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3D stands for three-dimensional and refers to an image that provides the perception of depth. The real world, for example, is three-dimensional. A box is 3D, whereas a square is 2D, or two-dimensional. In the attractions industry, 3D technology can be used for rides, shows, exhibits and immersive art experiences. 

Some rides and attractions are 4D, which combines three-dimensional technology with physical effects such as motion, vibration, scent, water, mist, smoke and wind. Universal Orlando is home to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, which uses 4D special effects and three-dimensional media. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is another 3D and 4D attraction at Universal Orlando. The resort also boasts Transformers: The Ride-3D. 

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a motion-based three-dimensional dark ride at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Japan. In 2022, the Osaka-based park featured a Jujutsu Kaisen-themed 4D attraction as part of its collaboration with the Japanese manga series. The theatre attraction immersed visitors in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen through special effects and three-dimensional technology.

At Walt Disney World in Florida, Star Tours – The Adventure Continues takes guests on a thrilling and realistic space flight to iconic destinations from the Star Wars universe. Also on offer are 3D theatre attractions such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Muppet*Vision 3D. 

Outside of theme parks, AREA15 in Las Vegas features a cosmic-inspired, 3D blacklight art gallery by Alex Aliume. Visitors wear ChromaDepth 3D glasses to make the colours seem like they are floating in separate planes. These wearables make visitors feel like they are going inside the art.

Perception, a deep tech augmented reality (AR) company, is making museum collections accessible at home and school through cutting-edge 3D desktop AR hologram technology. The system allows 2D monitors to release holographic images by tracking user head positions and rendering lifelike images.

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