How Theme Parks Operate - An Insiders Perspective

Theme Parks and Amusement Parks can be found across the globe, attracting millions of visitors each year. It's often easy to forget the challenges that are faced in the process of running these large scale attractions. From ensuring the happiness of all of it’s guests, to providing a collection of reliable and exciting attractions, a large number of tasks must be completed on a daily basis. To learn more about this process, we spoke to Paul Gentile, Operations Manager at Adventureland in Long Island New York.
A big thanks goes to Paul Gentile, for taking the time to be interviewed by us. I'd also like to thank Vinny B for setting up and recording the interview itself.
Adventureland ► adventureland.us/
PATREONS:
D. Newman, Simon Stirrat, Tolgerb
MERCHANDISE:
T-SHIRTS ► shirt.coasterbot.com
POSTERS ► poster.coasterbot.com
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Patreon ► / coasterbot
Twitter ► / coasterbot
Facebook ► / coasterbot
Instagram ► / coasterbot
Reddit ► / coasterbot
Discord ► / discord
CREDITS:
Music: Passion - Sappheiros ( / passion-sappheiros-cas... )

[@coasterbot]

We apologise for some of the interview video being unfocused. You live and learn!

[@pancit8403]

COASTER BOT excellent production quality, very professional

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@harper222]

Poor video production and poor audio is "excellent"? I don't understand the comment section.

[@coasterbot]

I think most of the comments apply to the video as a whole, as in the content being explained and the general message, rather than the semantics of the interview quality. You are correct, the hardware in use to record the interview wasn't the best, as we don't have the time or quality hardware. Regardless, the overall quality of the video is good, which is stated by many.

[@buzzmoorc]

Just catching up with the conjtent on this channel. Thanks for the video! And don't feel obliged to feed the troll. It's not like he's produced anything of value!

[@martinalden4381]

I know that almost every comment says this, but the production value makes it feel like I'm watching a documentary on tv! And considering this is a KZbin video makes it even more impressing

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, we really appreciate this comment. Hopefully we can bring more videos to the channel of this quality. :)

[@martinalden4381]

I'm certain!

[@jacksonsparks868]

Paul seems like such a great guy with a real passion for the park, not seeing it as a job more like a family. Such a good video!

[@coasterbot]

He is a great guy who really wants the best for the park. He puts in a lot of effort constantly to ensure everyone has a great time. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@K3SNE]

I agree

[@MercedesBenxx]

Not only is the video very well made, it looks like a professional documentary. I also really liked Paul Gentile, he seems very humble and honest and was definitely a good choice to interview. The music is also a very nice addition! Great job.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks, that really means a lot. Paul seems like a great guy for sure!

[@anthonyvolpe8704]

When someone ask me if my job is easy being a ride operator I tell them anyone can learn how to operate a ride but not everyone has what it take to work at amusement park

[@coasterbot]

This is very interesting to hear :)

[@rcblitzfpv8346]

What do you mean by this

[@hannahharris2071]

@@rcblitzfpv8346 some people don’t have the outgoing personality and being able to engage in conversation, dealing with difficult situations. You need to be able to commit the same happy joyful attitude to each and every person there. Usually they’ll do things such as group interviews to be able to form community with those around you! My dream job before I start university or late high school years I would love to become a ride operator at my local them park Adventure world perth!

[@bert2thejack611]

Best video yet! Also I love the addition of music, It's such a small addition but makes a big difference!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks man! Hopefully music will be a more permanent addition to some other large videos coming in the future. :)

[@jtbackup4553]

COASTER BOT Just like *tHe SmIlEr* *static noises*

[@StamfordBridge]

Great video. I love the spotlight on a small, family park. I may visit this place this summer because of this.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Adventureland looks like a lovely small family park that's definitely worth a visit. :)

[@vinnyb1958]

StamfordBridge it's a fun little park! I've been going my whole life.

[@StamfordBridge]

Vincent Belotti Yeah. I’m in New York City. Looks like a quick subway and then LIRR get me there? I’m definitely hitting this place up this summer.

[@vinnyb1958]

LIRR gets you to basically right to the park. Keep in mind though, this park is way smaller than you'd expect.

[@StamfordBridge]

Vincent Belotti Yes, it’s a place with two small coaster credits, so I’m not expecting Magic Mountain. :-D But it definitely sounds worthy of an afternoon. Thanks for confirming the directions!

[@wormyfren8133]

This is awesome, I worked at Adventureland as a teenager! Paul was also a great guy to work for, glad you got him for an interview.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I'm glad you had great experiences at Adventureland

[@SfinxVid]

Nice video! I’m totally getting what he is saying, and agree with it. For myself I never want to step out of the Theme Park industry, I’m working in the industry for a few years now but it still doesn’t feel like work. For me having a job at a Theme Park is the best job you could ever have, and it’s always a blessing to give the public a fantastic day! My personal goal is to get everyone smiling in the end, that includes when guests come with something to complain about, I don’t only want to do something about it but I want them to leave with a smile afterwards. And when that happens, well, that’s the best feeling in the world

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! It's fantastic to hear that you love what you do and aim to make people smile. I wish there were more people like you working in the world's various theme parks :)

[@sophiesblog0489]

This is very interesting to learn from a workers perspective!

[@coasterbot]

I agree, I'm glad you found it interesting :)

[@tylerbaker3832]

This is very interesting to hear what happens behind the scenes from a park worker. The production value made it feel like a documentary from TV. Great video

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@IntenseCity]

You deserve to be subscribed to. I watched you once, then you popped up in recommendations twice, and this one is hands down confirmed subscription.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, it means a lot! :)

[@teenconservative3433]

I grew up at adventureland! It's my local amusement park! So cool to see it featured!

[@coasterbot]

That's awesome to hear! :)

[@East_Coaster_Fan]

Thanks for making a video about my home park. It may be small and not known that well but it’s a fun place to go. Trust me, I’m one of the 5% with a season pass.

[@coasterbot]

No problem, it does seem like a fantastic park! It's also great that you have a season pass. :)

[@StamfordBridge]

East Coaster Fan Adults can ride both coaster credits, yes?

[@East_Coaster_Fan]

Yes

[@StamfordBridge]

East Coaster Fan Thanks.

[@vinnyb1958]

East Coaster Fan Wow, there's more than just me? Who knew.

[@nolimitsluke]

The music in the background adds to the video.i like it.

[@coasterbot]

Awesome! I plan to include it more in other future videos. :)

[@epochemu3505]

"Must be beneficial" *shows Galeforce

[@coasterbot]

It's all planned, you must know that by now! ;)

[@OmJhody]

So many insight from a competent resource, great video!

[@irishmusiclover100]

What an awesome video! I love how you have lots of footage from Dorney Park and Hersheypark! They're my home parks and they're beautiful.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Those parks do look fantastic :)

[@douglasdangelo6755]

I used to go to adventureland as a kid. Nothing but great memories. The staff does a great job keeping it up

[@AMagicProduction]

Excellent Video

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@TheLordUrban]

I really like this down to earth, nuts and bolts style interview/ advice. A lot of the stuff on KZbin is much more conceptual in nature or aimed solely at the creative side of things.

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@EVILBUNNY28]

This is awesome! Very informative, and very professional!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@UnknownFlyingPancake]

Oh, that place is nearby, used to go there when I was a kid but I was so young I don't have much memory of it back then. As I got older I was more interested in more thrilling rides, but as part of an event I went there several years back and it was a nice little park. It definitely had a good atmosphere. I remember it had a cool arcade. I do like smaller rides too though, so if they've been adding new stuff it might be worth taking a visit there again sometime. Nice video!

[@coasterbot]

You should visit it again sometime soon, especially with Turbulence! Thank you :)

[@givedemnobrakes4792]

Thx for the vid it is greatly filmed

[@coasterbot]

Thanks for posting the kind comment and watching! :)

[@Matt_A1999]

Lovely video, very insightful!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@JingleBombzz]

Love the video, I haven't watched it yet, I just know i'll love it.

[@coasterbot]

I hope you still loved it after you'd finished watching ;)

[@JingleBombzz]

Of course :)

[@patrickkim4195]

Nice video. It might be one of my new favorites.

[@coasterbot]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@CoasterConnection]

Amazing video! Very interesting 😮

[@coasterbot]

Thanks man :)

[@calliethecoasterenthusiast]

Great video once again!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@Spectacular66]

I've been to Adventure Land before! Picked up a summer school group on a trip there. Great place to bring your family! Nice to see Long Island getting a feature!

[@coasterbot]

That's awesome to hear! :)

[@golfball2678]

Thanks for cheering me up coaster bot I watch you when I'm at my lowest points and you always make me smile :-)

[@coasterbot]

This is a really kind comment, thanks for watching and putting a smile on my face also! :)

[@Why156]

I really enjoyed this video. Very fascinating, keep up the good work!!

[@coasterbot]

That's fantastic to hear, thank you :)

[@fo7790]

I used to go to Adventureland every weekend when I lived on long island. It doesn't surprise me that they're still in operation. This place brought years of fun and excitement to me while growing up.

[@Gabes1321]

I feel so bad for this park! Everyone there seems so happy and it’s a great park. However when the top scan accident happened, their attendance went downhill. Also Top Scan was one of my faves

[@jamespaterson7556]

Amazing. I love it!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@alquirk7740]

really cool watch! very helpful as a I prepare for my interview for a position in an amusement park. My interview is with the operations manager and I will be working with her. Thanks again, Adventureland looks really fun, next time I'm on the East coast, I'll have to take my family.

[@thehamelsduck1600]

Very nice video. This is a nice little park. He is correct there is a lot more to it than just have the rides attractions and concessions.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I definitely agree :)

[@K3SNE]

Great video I enjoy all of your videos and this is one of my favorites

[@coasterbot]

Thank you that means a lot :)

[@Ender_Greg]

Very cool and interisting video ! Congrat's from France :)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! Hello from the UK ;)

[@rorololy5388]

omg so inspirining! I wanna be a themepark director one day.

[@danielworleyyy]

Such a great video!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! :)

[@petermc7098]

Hello There, this is a really decent video and this is a fantastic insight into the behind the scenes operations behind the Theme Park experience. Cheers Peter :-) p.s. keep it up!

[@ItsParadise304]

Seeing operations managers throughout my work life and what there jobs in-tail and the pressure of it all makes me think that his job must be soo pressurising and difficult to do with it being ramped up to 10 because it’s a bloody theme park. Hats off to him you know for a fact he’s an extremely hard working man!

[@kim621100]

Great vid !! I also enjoyed the feature film they made about this park a few years ago. They filmed at Kennywood and the story took place in the late 70's - early 80's

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@ritzy4593]

Amazing video

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@joheer4692]

Interesting video, well done!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@RichManSCTV0]

I don't even like theme parks but I like this video!

[@coasterbot]

I'm surprised you are watching our videos then really! Please continue to though. :)

[@LL-ip5mm]

Why don’t u like theme parks they are epic

[@HussFan]

How did I not see this Video. It's excellent, like all your videos :)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@luc6284]

Beautiful video ;)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@doublegulptank7919]

Really cool to see my hometown on a relatively big channel. Thanks.

[@coasterbot]

No problem, thanks for watching :)

[@etiennezwinkels]

Great video!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@9000knobs]

Thank you for making these, i had a blast going trough all your stuff. Great vibe, good technical support, great images ... You're doing OK ! Thanks, greetings from Belgium. God damn, i'm 28, grown up and i still love these themeparks and rollercoasters, guess rollercoaster tycoon is to blame for that ... I just can't stand riding them all day long, i've become a weak man. :) !

[@coasterbot]

No problem, thank you for watching and enjoying them! You can never be too old to enjoy roller coasters and theme parks! :)

[@CoasterWatch]

Great video

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@themeparkenthusiast169]

There's something oddly satisfying about your narrations 😊

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! ;)

[@BlueZirnitra]

Wonderful content.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@logicaldodger899]

this is so professional should be on main stream tv

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I really appreciate this! :)

[@spikemarsden]

I love your channel!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@damocoaster8451]

Great original video.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@d3r4zz]

Nice pun showing Fahrenheit while talking about the weather :D great vid :)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@jorgemiguel1040]

Great guy, with good information. I live in so cal. next time I get to NY I have to go to that park. I have a Disneyland AP. and visit 2-3 time a month. Love theme parks. Nice video too.

[@coasterbot]

Indeed he is! That's really awesome to park, especially if you do get to visit Adventureland. Thank you too :)

[@bluestar636]

4:18 kid dabing lol

[@WatchDoggyDog]

Nice!!!!! Sounds like a fun one :)

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! :)

[@nathansmiddy]

without the days of having theme parks made I don't think they would of been so many theme park building games from the old classic RCT to Planet Coaster and Parkitect

[@everything_nerdy3562]

Good video!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@hatenayousei]

very interesting!

[@coasterbot]

Thank you very much! :)

[@arch1521]

A lot of people that frequent parks either don’t realize or don’t appreciate just how much it takes to create a quality atmosphere. I am by no means an authority on the issue but I know from past experiences that every employee is crucial to the success of a good day at the park. A lot of workers are seen as menial or uneducated or whatever, but from food vendors to janitorial staff, they are so much more than just part-timers. What is the first complaint from anybody besides wait times? Cleanliness? What is the second question? Why is the food service so slow? Both are so important and yet fly under the radar. I’ve seen these employees berated by unhappy and impatient guests and it’s just not necessary. These people are dealing with thousands of different people with different needs and dear god, we might have to give them a chance to reset before each individual customer. They also aren’t paid the best and are expected to work wonders throughout a park. I truly appreciate the people in front of and behind the scenes at any park because my enjoyment relies on them being treated like humans.

[@StamfordBridge]

It’s funny how perfectly happy many of the patrons are in this vid, almost as if they were performing for the video (I assume they weren’t and the cameraman just caught really happy people). Check out the kids on the ladybug coaster and especially the kids on the train - lol.

[@coasterbot]

You are correct, the people we filmed just happened to be very happy! Good observation though :)

[@Ultima7089]

That kid in the bumper cars DABBING

[@TheRealMtnDewMike]

Great Vid :)

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@Wavylikedaviee]

I work at busch gardens and yeah it’s basically ran the same way we gotta be there a hour before the park opens and that’s why certain areas of the park opens at different times because maintenance has to check the coasters and rides we gotta run our coasters for two whole cycles if not we can’t open our coaster and we gotta do what’s called a guest ride experience when one of us has to ride the coaster if not we can’t open (that’s why some of the coasters open late) it’s so much behind working a amusement and regular people don’t see that

[@coasterbot]

That's very interesting to hear. I'd love to learn more about theme parks operations behind the scenes :)

[@rebeccawiens4224]

They have a junior coaster with ladybird cars like Rollercoaster Tycoon!!!!!

[@coasterbot]

They do! :)

[@fireproofpagemybutt4348]

1:57 we have different kinds of gifts in our gift shop 😂

[@dannthenitroman]

Its a great video.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! :)

[@easy414]

Wonder what's on tele that made him keep looking to the left

[@lameandlazi4485]

DUDE I WAS WATCHING UR VIDS AND JUST HEARD ADVENTURELAND. THATS MY HOME PARK! i live like 5 mins away.

[@coasterbot]

Awesome! :)

[@shadyshinichi2JZ]

This is more of an Amusement Park than a Theme Park.

[@ZaccoOfficial]

0:04 Indiana beach? I went on that ride

[@chazzlucas6208]

THE MAN HE IS INTERVIEWING SOUNDS LIKE HE IS SELLING INSURANCE ....

[@MartinLewison]

Vinny B is the best.

[@leroy5202]

THIRD COMMENT YAY ANOTHER GREAT COASTER BOT VIDEO!

[@coasterbot]

Thanks! :)

[@donaldmarotta1439]

Holy shit I live near this park! Great vid.

[@coasterbot]

Thank you :)

[@krijnschelvis5746]

Can you please do a What Is: Xpress Platform 13, Walibi Holland?

[@coasterbot]

It's on the list, thanks for the suggestion. :)

[@krijnschelvis5746]

COASTER BOT Yay thank you!!

[@dexty112]

14000 subs! Nice man! You should celebrate by eating 14000 digestive biscuits!

[@dexty112]

Just some wholesome channel memes

[@coasterbot]

Thank you! I wish I could eat 14000 digestives! ;)

[@ha420weednumber]

This is technically my home park, but I've never been. I didn't even know it existed until a few months ago, but turbulence looks fun.

[@whobutwbmarci5200]

Very interesting, my local familyish park is in need of workers, right now I'm not old enough to work there, but next year when I'm 15 I'm applying. If I get the job, I will be paid less because I'm going across borders from a state with one of the highest min. wage into a state with a $7 minimum wage, but I'm not doing it to get money, I'm doing it for my love of amusement parks and rollercoasters.

[@coasterbot]

Hopefully you are able to work at the park! :)

[@romieabel2629]

I want to create my own Disneysea-inspired animated movie someday.

[@coasterbot]

That'd be cool!

[@romieabel2629]

@@coasterbot hopefully someday.

[@shanastahley784]

Whats the animation called?

[@StamfordBridge]

I find you can tell most native Long Islanders, because they don’t say Long Island; they say Lon Guy-lund. :-)

[@NoahAG13]

Facts. We say Lawn-Guy-land XD

[@rebandmike]

I love Adventland it is great for kids but lacks big rides, I have lived on Long Island my whole life and Adventurland was a staple in family fun. It is very tough to have a theme park on Long Island because the taxes and costs here are so high. A starter house is over 500k and everyone seems to make north of 150k/year... It is the home of the Hamptons too. My taxes on my house are 1000x higher than my sister who lives in Indiana, and if I sold my house and moved to a cheaper state I would be living in a mega mansion and saving money on taxes and other things... It is amazing Adventureland has been able to stay open through all the expansion. They have a relatively small amount of land compared to other parks but it is packed with fun for kids....

[@coasterbot]

Wow that is impressive, I am also glad it's all still going :)

[@nitroeaglehawk5667]

AdventureLand is the best

[@coasterbot]

It looks like a fantastic park! :)

[@josephshedlo9425]

wow, i clicked on this video and never would've thought this video was about the closest park to me AND the one i have the most memories of. R.I.P. Hurricane ):

[@coasterbot]

I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@scottlevine3699]

I'm going to assume the kid dabbing at exactly 4:20 was intentional until proven otherwise.

[@coasterbot]

I imagine he saw the camera and dabbed accordingly.

[@scottlevine3699]

COASTER BOT Sorry. Weird phrasing. I claimed that you intentionally put the dab at 4:20...cuz you know...weed

[@scottlevine3699]

Also great video! These are great before bed. Have a nice relaxing vibe to them but are also captivating.

[@johns9936]

What ride is at 00:17 in the video? It looks so fun and cool.

[@kw6stheater539]

Zierer Jetski

[@vinnyb1958]

Crocodile Run at Adventureland Long Island

[@appalachianenthusiast9499]

Adventureland has gotten two coasters (counting Fireball) in the same amount of time that only one ride was added to one of my three home parks.

[@akmforever9]

B&M Explained!!!!

[@viperrepiv4086]

Adventureland was my childhood

[@alexandraeve2290]

Omg I've been to adventure land so many times

[@coasterbot]

Awesome!

[@shahbzhussain3372]

Great.

[@JuanDude]

So showing a video of adventureland farmingdale

[@superlu1gi527]

Can you do a " Silver Dollar City explained"?

[@coasterbot]

We will do in the future, stay tuned! :)