Jora Vision, a leading design and production companyETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturerand Alterface, a leader in interactive technologyhave joined forces to create an interactive dark ride at Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is scheduled for completion by 2025 and is the first Six Flags park to be designed and built from scratch outside of North America. The theme park is already set to break records with the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Falcon flight.
The enchanted greenhouse offers visitors a family-friendly and immersive Indoor attraction in the “Twilight Gardens” themed area. In an abandoned greenhouse, guests are taken on a journey to uncover secrets such as the identity of the elusive keeper “Farasha” (the butterfly) and discover the hidden inhabitants. The trackless vehicles travel 160 meters in 1,300 square meters of themed environment.
A new consortium
Jora Vision immediately decided to partner with Alterface and ETF Ride Systems on this dark rideThe three companies have previously collaborated on “Bazyliszek” in Legendia Poland and “Popcorn Revenge” at Walibi Belgium.
By working together from the beginning, the companies were able to coordinate each ride element. Jora Vision used 3D design studies to ensure the ride fit within the constraints of Six Flags Qiddiya City. The dark ride had to fit into a fairly compact space, but the teams created intelligent scenes for a nearly five-minute experience with an extensive pre-show.
The importance of storytelling
Jora Vision has developed the overall concept and story, which is told by several animatronics, 14 multimedia projectors and a new effect never seen before in an interactive dark ride. This technology is surrounded by thousands of lifelike, otherworldly plants.
The story of the ride has not yet been revealed, but it is influenced by the local culture and region. There is also a message of love and growth that permeates every aspect of the ride.
“Six Flags Qiddiya City is an exceptional development in our industry and is known for its creative and visionary ambitions. We believe the Enchanted Greenhouse aligns beautifully with these enchanting aspirations and promises to be a brand new ride experience for families in Saudi Arabia,” says Robin van der Want, Project Development Manager at Jora Vision.
Autonomous trackless vehicles
ETF Ride Systems has provided its autonomous trackless Multi Mover vehicles for the ride. Each vehicle seats six guests and features a themed body with animated elements that give passengers an unobstructed view of the themed environment.
12 vehicles will drive on the 160-meter-long track. Several scenes in the attraction Take advantage of the trackless system that allows effects and movements not possible with a traditional track. In addition, there is a non-linear charging station to reduce waiting times and increase capacity.
Ruud KöppensCEO of ETF Ride Systems, says: “With all the different elements and vehicles, it’s like conducting an orchestra to create a symphony.”
A unique approach to interactivity
The ride goes beyond a traditional interactive shooting competition ride; rather, it is a journey that encourages collaboration between guests to discover the magical biosphere around them. Each vehicle will work together to alter the environment, such as changing color, influencing behavior, and lighting up creatures.
Thanks to Alterface’s technological expertise, the interactive elements are non-intrusive and blend into the attraction’s environment. This was particularly challenging given the large number of interactive components. The attraction features physical props, mapped projections, media content and the Pepper’s Ghost Effect to tell the story.
The company linked these elements and also coordinated lighting, media and music to ensure a coherent and magical experience.
“The collaboration with ETF Ride Systems and Jora Vision is crucial. It allows us to use a whole spectrum of visual tricks and hide the technology from guests to immerse them in a truly magical experience,” said Stephane BatailleCEO of Alterface.
Jora Vision, ETF Ride Systems and Alterface will unveil the attraction at IAAPA Europe in Amsterdam where they will announce further details. This will take place on September 24th at 2pm at the Jora Vision stand no. 12416.
Upper image ©Jora Vision.
