VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS New York’s One World Observatory sets May opening date
New York’s One World Trade Center will open its doors to the public on 29 May, with tickets now on sale for the western hemisphere’s tallest skyscraper. The Hettema Group are behind the design of the 120,000sq ft (11,148sqm) One World Observatory observation deck and visitor experience. Legends Hospitality was chosen in 2013 by the Port Authority Board of Commissioners to run the attraction, which sits at the top of New York’s skyline. The experience starts from the ground up as visitors walk along a multi-sensory passageway telling the story of the tower’s construction. From there, visitors board one of five “Skypod” elevators, which will take passengers 1,268 feet (386.5 metres) up to the tower’s top floor, using HD screens to give riders the experience of New York seemingly rising up from its foundations. “The Port Authority wanted something
unique,” a spokesperson for Hettema Group told Attractions Management. “They wanted it to compete with other observatories. It was an early goal not to focus on 9/11 as this is about the future and the vibrancy of New York City.”
■■The tower, designed by SOM architects, cost $3.9bn (£2.6bn, €3.6bn) to develop
The attraction features a series of multimedia exhibits, presenting One World Trade Center as a “global nexus of 21st-century commerce, culture and community, set in the heart of the most dynamic international city in the world”.
Included on the observation deck are
several dining options, a gift shop, space for special events and the See Forever theatre where visitors can learn about the future of New York City. ■■Details:
http://lei.sr?a=M7E8p_A
Shrek’s Adventure steps up midway format ■■The site is popular with Star Wars fans
Threat of ISIS puts Tataouine off-limits
The threat of Islamic State (ISIS) to tourists in Tunisia means Star Wars fans must avoid Tataouine – the inspira- tion for Luke Skywalker’s home planet. The UK’s Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel in the area, warning: “There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.” ■■Details:
http://lei.sr?a=E4q5s_A
©CYBERTREK 2015 AM 2 2015
Eddie Saul, creative lead for Merlin Entertainment’s upcoming Shrek’s Adventure, has said the experience will push the company’s linear attraction model to new heights. The London, UK-based attraction, which opens in July, will feature a cast of fairytale characters, themed sets, a 4D bus ride provided by Simworx, special effects and new DreamWorks animation. Speaking to Attractions
Management, Saul – who operates as creative lead for Merlin’s highly popular Dungeon experiences – explained how the Shrek version is a step up from what’s currently on offer. “These are batch linear experiences,” said Saul. “People can go on an
■■The experience is designed to be completely immersive
experience and feel like they can influence a story. “The added layer with DreamWorks is that world of content. They’ve created characters that stick in everyone’s mind. We’re pushing the model further to see what it can do.” Saul said that the script for the experience – which
will last around 1.5 hours – is completely new and has been written exclusively by DreamWorks for the multi- million pound project. A further six Shrek mid-
ways are planned worldwide over the next 10 years. l■See The Art of Collab- oration, AM Q3 14, page 24 ■■Details:
http://lei.sr?a=F7W4H_A
attractionsmanagement.com 13
PHOTO: MEUNIERD/
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
PHOTO: MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS
PHOTO: MARQUES/
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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