The Void Virtual Reality Experience
The Void Virtual Reality Haunt Ratings
Hollywood Gothique Says:
Before going out of business Tin 2020, The Void immersed visitors in an imaginary world where they could blast imperial storm troopers, bust ghosts with a proton back, wreck the Internet with Ralph, or track an ancient demon at the 1893 World’s Fair. The adventure made participants feel – quite literally – inside the virtual landscape of shadows and terror, which emphasized story to create an interactive experience more akin to immersive theatre than video gaming.
In Southern California, The Void used to operate at the locations listed below. Since the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, all are now closed, and the company’s assets have gone to a new owner.
Downtown Disney
1580 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Glendale Galleria
1164 Galleria Way, Glendale, CA 91210
Third Street Promenade
1220 Third Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Status: Permanently Closed: The Void’s locations in Southern California were all “temporarily” closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the company had been in financial distress before then. After defaulting on a loan, it was sold off to a new owner. Although lip service was paid to reopening under new management, it seems more likely the assets will be sold off.
Check out The Void Archive:
The Void Virtual Reality: Information
The Void combines VR technology with physical settings to create a unique free-roaming virtual reality experience that includes physical interactivity. Four shows rotate in and out of the schedules at the three locations in the Greater Los Angeles Area, one of which is specifically designed as a seasonal Halloween attraction: Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment, The other three are Ghostbusters: Dimension, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire., and Ralph Breaks the VR. Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment is the Virtual Reality equivalent of a haunted house walk-through maze, which casts participants as investigators searching for a demon that disrupted a 19th century world’s fair.
The Void Virtual Reality: Equipment
The VR gear, including headset and backpack, weighs about twenty-five pounds. The backpack (which occasionally simulates impact from the surrounding environment) can be a little tight for people not in the best shape, but any discomfort wears off quickly after the adrenalin starts pumping. The headset is large enough to accommodate eyeglasses. Lockers are available to store hats, coats, and sweaters.
The Void Virtual Reality: Checking In
The Void Glendale is located inside the Glendale Galleria, near Victoria’s Secret.
Advance tickets are recommended to reserve check-in time; arrive early, and allow approximately one hour for the entire experience, which includes signing a waiver. Depending on crowds, there may be wait times.