SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride is the fruit of a successful collaboration between Alterface, a global leader in interactive experiences and immersive entertainment, and Sally Dark Rides, renowned creators of engaging dark ride attractions.
The new ride is now open at The Land of Legends in Antalya, Turkey.
Indeed, the ride, having proven a hit at its initial launch in Las Vegas’ Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, made its international premiere at The Land of Legends’ newly opened Nickelodeon Land on March 1, 2025.
Furthermore, the opening marks a significant milestone as the first SpongeBob SquarePants dark ride outside of the United States, allowing fans from Turkey and beyond to ‘immerse themselves in the vibrant, fun and chaotic world of Bikini Bottom.’
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Sally Dark Rides,” said Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface. “Our collaboration on SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride exemplifies our shared commitment to creating immersive and memorable attractions.”
Built around a beloved IP, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride is a joyful adventure that promises an unforgettable family experience.
Additionally, the ride’s humour and character-driven storytelling, paired with intuitive and entertaining gameplay, make it a true gem for guests of all ages, immersing them in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom and allowing them to become active participants in the SpongeBob story.
The concept of the ride
The attraction, designed and manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, invites guests to step into Mr. Krabs’ zany carnival, where SpongeBob, Patrick, and the rest of the gang are using a shipment of Krabby Patty ingredients for midway games while attempting to keep Plankton at bay.
Leveraging its proven expertise in interactive systems, Alterface provided the cutting-edge shooting system and responsive show control, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for riders.
Therefore, this integration of storytelling and interactive gameplay was a core objective for the ride, with Alterface’s technology playing a crucial role in achieving this balance.
Instead of a traditional shooting gun, riders engage with a wand-like Zapper. This deliberate choice offers an intuitive interface, allowing riders to fully engage in the fun and contribute directly to the unfolding story powered by Alterface’s technology.
The tech behind the story
The ride utilises ETF’s IDR trackless Mystic Mover system, guiding guests through six interactive scenes filled with 2D media and physical targets.
Moreover, the technology of Alterface places riders in the centre of the SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride story by triggering and modifying sound, animatronics, media, and special effects in real time – based on each vehicle’s precise position in a scene.
“The interactive elements perfectly align, creating an energetic and dynamic experience. Our system allows players to become the central protagonists, as the story is directly driven by their actions,” said Battaille.
“Sally Dark Rides did an incredible job bringing the unmistakable humour of the SpongeBob series to life through a storyline and gameplay that are easy to understand, fast-paced, and packed with fun.”
Images: Alterface
