How do you create “fun,” “excitement” and “thrill?” Start with enjoyment that builds…and then add an element of surprise. At SensoryCo, this is our goal when we work with theme parks to add unexpected sensory elements to rides and attractions. We provide scenting, spritzing, smoke and other sensory effects at theme parks to take amusement to the next level.
Rides and Simulators
As visitors expect continual innovation and heightened excitement, theme parks must meet the challenge and add new dimensions of “realism” to rides and attractions. Physical, visual, and audio components are now common and expected. Adding smells and other physical effects help complete the experience.
Few rides are without a prominent theme anymore. No longer is there “just” a roller coaster. Even on traditional rides, wrapping various scents and effects around the experience helps “set the scene” as riders travel through different venues. A thrill ride with a dinosaur or prehistoric theme may use scents that smell swampy or sulfuric as water effects provide unexpected sprays or a jungle mist. A children’s ride that travels through a cartoon party may infuse the aroma of cake or other sweets.
Simulator or platform rides take sensory effects to the next level, combining movement with sounds and visual stimulation to create a virtual reality, tricking the mind into believing it is immersed in the environment. Adding scent effects is to these rides is the final element that truly engrosses the rider in the scene. Simulator rides are often used to create a feeling of traveling in a balloon or aircraft on a scenic trip through a particular area. Smells of ocean breeze, blooming flowers or even smoke or gasoline on a more extreme adventure helps the rider get lost in the experience.
4D Theaters
Theme parks and other attractions are creating 4D theaters that combine video content or stage performances with the physical aspect of “rain” or other water sprays as well as scents to complete the experience. SensoryCo partnered with one client on their 4D theater to couple spritzer implementations to “splash” the audience during a wild ride down a waterfall. Water sprays from “ocean waves” are used in a maritime theater with a film incorporating a stormy sea. Another amusement park uses the unexpected effect of a spray coinciding with a “sneeze” from an animated character (kids love that one!).
Probably one of the most awe inspiring examples is SEGA Orbi in Japan that combines SEGA technology with BBC’s Earth cinematography to create an amazing multisensory experience. SensoryCo collaborated to add scents and water effects on many of the exhibitions and theaters. In “The Magic of Yellowstone,” smells change as quickly as the visual effects, keeping the viewer immersed in the experience. Quickly your nose detects the smell of sulfur as the image of volcanoes comes into view. In other venues, on screen, a stampeding heard kicks up dust and grass as those smells rise as well.
Sophisticated audiences expect continual excitement and novelty from theme parks and attractions. SensoryCo is dedicated to innovation and creativity in the range of aromas and water effects we provide as well as working with clients on custom applications to create the most thrilling sensory effects at theme parks.