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How to Soar Over the Competition

Customized, locally relevant content is the next big thing for immersive attractions. People crave unique, memorable experiences when they’re traveling. As the cost of content development drops with new tools and AI, a new trend is emerging: affordable custom content that creates one-of-a-kind experiences. This is no longer the realm of big theme parks. Almost any decent-sized attraction can become THE must-visit stop in its market.

Last year, in the countdown to IAAPA, I highlighted a new project that was in development by Frontgrid and Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours of Niagara Falls. Frontgrid was creating a custom version of its Paradrop VR flying experience for Rainbow’s new $25 million visitor center.

Rainbow Air didn’t want the typical passive “flyer” experience seen elsewhere. They wanted something better, so Frontgrid delivered a fully interactive parasailing simulator where flyers can soar, steer, dive, and climb by pulling on the controls (or brakes, as they're called in real life). The project launched recently to widespread praise and has rightfully been selected as a Brass Ring Award finalist for “Best New Product” in the Family Ride/Attraction category.

The Rainbow Air installation features 11 simulators, where the riders have complete control of their flight in an ultra-realistic VR recreation of Niagara Falls. Paradrop uses a combination of game-engine graphics and high-resolution 360 video, making the experience feel ultra-realistic. Each sim features a high-end GPU powering the visuals, and, combined with realistic motion and wind effects, players feel like they’re flying over the falls in a helicopter and then jumping out to parasail over and around the falls.

Frontgrid recently engineered its Paradrop pods into a container, enabling portable and outdoor activations. The first of these opened this summer in a containerized Paradrop for another installation in Poland. Now it enters the realm of a touring attraction.

VR is being used to attract new audiences in museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums, theme parks, and now unique tourist attractions. If you think you’re up to creating something truly unique in your market, head on over to Booth 1765, or drop an email to [email protected] to schedule a time.