Popcorn Revenge
Walibi Belgium
Wavre, Belgium
Popcorn strikes back in Walibi Belgium’s zany “Popcorn Revenge.” It is the world premiere of the nonlinear, interactive dark ride based on the “Popcorn Revenge” IP Alterface has spent six years developing. “We are very proud to be the first park in the world to offer this attraction,” says Jean-Christophe Parent, managing director at Walibi Belgium.
The story is simple: Popcorn tired of being eaten by cinemagoers take over a series of miniature movie theaters. The popcorn characters commandeer the screens, starring as cute pirates and superheroes. Riders have to use popcorn topping dispensers to immobilize the rogue kernels with caramel and keep them from causing more mischief.
“The route and sequence changes for each individual ride, making it a different experience every time,” explains Parent. Guests have the added incentive of competing with each other to achieve the highest score.
“People want to be surprised and challenged in today’s digital age. We make them forget their smartphones for a few minutes and immerse them in the game,” says Benoit Cornet, founder and CEO of Alterface. The ride combines Alterface’s interactivity, gameplay, shooting, and show control technologies with ETF Ride Systems trackless vehicles, Jora Vision theming, image projection by Barco, and Painting with Light’s lighting.
“‘Popcorn Revenge’ is a strong indoor attraction,” says Parent. It fits into the 100-million-euro plan to transform Walibi Belgium by 2023, strengthening its family park status. “Popcorn Revenge” caters to young and old and “stands out for its interactivity and accessibility,” says Parent. “‘Popcorn Revenge’ is a perfect example of the direction Walibi Belgium wants to pursue in the future—offering an exciting day filled with sensations for all ages.”
Themed as the Victorian-era Grand Maharajah movie theater, “Popcorn Revenge” is integrated into the new Karma World zone, inspired by India and Bollywood. Seven ride vehicles are styled as plush cinema seats, each with its own name like “Corn with the Wind” and “Citizen Corn.” The 3.4-minute ride accommodates 510 people per hour in 500 square meters and can cope with all sorts of spaces.
“A proprietary IP offers a major cost saving in developing the ride, making it affordable for smaller family parks,” adds Cornet, who plans further “Popcorn” content. “Merchandising extends guests’ memories of the experience. Merchandising profits help fund the ride and its updates. So, it’s a win-win for everyone,” Cornet concludes.