A few thoughts...
This is potentially a good way to make crap coasters vaguely interesting. When I read Knott's, my first thought was sidewinder.
My concern is this being misused on what are quality coasters. Ya know, like that Air rumour. On the one hand, this will have to be an optional thing so it doesn't really affect me if I never want to do it, but on the other... It will slow down ops. It just will. And secondly, that's a lot of money to invest into something that... didn't need investing, whilst other stuff desperately does.
All Cedar Fair's parks are however big with a lot of times and they have a plethora of mediocrity that would benefit from some publicity.
Also, who will care? I mentioned this to my dad who said "whats the point" and I can't imagine who wouldn't think that? It's one of those, oh while I'm here I'd like to try it cuz I'm here things... Not a "I want to go to X to experience THAT!" And even if you look at it as an enhancement to the existing experience, rather than a draw to the park, it's not going to be... Because lets just face it, it's poo isn't it. I've not even done it and I know it's crap. Everyone who's done it will either say that outright, or sort of praise it for turds like "well... it's, er, different?" to try not to sound like a negative prick, like I do.
Some things are just inherently bad ideas and this is one of them. Does VR have a place in theme parks? Yes, maybe... possibly, but coasters specifically? No?
I have an issue with screen based theme park attractions anyway and VR takes my criticisms and makes them the core experience. To me, theme parks better have a bloody good reason for leaving the house. If a ride wants me to watch a movie or play a game, it better be different to doing that at home... And not just because of higher budget tech, but because the experience is about being in that space. About being there with others. About viceral sensations. VR removes sight and that interaction with your physical environment, it's a threat to traditional theming, it's a threat to theme parks as a medium. Gimmicks should play off or enhance that core aspect that sets theme parks apart, not minimise it for no good reason. It's not like the video production out of these things is going to be outstanding, lets be honest, it'll be naff.
I sound old.
I don't know why companies are always drawn to bs like this. It's not that I'm against innovation, I'm just not a fan when it's for the sake of it. Hey look we've got this new technology lets forcibly push it into this hole it doesn't fit! And those who're involved in the industry apparently can't tell that it's pants, and keep buying it.
