Latest News
Pico Play expands to meet growing demand for high-quality attractions
Pico Play is expanding rapidly, especially in the Middle East, with a new fabrication facility in Saudi Arabia and active recruitment across regions to support its growth in delivering world-class themed attractions.
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The science of making everyone happy at an attraction
Creating an attraction that captivates everyone combines psychology, creativity, and strategic planning, blending standout experiences with thoughtful details to craft memorable, joy-filled spaces for all ages.
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Duo of major theme park projects from Pico Play coming to Australia in December
Two major theme park developments are set to open to the public this December, with Pico Play working on both the upcoming Wizard of Oz-themed land at Warner Bros Movie World and the first-of-its-kind Jungle Rush rollercoaster at Dreamworld.
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Dream Job: Attraction Designer
Attraction design is the art of blending creativity with adventure, crafting thrilling rides, magical worlds, and unforgettable experiences. In this feature, Pico Play’s Lachlan O'Bryan and Janice Mak share their passion and insights into crafting memorable guest experiences in themed entertainment.
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Let’s get ‘phygital’
Pico Play is developing a 'phygital' system that enhances guest experiences by making them more interactive, personalized, accessible, and convenient.
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Pico Play appoints Project Director to drive growth in the Middle East
Hadi Salahat, Pico Play's inaugural Project Director for the Middle East, is spearheading growth with new themed attraction projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and supported by a new fabrication facility in Riyadh.
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How to conceptualise, plan and deliver a themed hotel or resort
Building hotel or resort environments can be challenging at the best of times. When working with unique and high concept theming, the challenges can be even more difficult; and when adding family entertainment centres, attractions or water parks to an established resort, the devil is in the detail.
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5 reasons why theming is important in hotels and resorts
Creating a striking point of difference through theming has the power to draw people to your destination hotel and keep them coming back.
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Pico Play recreates The Wizard of Oz for Warner Bros. Movie World
World’s first Wizard of Oz land is set to open in late 2024. The project includes two new roller coasters, unique ride themes, and immersive visitor experiences.
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Pico Play prepares to hire 50+ Fun-Makers
Rapid growth sees Pico Play bolster its international workforce. An exciting pipeline of new work has seen Pico Play create dozens of new jobs to strengthen its expertise and meet global demand for its services.
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Sending the preshow to history
Over the years there’s been some good and some half-hearted attempts to engage audiences within queue lines. I’ve heard many say they need to entertain the guests in these spaces so that they don’t get bored and complain about their wait.
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How immersive technology can shape emotional engagement
Discover the transformative power of immersive technology. Dive into a world where simple interactions leave indelible emotional imprints.
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Pico Play to deliver full theming solution for Dreamworld’s new Jungle Rush roller coaster
An ancient temple, filled with twisting tunnels, mysterious chambers, mystical artefacts and exotic creatures is taking shape in a state-of-the-art fabrication facility in the Vietnamese city of Hai Duong.
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Creating sustainable mixed reality in entertainment spaces
Imagine stepping into a world where digital and physical realms blend seamlessly. This is the promise of mixed reality spaces in entertainment precincts.
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Pico Play welcomes Kate Rogers as Senior Art Director
Firm’s creative women are working to transform the international theme park industry. Pico Play has announced the appointment of Kate Rogers as senior art director and highlights the potential of the arts to lead to rewarding jobs for women.
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After Dark – Activate a brand; a place; a city like no other with light
Welcome to the world of light art installations, where creativity knows no bounds, and the power of light brings spaces to life in the most breathtaking ways. In After Dark, we delved into the captivating world of light art, shedding light on why you should consider incorporating it into your attraction or venue. We'll explore the magic of light art and its potential to transform spaces, create immersive experiences, and drive tourism and revenue.
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Pico Play celebrates Employee Exchange Program
Pico Play Employee Exchange Program (PPEEP), designed to give non-management staff members the chance to gain international industry experience. By participating in this programme, employees will have the opportunity to gain international experience and immerse themselves in different work environments and cultures, broadening their perspectives and skillsets.
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Pico Play brings authentic rockwork and waterfalls to Mandai Bird Paradise
Pico Play was asked to create two artificial waterfalls in the entrance section of the park with a 100-metre-long stream to feed the waterfall. Meanwhile, inside the park, Pico Play was also responsible for the rockwork façade of the penguin exhibit, as well as the underwater sculptures and beach of the penguin aquarium.
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Life is a roller coaster for this Nerang business
It reads like a roll call of the Who’s Who of the global and local entertainment industry: Disney, Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Universal, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and JW Marriott, to name just a few.
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Optimizing the arrival experience for guests
The arrival experience at an attraction sets the stage for a day filled with excitement and joy. To ensure visitors feel welcomed and relaxed, attraction parks have recognized the significance of crafting a seamless and immersive entrance.
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Pico Play announces joint venture partnership with K11 Group
Pico Play, has entered into a brand-new joint venture with K11 Group. This will deliver a thrilling dose of action and adventure to 11 SKIES, Hong Kong’s largest retailtainment landmark, located next to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
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The power of smiles in the attractions industry
In the vibrant world of the attractions industry, where creating memorable experiences is paramount, customer service plays a crucial role. Among the many facets of exceptional service, the simple yet powerful act of smiling holds a special place. A smile can transcend language barriers, establish connections, and leave a lasting positive impression on visitors.
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Pico Play creates themed indoor adventure experience for HomeTeamNS Water Park
HomeTeamNS is a new five-storey clubhouse for Home Team national servicemen and the public. Located at the Bedok Reservoir Park, the waterfront-themed clubhouse is home to an infinity pool and a water adventure centre and features Singapore’s longest indoor water slide.
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Attracting all generations to Theme Parks
When you think of theme parks, you often associate them with excited, joyous children. But this isn’t necessarily true. The rides and attractions and overall experience must meet the expectations of the whole family unit (children, parents and also grandparents). The entire group needs to experience the attraction together.
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Pico Play creates ship icon for SplashMania
SplashMania, with the tagline “Where Nature Meets Fun”, is Asia’s largest rainforest water theme park, covering 18 acres (7.28 hectares) with 24 water slides and 15 amusement park-style attractions.
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Why the business of FUN is important
Having fun has positive biological effects. When we do pleasurable activities, it releases dopamine which leads to positivity and can counteract more uncomfortable feelings of hopelessness and stress.
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10 tips for the long-term development of theme parks in Vietnam
On November 10, Darren McLean, Director of Pico Play gave a speech on the 10 keys to theme park success for the Vietnam market at the Meet The Experts (MTE) symposium at Melia Hotel, in Hanoi. Wehub Community and Savills Hotels cooperated to organize the Real Estate and Resort event -with more than 20 speakers who are leading experts. The conference brings the latest information on the real estate - hotel market, and other trending and investment topics.
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Meet the maestros of new lands and new attractions
Project Managers (PMs) in the attractions industry lead a very exciting life; responsible for the happiness of millions, all whilst navigating a sea of stakeholders and staff. But for all the twists and turns of cost and risk management, their communication and time management skills are 1st class.
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Pico Play shapes exciting careers with unrivalled opportunities for interns
If Pico Play’s newest interns learn only one thing during their three-month, paid work placement, it is that work can be fun. But the 14 second-year Malaysian university students who started their internships with the global fun-makers in August are learning so much more.
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Pico Play celebrates award win and project pipeline
Behind every giant octopus is a dedicated team of professionals with the skills to design it, construct it and attach it to a building. Leading that team is Greg Holt, Pico Play’s Creative Design Director and resident expert in turning imagination into reality. Internationally regarded as “the Fun-Makers”, Pico Play is a global leader in the planning, design, development and construction of world-class themed attractions and entertainment
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Water Parks: Revenue after dark
Attendance levels at water parks hit their peak during summer, but how do operators fully capitalise on revenue all year round? Extending opening hours to capture the night-time economy at water parks is a popular growth strategy. Future-proofing all revenue streams is a consideration Pico Play carefully investigates and recommends during the feasibility report stage for clients.
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Pico Play focuses on Vietnamese market
Pico Play has many attraction projects underway in the country and has recognised the growth of the leisure market in Vietnam and the opportunities it presents.
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Victorian side of Light/State project set for first illumination
Lake Cullulleraine is ready to shine with the Trail of Lights project set to be switched on following $3 million in Victorian Government funding.The Victorian aspect of the Light/State project, which includes two bespoke light art installations to be completed in Mildura and Wentworth by artist Bruce Munro, has been given the approval funding commitments in the latest Victorian Government budget.
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How to land your dream job at Pico Play
Few recruitment ads are as intriguing as those posted by Pico Play this month.The global leader in leisure and entertainment solutions is looking to hire a trio of Fun-Makers.Successful candidates will not only be paid to “dream big” but to turn those dreams into a reality by planning, designing, developing and constructing world-class themed attractions and entertainment.
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Pico Play’s fabrication facility is in demand across the globe
Skilled team at Malaysian facility delivers projects to Legoland, Universal and more. Pico Play is working with SplashMania, Asia’s largest rainforest-themed water park, to create an engaging new themed environment.
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Pico Play partners with Mildura on Light/State immersive light installation
Pico Play and Mildura Regional Development are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from investors, operators and stakeholders, in order to deliver two large-scale immersive light installations in the Mildura-Wentworth region of Australia.
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Climb your way into the $18 Billion industry of FECs
As the saying goes; “Sometimes there are decades where nothing happens and sometimes there are weeks where decades happen”. For Family Entertainment Centres (or FECs), this is one of those ‘weeks’.
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The science of success: Pico Play reveals formula for wildlife parks and attractions
There’s no exact science to developing and operating a popular and profitable wildlife attraction. What draws avid interest and bumper attendance in one market, may struggle to gain a foothold in another.
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Gavin Seipelt – roller coaster encyclopedia
They often say that life is like a rollercoaster, it is full of ups, downs, twists and turns. But, what if your life is actually all about rollercoasters? Meet Gavin Seipelt – Pico Play’s very own walking rollercoaster and theme park encyclopedia.
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Making Waves
Noel Dempsey and Nigel Benton assess the potential of destination surf parks. Assuming the Tokyo Games go ahead in July, surfing will be one of over 30 sports making its Olympic debut.
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The total solution Surf Parks need to avoid a wipeout
Surf’s up on destination surf parks, the latest leisure trend taking the world by storm. But beyond designing gnarly breaks and perfect pipelines, operators need a total solution-based approach to avoid wiping out.
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A surfer's dream
How does a wildlife enthusiast from Estonia end up working on all things attractions in the Gold Coast? Meet, Mariana Kuprijanova, Pico Play’s resident show production coordinator/wildlife trainer/surf park guru.
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Attraction concept artists need a little thanks
Next time you are enjoying yourself at an attraction, be it a theme park, water park, surf park, zoo or aquarium, have a little think about who came up with the concept in the first place. It was the creativity of one beautiful mind, a Themed Attraction Concept Artist.
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Surf parks, the next destination holiday experience
The surf park industry is booming – if you haven’t heard, with over 75 Surf Parks in planning alone in all corners of the globe. Destination surf parks are a dream for surfing enthusiasts and offer a safe space for all those beginners eager to learn, all whilst delivering one perfect wave after another.
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The pitfalls of "it’s just for kids, anyway”
Gavin Seipelt shares his passion for theme parks and how a designer can contribute to high-quality and memorable experiences for families and friends.
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Gold Coast's big octopus is Australia's next big thing
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - the Surfers Paradise themed attraction on Queensland’s Gold Coast - has unveiled their nine-metre-long Big Octopus created and constructed by Pico Play.
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5 reasons why you should hire an intern
Every year we have seen more friendly inter faces join our growing team, across our six different locations globally.
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Virtual internships not denting optimism
Virtual internship - As part of the business development team, Declan has enjoyed a sharp learning curve in understanding the attractions industry and honing in on his digital marketing skills.
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Navigating the new normal of the event industry in Hong Kong
Lawrence Chia, Group Chairman and CEO of the Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East Holdings, shares his thoughts about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the the event industry in Hong Kong.
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The not so stranded employee
Our Senior Art Director John Robinson has had quite a unique COVID-19 experience, and he shares his journey and what he has learnt along the way.
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Music, the emotive finishing touch
Whilst the environment, decoration, themed rides, characters, and shows are fundamental in the delivery of the story, music also has an important role to play in cultivating the ‘magic’ in a themed area.
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Are virtual & hybrid events the new normal?
The need for virtual or hybrid experience has never been so critical for the event industry as it is now, with a global slowdown of the MICE and travel business.
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Case Study: breaking into the E-Sports market at ChinaJoy 2019
Pico Play worked with online retailer JD to create a huge booth at the ChinaJoy 2019 entertainment conference, which had 364,000 visitors in four days.
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Desk jockey or front line?
Noel Dempsey, “The Customer Guy” at Pico Play, shares his professional experience from theme parks and tourism hot-spots to premiere resorts and popular restaurants.
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Is humour the best way to engage an audience?
Mark Eady, Creative Director at Pico Play, gives us some insight into his creative process, how staring at a blank wall sparks his imagination and how to best to engage an audience in a challenging theme park setting.
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