SHARK REEF AQUARIUM AT MANDALAY BAY TO EXPAND IMMERSIVE GUEST EXPERIENCE WITH VIRTUAL REALTY THEATER
OPENING IN MARCH
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is expanding its underwater journey to include an immersive virtual reality theater. Opening in mid-March, the Ocean Explorer Virtual Reality (VR) Theater will take guests on an unforgettable underwater voyage through two live-action films and interactive exhibitions.
The Ocean Explorer VR experience will feature a 36-seat, motion-platform theater, that will showcase two films highlighting underwater creatures, rarely seen up close and personal in their natural environment. “Swimming with Humpbacks” follows the journey and behaviors of mother humpback whales and their calves as they migrate during mating season. “Shark Dive” takes guests to Tiger Beach, a mythic underwater strip in the Bahamas where some of the world’s largest apex predators amass including tiger sharks and hammerheads.
“For years, our guests have been fascinated and intrigued by the beautiful living creatures that call Shark Reef home,” said Adrienne Rowland, director of animal care at Shark Reef Aquarium.
“Now, with this immersive and interactive experience, they can discover and appreciate our oceans and animals in a whole new way.”
The new installation is a partnership between Shark Reef Aquarium and Immotion Group plc, the global leader in immersive virtual reality experiences, with studios in the U.K. and California.
Rod Findley, commercial director for Immotion Group, said, “Not many people can say they swam within a few feet of a humpback whale or tiger shark in the wild. With our immersive VR technology, we’re offering guests that kind of bucket-list experience. We think our attraction, with its interactive pre-show and motion-platform theater, builds on what Shark Reef Aquarium already offers and adds another exciting dimension for visitors.”
Entry to Ocean Explorer will be included with Shark Reef admission. Additional details to be announced closer to the exhibit’s opening.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is among the most prestigious animal facilities in the world and is the first and only Nevada institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 2,000 animals are displayed at Shark Reef Aquarium, featuring 100 species, including 12 species of sharks. Shark Reef is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit mandalaybay.com, call (702) 632-4555, or follow Shark Reef on Facebook and Twitter.
About Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is set on 120 lush acres featuring Mandalay Bay Beach, a tropical pool paradise with real sand. The Mandalay Bay Events Center, award-winning restaurants, exhilarating entertainment, unique shopping, Shark Reef Aquarium and the recently expanded 2-million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center combine to make Mandalay Bay a distinctive Las Vegas resort destination. The resort offers three distinct hotel experiences: Mandalay Bay with 3,211 luxurious rooms and suites reflecting a modern tropical ambiance; Four Seasons Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond hotel offering 424 rooms and suites; and the luxury all-suite Delano Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay is operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mandalaybay.com, call toll free at (877) 632-7800 or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Immotion Group plc
Immotion Group, a global leader in location-based virtual reality, combines thrilling and educational content with state-of-the-art technology to deliver inspiring guest experiences and drive new revenue to its partners. Immotion has over 45 locations worldwide from Chicago to Shanghai, Sarasota to Sydney, UK to the UAE. For more information visit www.immotiongroup.com or call (310) 208-2324.