Three Great Technologies You’ll Find at an Amusement Park
Americans have been going to amusement parks for family-friendly entertainment and thrills for many years. The main attractions in these parks have been merry-go-round, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other rides that create an adrenaline rush.
However, most of these attractions have changed from what they used to be. In precise terms, amusement park technology has taken over in the theme park industry. It has given rise to fantastic, immersive, and quality interactions that didn’t exist before. Besides, more is yet to come. After all, the prediction is that the amusement park industry will be worth about $70 billion by 2025.
Therefore, you can expect to see more innovative amusement park technology in addition to these three trends:
Interactive Technology
In 1995 when Disneyland first opened its doors, Walt Disney relied on filmmaking techniques to bring the rides to life. Subsequently, this park, among others, incorporated technologies such as animatronics, robotics, and projected imagery to create a sense of virtual reality. As such, interactive technology is now in the middle of nearly every ride experience.
According to the International Association of Amusement Parks, interactive technological innovation will evolve to allow fans to connect directly with characters. This immersive experience compares to being in an exceedingly moving picture. Undoubtedly, the social experience will make guests want to come back often, boosting attendance.
Wearable Technology
Every set of amusement park technology predictions includes wearable technology. That being said, wearable gadgets like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and the MagicBand, are a big success that will stimulate further developments. For example, on Legoland’s Ninjago ride, wearable technology makes the rider’s body serve as their controller.
Likewise, MagicBands are another set of wearable technology that is growing in popularity. They comprise small antennae and a high-frequency radio device. The antennae come in handy for the detection of the MagicBand in short-range touchpoints. On the other hand, the radio device communicates across longer distances.
Using the MagicBands, visitors can touch in at the gates, pay for merchandise, and open room doors. Contactless tech plays a significant role in the entertainment industry amid COVID-19.
Similarly, the bands are an excellent example of how parks use various technology integrations to create great memories for visitors. Whether they want to participate in thrill rides or access their resort rooms, the experience is frictionless. Also, the park management can stream real-time data about the activities the guests are engaging in and when.
All the same, there is still room for creativity in wearable amusement park technology. For example, Nike has brought about a warm-feeling narrative around its wearable. With time, theme park operators will use their storytelling, excitement-generating, myth-making talents to infuse new electricity into wearables. As wearable technology advances, it will make visits more enjoyable, creating heaps of valuable engagement.
Digital Signage
Digital displays have unlimited applications for theme parks. Amid COVID-19, this technology plays a significant role in keeping guests safe and informed. Besides, it has been an excellent way to bring old theme park attractions to life. In situations where static signage fights so hard to be noticed, digital signage remains the best choice.
Undoubtedly, it provides seamless flexibility for use within all areas of the park. From Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World, Lotte World to Six Flags Great Adventure, all these areas can benefit from digital signage:
Reduces Perceived Waiting Times
Studies show that customers usually overestimate their waiting times. Consequently, they become disgruntled, leading to queue-jumping and crowding issues. These happen to be the most prominent complaints at amusement parks. LED digital displays to help alleviate these problems by keeping visitors entertained through music, ride videos, and park promotions.
Improves Communication
Amusement and theme parks are more than just rides. Most certainly, visitors want to be provided with information about showtimes, seasonal events, special offers, and more. As such, parks can use digital signage to:
- Display ride availability, queue lengths, and closing times to manage the flow of people;
- Provide information about car park availability and directions;
- Inform visitors about the weather forecast;
- Keep visitors well-informed to help them plan their day based on the timetables for shows and special events.
Technologies at the Amusement Park: Helps in WayFinding
Navigation can get in the way of the fun that visitors want to have in the amusement parks. However, digital signage can reduce the time it takes for people to find their way.
Interactive wayfinding kiosks endowed with intuitive touchscreen maps can make things easier. Furthermore, wayfinding software shows people where they are and recommends the most accessible routes to where they are going. Replacing paper maps with digital signage solutions saves time and money for everyone involved.
