The opening of Disneyland in 1955 was category-defining moment in pop culture zeitgeist and since then has been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world and a springboard to evolving the game beyond the borders of magic kingdoms.

Themed entertainment is the reason MouseInfo exists and it’s probably why you’re reading this article so what exactly does the future hold? That’s what we were looking to find out at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

Panelists discussed the future of themed entertainment and experiences as the demand rises and new technologies emerge and included Josh Steadman (creative director at Paradox Studios), Luc Steadman (principal concept designer at Universal Creative Studio), Haley Keim and Ellie Repka (co-owners of Damn Good Shindig), Jeff Schiefelbein (production designer Sinister Pointe),  and J. C. Reifenberg (owner of Scum & Villainy Cantina), with moderator Camille Falciola (experience designer).

Beyond themed parks with extensive attention to story and detail, themed entertainment has and continues to grow at exponential growth. From bourique experiences such as those that have been the norm at events like San Diego Comic-Con to robust haunt season scares, mazes, and experiences to more permanent installations of hyper-themed dining establishments where food and drink are literally only part of the story.

Emerging technology with AR, VR, headsets, and metaverses are all the rage with the promise of the expansive worlds they could delivery but tangible experiences are always going to have their place, too. What’s certain is that as long as there is imagination left in the world, themed entertainment isn’t going anywhere.

See it for Yourself

San Diego Comic-Con took place July 19 – July 23, 2023.

But Wait, There’s More!

Don’t miss out on any of our coverage across the MouseInfo Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts for the latest from the event!

MORE INFO: Get all of our Comic-Con coverage at mouseinfo.com/sdcc