What is your most recent/current dark ride, and what makes it stand out?
Simworx has a distinctive variety of dark rides and the 360° Flying Theatre is our latest attraction. As specialist suppliers of media-based dynamic simulation attractions, our partnership with Mondial, one of the world’s leading amusement ride manufacturers, enables us to bring a new range of technologies together to create this cutting-edge attraction.
Using the latest 3D visual technology projected onto dome screens, riders experience a real feeling of flying as they’re immersed into a highly entertaining movie, enhanced with a range of optional special effects. The audience “soars” through the film – legs dangling – as they’re seated in three rows of 20 and transported sideways, backwards, forwards, up and down, providing a fun and exhilarating experience that appeals to audiences of all ages.
We’ve recently installed a new custom 3D/4D immersive simulation attraction at Merlin’s London-based Shrek’s Adventure. The flying bus ride, which is based around our Immersive Tunnel, transports riders through a fairytale world, with Donkey at the helm. The ride uses advanced technology, 360° 3D projection and unique DreamWorks 3D animation, together with numerous multisensory effects.
In terms of engineering, design or manufacturing, what have been the most exciting breakthroughs or advancements you’ve made lately?
Following our recent acquisition of RoboCoaster, the company is now concentrating on the launch of a range of AGV and RCX dark rides. The AGV rides are trackless and not hampered by any power cables, and move at up to 0.5g. They’re available with a variety of different motion systems, sizes and on-board 4D effects. The latest AV solutions combine with the ride to offer an enthralling experience.
The RoboCoaster RCX range offers either a fixed or tracked solution, providing three axis motion, high-quality media content and AV solutions, plus optional 4D effects.
What are the current main trends in creating a dark ride?
Media-based attractions continue to grow in popularity, thanks to a range of well known IPs. Many years ago, IPs were limited to Universal and Disney, but IP providers have found that expanding into the mainstream theme park market has not only given them high-profile marketing opportunities, but also a new revenue stream through licensing.
Can you describe the current market climate? How do you stay ahead of the competition?
There’s a huge appetite for new dark rides and unique experiences from theme parks around the world who want to set themselves apart from the competition. At Simworx, product development has always been at the forefront, together with the desire to offer clients a first-class attraction along with excellent aftersales support.
What have been the biggest changes for ride makers in recent times?
Having a varied portfolio of products to meet the demands of an ever-increasing, wide-ranging market has meant that we are continually launching new products and technology. However, this has been a very exciting challenge that we have been pleased to adopt into our company strategy.
What’s on the horizon for Simworx?
Following the successful installation of the world’s first Immersive Tunnel at Movie Park in Germany, Simworx has secured a further five orders for Immersive Tunnel rides around the world.
Our 4D cinemas are still extremely popular, along with other dynamic simulation attractions in our portfolio. With the launch of our AGV and RoboCoaster attractions, we’ll continue to develop new technology in the areas of VR, interactivity and advanced projection.