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IAAPA returns to Amsterdam for the 2024 edition of IAPPA Expo Europe. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


Valo Motion is set to exhibit at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the company set to introduce three new, original mixed-reality games for its ValoClimb, ValoJump and ValoArena platforms


Ahead of an upcoming webinar exploring the subject, new research from Attractions.io has revealed the attitudes of both guests and operators regarding the use of technology across the visitor experience


The British government has announced a probe into the use of dynamic pricing after ticket seller Ticketmaster significantly increased costs for the Oasis reunion while customers sat in a virtual queue


Miirage is behind a new holographic experience at Melbourne Museum that stars Victoria - a record-breaking T-Rex that represents one of the largest and most complete T-Rex fossils ever to go on display


Detroit Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Toronto Zoo have all launched new apps this summer, with Attractions.io partnering with Cinchio Solutions to bring its platform to these popular attractions


Halo Space - a company set to offer zero-emission commercial space flights starting in 2026 - has announced that Saudi Arabia will host a landmark test of its capsule prototype


Hackers have targeted the central data system for 40 French museums, unleashing a network-wide ransomware attack on the country's culture sector


A major Japanese supermarket chain has implemented a new AI system that aims to evaluate and ‘standardise’ its employees smiles


Layered Reality, creators of the forthcoming immersive experience ‘Elvis Evolution’, have signed a strategic partnership with Technicolor Group, home of The Mill, to create a realistic Elvis avatar powered by artificial intelligence


Holovis’s 360Golf is on the rise with the company set to debut its largest-ever installation in the GCC region later this year. James Lodder, head of product at Holovis, speaks to Planet Attractions


As Efteling makes moves towards carbon neutrality, the theme park operator has announced that its popular coal-powered trains are set to make the switch to electric energy


Attractions.io has expanded the capability of its technology with the launch of its new Indoor Mapping tool - a system designed to help map complex indoor spaces for visitors


With the cruise industry aiming to hit carbon neutrality by 2050, could nuclear power be the unlikely answer to the problem?


Space tourism has a new competitor, with company Halo Space unveiling its Aurora space capsule ahead of its first public flights in 2026


Simworx is expanding its business with a move into the sports entertainment sector, announcing a partnership with C360 View that will see the development of a ‘groundbreaking’ stadium viewing experience


Cedar Fair is making use of Attractions.io’s MapLayr, utilising the interactive and layered mapping technology to add 'flair and functionality' as it reimagines the mobile experience across all 13 of its US theme parks


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life


Natalia Szczepanczyk, segment manager for Experiential and Immersive Applications at Holoplot, shares insights into the status quo of immersive entertainment and the advances in audio technology Holoplot brings


Holovis technology has been celebrated at the 30th annual TEA Thea Awards, with SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi claiming one of the prestigious prizes


Attractions.io continues to champion the guest experience in 2024 with a host of new product releases. Here’s what the company has coming this year


There’s a trend on social media that is seeing more and more virtual and AI influencers gain significant popularity, should you be using them to promote your attractions? Tom Anstey explores...


Connect&GO has announced a client partnership with Wicked Waves Water Park and Cape Cod Inflatable Park, with the attraction utilising the company’s Konnect platform to help simplify park operations and modernise its management technology


Malta National Aquarium has opened a brand new attraction from Triotech that blends state-of-the-art technology with special effects to create an exciting and educational underwater experience


Semnox Solutions has been named a technology partner at Palooza Park in Marrakech. The collaboration marks the attractions technology provider’s first project in Morocco


Prague Planetarium is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that will see the STEM attraction open Europe’s first and the world’s largest LED dome to the public in 2025


A new AI-powered Elvis Presley concert experience billed as a celebration of the artist’s life and legacy is coming to London later this year


Christie has supplied a number of projection solutions for Museum X - an exciting immersive experience that recently opened to the public in South Korea


A new attraction from developer HyperSpace has opened its doors in Riyadh, with the ‘digital theme park’ acting as a hybrid of content creation arena and videogame for its visitors


Legendary rock band Kiss have promised to ‘change music performance history’, after unveiling their own digital avatars and announcing a special stage show working with the likes of Thierry Coup, Industrial Light & Magic, and Pophouse Entertainment Group


AV specialist Christie will showcase product capabilities of MicroTiles LED technology with video wall at IAAPA Expo 2023


Dual additions to accesso’s product portfolio have strengthened the attractions technology provider’s offering in 2023. Steve Drake, accesso’s senior vice president of Global Initiatives, speaks to Planet Attractions


Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events


Morty - an experience app which describes itself as ‘the ultimate social copilot for you and your friends’ - has raised more than US$2.2m as the company expands operations into the haunted attractions market


Benoit Cornet shares a fascinating insight into the world of dark rides and the emergence of his new company - BoldMove Nation


Alex Book, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Arcade – The Creative Reality Company, explains how attractions and cultural institutions can make use of immersive technologies to reach new audiences


A new exhibit from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans will give its visitors the opportunity to have conversations with some of the heroes of World War II, with AI technology powering the upcoming Voices from the Front experience


There’s a transformative shift happening when it comes to use of technology in attractions management. Anthony Palermo, co-founder of Connect&GO, spoke to Tom Anstey...


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


AV specialist Christie is to showcase new additions to its M 4K RGB projector series as well as new projects, including an immersive visitor attraction in Toronto, Canada


Experience UK’s UK Pavilion will return at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the booth offering an ‘experiential showcase of British ingenuity’ to all attendees


Triotech will showcase several new projects and rides at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, including its Stand Up Theater and Qube attractions


Attractions technology provider accesso will showcase the capabilities of it’s new PoS platform; accessoFreedom


Ticketing specialist Convious will host several education sessions on revenue, visitor experience and operations at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience


Christie has worked with Maxin10sity to create a projection-mapped spectacle that has seen Germany’s Karlsruhe Palace transformed into a digital masterpiece


Dive in as FlowRider’s Joshua Atkinson explores the shift in consumer mindsets and its impact on the attractions industry


Connect&GO and Amilia have announced a strategic technology partnerships that will see the two companies work together in the development of cutting-edge solutions in eCommerce and attractions management


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer


Connect&GO has announced two new partnerships in France that will see the attractions technology specialists integrate its Konnect all-in-one platform with leading French ticket providers Ticketmaster France and France Billet


Engineering company Sanvik has used artificial intelligence to design a statue that draws on the styles of famous artists spanning three continents and 500 years, with the resulting work on display in Sweden’s Tekniska Museet


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset


Virgin Voyages has partnered with Jennifer Lopez to launch Jen A.I. a new tool that enables guests to receive personalised invitations from the pop superstar


accesso has announced the acquisition of leading ticketing and visitor management system provider VGS, with the award-winning SnApp platform to be rebranded accesso Horizon


Amazon has launched a new immersive shopping feature that could be utilised in theme parks and attractions


A new VR cinema attraction that allows guests to observe a family group of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda has opened at Zoo Atlanta


BT has launched an all-new experience in the UK that uses camera and HD projection to bring 360° content to life in a range of realities powered by 5G


Crypto membership collective TemDAO is using blockchain technology to preserve cultural and world heritage sites, with its innovative new approach potentially a game changer when its comes to heritage funding


Miirage is a new modular holographic system bringing the virtual world to life without any additional need for mobile devices, screens or wearables. The creators behind the technology speak to Planet Attractions about the new product and exactly what it can do...


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year


MSC Eurbia will become the world’s first net zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise when it sets sail next week


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...


Attractions.io has teamed up with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to develop a brand new experience platform for guests of the popular destination


You can hear Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming Life Is But A Dream early thanks to a 360º Immersive Album Experience coming to AREA15 in Las Vegas next month


A first-of-its kind offering will make guests feel like they’re at the heart of the action during live UFC events, with Cosm’s ‘shared reality’ spectacles set to transform the way we watch live sporting events


Digital attractions platform Love To Visit has raised £2.1m as it aims to corner the UK tourism attractions market and expand its operations overseas


Meyer Group has unveiled the cruise ship of the future with its Reverse concept showing what such a vessel could look like in the year 2100


Christie has teamed up with Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará on the installation of an immersive multimedia room as part of a revamp of the historic institution


Disney has revealed a ‘real’ lightsaber at this year’s SXSW, an arts and technology festival currently underway in Austin, Texas


Universal wants to enhance its interactive experiences on offer, with the operator filing two new patents for character and wand technologies at its parks


3D printing has been used to create a full-size replica of a World Heritage site in China, offering visitors an up close and personal experience while also securing crucial data for future world heritage protection


From waterpark suppliers and media specialists to creative designers and dark ride producers, Planet Attractions has gone to every corner of the globe to find out what’s hot in 2023


Media tech specialist 7thSense has been recognised for two products in its brand new Performer range at this year’s ISE, which is currently underway in Barcelona


Patients at a number of children’s hospitals across the state of South Carolina can now explore Charleston’s popular aquarium remotely, using a robot to interact with the exhibits and take part in tours


Universal Studios Hollywood is levelling up the experience at the upcoming Super Nintendo World with its all-new Power-Up Band. Here’s what the technology does


Connect&Go - a global leader in guest and attractions management technology - has grown significantly over the last decade. Its co-founder Anthony Palermo spoke to Planet Attractions


A new technology from the Industrial Technology Research Institute can display information about different animals inside aquariums by tracking the eye movements of the user


The virtual band worked with Google to host two first-of-their-kind AR experiences in New York and London to promote their new single


A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology


When it comes to all-in-one solutions for visitor attractions, Semnox’s Venue Management Software system has transformed operations at popular FEC Kokomo Joe’s. Here’s how the technology works


Convious has signed a multi-year deal with West Midland Safari Park to supply its fully-integrated eCommerce and guest experience platform


Dronisos is seeking partners in the US following a successful year, which saw the company serve as a technology partner for Disneyland Paris


Spree Interactive is getting into the Christmas spirit a little early this year, with the launch of its Christmas Crunch VR title at the upcoming IAAPA Expo in Orlando


Family-friendly active free-roam VR experiences provider Spree Interactive showcased its technology at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Nowak Delgado spoke to Planet Attractions at the show


Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology


The Giant - a mammoth moving attraction and exhibition - is coming to a city near you


OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions


Holovis has created an innovative two-in-one system that supports the delivery of two different media or real-time interactive experiences simultaneously within the same ride or attraction


accesso is set to showcase what it calls ‘the future of mobile consumer engagement’ at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with expanded solutions designed to help operators connect, engage and build loyalty with visitors


Attractions.io is adding a new feature to its mobile platform with the company set to showcase its new for 2022 wayfinding solution at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe


A new art installation powered by data from London’s Natural History Museum will provide an ever-changing visual representation of how society’s choices impact the natural world


Disney is about to launch its upgraded MagicBand+, with the wearable technology offering a host of new features for visitors


The projection mapping market could be worth as much as US$8bn according to a new report on the technology


Detailed replicas of the controversial Elgin or Parthenon Marbles, created by a robot, will soon go on display in London


Six Flags is offering improved access for its guests with physical disabilities with a specialised restraint harness that allows them to experience rides they would otherwise be unable to


Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time


Paris Hilton has made a significant donation to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art that will enable the museum to acquire digital artworks by female artists


Holovis and Azimuth have teamed up with grand plans to develop an XR content creation and digital engineering team in Malaysia, making the country a hub for the Southeast Asia region in XR technology development


Pop supergroup ABBA need to earn £140m from ticket sales of their London residency Voyage to cover the cost of the virtual spectacle


Google Arts & Culture celebrated Internation Museum Day with the launch of three new mind-bending AR art filters


How do you develop a POS system that caters to both digital natives and the generation before them? Convious’s Miendu Dang has the answers


A number of attractions suppliers and manufacturers have been named winners of China’s prestigious Golden Crown Awards


Would you pay US$125,000 to travel into space via a hydrogen balloon? Well that’s exactly what you can do in the Space Lounge, launching from Florida in 2024


Ultraleap is introducing a new tool to allow the use of hand tracking while wearing a Pico Neo 3 VR headset


Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare explains how user segmentation is transforming the visitor experience for the better


Marwell Zoo and Attractions.io have teamed up for the development of a brand new app designed to enhance the visitor’s digital experience


How does an immersive experience tie in with the metaverse? John Munro, CEO and chief creative officer for storytellers Immersive has the answers


Award-winning visual effects studio Moonraker is eyeing the planetarium market with the launch of its latest product - a full-dome experience that shows guests what it would be like to live and work on the moon


Attractions.io partnership with Merlin Entertainments has been expanded to include the supplier’s mobile wallet technology at all Merlin-operated theme parks


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.


WaterSlider VR is the latest offering from BoldMove, with the new product offering an underwater VR experience inside a life raft


Cityneon has announced a deal with the Wuxi Jingkai Government to develop a global R&D facility in the city of Wuxi in China


The new museum will provide a space where visitors can physically interact with digital artworks and NFTs


A new initiative from France’s Grand Palais will see the development of digital experiences for some of the world’s most iconic artworks, starting with a debut exhibition on the Louvre’s Mona Lisa


What does the future look like for immersive experiences when it comes to location-based entertainment? Michael Mascioni has the answers


The British Museum is returning to the NFT market with the listing of a rare collection of JMW Turner paintings in digital form


We’re not far off Mark Zuckerberg’s big reveal of the metaverse and what that means for the future, but when it comes to attractions, there are some companies already well ahead of the curve. Andrew Jacobs, accesso’s chief commercial officer, explains what it means for operators to be in a mobile-first world.


Brazil’s Beach Park has teamed up with musician Alok and waterpark supplier Polin to develop a first of its kind attraction for the Latin America region


Alterface, Storyland and Studios Occitanie are collaborating with the video game company on the project, which is slated to open in 2025


A new virtual reality platform from VRsenal can double efficiency, throughput and ROI in footprint and price compared to the company’s previous single-player model


For a limited time starting November 21, visitors to Downtown Disney will be able to experience Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge in virtual reality


Illuminarium Experiences and Accesso are teaming up once again, with the operator set to make its Las Vegas debut at the highly-popular AREA15 immersive entertainment venue in 2022


When it comes to global trends this is THE next big thing and there’s a good chance you don’t quite know what it means yet. Welcome to the metaverse and here’s exactly why you need to get in on the ground floor.


Telecommunications giant Vodafone is supporting the development of a brand-new digital museum dedicated to the history of the mobile phone


Available for free, the Virtual Experience of Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom exhibition will allow visitors from all over the world to experience the works of the famous glass artist


Foul play is thought to be the reason that hundreds of drones crashed to the ground during a special performance earlier this month.


Attractions.io has developed a direct-to-table in-app food ordering system for those who want to maintain social distancing


Cruise operator Carnival recently made headlines around the world with the debut of the first rollercoaster to operate at sea. Maurer Rides’ Marco Hartwig explains how this all came about


Security specialists Axon have supplied Six Flags’ US theme parks with body cameras for staff


Covid concerns have sent Burning Man into the VR realm, though an unofficial festival has appeared in its place, with 10,000 people gathering in the desert for ‘Renegade Burn’


Park Beyond’s ‘impossification’ system promises to let your imagination run wild with a new theme park simulator unlike any we’ve ever seen on modern systems


Everything is about to get bigger (and smaller) as Disney continues to take the world by storm with its latest animatronic projects


China has welcomed a flying theatre to its Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve with Brogent Technologies supplying the landmark new attraction


The experience was developed to meet growing demands for high-end turnkey solutions and reliable technology


A carbon-neutral cruise ship could be realised in the not-too-distant future, with MSC Group announcing a feasibility study for a hydrogen-powered vessel


We spoke to Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten about Knott’s Berry Farm’s iconic Bear-y Tales dark ride, which has been reimagined for a brand new audience more than three decades later


The Mobile Food Ordering system saves guests time and reduces the risk of COVID transmission


A new permanent immersive light and spatial audio installation at St. Michael’s Cave will boost the Rock’s visitor experience in time for Summer 2021


Historic England’s virtual dive trail tells the story of Stirling Castle, a 70-gun warship that was destroyed in the Great Storm of 1703


The trend for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, with Amsterdam currently testing the use of self-driving electric boats in its waterways


Kazakhstan has welcomed the country’s first flying theatre ride with Brogent Technologies behind the landmark new attraction


A 4D dome experience at the National Center of Meteorology has opened its doors to the public as part of an engagement strategy that helps audiences understand weather data and meteorological research


The Gruffalo Spotter 2 app combines augmented reality with animated versions of Julia Donaldson’s beloved characters


Snorri Snorkling VR at Europa Park’s Rulantica is ready to roll, though the launch has been slightly delayed thanks to local restrictions


The first duelling water coaster to come to Latin America has made its debut at the Cafalandia waterpark in Colombia


Could LED technology take the market from traditional projection in the coming years? Holovis’ Jon Tozer weighs up the pros and cons of both technologies


Industry veterans Caulonque and Thatcher have joined Endless Surf as demand grows for WhiteWater’s next-gen wave technology


Coming to the hotly-anticipated Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience, Disney has unveiled what looks like the most realistic lightsaber ever created


The famed dinosaur expert will appear on the show in an attempt to raise funding for a touring exhibition featuring his animatronic dinosaurs


Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return To The Fair will not only celebrate 100 years of Knott’s Berry Farm but also the reopening of the park following a year-long closure


Characters like Grogu and Rocket Racoon could soon come to life in Disney’s parks following the unveiling of a walking, talking and even dancing version of the Guardians of the Galaxy favourite Groot by Disney Imagineering


YouTuber CoasterWriter has built a gargantuan rollercoaster entirely out of K’nex, with the mega ride filling his entire back garden


Falcon’s Creative has introduced its new ÄEONXP system - an application designed to further immerse visitors in themed entertainment experiences


Merlin has offered a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the giant Lego Sky Lion for its upcoming Mythica attraction at Legoland Windsor


The ride will take guests on a madcap adventure with characters from the Flåklypa Universe


It’s been a landmark few weeks for Amazon, which recently launched its first till-less ‘just walk out’ stores in the UK. The shops remove tills and make retail a completely frictionless experience - something the visitor attractions sector should certainly be looking at


Peter Cliff explains how Lego is utilising Holovis technology to create a state-of-the-art interactive dark ride


A new ‘at the door’ Covid test will give a result back in seconds, which could be huge in working towards bringing the visitor attractions sector back to full capacity attendance


It’s time to tackle an army of mutated mushrooms in a new collaboration from BoldMove and Triotech


Zoo Guardians is available now on Android and iOS


Could the Diamond Balloon soon be coming to a city near you?


Don Lessem has gone from advising on Jurassic Park to building enough robotic dinosaurs that he could fill an entire zoo. In part one of our interview, we get a peek into the life of ‘Dino Don’, who talks about everything from Steven Spielberg to the real-life dinosaur that’s been named after him


The CultArm3D has been developed to help museums digitise their collections


The success of an immersive attraction can be determined by the flow of people entering and exiting the space. Michelle Hicks explains how effective operations can help to optimise these experiences


Omega Mart is officially open and with it comes Meow Wolf's 'man made high' Projected Desert


The Art of Engineering has developed a program capable of designing optimised track layouts


New research could change the way plastic is recycled, offering attractions a greener alternative in the future


Almost cold as ice, Bart Dohmen, CEO of Unlimited Snow, explains how new technology is transforming the snow play experience for visitors and improving the bottom line


Kept indoors by the global pandemic and missing Disney’s parks, this fan recreated the iconic fireworks show at home using a projector and a 3D printer


Did you know that Efteling and Legoland had their own videogames? Which was your favourite? This is a brief history of theme park management games.


Step into Claudia Bueno’s aquarium-style installation at Meow Wolf Las Vegas and experience the slow, oscillating movements of natural life


‘Sparking visitors with hope, light and connectivity’, Bruge’s WinterGlow returned in December for a series of installations across the historic city


The experience will feature memorabilia and memories curated by Def Leppard


Here are the top stories from Planet Attractions since the start of the year


The ‘cinematic’ performance follows the tragic story of poet André Chénier who was executed during the French Revolution


If Skynet does enslave us, we sincerely hope it’s through the art of dance...


See the Dickens Museum take its performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ online with actor Dominic Gerrard


Holovis CEO Stuart Hetherington talks to Planet Attractions about the past 12 months, major projects and the future of technology in the world of attractions


With attractions forced to close and the public ordered to stay at home, it might not be a surprise that ‘virtual museum tours’ experienced a huge surge in Google searches for 2020.


Gundam Factory Yokohama makes its official debut later this month


Ultraleap’s touchless technology could prove a game-changer for health-conscious attractions and their visitors.


Lego has turned Rome’s historic colosseum into a 9,036-piece construction, which is now available to buy


Viewers from all around the world will be able to marvel at the annual Stonehenge winter solstice


Fans in and out of Disney’s parks will be able to get their hands on a Spider-Bot from December 4


Visitors will be able to snorkel in virtual reality with the German waterpark’s octopus mascot Snorri Touren

Industry insights



The world is on fire, so why should we care about cultural heritage?




Video



WATCH: Universal Creative shares story behind Epic Universe Preview Center

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Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2024



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Technology

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2024


IAAPA returns to Amsterdam for the 2024 edition of IAPPA Expo Europe. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

Valo Motion to showcase three new mixed-reality games at IAAPA Expo Europe


Valo Motion is set to exhibit at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the company set to introduce three new, original mixed-reality games for its ValoClimb, ValoJump and ValoArena platforms

Survey explores future of digital experiences for visitor attractions


Ahead of an upcoming webinar exploring the subject, new research from Attractions.io has revealed the attitudes of both guests and operators regarding the use of technology across the visitor experience

Government probe announced as dynamic pricing takes the spotlight in Oasis ticket controversy


The British government has announced a probe into the use of dynamic pricing after ticket seller Ticketmaster significantly increased costs for the Oasis reunion while customers sat in a virtual queue

Miirage creates holographic experience for Melbourne Museum’s landmark T-Rex exhibition


Miirage is behind a new holographic experience at Melbourne Museum that stars Victoria - a record-breaking T-Rex that represents one of the largest and most complete T-Rex fossils ever to go on display

Three major zoos in North America launch mobile apps powered by Attractions.io


Detroit Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Toronto Zoo have all launched new apps this summer, with Attractions.io partnering with Cinchio Solutions to bring its platform to these popular attractions

Saudi Arabia to host landmark test flight of Halo Space


Halo Space - a company set to offer zero-emission commercial space flights starting in 2026 - has announced that Saudi Arabia will host a landmark test of its capsule prototype

Network of 40 French museums hit by ransomware attack


Hackers have targeted the central data system for 40 French museums, unleashing a network-wide ransomware attack on the country's culture sector

SMILE!: New AI system used to measure the smiles of company’s employees


A major Japanese supermarket chain has implemented a new AI system that aims to evaluate and ‘standardise’ its employees smiles

Layered Reality partners with The Mill to create AI Elvis for upcoming immersive experience


Layered Reality, creators of the forthcoming immersive experience ‘Elvis Evolution’, have signed a strategic partnership with Technicolor Group, home of The Mill, to create a realistic Elvis avatar powered by artificial intelligence

Hole in One: How Holovis is changing the game with 360Golf


Holovis’s 360Golf is on the rise with the company set to debut its largest-ever installation in the GCC region later this year. James Lodder, head of product at Holovis, speaks to Planet Attractions

Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy


As Efteling makes moves towards carbon neutrality, the theme park operator has announced that its popular coal-powered trains are set to make the switch to electric energy

Attractions.io launches Indoor Mapping feature


Attractions.io has expanded the capability of its technology with the launch of its new Indoor Mapping tool - a system designed to help map complex indoor spaces for visitors

Could nuclear power be the key to carbon neutrality for the cruise industry?


With the cruise industry aiming to hit carbon neutrality by 2050, could nuclear power be the unlikely answer to the problem?

Halo Space unveils capsule ahead of public trips into the stratosphere


Space tourism has a new competitor, with company Halo Space unveiling its Aurora space capsule ahead of its first public flights in 2026

Simworx expands into sports entertainment sector with C360 View partnership


Simworx is expanding its business with a move into the sports entertainment sector, announcing a partnership with C360 View that will see the development of a ‘groundbreaking’ stadium viewing experience

Attractions.io’s MapLayr utilised for reimagined Cedar Fair guest experience app


Cedar Fair is making use of Attractions.io’s MapLayr, utilising the interactive and layered mapping technology to add 'flair and functionality' as it reimagines the mobile experience across all 13 of its US theme parks

Bright and beautiful: How Europe’s biggest light festival delivered with Christie


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life

Spatial Sound, Immersive Audio: What is it and is it here to stay?


Natalia Szczepanczyk, segment manager for Experiential and Immersive Applications at Holoplot, shares insights into the status quo of immersive entertainment and the advances in audio technology Holoplot brings

Holovis technology celebrated as SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi recognised with Thea Award


Holovis technology has been celebrated at the 30th annual TEA Thea Awards, with SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi claiming one of the prestigious prizes

Attractions.io championing guest experience in 2024 with new product releases


Attractions.io continues to champion the guest experience in 2024 with a host of new product releases. Here’s what the company has coming this year

How can attractions capitalise on the rise of AI and virtual influencers?


There’s a trend on social media that is seeing more and more virtual and AI influencers gain significant popularity, should you be using them to promote your attractions? Tom Anstey explores...

Wicked Waves Water Park partners with Connect&GO to optimise management operations


Connect&GO has announced a client partnership with Wicked Waves Water Park and Cape Cod Inflatable Park, with the attraction utilising the company’s Konnect platform to help simplify park operations and modernise its management technology

Triotech instals new attraction at Malta National Aquarium


Malta National Aquarium has opened a brand new attraction from Triotech that blends state-of-the-art technology with special effects to create an exciting and educational underwater experience

Semnox Solutions announces tech partnership with Morocco’s Palooza Park


Semnox Solutions has been named a technology partner at Palooza Park in Marrakech. The collaboration marks the attractions technology provider’s first project in Morocco

Prague Planetarium to open world’s largest and Europe’s first LED dome


Prague Planetarium is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that will see the STEM attraction open Europe’s first and the world’s largest LED dome to the public in 2025

Return of the King: Elvis to make posthumous return with live avatar experience


A new AI-powered Elvis Presley concert experience billed as a celebration of the artist’s life and legacy is coming to London later this year

South Korea’s Museum X wows audiences with immersive experiences powered by Christie technology


Christie has supplied a number of projection solutions for Museum X - an exciting immersive experience that recently opened to the public in South Korea

‘Bridging gap between physical and digital’: House of Hype attraction opens doors in Saudi Arabia


A new attraction from developer HyperSpace has opened its doors in Riyadh, with the ‘digital theme park’ acting as a hybrid of content creation arena and videogame for its visitors

Kiss promises to ‘change music performance history’ as band launches digital alter-egos and avatar stage show


Legendary rock band Kiss have promised to ‘change music performance history’, after unveiling their own digital avatars and announcing a special stage show working with the likes of Thierry Coup, Industrial Light & Magic, and Pophouse Entertainment Group

IAAPA Expo 2023: Christie to exhibit technology capabilities in Orlando


AV specialist Christie will showcase product capabilities of MicroTiles LED technology with video wall at IAAPA Expo 2023

WATCH: Steve Drake on accesso’s expanding portfolio


Dual additions to accesso’s product portfolio have strengthened the attractions technology provider’s offering in 2023. Steve Drake, accesso’s senior vice president of Global Initiatives, speaks to Planet Attractions

Attractions.io launches industry-first in-app map with dynamic lighting at Alton Towers


Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events

Experience app Morty raises US$2.2m as platform expands into haunted attractions market


Morty - an experience app which describes itself as ‘the ultimate social copilot for you and your friends’ - has raised more than US$2.2m as the company expands operations into the haunted attractions market

Thought leaders: Benoit Cornet on how BoldMove is developing the total dark ride package


Benoit Cornet shares a fascinating insight into the world of dark rides and the emergence of his new company - BoldMove Nation

Using technology to take the visitor experience beyond the four walls


Alex Book, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Arcade – The Creative Reality Company, explains how attractions and cultural institutions can make use of immersive technologies to reach new audiences

Upcoming AI experience allows museum visitors to speak to the heroes of World War II


A new exhibit from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans will give its visitors the opportunity to have conversations with some of the heroes of World War II, with AI technology powering the upcoming Voices from the Front experience

Solving the puzzle: Connect&GO’s Anthony Palermo on how technology is rapidly changing attractions management


There’s a transformative shift happening when it comes to use of technology in attractions management. Anthony Palermo, co-founder of Connect&GO, spoke to Tom Anstey...

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2023


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Christie to present new technologies and projects in Vienna


AV specialist Christie is to showcase new additions to its M 4K RGB projector series as well as new projects, including an immersive visitor attraction in Toronto, Canada

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Experience UK gearing up for return of UK Pavilion


Experience UK’s UK Pavilion will return at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the booth offering an ‘experiential showcase of British ingenuity’ to all attendees

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Triotech to showcase latest projects and attractions


Triotech will showcase several new projects and rides at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, including its Stand Up Theater and Qube attractions

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: accesso to showcase new PoS platform


Attractions technology provider accesso will showcase the capabilities of it’s new PoS platform; accessoFreedom

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Convious to reveal ‘hidden worlds’ of experience economy


Ticketing specialist Convious will host several education sessions on revenue, visitor experience and operations at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna

Six Flags to transform operations and guest experience with Google Cloud partnership


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience

Christie powers projection-mapped spectacle at Schlosslichtspiele Festival with Pandoras Box technology


Christie has worked with Maxin10sity to create a projection-mapped spectacle that has seen Germany’s Karlsruhe Palace transformed into a digital masterpiece

What’s next for the experience economy and consumer trends?


Dive in as FlowRider’s Joshua Atkinson explores the shift in consumer mindsets and its impact on the attractions industry

Connect&GO forms strategic technology partnership with eCommerce company Amilia


Connect&GO and Amilia have announced a strategic technology partnerships that will see the two companies work together in the development of cutting-edge solutions in eCommerce and attractions management

Dronisos and Disneyland Paris set record for largest drone show in Europe


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle

Merlin to install electric vehicle charging points at five major UK attractions


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer

Connect&GO announces new partnerships with Ticketmaster France and France Billet


Connect&GO has announced two new partnerships in France that will see the attractions technology specialists integrate its Konnect all-in-one platform with leading French ticket providers Ticketmaster France and France Billet

WATCH: AI draws on 500 years of history to design statue in the styles of iconic sculptors


Engineering company Sanvik has used artificial intelligence to design a statue that draws on the styles of famous artists spanning three continents and 500 years, with the resulting work on display in Sweden’s Tekniska Museet

Virtual Disney Metaverse theme park a ‘long-term possibility’


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset

Virgin Voyages launches next ‘Jeneration’ AI tool with Jennifer Lopez


Virgin Voyages has partnered with Jennifer Lopez to launch Jen A.I. a new tool that enables guests to receive personalised invitations from the pop superstar

accesso acquires VGS in major deal that sees VGS platform rebranded accesso Horizon


accesso has announced the acquisition of leading ticketing and visitor management system provider VGS, with the award-winning SnApp platform to be rebranded accesso Horizon

Amazon’s new immersive shopping technology could have exciting implications for theme parks


Amazon has launched a new immersive shopping feature that could be utilised in theme parks and attractions

Zoo Atlanta’s new Immotion-designed VR attraction transports guests to jungles of Rwanda


A new VR cinema attraction that allows guests to observe a family group of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda has opened at Zoo Atlanta

BT launches UK-first 5G-powered Immersive Spaces interactive simulation experience


BT has launched an all-new experience in the UK that uses camera and HD projection to bring 360° content to life in a range of realities powered by 5G

How blockchain is being used for cultural and heritage preservation


Crypto membership collective TemDAO is using blockchain technology to preserve cultural and world heritage sites, with its innovative new approach potentially a game changer when its comes to heritage funding

Bridging realities: How Miirage’s no-glasses holographic experience could change the game for immersive experiences


Miirage is a new modular holographic system bringing the virtual world to life without any additional need for mobile devices, screens or wearables. The creators behind the technology speak to Planet Attractions about the new product and exactly what it can do...

Six Flags becomes first theme park operator to adopt Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ shopping technology


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June

BBC Studios developing immersive experiences for the metaverse


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year

MSC Cruises to operate world’s first zero emission cruise sailing in June


MSC Eurbia will become the world’s first net zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise when it sets sail next week

It takes a village: How to increase spending and social reach through micro-influencing with Attractions.io


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex partners with Attractions.io to reimagine guest experience platform


Attractions.io has teamed up with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to develop a brand new experience platform for guests of the popular destination

Avenged Sevenfold to share new album early with 360º immersive experience at Area 15


You can hear Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming Life Is But A Dream early thanks to a 360º Immersive Album Experience coming to AREA15 in Las Vegas next month

‘Beyond the arena’: UFC set to offer ‘shared reality’ live events at all-new experiential venues


A first-of-its kind offering will make guests feel like they’re at the heart of the action during live UFC events, with Cosm’s ‘shared reality’ spectacles set to transform the way we watch live sporting events

‘Uber Eats’ for attractions: Love To Visit raises £2.1m to enhance UK operations


Digital attractions platform Love To Visit has raised £2.1m as it aims to corner the UK tourism attractions market and expand its operations overseas

Seatrade Cruise Global 2023: Meyer Group showcases ‘cruise ship of the future’ concept


Meyer Group has unveiled the cruise ship of the future with its Reverse concept showing what such a vessel could look like in the year 2100

Eleven million pixels: Christie powers new immersive room in Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará


Christie has teamed up with Brazil’s Museum of Image and Sound of Ceará on the installation of an immersive multimedia room as part of a revamp of the historic institution

Disney unveils ‘real’ lightsaber at SXSW


Disney has revealed a ‘real’ lightsaber at this year’s SXSW, an arts and technology festival currently underway in Austin, Texas

Universal files patents for enhanced interactive technologies at its parks


Universal wants to enhance its interactive experiences on offer, with the operator filing two new patents for character and wand technologies at its parks

World Heritage site reproduced using 3D printers opens in China


3D printing has been used to create a full-size replica of a World Heritage site in China, offering visitors an up close and personal experience while also securing crucial data for future world heritage protection

Supplier Showcase 2023: The biggest attractions projects landing worldwide this year


From waterpark suppliers and media specialists to creative designers and dark ride producers, Planet Attractions has gone to every corner of the globe to find out what’s hot in 2023

7thSense wins big at ISE with double Best of Show Award


Media tech specialist 7thSense has been recognised for two products in its brand new Performer range at this year’s ISE, which is currently underway in Barcelona

Children in hospital can now explore South Carolina Aquarium remotely using a robot


Patients at a number of children’s hospitals across the state of South Carolina can now explore Charleston’s popular aquarium remotely, using a robot to interact with the exhibits and take part in tours

‘A life size living videogame’: How Universal’s new Power-Up Bands transform the Super Nintendo World experience


Universal Studios Hollywood is levelling up the experience at the upcoming Super Nintendo World with its all-new Power-Up Band. Here’s what the technology does

WATCH: Anthony Palermo on how Connect&Go is transforming attractions operations


Connect&Go - a global leader in guest and attractions management technology - has grown significantly over the last decade. Its co-founder Anthony Palermo spoke to Planet Attractions

Eye-tracking technology can identify different fish in an aquarium and tell the user what they’re looking at


A new technology from the Industrial Technology Research Institute can display information about different animals inside aquariums by tracking the eye movements of the user

WATCH: Gorillaz makes history with groundbreaking AR performances supported by Google technology


The virtual band worked with Google to host two first-of-their-kind AR experiences in New York and London to promote their new single

Hey Disney!’: Amazon Alexa-powered digital voice assistant gets Disney facelift


A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology

All-in-one: How Semnox’s Venue Management system has transformed operations at Kokomo Joe’s


When it comes to all-in-one solutions for visitor attractions, Semnox’s Venue Management Software system has transformed operations at popular FEC Kokomo Joe’s. Here’s how the technology works

Convious named tech partner for West Midland Safari Park


Convious has signed a multi-year deal with West Midland Safari Park to supply its fully-integrated eCommerce and guest experience platform

Dronisos targets US market following exciting year


Dronisos is seeking partners in the US following a successful year, which saw the company serve as a technology partner for Disneyland Paris

Spree Interactive to launch Christmas-themed VR experience at IAAPA Expo


Spree Interactive is getting into the Christmas spirit a little early this year, with the launch of its Christmas Crunch VR title at the upcoming IAAPA Expo in Orlando

WATCH: Meet Spree Interactive CEO and co-founder Jonathan Nowak Delgado


Family-friendly active free-roam VR experiences provider Spree Interactive showcased its technology at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Nowak Delgado spoke to Planet Attractions at the show

WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen


Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology

Paddy Dunning announces worldwide locations for ‘The Giant’


The Giant - a mammoth moving attraction and exhibition - is coming to a city near you

A new take on dark rides: Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten on OCT’s game-changing walkthrough attraction from Triotech


OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions

Guests can now enjoy different experiences on the same ride at the same time thanks to new TiO innovation from Holovis


Holovis has created an innovative two-in-one system that supports the delivery of two different media or real-time interactive experiences simultaneously within the same ride or attraction

accesso promises to ‘showcase the future of mobile’ at IAAPA Expo Europe


accesso is set to showcase what it calls ‘the future of mobile consumer engagement’ at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with expanded solutions designed to help operators connect, engage and build loyalty with visitors

Attractions.io to showcase new wayfinding features at IAAPA Expo Europe


Attractions.io is adding a new feature to its mobile platform with the company set to showcase its new for 2022 wayfinding solution at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Robotic plant powered by data from Natural History Museum will wilt or grow based on society’s choices over biodiversity


A new art installation powered by data from London’s Natural History Museum will provide an ever-changing visual representation of how society’s choices impact the natural world

MagicBand+ technology set for July 27 launch at Walt Disney World


Disney is about to launch its upgraded MagicBand+, with the wearable technology offering a host of new features for visitors

Projection mapping market to be worth US$8bn by 2030


The projection mapping market could be worth as much as US$8bn according to a new report on the technology

Parthenon Marbles replica carved by AI to go on display in London


Detailed replicas of the controversial Elgin or Parthenon Marbles, created by a robot, will soon go on display in London

Inclusivity for all: Six Flags introduces special restraints for disabled guests


Six Flags is offering improved access for its guests with physical disabilities with a specialised restraint harness that allows them to experience rides they would otherwise be unable to

The museum that’s introduced special glasses to help colour-blind people see art in a whole new light


Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time

Paris Hilton supports digital artworks by female artists with LACMA donation


Paris Hilton has made a significant donation to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art that will enable the museum to acquire digital artworks by female artists

Holovis and Azimuth partner to bring XR technology to Malaysia and Southeast Asia


Holovis and Azimuth have teamed up with grand plans to develop an XR content creation and digital engineering team in Malaysia, making the country a hub for the Southeast Asia region in XR technology development

‘Bloody expensive’: ABBA need to recoup £140m to cover costs of virtual Voyage residency


Pop supergroup ABBA need to earn £140m from ticket sales of their London residency Voyage to cover the cost of the virtual spectacle

Google uses augmented reality to bring fine art to life for International Museum Day


Google Arts & Culture celebrated Internation Museum Day with the launch of three new mind-bending AR art filters

The generation game: How modern POS is transforming attractions operations


How do you develop a POS system that caters to both digital natives and the generation before them? Convious’s Miendu Dang has the answers

Suppliers recognised in Asia Attractions Golden Crown Awards


A number of attractions suppliers and manufacturers have been named winners of China’s prestigious Golden Crown Awards

Welcome to the Space Lounge: Space tourism venture sees visitors climb 20 miles via balloon


Would you pay US$125,000 to travel into space via a hydrogen balloon? Well that’s exactly what you can do in the Space Lounge, launching from Florida in 2024

Gaming with your hands: Ultraleap introduces new hand-tracking technology for VR headsets


Ultraleap is introducing a new tool to allow the use of hand tracking while wearing a Pico Neo 3 VR headset

The Netflix approach: How user segmentation is changing the visitor experience game


Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare explains how user segmentation is transforming the visitor experience for the better

Enhancing the digital experience: Marwell Zoo adopts Attractions.io technology for launch of new app


Marwell Zoo and Attractions.io have teamed up for the development of a brand new app designed to enhance the visitor’s digital experience

Immersive design is the bridge between physical attractions and the metaverse


How does an immersive experience tie in with the metaverse? John Munro, CEO and chief creative officer for storytellers Immersive has the answers

Moonraker steps into full-dome market with launch of ‘Moonbase: The Next Step’


Award-winning visual effects studio Moonraker is eyeing the planetarium market with the launch of its latest product - a full-dome experience that shows guests what it would be like to live and work on the moon

Merlin to use Attractions.io mobile wallet technology across operator’s entire theme park portfolio


Attractions.io partnership with Merlin Entertainments has been expanded to include the supplier’s mobile wallet technology at all Merlin-operated theme parks

Attractions Calendar: Your diary dates for 2022


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.

Explore the seven seas with new VR attraction from BoldMove


WaterSlider VR is the latest offering from BoldMove, with the new product offering an underwater VR experience inside a life raft

Cityneon subsidiary Animax to develop new global R&D facility in Wuxi, China


Cityneon has announced a deal with the Wuxi Jingkai Government to develop a global R&D facility in the city of Wuxi in China

NFT museum to open in Seattle


The new museum will provide a space where visitors can physically interact with digital artworks and NFTs

Mona Lisa goes digital as Grand Palais unveils new initiative for immersive art exhibitions


A new initiative from France’s Grand Palais will see the development of digital experiences for some of the world’s most iconic artworks, starting with a debut exhibition on the Louvre’s Mona Lisa

New horizons for immersive experiences in leisure facilities


What does the future look like for immersive experiences when it comes to location-based entertainment? Michael Mascioni has the answers

British Museum cashing in on NFTs with Turner masterpieces set to go on digital sale


The British Museum is returning to the NFT market with the listing of a rare collection of JMW Turner paintings in digital form

Reimagining the guest experience in a mobile-first world with accesso


We’re not far off Mark Zuckerberg’s big reveal of the metaverse and what that means for the future, but when it comes to attractions, there are some companies already well ahead of the curve. Andrew Jacobs, accesso’s chief commercial officer, explains what it means for operators to be in a mobile-first world.

Brazil’s most popular DJ partners with country’s top waterpark to deliver immersive musical waterslide experience


Brazil’s Beach Park has teamed up with musician Alok and waterpark supplier Polin to develop a first of its kind attraction for the Latin America region

Assassin’s Creed creator Ubisoft plans entertainment complex and theme park in France


Alterface, Storyland and Studios Occitanie are collaborating with the video game company on the project, which is slated to open in 2025

IAAPA 2021: VRsenal set to showcase multiplayer unattended VR Arcade platform


A new virtual reality platform from VRsenal can double efficiency, throughput and ROI in footprint and price compared to the company’s previous single-player model

Meta and Lucasfilm team up for immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge preview experience at Disneyland


For a limited time starting November 21, visitors to Downtown Disney will be able to experience Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge in virtual reality

Illuminarium Experiences expands partnership with Accesso as operator prepares to make AREA15 debut in 2022


Illuminarium Experiences and Accesso are teaming up once again, with the operator set to make its Las Vegas debut at the highly-popular AREA15 immersive entertainment venue in 2022

Visitor attractions need to be paying attention to the metaverse


When it comes to global trends this is THE next big thing and there’s a good chance you don’t quite know what it means yet. Welcome to the metaverse and here’s exactly why you need to get in on the ground floor.

Vodafone partners with Mobile Phone Museum to support digital launch


Telecommunications giant Vodafone is supporting the development of a brand-new digital museum dedicated to the history of the mobile phone

Glass artist Dale Chihuly’s Singapore exhibition enters the virtual realm


Available for free, the Virtual Experience of Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom exhibition will allow visitors from all over the world to experience the works of the famous glass artist

Alleged foul play causes drone show to fall out of the sky


Foul play is thought to be the reason that hundreds of drones crashed to the ground during a special performance earlier this month.

Attractions.io to unveil new F&B solution at IAAPA Expo Europe


Attractions.io has developed a direct-to-table in-app food ordering system for those who want to maintain social distancing

The making of Bolt: How Maurer Rides created Carnival’s game-changing rollercoaster at sea


Cruise operator Carnival recently made headlines around the world with the debut of the first rollercoaster to operate at sea. Maurer Rides’ Marco Hartwig explains how this all came about

Security at all of Six Flags’ US parks to wear body cameras


Security specialists Axon have supplied Six Flags’ US theme parks with body cameras for staff

Burning Man festival goes completely virtual


Covid concerns have sent Burning Man into the VR realm, though an unofficial festival has appeared in its place, with 10,000 people gathering in the desert for ‘Renegade Burn’

New theme park sim from Tropico developer turns genre on its head


Park Beyond’s ‘impossification’ system promises to let your imagination run wild with a new theme park simulator unlike any we’ve ever seen on modern systems

Project Exo is just the start of Disney’s robotic ambitions


Everything is about to get bigger (and smaller) as Disney continues to take the world by storm with its latest animatronic projects

Soaring through Changbaishan with new attraction from Brogent Technologies


China has welcomed a flying theatre to its Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve with Brogent Technologies supplying the landmark new attraction

Kraftwerk Living Technologies introduces Night at the Manor 4D theatre experience


The experience was developed to meet growing demands for high-end turnkey solutions and reliable technology

Green oceans: MSC announce feasibility study for hydrogen-powered cruise ship


A carbon-neutral cruise ship could be realised in the not-too-distant future, with MSC Group announcing a feasibility study for a hydrogen-powered vessel

Thirty-four years in the making: How Triotech took a classic dark ride attraction and brought it into the 21st century


We spoke to Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten about Knott’s Berry Farm’s iconic Bear-y Tales dark ride, which has been reimagined for a brand new audience more than three decades later

Avonturenpark Hellendoorn eliminates F&B queues with Convious Mobile Food Ordering solution


The Mobile Food Ordering system saves guests time and reduces the risk of COVID transmission

Stunning immersive show transforms the Rock of Gibraltar


A new permanent immersive light and spatial audio installation at St. Michael’s Cave will boost the Rock’s visitor experience in time for Summer 2021

Explore a 300-year-old shipwreck with Historic England’s new virtual dive trail


Historic England’s virtual dive trail tells the story of Stirling Castle, a 70-gun warship that was destroyed in the Great Storm of 1703

Self-driving electric boats are currently being trialled in Amsterdam’s canals


The trend for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, with Amsterdam currently testing the use of self-driving electric boats in its waterways

A flight through history: Brogent develops Kazakhstan’s first-ever flying theatre as part of government-backed tourist development


Kazakhstan has welcomed the country’s first flying theatre ride with Brogent Technologies behind the landmark new attraction

New 4D theatre for UAE as National Center of Meteorology launches Science Dome


A 4D dome experience at the National Center of Meteorology has opened its doors to the public as part of an engagement strategy that helps audiences understand weather data and meteorological research

New AR app brings The Gruffalo to England’s forests


The Gruffalo Spotter 2 app combines augmented reality with animated versions of Julia Donaldson’s beloved characters

Launch of Europa Park’s underwater VR experience imminent pending relaxation of COVID restrictions


Snorri Snorkling VR at Europa Park’s Rulantica is ready to roll, though the launch has been slightly delayed thanks to local restrictions

Colombia’s Cafalandia celebrates launch of ProSlide-designed water coaster


The first duelling water coaster to come to Latin America has made its debut at the Cafalandia waterpark in Colombia

LED is here to challenge projection’s throne


Could LED technology take the market from traditional projection in the coming years? Holovis’ Jon Tozer weighs up the pros and cons of both technologies

WhiteWater names Baptiste Caulonque and Andrew Thatcher to key positions within Endless Surf division


Industry veterans Caulonque and Thatcher have joined Endless Surf as demand grows for WhiteWater’s next-gen wave technology

Disney offers first look at ‘real’ lightsaber


Coming to the hotly-anticipated Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience, Disney has unveiled what looks like the most realistic lightsaber ever created

‘Dino’ Don Lessem to appear on Shark Tank


The famed dinosaur expert will appear on the show in an attempt to raise funding for a touring exhibition featuring his animatronic dinosaurs

Return to the Fair: Knott’s Berry Farm set for grand reopening with launch of history-inspired dark ride


Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return To The Fair will not only celebrate 100 years of Knott’s Berry Farm but also the reopening of the park following a year-long closure

I am Groot: Disney Imagineering’s free-walking robot opens the door for host of new characters in parks


Characters like Grogu and Rocket Racoon could soon come to life in Disney’s parks following the unveiling of a walking, talking and even dancing version of the Guardians of the Galaxy favourite Groot by Disney Imagineering

WATCH: Theme park fanatic CoasterWriter fills entire back garden with giant K’nex rollercoaster


YouTuber CoasterWriter has built a gargantuan rollercoaster entirely out of K’nex, with the mega ride filling his entire back garden

Falcon's Creative debuts custom user interface for immersive themed entertainment experiences


Falcon’s Creative has introduced its new ÄEONXP system - an application designed to further immerse visitors in themed entertainment experiences

WATCH: Building the Lego Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor


Merlin has offered a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the giant Lego Sky Lion for its upcoming Mythica attraction at Legoland Windsor

WATCH: Simworx partners with Norway’s Hunderfossen Familie Park on new Hyperakselerator attraction


The ride will take guests on a madcap adventure with characters from the Flåklypa Universe

It’s time for a retail revolution


It’s been a landmark few weeks for Amazon, which recently launched its first till-less ‘just walk out’ stores in the UK. The shops remove tills and make retail a completely frictionless experience - something the visitor attractions sector should certainly be looking at

HoloTrac - The revolutionary technology powering Legoland’s newest attraction


Peter Cliff explains how Lego is utilising Holovis technology to create a state-of-the-art interactive dark ride

New 15-second Covid test could prove gamechanger for attractions


A new ‘at the door’ Covid test will give a result back in seconds, which could be huge in working towards bringing the visitor attractions sector back to full capacity attendance

BoldMove and Triotech partner for new dark ride attraction


It’s time to tackle an army of mutated mushrooms in a new collaboration from BoldMove and Triotech

WATCH: Smithsonian’s National Zoo launches trailer for new mobile game


Zoo Guardians is available now on Android and iOS

Diamond Balloon - a revolutionary new take on viewing experiences


Could the Diamond Balloon soon be coming to a city near you?

Part One: Meet ‘Dino’ Don Lessem - The man who advised on Jurassic Park and has his own army of robotic dinosaurs


Don Lessem has gone from advising on Jurassic Park to building enough robotic dinosaurs that he could fill an entire zoo. In part one of our interview, we get a peek into the life of ‘Dino Don’, who talks about everything from Steven Spielberg to the real-life dinosaur that’s been named after him

New technology creates 3D-scanned replicas of priceless artefacts at the push of a button


The CultArm3D has been developed to help museums digitise their collections

Effective operations within a storied environment


The success of an immersive attraction can be determined by the flow of people entering and exiting the space. Michelle Hicks explains how effective operations can help to optimise these experiences

WATCH: Projection mapping a desert landscape with Meow Wolf


Omega Mart is officially open and with it comes Meow Wolf's 'man made high' Projected Desert

Can artificial intelligence design the perfect rollercoaster?


The Art of Engineering has developed a program capable of designing optimised track layouts

Pioneering recycling method could help attractions cut down on single use plastic


New research could change the way plastic is recycled, offering attractions a greener alternative in the future

Snow play: The evolution of snow in visitor attractions


Almost cold as ice, Bart Dohmen, CEO of Unlimited Snow, explains how new technology is transforming the snow play experience for visitors and improving the bottom line

Disney fan uses 3D printing and projection mapping to recreate fireworks display at home


Kept indoors by the global pandemic and missing Disney’s parks, this fan recreated the iconic fireworks show at home using a projector and a 3D printer

WATCH: A brief history of theme park management games


Did you know that Efteling and Legoland had their own videogames? Which was your favourite? This is a brief history of theme park management games.

WATCH: Claudia Bueno’s immersive art ‘aquarium’ from Meow Wolf


Step into Claudia Bueno’s aquarium-style installation at Meow Wolf Las Vegas and experience the slow, oscillating movements of natural life

Painting with Light illuminates Bruge with winter light show


‘Sparking visitors with hope, light and connectivity’, Bruge’s WinterGlow returned in December for a series of installations across the historic city

Def Leppard invites fans ‘into the vault’ with new digital museum experience


The experience will feature memorabilia and memories curated by Def Leppard

In case you missed it: How Chester Zoo is handling the pandemic, Boston Dynamic’s robotic groove and the new player about to enter Brazil’s waterpark market


Here are the top stories from Planet Attractions since the start of the year

London’s Royal Opera House to live stream production of Andrea Chénier


The ‘cinematic’ performance follows the tragic story of poet André Chénier who was executed during the French Revolution

WATCH: Boston Dynamics shows off its super-advanced robot tech with the help of The Contours and ‘Do You Love Me?’


If Skynet does enslave us, we sincerely hope it’s through the art of dance...

Scrooge saves Christmas for Charles Dickens Museum with virtual performances


See the Dickens Museum take its performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ online with actor Dominic Gerrard

Innovation from limitation: How Holovis took 2020 by the horns and ran with it


Holovis CEO Stuart Hetherington talks to Planet Attractions about the past 12 months, major projects and the future of technology in the world of attractions

Virtual museum tours among 2020’s most popular Google searches


With attractions forced to close and the public ordered to stay at home, it might not be a surprise that ‘virtual museum tours’ experienced a huge surge in Google searches for 2020.

WATCH: Japan builds 25-tonne moving Gundam robot


Gundam Factory Yokohama makes its official debut later this month

The revolutionary technology turning touchscreens touchless


Ultraleap’s touchless technology could prove a game-changer for health-conscious attractions and their visitors.

WATCH: Rome’s legendary colosseum transformed into largest ever Lego set


Lego has turned Rome’s historic colosseum into a 9,036-piece construction, which is now available to buy

English Heritage sets up Stonehenge livestream for the winter solstice


Viewers from all around the world will be able to marvel at the annual Stonehenge winter solstice

Disney unveils Spider-Bot merchandise ahead of Avengers Campus launch


Fans in and out of Disney’s parks will be able to get their hands on a Spider-Bot from December 4

Europa-Park unveils underwater VR experience as operator celebrates one year of Rulantica


Visitors will be able to snorkel in virtual reality with the German waterpark’s octopus mascot Snorri Touren



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