What is an attraction?

[Nick]

What is your definition of an attraction at an amusement park? The reason I ask is because I was looking at Islands of Adventure's park map and they list 20 attractions at the park. These include water rides, dark rides, and roller coasters which I would agree with but they also list things like "Me Ship, The Olive" (an interactive playground), Jurassic Park Discovery Center, The Eight Voyage of Sinbad stunt show, and "The Mystic Fountain." Now a show I can understand, but a fountain? I guess all of these attractions are things that you can't find anywhere else outside of the park but still, does anyone go to IOA specifically to see a playground or fountain? But what else would you really call those things? They're not rides or shows. Like the interactive Donkey at USF, that's not a ride or show per say but how else would you categorize it?

This has to do with an article I plan on writing soon. When I was at Universal I was wondering what the ride to shop ratio was because it seemed like there were ten shops or restaurants to every one ride.So yeah, what do you consider an attraction?

[John]

This is a good question - I've always found it funny what a park qualifies as an "attraction". I've always thought of it like Attractions can be broken down to rides, shows, eateries, playgrounds, etc.

[phazan]

Attractions are anything that attracts people.. So it can be anything in the park that is worth noticing I guess.

[I love DW]

I consider the following to be the true categories at theme parks. Everything that is worthy to be noted on a park map fits in them.

Attractions - Any rides, museums, walk through, etc.
Amusements - Games
Entertainment - Regular shows, concerts, and festivals (although special food and shopping can be listed separate).
Food -
Shopping -