Bigger

Bigger, longer, higher, faster! Is it really necessary?

By Dennis Speigel

Bigger, longer, higher, faster! Is it really necessary?! Maybe yes; maybe no. But one thing for sure…there is no stopping the runaway train we call “new Entertainment Technology”.

This new technology trend covers everything from new types of motion based film experiences to magnetic induction speed launching systems for all types of rides!

This sophisticated upward trend in technology is affecting the three most highly involved parties (which are: (1.) Manufacturers/suppliers; (2.) Owners/Operators; and (3.) Guests/Users) enormously on all fronts.

The pressure to continue to improve and increase the leisure experience comes from the guests/users insatiable appetite for new sensations! Maybe it’s because of the huge impact companies like Sega have had on the general public with home video games wherein the level of play is so “life like” that it is hard to tell today what is and is not real (from mortal fights to flying the newest and yet to be developed fighter aircraft). Home videos have elevated the theme park user experiences.

The guests put pressure on the owner/operators to provide them the newest “over the top” experience. If the parks do not provide these, the spoiled fickle visitors have other places to go and spend their money; i.e., the competition! So, operators keep pushing the manufacturers/suppliers to keep reaching and pushing the envelope on the design side.

Do I think there will be a 500-foot roller coaster? We are already 80% of the way there! When Cedar point (Ohio/USA) opened it’s new 420-ft. Dragster coaster in the 2003 season, a 120-mile per hour ride. We will have already passed that major barrier. So the height and speed evolution will continue. What does all of this mean? It is going to be important in the future that the three “involved parties” listed above have an agreed-upon covenant which speaks to quality, safety, security and satisfaction.

Attractions in our industry have been evolving since they were just introduced (remember the first roller coaster sped along at an unbelievable 7 miles per hour!!) and people could not believe the speed!

The manufacturers must take the time to “get it right” before they put it on the shelf for sale. They cannot present a concept before it is properly checked, checked and double-checked. Yes, the competition may be close behind with a similar experience, but they must get it right before they unveil it.

The park operator must understand and take responsibility for “serving it up” to the guest. If it is served, the guests are going to partake of it…and the guest must employ commonsense when using. If it says you must be 48-1/2 inches, stay seated, keep your eyes open and your hands inside, do it! That’s why the instructions are there…follow them.

I can assure you it’s going to get higher, faster, longer, scarier, more inverted, and above all safer! If not, we are all out of business. Let’s make sure we all do our individual and collective parts in being responsible for the development of safe leisure industry attraction development.