Will Theme Parks Immerse Guests in Highly Interactive Adventures? It's Possible.

It's a plugged-in, cell-phoned, iPod, Game Boy, WiFi, GPS, Bluetoothed world after all. Amid all the modern-day chatter and hype, a ride on Dumbo the Flying Elephant can seem, well, quaint. What's a theme park to do? Imagineers, the legendary band of wizards who create attractions for the Disney parks, are tweaking an experience that plugs right into the techno-zeitgeist and may anticipate a trend. Earlier in the fall, Walt Disney World tested an early prototype of an ambitious adventure that outfitted guests with some nifty gadgetry. By using their sleuthing skills, participants helped animated TV heroine, Kim Possible, thwart an evil plot. Dubbed the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, the highly interactive experience took place in a tricked-out Epcot and cast guests as real-life players in an immersive, real-world gaming environment. The focal point of the adventure was a "Kimmunicator," a PDA-like device that used video, text messaging, and audio to dispense clues and help propel guests through the experience. Following the leads, participants encountered actors, shopkeepers, and specially designed set pieces to uncover evidence hidden throughout the park. Disney deemed the trial run a success, but has not announced any plans to begin offering similar interactive adventures on a regular basis. In addition to park-based immersive adventures, Disney could offer the immersive experience at its hotels or on its cruise ships.

• Epcot Overview
• Soarin' at Epcot Ride Review
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Photo Gallery