DOLLYWOOD OFFERS VIRTUAL RIDES AMID PANDEMIC CLOSURE

BY GABRIELLE

Fans of Dollywood Theme Park in Tennessee can enjoy a rollercoaster fix, as the attraction site is posting videos of its rollercoasters to take people on virtual rides.

The park is offering virtual tours of the Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, Dragon Flier, Firechaser Express, Thunderhead and several more of its popular attractions.

In a blog post about the virtual rides, Dollywood noted the best way to experience the virtual rollercoaster, stating: “It’s best-experienced on a device other than a desktop – a device like a smart phone or tablet you can move to “look” around you as you ride.”

During the park’s temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dollywood has been providing vital items to support at this difficult time to the community of Tennessee. Items have included reusable face masks for the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The theme park has also been providing ponchos to the Sevier County Ambulance Service, which has been in desperate need of such protection.

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH OFFERS VIRTUAL VERSIONS OF ICON ROLLERCOASTER

 BY GABRIELLE

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is offering immersive video experiences of its popular rollercoaster, ICON.

Rollercoaster fans can enjoy the thrill of the 1.4km ride from their own home at specific virtual showings of the coaster.

On Saturday April 4, fans can take a virtual ride on the ICON, which was the first double launch rollercoaster in the UK.

The virtual experience will be the first of a series of immersive videos to be offered by the theme park in coming weeks as the Pleasure Beach remains shut due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Each Saturday, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be showing exclusive footage of its most iconic and popular rides on its social media channels.

As well as experiencing virtual rides, Pleasure Beach fans can take part in fun activities and exercises that the theme park is sharing on social media. There will also be videos with Team Nick, alongside art and craft sessions.

Amanda Thompson OBE, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, commented: “We understand that theme parks are an escape for people and rollercoasters are an amazing, feel-good journey. During these times, if we can bring some of that joy home for people, that would just be wonderful.”