Technology Allows Parks To Take Thrills To New Level Computer-Enhanced Rides Fuel Boom At Theme Parks

Twenty-one years ago, a Virginia amusement park opened its first ride, a monorail that led visitors through a zoo filled with exotic animals.

But now, the Wild Animal Safari has been torn down, and Paramount’s Kings Dominion park will build a high-tech roller coaster where the lions, tigers and elephants once roamed.

Kings Dominion is no different from other amusement parks, which are increasingly billing themselves as purveyors of computer-age thrills. Park visitors can fly through outer space, dodge an erupting volcano or be tormented by bats, snakes and other simulated pests in a spooky temple.

The new attractions’ success has helped foster good times for amusement parks, said John Graff, executive director of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in Alexandria.

As computers become a part of every day life, people are more attracted to thrill rides with such features as lasers and motion simulation, said David Ferguson, who works for Paramount Parks’ Design and Entertainment in Charlotte, N.C.

“People who are comfortable working in that environment also like to be entertained in that environment as well,” he said.

Parks have always built new rides to keep people coming back, but technology makes more thrills possible, Graff said.

“It’s important for the parks to be constantly refreshing themselves and adding new attractions and so on because they virtually all rely on repeat business,” said Graff, whose group represents 4,600 parks in 65 countries. “That’s their lifeblood.”

High-tech rides are popular with amusement park visitors who are always looking for something newer, faster and scarier, said Harrison Price, a California attractions consultant.

Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., estimated to cost $100 million, is among the most popular and technologically advanced rides, Price said. Visitors experience explosions, bugs, boiling lava and other treats in the ride inspired by the successful movie trilogy.

“People come to see it. They stand in line for an hour and a half,” Price said of the ride, which opened earlier this year.