Jora Vision, a leading design and production company, ETF Ride Systems, a leading ride designer and manufacturer, and Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, have joined forces to create an interactive dark ride at Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is expected to be completed by 2025 and is the first Six Flags park designed and built from the ground up outside of North America. The theme park is already set to break records with the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Falcons Flight.
The Enchanted Greenhouse will offer visitors a family-friendly and immersive indoor attraction in the ‘Twilight Gardens” themed zone. Set inside an abandoned greenhouse, the ride will take guests on a journey to uncover secrets like the identity of the elusive warden ‘Farasha’ (the butterfly) and discover the hidden inhabitants. The trackless vehicles travel 160 metres within 1,300 square metres of themed environments.
A new consortium
Jora Vision immediately chose to partner with Alterface and ETF Ride Systems on this dark ride. The three companies have worked together previously on Bazyliszek in Legendia Poland and Popcorn Revenge at Walibi Belgium.
By collaborating from the beginning, the companies were able to align every ride element. Jora Vision used 3D design studies to ensure the ride fit within the framework from Six Flags Qiddiya City. The dark ride had to fit into a fairly compact space, but the teams created smart scenes for an almost five-minute experience with an extensive pre-show.
The importance of storytelling
Jora Vision created the overall concept and story, which is told by several animatronics, 14 multimedia projectors and a new effect that has never been seen in an interactive dark ride before. This technology is surrounded by thousands of lifelike, otherworldly plants.
The story of the ride hasn’t been revealed yet, but it is influenced by the local culture and region. There is also a message of love and growth that infuses every aspect of the ride.
“Six Flags Qiddiya City is an extraordinary development in our industry, renowned for its creative and visionary ambitions. We believe the Enchanted Greenhouse harmonizes beautifully with these enchanting aspirations, promising to be a brand-new ride experience for families to enjoy in Saudi” says Robin van der Want, project development director at Jora Vision.
Autonomous trackless ride vehicles
ETF Ride Systems has provided its autonomous trackless Multi Mover vehicles for the ride. Each vehicle seats six guests and has a themed body with animated elements that offer riders an unobstructed view of the themed environment.
12 vehicles will run along the 160-metre-long course. Several scenes in the attraction take advantage of the trackless system, allowing for effects and movements that are not possible with a traditional rail. Furthermore, there is a non-linear loading station to reduce queue times and increase capacity.
Ruud Kppens, CEO 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 competitive shooting interactive ride; it is instead a journey that encourages cooperation between guests to discover the magical biosphere around them. Each ride vehicle will work together to change the environment, like changing colours, influencing behaviours and illuminating creatures.
Alterface’s technological experience means that the interactive elements are non-intrusive and blend into the ride’s surroundings. This was particularly challenging given the variety of interactive components. The ride 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 the lighting, media and music to ensure a cohesive and magical experience.
“The collaboration with ETF Ride Systems and Jora Vision is key. This allows us to use an entire register of visual tricks and to hide the technology from the guests to immerse them into a truly magical experience,” said Stephane Bataille, Alterface’s CEO.
Jora Vision, ETF Ride Systems and Alterface will host a reveal of the ride at IAAPA Europe in Amsterdam where they will share more details. This will take place at the Jora Vision booth #12416 at 2pm on 24 September.
Top image ©Jora Vision.
