Cerulean Coast
Design Team:
Erica Frost
Time Frame:
Started May 2025
Phase 1 Completed April 2026
Deliverables:
3D Printed Scaled Model Facades
Display for DAAPWorks 2026
Programs Used:
Figma
Procreate
Sketch Up
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe In Design
Bambu Labs Splicer
Increase in Fans
In 2024, Dungeons & Dragons announced that it had reached 85 million players worldwide, up from only 65 million a decade earlier. Currently, the only places to have a full-body Dungeons and Dragons experience are Renaissance festivals, conventions, and small walk-throughs, all of which are temporary installations. With the drastic increase in fans, a permanent installation, such as a theme park section, would be a logical next step for the themed entertainment industry.
Research Plan
I used video essays by Defunctland and Theme Park History, docu-series by Disney, podcasts by Defunctland and For Your Amusement, and books by Disney for my secondary sources for information on what worked. In addition, I surveyed and hopped on calls with fans of the game to get an idea of their fears and excitement with the idea. To further analyze, I went to Universal Experiences and Destinations to observe park operations and experience the newest park.
Travel Research Results
After going to Universal in Florida, I learned what was working well. For example, the walking characters and the ability to dress as if you belong in the setting offer a deeper immersion. In addition, the dark rides, often but not always, put guests directly in the scenes more successfully.
Digital Research Results
The video essays and docu-series revealed insights into the layout and operation strategies that need to be considered. This includes the shape and theming of the queue, the story being told, and the atmosphere of the space.
4 Directions of Themes
