Ballast VR, a pioneer in aquatic virtual reality experiences for waterparks, and Kokpunkten Actionbad Waterpark have announced the launch of the newest VRSlide and DIVR experiences. Kokpunkten was the first waterpark to debut the DIVR system, back in 2018.
“3 years ago, we developed a strong partnership with Ballast VR and became the very first destination to feature DIVR in Europe. This technology is now available to our guests along with VRSlide, their waterslide VR experience,” says Johan Björkman, General Manager at Kokpunkten.
“We have been very impressed with the quality of the content. It’s a life-like and immersive experience that leaves out guests excited to try more. We look forward to the next evolution of Virtual Reality and Ballast VR. With VRSlide, our new waterpark’s offering. We are very confident with the potential that this new guest experience brings us when we reach full capacity again.”
Aquatic VR experiences
The VRSlide uses sensors and advanced software to synchronise a real-life waterslide experience with VR visuals. Each installation has 25 VR headsets for a smooth visitor throughput, and guests can opt to ride with or without the VR element. Most parks charge around $2.50 – $3.00 for the VR experience, as well as providing all day/all ride packages.
Meanwhile, DIVR allows visitors to virtually explore underwater scenes alongside stunning sea life, from the comfort and safety of a resort pool simply by donning a DIVR headset.
There are currently four active VRSlide sites, which see between 4,000 and 14,000 uses per month, per slide. Since 2018, VRSlides have generated more than $1.3 million in park revenues.
Visitors to Kokpunkten Actionbad can enjoy three VRSlide experiences: Snow Dragon, where they navigate a snowy castle protected by a dragon in order to find a hidden treasure trove; Space Aliens, a fun intergalactic experience and Sky Temple, where they will discover a floating land with mythical animals, hot air balloons and temple ruins.
Atlas Roufas, Ballast’s Chief Content Officer, says, “One of the silver linings of 2020 was that Ballast was able to focus a lot of time and resources on enhancing its content development process. We are continuing to lead the field in the world’s most unique combination of physical and digital VR experiences. Our latest installation at Kokpunkten Actionbad is a proud result of this development and guests will be stunned by the heightened visual worlds that we have created.”
These attractions lend themselves naturally to social distancing, and both the VRSlide and DIVR headsets are easy to disinfect after use. At locations that have reopened, they have proved to be just as popular as they were before the outbreak of COVID-19.
Earlier this year, Ballast VR expanded its partnership with Welk Resorts, in order to offer the DIVR underwater virtual reality experience at Welk’s Breckenridge vacation resort.
