First outlet outside US enages guests
MagiQuest, a technology-based live-action fantasy game, debuted for the first time outside North America when it opened to enthusiastic crowds in late March at the Lagunasia theme park in Japan.
A real life video game, each player buys and adorns a magic wand that acts as a wireless controller to trigger over 150 special effects throughout the attraction. Every move is recorded in a global database, allowing players to pick up the game at anytime in any MagiQuest location. Players in Japan are reported to be returning up to three times a day to play.
“Everyone has got into the game – kids, parents, teens and even grandparents!” observes MagiQuest creator Denise Watson of Creative Kingdoms. “This proves the MagiQuest model as a strong enhancement to a park, just as we envisioned. Guests love buying and dressing their wands and carry them round like trophies.”
Lagunasia opened in 2002 and is part of the Laguna Gamagori Resort. According to representative Kazuhiko Kokubo, it represents a new style of amusement park. “MagiQuest was very appealing to Lagunasia because it fits with the other interactive attractions visitors experience here,” he says.
