Friday, March 29, 2024

World’s Longest VR Coaster to Premiere on Vegas Strip

 

New York-New York Hotel & Casino will enter the virtual realm when The Big Apple Coaster Virtual Reality Experience debuts February 7. The first of its kind in Las Vegas, this thrilling ride high above The Strip will combine thrill-seekers’ need for speed with advanced, immersive graphics, resulting in a 4D experience that’s “out of this world.”

The first virtual reality ride to incorporate popular current landmarks into its creative visuals, the ride combines real G forces, drops and the high speed of The Big Apple Coaster to create an unique experience.

The adventure begins as riders are equipped with virtual reality headsets and take on the role of a scientist in hot pursuit of an alien that escaped their research facility. The chase soars high above the Nevada desert and up the Las Vegas Strip in 3D animation.

“The Big Apple Coaster has provided heart-racing excitement to millions of visitors,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, president and chief operating officer of New York-New York. “Combining leading-edge technology with the thrill of our coaster overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, we are now able to offer visitors an experience that is new, adrenaline-inducing and something you can only find at New York-New York.”

This new experience was designed by VR Coaster®. The coaster’s passenger trains are equipped with sensors that use wireless connectivity to precisely synchronize the virtual reality creative visuals with the real ride. This advanced, lightweight technology was developed to withstand the ups, downs, dives and loops of a roller coaster without losing connection to the virtual reality headsets. The experience utilizes VR Coaster’s unique graphic system, “Hybrid VR,” to deliver 3D footage in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second for high-quality visuals and a more immersive ride.

Thomas Wagner, co-founder and managing partner of VR Coaster, said, “We’re very proud to have had the opportunity to work on such an iconic attraction. The creative freedom New York-New York gave us on all aspects of the ride, from storyboards to the final virtual reality application, was invaluable. Our most exciting accomplishment with this experience was the fact that we had never before incorporated three completely different environments into a single ride… the research facility, the desert and The Strip… each with its own creative and technical challenges.”

Measuring 4,777 ft. in track length, The Big Apple Coaster is the longest roller coaster in the world equipped with virtual reality. The coaster also is the world’s first to feature a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver. This, along with loops, negative Gs and top speed of 67 mph, gives guests a thrilling Las Vegas Strip experience.

Murphey said, “We are thrilled our partnership with VR Coaster allowed us to bring this new, exciting opportunity to New York-New York, and we couldn’t be happier with the relationship or results. And for guests who adore The Big Apple Coaster just the way it is, or aren’t quite ready for the virtual reality option, never fear. You can still enjoy the experience just the way you want it.”

Tickets are $20 for The Big Apple Coaster Virtual Reality Experience and $15 to ride the roller coaster the traditional way. All passengers must be at least 54” to ride and a minimum of 13 years old to ride with virtual reality.

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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