How much to operate a theme park?

Answer 1

The cost to operate a theme park would consist mainly of the liability insurance required to deter frivolous lawsuits. Quotes on high-risk business liability insurance are hard to find, but I would assume it could be up to several million dollars a year for a park like Magic Kingdom or Bush Gardens (if you live in Florida). If you make visitors sign a waiver, you don't need any insurance at all. Employee costs can be kept to a minimum, being that ride operators generally work for minimum wage. If you hire two full-time employees and the park is closed during the winter, you would be spending exactly $24,960 per year. If you can keep your costs down, those are really the only two things you have to worry about. For a small amusement park, you could expect to spend about $30,000 minimum per year (total), so you should hope to make at least $50,000 a year in ticket sales. If you charge $15 per ticket, you wouldn't need more than 86 people to come in per week that you're open to exceed your goal. If you charge $10 per ticket, you wouldn't need more than 129 people per week. It's really profitable, so if you can expect a hundred or so people a week, you're in business.