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PRODUCT NEWS
Former creative at Walt Disney Imagineering releasing new book on design in the themed entertainment industry
10 Mar 2016 . BY Alice Davis
A new industry book, Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment, is launching soon
A new book devoted to the art of theme park design and written by a former TEA board member and creative designer at Walt Disney Imagineering is to launch on 28 March.

Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment, written by David Younger, is aimed at designers, students and theme park fans, bringing together a wealth of tips and advice from design experts at Disney, Universal and Merlin’s creative studios, among others.

The book promises to be a comprehensive study of experience design in the world of themed entertainment, providing a valuable reference for industry professionals.

“As a young person within this industry, I viewed the process of writing this book as an opportunity to learn from the best designers in the history of theme park design, documenting their advice, their perspectives and their tried-and-tested approaches to design,” said Younger.

In the 600-page book, Younger tackles a vast range of topics, from defining the art of themed design and looking at the theme park business model to discussing the design process and its creative techniques. He also provides a detailed exploration of the concept of storytelling in themed experiences.

“Rather than trying to prescribe any particular approach to design, my aim was to document all possibilities theme parks have found so far, and show just how innovative, exciting and varied theme park design can be,” said Younger, who wrote the book while studying his PhD in Art and Design. He chose to focus his doctorate research project on the themed entertainment sector.

Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment has a preface by Disney Legend Tony Baxter and an afterword by Imagineer and Animal Kingdom designer Joe Rohde.

“By amassing the communal knowledge of this disparate and diverse group into a single opus, David Younger has provided us all with a landmark in our intellectual space from which we may navigate to further possibility,” said Rohde.




The Shanghai Disney Resort, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, will open in June 2016 / Credit: Shanghai Disney Resort
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
AStation: Leading the ‘Attractions Revolution’
While others pour concrete and steel, AStation launches dinosaurs and heroes within weeks — no construction required. Its outlets are redefining entertainment with cutting-edge, location-based experiences, transforming plazas, art districts, and heritage sites into massive Mixed Reality playgrounds.
Efteling and Vekoma present ‘seat-on-wheels’ concept for wheelchair-accessible attractions
Together with experts and representatives of the Dutch association de Zonnebloem, theme park resort Efteling and ride manufacturer Vekoma have developed an innovative concept to increase inclusivity in theme parks, specifically aimed at guests who use wheelchairs.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Red Raion: a decade of immersive storytelling
This year marks a significant milestone for Red Raion, the CGI studio that has become a trusted name in producing immersive content for the attractions industry.
Lead the way in one of Wales’ most ambitious new destinations
Canolfan Pentre Awel will be a hub of leisure and community wellbeing. Highlights include a 600-square-metre fitness suite, an 8-court sports hall and aquatic facilities
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
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PRODUCT NEWS
Former creative at Walt Disney Imagineering releasing new book on design in the themed entertainment industry
10 Mar 2016 . BY Alice Davis
A new industry book, Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment, is launching soon
A new book devoted to the art of theme park design and written by a former TEA board member and creative designer at Walt Disney Imagineering is to launch on 28 March.

Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment, written by David Younger, is aimed at designers, students and theme park fans, bringing together a wealth of tips and advice from design experts at Disney, Universal and Merlin’s creative studios, among others.

The book promises to be a comprehensive study of experience design in the world of themed entertainment, providing a valuable reference for industry professionals.

“As a young person within this industry, I viewed the process of writing this book as an opportunity to learn from the best designers in the history of theme park design, documenting their advice, their perspectives and their tried-and-tested approaches to design,” said Younger.

In the 600-page book, Younger tackles a vast range of topics, from defining the art of themed design and looking at the theme park business model to discussing the design process and its creative techniques. He also provides a detailed exploration of the concept of storytelling in themed experiences.

“Rather than trying to prescribe any particular approach to design, my aim was to document all possibilities theme parks have found so far, and show just how innovative, exciting and varied theme park design can be,” said Younger, who wrote the book while studying his PhD in Art and Design. He chose to focus his doctorate research project on the themed entertainment sector.

Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment has a preface by Disney Legend Tony Baxter and an afterword by Imagineer and Animal Kingdom designer Joe Rohde.

“By amassing the communal knowledge of this disparate and diverse group into a single opus, David Younger has provided us all with a landmark in our intellectual space from which we may navigate to further possibility,” said Rohde.




The Shanghai Disney Resort, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, will open in June 2016 / Credit: Shanghai Disney Resort
PRODUCT NEWS
Disney partners with Dronisos on new drone show
Disneyland Paris has launched a new drone show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
SeaWorld Orlando provides details of new dark ride ahead of launch
SeaWorld Orlando has given a preview of the ride vehicles for SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride set to open in 2026.
DreamLab uses Christie projectors to update St Louis Grand Hall Experience
The Grand Hall Experience at St Louis Union Station in St Louis, US, has recently undergone a major upgrade, involving new projection technology, media servers, and new and refreshed content.
TouchWood Play designs new kids’ club for Dubai’s Zuhha Island
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ Club on Zuhha Island, Dubai.
Maurer Rides installs interactive indoor coaster at new Hi Space theme park in China
German rollercoaster designer and manufacturer Maurer Rides is installing what it describes as the world’s first interactive indoor rollercoaster featuring Spike technology at the new Hi Space indoor amusement park in Chongqing, China.
Mack Animation releases Grand Prix of Europe film
Feature film animation studio Mack Animation has released an animated film featuring German theme park Europa-Park mascots Ed and Edda.
New flying theatre experience gives unique views of Niagara Falls
A new $25m flying theatre experience has launched near Niagara Falls, New York State, exploring 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history.
Efteling launches climate-friendly water show
Dutch theme park Efteling has launched its transformed Efteling Symphonica water show, which has been redesigned to bring it into line with the park’s sustainability goals.
Sunkid reveals the Rocking Tower family ride
Family friendly attractions manufacturer Sunkid has revealed its latest attraction, the Rocking Tower.
Polish theme park launches new Vekoma coaster
Polish indoor theme park Mandoria has opened its new Aquila rollercoaster.
P&P Projects launches new brand and show model
P&P Projects has announced it is launching a brand-new branch called ThemedMotion that will specialise in the turnkey development of animatronics and animated figures.
Vekoma showcases new openings
Ride manufacturer Vekoma showcased several new projects at IAAPA in November.
+ More products   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
RMA Ltd

RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company that can design, build and produce from a greenfield site upw [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS