Being a designer of theme parks is fun. It is all about solving tough story telling challenges. It becomes a game of ‘what if?’ The ideal outcome is to remain within story and still be believable. In this case I was designing Santa’s village with a southwest theme. The decor of the park is set as ‘mission style’ - heavily aged with a fun cartoon twist. Santa certainly would come here at Christmas and perhaps even have a southern getaway in this local as well. Anyone who lived in the North Pole would need a little warm weather on occasion. The somewhat ramshackle collection of buildings houses his meet and greet area, plus a retail store around it. Since this local is to be built in the far south, the building didn’t need walls or doors. Roll up tarps would do just fine. A colourful landscape and cheery Christmas decorations (not drawn) would bring the place to life. It would be truly magical at night with lots of soft warm lights. I’d love to have a visit with the jolly old elf here!
