ETF Ride Systems and Jora Vision presented a mini dark ride for FECs named “Pirate Mania” at the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Trade Show.
Pirate Mania has been developed as a product for indoor venues with a limited footprint who are looking to add an interactive family experience with a high repeatability factor. Currently high class family dark rides are usually only affordable for theme parks; Pirate Mania, however, is a high quality interactive dark ride developed especially for the FEC market or smaller parks, events etc. The space needed for the ride is only 250 sq m.
ETF Ride Systems, a specialist in developing and manufacturing ride systems, will be the turnkey supplier of the ride and will provide the ride vehicles and an interactive system. Experience specialist Jora Vision is responsible for the design and build of theming.
The narrative of the ride sees the pirates set up a training course so guests can learn to become pirates themselves. They board a pirate themed vehicle, take a gun and have to find the pirate skulls scattered around the training course. The use of animated targets means guests are not just shooting at a target with a LED effect, but at an actual small screen integrated within the show-sets. One of the scenes takes place in a blacklight lighted box.
Ruud Koppens, CEO of ETF Ride Systems, explains: “For Pirate Mania we use the Mystic Mover system, which is the smart smaller member of the ETF trackless family. It follows a mounted wire in the floor, so visitors will not be distracted by a track. The vehicle has a double bench and a capacity of 4 guests. The track path is also extraordinary: we added fancy movements such as 90° turns and a 360° on-the-spot rotation, in the middle of a sunken pirate ship. An onboard sound system will be integrated. We are proud to work with Jora Vision to launch this new product into the market.”
Jan Maarten de Raad, CEO of Jora Vision, added: “Many theme parks value dark rides as a type of attraction. If it is made well, it is an immersive family experience which involves music, lighting, show-sets and integrated media. However we strongly believe there is another market for dark ride experiences: the smaller FEC’s usually placed in shopping malls or commercial areas. Because of the small footprint and budget friendly concept, we hope to convince FEC’s that such dark rides are a great investment to diversify the entertainment offer. Of course with an excellent theming and story.”
Guests can choose to purchase their wristbands at the entrance of the attraction or from a self-serve wristband dispenser on site. Once their wristband has been activated, the guest can enter the attraction and scan to take photos and videos that can then easily be shared on social media.