Just days after a new trailer teasing the next Star Wars movie, fans are feeling another seismic disturbance in the Force.
This time it’s caused by a goose bump-inducing preview of a new “hyper reality” experience that will bring Star Wars fantasies to life for groups of friends.
Announcing that tickets are now on sale, VR company The Void has released a video revealing what can be expected from “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” when it opens in Disney venues in coming months.
In it, participants are transported to the “Star Wars” universe, where they go undercover as Stormtroopers to capture intelligence for the rebellion.
The video shows shows participants equipped with backpacks and hand controllers, donning VR headsets.
They’re then plunged into combat situations with Imperial forces amid a Death Star-style backdrop and flights over jaw-dropping landscapes of what looks like molten lava.
Fans can head to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida from December 16 2017 and Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California from January 5 to experience “Secrets of the Empire.”
Immersive experience
The Void produces interactive, VR experiences featuring 360 degrees sets and props, for maximum realism.
The company has previously brought the world of Ghostbusters to life at Madame Tussauds New York, The Beach in Dubai, UAE and at the company headquarters in Lindon, Utah.
“Star Wars” is a new challenge for the company — which is working in partnership with Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s ideas lab to ensure faithful recreation.
The release of details of the VR experience follows announcements in August that Disney are building a “Star Wars”-themed hotel which promises to take the interactive experience one step further. Guests will be able to interact with characters and explore the galaxy.
While there’s still a wait to book rooms into the Star Wars hotel — tickets for “Secrets of the Empire” are on sale now.
Admission is $29.95 per person plus fees.
“People have longed for a chance to step into the ‘Star Wars’ universe and this incredible new hyper-reality experience will allow them to do just that in a totally unique way,” says Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge, ILMxLAB, in a statement. “It’s a group experience that evokes the senses in bold new ways.”
