Lionsgate Entertainment World (LEW), Asia’s first movie-themed vertical theme park, has opened during the first phase of Novotown, an integrated tourism and entertainment destination on the island of Hengqin in Zhuhai, China.
The 240,000 sq ft (22296 sq m) park, which opened on 31 July 19, was designed by Thinkwell Group, an experience design and production agency based in Los Angeles, and plays host to more than 25 attractions based on several of Lionsgate Films most famous IPs including The Hunger Games, Twilight, Divergent, Gods of Egypt and Now You See Me.
The park partnered with CAVU Designwerks, Dreamcraft Attractions, Framestore and ETF to create the groundbreaking technology behind the new attractions which include a virtual reality (VR) motorbike simulator, an indoor VR roller coaster and a state-of-the-art motion-based 3D cabin simulator experience.
Key attractions include Gods of Egypt – Bettle of Eternity; an indoor VR rollercoaster that takes riders on an epic adventure through Ancient Egypt, Hunger Games – Mockingjay Flight Rebel Escape; a state-of-the-art multiple motion-based cabin 3D simulator which takes guests on an action-packed adventure through Panem during the rebellion.
The Twilight Saga – Midnight Ride is one of the first multiplayer interactive VR motorbike experiences in the world, and takes riders on a moonlit race through the forest with Jacob and the Wolf Pack.
Other attractions include the Divergent Fear Simulator; a VR walk-through experience that tests guests courage and daring, The Escape Plan – Prison Break; a multiplayer interactive escape room where guests have to race against the clock to escape the most secure prison in the world and Now You See Me – Long’s Magic Shop, where guests can experience ‘mind-bending illusions’ performed by live magicians.
In addition to the next generation attractions, LEW will be home to an expansive offering of immersive dining and retail experiences, including the opulent Hunger Games-inspired Capital Club restaurant, Peeta’s Bakery and the Lionsgate Cafe. Guests will also be able to shop for memorable souvenirs and merchandise at Capitol Couture; a ‘one-stop shop for fabulousness’, Dauntless Ink; home of edgy tattoo designs and Long’s Magic Shop.
Jenefer Brown, senior vice-president of Global Live & Location Based Entertainment at Lionsgate, said: “From escaping the Capitol, to braving the mental and physical challenges of Dauntless, to taking on a newborn vampire army with Jacob and the Wolf Pack, we can’t wait for fans to step into the worlds of their favourite films to create their own authentic adventures.”
Selena Magill, general manager of LEW, said: “We are proud to bring this iconic attraction to life at Hengqin, Zhuhai. Lionsgate Entertainment World aims to become a multifaceted destination by engaging guests through storytelling and cutting edge technology. We expect guests in China and all around the world to enjoy sensational experiences here that they won’t soon forget.”
Article first appeared in Attractions Management.