themed entertainment

Designing the Ride Experience – Immersive Development for Universal & wdi Attractions

Themed entertainment thrives at the intersection of story, space, and spectacle. In support of several high-profile attractions for Universal Creative, including Fast & Furious: Supercharged, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and upcoming E-ticket attractions for Epic Universe in Orlando, the task centered on crafting and refining detailed 3D models, show set layouts, and ride timing animations to support the narrative and technical development of each experience.

At the core of each assignment was one key principle: storytelling through environment. These weren’t static models or final visuals—they were dynamic, evolving tools that helped shape the rhythm and emotional pacing of the ride. Each 3D model acted as an analytical framework, used to test and visualize everything from sightlines and scenic composition to figure placement, vehicle choreography, and light and shadow interplay within each scene.

The work included developing ride timing animations and animatics, essential for mapping guest motion and aligning scenic moments with audio, lighting, and character beats. These digital tools allowed creative directors and technical teams to simulate ride flow and adjust the experience early in the design process, ensuring that the story beats hit with precision—whether it was the rush of a car chase, the whimsy of animated pets, or the thrill of racing through Bowser’s Castle.

Additional responsibilities included the development of 3D props, scenic elements, and architectural show set components—assets that served both creative and fabrication needs. These models were designed with the flexibility to iterate, analyze, and communicate intent across creative, production, and technical disciplines.

As the team expanded, the role also evolved into a leadership and training function, establishing workflows and onboarding new artists into the modeling and animation pipeline. Several of these production processes—designed to balance creative fidelity with technical efficiency—remain integral to the studio's workflow today.

This body of work represents a deep engagement with ride storytelling at all levels: conceptual, spatial, and temporal. From modeling to motion, from mood to mechanics, each deliverable helped shape the guest journey—turning thrilling concepts into richly immersive, rideable worlds.