Will France Futuroscope Open a Soarin' Attraction Before Disneyland Paris ?

If you're a faithful Disney and more reader you probably know the Futuroscope as i did previously many articles about this french successful theme park, the 3rd in number of guests after Disneyland Paris and the Parc Asterix. Sure, with 1.46 M visitors in 2013 the Futuroscope is not a big threat for DLP and its 14.9M guests, still, with one new attraction each year and often inventive rides the capacity of the Futuroscope to attract new visitors must not be underestimated.

And recently, Dominique Hummel, Futuroscope board president revealed that from now till 2018 the park will invest 50M € to create new attractions and shows. At WDI you can't have a lot with 50M€, but at the Futuroscope with a budget for each new attraction around 12M€, you can create 3 or 4 new attractions with this amount, and generally good ones.

Now, what are their plans up to 2018? Well, two new pavilions as well as a Live show are currently in the creation process. The first thing, in 2015,  will be a "futuristic circus" a Live show in the spirit of those of Le Cirque du Soleil and this fun park animation will also approach the theme of technology and science fiction.

In 2018 in an attraction called "Darwin 4" guests will be invited to a space voyage thanks to the famous door of Einstein-Rosen ( as seen in the Stargate movie ). Guests aboard 4 wheels drive vehicles - equipped with plenty of on-ride effects - will move through a long tunnel  with 3D projections on each side, up to an attack from extra terrestrial creatures. Sounds to me like something close to the technology used in Universal King Kong 360 3D, but i may be wrong... Anyway, once arrived on the exoplanet guests will be able to have a drink in a space bar, and more...

But the other new ride which interest us particularly is the one scheduled for 2016 as it is a ride which looks very much like one using the same technology than Soarin'.  The theme will be a teleportation in the world of Jules Verne, guests up in the air, facing a huge and immersive hemispherical screen, just like in Soarin'. The name of the new pavilion should be "Sky World". Now, as revealed last week by Geoffrey, we know that DLP might have in its plans to open a Soarin' ride at DLP Adventureland in a near future. Sounds strange to have a Soarin' ride in Adventureand but as explained in another article last week the 1940's "Indy" travels storyline could work well in Adventureland. Although Geoffrey didn't had any dates for the opening we also know that Star Tours 2 : The Adventure Continues should come finally at DLP Discoveryland in 2016. As there is no way that DLP also open a Soarin' ride the same year, and as it won't open too in 2015, chances are that the Futuroscope will be the first one to introduce in France a ride using more or less the same technology than Soarin'.

And it's not that DLP hadn't been lucky during the last ten years that no one else in France introduced a "Soarin'" ride... As a matter of fact a "Soarin'" ride concept was proposed to the Futuroscope ten years ago and at that time they could have had it for not more than 10M€, including the filming of the ride movie but with one theater only instead of two like at DCA. No need to say that there is no way to have a Soarin' ride from WDI for 10M€, but at that time it was possible to do it for this price for the Futuroscope. Strangely, the Futuroscope didn't jumped on the idea - and i say "strangely" because a Soarin' ride is exactly something made for the Futuroscope which, since its opening in 1987, has always been the theme park of all kind of projection technologies.

Anyway, ten years ago they didn't did it and thanks to this DLP was not overtake and still can be the first one to introduce a Soarin' ride in France. Which is important as one of the big "wow" in Soarin' is this unique feeling that you're flying like a bird over the scenes. But now, if the Futuroscope open their "Soarin' " ride in 2016 chances are that DLP won't be anymore the first to introduce to french and european guests this wonderful technology.
I suppose this is the risk that can happen when you wait too long...

Top Picture: copyright Futurocope

France Futuroscope : Green Light For a 46 Million Euros Investment Plan !

The Futuroscope, one of the most interesting french theme park located at only 90 minutes by train from Paris, announced yesterday an important news for the park which might also be a not-so-good news for Disneyland Paris. The park announced that the Futuroscope Supervisory Board gave its green light to a investment plan of 46 million euros for the renewal of the contents in the next four years of five of the park pavilions: the Image Studio, the Kinemax, the Solido, Imax 3D and the Magic Carpet. 

From the start Futuroscope pavilions architecture always looked great ( see above and below )  some looking like giant crystal rocks in which the sky reflects, wonderfully... and some of them could even make jealous the architects of Epcot’s future world. But the problem has always been with what was shown inside. At the start the Futuroscope was a huge "IMAX show room" where all the different IMAX techniques were shown to the visitors. Back in the 1990's it worked great, but now guests are asking more than a simple movie as good as it can be, and these 46M € surely will help the Futuroscope to do these enhancements and bring to the original pavilions something more exciting.

To come back to the announcement the agreement for the 46M € were discussed in a public meeting last Friday, December 20, and was vote unanimously by the majority and the opposition. The region general council, as owner of the park, agreed to support 8M Euros. Dominique Hummel, CEO of the park, stressed the importance of the commitment of the Compagnie des Alpes: "The air hole that we had in 2013 has lead us to build a multi-year plan. The contractual commitment of Compagnie des Alpes was 10 million euros. With this plan of 46 million euros in four years, it goes beyond. " 

The Magic Carpet attraction "will be transformed in a new major thrill ride" and they have plenty of room in this one to create something great. So far the “magic carpet” pavilion was inviting  its audience on a poetic and ecological odyssey that couldn't be seen anywhere in the world but at the Futuroscope, in a theatre that boasts the Double Imax format. In the upper area, nearly 250 seats in tiered rows face a giant 672 m2 screen. In the lower area, a second inclined screen, 748 m2 large, stretches out beneath the spectators' feet. Two films were projected simultaneously from two projection rooms equipped with IMAX technology, one in front and one underfoot, that let the audience fly with the birds above the whales and dolphins. 

But the theatre itself is huge and for instance they could easily built a "Soarin'" attraction in it if they want. It's even surprising that the Futuroscope don't have yet a Soarin' ride as it would fit perfectly with the rest of the park. Disneyland Paris always has the project to bring Soarin' to the Walt Disney Studios and they're lucky that no other competitor in France didn't built yet a ride with the same technology. But it may not last forever...

However the biggest danger for DLP comes from the 46M € investment amount. At DLP, considering WDI prices they almost can't built nothing with 46M € but at the Futuroscope where the budget for a new attraction is around 10M € they can build easily three or four rides, one per year, and for this amount they even can build great rides. Next year DLP will have the opening of the long awaited Ratatouille ride but so far nothing new is scheduled for the years after 2014 and the fact that the Futuroscope, DLP biggest competitor in France, will have the funds to build new rides each year is no good news... all this relative speaking as the Futuroscope had last year 1.7M visitors only, so they won't take a lot of guests to DLP anyway.

Pictures: copyright Futuroscope

Futuroscope New Attraction "Raving Rabbids" - Full Report and POV HD Ride Video !

The Futuroscope, the film and technology theme park and 2nd french theme park in terms of attendance after Disneyland Paris had this week-end their press event for Futuroscope's new attraction called in english "Raving Rabbids, The Time Machine". You may know the Ubisoft popular video game featuring the crazy Raving Rabbids - which are known in France as "Lapins Crétins" - and they are the inspiration for this time travelling attraction.  

The ride will open officially only December 21 but thanks to Max, D&M contributor and Dlrp Welcome webmaster, Disney and more has for you pictures and a video of the full ride, so let's go and have a look at this new attraction!

First, you have to know that it's the Dutch creative company Jora Vision which have been involved in the design and engineering production of the new ride.  In addition Jora Graphics provided canvases showing the history and creative side of the Lapins Crétins and Jora Entertainment created the customized light and special effects for the immersive ride.

In “La Machine à Voyager dans le Temps” - Time Machine, in english - guests walk aboard a vehicle for a time travel with the Raving Rabbids, and they will be travelling from the Ice Age to Ancient Greece and up to the moon, thanks to the crazy rabbits’ laboratory. Jora Vision used for the ride a combination of 3-D projections, light effects, customized ride vehicles and the newest interactive dark ride techniques to create a unique attraction. The ride use is also located in the same building where the attraction "Les Animaux du Futur" was previously and according to Max is much more fun than the previous ride. 

A  Raving Rabbids submarine stands in the garden near the above show building entrance.

When guests go inside there is a pre-show called "Museum des Lapins Crétins" (Raving Rabbids Museum)...

...in which are displayed famous artwork, all with a Raving Rabbids take.

Also displayed some Raving Rabbids supposedly historical items and the washing machine that you can see below in the foreground has some importance as you will see later in the ride.

The Futuroscope wanted “La Machine à Voyager dans le Temps” to have plenty of humor and to create a ride to be fun for visitors of all ages. So, once they get out of the pre-show guests arrive to the boarding room below. What, you ask, it looks like a restrooms entrance? That's right, and not only it's the entrance of the boarding room...

...with a sign on the doors showing a Raving Rabbid sit on a toilet bowl and a restroom attendant on the TV screens above doors telling you that it's time to make a stop to the toilets before embarking...

... but it's also on this that guests will sit when they embark in the ride vehicle...

...on seats designed like toilet seats!

According to Max the seats are in foam and not a hard plastic like real ones ( thanks God! ) and when the washing machine that you'll see in the ride movie - which apparently serves as time vehicle - fall on the floor the seats go down suddenly a few centimeters.

Before you watch the full ride video, a bit of synopsis about it: So, it's  supposed to be a time machine ride in which you travel with the the Raving Rabbids through different eras starting by Ice Age and then through Ancient Greece, Native Americans era, etc... According to Max the ride include in-ride effects, mostly wind either to simulate the touch by a mouse on your legs ( in the first scene ) or snakes ( in the fourth scene, the best one ). The vehicle is moving from one scene to another and in each scene guests face a 3D movie. Of course, on the video below it won't be in 3D but it'll give you an idea of how they use it.

My take on the ride itself, now: it looks very well done and is indeed full of humor, not always my favorite kind of humor, though... To be frank, it's a delight of good taste and raffiné gallic humor - it's totally ironic, of course, you'll see why... Anyway, it's time to embark, and please note that the video of the ride itself starts at 0.50 sec, just after a slide show of the pictures you've seen above.




Pictures and video: copyright Max Fan - Dlrp Welcome, Futuroscope

" The Future is wild " attraction introduce for the first time the amazing " augmented reality " technology on a ride !

Last saturday the Futuroscope theme park, in France, had its big press event for two of the new attractions, and today i will talk about the "Future is wild" ride.

First, i must say that i was invited but unfortunately couldn't attend the event.
So what you will read below is not from my own experience of the ride and its new technology, but what i understood of it and comments that i had from people who were there. And of course, you will see plenty of photos and two videos, as usual.



The Future is wild can be described as a ride, as guests board on a moving platform going through different kind of decors. But don't expect to find hundred of audio-animatronics as there is nobody in the decors! The french title of the attraction is "The Animals of the future" and it helps to better understand what is going on. The decor is supposed to be the "present", and thanks to the "augmented reality" technology - and with the help of binoculars and sensor bracelets for each guest - they will "see" what kind of animals will live inside these decors in the "future".



A little description from the press release, now: "Once they pass through the doors of the brand new theatre and its depiction of evolution, visitors enter first a futuristic laboratory which gives them a foretaste of the journey ahead prior to boarding. On screen, a TV presenter explains how our planet might evolve, how evolution works, and describes the strange creatures that visitors will be seeing: the massive ganetwhale seabird with its 10-ft-long wingspan; the amazing rattleback rodent coated in protective scales; the reef glider, which is descended from sea slugs; and the little poggle in its thick coat of fur.



During the ride, each guest climb aboard the expedition vehicles with their augmented-reality binoculars and sensor bracelets for a journey through the realistic scenery which portrays a series of possible future environments forged and moulded by climate change and movements of the Earth’s crust. As they travel the four zones – across the dry, cold desert, through the swamp valley, along the bed of the vast global ocean and the floor of the tropical rainforest – the visitors watch as
animals that could be inhabiting the planet in 5 million, 100 million or 200 million
years from now burst into view in 3D, and then spring into action when they reach out to touch and interact with them. Reality and virtual reality combine to
blur the boundaries that separate them."



Okay, so how does this "augmented reality" works? As you've probably already understood, the "augmented reality" create virtual images that appear in an "empty" decor - except, of course, the rocks, plants, etc...Each visitor’s exact position is tracked by the onboard augmented reality system, so they can interact, communicate and play in real time with the "virtual" creatures created for the attraction. In two words: if you look at the decor during the ride without the binoculars, the decor looks empty. If you look at it through the binoculars animals magically appear in the decor and even interact with you. The two pictures below show the principle.




More explanations from the press release : "Augmented reality is a means of controlling virtual 3D objects within a real environment. A camera integrated into the visitors’ binoculars films the backdrop of each sequence in front of them. A computer then adds the virtual 3D animals to the film in real time.

The filmed sequence and the added creatures are immediately transmitted back on to the binocular viewing screens, giving visitors the vivid impression that they are watching real-life action. The motion sensor system lets them interact directly with the animals.



The result of this perfect blend of reality and virtuality, added to the real-time
interaction with the filmed scenes, is to expand the viewers’ perception of reality:
the result is augmented reality. This ground-breaking process allows us to unite the real world and the virtual world and to immerse viewers in totally new experiences.
Augmented reality obeys three criteria: it combines the real world and the virtual
world, it is interactive in real time, and it is calibrated in 3D.

Augmented-reality technology removes the need for an interface between viewer and image. No more need for a screen. The technology totally re-examines the role of the viewer, immersing him in a concocted environment of reality and virtuality.



By importing virtual 3D and animated objects, augmented reality alters our
perception of the real world. We move from being spectators watching
images to participants, interacting directly and in real time with these
creatures that have been seamlessly assimilated into our environment.

To achieve this, visitors are provided with binoculars and sensor bracelets that communicate with the augmented-reality system in their carriage. The binoculars
project images that are not there: animals that could well have evolved to inhabit the Earth millions of years from now. The sensor bracelet brings the animals to life. This equipment is the conduit for an “augmented” reality.

The perspective of the animated virtual creatures matches real-world perspective. The animals blend in seamlessly with the real-world images in the viewers’ eyes. The illusion that both worlds are co-existing is whole, with viewers unable to distinguish between real objects and virtual objects."



Looks interesting, if not amazing, doesn't it? Some could ask what is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality? Here is the answer: "In virtual reality, the real world is computer generated to create an imaginary environment. The user is immersed in this imaginary world and so totally cut off from the real world.
In augmented reality, the user remains in contact with the real world while a computer generates virtual objects in 3D that are superimposed on to the real environment and with which users can interact in real time. In other words, augmented reality enhances the real world but does not replace it."

As i hate to talk about something that i've not experienced myself, i will try to don't make any comments, but it seems to me that what makes the ride principle interesting is to see the decor empty and then through the binoculars the virtual animals, etc...which means that you have to put the binoculars and take them off, and put them again, and so forth...and i'm ready to bet that most of the guests won't do it, that they will keep the binoculars from the beginning to the end of the ride.
So the question is: what's the point to have a moving vehicle inside decors if you don't enjoy them directly ? Do you see what i mean? The big difference with a ride like, for instance, Toy Story Mania, is that in TSM guests will enjoy both the decor AND virtual images that pops out of it at the same time.

So, and although i think that this "augmented-reality" technology looks impressive - and i will be very happy to try it - my first feelings is that i'm not totally convinced...If anyone of you did the ride recently, please let us know what you think about it in the comments.

And now, let's have a closer look with two videos. This first one is a promo video from the futuroscope. As you will see, the real decors are not as immersing as it seems to be on the press pictures above which are obviously "cheating" a bit...and even a lot.



The next one was shot during the event. If you don't speak french, skip the first part which is a conference explaining how the augmented reality technology works, unfortunately only in french, and go to the second part where you'll see images of the ride.



Next time i will talk about the other new attraction - a small "B" ticket inspired by the universe of legendary comic book artist Moebius.

Photos and videos: copyright Futuroscope. ©F. Juille - ©The Future is Wild Limited/Pictural Charts Educational Trust/Studio Ludo/Artefacto/Getty Images.

Discover the Futuroscope, a "different" theme park

Have a look at the picture below. It looks like an Epcot future world pavillion doesn’t? Except that it’s not. It’s some of the stunning futuristic buildings of the Futuroscope, one of the most interesting french theme park. Located at only 90 minutes by train from Paris - with a direct train station access to the park, the Futuroscope opened, in fact, 5 years before Disneyland paris.
The concept was to create a theme park that will be a tribute to all the image and projection techniques, including simulation rides, and not only the one existing in the “present”, but, too, to introduce the new techniques that will appear in the future.

At the Futuroscope, you’ll see some of the best futuristic architecture you’ve ever seen. Some building even look like giant crystal rocks in which the sky reflects, wonderfully...and some of them could make jealous the architects of Epcot’s future world...






If you like IMAX, the Futuroscope is undoubtedly the biggest IMAX “show-room” in the world, including some you’ve never heard about, like the one called the “magic carpet” which include two giant screens, one in front of you and one under you.

The foundator of the Futuroscope was René Monory, the president of the Vienne region in Francen in the late 1980s with the ambitious aim of “harnessing” the future. His initiative was a success, encapsulating the aspirations of the French and their steady reassurance that technology was the way forward.

This first video will show you some of the Futuroscope attractions.




I will talk in a future article about the 2008 new attractions, but recently, they introduced a new theme, “Robots”, with two major attractions “Dances with the robots” and “the Robot zoo” . Let’s begin by “Dances with robots”.





This breathtaking show use ten 7-metre-high robots performing a dance routine you just won’t see anywhere else. The attraction is a technological gem in which two passengers take their seats at the top of robots inspired by the manipulator arms found in the car manufacturing industry. Once safely strapped in, they are waltzed around in all directions by centrifugal forces that tempt the forces of gravity and guarantee a giddy thrill as they play an active part in a ground-breaking, grandiose and unusual ballet that moves in time to a series of musical sequences. It does not matter whether visitors are watching from the mezzanine floor above the action or are actually in the dynamic seats, they will all enjoy this new and exhilarating form of artistic expression.




These huge robot arms are coming from the Kuka technology, and look at them closely, as it was the same kind of robot-arm that was envisioned for a WDI attraction on the "Incredibles" theme...until Universal succeed to have the exclusivity of the technology for a future Harry Potter attraction, opening in 2009. However, the Universal exclusivity may be only on the U.S territory. Which could mean that all is not lost, and other Disney theme parks, like Tokyo Disneyland could have in the future this "Incredibles" attraction...we'll see.

In the meantime, here is a making-of video of this robotic attraction.







Let's come back to the Futuroscope, and this next one is “the robot zoo”, that “combines fun and learning to deliver an enjoyable and enriching experience”. Housed in a circular attractions theatre, it’s an interactive journey where the emphasis is on the biomechanics of the giant robot animals to give visitors an insight into how real animals live. Six mechanical creations combined with a range of entertaining and educational activities make this an amazing safari . This one-of-a-kind zoo uses creepers, umbrella pines and other tropical plants to recreate a natural setting in which to see large robots of a chameleon, a bat, a giraffe, a grasshopper, a giant squid and a fly.




The mechanical movements of these robot animals mimic the movements of their real-life equivalents. Visitors can see the pistons and pumps that act as muscles, the tubing that replaces the intestines, the computer brains, etc. The attraction is boosted by twelve interactive experiences. Around each robot animal is a series of amusing play activities so that visitors can interact with the animal. This attraction shows the magic of nature in a fun way and appeals especially to the youngest children.

Of course there is many other attractions, with new movies that i’d like to let you know about, beginning by “travellers by air and sea” , the movie at the “magic carpet” pavillion: Voyageurs du Ciel et de la Mer takes its audience on a poetic and ecological odyssey that cannot be seen anywhere in the world but at Futuroscope, in a theatre that boasts the Double Imax® format. Two gigantic screens, one in front and one underfoot, let the audience fly with the birds above the whales and dolphins. As viewers are totally immersed in the film they go “beyond mere emotion, into a world of unadulterated thrills”.



The building itself consists of two areas, one above the other, separated by an oblique glass floor. In the upper area, nearly 250 seats in tiered rows face a giant 672 m2 screen. In the lower area, a second inclined screen, 748 m2 large, stretches out beneath the spectators' feet. Two films are projected simultaneously from two projection rooms equipped with IMAX technology.

Another attraction, “Race For Atlantis” is an astounding, lightning-quick 3D race into the mythical city. Take the controls of your shaky chariot and charge headlong to the aid of Atlantis.
Powerful hydraulic jacks operated by computers activate the platforms. Images are projected onto a giant dome-shaped screen. The 3D effect is reproduced by means of liquid crystral glasses and the sound capacity is strengthened by individual sound systems... to put you in the heart of the action...

Mind you, not only you’ll find many attractions with 3D or simulators system of the latest technology like “Peril on Akrylis”, This futuristic adventure that will make your hair stand on end, is hurtling visitors along on a breakneck chase through the heart of an imaginary technological future. Lurking in the shadows is a monster eager to get its hands on the energy source that ensures the survival of Akrylis...



There is too a “dark ride” . It’s called “Star of the future” where you can take a look inside a major film studio, feel the buzz of the film set and discover the secrets behind the special effects. Visitors are enrolled in an audition and their acting talents are put to the test. Next, they board the pods and travel behind the scenes of 8 film sets to discover the atmosphere and the technical trickery used.



There is also a not-to-be-missed-attraction: “Journey into the Dark” , an amazing experience, and probably one of the most simple concept i ever seen - although it’s a litlle bit more difficult to built than it looks.
Why? because it’s total darkness! you can’t see anything - nothing at all, and that’s the goal: to try to make you feel how blind people are experiencing the world...”More than 70,000 visitors have already visited "Les Yeux Grands Fermés" - "Eyes wide shut" - in which they are led on a fun walk in the dark through several specially arranged zones prepared using objects, smellsand sounds.
Les Yeux Grands Fermés provides in fact a unique sensory trip into the unseen.Visitors are led along the route in groups of ten by a blind guide, experiencing what daily life is like for those who cannot see. This attraction is a search for sense and the
senses that allows visitors to understand the world and to learn to live together in a
new way as they are spurred on by a hundred different sound, touch and smell stimuli.



May be it can look strange to you for an attraction concept, but if you’re there one day, don’t miss it. Not only you will re-discover a new way to “feel” the world in other way than with your normal vision, but, too, when you’ll leave, the happiness - i should say the “blessing” - to be able to see with your own eyes...



The Futuroscope also have a night show on the Futuroscope lake. And the new evening show “the forest of dreams “ is better than ever!
“Somewhere out there on this planet" a new show created by the artists from Skertzo in association with Parc du Futuroscope’s own teams, sets the 7,000-m2˜ water stage a glow with the grace and power of images against water screens, pyrotechnic effects and blazes of light. Futuroscope is already known for the quality of its evening shows, and here it offers its most ambitious and consummate production yet in terms of technological achievement and rich aesthetic touch.

Of course, the futuroscope have a web site, and you can know more about it at :
www.futuroscope.com - and there is an english version!

I was going to tell you that the Futuroscope was unique in its kind in the world, and it’s still true, but may be not forever, as the general council of the Vienne region have made a deal with the chinese city of Shenzen to built the same concept over there. Here is the first concept-art released , and it looks really close to the other aerial picture below of the actual park in france....And you know what? the Shenzen city where this new chinese “Futuroscope” will be built is at less than one hour of another asian theme park: Hong Kong Disneyland...




Photos and videos: copyright Futuroscope 2008