19 Apr 2024 World leisure: news, training & property
 
 
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SELECTED ISSUE
Attractions Management
2017 issue 2

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Leisure Management - IDEATTACK

Promotional feature

IDEATTACK


IDEATTACK is working on a magical destination resort in Hunan Province, China. Founders Natasha Varnica and Dan Thomas walk us through the fairytale experience

Founders Natasha Varnica and Dan Thomas
The theme park combines ancient stories and well-loved characters with new technology and thrilling rides
There’s an array of magical rides, like the Fantasy Pagoda theatre and the Secrets of Kunlun Mountain boat ride
There’s an array of magical rides, like the Fantasy Pagoda theatre and the Secrets of Kunlun Mountain boat ride
There’s an array of magical rides, like the Fantasy Pagoda theatre and the Secrets of Kunlun Mountain boat ride

The Fairytale Experience Park is the first in China to be based on the concept of the fairytale, a unique testament to human creativity and imagination. The park is envisioned as an ultimate, one-of-a-kind entertainment and leisure destination celebrating the world of fairytales, myths and legends. The Fairytale Experience Park is created to inspire, entertain and enrich the lives of its visitors. Fairytales that are used as inspiration in the park’s attractions have evolved from centuries-old stories that have appeared with variations in multiple cultures around the world.

The theme park has six distinct zones:

1. FAIRYTALE AVENUE
A highly themed street full of unique food and beverage joints and original souvenir shops is the introduction to the park’s overall experience.

2. ENCHANTED KINGDOM
Enchanted Kingdom occupies the central area of the theme park and consists of two parts: Fairytale Fortress, situated on an island on the lake, and Fairytale Forest around it. It’s an eclectic fairytale land, celebrating fairytale culture and heritage.

One of the numerous attractions in this area is Cinderella International, a classic walkthrough attraction featuring scenes depicting versions of stories similar to Cinderella. These versions can be found in different cultures and regions of the world, such as Ye Xian from China, Bawang Merah Bawang Putih from Indonesia and Malaysia, Tam Cam from Vietnam, Kongjwi and Patjwi from Korea, Maah Pishànih from Middle East, and European versions including the Italian version and the version told by the Brothers Grimm.

3. MAGIC EUROPE
This land of Magic Europe is inspired by European fairytales and stories. The narrow, richly decorated streets open on to a central plaza anchored by the main fairytale tower. Surrounded by meticulous and elaborate façades and details, small cafés and exotic shops, visitors are fully immersed in a fantasy world unlike anywhere else. Magic Europe has two internal zones: the Märchenstadt (a German Fairytale Town) and Gothic Quarter. Apart from exciting attractions, visitors can enjoy original and authentic European food and purchase creative and delightful European souvenirs.

One of the numerous attractions in this area is The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The mini coaster is themed around The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written in 1816 by German author ETA Hoffmann. In the story, young Marie Stahlbaum’s favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.

4. TREASURES OF CHINA
Treasures of China, the largest themed land in the park, is dedicated to the rich heritage of Chinese legends, myths and fairytales. Visitors can explore this land in three segments: the City, with secrets hidden behind its stone walls; the Countryside, featuring a picturesque fisherman’s village; and Heaven, created in Chinese fantasy style.

In addition to the hi-tech story-based attractions, in Treasures of China guests can enjoy food and beverages unavailable locally, and buy customised souvenirs.

Some of the numerous attractions in this area are the Secrets of the Kunlun Mountain and the Fantasy Pagoda.

A signature attraction of Treasures of China land, Secrets of the Kunlun Mountain is a pleasant boat ride through a series of scenic chambers themed around a mythical mountain, a place of dwelling for a variety of divinities, and full of fabulous and extraordinary plants and animals. The ride features a series of highly elaborate chambers, culminating with a large hall depicting the Xuanpu – a mythical fairyland on Kunlun Mountain.

Fantasy Pagoda is a hi-tech motion-platform digital dome theatre attraction, featuring multimedia content that tells stories from Chinese legends and mythology. The media content is changeable, enabling the theatre to present different stories as often as required.

5. ARABIAN NIGHTS
The Arabian Nights land is dedicated to fairytales of the Middle East region. Here, visitors can enjoy authentic Arabic specialties, shop in the exotic bazaar and take one of the several exciting adventure rides.

Some of the numerous attractions in the Arabian Nights themed land are Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and Coffee Time.

A suspended dark ride takes visitors on a pleasant journey through the imaginary world of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Flying high above different scenes from the story, the riders can enjoy one of the most famous stories from Arabian world from the perspective of Ali Baba himself.

Located in the Arabian Nights zone, Coffee Time is a classic spinning-round ride, which is appropriately themed in the fashion of a coffee drinking ceremony.

6. LOST WORLD
Lost World is reachable by an adventure bridge across a river. It’s a land of exotic fairytales and distant civilisations.

Here, the main attraction is Lost Tribe, which is a large capacity performance and the biggest show in the park. With live action, special effects and spectacular scenic sets, the show tells a story about an imaginary tribe from a fairytale world.


PROJECT DETAIL
Project: The Fairytale Experience Park
Location: Changsha, Hunan Province, China
Size: 60 hectares
Client: Evergrande

IDEATTACK role: Overall masterplan; concept design and schematic design; ideation, design and production of all rides and shows in the park


Originally published in Attractions Management 2017 issue 2

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