Limited-Time “Fan First” Food Combos

Banana Inspiration: One flat price at the ballpark gets fans unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, and soda – a simple and memorable approach.

For Parks and Attractions: Offer rotating Combo Bundles - deals that include a snack, drink, and a “mystery prize” like a sticker, token, or small collectible. Package them with quirky names and short availability windows to create urgency. It’s value-driven and encourages impulse purchases, especially for families.

Rethink the In-Between Moments

Banana Inspiration: In Banana Ball, between innings is prime time for entertainment. It’s when the energy often peaks.

For Parks and Attractions: Introduce pop-up performances, interactive trivia, or “host-led” challenges that take place while guests wait or at places they congregate. Use designated Queue Hosts who can rotate between attractions, bringing microphones, portable speakers, and prizes to keep the mood high and the complaints low.

Merch Drops & Pop-Up Games

Banana Inspiration: Merch is a major draw, thanks to quirky branding, exclusivity, and limited releases.

For Parks and Attractions: Try roaming retail games or limited-time “win-it-to-wear-it” challenges. A mini-game cart could appear for an hour offering guests the chance to win exclusive gear through a quick skill-based game like ring toss or bean bag throws. Announce it via app or roaming performers. It’s merchandise, gamification, and buzz-building in one.

Turn Wait Time Into Wow Time

Banana Inspiration: The Bananas turn downtime into showtime with dances, contests, and crowd games that keep fans smiling while they wait.

For Parks and Attractions: Add a pop-up game at the start of long queues where guests can spin a prize wheel for a small fee. Top prize? A front-of-the-line pass. Others win candy, stickers, or souvenirs. It’s fun, fast, and turns frustration into anticipation. Plus, it adds revenue and excitement without slowing operations.

Put Guests in the Spotlight

Banana Inspiration: Fans are in the game at Banana Ball—literally. Catching a foul ball gets you an out.

For Parks and Attractions: Find moments to let guests shape the experience. Let them vote on which music plays next on a ride, invite them to lead countdowns, or select a guest DJ for the afternoon plaza dance party. These touches make memories and increase dwell time.

Surprise and Delight > Size and Speed

Banana Inspiration: Banana Ball doesn’t depend on big thrills - it thrives on fun, unexpected moments.

For Parks and Attractions: Use “micro-moments” like surprise dance-offs, character limbo contests, or sidewalk karaoke. These are fast, easy, and low-cost, but guests will remember them far more than standing in another long line.

Make It Repeatable, but Never Identical

Banana Inspiration: Banana Ball games follow the same rules, but no two experiences are exactly the same.

For Parks and Attractions:Try rotating mini-events and themes. These could be - “Twist Tuesdays,” “Flash Mob Fridays,” or “Silly Sidekick Saturdays.” You don’t need a full calendar - just a little variety goes a long way for repeat visits and seasonal guests.

Final Thoughts

What the Savannah Bananas have built isn’t just entertaining. It’s a blueprint for emotional, guest-first fun. They’ve found the sweet spot where laughter meets loyalty, and their model reminds us that the real magic isn’t in the mechanics - it’s in the moments.

While not every operation can go as big or as wild as the Savannah Banana theatrics, the spirit behind their example – which is intentionally creating small, spontaneous moments of joy - can be adapted at any scale. With the right planning, even a well-timed interaction or unexpected burst of fun can spark lasting memories and deepen guest connection. For parks and attractions, that’s the takeaway: entertain boldly, surprise often, and never be afraid to peel back tradition in search of something new.

How ITPS Can Assist

At ITPS, we know that even the best operational teams often lack the time or resources to fully develop and execute new guest engagement strategies—especially those that require creativity, coordination, and consistency. That’s where we come in. From spontaneous entertainment programs to innovative queue experiences, merchandise activations, and food and beverage enhancements, ITPS can help turn fresh ideas into operational realities. With decades of hands-on experience across the globe, we help attractions build systems that generate smiles and revenue. Let us help you bring the fun—without stretching your in-house team thin.