Elevate Your Orlando Getaway with Cutting‑Edge Tech Attractions
Orlando’s attractions, restaurants and airport are leveraging the latest technology to create unforgettable experiences.
From pioneering ride systems and virtual queue solutions to launching the first AI‑powered mobile app in the industry, Orlando—known worldwide as the Theme Park Capital—continues to set the standard for tech‑savvy entertainment. Below is an overview of how the city’s venues are embracing cutting‑edge trends.
Note: Depending on the time of your visit, certain attractions may have temporary changes. Check healthy travel updates and confirm current operating hours with each venue before you go.
The Technology Behind Avatar's Flight of Passage
Inside Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort, 48 guests at a time step into a state‑of‑the‑art theater where they board “mountain banshees” as avatars flying across Pandora. Riders sit on a “link chair” and receive a pair of “flight goggles” or 3‑D glasses.
Once seated, guests face a 69‑foot‑wide, 97‑foot‑high screen. As the ride launches, the chairs pivot and tilt to match the on‑screen action. Immersive elements—gusts of wind, mist sprays, and a banshee’s breath under the seat—create a truly visceral experience.
TapuTapu: The Wearable That Waits for You
Universal’s Volcano Bay water park introduced the TapuTapu wearable—a wristband that lets guests skip physical lines by entering a virtual queue. The band is included with admission.
At any attraction kiosk, guests scan the band to join the virtual queue. When their wait time ends, the band displays “Ride Now.” The wearable also triggers interactive surprises, enables cash‑less payments, and can unlock lockers.
Jimmy Fallon Virtual Queue
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest ride, Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon, launched its first virtual line. Riders check in via the Official Universal Orlando Resort App, reserve a time slot, and receive a colored Peacock Card when it’s their turn.
The card guides guests through pre‑show areas where they can leave a “thank you note,” meet Hashtag the Panda, and enjoy a performance by the Ragtime Gals.
Aquarium Game at Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) keeps pace with high‑tech trends. With a record‑breaking visitor count in 2016, the airport now features a unique digital game displayed on large video walls in each terminal. The Aquarium Game keeps children entertained during check‑in and eases parent anxiety. Additionally, 700 video panels showcase Orlando highlights and provide airline information.
Planet Hollywood Meets the Big Screen
After a comprehensive remodel, Planet Hollywood reopened at Disney Springs® in early 2017. A centerpiece is its 4,500‑square‑foot video wall that uses Trompe L’oeil 3‑D technology to create realistic optical‑illusion environments. The screen cycles through music videos, lyric displays that invite sing‑along moments, and choreographed dance breaks performed by staff, delivering an “out‑of‑this‑world” dining atmosphere.
Visit Orlando Destination App
In August 2016, Visit Orlando launched a destination‑first mobile app. The beta app offers personalized recommendations for dining, entertainment, and attractions. It also incorporates augmented‑reality overlays that pinpoint nearby options directly through the camera view. Travelers can hunt for “Magical Orbs” that appear via AR, unlocking special deals.
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