3. The unique 3D technology

Although it's ubiquitous now, back in 1999, 3D was still something of a novelty. The only 3D movies that really existed could be found at theme parks – shows like MuppetVision 3D and Terminator 2: 3D. And so, within that context, the idea of a thrill ride featuring 3D technology seemed rather far-fetched.

Nevertheless, when Spider-Man opened, it delivered a roving motion simulator attraction with a significant amount of 3D film. It seemed impossible to wrap your head around – how could 3D scenes be synchronized with a moving car? How could the glasses stay on your head?

Through some engineering wizardry, Universal figured it out. They invented their own technique for keeping a 3D film in focus for a moving vehicle, and managed to put together some beautifully animated sequences where Peter Parker fights the villains of the Sinister Syndicate. The quality of the 3D film, combined with the synchronization of the 3D with the vehicles movements, further pushes the feeling of being transported into a comic book and allows guests to connect even deeper with the story.

4. The combination of 3D film and physical sets

But even with the high quality of the 3D films, the ride's most amazing triumph is how those 3D scenes interact with real, physical sets contained within the ride. It is this combination of 3D film and the physical space that really puts Spider-Man in a class of its own.

It starts right at the beginning, with Spider-Man introducing himself by seemingly landing on the front of the Scoop vehicle. Through a combination of brilliant film directing, amazing 3D technology, and perfectly synchronized movements, guests can see and feel Spider-Man landing on the car. It's a stunning effect just moments into the ride, and it cleverly introduces guests to both the ride's main character and the kinds of motions they can expect the vehicle to make.

Of course, Spider-Man's most famous effect is its finale – a massive, breathtaking free fall from high atop New York City. Despite never actually elevating into the air, the combination of 3D screens and physical fake buildings tricks the brain into thinking it's actually falling from the sky – only to be caught at the last second by Spider-Man's web. While it's only an illusion, it perfectly encapsulates the brilliance of the attraction.

5. The aesthetic completeness

Individually, these elements are all incredible, but it's how they interact that makes The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man truly the best. The queue invites guests into the comic book world of Spider-Man, making them comfortable with the main visual aesthetic of the attraction. The vehicles continue that visual aesthetic while also providing guests with a clear point of focus within the ride itself. All of that enables the 3D effects to work perfectly and, in turn, having the 3D effects working perfectly is what allows the attraction to use its creative interplay between 3D scenes and physical effects. The ride is aeshetically consistent and complete from start to finish.

While other attractions might operate similarly, it's this interaction between the various storytelling mechanisms that make Spider-Man a unique adventure. From start to finish, guests are transported into the world of Spider-Man and given every opportunity to feel exactly what that world is like. The technical elements are there not simply to thrill guests, but to immerse them in the story of the ride. It takes guests through dark city streets, to the tops of the highest skyscrapers, and everywhere in between – all while never leaving the ground.