Created on: 22/03/2016
Theme parks have always excited and entertained, with the help of state of the art technology. Nowhere more than the Orlando theme parks is this more true. They offer experiences that stretch the imagination, push people to their limits and even educate them in the process. To see where theme park tech might take us next, futurologist Dr. Ian Pearson looks ahead from now to 2050. You can check out the interactive infographic below or download the full report (PDF) to find out more.The Next 4 Years
2016
Virtual Reality on home PCs will help guests decide which theme park to visit, by giving them taster experiences of rides complete with 3D visuals
'Try Before You Buy' with Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality on home PCs will help guests decide which theme park to visit, by giving them taster experiences of rides complete with 3D visuals2018
Augmented Reality blending real world and visual tricks will be used to even greater effect in ghost trains and rollercoasters. Expect rides with real explosions and cinematic visuals
Augmented Reality offers augmented experiences
Augmented Reality blending real world and visual tricks will be used to even greater effect in ghost trains and rollercoasters. Expect rides with real explosions and cinematic visuals2019
Say goodbye to paper tickets and plastic wristbands, with the introduction of electronic (temporary) tattoos printed straight onto the skin for faster and more secure entry
Tattoo Tickets
Say goodbye to paper tickets and plastic wristbands, with the introduction of electronic (temporary) tattoos printed straight onto the skin for faster and more secure entry2020s
2020
Theme park robots will act as personal guides, entertainers and security guards
Robot Guides
Theme park robots will act as personal guides, entertainers and security guards2024
Hoverboards, of the type first promised in the 1980s Back to the Future film, using magnetic levitation over metallic surfaces, will make an appearance in dedicated parks at attractions across the world
Hover-boards & Levitation
Hoverboards, of the type first promised in the 1980s Back to the Future film, using magnetic levitation over metallic surfaces, will make an appearance in dedicated parks at attractions across the world2029
Active skin technology will mimic the feeling of having superhero powers, using electronics printed onto the skin’s surface which stimulate the nerves to sharpen the senses
The need to have a smartphone will also diminish, as active skin tech will allow experiences to be recorded automatically
Become part cyborg
Active skin technology will mimic the feeling of having superhero powers, using electronics printed onto the skin’s surface which stimulate the nerves to sharpen the senses
The need to have a smartphone will also diminish, as active skin tech will allow experiences to be recorded automatically2030s
2034
The 'Guide Bots' developed around 2020 will evolve into androids with human-level intelligence and will be used as actors or stuntmen in shows
Androids & Artificial Intelligence
The 'Guide Bots' developed around 2020 will evolve into androids with human-level intelligence and will be used as actors or stuntmen in shows2035
Special exoskeletal body-suits will be added to active skin technology to take the superhero experience to another level
Now theme park goers will not only have sharpened senses, but can also try having superhuman strength
We can be heroes, just for one day
Special exoskeletal body-suits will be added to active skin technology to take the superhero experience to another level
Now theme park goers will not only have sharpened senses, but can also try having superhuman strength2038
Thought recognition will allow us to communicate or control what happens in rides with our thoughts
“Using The Force” & Mind Control
Thought recognition will allow us to communicate or control what happens in rides with our thoughts2040s
2040
Exoskeleton-based experiences emulate some of what happens during a space mission. Specifically, hydraulic-assisted suits mimic the effects of low gravity.
Experience Outer Space
Exoskeleton-based experiences emulate some of what happens during a space mission. Specifically, hydraulic-assisted suits mimic the effects of low gravity.2045
We will experience full 3D movement and direct links to people’s minds, such as safaris where guests could feel as if they actually are the animal
Direct Mind Control
We will experience full 3D movement and direct links to people’s minds, such as safaris where guests could feel as if they actually are the animal2050
We may see some recreation of the Matrix as ‘mind links’ allow us to share experiences with other riders
The Matrix Becomes Reality
We may see some recreation of the Matrix as ‘mind links’ allow us to share experiences with other riders
Dr Ian Pearson is a full time futurologist, tracking and predicting developments across a wide range of technology, business, society, politics and the environment. A Doctor of Science, Dr Pearson has worked in numerous branches of engineering, from aeronautics to cybernetics, sustainable transport to electronic cosmetics.
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