Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The excitement is palpable as the public awaits a revolutionary new “ghost train attraction” opening at Thorpe Park near London this spring. The man behind the concept is TV illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown, famed for his ability to control the behaviour of others.
“With the creative and operational teams at Thorpe Park and Merlin Magic Making [MMM], we’re completely reinventing the concept of a ghost train for the 21st century,” says Brown. “The experience will rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver.”
The 13-minute multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology (using HTC Vive headsets), grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride, central to which is a 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – seemingly suspended in mid-air. The themeing is modelled on a real Victorian train depot near Willesden Junction, with every architectural detail recreated by the MMM team.
“We’re using everything from Victorian techniques – Pepper’s Ghost, for example – to the latest technology,” says Paul Moreton, MMM global creative director.
“It’s the mix of different elements that create the experience. We’ll be specifically using virtual reality, but this isn’t a VR ghost train. VR will enhance the experience rather than be the experience,” Moreton says.
It’s understood that there are 12 possible journeys, and two different outcomes.
Brown’s carefully crafted hidden-camera TV shows feature psychological control and hypnotism. He’s persuaded strangers to commit robbery, land a plane or believe they’re the last person on the planet.
Most details of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train are being kept under wraps, but the ride is meant to leave guests questioning where perception ends and reality begins.
“I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over,” says Brown.
Brown has been working on the project in secret with Merlin for the past three years. It’s involved the work of more than 1,000 specialists and represents Thorpe Park’s biggest investment to date.
“This is not an experience for the faint-hearted,” Brown says, adding that no further details will be revealed.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The budget for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train has not been revealed, but Thorpe Park said it marks its biggest ever investment
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The excitement is palpable as the public awaits a revolutionary new “ghost train attraction” opening at Thorpe Park near London this spring. The man behind the concept is TV illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown, famed for his ability to control the behaviour of others.
“With the creative and operational teams at Thorpe Park and Merlin Magic Making [MMM], we’re completely reinventing the concept of a ghost train for the 21st century,” says Brown. “The experience will rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver.”
The 13-minute multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology (using HTC Vive headsets), grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride, central to which is a 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – seemingly suspended in mid-air. The themeing is modelled on a real Victorian train depot near Willesden Junction, with every architectural detail recreated by the MMM team.
“We’re using everything from Victorian techniques – Pepper’s Ghost, for example – to the latest technology,” says Paul Moreton, MMM global creative director.
“It’s the mix of different elements that create the experience. We’ll be specifically using virtual reality, but this isn’t a VR ghost train. VR will enhance the experience rather than be the experience,” Moreton says.
It’s understood that there are 12 possible journeys, and two different outcomes.
Brown’s carefully crafted hidden-camera TV shows feature psychological control and hypnotism. He’s persuaded strangers to commit robbery, land a plane or believe they’re the last person on the planet.
Most details of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train are being kept under wraps, but the ride is meant to leave guests questioning where perception ends and reality begins.
“I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over,” says Brown.
Brown has been working on the project in secret with Merlin for the past three years. It’s involved the work of more than 1,000 specialists and represents Thorpe Park’s biggest investment to date.
“This is not an experience for the faint-hearted,” Brown says, adding that no further details will be revealed.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
Derren Brown is famous for influencing decision-making and using mind control techniques to influence behaviour. He’s been working with Merlin for three years
The budget for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train has not been revealed, but Thorpe Park said it marks its biggest ever investment
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
The multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology, grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
