For this discussion, I found a doctoral thesis by Carrisa Baker of the University of Florida. In the thesis, she discusses the design of theme parks as a medium for storytelling.
Baker attributes storytelling to parts of the attraction, not specifically inside the park itself. The marketing for the theme park and the physical merchandise are also considered as part of the park’s storytelling.
Theme parks are comprised of multiple forms and mediums of visual design. This could include mediums from stage performances, architecture, short films, to others. Sean Adams’s graphic design principles apply for much of the park experience in these mediums. Some examples could include map kiosks, signage for bathrooms or comestibles, storefront design, and decorative elements for the attractions’ themes.
An important consideration Baker discusses as a unique part of theme park design is the short engagement times for its individual elements. She explains that most attractions are less than ten minutes long. Taking Baker’s observation into a designer’s lens, this requires designers to operate with the knowledge that their work is a small part of a larger collage of elements that make up the park’s overall design. It would be reasonable to assume that designing a theme park would require much more communication between the designer and the client, and between other designers in the park team.
The link below will bring you to the site where you can download the thesis.
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