Unboxing the Outdoor Sensor
August 4, 2025
A recent bill introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives is putting amusement parks in the spotlight. The proposed Real-Time Ride Status Notification Act, introduced by Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma), would require Ohio’s permanent amusement parks—like Cedar Point and Kings Island—to provide real-time public updates on ride availability.
If passed, parks would need to update ride status within five minutes of a ride going temporarily offline or reopening, and make that information visible not only inside the park but also online for future visitors. Enforcement would fall under the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which already oversees ride safety inspections.
Why Legislators See the Need
Families invest hundreds of dollars into a theme park trip—tickets, food, lodging, and travel all add up. With that investment comes the expectation of enjoying the park’s signature rides and attractions. When a highly anticipated ride is unexpectedly closed, the disappointment doesn’t just dampen the day; it lowers the perceived value of the entire trip.
As Rep. Brennan put it, “Just like we expect real-time updates from public transportation or airports, parkgoers should be able to know which rides are operating before getting in line—or before leaving home.”
Benefits of Real-Time Notifications
- Improved guest experience: Guests gain confidence in their trip plans knowing what’s available and when.
- Perceived value: Park-goers feel their admission dollars are well spent when they can access the attractions they came for.
- Operational insights: Over time, notification data highlights patterns of downtime for certain rides, helping parks set accurate expectations.
Imagine a guest traveling hours for the chance to finally ride a flagship coaster, only to arrive at its entrance and see it roped off. If notified in advance, that guest could have planned differently—or chosen another park day altogether—avoiding disappointment and frustration.
Challenges for Parks
Implementing such a system is not without hurdles:
- Cost: Smaller parks may struggle with the investment in new systems and infrastructure.
- Defining downtime: Many rides, particularly large roller coasters, experience brief interruptions throughout the day. When does a short pause become an official “down” status?
- Maintaining accuracy: Real-time data requires reliable monitoring and fast updates, which can be difficult to scale.
Technology Already Leading the Way
The truth is, many large parks already use real-time notification systems. Through park apps, guests can view ride availability and even estimated wait times. However, these features are often locked behind geofencing, only accessible once a guest enters the park. The proposed legislation would push parks to make this information public, giving families the ability to plan before stepping through the gate.
This technology also ties directly into electronic queuing systems, where estimated ride wait times are calculated and updated in real-time. When a ride is open, guests see how long they might wait before boarding. If it goes down, the system immediately changes the status to “Temporarily Closed.”
How SenSource Fits In
At SenSource, we’ve seen first-hand how real-time occupancy data and wait time estimation technology improve the guest experience. Our solutions provide parks with the ability to accurately monitor line lengths and calculate projected wait times, delivering the kind of transparency guests—and now legislators—are calling for.
By pairing ride status updates with estimated wait times, parks can set realistic expectations, reduce frustration, and ensure guests feel like they’ve gotten the full value of their trip.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not this legislation passes, the trend is clear: amusement parks are being asked to provide greater transparency and control to their guests. For parks, the investment in real-time data technology isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating an experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.