allowing guests to learn about native plants and ideas they might take home to incorporate into their yards and gardens.”
Challenges and Opportunity
Attractions are evolving alongside technology, prompting ongoing debates about its use and how to keep pace with an ever-changing landscape. While this new generation of professionals is adept with technology, they also recognize that, ultimately, it’s about people. Jinsong observes, “Collaborations with artists, designers, and technologists can lead to innovative attractions that captivate and inspire. Moreover, investing in staff training and development ensures employees can deliver exceptional service and create memorable visitor experiences.
He adds, “What excites me the most are geographically unique destinations that present some challenges, making the experience more rewarding. For instance, exploring an underwater hotel, visiting a theme park in the desert, or trekking through a remote wildlife reserve are thrilling and memorable. The tourism industry will increasingly incorporate AI technology and virtual reality, offering more immersive and innovative attractions. Imagine using AI-guided tours that adapt to your preferences in real-time.”
Brendan also foresees a significant impact from AI but emphasizes the importance of people. He states, “AI is a powerful tool for concept generation and analyzing building performance. While it's daunting to consider how AI-generated designs might impact the industry, I believe the human touch will always be essential. Only human insight can truly understand and enhance the experience of a place.”
Mentorship
As our interns transition to full-time colleagues, leading this next generation effectively is essential. While everyone has their unique learning style, some common themes resonate across the board. Cynthia highlights the value of an open and positive environment: “I love hearing about everyone’s experience and how they came to be a part of the industry. I also love how open everyone is to answer questions and talk to me, which is extremely helpful!”
Brendan emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and practical application in mentorship. “I appreciate mentors who provide opportunities to work on projects, offer constructive feedback, and encourage me to tackle challenges head-on.”
Jinsong underscores the value of being challenged and pushed to improve: “Mentorship that pushes me to improve is the most beneficial. A mentor who can constructively apply pressure and encourage me to strive for higher standards helps me become more professional and robust in my field.”
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