Contactless technology issue 81, spring 2020 inparkmagazine.com helps attractions reopen safely

Disney’s Galaxy COVID-19 Dubai 2021 Two new trackless dark rides at Zoos & aquariums take a mission- The UAE’s Expo 2020 is the Walt Disney World Resort driven approach to the pandemic officially postponed one year Stoneface Inc. The Sculpted Rock Artisans CA License 1001362 - AZ License 308722 - UT License 10614867-5501

Animal Exhibits Concrete Theming Water Features Wall Finishes Artificial Rock Work Stamped Concrete Decking w2 ww.stonefaceinc.com 949-370-9880 [email protected] inparkmagazine.com issue 81, spring 2020

Sustaining the mission Inside the time machine 5 Zoos and aquariums in the age of COVID-19 22 Geoff Thatcher’s new book: The CEO’s Time by Joe Kleiman Machine • interview by Martin Palicki

Through the generations Course objectives 8 Mack Rides and Europa-Park have stood the test 25 What should Themed Experience graduates of time • by Kevin Dazey know, say and do? • by Peter Weishar

Removing barriers Reality, but better 12 The trend of contactless technology is here to 28 AR and VR are making more memorable stay • by Martin Palicki attractions • by Sarah Brack

Self-driving vehicle Rethinking touch on interactive exhibits 17 CAVU Designwerks rolls out an intelligent, 30 Mad Systems’ QuickSilver integrates touchless trackless ride vehicle • by Sarah Brack and other options for museums • by Maris Ensing

Postponing an Expo Around Disney’s Galaxy in 25 minutes 19 What does it mean to postpone Expo 2020 34 Rise of the Resistance impresses on all fronts Dubai until 2021 • by Jim Ogul & Judith Rubin by Martin Palicki & Judith Rubin

Weighing in on the delay Inside the mouse house 21 International participants in Dubai Expo 2020 38 Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway revealed share thoughts on the new dates • by Jim Ogul by Martin Palicki

COVER: The Connect&GO team & contributors ParkPass RFID wristband is allowing PUBLISHER DESIGN Martin Palicki Martin Palicki attractions to reopen safely by making ticketing, purchases, EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS queuing and more completely Judith Rubin Sarah Brack Kevin Dazey contactless. NEWS EDITOR Maris Ensing Joe Kleiman Jim Ogul Photo courtesy of Connect&GO Peter Weishar

InPark Magazine (ISSN 1553-1767) is published five times a year by Martin Chronicles Publishing, LLC. 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA. Shipping address: 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA. Phone: +1-262-412-7107. Printing by Johnson Press of America. Contents © 2020 InPark Magazine. All rights reserved. Nothing in the magazine may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the magazine. InPark Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Such material must be accompanied by a self-adressed and stamped envelope to be returned. Postmaster: Send address changes to InPark Magazine 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA. Subscriptions are available annually for $45 per year ($70 international). Opinions expressed in editorial matter are not necessarily those of InPark Magazine or its publishers, Martin Chronicles Publishing, LLC.

3 inparkmagazine.com Finding paths forward Appreciation for Alf Heller, to during uncertain times whom I owe my career

Martin Palicki, Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine publisher InPark Magazine editor

avigating the first half of 2020 has been difficult for 987 was the year I moved from New York to Oakland and Neveryone. Uncertainty over isolation, global travel bans, civil 1joined the small staff of the quarterly World’s Fair magazine. unrest and massive layoffs are just a few of the factors that are The eight years I spent working with editor and publisher Alfred impacting decision makers around the world. Heller were my entrée to the attractions industry.

The long-term effects on travel and entertainment remain to be It was one year after the last great world expo on North American seen. Still, many parks and attractions are reopening; there is a soil, Vancouver 86 and five years after the opening of Epcot. Both clear group of people ready to get out and consume experiences projects helped launch many careers and firms still active in our again. industry and set in motion many important trends that continue today. The industry is resilient, and our companies are populated by creative thinkers and problem solvers. Just in the last two months, Alf, who passed away in December 2019 at age 90, had started leaders have identified ways to minimize risk and earn the public’s World’s Fair magazine because he loved world’s fairs. He had trust. Even so, it all seems so fragile, as though one major incident an extensive collection, especially of posters. But the study of could clamp down the gates for even longer. expos also corresponded with his other areas of deep interest and knowledge: environmentalism, urban development, history, Also challenging are the issues surrounding systemic racism and anthropology, politics and business. the enormous disparities that go along with it. It may not feel like your problem, but we are likely on the verge of a social shift that I brought several years’ publishing experience, a knack for writing will impact every company’s interaction with law enforcement, and promotion, and an art background. One of the tests Alf gave security, recruiting, marketing and more. The wise business owner me was to research and write what became my first Parade of will act not only because the winds are changing, but because it is Events, a popular column that ran in every issue. the ethical and socially just action to take. Alf enabled me to learn and explore in many directions. He was At InPark we have adjusted our process as a result of the industry fond of saying, “You know, you’re NOT the editor.” But he dynamics. This issue, normally focused on TEA Thea award eventually promoted me to associate editor/publisher, as World’s recipients, has been transformed to include more pandemic Fair transitioned from a scholarly journal to a respectable trade related features. Our next issue, out later this summer, will have an magazine with a scholarly air and a booth at IAAPA. international focus and also feature our Thea content. Online, we have been reporting on COVID-19 since parks in Asia first started The 1990s were a rollercoaster for expos, with plenty to write closing and we continue to provide information and resources as about: a spate of unofficial (non-BIE) expos in Japan; the declining everyone continues to work through these issues. performance of the US; the expanding role of specialty film and high-tech interactive exhibits; Korea’s first world’s fair (1993); the We’ve also evaluated our priorities. We have always endeavored to opening of Euro Disneyland. It took me into many overlapping appreciate and elevate a diverse community of voices. Listening sectors of visitor attractions, project development, entertainment to a wider body helps reduce confirmation bias and opens up an technology and design. organization to broader and healthier growth. We pledge to work even harder towards fulfilling that commitment. Expos tend to suffer from a lack of institutional memory as each new organizing committee and pavilion team seeks to put its unique Finally, without reserve we declare that WE MISS YOU. Calls just stamp on the product. In 1994, Alf wrote, “The BIE should hold aren’t the same and we look forward to the time when we can see workshops for member countries on how to present themselves you again in person. In the meantime, we hope you will find this effectively at expos. They should invite designers, equipment- issue enjoyable, relevant and useful. makers, architects and experts on the best exhibits at expos past as well as on the trend of the moment.” This was a key statement. World’s Fair magazine was a resource to the expo world, providing Joe Kleiman is News Editor for the InPark shared wisdom and perspective that were otherwise hard to find. website. He has 25+ years management The magazine ran 15 years. Alf continued to attend world’s fairs experience: in tourism, museums and (20 in his lifetime) and to review them on his site worldsfairs.com. attractions, in the giant screen industries and He donated his collection to Yale. I’ll leave you with a quote from as a zookeeper. his Editor’s Notebook, Vol. XV, No. 4, Oct-Dec 1995: “Expos won’t survive without ideas.”

4 inparkmagazine.com Sustaining the mission Zoos & aquariums in the age of COVID-19 by Joe Kleiman

ith the COVID-19 pandemic having shut down Wattractions worldwide, operators have been faced with a tough decision – deciding what portions of their operations are necessary to maintain their facilities in preparation for an undetermined reopening. Zoos and aquariums have a special challenge in being responsible for thousands of animals reliant on human care.

“Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are approaching total closure,” says Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), which represents A sea otter enjoys a snack from a caretaker at the Monterey Bay and accredits over 230 zoos and aquariums in North America, Aquarium. Photo courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium Asia, and Europe. “Over 90 percent of our membership is currently closed, and that number continues to rise. AZA “We were definitely watching China,” he says, “But we were members are taking drastic actions to maintain the viability of much more focused on a local geographical area. We made their facilities while also maintaining commitments to provide sure to follow California and CDC guidelines. We watched the exceptional care of their animals. This pandemic uniquely situation for months, so that we were not caught by surprise. impacts zoos and aquariums with animals to care for – our We made sure we knew what others were doing. In addition members can’t simply turn off the lights and walk away for to being part of AZA and IAAPA and following IAAPA best months. That is the message we have been delivering to Congress guidance, one unique thing that we did in this situation is that we and the Administration as we seek funding as part of any created ongoing communication with other Northern California economic relief legislation. We will continue to partner with the attractions.” broader museum and travel and tourism communities to secure support for our member facilities.” Three hundred eighty miles to the south, San Diego Zoo Global was preparing to close both its San Diego Zoo and San Diego InPark news editor Joe Kleiman discussed the impact of Zoo Safari Park. “As a zoological association, we’ve prepared COVID-19 on the zoo and aquarium community with executives for regional and global scale crisis. We train and modify our from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Diego Zoo Global, and business plans continuously,” says Shawn Dixon, COO of San the AZA. Diego Zoo Global. “Disease outbreak with animals, bird flu, economic disasters, forest fires, COVID-19 – these touch on The closure every aspect of our business – supply chain, financial stability, Both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo Global impact on the community. We started discussing the coronavirus are members of four leading industry associations. In addition situation in China early on in December. By mid-January, we had to AZA, both are members of the World Association of Zoos task forces established to work on problems and create solutions, and Aquariums (WAZA), the American Alliance of Museums comprised of specialists in each area – business continuity, supply (AAM) and the International Association of Amusement Parks chain, human resource and staffing, communications/PR – both and Attractions (IAAPA). Membership in these organizations has internally and externally. Animal health and safety, the structure opened multiple channels of communication with other zoos, of our teams working with animals, safety protocols for care were aquariums, and attractions on a global basis, enabling industry a priority. As much as one can plan, this whole process has been members to monitor the path of the global COVID-19 outbreak very on-the-go, working the plans as the situation developed. since it was first reported in December, 2019. We’re fortunate that AZA has a great online communication platform for sharing ideas and challenges. Through discussions As the Vice President of Guest Experience at the Monterey Bay with our colleagues, we could actually watch the wave of the Aquarium in Monterey, California, David Rosenberg was also virus’ impact around the country in real time.” working with other aquarium executives and his teams to prepare for a closure of the famed aquarium should the virus come Animal care management stateside. Both Rosenberg and Dixon report that they have sufficient reserves of food on hand and that there appears to be no impact on the supply lines for additional goods as needed.

5 inparkmagazine.com At Monterey Bay Aquarium, animal husbandry specialists are serve to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our animals. split into two teams working in rotation to ensure that staff are When wildlife care professionals are unable to ensure physical able to take time off. The Aquarium has also maintained its sea distancing, we use additional measures. otter rescue and rehabilitation program during this period. “Through communications received from scientists around the San Diego Zoo Global developed backup plans for its core staff world, we are aware that great apes and possibly other primates, that could move between its two properties. “The first thing we bats, carnivores and suids (pigs) may be impacted by COVID-19. had to do,” says Dixon, “was to work with local government Although none of the animals in our care have been affected, San health officials to make sure animal care was considered an Diego Zoo Global veterinarians and wildlife care professionals ‘essential service.’ Having two groups meant that if someone in are discussing increased biosecurity measures, just as we have for one group was infected, there would be no cross-contamination other infectious diseases such as virulent Newcastle disease and with the other group. We also determined key areas for cross- avian flu.” training and cross-utilization of other staff if needed.” “While the chances of the transmission of coronavirus from a The tiger factor human to an animal are low, we know that it is possible based On April 5, 2020, New York’s Wildlife Conservation Society on the situation at the Bronx Zoo and several other domestic (WCS) announced that after nine tigers and lions at the Bronx animal cases,” says Dr. Mike Murray, Director of Veterinary Zoo developed a dry cough, one was tested, with positive results, Services at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “The species in our for COVID-19. It is believed by WCS that the “cats were infected collection of most concern would be our southern sea otters. As by a person caring for them who was asymptomatically infected a precaution, we already implemented social distancing practices with the virus or before that person developed symptoms.” for our animal care staff, which includes maintaining six-foot face-to-face distance from the animals during all interactions with In a prepared statement, AZA’s Ashe along with Robert the exception of necessary medical exams. Our animal care staff Hilsenroth, DVM, Executive Director of the American will also begin wearing non-surgical cloth masks when interacting Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), said: “…AZA- with the otters. Our staff will also wear masks when preparing accredited members have protocols, procedures, and precautions food for the otters, along with protective gloves which had in place when a disease situation like this arises at a facility. All already been required.” AZA members were advised in real-time, are acting on the latest information from the veterinary staff at Bronx Zoo, and are The virtual world consulting their colleagues to identify and implement protective Museums, zoos, aquariums, and other attractions worldwide and preventive practices. They all have access to trained are reaching out to their communities and fans through online veterinary professionals, as well as to the extended AZA and programming, creating virtual versions of themselves. Here are AAZV networks of professionals should a similar situation arise some of the ways Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo at their facility.” Global are reaching out via the web:

In its own statement, San Diego Zoo Global stated: “With ONLINE CAMS – Both organizations have seen a substantial the increased challenge posed by the community spread of increase in viewership of their exhibit webcams. For San Diego COVID-19, we have further increased our biosecurity measures. Zoo Global, “We’ve seen a 1000% increase.” During the closures, Many of the same measures used to protect people (i.e. physical a new webcam was added to the Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle, distancing, face covers, hand washing and disinfection) also with at least one more new webcam in the works for other habitats. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s viewers find images of the ocean relaxing during a stressful time of sheltering at home. “Our moon jelly cam is extremely popular,” says Rosenberg.

SOCIAL MEDIA – “Our use of social media campaigns shot up and the viewership shot up,” says Rosenberg. “It’s created a different kind of connection with our visitors and that’s good for the aquarium. We’re using Facebook Live a lot more, because we can also use it remotely.” An online presence, says Dixon, “Is an important way to stay engaged with visitors, with donors, and with the world around us during this time.”

EDUCATION – Both Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo Global are offering educational plans and materials free of charge for homeschooling and remote teaching during this period. “We’re using our current platforms as well as enhancing what we had for the traditional classroom structure to Shawn Dixon, San Diego Zoo Global

6 inparkmagazine.com Bay Aquarium is currently able to maintain its staffing levels, it is continually evaluating the long-term situation in light of prolonged shelter-in-place orders.

The industry has support structures in place for seeking solutions as it deals with widespread closures. Both Rosenberg and Dixon point at the advocacy efforts of industry associations like AZA, AAM, and IAAPA to secure federal funding for attractions. They also mentioned the networking opportunities within these organizations. “Going through the AZA as a collective group, there is a collective impact,” says Dixon. “All 236 members have David Rosenberg, Monterey Bay Aquarium been impacted.” homeschool and remote,” says Dixon. “We launched free online “Attractions are dynamic,” says Rosenberg, “They operate courses for high school and middle school groups based on with cost controls when needed due to ebbs and flows with taxonomic groups through the San Diego Zoo Global Academy.” visitorship. So far, there’s some leeway, but not enough, on federal funding. The small business funding in the stimulus package At Monterey Bay Aquarium, according to Rosenberg, “Our looks good, but larger businesses are impacted as well. Education Department has come up with options for homeschooling that can be used by educators and teachers as “Monterey relies on its tourist industry. Think of the Aquarium well. We’ve created curriculum, games, and activities. We now as the anchor store in the area. It’s a very different feeling not to have two online self-guided video classes up at the Aquarium see many people in this area. The Aquarium is on Cannery Row. website as well. You can see those and all of our current offerings Everything is empty now, including the hotels. It’s very strange at this page of our site: montereybayaquarium.org/for-educators/ to see. When I see it, I think this must be what it was like when learning-at-home.” the canneries all shut down. In a small town like Monterey, the missing tourists makes it feel very different.” Communities small and large In 2018, 5.5 million people visited the San Diego Zoo and San The road to reopening Diego Zoo Safari Park. Large crowds means the San Diego Zoo Both Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Diego Zoo Global are Global has to run a substantial food & beverage operation. “We looking to federal, state, and local guidance as to when and how made sure that food didn’t go to waste. In the week before we to reopen. Dixon believes the reopening may follow the orders closed our gates, we took that food and we fed our staff breakfast for closures, but in reverse order – from groups of 10 to 50 to and lunch every day. Afterwards, we donated the remainder to 100 to 500 and so on. a food bank.” For all of 2019, San Diego Zoo Global donated over 1,200 pounds of food to Feeding America as part of its For Rosenberg, the immediate future looks much like our current community outreach. The overall donation for the last few days way of life, with limited admissions, restricted hours, and social before closing amounted to 2,000 pounds. distancing. In the long term, while operations may change, he sees the visitor experience returning to normal. “People like to be One commonality between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and together in large groups,” he says. “And attractions help bring us San Diego Zoo Global is the use of the terms “family” and together to create memories.” “community” to represent both those within their gates and without. Neither institution has furloughed or laid off staff What can pandemics teach about conservation? during this period. All staff currently continue to be paid Zoos and aquariums like San Diego Zoo Global and Monterey regardless of whether or not they remain on premises, a number Bay Aquarium continue their missions whether or not they’re able working remotely. “We create a few videos per week for them to open to the public. First and foremost, they are dedicated to with updates,” says Dixon. “There’s a lot of communication using conservation, research, and education, with their facilities acting Zoom.” “The big thing is to stay connected with staff, including as public portals to the work they conduct for wild environments our volunteers,” says Rosenberg. “The Aquarium has a huge and populations. As this latest global pandemic is a natural volunteer pool. I miss seeing them. One of the popular events phenomenon, it is quickly becoming a tool to help promote their that’s sprung up is evening happy hours online.” missions.

Throughout the industry, closure due to COVID-19 is impacting “This can teach us a lot about the natural world,” says Rosenberg. zoos and aquariums both small and large. On April 7, the “It can teach us that the natural world more than ever needs us to Sacramento Zoo, with annual attendance of 500,000, announced step up to the plate and take care of it. The Aquarium becomes it would begin layoffs and furloughs for the majority of its even more relevant as you see that. It’s important to keep in mind staff. Two days earlier, Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, with annual that everything’s connected. The global pandemic is a reminder visitation of two million, announced the same. While Monterey of that.” • • •

7 inparkmagazine.com Through the generations As supplier and operator, Mack Rides and Europa-Park have stood the test of time article and photos by Kevin Dazey

irst came Mack Rides, the family owned and operated ride on Blue Fire [launched coaster] in the park to inform their Fbusiness dating back to 1780 that eventually became a leading decisions first-hand.” international supplier of roller coasters, water rides, and other amusement standards. More recently, the company opened Over the years, Mack ventures have branched out beyond ride its own theme park in 1975 - Europa-Park - to double as a manufacturing and theme park operations to form additional showroom for Mack products. The park, situated about 25 miles companies offering specialized creative services. “As a relatively (40 km) from Mack headquarters in the southwest German town large amusement park we plan attractions (Mack Solutions) and of Rust, quickly met with popular success and has grown into a digital content (MackMedia) ourselves,” explains Ebhart. “This substantial resort over the years. By attendance, the 2018 TEA/ requires resources in the form of employees and their experience. AECOM Theme Index placed Europa-Park in the Top 25 theme This is what we have in Europa-Park; small parks do not and parks worldwide, with 5,720,000 visits for the year. that’s why we offer this service. Together with the attractions of Mack Rides we are able to offer complex theming areas from a Europa-Park and members of the Mack family have been the single source.” recipients of numerous industry honors, including several Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association The one-stop-shop model was further expanded in 2018 (TEA), IAAPA Brass Ring Awards, Hotelier of the Year in 2020 with the launch of Tacumeon Rides which pairs Mack Rides from AHGZ, several European Star Awards and TripAdvisor hardware with content from the company’s media divisions. Traveler’s Choice Awards, among others. IAAPA Hall of Fame “With Tacumeon Rides we launched a great brand in the market status was awarded to the late Franz Mack in 2005, and later to of media-based attractions,” says Roeser. “Together with Mack Roland Mack in 2016. Roland has also served in the position of Animation and MackNext we are able to create the content, the IAAPA Chair. ride system, and therefore the whole attraction as a turn-key project.” Mack clients can visit Europa-Park to experience a product first- hand, see how it operates in the field and observe guest reactions. Growth of Europa-Park “This happens often, we have many park operators from all over Europa-Park has watched visitor numbers steadily rise in the world as guests,” says Noel Ebhart, Europa-Park Corporate recent times as the annual count approaches six million guests. Communications. “For Mack Rides, Europa-Park is a great Maintaining quality in essential areas is part of the formula for exhibition place.” the park’s success. “We strongly focus on cleanliness, quality, and details,” says Ebhart. “For example, in the European themed The park is also a platform for Mack to test and customize new areas there is not only accurate architecture incorporated, but products and concepts. Maximilian Roeser, Head of Marketing typical dishes of a particular country can be sampled as well. All at Mack Rides gives an example. “Our Xtreme Spinning Coaster of this would not work without our 4,450 employees. They work was tested during the nighttime at Europa-Park; it gave us with great joy and motivation every day to provide visitors with a the opportunity to test a launched inverting coaster with free perfect experience.” spinning gondolas. Where else could you do such tests? During the marketing phase and for our sales pitch to Silver Dollar City Ride queues are one of the areas where employee dedication to [the record breaking Time Traveler coaster opened at SDC in guest satisfaction really stands out. The load/unload efficiency March 2018] we had the chance to let our first customers test the and short dispatch times we witnessed during our recent visit

COVID-19 update The operational information for Europa-park and Mack Rides has been subject to change due to the pandemic.

The Europa-Park resort reopened on May 29th, 2020. Mack Rides is reporting all departments operating at normal capacity while adapting to keep employees safe. Of special note is Mack Rides’ eagerness to donate face masks and protective gear following a call from local health officials seeking those critical supplies.

As always the latest status updates can be found on the park’s website and social media outlets.

8 inparkmagazine.com Europa-Park opened in 1975 by the Mack family to showcase the product portfolio of Mack Rides. were very apparent. Interestingly, guests will not find any sort The mix of skip-the-line pass here. Per Ebhart, “In Europa-Park there is Europa-Park boasts 18 unique themed lands, most featuring a only the regular queue and a single-rider access. Every guest gets specific European country. This was not part of the initial park the same experience. We have very high passing in our queues, as concept but was slowly implemented starting in 1982. Two of they are maintained at 100 percent. We are proud of that.” the exceptions to the country-themed areas include Grimm’s Enchanted Forest dedicated to stories by the Brothers Grimm Commitment from leadership to determine where and how while another explores the world of Arthur and the Invisibles to enhance the guest experience has led to recent significant franchise. additions inside and outside the park. Europa-Park opened its sixth on-site hotel in May 2019 adjacent to the park’s most Attractions based on licensed intellectual property are fairly new ambitious project to date, the Rulantica waterpark which opened to the park and are helping to drive attendance, strategically in November of the same year. applied. Ebhart says, “In recent years, some brands have joined Europa-Park since well-known brands are a good marketing tool. Within Europa-Park the flying theater Voletarium debuted in Arthur for example is a very popular film series in France, almost 2017 while 2018 brought a Jim Button (Jim Knopf) themed every child is familiar with it. With this attraction [applied to a family train ride and a reimagining of the Eurosat roller coaster Mack inverted powered coaster] we were able to significantly to become the Eurosat – CanCan Coaster. Late 2019 brought increase our visitor numbers from France. The same applies to a new dark ride in the Scandanavian section of the park named Paddington Bear and England. However, we also try to create our Snorri Touren that explores the mythology of Rulantica. own brands. Alpha Mods P.D., a brand of car toys, was developed by MackMedia last year and can now be experienced in the park “The Mack family invests continuously, year after year, in new on Alpenexpress Coastiality.” attractions or the hotel resort,” says Ebhart. “As a result there is always something new to experience. We have many repeat The first on-site hotel opened at Europa-Park in 1995 propelling visitors - 80 percent are returning while 20 percent are first- it from a regional theme park to a full-fledged, destination resort. visitors.” This was a natural result of the park’s continued increases in offerings over the years, which led to longer guest stays which

9 inparkmagazine.com led to the need for overnight accommodations. As it currently the company also produces log flumes, interactive boat rides, tea stands, the resort complex consists of the original theme park, cup rides, and classics such as the Music Express spinning ride six on-site hotels, a camping resort, and the recently opened, (ubiquitous in the industry). When asked which Mack product highly detailed Rulantica indoor/outdoor waterpark. Rulantica deserves more attention, Roeser named dark rides: “We have a will extend operations to year-round for the first time in Europa- high-capacity product with an endless system. Many operators Park’s history. demand a high throughput and we are very happy that our product is certainly one with the top numbers in this segment. The hospitality component has brought about the ability to host We think that together with multimedia elements and great events and conferences of all types, a notion the company has scenery, you can get an outstanding attraction.” dubbed “Confertainment.” Ebhart says, “We have over 1,300 The park’s rebuilt Pirates of Batavia is expected to open in July 2020. events a year, ranging from a birthday party of 20 guests, up to All Mack rides are still built in the same town where their large events with over 5,000 guests,” says Ebhart. “Our advantage story began so long ago. The Waldkirch, Germany factory is the combination of conference facilities and the hotel resorts produces all major ride components including track along with with 5,800 beds at one place. This is unique in Germany and necessary items for ride vehicles such as frames, bodies, restraint convinces many customers, as they do not have to search around hardware, and seating. Fabricating as much as possible in-house for different hotels. We can offer a lot with our departments: supports tighter process control and more time to deal with any catering, event technology, and shows.” unexpected issues. “We found ourselves in the position to invest in new CNC milling machines to bring more components from Mack the manufacturer our own departments,” says Roeser. “We included a strict testing Mack Rides is well established as a top ride developer thanks to and manufacturing protocol to produce these components with a wide-ranging product line, a reputation for safety and quality, the highest quality aspects.” When suppliers are necessary for and a customer-focused approach. Company reps like to say that items not manufactured by Mack, most can be found within the Mack rides makes people smile. Best known for roller coasters, region; coincidentally electronic components are sourced from a vendor located next to the factory.

WODAN – Timburcoaster, one of two roller coasters in the Iceland themed area.

10 inparkmagazine.com improved components on older rides to meet the latest safety standards (think updated control systems or restraints to name a few). Older rides with newer parts or retrofits make it possible to refresh and extend the operating life of an aging but popular ride. “We recently had the chance to retrofit several boats of a water coaster with new, much smaller restraint mechanisms that also allow smaller children to ride this attraction,” says Roser. “Therefore we not only had new boats but also the benefit of a new target group for this attraction.” The park’s rebuilt Pirates of Batavia is expected to open in July 2020. Customers can also benefit from ride inspections performed by Safety, collaboration and servicing Mack Rides’ specialists to ensure compliance with the latest safety Consider quality, safety, and uncompromising reliability standards. A routine inspection paired with training sessions as fundamentals of a successful manufacturing company, helps certified maintenance staff stay up to date while Mack gains especially one building attractions to endure the rigorous service insight that its engineers can use for continuous improvement. requirements of the attractions business. Family and future Mack Rides has paid close attention to these areas; the company Today Mack Rides and Europa-Park remain under control of was certified to ISO 9001 in 2002, the international standard for the Mack family as the seventh and eighth generations lead the a quality management system that a manufacturer can obtain way in a continuous and successful run. A long-term view with through implementing processes and procedures. continued emphasis on quality supports the likelihood that manufacturer, park, and surrounding brands will continue to To ensure meeting global safety standards, Mack enlisted the endure for generations. help of Roman Hauer based on his experience at TÜV SÜD, an organization dealing with testing, auditing, and certification. At Europa-Park opens its 46th season in 2020 with the much- TÜV SÜD Hauer would inspect and approve rides before they anticipated reappearance of a favorite dark ride lost to a fire in went into operations. “Safety is our highest priority whenever we 2018. “We are already building a big attraction for the summer of work on our rides, and Roman Hauer is an expert in this field,” 2020; the Pirates of Batavia is returning,” says Ebhart. “This is says Roeser. “From the very beginning of our projects we can the boat trip, which unfortunately burned down. We are currently implement different points of view in regard to safety that make rebuilding, nicer and better than before.” it easier during the project. With more and more strict standards it was key to have a dedicated safety expert on the team.” 2020 also brings signature Mack roller coasters and other rides to the U.K., Australia, Netherlands, and the United States to Mack has collaborated with universities on several occasions. name a few. “Of course Mack Rides is also developing new ideas Recently, Mack Rides partnered with Pforzheim University - currently – but which of them actually are going to be on the students contributed ideas that could be applied to the trains market we will have to see,” says Roeser. • • • used on Europa Park’s Blue Fire launched coaster. Roeser gave other examples. “We had a design contest to find the best ergonomic shaped seats possible for a roller coaster without shoulder restraints; this became sort of standard in our portfolio. On VR Coaster we partnered with Prof. Thomas Wagner from the University of Kaiserslautern. In his class he wanted to develop a VR product that can be used on roller coasters and thrill rides. Today VR Coaster is the top supplier for these kinds of attractions, holding several patents on this kind of ride.” (MackMedia along with VR Coaster were the first to bring virtual reality to a roller coaster in 2015 which was subsequently adopted at numerous other parks around the world.)

The Mack Services division was created to cover operator needs Author Kevin Dazey with Mack Rides’ Maximilian Roeser for the lifespan of a given ride. “Our customers have the great opportunity to get a broad base of knowledge from us, as we are Kevin Dazey ([email protected]) works in R&D at a manufacturing both operator and manufacturer and benefit on a daily basis from company and has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the experience of Europa-Park’s maintenance and operations Wright State University. He writes for InPark about ride engineering and teams,” says Roeser. theme park operations. He enjoys hearing the design stories behind the rides along with all the technical details. Kevin is an active member of Services include sending staff to commission new rides for American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and an avid vehicle hobbyist. WODAN – Timburcoaster, one of two roller coasters in the Iceland themed area. providing training on operations and maintenance and offering

11 inparkmagazine.com Connect&GO Co-Founder Anthony Palermo with his family at a soon-to-open theme park while sporting the company’s ParkPass RFID wristbands. Photo by Daniel Haber. All other photos courtesy of Connect&GO. Removing barriers The trend of contactless technology is here to stay by Martin Palicki

arks and attractions have begun to reopen, and optimism is development process. “Even as we think more about contactless Pon the rise. The industry’s strong will to recover is matched environments, we must also be creating a positive interaction for by the audiences’ keen desire to return. Creating contactless the guest to help ensure they will use the tools we provide,” he environments will help keep employees and guests safe in the era says. of COVID-19, and industry leaders are stepping up to develop solutions. Sharing the research; ready for change As Palermo realized that coronavirus would profoundly impact Connect&GO, with a customer base in parks and attractions and the leisure industry, he took pro-active steps to reach out to his provider of wearable RFID systems that interact with ticketing, customer base and find out how Connect&GO might be able to POS, queuing and security systems has pivoted to apply its help parks and attractions move forward. He assembled a series products and expertise to help navigate the reopening process. of roundtable discussions to talk through the issues. He brought They even developed a new device that takes the guesswork out together clients and others they have worked with, including of social distancing. representatives from Canada’s Wonderland, Luna Park, San Diego Zoo, Cirque du Soleil, Disneyland Paris, ProSlide, Triotech Co-Founder Anthony Palermo built Connect&GO around the and InPark. idea that “We can provide the best solutions when we listen to the customer and find out what they need.” For the attractions The goal of the roundtables was to help Connect&GO industry, that includes prioritizing the guest experience in the understand the needs of the community, but also to provide an

12 inparkmagazine.com opportunity for operators to hear one another’s perspectives. Some attractions are already following this playbook. To help disseminate the information even further within the Energylandia in Poland produced a video showing the new community, Connect&GO recently published a report including procedures taking place in the park. Six Flags announced their key takeaways from the roundtables. attendance reservation program even before publicizing park opening dates. Each roundtable had roughly 20 participants and featured a moderator not affiliated with Connect&GO. Karen Staley, an “Guests will be expecting a different experience now,” confirmed independent consultant with decades of experience in parks and Staley. “They will not be looking for the same things as before attractions was one of the moderators. During one roundtable, and that is a big benefit for the operator.” she shared her viewpoint that there were many benefits to opening as soon as safely possible. “Attractions don’t want to lose It’s clear that now is the time to make changes that will keep their status or branding within the community, so it’s important guests safe and also simplify and streamline operations. “Because to open, employ locals and be visible,” said Staley. of the pandemic, guests will be more open to technology now in a way they might not have been just four months ago,” says The general consensus in the roundtables was that many Palermo. venues will struggle to be financially successful in 2020, but the immediate concern to most operators was in handling capacity Contactless: cashless & carefree at attractions restrictions. Some facilities are looking to a daily cap while others Connect&GO was already on a technology track that fits well are looking at timed sessions where a group of guests is allowed with parks’ new priorities, because its basic systems rely on RFID in for several hours and then large-scale sanitation efforts take technology to connect guests to services and experiences with place before the next guests are allowed entry. minimal need to interact with staff or touch equipment. Guests receive a card or wristband that can be purchased online or at the Any solution a park implements will have to satisfy the demands entrance. The RFID system only requires the device to be moved of three groups: governments, health experts and the public - and close to a reader without the need for contact. It becomes a reconciling the three won’t always be simple. singular touchless device for access to the park, payments within the park, queuing systems, and more. It can be used for elements Governments are issuing policies for reopening entertainment like lockers and vending machines. Furthermore, since users set destinations. Some will have legal teeth behind them, while up an account in the system, the device also becomes a tool for others will be suggestions. Most will include capacity and loyalty and reward programs that can encourage return visitation distancing restrictions. Second, local health experts may and enhance revenue streams. have recommendations that are not necessarily in line with government policies. Finally, the public’s perception of what is Even before the pandemic, Connect&GO was creating safe and appropriate also has to be considered. If people don’t simplified guest-focused transaction systems that also provided believe a venue is safe, they will not visit it - but they are also a largely contactless experience, like they did for the touring ready for change. Nerf Challenge, which premiered in Los Angeles in late 2019. Produced by Kilburn Live, event organizers were seeking an What will change? There will be physical procedures primarily RFID solution that was flexible and easy for the guest to use. for staff, behavioral expectations for guests, and additional technology to support both of those things. Most importantly, “We wanted to create a gamified active play experience with accurate and regular communication about these changes will automatic score tracking and reporting for each attendee so that ensure guest expectations align with the experience. everyone in the family gets to participate in a fun and competitive

Anthony Palermo Karen Staley Logan Caldwell Richard Guest-Gornall

13 inparkmagazine.com experience,” says Kilburn Live Production Manager Logan Caldwell. “We needed a seamless integration between software and hardware that simply worked for the guest without effort.”

The experience starts at home with an online ticketing platform that produces a scannable code. Once at Nerf Challenge, guests use a kiosk to scan their code and their RFID wristbands are dispensed from the machine. The kiosk also allows guests to digitally sign a waiver before entering the experience. Connect&GO’s wristbands then give the guest access to nearly a dozen different games and experiences throughout the venue. The system keeps track of scores and displays guests’ names on a Kiosks at the Nerf Challenge allow guests to sign a waiver and receive their RFID wristbands. giant scoreboard.

Caldwell says guests find the technological integration flawless and the production team has been happy with the Connect&GO solution. “The result of this implementation has put Nerf Challenge in a position to be one of the most unique active play experiences on the market.”

Other parks and attractions had also been moving towards cashless payment systems with more regularity before the pandemic - much of it inspired by Disney’s MagicBand product at the Walt Disney World Resort. “That trend is only going to accelerate because of the pandemic,” says Palermo. “Cash is likely to become a thing of the past.” The RFID wristband is lightweight and disposable. With reduced capacity, revenue generation is a heightened concern. Palermo points out that in addition to the safety considerations that contactless systems offer, the device has the potential to increase per capita spending while inside the park, and also provides valuable data for the operator. “Currently, people aren’t talking about big data the way they were a few months ago,” says Palermo. “But data remains extremely valuable and will continue to drive operators towards contactless solutions after the current health and safety concerns are addressed.”

In situations where RFID is not the desired solution, there are a variety of other options for contactless interactions including barcodes, mobile device apps, Bluetooth Low Energy and, more The wristband provides access to each of the Nerf Challenge activities. recently, facial recognition. “Some facilities can accomplish everything they want to with barcode or QR code technology,” says Palermo. “We’re interested in matching the technology to what will best support the customer producing optimal return on investment.”

Creating a social distance buzz for parks (literally) Connect&Go’s standard system assists in creating contactless environments, but the company recently developed SafeBand, a new wristband device designed to take the guesswork out of social distancing. SafeBand relies on Bluetooth technology to communicate with other wristbands. The wristband vibrates and blinks when another person gets within six feet, helping employees learn to self-distance appropriately.

In addition, SafeBand sends its data to a gateway to sync all the The wristbands track scores from each activity, with high scores information. This creates an effective tool for contact tracing. appearing on the leaderboard. continued on page 16 14 inparkmagazine.com RFID in action: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

One of Connect&GO’s early customers was Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, produced and operated by IMG. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a seasonal attraction in London that combines rides, entertainment, attractions, games and dining into a short winter season. Up until 2018, guests who wanted to ride one of the park’s 70 rides would have to purchase tokens at a booth to exchange with the ride operator.

“We are a free to enter event but were keen to look at means by which our guests could pre-purchase their experiences and RFID was one of the potential solutions,” explains Richard Guest-Gornall, Vice President, Arts & Entertainment Events at IMG.

IMG decided to implement Connect&GO’s RFID card solution (called Coaster Pass) exclusively for the park’s nine roller coasters. Guests could purchase the Coaster Pass online and received bonus credits for adding a certain amount of money to the card. It was primarily intended for the coaster enthusiasts and was a way for the park to experiment with the system without a major rollout. The trial was successful enough that in 2019 they expanded the system to all of the park’s rides, calling it Ride Pass. •

Contactless technology tradeoffs

Mobile device • Many, but not all, guests already have one with them • Guest may be more comfortable with their own device • Can be web-based or an app • Might require robust WiFi network

Barcodes • Guest scans barcode with phone and is taken to a website • Low cost • Barcode can only mean one thing and can’t be easily updated • Requires guest to use their own device

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) • Many phones already include BLE but can also be implemented as a wearable device • Wearables can be expensive per unit • Not as far a range as normal Bluetooth • Works for tracking, triangulation, payments and more

Near Field Communication (NFC) RFID • Wearable devices are cheaper than BLE • Works for tracking, triangulation, payments and more • Flexible tool for a variety of situations • Easily updatable

continued on page 16 15 inparkmagazine.com Utilizing Bluetooth allows the device there is the more likely they are to to communicate without the need enjoy the experience, spend more for major new infrastructure. It was money, tell others and come back designed primarily with employees in again and again.” mind, but several parks have inquired about using it for guests, according Opportunities to increase revenue to Palermo, who says, “It is a really must always be in harmony with pertinent and natural progression of great guest experience. When a contactless technology.” guest doesn’t have to wait in a very long line; when their food order is Developed in collaboration with both correct and timely, they are two other vendors, SafeBand is an having a better experience, they are example of how Connect&GO has a happier customer and they are pivoted to apply its expertise and likely to spend more money and to configure products for reopening in visit again in the future. In today’s the “new normal.” Palermo explained conditions parks will be challenged that SafeBand emerged as a direct to strike the perfect balance. response to client needs and the company’s practice of staying in close “When you layer on top of that touch with its customer base. the fact that the system is cashless and the guest doesn’t have to worry The ParkPass RFID wistband. The experience comes first All photos courtesy of Connect&GO about touching anything, they feel While concerns about health and comfortable continuing to engage safety are at the forefront now, in an environment that otherwise Palermo doesn’t forget about the they might perceive to be risky,” importance of providing a great guest experience from start says Palermo. “Those elements have always been a part of RFID to finish. “Our job has always been to help remove the friction systems, but that context is so important right now, and that just points of an experience and simplify how a guest interacts with makes everything even sweeter for everyone - the employees, the an attraction,” says Palermo. “The RFID device is a key that operators, and most importantly, the guests.” • • • allows the guest to engage with the park. The more engagement

Connect&GO’s road to the attractions market

Even before COVID-19 and the roundtables, Palermo built a business on listening to what companies need and developing solutions based on those needs. In the early 2000s Palermo was seeking a new challenge after years working in theater. He searched for “cool tech” online and discovered RFID as an emerging technology. After partnering with some grad students who were studying RFID he managed to get in front of Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier to find out if they had an RFID strategy. His query was successful and for six years he worked with corporations and governments around the world helping them develop plans to integrate RFID solutions into their supply chains and asset management programs.

He was soon approached by a local soccer team that was expanding their stadium. The team wanted to “give people the keys to the stadium” and find ways to let their fans unlock all sorts of interactivity during a game. This led to a wearable RFID device that worked as an entry ticket, cashless purchase system and also activated experiences around the stadium, earning fans points and discounts for future visits. Palermo called the system, and his company, Connect&GO. This RFID system that integrated ticketing, POS, security, promotions and gamification into one package became the backbone of the new company.

The technology quickly became popular in the world of events and brand activations. Connect&GO produced the RFID technology backbone for music festivals and stadium tours. High-profile events like Comic-Con, SXSW, the Super Bowl and the Olympic Village at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games were powered by Connect&GO.

By 2017 Palermo realized it was time to diversify into other markets. In addition to touring and temporary locations, Connect&GO moved decisively into the attractions and leisure space. •

16 inparkmagazine.com Self-Driving Vehicle CAVU Designwerks rolls out the SDV: an intelligent, trackless ride vehicle by Sarah Brack, CAVU Designwerks

he future of attractions relies on the ideal application of CAVU’s SDV is intelligent and can adapt to changing Tadvanced technology, fully immersive storytelling, and direct environments. The simple integration with other equipment control for guests. The more seamless the integration, the greater like show action, scenic sets, and even other ride vehicles makes the likely success of any attraction. As an integrator, CAVU’s this SDV truly intelligent. Testing shows downtime of less than method of developing a new ride system is to take an existing 1% which we believe is an unprecedented accomplishment. This proven technology and find exciting ways to custom-integrate it means down time caused by ride track interruption is virtually into the entertainment industry. This approach minimizes project eliminated as CAVU’s SDVs can identify objects and navigate risk while delivering innovation. around them, in real time, to the next waypoint.

As an example, the massive demand for Trackless Dark Rides The applications for CAVU’s SDV are expansive and include in the entertainment world has demanded the development of a dark rides, guided tours, brand activation, moving show action vehicle with high reliability – one that is simple, safe, and adaptive equipment, moving theatres and choreographed shows. The to its environment. CAVU took this challenge and developed and SDV is able to supplement or replace a walk-through experience launched the Self-Driving Vehicle (SDV) a pioneering intelligent, whereby guided tour guests can board the SDV and use the touch trackless dark-ride vehicle. screen to indicate areas that they would like to learn more about. The SDV is then able to seamlessly move guests through the tour Through a partnership with a leader in industrial robotics while maintaining throughput. technology, CAVU employed a proven autonomous self-driving platform as the base of the SDV. This innovative solution Immersive, guided tours or museum exhibits can now allow showcases CAVU’s level of sophistication on highly engineered guests to board intelligent SDVs equipped with new, interactive technologies and willingness to push the envelope to create the devices. Through these different and novel interactions, guests newest standard in amusement park attractions. are whisked away to exhibits, circulated 360 degrees around and

CAVU Designwerks’ Self Driving Vehicle

17 inparkmagazine.com CAVU’s SDV can rotate 360-degrees and can be utilized in a variety of applications, from dark rides to exhibit tours. All photos courtesy of CAVU Designwerks.

through each exhibit where the story comes to life better than unique stories. Through the addition of an SDV CAVU can now ever before through this multi-angle experience. Organically, provide guests an opportunity to get closer to the brands and favorite characters can truly come to life when animatronics or experiences they love. Using the self-driving platform as the base, show action equipment are mounted to SDVs. Now there is a every aspect of the SDV can be customized to the clients’ needs. unique ability to follow alongside guests throughout the narrative, shape the story, and react to guests on an individual and personal CAVU Designwerks will be launching new applications for level. This simple but surprising interaction can create a deep the SDV in addition to next generation ride attractions in the emotional connection. coming months. We partner with experts at every stage, including media, technology, and AV hardware, to deliver exceptional There are potential applications today where SDVs could guest experiences, ride performance, and ROI. All of CAVU’s redefine the definition of live shows. Entire theaters could be attractions meet ASTM or EN standards for design, quality, and transformed through the use of large SDVs capable of moving safety, and our team members are actively involved in the ASTM hundreds of people. Now, imagine stages that come alive and F24 standards committee. Visit www.cavudw.com. • • • provide dynamic performance spaces by integrating SDVs into sections of the stage. Performers can interact with these sections Sarah Brack is Senior Marketing Coordinator and add a new dimension to live shows and the guest experience. for CAVU Designwerks.

These are just some of the ways that SDVs will change entertainment experiences to allow a deeper engagement with

18 inparkmagazine.com Postponing an Expo What will it mean to postpone Expo 2020 Dubai until 2021? by Jim Ogul and Judith Rubin

he Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) convened Construction and logistics TApril 21, 2020 for a virtual meeting of its Executive Each Dubai 2020 participant – and the organizers themselves Committee to confirm a change of dates for Expo 2020 Dubai, – will face unique challenges and opportunities with a one-year a six-month world’s fair that had been set to open October 20. delay. Expo 2020 represents a $7 billion investment with nearly 200 international participants and projected attendance of 25 million The extra time may be useful to countries that got a late start in visits, 70% of those from overseas. planning and producing their pavilions, but there are potential complications as well. At the present time, in addition to the A one-year delay of a world expo is unusual. Here, we give some direct health risks of working on the expo grounds, there are background and address some aspects of what such a delay could shipping logistics and supply chain problems. mean. When will it be safe to resume construction work? Contracts will The decision process have to be extended and some terminated if companies cannot To officially finalize such a decision required the ratification of commit to the extended time frame, including some that already a two-thirds majority vote of BIE Member States as stipulated have received payment for goods or services. Costs may go up if by Article 28 of the 1928 Paris Convention. Quoted in The there are fewer vendors available a year from now. Buildings that National (an English-language news service in the Middle East) are largely finished will be sitting idle for months and may suffer Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, stated, some deterioration. “While they remain firmly committed to Expo 2020, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and Design and operations they have therefore expressed a need to postpone the opening of Might this public health crisis dictate the need to change design Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to enable them to overcome this and operations parameters in ways that could affect the nature of challenge.” the event?

The BIE is the Paris-based, international organization that World’s fairs draw crowds of people who wait in queues to regulates world expositions or world’s fairs. The BIE executive visit exhibits and theaters inside buildings, who gather in large committee consists of delegates of 12 elected BIE Member public spaces for performances, parades and spectacles, who States as well as the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri consume food, buy merchandise, use restroom facilities, share Kerkentzes. Members of the Committee discussed the request public benches, ride transit, use touchscreens and kiosks. There of the Government of the United Arab Emirates to postpone may be a need to review such things as throughput, visitor flow, the Expo for nearly a year, with the new dates being October 1, crowd size, sanitation, food service and touchpoints in general. 2021 to March 31, 2022. The request of the UAE Government All of this could have a ripple effect and could change individual was sent following discussions by the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering aspects of design and the design day overall. Committee with the Expo Organizer and the BIE on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating countries will also have to consider what to do about operational staffs, personnel contracts and payroll for As far as precedents go, there were some reshufflings in the their respective pavilions. The delay also extends the fundraising 1990s: Seville Expo 92 had originally been part of a BIE- window, but what will the fundraising environment be like? approved, two-city expo scheme including Chicago. Chicago 1992 would have been the first world’s fair hosted in the US since Attendance and travel the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans – but was The Dubai 2020 attendance model, projecting 70% of visits from canceled due to lack of support from the State of Illinois and the overseas, is essentially a reverse of past models. This reflects City of Chicago. A subsequent two-city expo, Vienna-Budapest market realities for Dubai and is an untested model for expos; 1995, became just Budapest 1996, and then Budapest canceled, however, the Dubai 2020 organization has from the start shown due to funding difficulties. A non-BIE event, the World City itself to be enterprising and innovative. Expo in Tokyo, was canceled as well. When those projections were developed, however, COVID-19 was an unknown as were its effects on world travel and the travel

19 inparkmagazine.com Artist rendering of the central gathering space of the Dubai Expo, now delayed one year Image courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai

industry and infrastructure. Will things have sufficiently recovered All of these challenges can be seen as opportunities – grand by October 2021? opportunities of the kind that a world’s fair should and must embrace. We hope to see the Dubai Expo do what world expos U.S. participation were created to do – bring the world together for meaningful and United States’ participation in Dubai 2020 hung in the balance for useful dialogue and give us a glimpse of – and tools for – a better some time due to complicated government regulations that make future. It will also provide inspiration and examples for the hosts it difficult to fund US participation in world expos. A resolution of the next world’s fair. Based on their accomplishments and came as recently as January 2020 with the announcement that the vision statements so far, we believe that Dubai 2021 is up to the Emirati government would fund the US pavilion at Dubai. task. • • •

If there is a change in administrations in the US in the James Ogul is world’s fair editor of InPark and spent his career intervening time, the pavilion content may have to be revised administering world’s fair pavilions for the US Government. Read his to reflect the policies of the new administration. There are also free online book, Tales from the Expo questions as to whether any ongoing sponsorship initiatives may be affected, and if in the new conditions, the provided funding Judith Rubin is Editor of InPark and one of her specializations is world’s will be enough. fairs. She spent nearly a decade with World’s Fair magazine (published by the late Alfred Heller). Relevance and content Finally, there’s the question of relevance. The Dubai 2020 theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” is broad enough, but how it is addressed in individual exhibits may in some cases lose relevance due to the changes brought by the pandemic and by InPark 杂志订阅网 the renewed focus on racial injustice and inequity. There may www.inparkmagazine.com be many instances in which content will need to be updated to reflect changed conditions and expectations.

20 inparkmagazine.com Weighing in on the delay International participants in Dubai Expo 2020 share thoughts on the one-year postponement and the status of their pavilions compiled by Jim Ogul

s mentioned in the previous article, Expo 2020 Dubai be affected, with the next steps of our process dependent on Awill be postponed for one year and open in 2021 due to transportation and import. COVID-19. Originally, we had planned for the interior to be finished by Meanwhile, what’s going on at the Expo site, and how are the end of August 2020. We are now considering adjusting the participants responding to current conditions? We have learned working time frame of the interior to start next year instead. that some construction is still going on, within new restrictions. Leaders of several national pavilions being developed for the Not only the construction and interior plans, but also the expo shared information with InPark’s resident world expo operation and management plans of our pavilion are subject specialist, Jim Ogul. to postponement and adjustment – including a recruitment campaign for Thailand Pavilion staffs and performers. We believe Editor’s Note: These statements were collected before the that postponement of the Expo by one year will be a great BIE had finalized the decision to delay the expo to 2021. benefit for all the participating countries. We remain committed to our vision to present Thailand Pavilion as a mesmerizing Daniel Sahr, Director, Luxembourg Pavilion experience and to successfully create a remarkable event on the global stage. The BIE decision will be a very important next step. Currently we are analyzing the different scenarios in close partnership with Clayton Kimpton, New Zealand our general contractor. For the time being we move on slowly Commissioner-General to Expo 2020 and strictly, respecting all restrictions and regulations now in place regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. We are currently continuing with construction under a COVID-19 regime, which will impact our construction program. There is an impact on our program – mainly on supply chains I am not in a position to say much more at this point. and related to travel restrictions. Currently we will probably need more time to finalize our Pavilion. Dag Koppervik, Deputy Commissioner General / Project Director, Norway Umaree Charnnarong, Director, Expo 2020 Dubai at Innovation Norway Thailand EXPO2020 Dubai We still proceed toward the original opening date of October 20, The Thailand Pavilion is still going forward according to plan, 2020. Building activities are affected by strict measures, but we with a Thai engineer supervising a local team in the UAE. At this are able to continue as per now. If everything should come to a time, the pavilion has already made progress of approximately halt, we would like to have a weather-proof building at that time. 55% of the overall project. The foundation structure is 100% • • • completed. The interior architecture and the process of engineering system are more than 40% complete.

The UAE government rules and regulations to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 are extremely rigorous, and we have had to adjust to comply. There are numerous challenges to the original plan as a result, for instance in regard to the overall timeframe and overtime. However, our team is happy and willing to cooperate fully and give 100% support to the host. The priority is to keep everyone safe.

For the interior architecture and the exterior of the building, we mainly use local materials, with a minimal amount exported from Thailand. If the number of COVID cases continues to increase, Artist rendering of the Thailand pavilion there is a high chance that the next steps of our process will Image courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai

21 inparkmagazine.com Geoff & Zoe Thatcher, Author & Illustrator of “The CEO’s Time Machine” Inside the time machine Creative Principals’ Geoff Thatcher says now is the time for themed entertainment designers to create their own IP and delivers his own with The CEO’s Time Machine. interview by Martin Palicki hen COVID-19 hit, firms in the industry looked for ways the story? Perhaps not, but it’s provocative and gets the reader Wto innovate and contribute. Geoff Thatcher, who founded to think. That alone is a marker of a successful book. More the small experience design firm Creative Principals in 2017, importantly, this project kept the team at Creative Principals, believes one of the ways to do that is through IP. As projects including a few key regular contractors, busy. Working with went on hold and the world turned upside down, he turned to a publisher Casa Flamingo Literary Arts and IAAPA Hall of Fame short story he had written in 2016. inductee Tim O’Brien, they published the book and had it up on Amazon in four weeks. The CEO’s Time Machine is a quick and enjoyable read with 43 stunning illustrations. It’s a business parable that takes readers on I recently had the opportunity to ask Geoff for some an unexpected journey with a successful CEO and his anticipated background on the book and the lessons behind it. successor. Will everyone agree with the conclusions drawn from -M.P.

22 inparkmagazine.com Where did you develop the idea for The CEO’s Time It also felt good to invest in a very small way back into the Machine? economy. Like almost everywhere else, so many projects have been put on hold. So, it was fun working on something, even if In 2016 I was working on a project with JRA in Saudi Arabia for small. It felt great actually paying some of our regular freelance the King Abdullah Foundation. We were partnering with The partners. History Factory and I immediately connected with their CEO Bruce Weindruch. What intrigued me about Bruce’s philosophy is Why did you opt to write the book like it was a theme park that while his company is about history, he always starts with the attraction? future. In fact, he wrote a book called Start with the Future and Work Back. The premise of the book is that an organization’s If you love the theme park industry, one thing you’ll quickly future is dependent on leadership understanding the company’s notice is that the book is written like a ride. There’s an iconic past. So, on one of my many flights back and forth to Riyadh, I entrance to the experience—a garage door. Then our CEO and started thinking about time. And I started writing. his protégé wind their way through a queue full of stuff. Next, they end up in what amounts to a pre-show. And finally, there Originally, I published this short story in the summer of 2016 is the main attraction as they step into the time machine. This through four different LinkedIn posts. And the posts just sat Experience Model works far beyond our industry and is really there. I think about five people read them. I always thought it was about psychology more than anything else. a good story, but I felt like it needed strong visuals to bring it to life. First, we want to ATTRACT people into the experience. Second, we want to build TRUST and provide some context. Third, What inspired you to publish the book now? we want to INFORM them and give them the tools they need to move forward in their journey. Fourth, we want them to In October 2019, I told our new designer Zoe that she could INTERNALIZE the story – it’s about emotion! Fifth and finally, use company time to participate in the Instagram challenge we want them to ACT. This is the model we use in all of our #inktober because I saw Randy Ewing at Thinkwell doing the work and it’s the model I used to write the book. So yes, The same. On October 29th, she posted a black and white sketch CEO’s Time Machine is a ride! featuring a girl with a red scarf. When I saw it, I immediately thought, “Wow, this would be a great illustration style for The CEO’s Time Machine.” Zoe is an amazingly talented designer. I’m biased, of course, because she’s my daughter.

Although Zoe played around with some character design, we honestly were just too busy on other projects to really invest any time in it. About the only thing we’d figured out by March 2020 was the character design for our hero “the protege” and that we never wanted to show the CEO’s face. And then COVID-19 hit!

When we realized the economy was shutting down mid-March, I immediately turned to Zoe and said, “We are going to work harder than ever before. Let’s get that book published before the lockdown ends.” So, while Zoe worked on 43 illustrations, I called Tim O’Brien and asked if he would be willing to publish a book in four weeks. Thankfully, he said “YES!” Tim’s a boutique publisher and that was exactly what we needed to get the work done. We brought on Carrie Oneal to do the typography and layout. I absolutely love how Carrie worked with Zoe’s illustration for our cover. We also brought in Callie Stoker as an editor. She agreed to rush us to the front of the queue.

It’s hard to describe, but I personally felt this urgent desire to “DO SOMETHING” and do it quickly. I had people tell me it was a huge mistake to publish a book in the midst of a pandemic, but I honestly believe there is no better time for the creative minds in our industry to generate their own intellectual property. Now is the time to dust off that novel, song, podcast or whatever, and start generating your own IP. An illustration by Zoe Thatcher from “The CEO’s Time Machine”

23 inparkmagazine.com will appeal to leaders as well as young people just starting their careers. The lessons in this book apply across vertical markets. Whether you are an accountant or a designer, the lessons apply equally. This book is for everyone.

What lessons do you hope people learn from the book?

There are three lessons I want people to take from this book. First, do not ignore the past. Second, be decisive in the present. And third, listen to the young people in your organization because they are, quite literally, your future. There are other lessons people can absorb, such as the ethical dilemma toward the end of the story. What’s been interesting to me is that people tend to take away a different lesson depending on their own personal experiences. And I love that!

What other writing have you done?

I worked my way through a journalism degree working at an amusement park and then after a few years in newspapers, my first job in the “industry” was as a creative writer at JRA. I’ve written a coming of age novel set in an amusement park, but it isn’t ready to be published yet. I helped research and ghost write a book on leadership communication back in 2002. I’ve posted a ton of short essays on LinkedIn. And, of course, I write every day at work.

“The CEO’s Time Machine” is available Despite COVID-19, we have one project still active and it has for purchase on Amazon. involved a lot of writing for both me and Colette Piceau from Are the characters modeled after anyone from your career? It Ain’t Shakespeare Inc. In my opinion, she is one of the best writers in our industry. In fact, I think too many people don’t When I wrote this book, I imagined the CEO as a Steve Jobs understand that writing is a creative process. Too often in this or Elon Musk type of executive who is always predicting the industry, people want to brainstorm and workshop an idea future. There have been others from the past who did the same forever rather than allowing one creative writer to go away and and there will be others in the future. The book mentions Ben write. Writing, rather than talking, is what truly helps you figure Rich from Lockheed Martin and he’s the type of executive who things out. In fact, when I started writing The CEO’s Time inspired me. Machine, I had no idea how it was going to end.

The protege is modeled after so many people who simply never What books and shows have inspired you? got the chance to be “plucked” out of their work by a leader who saw potential. One theme of this book is that leaders often One of my all-time-favorite books about the industry is Walt’s do a horrible job of identifying talent. There have been so many Revolution!: By the Numbers by Harrison “Buzz” Price, which examples of leaders who not only let visionaries leave their also happens to have been published by Tim O’Brien. When it company, but actually fired them! I’ve experienced this in my own comes to fiction, Zoe is a huge Brandon Sanderson fan so I’ve career where a leader doesn’t believe in you and doesn’t believe in been reading his novels. I also love sci-fi time travel shows, from your potential. That can be crushing. So, the protege in this book all those amazing time travel episodes in Star Trek to even corny is really a substitute for anyone who has felt like their ideas and romances like Somewhere in Time. their potential was ignored. Also, we made the protege a woman because there is a well-documented history of women being Where can people order a copy? overlooked in the workplace. We wanted our story to enable and inspire. The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers. You can find more information and links to There are plenty of theme park references in the book, but these sellers at www.ceotimemachine.com. • • • it feels like your audience is larger than that.

While I think people in the industry will like this book because it’s written like a ride, it is also a business parable. We think it

24 inparkmagazine.com Peter Weishar (R) at Jurassic World Live tour in Orlando with students and UCF Interim President Thad Seymour (L), January 2020 Photo courtesy of Peter Weishar Course objectives What should Themed Experience graduates know, say and do? by Peter Weishar

hen I tell people I’m a Professor of Themed Experience, (and actually required by the accrediting bodies) to consult Wthe response is often something like “Wow, that’s cool. with industry professionals as well as with other academics to I wish I could have studied that.” The comment is usually determine best practices and discern the unique skillsets and followed by the typical questions of, “So… like rollercoasters knowledge required by the profession. Academics often refer to and stuff? (Answer: “Among other things.”) “Do you get to go programmatic criteria as, “What students should know, say and to theme parks for free?” (Answer: “When I’m working.”) Then, do.” To achieve these goals, we map out a sequence of courses the important question: “What do you teach?” That is a solid that comprise the curriculum. question with a longer answer – and the subject of this article. Note: During these difficult times of social distancing We started the Themed Experience graduate program at the University of Central Florida, like almost all University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando about a year ago. When starting a new academic program, it is important educational institutions, has moved classes online and closed the campus to students. In the themed

25 inparkmagazine.com experience industry, we understand the impact discipline itself, and more related to process and collaboration. and effectiveness of placemaking and the shared Students should all have an experience working on a team experience of learning and interacting with an collaboratively… truly working as a team across disciplines on a environment. The same is true for education. I’ve project and understanding the entire thing well. Students should always thought of a classroom as a bubble. Students also be able to present their work cleanly and concisely and have can see and take in the external world but are safe work product to show that they can do original research. We need to see original and interesting questions asked, and then to experiment and explore new creative avenues. A an in-depth investigation to inform the solution. Collaboration, classroom, like a themed environment is a place where communication, and research are all necessary to thrive.” magic can happen, and it is difficult to recreate online. Nevertheless, the curriculum and goals are the same Soft skills, communication and regardless of delivery. As educators we can’t lose sight understanding the guest of these goals. Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is one of the founders of the Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society and Director of Collaboration, and… THRILL Lab at Ryerson University. She stated, “Soft skills are We asked some colleagues in teaching and in the field for advice essential – students must appreciate how many different and on the question of what to teach. The word “collaboration” complementary professional backgrounds are needed in projects came up often. Steve Grant, Program Director and Professor of the magnitude of themed attractions, from determining what of Practice-Themed Environments Integration at the University should be designed, to designing its form, to translating it to of Florida states: “To have a successful career in the themed technologies, and sustaining it in operation. Students need to be entertainment industry, students need to know how to collaborate able to communicate their professional work to other professions within interdisciplinary teams, by knowing what other team and understand and respect the work of others. members do, and having empathy for other viewpoints and perspectives.” “All professions need to understand that the person who completes the project is the guest. The guest’s response is what However, while collaboration is essential, it is not unique to the determines what experience has been had. An inadequate design discipline of themed experience. In 2005, the New York Times cannot be redeemed by accusing the guest of ’not enjoying it ran an article that caused quite a stir – “Is a Cinema Studies right.’ Designers must anticipate the variety of guests, from size, Degree the New MBA?” – pointing out the transferability of shape, strength, agility, and acuity differences, to a wide spectrum skills such as collaboration, organization and communication. of cultural understanding and knowledge.” Other disciplines – ranging from Engineering to Theatre to Business Administration – all teach collaboration and group Range, curiosity and experience management. Phil Hettema, founder and CEO of The Hettema Group concisely wrote: “Be good at one thing and curious to learn about In themed experience education, what are we collaborating to do? everything else. Themed entertainment design and production is, by definition, multi-disciplinary, which is precisely why it is Skills, scope, communication and research exciting and challenging. The field encompasses an incredibly According to Mike West, Senior Director/Executive Producer broad and diverse range of career paths and skills – so broad that at Universal Creative, students “need to be informed and no one enters the field having a comprehensive knowledge or molded to understand the seemingly endless complexities capability across all aspects. and parameters that beset today’s ever evolving, ever-more- expensive, global projects. It’s one thing to have an over-the- “A master’s student would be well advised to enter the field with a top, evolutionary design; it’s another to have a design that can set of well-developed skills in one specific area that would be of actually be built within a budget and on schedule, which can then value to a project team, accompanied by an overall awareness and be maintained for years after it opens, and continue to satisfy understanding of other aspects – and curiosity about how those the full complement of safety, maintenance and operational many facets relate to each other. That overview should include requirements. Then, and only then, is a project truly successful. basic principles of operations and the economics of the industry Good design is good. Good, responsible design is great!” in addition to the creative, design and production disciplines. So, we need to teach practical skills such as context, budget, maintenance, operations, scheduling along with the creative. “The opportunity to watch the ‘big picture’ in both success and Graduates should understand the scope of industry along with failure through the lens of participation is vital. Areas of specialty current trends and acceptable practices. might include: Concept Design and Experiential Storytelling, Theme Park Project Management and Production Coordination, From Mk Haley, Walt Disney Imagineering Academic Show Scenic Design, Master Planning, Show Technical Outreach: “Some of the critical skillsets for success in the (production, audio and media) internship experiential design and themed entertainment industry are less connected with the production studio.”

26 inparkmagazine.com Mike West Steven Grant Kathryn Woodcock Mk Haley Phil Hettema

A sequence of study emerges through a multi-year master’s program where they collaborate From this advice and insight, we begin to form a sequence of on dozens of projects. They work with each other, industry study based upon four tenets. professionals, faculty, and students from other disciplines.

#1 – Context #4 – The industry

Students should understand the history of the discipline. They A well-rounded program is a must. Students should understand should know who the innovators and leaders of the field have the role of engineering, producing, maintenance, operations, been and are now. A graduate should be able to trace the path hospitality, and the myriad of expertise necessary to design from London’s 1851 Crystal Palace Exposition through the something that operates seven days a week all year long and is 1939-40 New York World’s Fair to current day EPCOT; and practical, safe and enjoyable. In short, they need to learn from from Vauxhall Gardens London through Coney Island’s Luna experts in the collaborative disciplines and understand the big Park to Super Nintendo World. Themed Experience has a rich picture. A university environment with expertise across many history worthy of study. Context also entails understanding the related fields of study has the capacity to provide a curriculum breadth of the industry – exploring IAAPA, TEA and the many with the necessary depth and diversity. At UCF, for example, other trade associations to gain a sense of the true scope of the Themed Experience students have the opportunity to take industry, its opportunities, culture and subcultures. Know the courses at The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management mainstream but also the disrupters. and the UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science (and the latter has very strong AR/VR and simulation expertise). #2 – Skills, aesthetics and creativity Every year I am amazed by the new and exciting innovations and Should we teach specific skillsets necessary for entry-level new technology in this field. Every year the skillsets my graduates positions or should we focus on creativity and “creating new need to have changes with trends and advancements in industry; knowledge”? The answer is both; the difficulty is balance. Even however, the core values and skills of collaboration, creativity, the most accomplished and creative student needs to have the communication and knowledge of the profession stay constant. technical and production skills necessary to get that first job, the These form the heart of the curriculum and the focus of what stepping stone into the industry. Conversely, hyper-emphasis on they need to know, say and do. • • • skills and production technique turns a graduate into a “pair of hands” for someone else’s vision and reduces the student’s ability Peter Weishar ([email protected]) is a Professor of Themed to advance organically to higher-level creative and management Experience and Program Director of the Themed Experience Graduate positions. No matter how advanced the degree, that first job will track at the University of Central Florida (https://www.ucf.edu/degree/ be near the bottom of the ladder. theatre-mfa/themed-experience/). He also serves as an Associate Member of the TEA Eastern North America Division Board, and is chair #3 – Collaboration of the steering committee of the Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society. Previously, Weishar was Dean of Fine Arts at FSU As noted above, this is a key component in preparing students and Director of the Themed Experience Institute. He also served as to enter the industry. Students must learn to work in a group Dean of Entertainment Arts at SCAD where he founded the first MFA and respect one another’s contributions. The quality, depth, in Themed Entertainment Design. Weishar has authored three books, length and nature of that collaboration is crucial for making Digital Space: Designing Virtual Environments; Blue Sky: The Art of it a meaningful educational experience. At the UCF graduate Computer Animation; and CGI: The Art of the Computer Generated program, we accept a diverse cohort of applicants from a mix Image. of writers, designers, artists and producers. Those students move

27 inparkmagazine.com All photos courtesy of DreamCraft Attractions Reality, but better AR and VR are making more memorable attractions by Sarah Brack, CAVU Designwerks

AR, the game changer Augmented Reality 101 Boomers, zoomers, millennials, and everyone else are on the cusp There are two approaches to augmented reality: passthrough of joining Generation AR (augmented reality): using powerful and reflection. AR headsets, like the Microsoft HoloLens or the technology and real-time systems to add layers of information Nreal AR glasses, use reflection to generate an AR experience. over the real world. So what is AR, and how will it change our Images are projected onto a surface (glass or a similar material) lives? in front of the user’s eyes. The DreamCraft Attractions team has substantial experience with this format, having been part of the In 2016, the world discovered the first mass-market augmented development team for HoloLens, and more recently, in a soon-to- reality app. People — young and old —were hunting in be-seen, technologically impressive theme park attraction. neighborhoods, parks, and city sidewalks, staring intensely at their phones to catch elusive creatures by swiping virtual balls at them. Passthrough AR applies virtual images to a video feed; Pokémon These creatures exist only in the phones, but for anyone looking GO is one adaptation of this technology. Using their smartphone at their screen, they seemed to be right there in the real world. cameras, users can view their environment with an AR overlay to Pokémon GO was a smash hit that made AR mainstream. display interactive characters. Some Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, such as models from Varjo Technologies, use this technology. It’s Like many technologies, AR has evolved a great deal since a powerful way to immerse the viewer through a blend of virtual, its roots in the military decades ago. It has evolved from augmented, and real-life elements. rudimentary heads-up displays for flight crews to a robust entertainment experience connecting millions of people around Technical aspects of VR and AR will continue to improve, the world. deepening the engagement in an AR experience. Currently, tethered headsets offer power and connection to a high-end

28 inparkmagazine.com processing solution, but limit guest’ freedom of movement. Advancements in wireless technology will overcome this issue. The resolution of the graphics in standalone headsets will improve as 5G/edge computing becomes a standard equipment integration, and longer-lived battery packs will allow for a seamless experience.

Beyond Immersion When combined with advanced technologies, such as real-time projection mapping, AR and VR can become fully interactive experiences. Within the augmented world, guests can battle aliens, interact with cartoons, and see details in events that otherwise would be impossible to see or overlooked altogether. In the hands of a producer familiar with the media, a guest experience can Midnight Ride at Lionsgate Entertainment World in Zhuhai, China move between projection mapping and AR with ease, taking full advantage of the strengths of both technologies. VR in action: Midnight Ride at In addition, real-time projection mapping can bring the added benefit of social distancing to the guest experience. Guests can Lionsgate World is a model for be shown where to stand in the line, while cameras track the immersive, state-of-the-art, me- group and projected content keeps everyone effectively and safely dia-based experiences in the age distant, all in real-time. This setup can substantially enhance the of COVID ride experience through the creative use of projection-mapped animations and integrations. DreamCraft’s most recent VR experience, a Twilight-themed adventure called Tomorrow’s Technology, Today Midnight Ride, available at Lionsgate The future of AR will have a substantial impact on our lives. Entertainment World in Zhuhai, China, Innovative organizations, like Apple, Nvidia and Qualcomm, are lets guests climb on motorcycles attached putting considerable efforts behind AR, seeing it as the future of to individual motion bases. The guests human computing interfaces. The hardware is improving every feel like they are actually riding with the day, and teams, such as DreamCraft Attractions, with substantial movie’s wolf pack, with force feedback and successful experience and expertise with AR are pushing it and the motion base providing the to its limits. And beyond. While games like Pokémon GO have sensation of riding across different introduced AR to the masses, tomorrow’s AR experiences will terrains, such as the beach, a rickety old help us interact with the world in truly amazing ways. bridge, and through the woods. The sense of immersion goes deeper due to About DreamCraft Attractions the inclusion of hand-tracking, allowing With a strong focus on innovation, DreamCraft Attractions groups of four to wave at or signal each combines hardware systems, proprietary software, and storyline other while engaging with the ride adaptations to tell stories through interactive experiences environment. driven by advanced real-time technology. Visit www. dreamcraftattractions.com • • • The ride vehicles for the Twilight experience are laid out in a pattern that demonstrates what the setup for attractions in a post-COVID-19 world might look like. Each guest rides the motion-based platform, situated over two meters apart. In this arrangement, guests can fill from back to front, then exit on the other side of the room in the same order, or reverse order if the exit is on the same wall as the entry. This keeps guests compliant with social distancing, and with a hygienic headset solution, such as DreamCraft’s DreamSet, helps alleviate concerns about sanitation. •

29 inparkmagazine.com All images courtesy of Mad Systems Rethinking touch on interactive exhibits Mad Systems’ QuickSilver® integrates touchless and other options for museums by Maris Ensing, Mad Systems

he current COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on we were used to before the events of the past months. Ultimately Tour lives over the past while, and it will clearly continue for it does not matter what any of us in the various related industries quite a while yet as we move towards a new normal as quickly think about all of this. If we are to have visitors return and get as we can. We have given considerable thought as to how to back to a functioning economy, we have to create environments safely reopen our doors, and our clients’ doors as well. The that are safe, and perceived to be safe for patrons in order to Mad Systems team have been designing solutions specifically alleviate fears, real or imagined. for a post-peak COVID-19 world as part of the QuickSilver® AV++™ system. Of course, we have been using a range The QuickSilver® system is our company’s complete, advanced of sophisticated sensors in our past work to create complex and well-established AV solution with several successful interactives, including cameras for shadow play, sensors for installations, including the first visitor center where the only puppetry type controls, structured light cameras for more printed graphics is the wallpaper – everything else is covered with complex interactives, and the usual RFID and barcode sensors. pixels, and driven by QuickSilver®. We’ve always had various However, a lot of exhibits do not need that level of interaction, inputs including a range of different sensor inputs, and different and there is a significant need for more mundane, safe activation types of outputs. During this time, we identified different methods. needs, and have continued to work on further developments and extensions for QuickSilver® to create new contactless ways Theme parks, museums, visitor centers, trade shows and to activate exhibits. This has resulted in a new subsection of our conferences – the list goes on and on – cannot go back to what QuickSilver® product line: the QS7200 Touchless Technology series.

30 inparkmagazine.com Not only that, but since we already had an agnostic user interface your facial movement will be enough to guide the cursor. that allows for staff to control our systems with just about any If you want to activate a button, look at it for a second or smart device, we decided to expand those capabilities within our so, and it will be ‘pressed’. This is a very affordable optical TeaParty show controller. That in turn allowed us to provide a solution that converts full touch functionality to facial safe way to allow our visitors to activate exhibits by using their tracking – no contact required. You’ll see the cursor on this own devices. screen – simply move it by looking around the monitor.

Of course, all of this needs to be combined with other factors • If we are using infrared surrounds in front of the within venues. These spaces will need crowd management to touchscreen, we can move the touch overlay away from ensure physical distancing (we dislike the use of the term ‘social the monitor or monitors. A disadvantage of this approach distancing’ as that, in our opinion, is the last thing we need). is that you have increased parallax, but if the ‘buttons’ on Venues can also implement one-way pulsed visitor flow, mask the screen are large enough to accommodate that parallax and glove requirements for employees, and options such as (far) then this is perfectly acceptable as an approach. We have UVC sterilization of air conditioner returns, restrooms and previously used this on exhibits, and it works well. other common spaces. Even so, none of that helps unless we can provide touch-free systems to make sure our visitors are • We can put an image of the various ‘buttons’ on the screen comfortable in the space. that can be activated on a graphic panel (or we could line them up on the screen), and by reaching out to the Let’s start with the most complex solution and discuss options, appropriate button, you can activate it. A QuickSilver® and then we will look at some other touchless options for linear sensor allows you to select different ranges to activate controls: different ‘buttons’ – so from 2-5 inches you’d activate the first buttons, from 6-9 inches the next one, etc. One sensor Touchscreens can be used to select multiple ‘buttons’ on the screen or We have four different touchless ways of dealing with on the graphics. This image shows a touchscreen that has touchscreens. None of them affect the basic use of the been converted to touchless technology with eight videos touchscreen – you can still use that too. You can either convert an controlled by one sensor. ordinary monitor to be controlled, and to provide one of these options to the monitor’s functionality. Anyone who prefers to use • The final alternative for now is our Bring-Your-Own-Device a touchscreen can do so. However, if someone doesn’t want to scenario. Since QuickSilver® is designed with all kinds touch a touchscreen, there are options. of user interfaces, it was easy for us to add a BYOD type of interface. Activate the camera on your phone or other • We have produced a new QuickSilver™ no-touch smart device tablet, scan the QR code mounted with the touchscreen solution that can be added to a touchscreen interactive, and the control screen for the interactive comes interactive, or it can be used to convert a monitor to make it up on your device. interactive. Just stand in front of the screen, look at it, and

Tracking technology lets a guest choose items on a Infrared touchscreens can be made touchless so guests just screen by simply looking at what they want. need to get close to the screen without actually touching it.

31 inparkmagazine.com Guests can control a video language, both audio A video playback can be controlled by moving a and captions, through their smartphone. hand back and forth over the speed icons.

Of course the BYOD device option makes for an interesting On the opposite page is an image of a pre-COVID installation solution- and although we had not mentioned it before, it is of a water cycle exhibit. Kids cause water to be pushed up in completely possible to use this with our QuickSilver® systems. the vertical pipes by pressing the black handle down (note red We can allow visitors to control touchscreen based or electro- arrow for location). By adding a sensor a couple of inches above mechanical interactives, trigger media, events, narrations, or the handle, and setting the range to match, roughly between one sound bytes in our 3D audio systems. Just scan the QR code and inch and six inches, we can create a virtual lever. When activated, you’ll get a tailored display on your phone that will allow you to this virtual lever will then cause water to be pushed up the tubes trigger narratives, effects, or any other audio tracks. to create rainfall over the city – exactly like the physical handle below, which would of course continue to function. As you can Buttons see in the image, BYOD is fine too. Let’s look at the standard button. Since the virus can live for many hours on any button made of plastic or stainless, visitors More complex usage is also possible. Imagine having a display are unlikely to want to touch buttons. You cannot realistically where you select one of three lights for a color mixing exhibit, keep it safe – you’d have to clean the button, figure out how to and where you could then control the red, green and blue levels clean the gap around it, and clean the local area after every use, by using three sensors, each with a range from one inch to something that cannot really be done. Visitors could use gloves, 12 inches. This would create a three-fixture, full color mixing but an environment where you need to use gloves at all times is experience with no contact required. obviously not a great confidence builder, so we have produced ‘touchless buttons.’ As part of the system settings, you can set Frame viewer the minimum and maximum distance from the surface that the We can use a similar technique for a frame viewer. Usually we’d ‘button’ is meant to be activated at – so you could select a range have a dial to scroll through the video – forward or reverse, of two to six inches, or from two to three feet. Of course, when fast or slow, as shown in the image above – and that is fully the button is activated, it is quite possible to generate a satisfying functional. However, for those who would prefer a no-contact click or other audible feedback, but no touch is required. way of using the exhibit, we can now use our hand to move around to do the same thing instead of using the dial. As an alternative, our BYOD option described above would be perfectly fine too. On-screen buttons would allow visitors to QuickSilver® has been extended with these options, so that activate whichever function they want. Multiple users could be it is now possible to use any combination of technology with logged into the same controls, or we can time limit controls, or touchless options to create exhibits that allow your visitors to be make sure that only the last person to scan the QR code can comfortable, and we’re working on additional sensor technology control the exhibit. to take this even further. With all of these options, you can create and install a system that ensures that your visitors are Actuators comfortable. Here we are thinking of interactives where there is a handle or other control to activate a function, or an exhibit. Our webinar on Touchless Technology, one in a series of webinars showing our latest technology comprising a

32 inparkmagazine.com presentation and demonstration, may be found on our website QS6900 – Miscellaneous options – including LifeSaver, www.madsystems.com. TruCheck and DrinkMe

This is the current list of QuickSilver® product groups: QS7000 – Dormouse audio guide systems QS6000 – Video – compressed and uncompressed QS7100 – Dormouse video guide systems QS6100 – Audio – from simple replay to 3D immersive randomizing soundscapes QS7200 – Touchless technology

QS6200 – Lighting and DMX QS7300 – ADA options including the Caterpillar guide system for the visually impaired QS6300 – Interactivity The latest QuickSilver® product list headings clearly show that QS6400 – Inputs / Outputs and sensors including digital our most recent AV++™ developments have resulted in a inputs, outputs and motion sensors complete solution that offers the possibility of low cost, wireless, powerful long-life implementations with capabilities simply not QS6500 – User Interface – various options for our agnostic found elsewhere – and the latest contactless control additions range of control devices provide you with a range of post-peak COVID-19 solutions that will encourage your visitors to return by creating a safe QS6600 – Show Control – TeaParty and associated environment while improving the quality of their experience. equipment • • •

QS6700 – Power Management – WiFi and wireless mesh Maris Ensing ([email protected]) is founder based on/off control and creative technology consultant, Mad Systems.

QS6800 – Infra-Structure – the backbone of the QuickSilver® system

A physical lever can be activated through a telephone and website, eliminating the need for guests to touch an exhibit element.

33 inparkmagazine.com Around Disney’s Galaxy in 25 minutes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance impresses with advanced ride systems, projection and animatronic technology, and cast member passion by Martin Palicki

ince the opening of the game-changing and award-winning been named to receive TEA Thea Awards for Outstanding SPirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure Achievement [see sidebar]. attraction at Shanghai Disneyland in 2016, both fans and industry professionals have been anxiously awaiting the next Disney RotR fits the narrative created for the land and expands upon attraction that would achieve or surpass that level of complete it. After traversing a highly themed queue seeming carved out immersion. Now, with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (RotR) of the Batuu landscape, guests are recruited for a trans-galactic open on both US coasts, many are heralding the attraction as the mission to assist the Resistance. pinnacle of what Disney does best: combining expertly crafted storytelling with state-of-the-art technology and media to create It’s probably worth noting here that the attraction does not a captivating and thrilling experience. It’s also expanded the follow the standard theme park format of pre-show, then the boundaries of what an attraction experience can be. main ride/show event, and then a post-show walk-through or retail exit. RotR has two distinct ride experiences, and multiple Start with the Basics pre-show scenes. In many ways, the model looks like two RotR is the highly anticipated second attraction created for both connected back-to-back attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands at Disneyland (California) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Florida). The land places guests As such, the first pre-show featuring the spherical BB-8 on the fictional planet of Batuu. Galaxy’s Edge and its debut and a hologram version of Resistance icon Rey gives guests attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, have already information about their mission, and the space cruiser that will

Next gen animatronics are surrounded by detailed sets and specacular projection technology. All photos ©Disney

34 inparkmagazine.com The Intersystem Transport Ship (left) takes guests from Batuu to a First Order ship, where they are greeted by Storm Troopers (right).

take them across the galaxy. Doors open and guests are briefly equipment are nowhere to be seen. There’s no drop-tile ceiling back outside on Batuu where the cruiser is waiting for them to overhead – it’s 360-degrees of spaceship. board. This is actually a key divergence from a typical attraction path (or trajectory). Normally one remains in the four walls of During this portion of the attraction the ride vehicles ascend a a building once the experience starts, but this brief return to the lift to a second story, and at the end of the attraction, move into outside reminds people of the connected narrative of the land a drop-tower shaft with a motion platform designed to simulate of Batuu, and makes the whole experience feel more believable. the vehicle’s return to planet Batuu. The vehicles then travel Entering the Intersystem Transport Ship puts guests into the first outside the show building, completing the story arc and physically ride of the attraction. Doors close and an animatronic Lieutenant putting guests back on Batuu. Guests then disembark and return Bek guides the ship off of Batuu and into space. LED lighting to explore the rest of Galaxy’s Edge. and screens give the standing guests a view of both where they are going and where they have been, while a motion simulator Technically speaking base enhances the feeling of flight. Of course, things go awry Although RotR opened months after the land debuted, planning and the ship is captured by the First Order. for the attraction began along with the rest of Galaxy’s Edge. Imagineers knew early on that they wanted to have a Millennium Because the cruiser is actually on a turntable and rotates 180 Falcon attraction (Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run). But degrees, guests exit through the same doors they entered, a neat they also understood they needed what Jon Georges, executive effect that enhances the narrative illusion. First Order officers producer at Walt Disney Imagineering refers to as “a Star escort everyone into the iconic docking bay of a First Order Wars cinematic spectacle” within the land. They began with a Star Destroyer, populated by a small army of stormtroopers. It’s traditional storyboarding process to develop the narrative for the arguably the largest selfie-set built, but it’s paying dividends in attraction, which took nearly six months. publicity as folks snap and share photos in the impressive hangar. “Once the linear story had been determined we asked From here guests are led to “interrogation cells” that serve as the ourselves what kind of technology was available to support our second pre-show. Here, a series of projection and special effects storytelling,” explains Georges. “As an Imagineer we want the lead to the cell being breached by the Resistance, who rescue technology to be invisible. We want you to get into the experience the guests and put them on vehicles to escape the First Order and be completely immersed and the technology is just an ship. These trackless vehicles take guests through the rest of the enabling device to our storytelling.” attraction, in what might be considered a more traditional dark ride format. In terms of ride system technology, they settled on integrating four different ride systems into the singular attraction. The initial Except it’s hardly traditional. Once the vehicles leave the loading transport ship stands alone. But the eight-seat trackless troop bay what follows is non-stop action and effects until the ride ends transport vehicles move through two levels of the attraction, and five minutes later. As the vehicles try to evade stormtroopers, engage with other ride systems along the way. AT-ATs, and Kylo Ren himself, guests are surrounded by action in every direction. Projection mapping blends with fabricated “The culmination of that experience is the finale return to the sets, lasers and other lighting effects to create realistic scenes. It’s planet below. Your trackless vehicle goes into an escape pod one of the few attractions where guests really feel like they are that’s mounted to a Star Tours-like motion base, that’s mounted in a different space, not just on a set. Lighting racks and sound to a Twilight Zone Tower of Terror-like drop platform,” says

35 inparkmagazine.com During the dark ride portion of the attraction, guests are seated in trackless ride vehicles that move quickly throughout the ship, seeking escape pods that return guests to Batuu.

Georges. “Essentially at one point you have a triple ride sandwich “We’ve had thousands of people work on these projects over the dropping you two stories in a controlled freefall, while giving you last six years. It takes a lot of passion and a lot of talent from a the motion simulation experience for the return flight to Batuu.” lot of people to make this seem like a village that’s been here for 1,000 years,” says Scott Trowbridge, portfolio creative executive Naturally, each of those ride systems have sub-systems, locking at Walt Disney Imagineering. Imagineers worked hard to create mechanisms and multiple, redundant safety measures, resulting in an attraction where guests, as Trowbridge says, “are not thinking one of the most technologically-complex attractions Disney has of the 50 ride computers…and all the lines of code that are ever created. working together to make it a seamless experience.”

It’s not just the ride systems that have raised the bar. “The ride John Larena, creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, also is a key element, but we also have the show, all of the special credits the park cast members who are playing a critical part in effects, the A1000 audio-animatronic figures and the media,” says the operation of RotR. “You can have all the animatronics and Georges. “The projections are all moving-eye point media, which projection and effects but it’s that human level of interaction means as you’re moving through a scene, the media moves in that takes it to the next level,” he says. “On the one hand they parallax with you seamlessly.” are so welcoming as the Resistance and bring you into the story. Then as the First Order they help you understand you are in big Disney partnered with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to help trouble.” produce the media for the attraction. As fans will know, ILM was founded in order to create special effects for the original Star Star Wars fans and park enthusiasts will be happy to know that Wars film, and has since grown into one of the most successful the story doesn’t appear to be ending with this latest attraction. visual effects companies in entertainment. “Getting Rise of the Resistance open is not a finishing point,” says Trowbridge. “It’s a starting point.” The A1000 animatronics also represent the latest advancements in robotic technology. In addition to providing more realistic As a point of origin, it’s a pretty impressive beginning, made movements, new electric motors (replacing hydraulic and possible through creativity, collaboration and drive. “Bob Iger pneumatic systems) makes the animatronics easier to maintain asked us to be ambitious and then he said ‘Be the most ambitious and are more reliable. “The performance we document on you’ve ever been,’” says Georges. “When you tell an Imagineer opening day will be the same in year 3, 5, or 20 because of the that, this is what you get.” • • • precision of the electric actuation,” Georges explains.

Imagineers also acknowledge the importance of fellow cast members, both on the development and operational sides.

36 inparkmagazine.com Vision accomplished It was only January 2020 - but it was a long time ago in a galaxy far away that I had the pleasure to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in person at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. At this writing, some four months later, the Florida parks are just beginning the process of reopening since the pandemic’s appearance.

The pioneering, new virtual queueing tool that Disney developed and had been testing for Rise of the Resistance was all the buzz around the time of my visit, and the buzz is even greater now, with virtual queuing being hailed as a key solution for safe operations in parks around the world.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are both named on the 26th annual slate of TEA Thea Award recipients. Of the former, the Thea Committee wrote: “This is a crowning achievement of our industry. Guests are empowered to live their own Star Wars adventure, quite literally taking the story into their own hands, as the attraction authentically brings to life one of the most iconic experiences in pop culture.” Of the latter, the Committee wrote: “The intricate layout, sophisticated use of scale, extension of character details and high quality of execution combine to make this an outstanding example of story-driven experiential design. We’ve never seen a theme park land like this before, and it just might change how we create them in the future.”

The attractions industry is at all times a creative laboratory, operating on a highly visible public platform. Kudos to those who take the risk and make the investment. Public appetite has been huge for this genre of guest experience, enabling shared, improvised adventures themed to a story that inspires and uplifts. • - Judith Rubin

37 inparkmagazine.com Inside the mouse house Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway revealed by Martin Palicki

s Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro All aboard! Areferenced while opening the new Mickey & Minnie’s Each train consists of four trackless vehicles. Two rows in each Runaway Railway (MMRR) attraction, Disney’s Hollywood car comfortably seat eight adults total. The vehicles arrive on the Studios is no longer just a park that takes guests behind the boarding platform appearing as a conjoined train, with a separate scenes of moviemaking. Now, the theme park puts guests right locomotive car piloted by Goofy. The cars are slightly reminiscent in the middle of popular movies and stories to create their own of the original The Great Movie Ride cars that occupied the authentic adventures alongside their favorite characters. Perhaps same building from park opening in 1998 until 2017. Those that is most evident on the new MMRR ride, where guests vehicles held dozens of guests each and traveled together in pairs literally walk through the cinema screen and into the world of a for most of the ride. They were trackless vehicles too, and also Mickey & Minnie cartoon. somewhat ahead of their time, technology wise. Those original automated guided vehicles followed wires buried in the floor, The attraction accomplishes this through the combination of with minimal deviation from the set path. That same vehicle state-of-the-art technology in projection and ride vehicles. Baked style was also used in the original Universe of Energy pavilion at into all of that is classic Disney storytelling and artistic attention EPCOT from 1982 until 2017. to detail. Much is written about creating more immersive environments, and lots of attention is paid to the technical side The new MMRR vehicles are much smaller and utilize a different of things. But it’s really the blending of all of these things – the system that allows each vehicle to operate independently and technology and the artistry and the storytelling – that results in follow a unique path. This is similar to rides Disney has built in the inviting and immersive experience that is Mickey & Minnie’s Tokyo (Pooh’s Hunny Hunt) and Hong Kong (Mystic Manor). Runaway Railway. The MMRR vehicles are technological twins to the cars in the Rise of the Resistance attractions at both Hollywood Studios The experience and in California. [Disney doesn’t get into the details of how Guests arrive at the iconic Hollywood Studios Chinese Theater, their trackless technology works, but you can learn how another ostensibly to see to see the latest Mickey Mouse cartoon, “Perfect similar modern trackless system technology works in “Cool Picnic.” Guests are led into the theater, which is actually the Moves,” InPark Magazine issue #48.] pre-show to the ride. In the cartoon, Mickey & Minnie prepare for a picnic in the park and croon about how absolutely nothing Depending on which vehicle a guest is in, the action they see could possibly go wrong. Of course, something does: a small might change from ride to ride, although the story arc remains explosion in the cartoon blows a giant hole in the theater’s movie the same. screen. An attendant opens the gates at the front of the theater and guests walk through the hole in the screen and step into the The technology of the trackless system isn’t just “cool,” it’s world of the cartoon themselves. also a creative opportunity. Imagineers utilized the flexibility the trackless system provides to create vehicles that become Immediately passing through the screen threshold, everything characters within the story. The seats rumble at points, the cars begins to look as though it were drawn by hand. Colors pop, dance with one another, and they move fluidly through and most lines curve naturally, and the catchy theme song from the around each scene. They have personality. At one point the last cartoon follows guests everywhere. car backs away from the rest of the train, almost as though it is trying to avoid the certain calamity that lies ahead. The ride begins with conductor Goofy captaining his train (and guests) on a tour through Runamuck Park. Riders soon Seamless storytelling see Mickey & Minnie on their way to the perfect picnic, but The projection systems throughout the attraction deliver a central yet another unforeseen mishap causes the locomotive to veer element of the experience. After all, what better way to bring a off course and the remaining ride vehicles “runaway” from the cartoon to life than by using the platform for which cartoons railway. The ride then takes guests along on Mickey & Minnie’s were created. Imagineers use a blend of extensive projection cartoon adventures through the Wild West, into a carnival, mapping and painted props, oftentimes black light illuminated, through the jungle, under the sea and more. Just as vehicles are to further blur the lines of reality. What is scenic and what is about to be crunched inside a menacing factory, Mickey and projected? In some cases, several rides are necessary before those Minnie save the day, transforming the factory into a bucolic park distinctions can be perceived. scene. Reunited with Goofy, the train passes the mousy heroes at their penultimate picnic before stopping at the unload station.

38 inparkmagazine.com Vehicles pass through projected and animated scenes, like this city streetscape. Photo ©Disney

As mentioned, the ride’s climactic scene instantly turns a dirty, The blending between scenic props and projection is what crowded factory into a delightful garden park in front of guests’ truly makes the screens disappear. Many modern media-based eyes. The secret? Several set pieces retract to reveal garden attractions have stark distinctions between the screen and the set. accoutrements while others collapse into stylized trees, all while But when the whole set becomes the screen, a more convincing the projector system effortlessly swirls in images of a beautiful level of immersion results. park setting. The effect is magical. With an attraction that takes such a deep dive into the cartoon Of particular note is the use of projected, animated characters in world, there are unlimited possibilities for “easter eggs” and, dimensional spaces. Walt Disney pioneered the use of a multi- naturally, hidden Mickeys. They appear everywhere throughout plane camera to create dimension and realistic spatial movement the queue and attraction. Mickey’s mug even appears in a more in his animated films. It changed how animated films are made, artistic format in the chandelier metalwork above the queue. how characters move in environments and how audiences perceive scenes. In a way, the same revolutionary impact can be After riding multiple times, other secrets start to become found within the MMRR attraction. Like the multi-plane camera, apparent. Pluto can be found in nearly every scene, anxiously characters appear on one plane while background images appear trying to catch up to his owners, and a small crab also makes on a different plane. The character still appears 2D, but is living subtle appearances throughout the ride. A small homage to The in a 3D world. The effect is used throughout the attraction Great Movie Ride can be found in the Carnival scene. and it’s impressive. The most obvious example is when Goofy swings open the shutters on the back of his locomotive. His There are certainly many more secrets hidden throughout the 2D character appears in the middle of the cab, with the wall ride, and therein lies a key element of the attraction’s charm: appearing a bit behind him, just like a real conductor would. while every ride vehicle affords different views, every ride also allows for new details to be discovered. And the best part is they Several animatronic characters exist in the attraction, namely don’t require extensive backstory or deep IP brand knowledge to Mickie & Minnie, Pluto, and Daisy. They blend in well with be enjoyed. They are there for all to enjoy. the surrounding scenery, and all utilize interior projected face technology for a realistic animated face effect. Of course, for those that have a deeper knowledge of Disney trivia and history, the ride is chock full of references...to Ub Disney artistry ties it together Iwerks, Imagineering’s headquarters, and significant dates in While the technology is the brains that make the ride hum, the Disney’s timeline (among others!) Both the general and superfan artistic perspective applied to the technology is what brings heart “easter eggs” together help drive ride repeatability and long-term and charm to the attraction. In this context, tech design becomes success for an attraction. storytelling, and it’s apparent both technology and creative professionals collaborated on the attraction from the beginning. Even more than being a repeatable, fun, family-friendly experience, MMRR is a loving tribute to the characters upon The authentic cartoon-style painting throughout the ride which the entire Disney empire was founded. The technology combined with the animation embedded everywhere evoke a and artistry within MMRR are great complements to the historic retro-Disney charm. The versions of Mickey and Minnie are also legacy of Walt’s iconic characters. • • • stylized in their nostalgic 1930s form.

39 inparkmagazine.com EXPLORE THIS UNIQUE & AWARDED EXPERIENCE THAT WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH TIME & SPACE!