After two years of working at Dream Quest, Arias returned to the East Coast with the intention of finishing his studies, this time at NYU's Music Technology program. Soon after enrolling though, Arias was contacted by visual effects veteran and fellow "Abyss" alumnus Susan Sitnek, who invited Arias to join the crew of Universal Studios’ immersive attraction "" ("BTTFTR"), helmed by visual effects legend Douglas Trumbull. Once relocated to the Berkshires, where pre-production was underway, Arias was drafted by Trumbull to animate the attraction's flight-simulator-style ride vehicles. Of his time working under Trumbull, Arias recalls, "Doug was – IS – such an inspiring figure. For me and the other younger crew, including John Gaeta, now VFX Supervisor on the "Matrix" films, Doug was so generous with his knowledge; such a very warm and receptive and articulate and creative guy."