Jordan's 'Star Trek' themepark unveils flight ride

RGH Themed Entertainment (a division of Rubicon Group Holding), designer and project manager for The Red Sea Astrarium (TRSA), has unveiled Wonders! - a new flight simulator attraction under development at the US $1.5 billion leisure resort in Aqaba, Jordan.

According to the designer, Riders will travel via custom-built flying machines 'through the fabric of space and time' to see the wonders of the world in their prime. The Lighthouse of Alexandria before it crumbled into the sea, Macchu Picchu’s bustling metropolis, the thriving landscape of the Acropolis, and the towering rose-red desert city of Petra to name a few.

Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, one of the largest rollercoaster manufacturers in the world and a leader in the amusement industry, will build the Wonders! ride system utilising the innovative i-Ride immersive inverted 4D simulator technology from Brogent Technologies. Brogent is known for its innovative digital content, software, hardware, manufacturing and system integrations.

RGH will produce the media content for Wonders!, which will provide a randomised experience for every ride cycle . 

“The Wonders! ride is a thrilling, unpredictable journey to the ancient past that gives riders an incredible experience of visiting the Wonders of the World as they were meant to be seen,” said Lenny Larsen, director of Themed Entertainment at RGH. “By immersing the guests into the actual times and places of ancient civilisations they can fully appreciate these man-made wonders.”

The context and story of the ride revolves around eccentric adventurers and their start-up airline, AirWonders! After stumbling across a mysterious power source, these wandering entrepreneurs set up shop near the Astratium to build a new life, one of adventure, excitement, and accidental time travel.

“The Wonders! attraction is the perfect addition to the Old Waterfront section of the resort. It provides a themed centerpiece of old-world exploration and fascination. What’s more, it brings the resort full circle: The Red Sea Astrarium brings the world together, then Wonders! sends people out into the world again,” said RGH CEO Randa Ayoubi.

The TRSA development spans 74 hectares and includes four hotels and 17 entertainment projects.

Funding for the major tourism and theme park development in Jordan, featuring Star-Trek inspired attraction, was secured last year from US and Gulf investors.

The “Star Trek” attraction is being creatively developed by Paramount Recreation.

The Amman company Rubicon Group Holding, which makes animated films, said in May 2011 that it would design and produce the entertainment elements of the resort.