Executives from Universal Destinations & Experiences, Walt Disney Imagineering, Lionsgate, Herschend Family Entertainment, and Falcon\u2019s Beyond took the stage at the Themed Entertainment Association INSPIRE panel to break down what\u2019s actually shaping the future of theme parks and attractions, and why the industry may be shifting in more ways than guests realize.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Twenty years ago, I sat in a college classroom and heard from Disney executives, Universal executives, and other theme park industry leaders. I was inspired then, and I am inspired now. This week, I attended the\u00a0Themed<\/a><\/span> Entertainment Association INSPIRE \u201cState of the Industry\u201d panel<\/a> held in Orlando, Florida, and the spirit of my younger self felt reignited.<\/p>\n The theme park and attractions industry is in the middle of one of its most challenging chapters. And yet, those who pull together and rise to the challenge may find success on the other side.<\/p>\n From artificial intelligence to rising costs and changing guest expectations<\/a>, the conversation pointed to a future where theme parks may look and feel different, not just bigger.<\/p>\n The panel brought together key voices shaping the future of theme parks. These are the leaders behind the parks, attractions, and experiences fans visit every year, from major destination resorts to emerging immersive concepts. <\/p>\n Hearing directly from them offers a rare look at not just what\u2019s being built next, but why, and how those decisions could shape everything from the rides you experience to the overall feel of your next visit.<\/p>\n Seated left to right on stage:<\/p>\n One of the biggest shifts discussed was the move beyond massive destination parks. While global expansion continues, panelists emphasized the growing opportunity for smaller, more localized experiences that still deliver high-quality storytelling. Jenefer Brown noted that not every experience needs to exist at the scale of a traditional theme park to be meaningful.<\/p>\n Page Thompson pointed to smaller-scale elements, like character-driven moments in Universal\u2019s Dark Universe<\/a>, with the Igor character as an example of how immersion doesn\u2019t always require massive show buildings or large ride systems.<\/p>\n Instead, parks are investing in details that guests can stumble upon, creating experiences that feel more organic and interactive. Even as parks grow in scale, Ali Rubinstein, SVP with Walt Disney Imagineering, says smaller moments are becoming just as important, \u201cThe personal, intimate piece of it\u2026 is really where the opportunity is.\u201d<\/p>\n For visitors, some of the most memorable moments can come from headline attractions, but from the spaces in between.<\/p>\n Designing for a broader range of guests is also becoming a priority. Page Thompson shared that Universal\u2019s upcoming Universal Kids Resort<\/a> is being built specifically for children ages 3 to 8, with everything scaled to younger visitors. The park is also expected to be autism certified, with a significant portion of staff trained in autism awareness.<\/p>\n At the same time, panelists stressed the importance of listening to guest feedback. Jenefer Brown pointed to \u2018The Hunger Games: On Stage\u2019 as an example where accessibility improvements were driven by audience response. <\/p>\n \u201cWe thought we did everything right\u2026 and then we learned we had some accessibility issues. We invited those guests back, listened, and made changes.\u201d<\/p>\n Jenefer Brown\u00a0\u2013 President, Global Products & Experiences, Lionsgate<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n We\u2019ve seen accessibility concerns about Walt Disney World<\/a> as well as SeaWorld Orlando in recent months.<\/p>\nInsights from theme park executives: five ways theme parks are evolving<\/h2>\n
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<\/em>Photo by Dani Meyering<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n1. More personal and more local<\/h3>\n
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<\/em>Courtesy of Universal<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n2. Parks are thinking more about younger kids and accessibility<\/h3>\n
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