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21 Dec 2017
Attractions Review 2017: February
BY
Tom Anstey
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There are potential plans for an entire theme park based on Aardman IP
photo: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
In a year of ups, downs, loops and scoops, Attractions Management looks back at some of the biggest stories to hit the headlines, giving possible indicators at what’s still to come in the year ahead. Technology was high on the agenda in February, with some of the most shared Attractions Management news looking at advanced augmented reality and wearable technology. Theme parks made the cut too, with a popular British brand laying out its future ambitions.
A look at the future
Sony could be the company to take augmented reality to the next level after it filed a patent for a new technology – contact lenses that can project or record live video.
Switched on and off by a blink of the user's eyes – with the contacts able to detect if the blink is deliberate or not – image capture technology and data storage would be contained within the lens itself.
The task is not yet complete for Sony though, as it must find a way to fit the technology comfortably within the eye. If it can do this, the device could revolutionise the augmented reality market.
Disney makes its magic
For Disney, February marked the evolution of its technology, with the launch of an upgraded version of its wearable MagicBand.
Around US$1bn (€948m, £807m) was invested into the MagicBand technology to launch MagicBand 2. In addition to serving as a park entry ticket, FastPass payment system and hotel room key, the band also offers a sleeker design and detachable disk that can be put into an accessory called the MagicKeeper.
The MagicKeeper, designed for guests who do not want to wear the MagicBand on their wrists, can be worn around the neck or attached to clothing or bags via a detachable clip.
Following the launch of Volcano Bay in May, Disney competitor Universal also launched its own wireless device. Called Tapu Tapu, the wireless wearable interacts with different elements of the attraction, also introducing virtual queuing. With a simple tap at the entrance to a ride, guests receive a return time for the attraction, meaning they can spend more time enjoying the rest of the park instead of waiting in lines.
Wallace and Gromit plan big day out
Aardman Animations – creator of popular IPs such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep – revealed grand plans for its attractions and live experiences division in February, including a theme park dedicated to the creations of the British animation studio.
In addition to existing attractions including Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-o-Matic ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Shaun the Sheep Experience at Skånes Djurpark, Aardman announced plans for a Shaun the Sheep FEC concept and an Aardman Experience.
“We have ambitions to develop our presence within the sector,” said Ngaio Harding-Hill, senior manager of attractions and live experiences for Aardman, speaking exclusively to Attractions Management. “We’d love to create an Aardman Land with the right partner.”
Check back with Attractions Management tomorrow to revisit the best of March 2017
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in this issue
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