Cornell Theme Park Design Competition

In Spring 2019, teams from around the world competed in the Cornell Theme Park Design Competition. Our goal was to create an immersive themed land while given specific spatial and thematic constraints.

Our land, Cape Cobia, tells the story of an aging fishing village that was stuck in time on the banks of the Delaware River. An inventor, Ferdinand Fitch, has decided to set up shop in the lost village, bringing a new steam-powered factory and his newest invention, the Flying Fish 1855. The new factory has brought steam-punk technology to the village, changing the look and feel of the town thanks to Ferdinand's new creations.

A celebration has been planned for the opening of this new factory, and you have been invited to join in the festivities! You have the opportunity to walk the decorated streets of Cape Cobia on your way to tour the newest addition too the city with Ferdinand Fitch himself directing you through the factory. Here are some of the festivities you can take part in during your journey through the town:

Flying Iron: Immersive water based dark ride with coaster elements

The flagship attraction for this land is Flying Iron. Based around the various tests Ferdinand has planned for his new Flying Fish 1855 airship, you will experience firsthand the capabilities of this amazing machine! Your journey begins by pulling out of the factory docks, as the townspeople cheer you on for your voyage to the testing facility. Upon entering the facility, Ferdinand begins the wave test, where waves begin to swell in the chamber, while wind gusts can be felt around as the conditions become more and more dangerous. Before you have time to yell for help, a wave crashes through the wall, sending your vessel into the factory's assembly line. As you are picked up and face the treacherous machinery, the Flying Fish 1855's airship balloon activates, sending you on a wild ride through the facility while trying to escape the factory. You race toward the emergency exhaust vent in the boiler room, coming face to face with the boiler and its powerful steam gusts. After crashing through the vent to safety, you enter the river surrounding the town and round the bend back to the docks.

Read more about our land from our Concept.

Throughout the land of Cape Cobia, various interactive elements have been placed to allow guests the ability to play a larger role as citizens of the land. One example of this is the pair of Archimedes Screw guests can rotate to bring water into the factory's boiler room. Guests under the screws can be doused with water when attached retention buckets fill, allowing for races between guests turning separate screws. Another interactive element is the various "steam exhaust vents" throughout the land. Using misting nozzles, the "steam" is perfectly safe for guests and allows for interaction directly between guests and the steam.

The queue of Flying Iron was designed to incorporate a level of interactivity never before experienced in an attraction queue. The outdoor "extended queue" section passes visitors by a variety of Ferdinand's inventions and tools and the the various outdoor sections of the ride. During the indoors portion, the line becomes a group as guests travel through various rooms and offices in the new factory becoming acquainted with the personalities of characters that will be important on the ride. This gives guests time to explore the various rooms, keeping everyone engaged during the wait for the attraction.

Learn about these and other aspects of Cape Cobia in our Land Theming.

This attraction utilizes a variety of ride mechanisms to deliver a unique experience to riders aboard the Flying Fish 1855. There are three main sections to the attraction: 1. a water based boat ride 2. a dark ride simulator achieved via two mechanical arms 3. a roller coaster section. This combination of ride elements makes the attraction unique for riders, encouraging all ages to enjoy this thrilling experience!

Read more about this state of the art ride system in the Technical Analysis.

Click to view a master plan of the expansion land, created by Matt McFall.