Travel Tuesday: Universal Orlando blends technology with creative storytelling

At Universal Orlando, creative storytelling gets a boost from technology.

With Universal Orlando re-opening its gates to theme park fans, the current state of the Universal theme parks are far different from the original Universal Studios from 30 years ago. While the classic arches still welcome guests, the evolution of the theme park has taken many turns. In a way, some of the technological advancement has helped to boost the story telling.

There are many reasons why people visit theme parks. For some the thrills from steep drops, tight runs and impressive speeds are the adrenaline fix that they crave. For others, it is the immersive guest experience that keeps them coming back visit after visit. Even if you can recite the opening of the Jimmy Fallon ride word for word, each and every experience combines the familiar and new.

Looking specifically at Universal Studios, the two newest attractions, Fast and Furious and Bourne Stuntacular (currently in previews as of this writing) find a way to show guests something new in the familiar story. While some people may not consider Fast and Furious their favorite ride, one aspect of that ride has evolved into the Bourne Stuntacular.

When Fast and Furious was unveiled, Universal creatives spoke about visuals that had a 3D appearance without the need of 3D glasses. As seen in the beginning of that ride, the visuals have the depth and appearance of a big crowd even though it is a screen.

This concept opens all type of opportunities for creative storytelling. Just like the movie screen, now a theme park attraction can make a story come to life in a new way.

Without giving away the story behind the new Bourne Stuntacular, this live action attraction blends thrilling stunts with impeccable visuals. At some points it is difficult to determine where the live action and the screen separate. The seamless features between technology, action and story makes this show quite compelling.

While changes can be made through the technical rehearsals, this new attraction begs the question, what’s next? If this blend of screen and live action works so well, what other attractions could benefit from this technology.

For example, Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most popular Universal Orlando events. Each year, the bar is raised with the attractions. While Universal knows what scares you, it is more than just frightening for reaction sake. It is the lingering impression that brings guests back time and again.

Thinking about this screen technology, it could be used in the HHN scenario. While the 30th Halloween Horror Nights lineup has not been announced, think about a scenario where Beetlejuice tempts people into his creepy world. What about a scenario of hundreds of zombies seemingly fill a room? The possibilities are many.

Going forward, the blend of technology and creativity will continue to push boundaries. Even though Islands of Adventure has an unnamed roller coaster rising from the ground near the Jurassic Park area, the connection to the stories behind these attractions bring people back. It isn’t just riding on a motorbike, it is seeing all the creatures in Hagrid’s magical world.

Universal Orlando is currently open with limited capacity and certain parameters for guests. The official Bourne Stuntacular is in technical rehearsals. An official opening date has not been released.

What is your favorite Universal Orlando attraction? What brings you back visit after visit?