Germany’s Europa-Park is collaborating with French film giant Luc Besson to create its largest-ever indoor attraction, based on the hit movie trilogy
Arthur and the Invisibles.
Built by Mack Rides, the park’s in-house manufacturer in Waldkirch, Germany, the ride transports visitors into a micro world – replicating the original film set of
Arthur and the Invisibles – in what the park says is the most intricate indoor attraction in its history.
Called “Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom,” the project has not been completed in time for the 5 April start of Europa-Park’s 2014 season, but is expected to open in late spring according to the park.
At a cost of more than €20m ($27.6m, £16.5m), Europa-Park is creating a completely new themed area for the attraction, set on a 10,000sq m (107,630sq ft) island. A dark ride forms the centrepiece of the project, and allows visitors to experience seven kingdoms on a 550m (1,804ft) long flight through the underground Arthur universe in rotating cars suspended below a track.
A 16m (52.5ft) dome houses the entire themed area, which also features a free-fall tower for children, slides, a carousel, a place to eat and a shop. The island itself is surrounded by two streams and Grimm’s enchanted forest.
Hollywood designers and set builders are involved in the project, and a team of 500 are currently working “day and night” to complete the attraction, according to the company.