IAAPA Rides of the future

Underwater Virtual Reality

ORLANDO, Fla. – The annual IAAPA Expo, which brings attraction designers, ride manufacturers and other industry professionals together from around the world, is being held this week in the theme park capital of the world. By putting their latest innovations, cutting-edge technology and wild, creative concepts on display at the trade show, companies hope to pique the interest of parks and attractions.

The Expo offers something of a crystal ball into the industry. The newfangled roller coasters, dark (indoor) rides and other attractions featured on the trade show floor may show up on park midways down the road. Among more than 1,100 exhibitors in attendance, it can be difficult to gauge what will gain traction, but the following are some of the more compelling developments I discovered at the Expo.

Sub Sea Systems demonstrated the intriguing underwater virtual reality experience it's been developing.

As has been the case for a number of years, concepts that incorporate virtual reality are everywhere at the trade show. Sub Sea Systems has a particularly unique take on the technology. It uses a combination snorkeling mask and headset to provide an underwater VR experience. Why underwater?

“The neutral buoyancy medium is as close to the zero gravity of space as we can get,” says Jim Mayfield, the company’s president.

It was uncharacteristically cool in Orlando, but I donned a bathing suit and hopped into a portable pool (heated, thank goodness) at the Expo to give two versions of the concept a whirl. For DIVR, a free-floating experience that visitors can try at select locations, I found myself soaring around and through the International Space Station, which was quite captivating.

Guests who experience the DIVR+ attraction take a journey through a rich, virtual world.

Even more intriguing was a just-announced system, DIVR+, that uses a thruster mechanism onto which guests grab to simulate a diver propulsion vehicle. It vibrates and emits jets of water to enhance the sensation of taking an underwater journey. By literally placing guests underwater, Sub Sea Systems redefines the meaning of an immersive VR experience.