Area 51 is a shoot the chute ride which largely takes place indoors. The ride has two drops, one of which happens outside just after exiting the show building. The current theme is based on the infamous U.S. Airbase Area 51 in Utah, but the general looks from the ride still refer to its previous storyline of Bermuda Triangle.
From its opening in 1996 to 2018, the ride was called variations of ‘Bermuda Dreieck’ (Bermuda Triangle), sometimes adding the subtitle ‘Alien Encounter’. When it opened, the Bermuda Dreieck was a copy of the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ ride in Sea World (Gold Coast, Australia). In the storyline of the attraction, you are asked to join the coast guard in the investigation of missing planes and ships in the Bermuda Triangle.
During the 22 years of operating, much of the effects in the ride broke down. Since this attraction was a copy of an Australian version, the parts used in the effects of the ride were mostly Australian made and not common in Germany. The ride got a complete restoration in 2019. Most effects were restored, but now made of components that are common in Germany. The ride got a new storyline and pre-show, revolving around the infamous U.S. Airbase Area 51 in Utah. The majority of the ride, especially inside the show building, however stayed intact.
Nick, Erik, Luc, Quintus
Alien Encounter, Movie Park Germany, Bottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia 46244, Germany
