Theming Intensifies the Experience

Theming is the icing on the cake for theme park rides. Ride theming compliments the ride itself by adding a layer of storytelling and effects to intensify the guest experience.  From the Batman-themed Dark Knight to the black-ops themed X-Flight, we have had tons of fun designing ride theming and integrating coasters into amusement parks.

 Introducing Thunderbird

Recently we collaborated on the installation of Thunderbird, a first-of-its-kind launched winged coaster, at Indiana’s Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. The basis for the theming of Holiday World’s new attraction is the beautiful Native American legend of the Thunderbird.

Legend of the Thunderbird:  the Thunderbird is considered a supernatural bird of power and strength. The Thunderbird’s name comes from the common belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind.

 Holiday World’s Legendary Thunderbird: the pilgrims endured terrible storms in their journey to the New World that could have knocked the pilgrims off course. Legend has it that it was the mighty Thunderbird that rescued the ship and guided them to the place we now call America.

Theming intensifies the ride experience

Holiday World’s Thunderbird is located in the park’s “Thanksgiving” region. The new roller coaster’s theming connects the legend of the Thunderbird with the local esthetic of a Midwestern farm. Theming intensifies the ride experience in which guests are immersed in the compelling story of the mighty storm and the powerful bird. Guests are introduced to the story of the Thunderbird through the theming elements of sound, light, smoke, steam, color, sparks, flames, signage, and structures. They take a hair-raising ride through a farm, complete with close-calls with farm-themed structural elements.

Non-stop thrills and hair-raising close calls

As guests load the train at the station, they enjoy a simulated storm complete with lightning, fog, and thunder effects that set the scene for the legendary bird’s arrival. The effects intensify as the storm builds and the flywheel building glows red-hot with steam pressure and the accelerating flywheel. A clap of thunder, flash of lightning, smoke, and flames surround riders, heralding the launch of the coaster. Riders go through four inversions and non-stop thrills as they fly by structural theming elements including a grain silo, dilapidated wood barn, and turkey coop. Hair-raising close-calls take your breath away and are reinforced by the sounds of wood cracking and alarmed farm animals.

Riders love Thunderbird

Recently opened to rave reviews, the first-of-its-kind launched winged coaster has everyone talking. Bolliger & Mabillard’s innovative coaster, enhanced by rich theming, produces a powerful guest experience. Even prior to opening, the ride was eagerly anticipated by coaster enthusiasts and Facebook page followers. Featured by Yahoo! Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Huffington Post, and USA Today, industry experts have declared it “One of the best new rides of 2015”.

So get out there! – Check out the theming effects and experience Thunderbird this season!