The Forgotten Reef

Given the task to create the "Ultimate Thrill" for an area on a Cruise Ship, I led the creative direction for a themed cruise ship neighborhood, we designed two immersive zones: Plunder Falls, a tropical pirate escape, and Adventure Abyss, an underwater world of bioluminescence and thrills. In this project, I focused on the graphic design, show writing, and animatronics, to create a cohesive, story-driven guest experience through visuals, narrative, and interactive elements.

"Carved from Reefs and Plunder"

Professor: Peter Weishar

Careers in Themed Experience, Spring 2025

Creative Direction, Graphic Design, Show Writing, Animatronics

Plunder Falls

Legends tell of a pirate haven that holds myth and mystery in its booty-filled wake. Plunder Falls is an awe-inspiring cascade that towers above the deck, its crystal-clear waters tumbling down its rugged, rock structures. The soothing sounds of the waterfall create a serene ambiance, offering guests a tranquil retreat from the bustling activities elsewhere on the ship. Surrounded by comfortable loungers, Plunder Falls not only serves as both a visual masterpiece and a refreshing oasis where guests can unwind and rejuvenate, but also a pirate’s story ripe for adventurer’s to explore… If you stay long enough, you might even hear a pirate crew toasting to their next plunder!

Adventure Abyss

Adventure Abyss plunges guests into a high-energy, bioluminescent undersea world where danger and discovery lurk in every reef. At Murray the Moray's Fang and Fin, guests step into a pirate themed bar built into the rocks of a cave, hosted by a wisecracking animatronic moray eel who shares salty tales and secret brews. Dive into Eel-lectric Avenue, a glowing mini-golf adventure where electric eels light the way through nine shockingly fun, deep-sea holes. Finally, the neighborhood's signature ride, Crown’s Descent, launches guests off the side of the ship. This E-ticket attraction sends thrill-seekers soaring "overboard", offering breathtaking views, gravity-defying drops, and a surreal sense of flight, all aboard shimmering, lookdown fish-inspired vehicles.

Lookdown Drop Coaster

There are already plenty of thrill rides at sea, but there is only one that throws you off the side of a moving ship. Lookdown was designed to be the world’s first drop coaster at sea. Positioned on the top deck, this one-of-a-kind attraction launches guests out over the ship’s edge aboard a gleaming, custom-designed ride vehicle inspired by the elusive lookdown fish—known for its sleek, silvery body and ghostlike movement through the water. With its reflective surfaces and streamlined shape, the ride vehicle mirrors the fish’s natural beauty while hinting at the wild experience ahead.

As the vehicle teeters and plunges in a series of suspenseful, gravity-defying drops above the open sea, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views, heart-pounding thrills, and the surreal sensation of floating above the horizon. Surrounded by oceanic theming and shimmering light effects, Lookdown combines the ocean’s elegance with white-knuckle thrills. On Lookdown, your stomach flips, you dangle over the open sea, and just for one impossible moment – it feels like you’re flying.

Murray the Moray Eel

Tucked deep inside a shadowy sea cave at the edge of Adventure Abyss, Murray’s "Fang & Fin" is a lively, rum-soaked retreat filled with mischief, music, and maritime charm. The cool stone walls echo with laughter and sea-shanties, while flickering lanterns, ropes, and nautical trinkets line the walls. Crates stamped with old merchant markings and driftwood beams overhead hint at a pirate hideout long used for celebration.

Coiled within a rum barrel, is Murray—the quick-witted animatronic moray eel with a signature toothy grin and enough charisma to run a whole crew. Murray is not alone: his rat-pack of eel pals— “That’s a Moray”, each have their own musical talent and mischievous personality. The merry band roasts the guests, tests their pirate trivia skills, and belts out sea shanties loud enough to make a jellyfish blush. It’s a bar, a raucous band of buddies, and a rum-filled cavern of eel-themed fun.

Bringing Murray to Life

Designing Murray was my first time taking on the full pipeline of creating an animatronic: from initial concept to final movement. I designed, modeled, 3D printed, fabricated, and wired him myself, while also learning the software needed to bring each stage to life.

From mastering 3D modeling programs to designing motion in animation software and wiring control systems, every step deepened my understanding of how digital tools translate into physical motion. The experience challenged me creatively and technically, and gave me a strong appreciation for the intricacies of animatronic design—teaching me how to bring a character to life from screen to servo.

Welcome to Eel-lectric Avenue

Just outside of the cave’s arched entrance lies Murray’s pride and joy: his Bioluminescent Mini Golf course, Eel-lectic Avenue. This vibrant, eel-inspired course delights guests by day and transforms into a glowing underwater wonderland by night. Featuring interactive eel-themed obstacles, UV-reactive paths, glowing golf balls, and immersive fiber-optic coral, players experience the thrill of snorkeling by sunlight and the enchantment of night diving beneath the waves. Murray’s voice drifts in from hidden speakers throughout, adding jokes, pirate trivia, and plenty of encouragement (and sass) along the way!

Dive into the Details

Uncover the secrets of a sunken world where pirate legends meet glowing deep-sea wonders. From thrilling drops over the ocean’s edge on Lookdown, to putting through bioluminescent reefs on Eel-lectric Avenue, The Forgotten Reef is packed with mystery, adrenaline, and sea-soaked storytelling.

Ready to explore? Tap below to discover full land details, attractions, and more.

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