The 5th Dimension, Dark ride in Chessington, England
The 5th Dimension was a dark ride with rotating vehicles that traveled through scenes filled with special effects and large-scale computer-generated animations in an enclosed space. The journey lasted approximately seven minutes and used a transit system to move guests through multiple themed environments filled with projected imagery and interactive elements.
This ride opened in 1987 and was the first major special effects dark ride in the United Kingdom, developed by Madame Tussauds Studios with support from Hitachi. Shortly after opening, it was redesigned for a second season with a revised storyline and updated character focus.
The storyline followed a robot character named Zappomatic through multiple scenes set in a malfunctioning computer reality system.
The ride accommodated visitors with various mobility needs through accessible vehicle boarding areas. Wait times were typically shorter during late afternoon hours or on less crowded weekdays.
The ride received modifications for its second season, transforming Zappomatic into a TV repair robot fighting against a computer virus called The Gorg.
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