Latest Theme Park Technology On Display in Orlando
Friday, November 22, 2013
By: Matthew Peddie

November 22nd, 2013 | WMFE- This week the theme park capital of the world played host to the industry's biggest trade show. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions expo draws 27,000 people to the Orange County Convention Center.

[The Expo Features Full Sized Amusement Park Rides. Photo- Matthew Peddie / WMFE]

 New technology on display at the expo includes the latest thrill rides incorporating 3D visual technology- and new ways to get visitors through the turnstiles. 

More than a thousand displays are laid out across a vast exhibition hall at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring everything from soft toys and dunk tanks to full sized rides.

“A lot of business is done here, so yeah, this is a crucial week for us,” says Accesso chief executive Tom Burnet.

His company which develops ticket sales technology, and has offices all over the world, including one in Lake Mary.

Burnet says more theme park visitors are using their smartphones to buy tickets and to do what he calls “virtual queuing” for rides.

“Using a smartphone or a little device we might lend you or rent you for the day, you wait in line, but you do it while you’re having lunch or going for a walk or looking at a show," he says. 

Parks that use the system include Six Flags and Universal Orlando.New technology may be changing the way people buy tickets, but the biggest change ahead may be in the development of new amusement parks.

Burnet says the most developed market is still the US for now, but his company is also looking to opportunities in Asia, particularly China, where he says new theme park construction is booming.