Abstract: A mobile application for execution upon an electronic device for an amusement park or waterpark. The mobile application provides information, entertainment or other convenience data to the user while the user is within the park. The mobile application may be configured to determine a position of the electronic device within the park and display notifications including discounts at nearby vendors or restaurants, menus of nearby eateries, or ride recommendations based upon wait times. The mobile application may allow the user to make reservations at nearby restaurants within the park. The mobile application may generate an efficient ride sequence for the user based upon characteristics of either the user or the user's participation within the park and navigate the user around the park according to the ride sequence. Puzzles, games, or other entertainment or educational activities may be displayed to the user for providing rewards based upon their participation.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.

Abstract: A mobile application for execution upon an electronic device for an amusement park or waterpark. The mobile application provides information, entertainment or other convenience data to the user while the user is within the park. The mobile application may be configured to determine a position of the electronic device within the park and display notifications including discounts at nearby vendors or restaurants, menus of nearby eateries, or ride recommendations based upon wait times. The mobile application may allow the user to make reservations at nearby restaurants within the park. The mobile application may generate an efficient ride sequence for the user based upon characteristics of either the user or the user's participation within the park and navigate the user around the park according to the ride sequence. Puzzles, games, or other entertainment or educational activities may be displayed to the user for providing rewards based upon their participation.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction capable of incorporating user skill or agility. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat with handles that allows the rider thereon to manipulate its position or other elements while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. Sensors located along the slide are configured to interact with tags having corresponding identification information, such tags either worn by the rider in accessories or embedded or coupled with the ride vehicle. When a tag is within a predetermined distance or vicinity of a sensor, one or more aspects of the waterslide attraction may be modified, such as by turning on jets of fluid or assigning score points associated with the identification information. A screen or mobile application displays various characteristics corresponding to travel performance down the slide.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.

Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: A method of competitive game play is provided utilizing a plurality of balls or other discrete play media. Balls may be tagged or otherwise identified with a differentiating color, size, weight, printed code or other identification/tracking means, as desired. The game is configured such that individual play participants or groups of play participants (e.g., boys vs. girls) can effectively compete with other players or groups of players within the same game based on interactions with various game inputs distributed throughout the game system. The game inputs advantageously enable players to selectively control or direct ball movement and/or other play media movement to various desired collection areas, scoring areas, targets and/or the like. Play participants competitively play and interact with the gaming system and/or with one another to achieve desired goals and/or produce desired effects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.

Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, barcode or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing-certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique interactive play experience carried out utilizing a toy “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device. In one embodiment the wand incorporates a wireless transmitter and motion-sensitive circuitry adapted to actuate the transmitter in response to particular learned wand motions. The wand allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing, touching and/or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects. Various wireless receivers or actuators are distributed throughout the play facility to support such wireless interaction and to facilitate full immersion in a fantasy experience in which participants can enjoy the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic.

Abstract: A self-contained interactive play structure is provided having an outer housing and a plurality of towers disposed within the housing. A plurality of play media including impact-safe projectile accelerators are disposed throughout the structure. A central targeting area is provided having targets which, when contacted by a projectile, activate desired play effects. A projectile conveyor system supplies projectiles to be shot from the projectile accelerators.