Legoland Florida Resort To Transform Roller Coasters With Virtual Reality Technology

WINTER HAVEN, FL - Three Project X roller coasters at the Legoland Florida Resort will be transformed into “cutting-edge virtual reality technology” in a new attraction opening spring 2018. The virtual adventure was developed under the supervision of Merlin Magic Making, the company’s global creative and delivery division.

The Great Lego Race will transform the existing “Project X” roller coasters into an “exciting, high-octane experience that puts kids in the driver’s seat and asks, ‘Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of Lego world?’ ” according a press release.

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At the new attraction, guests approach the ride’s new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five Lego racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders, the press release said.

During the ride, Bluetooth technology will sync the virtual visuals with the roller coaster’s twists, turns, drops and climbs, the press release said.

“The Great Lego Race was inspired by the way kids play with Lego toys at home,” said Candy Holland, senior creative director for Merlin Magic Making, which designs and develops attractions for Merlin sites around the world. “It’s a unique Lego adventure that lets kids enter an epic imaginary world made entirely from Lego bricks, featuring a host of different themes and fun Lego characters, all mixed up together.”

The virtual attraction will open at Legoland Malaysia Resort this year, followed by Germany’s Legoland Deutschland Resort in 2018, UK parent company Merlin Entertainments Group announced.

Guests can choose to experience the attraction with or without the VR headset. A preshow video will demonstrate the experience with side-by-side views of the physical coaster track and virtual reality environment. The attraction is intended for children ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 6 that meet the ride’s minimum height requirement may ride without the VR headset.

Photo via Legoland