Volume 2, No. 9.   May 24, 2002

New Arrivals

It’s a simulation ride!
Ocean Park in Hong Kong announces the arrival of Whiskers’ Wild Ride, April 28, 2002. Measurements: 100-seat, 900-square-meter (2,970-square-foot) theater, two-minute pre-show, 4:45-minute film on a 15-by-20 meter (50-by-66-foot) screen. Delivered by Centro Digital Pictures in a theater by Iwerks.

In one significant aspect, the opening of the multi-sensory Whiskers’ Wild Ride was the most important in Ocean Park’s 25-year history: this HK$70 million (US$8.98 million) film was locally produced. “It’s the first time we used local companies to produce this kind of digital animation for simulation rides,” said Vivian Lee, marketing manager for the theme park.

This being the park’s silver anniversary, the new film celebrates the park via its mascot, Whiskers the sea lion, and his five friends: a parrot, a shark, a dolphin, a butterfly and a tortoise. The sextet takes the audience on a tour of Ocean Park, going through eight scenes from the perspectives of the mascots, who, unlike their human visitors, can fly, crawl, swim and flutter through the attractions. “It gives you a whole new look of Ocean Park,” Lee said. “Given that it’s digital film, it is a different point of view than you would see by walking around normally.” The theater seats have also been equipped with buzzers, air hoses and water sprayers for effects.

Given the new ride’s local importance, the opening ceremony featured Ocean Park executives, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Economic Services Sandra Lee and the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Selina Chow. Whiskers gave the special guests safari hats, and the guests presented Whiskers with a telescope, fitting for a day which was all about new perspectives.

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