Augmented Reality Could Fundamentally Change Theme Park Experiences

Written by Marco Santana .

Augmented reality in theme parks seems like a marriage made in Heaven.

After all, visitors are often there to put a pause on the real world.

In addition, augmented reality technology lends itself to the crazy amount of intellectual property most theme parks can employ.

Who wouldn't want a snapshot of themselves either as a classic cartoon character or alongside their favorite, for example?

Darkwing Duck, I'm looking at you, kid.

Perhaps the best ride theme parks have taken us on is the one that sees us regularly surprised at what's next in tech implementation.

Too far a stretch with that metaphor? OK, let's move on quietly then.

Today, we look at ways that theme parks and attractions either use AR now or have used it in recent memory.

Walt Disney World Resort:?The granddaddy of all theme parks, Walt Disney World has had longevity on its side for many reasons, including the fact that it has the budget to lean into new and emerging technologies as they happen.

Perhaps that's why Disney has been considered at the forefront of augmented reality-based theme park experiences. Through AR, visitors can interact with classic characters and turn park locations into interactive scenes.

The result is an experience that combines nostalgia with an intellectual property bank that other parks can only dream of.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Speaking of super-powered intellectual property, Nintendo, anyone? Universal Studios in Hollywood last year introduced its Super Nintendo World at its California location, as the parent company continues its battle with the House of Mouse for the public's attention.

Right now, I'm calling it a stalemate. Super Nintendo World uses AR to enhance the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge ride. Riders wear AR headsets that project virtual coins, power-ups, and obstacles onto the physical track, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.

It's a ride straight out of my dreams as a 10-year-old.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: This park once offered an AR scavenger hunt overlay where park guests use their phones to find hidden virtual creatures throughout the park. Sound familiar?

Yep, it's a version of Niantic's ridiculously popular Pokémon Go experience. This adds a layer of interactivity and exploration adds so much to the traditional theme park experience.

Efteling (Netherlands): This European theme park once had an augmented reality haunted house walkthrough known as "Villa Volta."?

Guests used tablets to reveal hidden secrets and ghostly apparitions within the attraction, creating a more personalized and dynamic experience.

Gardens by the Bay (Singapore):? Edutainment, anyone? At Gardens by the Bay, visitors learn within an app about the various plant and animal life seen throughout these futuristic gardens.

It's an augmented reality experience that weaves brilliant-looking fauna alongside new technology that enhances it even more. What a great example of the future use case of AR.?