Holiday Hustle: Tips from RCI for Managing Peak-Season Operations with Ease

5 Tips to maximum the busy holiday season

The holiday season is a time of excitement for families and thrill-seekers, and a time of long hours and high expectations for attraction operators. As parks, resorts, and entertainment centers welcome larger crowds, the demand for smooth operations, efficient guest flow, and exceptional experiences becomes even more critical.

With decades of experience designing and supporting adventure attractions around the world, RCI Adventure Products understands the operational challenges that come with peak season. Here are our top tips for keeping your team prepared and your guests delighted during the holiday rush.

Optimize Guest Flow Before the Crowds Arrive

The key to successful peak-season management starts long before guests arrive. Evaluate your attraction layout, queue systems, and staffing plans early. Clear signage, intuitive wayfinding, and pre-planned staffing rotations can dramatically improve throughput.

RCI’s modular attraction designs – such as our ropes courses, Sky Trail® structures, and Clip ‘n Climb walls – help operators engage multiple guests at once, minimizing downtime and maximizing guest engagement. The smoother your traffic flow, the happier (and safer) your guests will be!

Keep Safety Front and Center

With higher visitor numbers come increased responsibility. Routine safety inspections are essential, especially before extending operating hours. A well-maintained attraction isn’t just about compliance, it’s about building trust and protecting your brand reputation!

Train and Empower Your Team

Your team is your biggest asset! Invest time in pre-season training, refreshers, and team-building sessions that prepare both full-time and seasonal staff for the intensity of the holidays. Cross-train where possible so every staff member understands multiple aspects of the operation.

When employees feel confident and informed, they deliver better service – and that translates directly into positive guest experiences and smoother operations.

Create Memorable Moments

Beyond logistics, remember what draws guests to your venue: shared experiences. Add simple seasonal touches like themed lighting, festive music, or a limited-time “Holiday Challenge” on your ropes course. These touches boost energy, social media engagement, and word-of-mouth advertising – all without requiring major operational changes.

Adventure attractions are naturally photogenic and shareable, lean into that power this season!

Plan Ahead for the New Year

As the year winds down, it’s also the ideal time to assess performance and plan upgrades. Take note of guest feedback, maintenance needs, and areas where capacity could be increased. The first quarter is an ideal window for refurbishments, installations, and new attraction planning. RCI’s team can help you design your next phase of growth – so when next year’s season arrives, you’re ready to deliver even more adventure!

With thoughtful preparation and the right operational strategies, your venue can thrive under the hustle. From all of us at RCI Adventure Products, we wish you a successful and safe holiday season filled with excitement, adventure and unforgettable guest experiences!