/ VR experiences, water rides and bigger plans for the future: here comes the 2022 season at Europa-Park /

Amber Blake is a highly intelligent fighter who uses her skills to fight evil and make the world a better place. In the dazzling metropolis of Singapore, she goes on an undercover mission to hunt the mysterious ‘Blue Dragon’, a key figure in organized crime and one of the most dangerous criminals in the world, whose true identity has remained a mystery so far. Now it’s up to Amber, and to you, to uncover his real identity and bring him to justice.

This is the story that visitors at Europa-Park will experience from this season in the brand new, 3D and fully immersive experience “Amber Blake: Operation Dragonfly” at the 600sqm VR attraction YULLBE. Two teams of up to three people will enter the attraction, equipped with special high-tech VR equipment consisting of VR glasses, a vibration vest that vibrates if the character is hit by a bullet, and hand and foot trackers to keep track of the location of each player in the room in real time. Once inside, they will be able to move freely in their environment and each team will have a different goal and adventure: one infiltrates a masked ball, the second tries to decode clues in a hotel room, and the mission can only be successfully completed if both of them fulfill their respective tasks. Based on a comic series by Belgian supermodel Jade Lagardère, “Amber Blake: Operation Dragonfly” will offer multiple gameplay scenarios for a 30-minute experience.

Other major changes are to be found in Rulantica, the waterpark of Europa-Park, which has been called “one of the most beautiful swimming and bathing experiences in Europe, both indoors and outdoors, all year round.” The big addition here is a new water ride called Tønnevirvel, a mystical ride decorated with runes where visitors will have a chance to cool off quickly: it’s a new take on Mack Rides’ Twist ‘n’ Splash, keeping the idea of water cannons activated by the riders themselves, but in a new roundabout layout.

But the new water ride is not the only addition at Rulantica; the waterpark features something new to please all kinds of guests. Children will love the new expansion of the water playground Snorri Strand: this area was last year’s big novelty, and for this season it has already expanded in size and added new attractions, including three children slides and an interactive play corner called Snorri’s Spelaborg, as well as a new picnic area. While the young ones have fun, adults can relax at the new Dynstrønd sandy beach, reachable over a wooden footbridge and equipped with loungers and beach chairs, stylish hanging chairs, a beach volleyball court and an open-air stage.

Europa-Park’s Austrian area was also renewed and expanded for the new season: what was previously an attraction in the neighboring Africa area has been transformed into a romantic boat ride into the world of the Austrian Empire, with beautiful waltz music, impressive water features, a secret garden and a beautiful rose arch. The ride is called Josefina’s Magical Imperial Journey and completed the Austrian atmosphere of attractions like the Vienna Water Waltz fountain show and the Danube Steamer.

Those who prefer a more futuristic vibe to the turn-of-the-century Austrian one will soon have the opportunity to turn to the brand new Eatrenalin restaurant, a gastronomy concept that will open later this year and offers a two-hour experience featuring an innovative ride system from Mack Rides, virtual media from Mack Animation and MackNeXT, as well as the gastronomic expertise of 2-star Michelin chef Peter Hagen-Wiest. “There is nowhere else in the world with this combination,” says Thomas Mack, managing partner of Europa-Park, happily. 

And more new things are in store for next year: Europa-Park will open…

Continue reading Games & Parks Industry May 2022, page 38

Photos Courtesy: Europa-Park

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