Bricky visuals are introduced for VR version of coaster set to debut in spring of 2018
Legoland Florida has previewed the brickish visuals for its uncoming virtual reality update for the Project X Coaster. The revamped attraction, dubbed The Great Lego Race, puts riders through digital near-misses with falling trees, flames, crumbling rock walls and cows while getting air time over a cliff and riding make-believe waves.
The Winter Haven theme park says it’s the first VR/coaster experience designed for kids. The look resembles the everything-made-of-bricks styling of Lego-themed movies, such as “The Lego Batman Movie.”
Previews were made available during the IAAPA Attractions Expo currently under way at the Orange County Convention Center. The Great Lego Race is expected to have its Legoland Florida debut in the spring of 2018.
While wearing VR headsets, riders will have a 360-degree view of a Legoized environment. Look up while in the tunnel and see its rocky, block surface. Also seen in the previews are cheering spectators, a winter wonderland and Legos doing what they do when you drop them: hit the ground and scatter like crazy.
The VR action will coincide with the real-life movements of the coaster, which is in the “wild mouse” family of attractions.
Riders “will don the headset and basically find themselves suddenly immersed in the most amazing Lego race that they’re participating in,” said Nick Varney, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments Group, which operates Legoland theme parks.
Racers will go up against Lego minifigures such as a pirate, wizard, surfer and pharaoh, who use a variety of vehicles, including a rocket-powered windsurfing rig.
Legoland Florida’s headsets will be fronted with the eyes of minifigures, giving riders their own Lego looks. The attraction will have an onboard photo-sales opportunity while passengers are wearing the headsets.
Use of the VR headsets will be optional, Legoland says. The VR experience is intended for children ages 6 and up; visitors must be at least 42 inches tall to ride or be accompanied by an adult at least 48 inches tall.
Coaster fans can download the Coastiality smartphone app to see scenes from The Great Lego Race.
Legoland Malaysia will get the first version of the Great Lego Race on Nov. 22. It’s also being planned for next spring at the Legoland park in Gunzburg, Germany.
