WALIBI CONNECT: the world’s first Facebook app that enables theme park visitors to share their experiences online

At Walibi (Belgium), visitors can now “swipe and like” rides
True to its pioneering reputation, the theme park at Wavre is about to launch a world first: Walibi Connect. This new app enables Facebook users to share their favourite rides with their friends in real time – a unique experience that blends the real with the virtual. This will be the first time anywhere in the world that a visit to a theme park can be shared live on Facebook without needing a smartphone!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Taking part is free and it couldn’t be easier: before arriving at the park, visitors go to www.walibiconnect.be to get their unique barcode. Once they get to the park, they exchange their code for a Walibi Connect wristband with a built-in RFID microchip. Armed with this wristband, visitors head to their ride of choice (any of the eight which have the special gate), where they can swipe in as they wait in the queue. The ride they’re about to go on is then posted directly to their Facebook wall. They have the option to “swipe and like” eight different rides: Vampire, Dalton Terror, Flash Back, Radja River, Cobra, Calamity Mine, Buzzsaw and Werewolf.
For visitors who want to share their experiences, but didn’t sign up at www.walibiconnect.be before leaving home, there’s a free Wi-Fi zone in the park where they can use their smartphone or a computer to sign up.
A MAJOR INNOVATION
This is the world’s first app that lets visitors share their real theme park experience with the virtual world. Direct from the park, visitors have the opportunity to let their friends back at home know what they’re up to and share the experience without needing to use a smartphone or computer. Walibi Connect not only links the real world and the virtual world, but is also an interactive game. Any visitor who swipes in at five rides becomes a “Walibi Pro”, and anyone who swipes in at all eight will be crowned a “Walibi Master”.
The average Facebook user has 240 friends. Walibi predicts that a typical visitor using the app will complete five “swipes” during their day out at the park, and that an average of 15 Facebook friends will follow these. This new app is already available exclusively at Walibi Belgium.
“It’s really cool,” explains one youngster. “I’ve never seen this anywhere else! I love the idea of sharing what I’m up to at the park with my friends.” Another young visitor says: “It’s revolutionary … all you need is a Facebook account! You don’t even need a smartphone.”
This app was developed in partnership with Getyoo, an innovative start-up agency specializing in new media, and OpenGraphy, Preferred Marketing Developer of Facebook. It was closely monitored by Facebook, who validated each of the intermediary phases, and took a total of six months to develop.