Today we were visiting Vancouver’s latest all ages attraction: Hologram Zoo. This is British Columbia’s first holographic wildlife attraction. They are advertised as a unique and immersive walk-through experience suitable for families, tourists, couples, and visitors of all ages. Guests can currently choose between Africa, Australia, or their Dinosaur experiences. Each show lasts approximately 1 hour and includes a Photo Booth to end.
When you arrive, you are given a token and asked to vote for one of their nominated animal-welfare charities. The charity that receives the most votes each month will receive a donation from them.
I imagined this like a museum or art gallery where you roam around at your leisure, and witness holograms of animals and marine life, depending on the show you take in. They have been touring with shows on an African safari, under water adventure, and dinosaurs. Our visit coincided with the latter most, as their first and original show.
I know it’s a pop-up, but the spaces in between the rooms and the rooms themselves felt very lacklustre. They didn’t do much to help pull me into what was meant to be a very dynamic experience. There were a few fake vines and some toddler play toy sets. Although considering that this is a touring attraction, with the possibility of repeat business, given the number of shows available; I expected them to put more into the decor that could have been reused.
You get checked in at the foyer and pay for your desired show. The space seems excessive given all the negative space. There is plenty of room to idle as you explore the minimal gift shop and leave your mark on their commemorative chalkboards.
When time you are ushered in and led through the experience by a host, but first an informative video. You are seated in a themed theatre where a holographic cat girls gives you some background information on dinosaurs.
Hologram Zoo is more of a show than an exhibit. You don’t go your own pace, but are on a set timer. The holograms are projected on screens and the special effect comes from wearing their 3D glasses. You basically walk a circuit, a literal circle around a series of connected rooms, separated by curtains. There can be multiple shows playing one after another, which means you need not wait for designated start times to begin your journey. Each group is designated a colour and you follow the timing on the screen to know when it is your turn to walk the circuit again.
While waiting for your group’s turn, staff do come around to engage and interact. We were able to take part in a pop quiz based on what we already learned. Correct answers won you themed stickers as your prize.
The first lap your host walks it with you, teaching you how to follow the light bar, and ensuring you are in the best position to take in the full extent of the holograms. Naturally, without the glasses the visuals are just a series of slightly overlapped images. Therefore your phone is unable to pick any of it up. Nonetheless you can still film the experience, so long as you turn off your flash.
We found ourselves getting immersed into the linear story, learning facts and seeing what life of the Jurassic, both on land and in water were like. The screens were not only before us, but above, and on the ground as well. There were a couple of jump scares, but minus the dark, nothing too scary for younger kids.
Once you have completed your 6 laps you are invited to take advantage of their parked jeep photo op in the lobby, and are gifted a 3D paper hologram to take home. You get to choose between your favourite dinosaur or land mammal.
As older adults our favourite part was the interactive Photo Booth. We were able to commemorate our visit with photos and videos that had us pretending that we were being chased by dinosaurs, riding dinosaurs, and being in awe by them. This green screen Photo Booth the sent all their videos and photos to be instantly downloaded to your phone.
This was a unique concept, and one I would enjoy if I was 10 to 20 years younger. My imagination was limited and therefore the wonder I got out of this was as well. A fun enough, air conditioned, activity for kids this summer.
Hologram Zoo Vancouver
50 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0B5
(778) 724-0401
hologramzoovancouver.com
