Snapchat have been enthusiastically embracing the augmented reality (AR) phenomenon for some time now, offering its customers a range of AR lenses, filters and experiences to try out, often as part of a media partnership. Continuing this trend, Snap has struck deals with several theme park operators which will see custom Snapchat lenses coming to three major US theme park operators – Disney, Universal and Six Flags.
The available Snapchat lenses will let visitors to the parks interact with some of their favourite characters. For example, at the Universal Studios park, an AR experience will be unlocked which will show the Minions causing mischief throughout the park.
“We love working with our partners Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. to create augmented reality experiences that allow our users to connect with some of their favorite characters in a totally new way,” said Snap VP partnerships Ben Schwerin. “We can’t wait for Snapchatters to have fun with these lenses when they visit the parks this summer.”
At Disney parks, visitors will be able to don a virtual costume to transform themselves into Mickey or Minnie Mouse, and visitors to Six Fags parks, including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, will be able to watch Superman save the park.
“Our fans are loving the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Snapchat lenses, which is just one of the many ways we are using the growing popularity of mobile technology to take the guest experience to the next level,” said a Disney Parks spokesperson. “Along with offerings like the all-new Play Disney Parks app, we can’t wait to use this amazing technology to connect Disney Parks guests with even more of their favorite characters and stories.”
The Disney, Six Flags and Universal AR experiences are already available at participating locations, with the lenses unlocking when Snapchat users reach the park location.
For further news on how AR technology is being used, keep checking back with VRFocus.