FINAL_FW2607-08_DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 62
Evan Ponstingle is
the Digital Content
Associate for IAAPA.
A graduate of
Bowling Green State
University, he has
worked in a variety of
roles at Kings Island,
Hersheypark, and
Cedar Point. Evan
is the author of the
book, “Kings Island: A
Ride Through Time,”
and is passionate
about telling the
stories of the
attractions industry.
Connect with him on
:
60
know that the vacation experience is [based] around new
experiences with food, so everyone goes from here and thinks,
‘Oh, that's different, that's unique.’”
Beach Park’s success is a result of successful partnerships
forged over the decades with some of the industry partners,
including WhiteWater, ProSlide, and Polin Waterparks.
“When we go to IAAPA Expo, we stop and say, ‘Hey, what
would be the different thing to do next?’” Pascoal says. “That
collaboration is something that we try to do together,” adding
it’s essential that suppliers visit his property to see their
vision.
Beach Park’s management also emphasizes the importance
of using a week spent at IAAPA Expo to explore other central
Florida attractions and potentially gain inspiration that can be
taken back home. Inspired by Disney Springs and Universal
Funworld | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | IAAPA.org/Funworld
CityWalk, Beach Park built Vila Azul do Mar,
a retail and dining area. Sourcing inspiration
from their visits to central Florida, Beach
Park also diversified its offerings and created
an area to host retail, dining, and events.
“I think this is something that completes
the products that we offer to the client,”
Pascoal says.
The plan has worked. Through its history,
Beach Park has become a place where
Brazilians have demonstrated a sense of
ownership—a sense of belonging that every
operator could benefit from.
“They come here and they think, ‘It’s
ours,’” he concludes.
