Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions, is celebrating a major industry award win from IAAPA Expo this month.
The firm designed and developed Volkanu – Quest for the Golden Idol, an interactive 4D dark ride which debuted this year at the Lost Island Themepark in Waterloo, Iowa and has since been awarded a prestigious IAAPA Brass Award for Best Major Ride or Attraction during IAAPA Expo 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
“Guest response to Volkanu has already been overwhelmingly positive,” shared Lost Island Themepark owner Eric Bertch. “Many are surprised that such an amazing ride experience even exists here in Iowa. We were incredibly lucky to have Sally help create this unique ride concept with us and are thrilled that riders cannot get enough.”
Representing the fan community, Derek Perry of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest club of ride enthusiasts, said:
“Volkanu is one of the most immersive interactive rides that I have ever experienced. Combining exhilarating vehicle movements with impressive theming, this awesome family attraction is a must-ride. The mix of practical effects and three-dimensional imagery was unlike anything I have ever seen, and I cannot wait to ride it again -congratulations Sally Dark Rides and Lost Island!”
“Shining contributions”
Sally originally revealed Volkanu at IAAPA Expo 2021, showing the astonishingly lifelike shaman animatronic as well as facts about the upcoming attraction. The 4D attraction has a unique plot, trackless cars, immersive scenery, interactive gaming, and special effects such as wind and real fire.
Vice president of creative design for Sally, and lead designer of Volkanu, Drew Hunter, adds: “We were excited to be a finalist for a Brass Ring Award, sharing the category with other outstanding leaders in our industry.”
“Earning the Brass Ring Award not only celebrates our creative, dedicated, and innovative Sally team who worked to make this a world-class attraction but also reflects the shining contributions of many others that worked on the project – BDR Design Group, ETF Ride Systems, Alterface, Pure Imagination, Forte, Techni-Lux, and original music producer, John Citrone, to name a few.
“Together we created something incredible. We are proud to share this with Lost Island Themepark for trusting us to deliver this one-of-a-kind attraction to their guests.”
Sally Dark Rides also announced the Haunted Hotel for Funtown Splashtown USA at IAAPA Expo this month, with CEO John Wood saying it will be a one-of-a-kind family experience.
