Viaggio in Italia ride opens at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Viaggio in Italia is the first major addition to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi since its 2010 debut. Image © Ferrari World

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has opened a new family ride, Viaggio in Italia, which offers guests an aerial view of many of Italy's most famous sites.

The attraction, which is similar in style to the Soarin' attractions at Disney California Adventure and Epcot, sees riders boarding seats attached to simulator arms. These are raised into the air, with guests being immersed in scenes that are projected on a large dome-shaped screen. Mist, wind and scent effects are used to enhance the experience.

Viaggio in Italia takes guests on a flight over Venice, Tuscany, Lago Maggiore, Rome and other recognisable areas of Italy. The arms are raised up to 14.5 metres into the air, with hydraulic technology being used to enable them to move during the "flight".

Opened in November 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor theme park. The majority of the Formula One-themed park is hosted in a huge building, which spans 200,000 square meters and is designed to resemble the side profile of the Ferrari GT body.

Ferrari World's developer, Aldar Properties, sold it to the Abu Dhabi government just three months after it opened. The commercial and residential property firm was forced to offload Ferrari World in order to reduce its debts.