Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions, has announced two new projects at IAAPA Expo in Orlando this week: a new pirate-themed interactive dark ride in partnership with Daniels Wood Land on Cannery Row in Monterey Bay, California, and an immersive dark ride at Lost Island Theme Park, currently under construction in Waterloo, Iowa.
Treasure Hunt
The company has teamed up with themed fabrication experts Daniels Wood Land on Treasure Hunt: The Ride, which will be located on Cannery Row. This stand-alone dark ride will feature adventurous storytelling alongside handcrafted sets, animatronics and special effects, as well as interactive media.
For the first time, Sally Dark Rides and Daniels Wood Land have partnered on both ownership and production of an attraction.
“We have always been impressed with the scenic style and capabilities of the incredible artists and craftsmen from Daniels Wood Land. To work with them to create a one-of-a-kind pirate adventure in Monterey is something we were excited about from the moment we heard about the opportunity,” says John Wood, CEO, Sally Dark Rides.
A pirate’s hideout
The concept is based on a set of newly discovered caverns under Cannery Row, and the myths surrounding the pirates who perhaps used to use it as a hideout, such as Captain Hippolyte Bouchard.
As they board a Cavern Car, guests will be given a Treasure Collector interactive device, which will help them to gather treasure as well as defend themselves against hazards such as the tide, sea monsters and a skeleton pirate crew.
“When the location for the ride became available, I discussed it with my team… it took about 30 seconds to arrive at the conclusion that we need to build a world-class dark ride down there,” says Ron Daniels, President, Daniels Wood Land.
“And it took just a few more seconds to agree how great it would be if we could shanghai the scallywags at Sally Dark Rides to join us in forming the most creative band of pirates that have ever plied the Western Coast. This is something my brother John and I have wanted to do for over 20 years… so it’s literally a dream coming true by the sweat of our brows, and it’s an honour and a privilege to partner with Sally Dark Rides and make it happen!”
Volkanu
Secondly, Sally Dark Rides has also announced plans for an immersive dark ride at the new Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo, called VOLKANU — Quest for the Golden Idol. This will be one of the park’s first major attractions and will be located within its iconic Volcano structure to the west of the entrance, serving as an anchor attraction.
The ride, custom-designed by Sally Dark Rides, will bring Lost Island’s mythical island theme to life through world-class storytelling. It will include multi-level gameplay technology, with four-minute showtime that includes 3D imagery, dynamic scenery, animatronic figures and special effects.
“At Sally, we strive to create immersive, engaging experiences for families. That’s what made our partnership with Lost Island Theme Park a perfect fit,” says Wood. “There’s incredible thematic storytelling in this park. It’s truly going to transport families into a magical land. We’re focusing on every detail of Volkanu to bring that story to life for guests to enjoy for years to come.”
Highly-themed adventure
Lost Island is the home of fire god Volkanu, a mythical creature of molten rock living deep inside the park. During the ride, guests will need to find the sacred Ora-Tika statue in order to keep Volkanu dormant, and will also be challenged to battle his minions with their Thermal Blaster as they travel through the adventure.
“The team at Sally is the best of the best. They’ve created a thrill-packed adventure ride with Volkanu that’s sure to become a fan-favourite at Lost Island,” says Eric Bertch, owner of Lost Island Waterpark. “The new theme park builds on the magic we created with our waterpark for an all-new, immersive experience. With rides like Volkanu and many more to come, we can’t wait to see the excitement on families’ faces on opening day.”
The 159-acre Lost Island Theme Park is currently under construction and once open will feature five different “realms”, with backstories and elements that all tie together. Installation of Volkanu began in October 2021 and it will debut at the park’s grand opening in 2022.
Meanwhile, Treasure Hunt: The Ride opens next year at 700 Cannery Row, Monterey Bay, California.
Last year, Sally Dark Rides celebrated the fact that its Sesame Street: Street Mission dark ride at PortAventura World was recognised by the TEA at the 2020 Thea Awards, in the category of Outstanding Achievement.
