Melting the Boundaries Between Fantasy and Reality

Technology goes beyond visual effects to produce alternative realities for immersive entertainment experiences. The art and science of immersive entertainment illusions engage all the senses in every direction and dimension. The theme park is an extreme example of immersive entertainment, wherein experiential entertainment designers and scenario authors project the audience into an experienced reality, whether actual or imagined. It is unparalleled by other forms of entertainment because it can sustain this illusion for thousands of people for a few minutes, a full day, or even a week. With that amount of scrutiny, theme parks present a challenge in integrating computer-generated content for experiential entertainment. Seamlessly blending the physical reality and the author's virtual fantasy is critical in creating a successful audience experience. This illusion is only effective when the author can engage and direct the audience's imaginary reality.