Social responsibility, virtual reality and pop culture dominate 2019 theme park trends

At IAAPA Expo Orlando, the 2019 theme park trends focused on pop culture and virtual reality to offer guests that unforgettable experience and lasting memory.

2019 theme park trends have taken a different turn from previous years. Instead of announcements filled with the tallest, fastest or most innovative new features, much of the storyline focused on social responsibility, virtual reality and pop culture.

Today’s theme park guests are quite savvy. When spending a significant cost on a ticket, they want to get the best dollar for their value. That value extends beyond those special moments in a theme park. The memories created through the special guest experiences are the reasons why people come back time and again.

Thinking about those savvy guests, the theme park industry is looking beyond those huge thrill rides that appeal to the adrenaline junkies. While world records bring recognition and prestige, people are demanding more. From the impeccable guest experience to featuring the fandoms that are part of pop culture, the attractions industry is listening and adapting to its guests.

Here are a few important takeaways from IAAPA Orlando Expo.

SeaWorld focuses on social responsibility, photo provided by SeaWorld Parks

Social responsibility

If you have ever stepped foot into a theme park, one-use disposable plastics are everywhere. In today’s more environmentally conscious world, single-use plastics being phased out. While some people do need plastic straws, many theme parks and attractions are committed to finding alternatives and/or eliminating single-use plastics entirely.

Disney, for example, has reduced its single-use plastics. SeaWorld Parks has committed to eliminating not only plastic straws but also plastic bags. More and more attractions are looking to follow suit. Zoos and water parks are the long-standing destinations that have not allowed straws, as they are detrimental to animals and damaged many water features. Paper straws can be a good alternative, but many attractions are doing away with straws all together.

Beyond the single-use plastic issue, theme parks like Busch Gardens and SeaWorld are looking to educate guests alongside their huge thrill rides. As seen in the recently opened Infinity Falls, the theme parks are educating guests about conservation — the message Park to Planet reflects a social responsibility.

In the soon to be opened Tigris at Busch Gardens Tampa, the plight of tigers will be highlighted alongside the tallest triple launch coaster in Florida. This combined experience showcases that the brand has a conservationist agenda, not just the entertainment value.

Virtual Reality

Around every corner, it seems that another virtual reality experience is popping up. While The VOID seems to have a hold on Disney based themes, virtual reality experiences are growing by leaps and bounds. Gone are the bad headsets that give you a migraine. These new VR experiences have you feel like you are stepping into your futuristic movie.

As technology improves, people are expecting more from their entertainment. What was once science fiction is now reality. Now any family entertainment center or even movie theater can have a VR experience in a side room.

The biggest changes to these experiences come from the interactive player value. Instead of one person stepping into a game, these newer versions have everyone interacting together. It becomes the collective experience, which increases the positive memory and the willingness to go back for more.

Aquaman at Madame Tussaud’s at IAAPA, Photo by Cristine Struble

Pop Culture

One of the many reasons that people go to theme parks is to be immersed in their favorite fandom. From Disney to Universal, some of the biggest draws are the iconic characters that resonate with fans. The 2019 theme park trends continue that pop culture tie-in.

LEGOLAND Florida is creating an entire new LEGO Movie World. The highlight of this new world will be Masters of Flight. Guests will take a seat on Emmet’s couch and prepare for the ultimate LEGO adventure. This ride is a flying theater and should be popular with all ages. Plus, Nick Offerman provides the voices to the characters on this adventure.

One of the most innovative experiences at this year’s IAAPA Expo was the partnership between Ubisoft and TRIOTECH, introducing Rabbids Team Battle, an interactive, group experience. Participants take on the Rabbids in a shooting game scenario while experiencing various ride elements.

Unique to this game is the team aspect. While each individual does receive a score, one team (red or blue) is crowned the winner. Everyone can get excited to play, and even those who aren’t savvy shooters can feel like they were a part of a winning team.

Other announcements from the event included a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed coaster, the Steele Curtain coming to Kennywood, SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street expansion and PBS entry into location-based entertainment experiences.

Additionally, these 2019 theme park trends announcements join other highly anticipated experiences like Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, Universal Orlando’s new Harry Potter ride and many more.

2019 looks to be a great year to visit a theme park. How many theme parks are on your list to visit?