Theme parks aren’t just selling tickets—they’re selling worlds. Here’s how immersive design drives guest loyalty and revenue.
In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dr. Ray Eddy, award-winning UCF professor and former Disney stuntman, to explore how immersive experiences are transforming business. From the psychology of immersion to the future of AI-driven theme parks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in entertainment, tech, or innovation.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00:00 – Welcome to Nexus + Dr. Ray Eddy Intro.
00:01:50 - What was it like being Indiana Jones at Disney?
00:03:51 - What is immersion and how does it affect us?
00:06:05 - Tell us more about the research you've done.
00:10:08 - What makes an experience truly immersive?
00:13:23 - Are there levels of immersion designers aim for?
00:15:34 - What’s next for immersion and AI in entertainment?
00:17:42 - The business case for immersive lands in theme parks.
00:19:55 - How immersion drives attendance and revenue.
00:22:25 - Are storytellers writing with theme parks in mind?
00:23:45 - What does the future of immersion look like for the parks?
00:25:45 - How rapid are these innovations coming?
00:27:59 - Final thoughts: personalization, passion, and innovation.
00:29:25 - Thank you for tuning in!
🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.
🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all
🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/
💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all
📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.
#NexusatUCF #Nexus #Podcast #BusinessInnovation #ImmersiveDesign #ThemeParkStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #AIandStorytelling #LeadershipInBusiness
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.