New types of entertainment facilities that are family-oriented and regionally based are suitable for the Japanese market and will grow in the future, the head of Orlando-based ITEC Productions, said August 26.

"The new types of entertainment facilities attract repeaters. People go to those facilities like going to movie theaters," said Marc Plogstedt, head of the entertainment facilities and technology design firm. The company was involved in designing The World of Disney Store, which opened in Orlando in April, and designing rides for Universal Studios in California in 1996.

Speaking about the new type of facilities, Plogstedt explained that the new family entertainment centers are designed to provide multiple experiences, such as simulations, virtual reality games and dance floors. He also mentioned "pocket" parks that feature a smaller range of attractions than a traditional theme park but whose attractions change constantly.

In contrast to existing theme parks, which people visit once every several years, people go to these new style facilities three or four times a year and spend less money per visit than in large-scale theme parks.

Plogstedt characterized the Japanese market as "sophisticated" in terms of entertainment experiences and says his firm hopes to enter Japan by introducing the new types of facilities and theme restaurants and by expanding the entertainment retail market.