A Derby design agency has delivered a new Viking-inspired interactive experience at a major theme park in Ireland.
Earlier this year, Katapult, based in Ashbourne Road, was tasked by bosses at Tayto Park, near Dublin, to design and install a new queue line experience for its water flume ride Viking Voyage At The Park.
Working with the Tayto Park team and the national tourism development authority Fáilte Ireland, the project was part of the “Ireland’s Ancient East” narrative and had to include historically accurate information and education in a fun environment.
According to Katapult, the design, which blends theming, technology and low-tech interactives, starts with guests invited to step back in time to 1014, the year of the famous Battle of Clontarf.
Viking army leader Odin greets the guests on a walk-through mist hologram projection and as guests progress through the queue line they become more and more like a Viking, from strength and agility games, to sitting on the Viking throne with animatronic ravens, seeing themselves in an AR Viking helmet and eating themed food.
They finally depart with a last rousing speech from Odin before the ride starts, setting sail for Ireland to do battle.
Katapult, which this year celebrates its 18th birthday, was founded by Dawn Foote and Phil Higgins. Today, it has a team of 17 staff who specialise in working with themed attractions.
Dawn said: “Working on this theme park experience was great. We created a world with a narrative-led design.
“Not only could we have some fun with the theme but we also had to research and work with Fáilte Ireland on the historical context too.
“This project was the perfect blend of our skills; concept design, interactive creation, production and storytelling.
“We’ve enjoyed collaborating with Tayto Park to deliver this project in a short period of time ready for summer.”
David Everard, from Tayto Park said: “The new level of theming adds so much more to the guest experience at our park.
“We are in a unique location and making the most of our local historical stories sets us apart and creates something authentically Tayto Park.
“We know guests will love it so much that even at low-queue times they’ll still play with all the interactives.”
