PortAventura World in Spain has revealed its new mixed-reality (XR) experience, Expedition ULUM: The Jurassic Awakening, which is set to open to visitors on 26 November.
The experience transports guests to the heart of Mexico on a journey that integrates themed physical settings and cutting-edge digital environments.
It has been developed by PortAventura Adventure Labs, the in-house innovation hub of PortAventuraWorld, in partnership with Spatial Voyagers, an agency specialising in creating content and apps for spatial computing.
Theming was provided by the internationally acclaimed scenography company Moya.
The experience uses PICO4 Ultra Enterprise mixed reality glasses, which enable physical and digital elements to merge in the same environment, in a world-first theme park application of the advanced virtual technology.
'Innovation and technology at the service of emotion'
In Expedición ULUM, guests become explorers and are sent to Yucatán's cenotes, extraordinary natural sinkholes that offer windows into an underground river system. Here, they must document the potential existence of aquatic dinosaur fossils.
What starts as a scientific mission soon turns into an unexpected encounter with living Jurassic creatures that have been hidden under the waters for millions of years
The storyline, inspired by Mayan roots and the mystery of the cenotes, combines science, adventure and fantasy to ignite the curiosity and imagination of visitors aged six and over.
Its name, ULUM, signifies strength and movement, vital elements in both the Jurassic period and the expedition's story.
Marking the first family XR experience in a theme park, Expedición ULUM is designed for groups of up to six people and lasts between twelve and fifteen minutes.
The multisensory, interactive experience enables guests to move freely, interact with the digital environment in different ways, and discover a Jurassic universe in motion.
Andreu Tobella, digital director of PortAventura World, says: "Expedición ULUM reaffirms PortAventura World’s commitment to innovation and technology at the service of emotion.
"We want every visit to the resort to be a unique experience, in which imagination and science go hand in hand."
With this new addition, PortAventura World cements its leadership as a destination for innovative experiences in Europe. Through the work of Adventure Labs, it explores new ways to integrate technology, emotion, and narrative, and to redefine how guests enjoy the resort.
The experience will be available in Spanish, Catalan, English and French. Furthermore, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility, reflecting PortAventura World's dedication to inclusivity and universal accessibility.
Earlier this year, PortAventura World in Spain launched El Diablo Neo, which it described as the world's first XR roller coaster.
