‘Phantom of the Opera’ VR coaster coming to Europa-Park this spring

A Coaster with a Love Story

Eurosat Coastiality – The Phantom of the Opera, Europa-Park says, will combine “the mystery and intrigue of this gripping love story, coupled with the thrill of a roller coaster ride.”

For those unfamiliar, or in need or a refresher, the titular character in “The Phantom of the Opera,” as regaled by Europa-Park, “lives in secret and hides his masked face from the world. But when the young soprano Christine enters his life, fate takes its course.”

Guests must be between 130-195 cm. (about 51-77 inches) tall to ride.

Europa-Park is located in Rust, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The park has not announced a specific opening date for the new VR experience.

Eurosat Coastiality – The Phantom of the Opera will coexist alongside Eurosat – CanCan Coaster, inspired by “Moulin Rouge.” Both experiences will share the same track, but will board riders in separate load stations.

Eurosat’s Legacy

The Eurosat coaster first opened in 1989. It was re-imagined as Eurosat – CanCan Coaster in 2018. At that same time, Europa-Park introduced a VR version of the attraction called Eurosat Coastiality, utilizing the same track but offering a different ride experience. Now, Eurosat Coastiality – The Phantom of the Opera is the latest iteration of this concept.

The park developed the latest VR version in partnership with Mack One, the CEO/owner of which, Michael Mack, also heads up Mack Rides and Europa-Park itself.

Also opening this year at Europa-Park, the new Voltron Nevera coaster will feature seven inversions and four launches, one of which will be positioned at a record-setting 105 degrees.

More VR Coasters

The term “virtual reality roller coaster” has come to mean a few different ride formats over the years.

In one of the earliest senses of the phrase, VR coasters were simulators that mimicked a roller coaster’s movement with screens depicting a virtual environment. Examples of this concept included CyberSpace Mountain at DisneyQuest and The Sum of All Thrills at Epcot’s Innoventions, both now defunct.

Not quite as thrilling as a coaster, and employing the use of headsets rather than a full simulator vehicle, was Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride. The attraction held residencies at Epcot and DisneyQuest at various points.

Some VR coasters are roller coasters in the literal sense of the term. They have a real track that physically exists, but riders don headsets that display a virtual visual. This technique was used in the short-lived VR overlays of Freedom Flyer at Fun Spot America Orlando in 2016 and Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando in 2017.

When Legoland Florida opened The Great Lego Race in 2018, the coaster offered an optional VR experience, but no longer does.

Of course, the playlist of attraction POVs on our Attractions Magazine YouTube channel could be thought of as another form of VR. We’ve got over 300 onboard views from rides around the world. Enjoy!