At regional theme park Le PAL in France's Auvergne, the management team was eager to start the visitor experience at the queue using the beautiful Scandinavian pavilions that lead to the boarding platform of their new Fjord Explorer water attraction.
The BoldMove team developed a story that guests should discover for themselves instead of forcing something on them. Their personal imagination is activated by factual and visual observations, so all they have to do is discover what is going on. The concept provides a fun experience throughout the queue and is independent of waiting times. When it is less busy, visitors experience the different rooms in a sequential story, but when it gets busier they have more time to explore each room individually as there are many objects and clues.
During this gradually unfolding 'untold story', visitors explore the captain's workshop to the boarding platform. There are no screens with texts or explanations, which is refreshing and avoids language barriers for international visitors. The captain is not present, but visitors can see traces of him and his work throughout the queue - which becomes an experience in itself.
BoldMove provided all 3D concepts, schematics, and detailed design for the entire queue experience, including details on every corner of the rooms and all specific objects. Additionally, the team orchestrated all AV and developed the media content for the reception and the control room. Attentive guests can spot 'small' Easter Eggs in the media referencing the Champi'Folies attraction, the family dark ride that opened in the park last year based on BoldMove's concept and thematic design.
The project was carried out by partner Eye-Opener Decors, who realized all designs with high-quality production and installation on site, including the lighthouse which has become a real eye-catcher.
Discover the captain's workplace
In a small coastal village near the Nordic Fjords lives a retired oceanographer 'The Captain' who continues to search for adventure. He took over the exploration company from his family, who had organized trips in the Fjords for decades. His passion for boats is matched only by his fascination with the ocean and his love of adventure. As a child he lived by the sea and devoted his life to studying the mysteries of the Fjords. He now enjoys showing others the wonders of the steep cliffs and sharing his knowledge. His base is in the city's harbor, where you can visit his workshop. He has built several exploration boats, with his latest boat being the safest yet (or so he claims!). Now it's your turn to join this adventure, as the captain invites you to join him on his latest expedition!
the storyline of the queue
Visit spoiler alert: The attraction's queue invites you to the Captain's tour. Each room is filled with interesting objects, although his life and work style are quite chaotic. Through the window you can see the Fjords in the distance, behind the village's iconic lighthouse. Further on in his study you will find several trophies from his many expeditions. When you go outside to the workshop, you see a boat being repaired. Just before boarding, you'll pass the control room where he monitors all conditions to ensure a safe journey.
More information: www.lepal.com
With thanks to (editor of the article):
Anja D'Hondt from Boldmove Nation.
The Belgian Boldmove Nation is known for the development of media-based attractions. The overall experience of the attraction zone is taken into account. The team at Le Pal was therefore also asked to think about the queue problem. “The visiting public is increasingly less willing to stand in a long queue to wait for the attraction itself. A preshow can help enrich the overall experience. These types of projects require customization because every attraction and every park has its own appearance.”
More information: www.boldmove-nation.com/ip-story