Published on the Summer Editions of InterPark Magazine
Developing an original IP for a theme park or attraction is no small feat. However, there is one company that has consistently excelled in this area, earning the trust of its clients so much so that, when it came time for an attraction update, they called in the experts once again. We’re talking about Alterface and its work on Maus au Chocolat.
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Over the years, we’ve extensively covered this project, and for good reason—it truly hits the mark in every way. Whether you focus on the quality of the attraction, the immersive experience, or the innovative technology, Maus au Chocolat stands out. This fan-favourite features a thrilling 3D ballistic interactive experience spread across 42 screens, with seven unique interactive scenes. Two players compete on each screen in an action-packed six-minute ride set in a beautifully themed ‘Berlin bakery.’ Here, players use chef’s piping bags to hit the hungry mice and rack up points.
The combination of exceptional storytelling and cutting-edge interactivity has led to Maus au Chocolat winning multiple awards. From an engineering perspective, what sets this ride apart is Alterface’s creation of a groundbreaking system to track scoring data across the multiple ETF vehicles. Each vehicle offers an independent ride experience, all synchronised with integrated onboard audio systems that align perfectly with the show. Moreover, Alterface developed a custom-designed real-time monitoring system, ensuring every element of the ride operates seamlessly, delivering a consistently high-quality guest experience. We asked Alterface CEO, Stéphane Battaille what this project meant to the company: “Maus au Chocolat was a turning point for us. It pushed our limits and inspired innovations we still use today. Working with Phantasialand taught us so much! It was truly an honour to be part of the team that brought this iconic attraction to life.”
Timeless appeal of creative ideas
Fifteen years on and the ride is still a popular attraction at Phantasialand pulling in crowds of new rides every season and welcoming back a cohort of loyal fans who endeavour to beat their previous scores time and time again. Whilst popular culture IP’s might wax and wane in popularity, some themes, when done right, can create a timeless classic which strikes a chord with the public’s imagination. Phantasialand’s Sebastian Jonas had this to say about the collaborative process: “Maus au Chocolat remains a top attraction at Phantasialand. The content is very funny with sharp ideas, offering visitors a total and special experience with 100% reliability regarding theme, technique, games features & quality. Alterface is always keen to find a solution together, turning our ideas into real-time quality projects.”
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Its continued popularity has led Phantasialand to reinvest in a refurbishment, underlining the ride’s iconic status and the park’s confidence in the Alterface team’s creative and technical skills and the parks maintenance team’s ability, who treat the ride with care and passion. Sadly, Phantasialand’s Art Director, Eric Daman passed away last year, but Laurence Beckers worked very closely with him on the ride and paid tribute to him with this statement: “I worked with Eric Daman on the detailed design and development of Maus au Chocolat interactive dark ride. It was an extraordinary collaboration that remains deeply engraved in my memory. Eric constantly challenged us, holding very high standards for both himself and the project. His designs were outstanding, marked by a strong sense of detail and precision. His team spirit and collaborative attitude made a significant contribution to the success of the project and at the same time created a pleasant environment to work in.”
A Sweet Twist on Pest Control
Set in a 1920s Berlin pâtisserie, the story follows master baker Gustav E. Lehmann, whose kitchen is overrun by mice. Instead of using toxic methods, he enlists pest controller Oskar Koslowski, who wields pastry bags filled with cream and chocolate to combat the rodents. Guests join the effort, using similar tools to “shoot” at the mice, blending gameplay with storytelling. The ride includes seven scenes, each with varying mouse values, encouraging friendly competition among riders. An on-ride photo captures the action, and scores are displayed at the end, adding a gamified element to the experience.
Immersive Theming and Scents
The ride’s queue and interior are meticulously themed to resemble a vintage cake factory. Guests encounter authentic baking aromas, enhancing the sensory experience. The environment includes detailed sets like storage rooms and kitchens, contributing to the immersive atmosphere.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The vehicles, developed by ETF Ride Systems, rotate to align with screens, and infrared sensors detect hits, providing real-time feedback. This innovative system enhances the interactive and immersive qualities of the ride, whilst all the technical tasks are taken care of by Salto, a show control and ride management system developed by Alterface.
The critical ingredient – Salto
Alterface’s signature show control software Salto, manages all aspects of attractions, such as lighting, audio, shooting, sound, animatronics, media, gameplay, and physical special effects.
The Salto system has been successfully installed in science centres, museums, theme parks, and family entertainment centres around the world.
The show control and ride management software is a key component for the operation of rides at many parks, not just Maus au Chocolat in Phantasialand and other major attraction sites like Legoland Discovery Centres. The system is also used in two iconic original IP rides – Popcorn Revenge in Walibi Belgium and the Bazyliszek ride in the Polish Legendia Park.
An upgraded version of the system was used in Popcorn Revenge to accommodate a more complex and non-linear erratic ride system, with greater movements and trigger effects.
Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface, notes how the software helps augment visitor satisfaction at parks: “The best use and proof of our technology is provided by satisfied customers, and mostly by the ride visitors.” “Multiple industry – but also fan – awards for our rides show that Alterface delivers what is requested: to enjoy the ride. Our team continues to invest in creative and technology developments, enjoying the construction and completion of every single attraction.”