Legoland Bringing VR Roller Coaster To Parks This Year

LEGO continues the VR theme park trend with new VR attractions at parks.

There’s no such as thing as too much LEGO content. Three movies and several video game tie-ins later and the world is still clamoring for more of that sweet plastic magic that made all our childhoods memorable ones.

Of course true fans know that to truly appreciate the beauty behind these simple little objects you have to make the pilgrimage to the Mecca of all things blocks: LEGOLAND. The wonderful theme parks are home to fantastic rides, your favorite characters, amazing LEGO sculptures and now at select locations, a virtual reality rollercoaster that transports you inside the LEGO universe.

Developed under the supervision of Merlin Magic Making, The Great LEGO Race combines VR technology with three of the parks’ “Project X” high-octane roller coasters to immerse riders in a colorful, blocky universe full of fast-paced action and heart-pounding moments.

Donning a VR headset, park-goers can experience a virtual adventure from every angle. They’ll race head-to-head against various racers plucked straight from the popular LEGO mini-figure mystery assortments including Surfer Girl, Pharaoh, Trendsetter, Wizard and Pirate Captain, as well as a rocket-powered surfboard and a flashy scooter that runs on espresso.

“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.”

However, the futuristic thrill ride truly shines with its ability to immerse drivers well before they even hit the gas pedal. As visitors approach what is easily one of the coolest entrances to an attraction ever designed, their ears will be greeted with the sound of revving engines.

The coasters nearby the waiting area, which resemble a pre-race zone, will feature the pit-crews for each of the five competitors hard at work prepping for the upcoming race, as well as several hands-on interactive components to help waiting park-goers pass the time.

The first Great LEGO Race attraction will open later this year at the at the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, followed by LEGOLAND Florida Resort, and Germany’s LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort sometime in 2018.