What started off as a dream became a reality for theme park enthusiasts Cadin Small and Whitney Vega.
In fall 2015, the two USF St. Petersburg students started the Future Theme Park Industrialists (FTPI), an organization dedicated to the study of theme parks’ inner workings, with a focus on entertainment, food services and business.
“A theme park industrialist is someone who loves theme parks and everything they have to offer,” said Cadin Small, the club’s founder and president. “They don’t necessarily want to own a theme park, but they love the experience and idea that is associated with theme parks.”
FTPI has around 30 members who attend the club’s biweekly meetings, where they discuss various topics associated with the industry like finances, ride operations and concert series.
Another key component is called “New News,” where the executive board shares updates on what’s happening at local theme parks.
“In a recent meeting, we informed our members about the opening of ‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ and we gave them the official date for the reopening of the Hulk ride at Universal Studios,” said Whitney Vega, cofounder and vice president.
Although the club is still new, its members haven’t held back on hosting events.
In October, the club organized an imitation Family Feud competition, where groups of students signed up through PeteSync to compete for prizes. To spread the word about FTPI, members surveyed numerous students to develop answers for the game.
The industrialists are now taking their theme park appreciation off campus.
In April, a few students will visit Universal Studios for a day of adventure and learning.
An all access tour will give them a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science involved in the special effects used in roller coasters and feature performances.
