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and down talking to them every step of the way. They work with us throughout the process and try to tie so many touchpoints back into the films and comics. This is becoming a very interconnected world and experience, and this attraction is the result of that interconnection and collaboration within our studio and partnership with Sally and Lotte World.” While developing the ride’s story, Sally saw an
Collaboration and constant communication Across 17 distinct scenes, the world comes
alive through a seamless blend of multimedia, physical sets, props, music, lighting and otherworldly animatronic creatures. The result is a fully immersive, 11-minute experience that immerses and transports guests from start to finish - thrusting, spinning, falling, and flying along the way.
World Building Sally Dark Rides designed and produced the massive attraction for Lotte World, with the full project taking nearly five years to complete. The Sally team oversaw all aspects of development, including the original story and script, sets and scenery, ride control, technical programming, CG media, special effects, ride vehicles, music and animatronics.
were key throughout the project. Sally, Lotte World and Legendary’s licensing, creative strategy, and filmmaking teams were closely connected, discussing the attraction’s narrative, design, and creative integrity, applying the same imagination and focus the studio brings to its films. Every story beat, visual element, and emotional moment was shaped through direct dialogue between the studio and its partners, ensuring the experience would remain authentic to the Monsterverse while delivering the immersive power of the franchise in real space.
opportunity to introduce an entirely new species to Hollow Earth. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,
and as we developed the guest journey we began to envision a new creature that inhabits Hollow Earth, the Crystal Crawlers,” said Rich Hill, chief creative officer at Sally Dark Rides. “A key part of this attraction’s story arc involves their discovery, a species that had never been referenced previously. Legendary gave us the opportunity to extend its already incredible character lineup with the development of the Crystal Crawlers.”
“We first introduce Crystal Crawlers to guests “This project reflects Legendary’s evolution as
“Kong x Godzilla: The Ride went into an existing space - replacing a water ride, on the third floor of an indoor theme park. This was not an easy feat,” Weaver said. “The undertaking was arduous on every level; with new challenges we had never faced in more than 40 years of dark ride installations.” The former water ride’s terrain featured steep
slopes, dips, and valleys that no standard ride system could accommodate. To overcome these challenges, Simworx prototyped an entirely original ride system designed to navigate the demanding terrain. The result is an eight- passenger automated guided vehicle (AGV) capable of traversing the varied landscape while maintaining a smooth, controlled ride experience. With dual dispatches supporting high guest capacity, the vehicles also needed to move in perfect synchronization, creating a coordinated performance that delivers an optimal show experience from every angle.
DARK RIDE EDITION 2026
an entertainment company, it embodies the way we build worlds—through close collaboration, creative ambition, and authenticity,” said James Ngo, executive vice president of franchise management at Legendary Entertainment. “From the earliest creative to final production, our teams worked hand-in-hand with Sally Dark Rides and Lotte World to deliver an experience that feels truly cinematic and unmistakably Monsterverse.”
in the queue and use them as a main focal point for their trip to Hollow Earth,” Hill said. “The glowing, lizard-like monsters are born inside crystal geodes. Reflecting their natural habitat, their scaly bodies are highlighted with faceted spikes that illuminate in the dark. They are quite beautiful, but dangerous.” “We partnered closely with Legendary
throughout the development process to ensure brand authenticity.” Hill said. “Everything we created had to remain true and relevant to the Monsterverse. The Crystal Crawlers are central to this attraction’s storyline, and we recognized they have a place and role in Hollow Earth that may extend beyond Kong x Godzilla: The Ride. For now, Crystal Crawlers are exclusive to this attraction. As new additions to the Monsterverse, fans might one day see them in future stories.” The collaborative partnership between Sally
“Location-based entertainment brings
consumers into the world on a physical level and puts them in the middle of that world,” Ngo continued. “Legendary is very nimble and tightly connected. The filmmakers really sit one floor down from where my team and I sit, so we run up
Dark Rides, Legendary Entertainment and Lotte World has set a new bar for how themed entertainment destinations can translate beloved IP’s and characters into innovative, immersive, tangible and repeatable experiences. Kong x Godzilla: The Ride has made the future of themed entertainment accessible to today’s park guests and the Monsterverse’s ardent global fans.
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