Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier is set to unveil a brand new Virtual Reality experience zone next week, offering visitors the chance to try the latest in VR technology with VR simulation and game play.
The first VR experience of its kind in Somerset, the attraction features six full motion experience pods that guests can interact with by wearing the latest headsets. Using technology superior to anything found in a 4D ride or home-style VR headset, visitors experience a full 360-degree view, packed with details.
The Grand Pier’s Cinema Zone will provide guests with a choice of six VR experiences, all created by Immotion Studios in Manchester and Los Angeles.
Each of the experiences lasts between four and five minutes, and include:
- Elf Power Inc: especially for Christmas. Guests get to join a team of Santa’s helpers as they embark on a journey to spread the joy of Christmas far and wide
- Delta Zero: a high-octane space battle adventure
- Jinxed: a VR twist on the classic ghost train
- Dragon Island: a magical ride on the back of a dragon, ideal for younger guests
- Legend of Lusca: an educational deep-sea adventure with a few surprises thrown in
- Snow Coaster: a high-speed, white-knuckle, VR rollercoaster set against a breath-taking frozen landscape
Martin Higginson from Immotion, said: “Families will most probably not have experienced this level of virtual reality before. Immotion’s amazing breakthrough VR animations paired with cutting-edge technology will be a great addition to this iconic theme park.
“It offers incredible virtual reality content with stunning wrap-around sound and multi-directional movement, a truly unique, immersive environment.”
Tim Moyle, general manager of the Grand Pier, said: “We are always looking for new and exciting additions to the wide variety of attractions we already have here on the Pier, so that we have something to offer people of all ages.
“We’re particularly excited about the VR experience centre, as it is a truly state-of-the-art experience, with options for thrill-seekers and younger guests alike.
“We can’t wait to see people’s reactions to the VR experience centre. Hopefully, guests will want to try out all six of the VR experiences on offer. We look forward to finding out which one they enjoyed the most.”
Additionally, Immotion VR is coming to Birmingham’s Star City.
The fully immersive virtual reality experience takes guests into new realms thanks to motion simulators, wrap-around sound and multi-direction movement – one minute they could be travelling around the globe with Santa’s elves making sure presents are delivered in time, the next they’re in space and trying to save civilisation as we know it.
Arek Antoniak, head of retail operations at ImmotionVR, said, “We’re excited to be opening in Birmingham. We’ll be offering families a unique type of experience, with cutting-edge VR that will be a great addition to the leisure park, creating new experiences where the possibilities are literally endless. From young to old, VR will take you to new worlds or provide a new twist on familiar tales. We’re expecting a busy first few weeks, so booking ahead of time is recommended. With a host of different experiences, we can guarantee you and your family the most intense and immersive illusion.”
Tom Barnes, centre manager for Star City said, “We’re delighted to welcome ImmotionVR to Star City, with their truly immersive technology and amazing virtual worlds to explore – guests will be able to take their visits to Star City to a whole new dimension.”
Key VR experiences include:
- Elf Power Inc, Christmas Experience – Jump into a VR experience pod and ride around the globe with Santa’s elves making sure Christmas gets delivered on time. This unique, family friendly experience is sure to add magical and sparkle to the festive activities and is right in the heart of the city.
- JINXED – Take a ride on a virtual ghost train and descend into the strange workings of a jinxed mind. being safely enclosed in your own VR Cinema Pod, thrillseekers might want to hold on as the wheels on this ghost train come very close to coming off the rails.
- DeltaZero – Base Zero has received a distress signal from its mining planet. No one knows why. Delta Squadron is sent on a mission to uncover the mystery. Head into deep space on an action-packed ride that spans distant galaxies, hurtling through asteroid fields and into epic space battles.
- Legend of Lusca – An amazing sub-sea adventure in your very own mini-sub, with a surprise or two along the way, as you explore corals, shipwrecks and the mysteries of the deep.