The Big Tree Top
A Wildly Entertaining Experience
Skills: Concept Design, Storytelling, Signage Design, Merchandise Design
Overview
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The Big Tree Top is a bright circus-themed experience, blending quick service dining and merchandise with a live acrobatic show in a vibrant jungle setting. Developed as part of the Themed Entertainment Workshop Series Concept Design course, this project brings together storytelling, interactive dining, and themed merchandise to create a one-of-a-kind attraction where guests don't just watch the show, they become part of it!​
Immersive Storytelling & Venues: A Circus Comes to the Jungle
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In the heart of an Indian jungle, a circus cart has derailed, leaving its troupe of animals and staff stranded. They are warmly welcomed into the local wildlife's packs and have a fun idea.... Why not come together and use the circus equipment to make their jungle into a lively, makeshift circus where the wild show never stops!
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Guests are invited to step into the wild world of the Big Tree Top, where they can see the animals perform an immersive acrobatic show in the Big Tree Top Tent. This tent, which has been set up in a large Banyan tree, serves as the main attraction of the jungle.
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A themed Popcorn Cart serving specialty food items is designed to appear as one of the derailed circus carts. This cart features exaggerated and larger than life proportions in its design, elegant opulent gold accent paint, and hand-painted graphics. Mandala graphics are featured on the menu signage in an homage to the Indian jungle setting.
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Vibrant fiber optics are incorporated into the Cotton Candy Cart's signage. Guests can take part in an interactive element to this dining experience as well- After the colorful cotton candy is spun fresh, it is placed into a special machine where guests can press a button to trigger edible glitter to drift down. Their cotton candy has now been transformed into a shimmering treat during this special moment!
Themed Treats & Costuming
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At the Popcorn and Cotton Candy Carts, visitors can enjoy themed food such as Purr-fect Popcorn in a souvenir tiger bucket, a Paw-some Pretzel, or Captivating Cotton Candy with colorful edible glitter. The attraction could even share the recipe for treats like the Paw-some Pretzel online so that the experience continues even after guests go home.
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The costuming for team members of the Big Tree Top are themed to a circus ringleader. It is a mostly unisex design with different tailoring options for varied levels of comfort. The uniform is made of a lightweight & breathable polyester blend with button clasps on the midsection and an optional hat accessory that gently clips in for support. The shoes are zippable boots with arch support for team members that spend extended periods of time on their feet.
Conclusion
The Big Tree Top was a great exercise in storytelling and creating concept art for an engaging guest experience with dining, merchandise, and lore. This project helped me illustrate how themed entertainment can transform seemingly ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures!
