Theme park superfan secrets: Katapult 2025 survey reveals new audience insights

We're proud to launch a new report looking into theme park superfans, assessing their psychographic data for U.S. operators. Findings show that high-frequency guests have dramatically different motivations—and breaking their loyalty is easier than you think.

The report, conducted in association with U.S.-based theme park influencer Parkineer, surveyed 100 of America's most dedicated theme park fans —a high-value group that averages 9.5 visits to theme parks every year.

The survey uncovered that "superfan" is not a single category. The report identifies three distinct guest profiles, each with unique motivations, interests, and, most importantly, different breaking points. For U.S. theme park operators, understanding this fragmentation is the key to increasing revenue, driving loyalty, and avoiding the simple mistakes that turn a magical day into a "worst ever" memory.

The Three Faces of the Superfan

The report’s most eye-catching finding is its categorization of these high-value guests:

1. The Magic Seekers: This group is motivated by the creation of "special memories" and the "holistic experience". They are the least likely to prioritize thrill-seeking.

   
   

   • Key Stat: Only 23% of Magic Seekers prioritize visiting parks with unique ride technology.

     
     

   • What Operators Need to Know: Their worst experiences are not caused by ride downtime, but by "failures in basic park hospitality". Rude staff and bad food are what they remember most, as it "directly disrupt[s] the positive atmosphere they are seeking".

     
     

2. The Craft Collective: These are discerning enthusiasts who appreciate theme parks as "a form of art and engineering". They bridge the gap, wanting both "thrill-seeking and immersive storytelling".

   
   

   • Key Stat: This group shows high brand loyalty, with 2-in-3 feeling a "strong emotional connection" to theme park brands.

     
     

   • What Operators Need to Know: They actively seek out behind-the-scenes information but have a strong "intolerance to poor maintenance," which they see as a break in immersion that drives their biggest complaints.

     
     

3. The Supercharged: These are the hardcore hobbyists for whom visiting parks is a "core part of their lifestyle". They are highly knowledgeable, critical, and focused on one thing: rides.

   
   

   • Key Stat: "Thrill-seeking is their number one motivation" , and 75% prioritize unique ride technology (the highest of any group).

     
     

   • What Operators Need to Know: Their "best and worst memories are almost exclusively defined by park operations". Their worst day is one ruined by "poor ride availability and long queue lines".

     
     

From Insights to Action

The survey reveals a clear opportunity for operators: a park optimized for "The Supercharged" (maximum ride efficiency) may be failing its "Magic Seekers" (holistic, friendly experience).

Robbie Jones (left) and Andy Sinclair-Harris (right)

Insights Director, Robbie Jones, said: "This research has bust the myth that superfans only want new, high-octane rides. Self-interest is put to one side for most respondents, as they prefer to experience parks vicariously through their family and friends."

Speaking on the report release, our Creative Director, Andy Sinclair-Harris, added: "The insights provided from ‘Super Fans’ are intrinsically beneficial to how we design for theme parks. In the same way a restaurant looks to seek the approval of a food critic, ‘super fans’ remain the high watermark and barometer of the critical taste within themed entertainment.

With the proliferation of social media, these influential voices can reach a large amount of guests without as much knowledge and can critically analyse issues beyond opening day that may not have become apparent until later. We have to design experiences for a broad spectrum of guests and we have to be conscious of the spectrum between the ‘casual guest’ and the super fans."

As a B-Corp Certified themed attraction design company whose work is enjoyed by 95 million guests annually, we utilise an insights-driven approach to help operators generate more income and more fans. Our team can support on services ranging from feasibility studies and masterplanning to concept design and turnkey production.