Saturn Imagineering was appointed by the acclaimed caves attraction to bring its Witch of Wookey legend into the modern age.
Saturn Imagineering’s creation, a spectacular ride with cutting-edge effects and a multi-dimensional theatre experience, is now complete.
The new attraction has been installed secretly behind the scenes by technicians from across the world over the last few weeks, and the ride was officially opened on the 15th July by the Mayor of Wells, ready for the school summer holidays.
Daniel Medley, Director at Wookey Hole Caves said, “We’ve been putting the finishing touches to the new attraction during the last couple of weeks and some visitors have been getting a sneak preview as we fine tune the complex electronics of the computer-generated show and special effects. At £1.5m we believe it is the biggest single investment in tourism in the South West this year and it rivals some of the best theme rides in the Florida theme parks.”
Visitors daring to enter The Witch’s Laboratory meet Harold, the witch’s pet bat and, in the witch’s absence, are embroiled in the results of his attempt at casting one of her strangest spells…
Harold the bat reveals the secret passageway to the Magic Mirror that then magically transports visitors back in time to The Lost World where they are confronted by life-like full-size dinosaurs as they plunge through a primeval landscape in a dizzying life or death chase.
Participants feel the breath of the dinosaurs on their faces; the pounding of their giant feet, hear the roars and enjoy a ride full of surprises and thrills.
Medley added, “The Witch of Wookey now has a laboratory that can conjure up spells that we will change from time to time. We are starting with a spell that takes people to the Lost World of the dinosaurs as that perfectly complements the Valley of the Dinosaurs, which children love to spend time in after seeing the spectacular caverns of Wookey Hole. But we have plans for the witch to conjure up other exciting 4D experiences in the future. Visitors will get a real adrenaline rush as they experience the fear of being chased by the biggest creatures that ever roamed the earth. It is just like being transported back in time using the latest technology for people to see in 3D, hear the sounds of prehistoric Britain, feel the primeval wind on their face and a few big surprises.”
The Witch’s Laboratory and The Lost World 4D are a combined experience that lasts 20 minutes and is designed to add value to the existing ticket price: an inclusive addition to all the other popular attractions at Wookey Hole Caves.
Simon Pickard, Managing Director of Saturn Imagineering commented, “Wookey Hole is a unique attraction in a wonderfully atmospheric setting and with some fascinating stories to tell so it couldn’t fail to inspire our creative ideas and designs which we have been able to deliver with a host of state of the art pre-show and screen theatre effects. We are all delighted with the results.”
