Dark Rides
www.parkworld-online.com
Triotech Park World spoke to Christian Martin, VP Alliances & Communications at Triotech.
Dark Rides have become a cornerstone of modern amusement parks, captivating guests with their immersive and interactive experiences. Their
popularity stems from a combination of factors: the allure of storytelling, the thrill of being an active participant, and the advanced technology, particularly interactivity, that brings these stories to life. Unlike traditional roller coasters, Dark Rides offer a narrative-driven journey, often featuring beloved characters or engaging plots. This blend of entertainment appeals to a broad audience, including families and thrill-seekers alike, making them a versatile and inclusive attraction. Moreover, Dark Rides are particularly popular
because they offer a shared experience. Groups of friends or family members can enjoy the ride together, connecting emotionally with the story. This enhances the overall enjoyment and creates memorable moments that guests can share and reminisce about, making the experience more meaningful and impactful.
For park operators, Dark Rides present a unique set of opportunities. They are versatile in terms of space and design, allowing for integration into a variety of park settings, from large theme parks to smaller regional venues. The controlled indoor environment also means that these attractions can operate year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, Dark Rides are a better match with intellectual properties (IP) than say, a roller coaster. IP based dark rides attract fans of popular franchises and boost attendance figures.
Recent years have seen significant advancements in Dark Ride technology and design. The integration interactivity as well as in some cases,
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augmented reality (AR) has added new layers and bring an element of competition, enhancing the guest experience. These innovations not only elevate the guest experience but also provide operators with flexible options for storytelling and space utilization.
The market for Dark Rides is expanding beyond traditional theme parks. There is a growing interest from regional parks and standalone attractions, eager to incorporate these engaging experiences into their offerings. There is notable interest in using intellectual
properties, such as well-known franchises like Lego or Sony's Ghostbusters, and parks' own IPs like Knott's Bear-y Tales. These familiar brands enhance appeal and marketability. Interactivity is also a significant trend, with
rides increasingly allowing guests to influence the narrative, creating more engaging and personalized experiences. Media-based attractions, utilizing digital screens and projections, offer flexibility for regular updates and re-theming, keeping content fresh.
As guest expectations evolve, so do the requirements for Dark Rides. Visitors increasingly seek personalized and immersive experiences, pushing the industry towards more interactive and responsive attractions. Operators, in turn, are looking for ways to optimize costs while delivering cutting-edge experiences. At Triotech, we are committed to innovation and customer- centric solutions. We continuously invest in new technologies, such as advanced motion systems and interactive media, to meet the demands of both guests and operators.
Looking ahead, the evolution of Dark Rides is poised to embrace even more personalized and interactive experiences. Guests will increasingly
AUGUST 2024
be able to influence narratives and outcomes, significantly enhancing replayability and engagement. A prime example of this future is "Primordial"
at Lagoon (Salt Lake City, Utah). This innovative dark ride showcases dynamic storytelling with multiple possible endings. Riders experience six different outcomes through various paths, which lead to three distinct mechanical effects, each paired with unique media content. This setup not only heightens the element of surprise but also encourages guests to return for new adventures. This combination of interactive storytelling,
effective ride mechanics, and replayability exemplifies how the future of Dark Rides will focus on delivering engaging and memorable experiences that keep guests coming back.
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