Mirale Mile Shops host a miracle -- indoor rain
If it’s true that into one’s life some rain must fall, then let it be at Planet Hollywood. Inside the Miracle Mile Shops at the hotel is a free Thunderstorm attraction – and all you need is a smile to be your umbrella because you never get wet.
You can be up close and personal, however, as scattered clouds drift across the sky, fog rolls in, the breeze builds, far-off thunder rumbles and a gentle rain begins to fall, soon turning into a downpour. The four-minute show that goes off at various intervals is run by a computer program that coordinates all the various effects – the sound, lighting, fog and rain. The fog special effects are produced by fog misters while five wind generators – which are really giant 4-foot by 4-foot square fans that are scattered (and hidden) around the area – provide the wind. The lights are dimmed to give the effect of the darkening sky.
The sound of thunder and wind is recorded from real thunder and wind. A series of strobes in different patterns creates the flashes of lightning. The computer holds the sound files for the thunder and wind and downloads them. They are amplified through the sound system, traveling from speaker to speaker to get the movement of the storm.
As for the rain, which falls into a 12,000-gallon pool, there are 32 quarter-inch spray nozzles in the ceiling with specialized valves that disperse the water laterally to create the rain droplets. Pumps activate the nozzles and, through computer programming, a series of different valves regulate different levels of rain from a spit to a light drizzle to intermediate rain to a downpour. The rain is choreographed with the soundtrack.
The constant wave motion in the pool, which resembles a harbor’s edge, is created as water is pumped in and goes through a series of eight valves that causes the light chop on its surface that is accentuated during the storm. The reflection of the water is simulated by a light.
There are two other free attractions in the Miracle Mile Shops. A new multi-million dollar water feature transforms from a tranquil piece of art into an entertainment centerpiece. It produces lighted water effects and eruptions 50 feet high, color-changing fog, bursts of light, and original soundtracks broadcast via a state-of-the-art surround- sound system. Shows occur daily at the top of every hour, noon – 11 p.m.
The other attraction is a multi-sensory laser show complete with booming sound, fog, and lights inside a dome. Shows occur hourly from 11:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. Monday – Thursday and every thirty minutes from 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. Friday – Sunday.
The best things in life are free.
- by Bobbie Katz, Las Vegas Reporter for HelloMetro
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