Amusement parks are swiftly moving into the technology age. We already experience augmented and virtual reality with our smartphones, gaming, and even Spectacles, so it was only a matter of time before that same technology infiltrated our theme parks. While many people still go to theme parks for roller coasters or to see Cinderella Castle, advanced technology can help to further immerse park-goers into the world that the theme park creates.
Immensely popular franchises like Harry Potter, the Marvel superhero films, and Disney films all have their own theme parks in the US. But theme parks worldwide are competing with one another for the best high-tech experiences as brand-specific fandom intensifies. In 2018, Abu Dhabi will soon be home to another immersive, interactive theme park, and the BBC, which boasts hugely popular shows like Sherlock and Doctor Who, is expanding advanced technology in theme parks in Britain and abroad. One way they are adding technology to their parks is by supplementing rides with 3D film “experiences.” Even virtual reality games are inspiring theme parks. In a few years, a park devoted to Assassin’s Creed and Raving Rapids will open in Malaysia.
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One of the cheapest ways to upgrade a theme park is to add virtual reality headsets to existing roller coaster rides. Six Flags, for example, plans to incorporate VR headsets into rollercoasters so that park-goers feel as if they’re flying or performing certain tasks while on the ride. Further, The Void is a new virtual reality theme park in Utah. Although it is still under development, the “theme park” plans to combine a physical set with VR headsets to enhance user interaction and experience with the world they create.
Since Disney acquired the Star Wars franchise and started the reboot, they have been looking to expand the Star Wars theme park experience with advanced technology. An immersive Star Wars theme park that will allow fans to experience the Star Wars universe more fully will be hugely successful. Just look at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter theme park has drawn its success from a combination of physical sets to mimic the Harry Potter movies, sense-enhancing experiences (think Butterbeer and Honeydukes’ sweets), costumed entertainers, and rides that offer a high-tech experience. Take the Forbidden Journey ride, for example. This ride is a type of “robocoaster” that allows you to tour Hogwarts. It utilizes a physical and virtual set for an immersive experience, and 3D technology to bridge the gap between reality and the imaginary world. As far as high-tech theme parks go — this is only the beginning.
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