Alterface, Jora Vision and ETF have joined forces to build a next-generation dark ride in Poland. The new attraction Basilisk, or Bazyliszek in Polish, opened this spring as part of the recently rebranded Legendia theme park, which now includes five themed zones. Formerly known as Slaskie Wesole Miasteczko, it is the oldest family amusement park in Poland, located in Chorzow, Upper Silesia. Basilisk is the very first interactive dark ride in Poland on such a scale and offers a one-of-a-kind experience featuring the most advanced dark ride technology.
Alterface has overseen the total ride experience as main contractor for the attraction, applying their latest interactive technology including video mapping, gameplay, show control and shooting devices. Jora Vision has been responsible for the design and production of theming for the ride and its queue areas, and had previously developed the new master plan for the park. ETF crafted the trackless Multi mover vehicles, completely tailored to fit the Basilisk theme.
Unique attraction at affordable budget
Pawel Cebula, CEO of Legendia, explains: “Our goal was to build a high-level dark ride around a well-kwown Polish legend, and at an affordable budget. With the new Basilisk ride, we offer as a regional park an advanced mixed-media attraction that will appeal to young and old. Alterface stepped right into the action after the contract was signed, detailing the scenario and sharing ideas, based on their huge expertise. Thanks to the dedication and involvement of the Alterface and Jora Vision teams we managed to create a unique new attraction in Legendia. We have all truly enjoyed building this ride!”
Benoit Cornet, Founder & CEO of Alterface, comments : “We have been very privileged to work together with such talented people who all went the extra mile to build a wonderful ride we can be proud of. It was often challenging to make sure everyone had time and space for their specific task, so we worked in shifts for testing and construction. But in the end it worked out really well and we reached the customer’s goal and hit the deadline for spring opening!”
“We are very happy to see that Legendia is upgrading its park based on a master plan we created in 2015,” explains Robin van der Want, Project Development Director at Jora Vision. “With the opening of Basilisk this year we are convinced that Legendia as a regional theme park is setting a great example by investing in such a high-quality dark ride experience.”
“Interactive dark rides are becoming very popular and many parks are starting to include this in their attraction offering.” says Pawel Cebula. “Poland is catching up on theme park entertainment, and we are really pleased to offer such a high-tech ride specifically designed for Legendia, making it unique in its kind. Technology advancement can be found on three levels: interaction by projection on multimedia screens, shooting at physical targets and at objects created by means of video mapping. With a relatively low investment we managed to offer guests a world-class entertainment just around their corner.”
Bringing the Basilisk legend to live
“The story of the Bazyliszek attraction is based on authentic Polish folklore”, explains Simeon van Tellingen, Creative Director at Jora Vision. “Guests get a specific task in the queue and pre-show and finally board a vehicle to make an exciting journey through the magical forests of Poland. Trees and plants come to life and take all kind of forms and shapes, aligning the scenery with the story and enhancing the ride experience for the entire family.”
In Poland there are many variations of Basilisk, it’s basically a monster combined of a saurian, snake and rooster with the ability to turn people into stone with its gaze. Legendia’s Basilisk attraction is situated in the Magical Forest zone, taking us back to ancient times of legendary myths.
Already at the waiting area, Jora Vision created a wonderful atmosphere. When guests enter the headquarters of the Monster Hunters Guild, they hear the story and learn about the challenge ahead. In the peaceful village of Kurkowo, citizens are fighting monsters, the most dangerous one being the Basilisk. The Monster Hunter vehicle, advanced carts purposely built by ETF, takes visitors through ancient villages, dark caves, forests and ruins. During the fierce battle they use their Monster Hunter Gun, an Alterface designed laser weapon with light and mirror technology for special effects, to finally defeat the ferocious Basilisk and end its terror. Players compete for the highest score, resulting in Best Monster Hunter in the Guild’s golden book.
Impressive dark ride experience
Stéphane Battaille, Chief Operations Officer at Alterface, comments: “It was interesting to bring this fascinating and epic story to live together with our trusted partners. With the new Basilisk ride we created a diverse mix of the newest media techniques, including video mapping and projections in black lights. Combined with a compelling scenery, this engaging ride will certainly enchant the Polish public.”
“With Basilisk we have proven that you can create a very impressive dark ride experience with limited budgets, as long as you invest in a clever design, smart building method, good integration of lighting and media, and carefully crafted props and decoration.” adds Robin van der Want.
“This top-notch dark ride with latest technology will put Legendia firmly on the map in Poland and Europe. It demonstrates their innovative view on entertainment, applying technology to drive engaging attractions. We are very proud of the result and are confident many visitors will enjoy this ride the coming years! ” concludes Benoit Cornet.