Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Alton Towers’ AIR Flying Coaster Being Transformed into Galactica VR Coaster

[quote]There is nowhere else in the world that people can experience the feeling of a flying rollercoaster combined with soaring through the universe. For two minutes, our guests will be transported into space and we believe Galactica showcases the future for theme parks around the world – it’s a complete game changer!” — Gill Riley, Marketing Director at Alton Towers Resort[/quote]

Alton, UK — In a ground breaking move set to revolutionize the world of theme parks, Alton Towers Resort announces that it is launching a roller coaster entirely dedicated to virtual reality, a world first.

Set to open in April 2016, Galactica is the world’s first rollercoaster entirely customised for the full virtual reality experience, transforming riders into astronauts and plunging them into outer space with a G force more powerful than a real rocket launch.

The new ride experience uniquely combines the physical exertion and adrenaline rush of Alton Towers Resort’s iconic flying roller coaster, with the breathtaking emotive experience of travelling through space. Cutting edge technology launches riders in a different world, complete with virtual space suits, stunning visuals and an exciting space adventure. The visuals have been perfectly synchronised to the thrilling twists, turns and loops of the rollercoaster to recreate the sensation of hurtling through space. Visitors will ride in a prone position along the 840-metre long (2,760 ft) track, to recreate the feeling of flying.

Galactica’s epic space theme is set to be hugely popular following Tim Peake’s maiden voyage into space in December 2015. Its stunning, high­quality visuals deliver an immersive experience that feels breathtakingly realistic. Space exploration will continue to dominate the news agenda in 2016 with a NASA mission to Mars and a spacecraft landing on Jupiter, a journey that has taken five years.

Each rider wears a specialist VR headset. Through this, an on­board artificial intelligence guides them from the launch pad up into space, flying and looping beyond the stars, banking through wormholes and speeding across undiscovered galaxies, revealing the wonders of the cosmos in stunning clarity.

Speaking of the new attraction, Gill Riley, Marketing Director at Alton Towers Resort said: “Galactica uses ground breaking technology to give riders a breathtaking and completely unique rollercoaster experience. Tim Peake captured the imagination of millions of Brits last year when he set off on his mission to the International Space Station – and now our visitors can become astronauts too.’

Galactica will be located in the Forbidden Valley area of the theme park and is set to open in April 2016. The launch follows earlier news of its Rollercoaster Restaurant, which opens in May.

GALACTICA IN NUMBERS

∙ Total G­force: 3.5 G’s

∙ Track length: 840 metres

∙ Height of drop: 20 metres

∙ Ride duration: 189 seconds

∙ Maximum speed: 75km per hour

∙ Capacity per car: 28 passengers

∙ Capacity per hour: 1500 passengers

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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