Do you ever feel like you’d like to jet off and visit another country at the last minute? Well, through a visit to Fever’s “Horizon of Khufu, Journey in Ancient Egypt,” you can! This entertainment venue just opened and lets you experience far-away places through Virtual Reality.
What Is Virtual Reality?
Also called “VR,” it’s a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. This environment is perceived through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet
Before You Begin
Buy your tickets online, reserving your date and time. After checking in, there are free lockers to store your coats and purses, then keep the key with you on a wristlet. Note: this is a warehouse-type setting, so you might want to wear a jacket.
Next, you’ll see a short video of what to expect. The receptionist will then have you sign a waiver and choose between two levels of intensity. Then you’ll walk over to get your headset fitted. It’s okay if you wear glasses, it just takes an extra minute to get it to fit comfortably. There is also a volume control knob on each headset.
Inside the “Maze”
At the “maze” entrance, you’ll see a blank concrete floor and white walls with bold black markings. Perhaps the markings are for the VR headset to keep folks on track. The staff explained that there are no obstacles or furniture in the room.
The actual walls of the maze will show up in your vision as checkered walls, so don’t bump into them. There are, however, staff members out there to make sure you are safe and moving along. If you ever need help, just raise your hand, and a staff member will come assist you.
Other people in your group will show up as dotted outlines and have their names over their heads. They space out groups, so likely you won’t see others while on your journey. You may want to hold your children’s hands to stay together.
Once you get started, a virtual tour guide will not only share stories and facts but tell you when to walk. You’ll move to a lit-up blue area. There are a couple of times the scene goes black and it puts you into a new scene. There are a couple of others where you’ll feel as though the rock you are on is moving. Pretty cool.
The Ancient Egypt Experience
This particular Virtual Reality experience was about the ancient Pharaoh Khufu 4,500 years ago, famous for building the Great Pyramids at Giza. These are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The experience was developed in part by Harvard University Egyptologist Peter der Manuelian and was very authentic. We learned about life in ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh’s funeral, and toured outside and inside the pyramid.
What It Feels Like
You probably won’t feel claustrophobic but may feel the sensation of moving. If you feel a bit queasy, remind yourself that this feels real, but it’s not. You’re still just on a concrete floor. That just tells you how real it felt!
Psst… The Details
The journey takes about 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes to get set up.
This venue is wheelchair-friendly. Note: Not for pregnant women, small children, or those who get nausea easily.
Psst… Minimum age for children is 10 years old and must be 4’6” tall.
Location
3821-3893 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
www.horizonkheopsexperience.com/denver/
Have fun and enjoy!