WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen | Planet Attractions
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WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen
Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Sep 2022
In 2018 Whitewater launched Vantage - a new division of the company that uses technology of the same name to take real-time visitor data and use that to optimise park operations for the guest.
Since its launch, the division has grown, with Michael Jungen taking up the role of president of Vantage earlier this year.
With a 25-year track record of implementing cutting-edge technologies for the attractions and hospitality industries, Jungen previously played a major role in the creation of Disney’s MagicBand and MyMagic+ technology, as well as single-finger biometrics at park entrances and the Disney Gift Card. He was also a key figure in the development of Carnival’s Ocean Medallion guest experience platform.
At this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, Jungen shared his vision of a more joyful industry with the launch of Vantage’s new campaign - The Joy Economy.
A business model and ecosystem focused entirely on delivering customer experiences, Jungen says that The Joy Economy speaks to the enormous currency potential of joy - in terms of revenue, brand affiliation, staff retention, brand building and reputation.
Planet Attractions spoke to Jungen at the show in London, UK, about the technology and his experience of this year’s event.
What does the Vantage technology do?
“Vantage is an exciting set of technology that allows companies, parks, attractions, cruise lines and resorts, to better know and service their guests.
Personalisation is really important and having the ability to have each team member within the operation know a little bit about each of their guests. You can really give them a personalised experience within the attraction.”
What were you doing at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe?
“We came and presented a new brand campaign for Vantage. It's called The Joy Economy. We had an opportunity to launch that at the show.
It's really exciting to bring the message of focussing on what differentiates the experience for our guests and how that's better for our businesses when we focus on the joy of our guests.”
How does The Joy Economy work?
“I have a vision of success for our industry: we must strive for the purest, simplest, and most powerful emotional connection for guests with the park experience - joy!
The reason is simple: if we do, everything else takes care of itself. Join us on this journey, and together we will take the term ‘experience’ to another level, where the entire chain of stakeholders and shareholders wins.”
How did you find the show?
“It's been a really great show, a lot bigger than what I had expected - a lot more people - and some diverse groups, too.”
What’s your favourite attraction?
“I would have to say that my favourite attraction is - it's a tough one - but I'd have to say Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It's a delightful attraction.”
WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen | Planet Attractions
video
WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen
Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Sep 2022
In 2018 Whitewater launched Vantage - a new division of the company that uses technology of the same name to take real-time visitor data and use that to optimise park operations for the guest.
Since its launch, the division has grown, with Michael Jungen taking up the role of president of Vantage earlier this year.
With a 25-year track record of implementing cutting-edge technologies for the attractions and hospitality industries, Jungen previously played a major role in the creation of Disney’s MagicBand and MyMagic+ technology, as well as single-finger biometrics at park entrances and the Disney Gift Card. He was also a key figure in the development of Carnival’s Ocean Medallion guest experience platform.
At this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, Jungen shared his vision of a more joyful industry with the launch of Vantage’s new campaign - The Joy Economy.
A business model and ecosystem focused entirely on delivering customer experiences, Jungen says that The Joy Economy speaks to the enormous currency potential of joy - in terms of revenue, brand affiliation, staff retention, brand building and reputation.
Planet Attractions spoke to Jungen at the show in London, UK, about the technology and his experience of this year’s event.
What does the Vantage technology do?
“Vantage is an exciting set of technology that allows companies, parks, attractions, cruise lines and resorts, to better know and service their guests.
Personalisation is really important and having the ability to have each team member within the operation know a little bit about each of their guests. You can really give them a personalised experience within the attraction.”
What were you doing at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe?
“We came and presented a new brand campaign for Vantage. It's called The Joy Economy. We had an opportunity to launch that at the show.
It's really exciting to bring the message of focussing on what differentiates the experience for our guests and how that's better for our businesses when we focus on the joy of our guests.”
How does The Joy Economy work?
“I have a vision of success for our industry: we must strive for the purest, simplest, and most powerful emotional connection for guests with the park experience - joy!
The reason is simple: if we do, everything else takes care of itself. Join us on this journey, and together we will take the term ‘experience’ to another level, where the entire chain of stakeholders and shareholders wins.”
How did you find the show?
“It's been a really great show, a lot bigger than what I had expected - a lot more people - and some diverse groups, too.”
What’s your favourite attraction?
“I would have to say that my favourite attraction is - it's a tough one - but I'd have to say Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It's a delightful attraction.”
