Try a drop of this Ten innovative technologies for water attractions by Freddy Martin
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veritable tide of versatile technologies has triggered a deluge of creative and operational advancements in waterparks and wet attractions, offering operators and designers new options for improving guest experience and safety. Based on conversations with leaders in the field, we identified ten wet technologies currently making waves in themed entertainment. As we dive in, we keep in mind that the motive is to help people connect in deep and meaningful ways at visitor attractions. As one of our experts, Denise Chapman Weston, Director of Imagination and Inventor, Infinite Kingdoms, said, “The park should become this place where you can play and engage in ways you never could do at home. That’s the real joy of using technology, not the technology itself.”
1.RFID wearables RFID chips embedded in wearable, waterproof devices offer freedom, security and convenience, enabling guests in bathing suits to spend money on food, beverages and souvenirs without a visit to the locker. The benefits for both operators and guests can be significant. “We’re seeing companies provide products that interface with all the ticketing and payment companies, in all the turnstiles and all the lockers,” said Michael Turner, Vice President of Global
Business Development at The Producers Group. “They’re able to track guest movements and ridership, providing insight into park throughputs and visitor flow.” Universal’s Volcano Bay waterpark opened with their TapuTapu™ system, which offers virtual queuing to all slides in the park. This allows guests to spend more of their vacation relaxing and playing than waiting in line. Volcano Bay was honored with a TEA Thea Award in 2019. As RFID technology matures, parks are exploring greater opportunities for guest interactivity, tracking, and management. “By having real-time access to more accurate data and guest profile information,” said Nick Neuman, CEO at Water Technology Inc., “we can better customize water ride and attractions experiences for different ages and experience levels. As a waterpark designer, this creates an entirely new dimension to explore within water attraction development.”
2. Regenerative media filtration The sustainability of water-based attractions is rooted in their ability to store, clean, and reuse water. Eco-friendly technologies are necessary to maximize water usage while creating a clean and healthy environment for guests.
Guests at Universal’s Volcano Bay use RFID enabled TapuTapu wristbands to activate fountains and effects. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando
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