A brand-new dark ride at Freizeitland Geiselwind!
Immersive full-motion dark ride
An incredibly immersive dark ride in the haunted castle at Ravenmoor Academy
A full-motion dark ride from a single source – developed, engineered and implemented by aufwind rides
With Ravenmoor Academy, Freizeit-Land Geiselwind has gained one of the most comprehensive attractions that we at aufwind rides have had the privilege of realising to date. The project combines storytelling, ride engineering, software development, media technology, set construction and craftsmanship into a fully integrated system.
From the initial concept through to design, manufacturing and commissioning, the development of the attraction was entirely in our hands. Together with long-standing partners specialising in hardware, audio and projection technology, we created a full-motion dark ride in which all technical and creative components were perfectly coordinated from the very start. Full details of the dark ride can be found here:
Our scope of services included, amongst other things:
- Story development and overall concept
- Architecture and set design
- Construction and fabrication of the sets
- Development of the full-motion tracking system
- Development of the complete control software
- Development of media server technology
- Conceptualisation and production of all media content and 3D animations
- Development of the safety control system
- Lighting, audio and media integration
- Development and programming of the show control system
- Installation and commissioning of the entire system
Ravenmoor Academy is more than just a traditional dark ride. The experience begins even before you board.
Four interlinked pre-shows introduce visitors to the story of an ancient school of magic. At the centre of the narrative is Mora, whose alter ego repeatedly appears as a ghostly apparition and significantly influences the plot.
A variety of media technologies are used to tell this story convincingly. These include, amongst others:
- high-resolution 3D animations
- large-format projections
- four Pepper’s Ghost installations
- animatronics
- wind, fog and water effects
- specially composed music
- immersive multi-channel sound
The pre-shows bridge the gap between reality and the world of the attraction, preparing visitors for the ride itself.
The story centres on the schoolgirl Mora. Right from the start, she guides visitors through Ravenmoor Academy, trying to lead them safely through the events. For the school’s rhythm has been thrown into disarray – clocks are playing up, magical powers are spiralling out of control, and with every scene the chaos only grows. Her task now is to restore the magical balance at Ravenmoor Academy.
But that’s easier said than done. Time and again, her ghostly alter ego appears and thoroughly thwarts her plans. With dry sarcasm, unexpected comments and plenty of chaos, it repeatedly provides moments of humour.
Thanks to intricately developed 3D animations, projections and perfectly coordinated show effects, Mora’s alter ego appears seemingly out of nowhere and becomes one of the defining elements of the entire production.
“For the first time, we’re travelling not only forwards but also backwards on the track.”
Lutz Bayer
At the heart of the attraction is the specially developed full-motion ride system. Six gondolas, each with four seats, are used. Each gondola features:
- On-board sound
- On-board lighting
- Integrated air effects
- Endless rotational movements
- Tilting movements of up to 15° in all directions
- Forward and reverse movement
The movements of the gondolas are constantly synchronised with all elements of the show.
“We simply wanted an extremely powerful, perfectly coordinated immersive experience. I think we’ve succeeded.”
Lutz Bayer
A key component of the project was the development of the technical infrastructure. The entire control software was supplied by aufwind rides. Similarly, the media server technology and the safety control system, including the software, were developed entirely in-house. As a result, all systems communicate with one another in real time.
Vehicles, projections, audio, lighting, special effects and safety systems operate as a single, integrated system. This close integration enables precise sequences and ensures that the technology remains virtually invisible to visitors.
Over 40 projection channels are used for the media display.
A multi-projection system with automatic calibration ensures that all projectors are calibrated using software and work together seamlessly.
Special rear-projection solutions with angled projection surfaces were developed for individual scenes.
“It started out as an experiment – and it worked brilliantly.”
Lutz Bayer
The immersive sound design is an essential part of the production.
For Ravenmoor Academy, the entire sound design was developed by the attraction’s own sound engineer. Music, sound effects and spatial soundscapes were composed and recorded specifically for the attraction and tailored to the individual scenes.
More than 56 audio channels, combined with the on-board sound of the gondolas, create an immersive audio experience. As a result, the soundscape changes continuously throughout the ride, complementing the story and the movements of the vehicles.
In addition to projections and sound, a wide range of physical effects are used.
These include:
- Wind
- Water
- Fog
- four Pepper’s Ghost installations
- Animatronics
- a fire display up to seven metres high
A dedicated safety containment system was developed for the flame effect to ensure continuous and reliable operation.
“We have actually incorporated fire. A special containment system was developed specifically for this purpose.”
Lutz Bayer
A large part of the visible exhibition space was created in the Aufwind workshops. Among other things, the entrance area, staircases, wooden structures and numerous set elements were manufactured here.
Carpenters, painters, metalworkers, electronics technicians, software developers and engineers worked closely together throughout the project.
This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology shapes Ravenmoor Academy down to the very last detail.
The entire media production was carried out by aufwind rides. All the films and 3D animations for the pre-shows were created by the company’s own 3D artist. From the initial storyboards through modelling, animation and rendering right through to the final integration into the show’s technical set-up, all content was developed specifically for Ravenmoor Academy. This meant that digital media, projections, audio and live effects could be planned and implemented as a cohesive, integrated experience right from the start.
Ride type
Full-motion dark ride
Vehicles
6 gondolas, each with 4 seats
Motion system
Continuous rotation, tilt up to ±15°, forward and reverse motion
Projection system
Over 40 projection channels with automatic calibration
Audio system
56 audio channels, onboard sound
Effects
Wind, water, fog, fire, Pepper’s Ghost, animatronics
Software
Control software, media server and security software developed entirely by Aufwind.
Theme area:
over 2,500 m²
The crew gave it their all. The result speaks for itself.
Behind the Ravenmoor Academy in the Haunted Castle lie months of brainstorming, testing, fine-tuning and, above all, teamwork. From the initial sketches right through to assembly and commissioning, many people with a wide range of skills have worked on this project, all with a shared goal: to create a truly powerful immersive experience.
Reportagen "Behind the Scenes"
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