Dutch design firm Jora Vision has released details of its work on Los Piratas de Bacalar in the highly-anticipated Amikoo Resort on the Mexican Riviera.

Developed as a standalone attraction Los Piratas de Bacalar is a first-of-its-kind attraction, which incorporates dining, retail and entertainment experiences. Jora Vision are responsible for the extensive theming, which is based on the rich pirating history of the Mexican Riviera Maya, and inspired by Fuerte de San Felipe, the real fortress of Bacalar, which was built by the Spanish Navy in the 18th century.

The 5000sq m (54,000sqft) attraction - which is expected in 2019 - features a fully-themed buffet restaurant, souvenir shop and 50-minute walk-through attraction. The walk-through takes guests on a journey back in time 300 years, and features several rooms with live actors, animatronics, special effects and culminates in a next-generation immersive tunnel ride developed by media-based dynamic attractions specialist Simworx. It features a 60-seater vehicle, themed as a ship, and state of the art projection technology.

Jora Vision’s project development director Robin van der Want says: “Theme park attractions are designed in the context of a theme park; this type of attraction has to stand on its own.” "Guests pay separately, meaning they expect value for their money in terms of time. A short experience will result in unsatisfied guests. Therefore, attractions found in theme parks, such as 4D theatres, roller coasters, or flying theatres cannot simply be implemented without adding pre-shows, exhibits or other types of experiences to increase length and add experience value."

"In Los Piratas de Bacalar, which has an Immersive Tunnel show at the end, we have integrated eight pre-shows, all telling a single coherent story to create an immersive experience."