The new Star Wars:Secret of the Empire hyper reality experience is nothing less than breathtaking. Created by The VOID in combination with ILMxLAB they have managed to bring the world of Star Wars to life like never before. This is achieved by combining the latest virtual reality technology with a physical set and added practical affects. You really feel like you have stepped into the Star Wars world. The best way to describe this experience is that it gives you the feeling that you have stepped directly into a video game. Unlike standard virtual reality experiences, the world you see through the headset can be physically felt. It’s this unique combination which really immerses you in the experience.
A unique Star Wars story has been created for this experience. Guests join the rebel alliance and are handed a mission. As undercover Stormtroopers guided by K2-SO, you must retrieve rebellion intelligence from the planet Mustafar ( Home of Darth Vader). However, as usual, things do not go according to plan. This leaves guests having to battle their way out. During the experience, you get to shoot at stormtroopers, solve puzzles to unlock the next room and meet some of the most famous characters from the Star Wars films.
The experience uses state of the art virtual reality headsets. The headsets have worked perfectly for me and the other members of my group both times I have done this experience. The headsets certainly seem more reliable than the various virtual reality systems being used on rollercoasters. You also wear weighted jackets to further increase the realism of the experience. These jackets can also vibrate when hit by enemy gunfire. Guests can also talk to their team mates throughout as each headset contains speakers and a microphone.
The experience lasts between 10-15 minutes and is completed in teams of four. You don’t have to have four people with you as smaller groups will just be placed with other smaller groups. However, I feel that the experience will be more enjoyable if you can go together as a group of 4.
The experience is currently available for a limited time in London, Anaheim and Orlando. The experience costs $29.95 in Orlando and Anaheim. In London the cost per person is £32.50. It is highly advisable to prebook tickets online due to the popularity of this Star Wars experience.
Both my experiences have been at the experience in Orlando at Disney Springs. Staff have been very helpful during both visits. If pre booked, guests are advised to arrive five minutes before there time slot. This gives you time to check in. Check in is done on iPads on which you scan your confirmation email to receive wristbands. You then enter the queue for the pre show, which explains your mission and provides a backstory. Although you do book time slots, the wait for this pre show can be between 15-20 minutes. After watching the show, you are then fitted with your headset and vest before starting the experience.
This new experience really is a must do for any Star Wars fan. However, it is not essential to be a big Star Wars fan to still enjoy this experience. The technology is outstanding and before this I really did not realise how advanced virtual reality technology now is. This is bound to be the first of many hyper reality attractions. It feels like the possibilities of utilising this technology to create different immersive environments seems endless. I would definitely not be surprised if I start seeing more of these attractions built.
