The Big Idea: A Journey of Surprise, Discovery, and Delight from Fields to Forests, Mountains to Sea, Hometown to the Big Easy  

California’s Great America, a beloved theme park with a rich history, sought to rejuvenate its offerings and enhance guest experiences. The aim was to infuse new energy into the park while celebrating its classic attractions and cultural significance. Our challenge was to design engaging new attractions and areas that would honour the park’s heritage while providing fresh and exciting experiences for visitors. 

Redwood Territory: Paying Homage to California’s Beauty and Heritage  

Storyland Studios undertook the task of conceptualising and designing Redwood Territory, a new section of the park that celebrates California’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This included the creation of entry gateways, icons, and attraction signs, as well as the renaming of existing rides. A major focus was the Redwood Food and Wine Pavilion, envisioned as a regional hub for culinary experiences. The design also incorporated a California arts and crafts pavilion to serve as a cultural anchor alongside the park’s thrill attractions. 

 Additionally, the Bicentennial Fair was conceived as a nostalgic tribute to the park’s opening year, featuring a retro-themed action zone with the Great American Revolution Ferris wheel and a new giga coaster. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cedar Fair shifted its corporate strategy, leading to the park’s sale. 

Applying Design and Story Concepts to Redwood Rally, Other Key Areas 

Despite the changes in corporate strategy, Storyland Studios’ design and storytelling principles were successfully applied in the development of the new Barney Oldfield’s Redwood Rally Ride and other key areas. These new attractions opened in the Summer of 2023, offering guests a revitalised experience that honors the park’s legacy while providing new adventures.