Sally Dark Rides Expands the Mini™ Dark Ride Line to Zoos and Aquariums

Small Scale. Big Impact. A Fully Immersive Attraction Experience in Just 2,000–3,000 Square Feet.

Sally Dark Rides, the leading creator of immersive, interactive dark rides around the world, has announced a new addition to its innovative lineup: the Mini™ Dark Ride for Zoos and Aquariums.

Designed for venues with compact footprints and a growing demand for weatherproof indoor attractions, the Mini™ brings the magic of a traditional dark ride to spaces as small as 2,000-3,000 square feet-without sacrificing storytelling, interactivity, or excitement.
 

“Zoos and aquariums are looking for ways to expand guest offerings year-round,” said Rolf Paegert, CEO Sally Dark Rides “The Mini™ provides a flexible, turnkey solution that delivers a complete dark ride experience with a smaller footprint, lower costs, and faster ROI.”

A Complete Ride Experience in a Compact Package
The Mini™ incorporates all the hallmarks of a full-scale Sally dark ride: immersive theming, engaging characters, interactive gaming, and cinematic media -- optimized for limited spaces and efficient operation.
Featuring rotating stages, wrap-around projection screens, invisible blacklight paint, and dynamic projection mapping, this patented system delivers multiple ride scenes in one continuous experience.

Each installation includes:

• Story Development & Ride Design
• Trackless Ride System (5-6 passengers per vehicle)
• High-Resolution Interactive Media (3D optional)
• Animatronics & Animated Props
• Themed Scenery with 4D Special Effects (wind, scent, lighting)
• Onboard Audio, Show Control, and Optional Photo Scoreboards

With two trackless ride vehicles and dual turntables, the Mini™ achieves throughputs of up to 200 people per hour, remarkably efficient for its size.
 

Flexible, Affordable, and Built for Every Environment
Depending on capacity needs, the Mini™ ranges from $4 - $5 million USD, offering significant savings in both construction and operation. The compact footprint reduces infrastructure requirements and enables installation in existing buildings or underutilized spaces.

Key benefits include:

• Lower Cost to Build & Operate – Simplified infrastructure, fewer vehicles, and reduced square footage
• Faster Turnaround – Shorter design, build, and installation timelines for quicker ROI
• Year-Round Operation – Fully indoor and climate-controlled
• Broad Audience Appeal – Family-friendly, ADA-compliant, and non-intimidating
• Theming Flexibility – Supports IP-based or original concepts

Endless Storytelling Possibilities
Each Mini™ ride can be customized through interchangeable media and scenic environments. Guests might:

• Embark on close-up animal encounters
• Soar through treasured national parks
• Glide from sea to sea helping clean the oceans

With easily swapped media packages, operators can keep the experience fresh and re-market the attraction seasonally or annually.
 

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About Sally Dark Rides
Sally Dark Rides is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of immersive dark ride attractions. Known for combining storytelling, technology, and innovation, Sally creates unforgettable experiences for theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and entertainment centers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sallydarkrides.com.