Park People/Profile
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Bill Holman Sunway Lagoon Q Lines
Opened in April 1993 in Petaling Jaya outside Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon is home to one of Asia’s busiest waterparks. Over the years the resort has grown to encompass an amusement park, wildlife park, extreme park
and “scream park” in addition to hotel and conference facilities – entertaining a combined annual attendance of 1.5 million guests. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sunway Lagoon has splashed out on two new attractions – Vuvezela and Waterplexx 5D. Here consultant director Bill Holman tells us why these improvements will help Sunway stay on top.
Why did you decide to add Vuvuzela and Waterplexx 5D?
All in all, the decision was part of our continuing initiative to keep the reputation and competitive edge that Sunway Lagoon has etched itself in the last 20 years, and to maintain relevancy to the general public, whose expectations and demands have increased over time. To coincide with our anniversary, we wanted to bring two world-class attractions to our visitors to thank them for their support through the years. Vuvuzela is the largest water ride in the world and Waterplexx 5D is the first of its kind.
What makes Vuvuzela special? One major feature is that Vuvuzela [by WhiteWater] comes equipped with its own elevator, which takes
the rafts up to the launch deck 30-metres-high (11- storeys). Passengers in the 6-seater rafts splash down the flume until they experience up to five thrilling oscillations inside the 22m-high funnel, being shot out back into the enclosed flume. The ride ends in the splashdown pool. Riders are able to experience zero gravity as the swing from one side of the funnel to the other.
Please describe the Waterplexx 5D experience The Waterplexx 5D theatre [by Kraftwerk] immerses guests directly in the movie by adding special effects including moving seats, wind, fog, strobes, lasers, LED lighting, a backlit wall and ceiling panels – and a lot of water! In fact, the water comes from everywhere – from the front, from the roof and even the walls. Further features include 3D HD projection, a professional audio system, waterproof pneumatic motion base, novel seats as well as a state-of-the-art server allowing us to licence digital film files.
What were some of the installation challenges? For Vuvezela we had to look into logistics and construction challenges such as working within a relatively small area. Also, stringent testing had to be conducted to adhere with international safety standards before the ride could be opened to the public. On Waterplexx 5D the seats and motion base have been enhanced for operation in wet environments. We’ve focused a lot on integrating safe water effects. Using reverse-osmosis, UV treatment and, if necessary, heat sanitation, we can ensure no bacteria is present in the system.
“ As a fully
Malaysian- owned and operated company, Sunway
Lagoon aims to stay relevant while being ahead of the times with the latest rides. However, we also see the new international operators coming into the country as an opportunity for us to co- brand and attract more tourists to the region
” 23 Vuvezela
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