Running a waterpark is a big job. You have to keep people safe, make sure they have fun, and make enough money to keep the slides running. One of the best ways to do all three at once is by using a membership and loyalty system.
This guide explains in plain language why these systems are so helpful and how they help your park grow.
1. The Problem with Cash and Water #
In a regular theme park, people carry wallets or phones. But in a waterpark, wallets get soaked and phones can get ruined. This is a big problem because if it’s hard for a guest to reach their money, they won’t buy that extra snack or drink.
The Solution: Waterproof Wristbands #
With a membership system, your guests don’t need to carry anything. They wear a simple, waterproof wristband.
- Tap and Go: Guests just tap their wristband at a food stand or gift shop. It’s much faster than digging for cash.
- More Spending: When guests don’t have to think about physical cash, they tend to spend more. It feels easier to buy a $5 ice cream when you just tap a wristband.
- Safety: If a guest loses their wristband, they don’t lose their money. You can simply “turn off” the old wristband and give them a new one in seconds.
2. Making Life Easier for Parents #
Waterparks are mostly for families. Parents are often stressed trying to keep track of their kids, their towels, and their budget. A membership system takes that stress away.
The “Family Wallet” #
Instead of every person having their own account, you can set up one Family Wallet.
- Set Limits: A mom or dad can put $50 on their child’s wristband. This gives the child some freedom to buy a drink, but ensures they don’t spend too much.
- Group Management: Parents can see exactly what their kids are doing and spending from their own phone. This makes the whole day feel more organized and safe.
3. Money You Can Count On #
Most waterparks only make money when the sun is shining. If it rains, you lose money. Memberships help fix this.
- Monthly Income: If guests pay a small monthly fee to be a “Member,” you have money coming in even on rainy days or during the winter. This “predictable money” helps you pay your staff and maintain the park.
- Repeat Visits: A member is much more likely to come back to your park four or five times a year instead of just once. Even if they don’t pay for a ticket each time, they will spend money on food, lockers, and souvenirs every time they visit.
4. Using Loyalty Points to Change Behavior #
A loyalty program is a way to “gamify” the park. Guests earn points for things they do, and those points lead to rewards. This is great for the park’s economy for a few reasons:
Getting People to Visit on Slow Days #
Is your park empty on Tuesday mornings? You can tell your members, “Visit on Tuesday and get Double Points!” This encourages people to come when you aren’t busy, which thins out the crowds on Saturdays.
Rewarding Big Spenders #
You can set up your system to give bonus points if someone adds $100 to their account at once. This gives you “upfront” money and ensures the guest will spend it all at your park.
Fun Rewards #
Guests love feeling like they won something. You can offer:
- A free meal after they spend $50.
- A “Fast Pass” for a popular slide once they reach a certain point level.
- A free guest ticket if they visit three times in one month.
5. Better Data for Better Decisions #
When you use a digital membership system, you get to see what is actually happening in your park.
- You can see which slides are the most popular.
- You can see what time of day people start getting hungry.
- You can see which flavors of ice cream sell the best.
When you have this information, you can stop guessing and start making choices that save you money and make your guests happier.
Summary: Why It Works #
- Guests are happier because they don’t have to carry wallets or worry about their kids’ spending.
- Staff are happier because transactions are faster and there are fewer problems with lost cash.
- Owners are happier because they make more money, have more guests returning, and have better data to run their business.
