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Attaction Profile parkworld-online.com


LEFT TO RIGHT: Vekoma’s Nathan A Jones, Tim Chen from Brogent


Technologies and Andrew Strang of Soaring Attractions BELOW Mall of America’s Christopher Grap measures himself up for the new attraction


Multiple movements are possible thanks to the 6-DOF (degrees of freedom) ride system, which allows each platform to heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Brogent, which is represented on a worldwide basis by Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, provided the complete system including steel frame, motion modules, software control and projection/dome screen, all of which were delivered and opened on time. Installing the ride inside Mall of America presented


Brogent with some unique challenges, the biggest of which was scheduling the arrival of equipment such that it would not disrupt the mall during operating hours. “Since we put the ride into an existing indoor park inside the mall, everything had to be driven through the mall and materials were literally passing the store fronts!” recalls the company’s director sales and marketing, Tim Chen. The FlyOver America footage presented on the attraction


was captured by Soaring Attractions' own team of film- makers, technicians and creative consultants using a state- of–the-art 6k resolution camera mounted on the front of a helicopter. The crew worked for over a year filming at locations all over the United States, including Minnesota landmarks Lake Calhoun, Red Wing and the Mississippi River.


"One of the things I find attractive about FlyOver America is that it’s very inclusive," confirms Grap. "It’s a thrill


that doesn’t rely on steep drops or a sudden burst of speed. It’s an immersive experience that creates a great illusion the entire family can enjoy together. I have ridden a few times now, and I think the music might be my favourite part. The film and ride system are the stars of the show for sure, but the music ties everything together and creates a sense of pride and majesty.” “The public reaction has been overwhelming since opening day,” observes Nathan A Jones, Vekoma's vice- president of sales and marketing for North America. “The sensation of flying is so lifelike that even pilots have commented on how realistic the movements are. In my short visits to the mall, I have spoken to locals that have already come and seen the film over five times since it opened just a few weeks ago.” Open seven days a week at the Mall of America, the full


FlyOver America experience lasts around 30 minutes including a pre-flight briefing. Pre-booked slots can be reserved online for $16.95 + tax ($12.95 for children), or walk-up tickets are available on site subject to availability. Building on its success so far in North America, Soaring Attractions is planning to open further FlyOver-branded experiences in Amsterdam and a selection of cities in Germany, Spain and China. See this page and last for an exclusive Q&A with the team that helped bring the existing two attractions to life in North America.


The supplier Brogent Technologies & Vekoma Rides Manufacturing


Based in Taiwan, Brogent Technologies developed the i-Ride for amusement parks and shopping malls in partnership with Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, drawing on many years experience building flight, tank and train simulators, as well as 360° theatres and other multi-media attractions. Park World caught up Brogent's director sales and marketing, Tim Chen (TC), and Vekoma vice-president of sales and marketing for North America, Nathan A Jones (NJ), at the recent launch of FlyOver America.


How did the relationship with FlyOver operator Soaring Attractions come about? TC – Brogent supplied the ride system for Soaring's first FlyOver project, FlyOver Canada in Vancouver. The client was very pleased with our team and how well the system integrated with the film, therefore it was only


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a logical that Brogent was chosen for FlyOver America as well.


How is the i-Ride different from flying theatres systems offered by other suppliers? TC – We believe the i-Ride is technically more advanced than the competition, with design advantages which can benefit operation and maintenance. For example, the seating arrangement of left and right gondolas turned 15° towards the centre of the dome greatly enhances the immersive experience for riders sitting on the outer seats. Meanwhile the 6- DOF (degrees of freedom) motion agility allows operators to adopt a wide range of film types from live action aerial film to extreme CGI. NJ – The 6-DOF technology that Brogent integrates into the i-Ride provides for the smoothest and most


versatile flying theatre experience. Whether it's floating smoothly above the clouds, banking hard turns in a jet fighter or soaring into outer space, we provide the vehicle that lets the audience participate in the story, not get in the way of it.


What recommendations would you make to other operators considering a flying theatre type attraction? TC – I just want to add that i-Ride is a great system that already has already been delivered to amusement parks, shopping malls and as a standalone attraction such as at FlyOver America. Various content types, from family-oriented to IP or thrill-driven, can be adopted to provide provide an educational or fun experience. Above all, i-Ride can be upgraded with new content and therefore operated for many years, which makes it a great investment!


JUNE 2016


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