Merlin Entertainments has revealed plans to introduce a high-adrenaline virtual reality (VR) experience to rollercoasters in three of its parks.

The all-new VR element will be available at Legoland Malaysia Resort, Legoland Florida Resort and Legoland Deutschland Resort, and will be an update to the existing Project X coasters.

Dubbed the Great Lego Race, the immersive family thrill ride will challenge guests to don their VR headsets and “face, race and beat” a line-up of competitors from the world of Lego, including Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain.

“The Great Lego Race was inspired by the way kids play with Lego toys at home,” said Candy Holland, senior creative director for Merlin Magic Making. “It’s a unique Lego adventure that lets kids enter an epic imaginary world made entirely from Lego bricks, featuring a host of different themes and fun Lego characters, all mixed up together.”

Following a pre-show which explains the concept and VR experience to visitors, guests board the ride and are immediately surrounded by the roar of engines and a view of fellow racers preparing for the starter’s orders. Bluetooth technology ensures every twist and turn of the rollercoaster is synchronised to the Lego-brick world inside the riders’ headsets.

The new attraction, which is suitable for children aged six and over, is scheduled to open in late 2017 at Legoland Malaysia and in 2018 at the brand’s Florida and Deutschland Resorts.

Guests will also have the option to ride without the VR headset.

Last month, Merlin announced a new attraction for its Legoland theme park in California, an undersea submarine ride through a 300,000-gallon aquarium, called Lego City: Deep Sea Adventure.