Los Angeles Times Field Trip

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Virtual Thrills

The rollercoaster business has had its ups and downs. Sure, you can create faster rides and bigger drops, but it increases safety risks and decreases the number of people willing to enjoy such an intense experience.
The rollercoaster business has had its ups and downs. Sure, you can create faster rides and bigger drops, but it increases safety risks and decreases the number of people willing to enjoy such an intense experience.

This is where virtual reality (VR) comes in. This summer, Six Flags Magic Mountain started handing out VR goggles on one of its rollercoasters, turning it into a multimedia experience. Will this be the next big thing in theme park rides or is it a novelty that will wear off soon?NPR reports.

Questions...

•Who has used VR? What have you used it for?

•How might you adapt "Avitar" as a VR rollercoaster experience?

•What other stories (movies or other stories) could be adapted for a VR rollercoaster experience?

•How could Magic Mountain use VR to compete with Knotts' Scary Farm around Halloween?

•In your opinion, will VR be a hugely successful technology, or will it be more like a Segway for your eyes?