Here's one immersive experience that allows you to escape the realm of social media Likes for a whimsical new world — all you need to do is embark on a trip to Westfield Century City. As briefly mentioned, Alien Zoo is taking over the luxury shopping center's Atrium for the next month, bringing guests a virtual reality adventure that just happens to be dreamed up by a team of big-name Hollywood execs who know a thing or two about creating impressive scenes for the big screen.
Now through Friday, March 2, the Jurassic Park-meets-Avatar experience promises a beyond-3D world filled with intergalactic creatures like megaraffes and frogcats. The high-tech journey begins in a stylish study decorated by LA-based design firm Nickey Kehoe. After you're checked in, you'll strap on a headset, gloves, shoe covers, and a backpack, all decked out with sensors that'll allow you to see and feel the film's environment and its inhabitants. (Fun fact: The gear was born from developments in medical imaging and body mechanics technology.) Once you're geared up, the 12-minute "shuttle" (which holds six riders) will take you through virtual biomes, where you'll interact with a curious cast of creatures, "touch" flora and fauna, catch a whiff of your otherworldly surroundings, and more.
More on the company behind the experience: Dreamscape Immersive's all-star team includes former head of Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn, Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, and Control Room Entertainment president Aaron Grosky. That's not all: backers of the startup include Steven Spielberg, Warner Brothers, 21st Century Fox, Nickelodeon, Imax, MGM, AMC Entertainment, and Westfield, to name a few, while advisers range from Oscar winners like composer Hans Zimmer, director Gore Verbinski, and production designer Rick Carter to execs from WB, Disney, and more.
Intrigued? Note that riders must be at least 48 inches tall and 10 years old and a dress code is involved (it's recommended that you avoid flip flops, high heels, long skirts, and flared pants so as not to interfere with the VR sensors).
Watch the trailer below for a taste of what to expect, then book your $20 tickets online or by calling (424) 603-2980. Shows run every 40 minutes and seats are going fast, so we're crossing our fingers that the happening extends its stay.
Alien Zoo at Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, CA
