Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The excitement is palpable as the public awaits a revolutionary new “ghost train attraction” opening at Thorpe Park near London this spring. The man behind the concept is TV illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown, famed for his ability to control the behaviour of others.
“With the creative and operational teams at Thorpe Park and Merlin Magic Making [MMM], we’re completely reinventing the concept of a ghost train for the 21st century,” says Brown. “The experience will rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver.”
The 13-minute multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology (using HTC Vive headsets), grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride, central to which is a 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – seemingly suspended in mid-air. The themeing is modelled on a real Victorian train depot near Willesden Junction, with every architectural detail recreated by the MMM team.
“We’re using everything from Victorian techniques – Pepper’s Ghost, for example – to the latest technology,” says Paul Moreton, MMM global creative director.
“It’s the mix of different elements that create the experience. We’ll be specifically using virtual reality, but this isn’t a VR ghost train. VR will enhance the experience rather than be the experience,” Moreton says.
It’s understood that there are 12 possible journeys, and two different outcomes.
Brown’s carefully crafted hidden-camera TV shows feature psychological control and hypnotism. He’s persuaded strangers to commit robbery, land a plane or believe they’re the last person on the planet.
Most details of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train are being kept under wraps, but the ride is meant to leave guests questioning where perception ends and reality begins.
“I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over,” says Brown.
Brown has been working on the project in secret with Merlin for the past three years. It’s involved the work of more than 1,000 specialists and represents Thorpe Park’s biggest investment to date.
“This is not an experience for the faint-hearted,” Brown says, adding that no further details will be revealed.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 1
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The budget for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train has not been revealed, but Thorpe Park said it marks its biggest ever investment
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
COMPANY PROFILES
instantprint
We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded
in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Alterface
Alterface’s Creative Division team is
seasoned in concept and ride development,
as well as storyte [more...]
Taylor Made Designs
Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The excitement is palpable as the public awaits a revolutionary new “ghost train attraction” opening at Thorpe Park near London this spring. The man behind the concept is TV illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown, famed for his ability to control the behaviour of others.
“With the creative and operational teams at Thorpe Park and Merlin Magic Making [MMM], we’re completely reinventing the concept of a ghost train for the 21st century,” says Brown. “The experience will rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver.”
The 13-minute multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology (using HTC Vive headsets), grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride, central to which is a 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – seemingly suspended in mid-air. The themeing is modelled on a real Victorian train depot near Willesden Junction, with every architectural detail recreated by the MMM team.
“We’re using everything from Victorian techniques – Pepper’s Ghost, for example – to the latest technology,” says Paul Moreton, MMM global creative director.
“It’s the mix of different elements that create the experience. We’ll be specifically using virtual reality, but this isn’t a VR ghost train. VR will enhance the experience rather than be the experience,” Moreton says.
It’s understood that there are 12 possible journeys, and two different outcomes.
Brown’s carefully crafted hidden-camera TV shows feature psychological control and hypnotism. He’s persuaded strangers to commit robbery, land a plane or believe they’re the last person on the planet.
Most details of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train are being kept under wraps, but the ride is meant to leave guests questioning where perception ends and reality begins.
“I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over,” says Brown.
Brown has been working on the project in secret with Merlin for the past three years. It’s involved the work of more than 1,000 specialists and represents Thorpe Park’s biggest investment to date.
“This is not an experience for the faint-hearted,” Brown says, adding that no further details will be revealed.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 1
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The budget for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train has not been revealed, but Thorpe Park said it marks its biggest ever investment
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
Royal Caribbean has revealed its Hero of the Seas cruise ship, home to the most pools at sea
(nine), and a record-breaking 28 dining venues, as well as attractions including a waterpark
with two new family raft slides.
+ More news
COMPANY PROFILES
instantprint We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded
in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Alterface Alterface’s Creative Division team is
seasoned in concept and ride development,
as well as storyte [more...]
Taylor Made Designs Founded in 1993, Taylor Made
Designs supply corporate clothing
and brand-enhancing merchandise
to [more...]
IDEATTACK IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and
design company with headquarters in
Los Angeles. [more...]
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
