Switzerland: Aquaparc Launches Unique VR Waterslide Experience

Tomorrow sees the opening of a world new attraction at Switzerland’s Aquaparc in Le Bouveret, combining sliding fun with a VR experience. To develop this all-new experience, the French Looping Group – operator of the waterpark and eleven further parks throughout Europe – has joined forces with Polymorph, a company specialized in 3D/4D movies also based in France. After more than eight months of common research and development, the companies launched the new “Splash VR^©” product, which has now been added to Aquaparc’s existing “Houla Hoop” hybrid slide from WhiteWater West (c.f. EAP, 3/2015).

While sliding on “Houla Hoop”, bathing guests wear a specially developed waterproof head-mounted display (HMD), immersing them into a virtual world. Thanks to the latest tracking technology the sliders’ movements and position are recorded and synchronized with the 360° movie. The content is provided by data glasses integrated in the HMD. Starting tomorrow, visitors to Aquaparc can enjoy the new VR experience. (eap)