4 replies to this topic

[Crossbow]

This is an entrance i made for a small park.

[jonnywatts]

I think it looks good!


It looks a little blocky, just add some winter foliage and it should look pretty good!


Good job.

[Wolfman]

It's funny that there's an air conditioning duct
on top of a building in a winter park.

[RC14]

Looks pretty good however I think the roof could use a bit more detail.

Ok...as usual, remember.....this is just MY opinion....

I keep seeing these elaborate buildings used as "entrances" to various parks. And while I've most certainly not traveled the world and seen every park....the one thing that most parks I've seen have in common is that the entrance itself is usually (especially now...with all the heightened security) quite open and airy. It's merely a place to have your ticket checked and gain entry to the park.

Sure....AFTER you get through the gates...(and occasionally before) you'll see some serious architecture going on but, the entrance gates themselves are most often uncovered (save the area where the ticket takers have to stand all day) where the security cams can see everything.

To me...unless the ENTIRE park is supposed to follow the theme of an entrance.....AND, the theming continues immediately into the park itself.....(or surrounds the park wholly)....guests wouldn't be going through these giant structures just to get into the park.

I'm not, in ANY way criticizing the work that's being done on these 'entrances'....some of it is very well done....just pointing out that in real parks, it's not typically the case.

This kind of 'entrance' immediately reminds me of the entryway through Sleeping Beautys Castle at Disneyland that leads into Fantasyland. It's a great theme...but, it's WELL inside the park itself.

There are two reasons for this....

One: you want your guests to feel unbridled and free when they first walk into your park....not trapped inside a giant 'prison'....and,

Two: you don't want your guests to walk through a GRAND entrance and into anything less than what they traversed to get inside the park. So, unless the immediate theming beyond the entrance is even bigger and better than the entrance itself.....it's kind of a visual letdown.

Again...it's just my opinion....but, I think people are paying too much attention the giant structures used AS entrances....instead of just opening up the park and letting the guests move onto bigger and better things.

You have a good point. I don't usualy visit amusment parks for the entrance, I go for the rides.
However if the rest of the park realy is better then I don't think there is anything wrong with a "grand" entrance.