Running a water park isn’t just about fun in the sun—it’s about balancing guest satisfaction, managing crowds, and maximizing revenue while keeping everything smooth and stress-free. To stay ahead, water park operators are embracing smart technology. From easy online bookings to fast check-ins and real-time guest feedback, these systems make life easier for everyone, transforming water park operations in big ways.
In this article, we’ll dive into how smart systems like ROLLER’s water park software can help you streamline operations, increase revenue, and delight guests.
1. Upselling through POS systems
Today’s smart point-of-sale (POS) systems make it easy to upsell, creating seamless opportunities to increase per-visit spending. Guests can now purchase add-ons, such as food packages, merchandise, or even exclusive experiences, with just a few taps.
ROLLER’s POS system is a great example of how easy it can be. From fast-track passes to exclusive merchandise, guests are prompted to upgrade their experience directly from their smartphones. This simple approach not only enhances the guest experience but also boosts revenue effortlessly.
2. Increase sales with online bookings
Having an easy-to-use online booking system is a game-changer for water parks. Guests can purchase tickets anytime, which maximizes revenue before they even step foot in the park. A mobile-friendly, intuitive booking platform ensures more pre-visit sales, reduces cart abandonment, and helps manage park capacity—especially during peak seasons. This way, guests enjoy a more comfortable experience, and water parks prevent overcrowding.
3. Easier spending with contactless payments
Contactless payments, like RFID wristbands linked to payment methods, make it easy for guests to purchase food, drinks, and merchandise without worrying about carrying cash or cards. This convenience leads to more spontaneous spending, increasing overall revenue while enhancing the guest experience.
Read more: Six Benefits of RFID Wristbands for your Water Park
4. Faster check-ins
Nobody likes waiting in long lines, and with smart systems, they don’t have to. Automated access gates or RFID wristbands speed up entry, allowing guests to get to the fun faster. ROLLER’s digital waivers also help streamline the process by allowing guests to complete waivers online before they arrive, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring a smooth check-in experience.
5. Guest feedback systems
Guest satisfaction is the key to any attraction venue’s success. With tools like ROLLER’s GX Score, gathering real-time feedback is quick and easy. Guests are more likely to leave reviews when it’s convenient, and acting on feedback quickly not only builds loyalty but also encourages repeat visits. It’s a simple way to improve your park with each season.
6. Mobile food and beverage ordering
By offering mobile F&B ordering, you can reduce wait times at food stands, improve guest satisfaction, and increase sales. Guests can order directly from their phones, encouraging them to make additional purchases without leaving their spot—boosting convenience and revenue.
Read more: How to Streamline Your Venue with QR Codes: A Complete Guide to Automation
7. Custom promotions and targeted offers
Personalized promotions based on guest data help build loyalty and boost business. ROLLER’s CRM allows you to segment your audience and send targeted offers—such as discounts for future visits or special deals on group bookings—helping to build loyalty and drive repeat business.
8. Season pass and membership management
Smart CRM systems also allow you to promote season passes and memberships, encouraging repeat visits and creating a consistent revenue stream. ROLLER’s system lets you offer exclusive benefits to loyal guests, such as special discounts or early access to new attractions, keeping your guests coming back for more.
9. Data and analytics
Smart systems provide valuable insights into guest behavior, peak times, and spending patterns, helping park operators make informed decisions. With ROLLER Analytics, your data is aggregated for you and displayed in intuitive dashboards, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that improve your operations. This way, you can easily adjust staffing, promotions, and inventory to match demand and improve the guest experience, maximizing revenue while keeping guests satisfied.
Read more: How to Leverage Data for Marketing
10. Maximize revenue with variable or dynamic pricing
A variable or dynamic pricing model allows you to adjust ticket prices based on demand, time of day, or season. This approach helps optimize revenue by charging higher prices during peak periods while offering discounts during slower times, ensuring a steady flow of visitors and balanced guest traffic.
Read more: Dynamic, Variable and Static Pricing: What’s Best for the Attractions Industry?
Case studies: Real world applications
Let’s take a look at how smart systems are helping water parks thrive around the globe.
Case study 1: Lost Island Reduces Chargebacks by 92% with ROLLER Payments
Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark in Iowa saw dramatic improvements after switching to ROLLER’s platform. Staff training times dropped by 63%, and chargebacks decreased by 92%, saving thousands each season. With ROLLER’s real-time chargeback notifications and integrated gate access, Lost Island boosted efficiency and improved guest interactions.
I've previously spent a whole day's worth of training rather than just that 2 to 3 hour window with ROLLER.
Sarah Myrvik
Guest Services Manager, Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark
Case study 2: Paqua Park saves time with ROLLER
At Paqua Park in Arizona, ROLLER has made check-ins a breeze. By using digital waivers and efficient payment processing, the park reduced guest check-ins to just five minutes. With over 120-150 guests going through the park each hour, ROLLER helps keep everything running smoothly, saving time for both staff and visitors.
We can have a group of 10 checked in in less than two minutes.
Lindsey Wilkins
Owner, Paqua Park
Case study 3: GC Wake Park and GC Aqua Park’s 567% increase in Google reviews
GC Wake Park and GC Aqua Park in Australia used ROLLER’s Guest Experience Score (GX Score) to increase their Google reviews by 567% in just 12 months, growing from 600 to 4,000 reviews. This surge in reviews helped the parks rely less on paid advertising, driving more organic traffic and increasing revenue.
Now that we've got so many reviews on Google, our ad spend is decreasing, and our clicks are increasing.
Daniel Watkins
Owner and Operator, GC Wake Park and GC Aqua Park
Ready to boost your water park’s efficiency?
Smart systems are revolutionizing the water park industry by enhancing the guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and driving revenue. With features like online waivers, automated guest feedback surveys, and mobile F&B ordering, ROLLER’s water park software can help you stay ahead of the competition and grow your business.
Ready to see how smart systems can transform your water park? Book a demo with ROLLER today!
