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MAY 2011 the New Texas Giant - an Old Legend Reborn Rocky Mountain Const., Rugged

MAY 2011 the New Texas Giant - an Old Legend Reborn Rocky Mountain Const., Rugged

2011 PARK PREVIEW — SEE PAGES 9&10

TM Celebrating Our 15th Year Vol. 15 • Issue 2 MAY 2011 The - an old legend reborn Rocky Mountain Const., rugged. The monstrous wood- COMING IN JUNE Ride Centerline and ies of that era have either un- A look at the in-house dergone continual change and supply new theming effort given to the modification, or have been lost New Texas Giant hybrid coaster to completely. After 20 operating Over Texas seasons, the transformation is nothing knew they had to address the short of extraordinary. STORY: Tim Baldwin situation head on. Even though The track changing from [email protected] the park had invested in more a wood bed to all steel has ac- ARLINGTON, Texas — In than 1,200 feet of trackwork complished the goal of the 1990, wooden coasters were for the 2009 season, admittedly park, and that was to deliver a making a strong resurgence, making the Giant more rideable super smooth ride. New wood thanks to the partnership of that season, the decision was has been incorporated not only Charles Dinn working along- made for a more permanent to increase the height of the side Curtis Summers. A new solution. It was announced in ride by 10 feet — now 153 — team made the old nostalgic the spring of that year that the but also to create a whole new attraction available and afford- gigantic woodie would run its layout using existing structure. After a 17 month make- able. Within this new rise of last ride as Fright Fest came to Steel supports have also been over, the New Texas woodies was Texas Giant, one a close. With fanfare and fire- added to secure some of the Giant has returned to of four Dinn/Summers coasters works, Texas Giant became si- more dramatic banking. Six Flags Over Texas, for that season. In true Texas lent at the close of 2009 and did Previously, Texas Giant taller, steeper and fashion, it was big — to be ex- not operate at all in 2010 as a had a lot of flex in the struc- faster than ever act, the tallest wooden roller new transformation took place. ture, so much so that guests before. The steel coaster in the world. It was Reports had previously often noticed the sway. So how tracked, wooden huge news for the park and indicated that the Giant might does new steel track work with structured hybrid an attraction that was bring- come down and be replaced a wooden structure? Ride Cen- coaster officially ing worldwide attention. It’s with another coaster within terline engineer Alan Schilke opened on April 22. popularity endured for many the system. When directly says, “I look at the steel track AT / GARY SLADE years. The Giant topped many asked how close Texas Giant as a giant steel brace holding enthusiasts’ favorite lists, and came to being torn down, Steve the wood structure together. various polls at the time found Martindale, park president of It’s not relying on the struc- Texas Giant at the top. In fact, Six Flags Over Texas, replied ture to hold itself together.” He when in- “Never.” Martindale admits he continues, “Six Flags wanted troduced the Golden Ticket could never picture the park us to start with the drop. And Awards in 1998, Texas Giant without it. “It’s too much of we went from there. Six Flags reigned at the top of the chart an institution to this park and didn’t really give us restric- for two years. this clientele that there is no tions.” But as time has shown, way we could have just taken Amusement Today asked wooden coasters it out.” Six Flags why they opted for have come with more than their Changes the new Iron Horse track over share of headaches. With great Over the course of the past a new wooden track proposal. size came great maintenance. two years, details had been Mike Sossamon, the park’s Rabid fans soon became guests revealed in small increments. director of maintenance and who would skip their rides on Now, opened to the public of- construction responded, “We the mega-woodies as the ride ficially on April 22, the New knew we had an opportunity to experience became vigorously Texas Giant is unleashed, and 4See GIANT, page 5

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT SEE STORY: PAGE 15 FACTS FAST 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint Texas Giant reclassified Wood, steel or hybrid? That’s the debate Six Flags Over Texas has caused with the opening of the New Texas Giant. Following 17 months of re-construc- tion, the original 1990-built Texas Giant wooden coaster, has been transformed into Slade a hybrid that blurs the lines of classification. The coaster now features an all-new steel track system called Iron Horse Track (think I-beam), all new profile and new trains. The Giant’s traditional wooden structure remains, and that’s where the debate begins. The park is marketing the ride as having a record- breaking steepest drop (79-degrees) and a record-breaking bank (115-degrees) for a wooden coaster. Yet the new steel track does not mount to any traditional wood track bed/ stack. Steel beams of track mount to steel legs which then mount to steel plates that are bolted to the wooden ledger. Only from the ledger down, does the New Texas Giant resemble a traditional wooden coaster. Across the way in the same park, their historic Arrow-built mine has steel tubular rails mounted to a wooden structure made up of telephone pole supports and EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] railroad crossties, creating a wooden structure. The mine train has never been listed or marketed as a wooden coast- Wood or steel: the coaster debate heats up, lines blur er, but always as a steel coaster. Amusement Today contacted some of our competing Wooden coasters and steel coast- argument that the is a wooden coaster. And ers: The distinct differences then we have the recent rash of prefab hybrids that trade publications as well as numerous coaster clubs and between these two have for the use a laser-cut, glued form of wooden track that industry historians for their take on this new debate. All most part been fairly clear-cut... bolts together and offers a ride experience much agreed with our accessment, the New Texas Giant is a steel until now. The New Texas Giant like that of a steel coaster. Examples include Heide coaster, NOT a wooden coaster. AT has also made it known at Six Flags Over Texas is caus- Park’s and Six Flags Great Adventure’s the New Texas Giant will be placed in the Steel Coaster ing quite a stir since the park El Toro. Though these rides mimic their steel category for voting in the upcoming 2011 Golden Ticket has decided to still refer to its brethren, their track is still wood. In the same vein Rutherford survey. revamped signature attraction as is Rocky Mountain Construction’s new Topper a ‘wooden’ . Track, which tosses yet another wrench into the The New Texas Giant is a truly outstanding coaster that The typical park guest will accept this defini- mix. Even here though, it’s just a little extra steel delivers an ultra-smooth, fast and fun ride. Parks around tion with little thought; it’s the thrill that matters to atop traditional wooden laminates in high-stress the country will soon be calling Rocky Mountain Construc- them. But the coaster and park enthusiast sect—the areas. tion to get in line for this new breed of coaster that does live purists—see it as something very different. Not So that leads us back to the New Texas Giant. up to all the hype—yes, it’s that good. bad. Just different. In its previous incarnation, it was a bona fide, Call the New Texas Giant a steel coaster, or call it a No wooden coaster is fashioned purely of once-top-rated wooden coaster. But its new Iron hybrid, but don’t disrupt history by calling it a wood. Along with the strap steel attached to the Horse steel box beam track system is the deal top laminates that makes contact with the load- breaker. Though much of this ride’s structure wooden coaster. bearing running wheels, there are plenty of other remains that of wooden trestles, its day as a true —Gary Slade metal components required to make it a viable ‘wooden’ coaster are long gone. operating system. There are several coasters that I am very much a traditionalist, and at the Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement might cause confusion: Cedar Point’s fea- end of the day, I feel that the track determines the Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six tures a wooden structure with tubular steel run- nature of the coaster. If a ride sports a main track when he first visited Amusement ning rails, which makes it a steel coaster. On the made of steel, whether it is tubular or flat, it’s a other hand is The Great Escape’s historically sig- steel coaster. If it has a wooden track topped with Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career nificant Comet that has a galvanized steel structure a steel running surface, it’s a ‘wooden’ coaster. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. topped with laminated wooden tracks. There’s no Period. AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation (817) 460-7220 [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols NAARSO and IISF Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $90/$130; [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Beth Jenkins Daily E-mail Newsletter Advertising Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, [email protected] Bubba Flint (615) 794-7288 Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked Cartoonist [email protected] by Amusement Today 2011, with all rights reserved. [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Jason Knutson, Terrance Lind, Andrew Mellor, Jeffrey L. Seifert, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY •1900: On May 23, William Presented by MINUTE E. Sullivan debuted the first “Big Eli” Wheel in , Jacksonville, Illinois. The 2 DRILL Wheel was a great success and COMPILED: Janice Witherow six years later Sullivan took on Sydne Purvis - capital investors to incorpo- rate the www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org For and began mass production of Sydne his Big Eli Wheels. Eli Bridge remains a family-owned company Purvis, to this day, operated by grandson Lee Sullivan, chairman of the a career in the board and great-grand-daughter Patty Sullivan as president/ amuse- CEO. ment industry •1905: Paragon Park opened on May 30th. The price tag for began Purvis the new 25-acre was $500,000. It is the be- while ginning of the healthy competition between Nantasket Beach working at and Revere Beach, Mass. After an 80 year run, Paragon Park as a ride operator on closed after the 1985 season. attractions such as the Bobsleds and •1911: The single most disastrous moment in his- the General Electric Car- tory came on the morning of May 27th, just hours before the ousel of Progress. She Dreamland Park then worked for the Walt season opening of ’s . A fire began Disney Company as a senior publicist and during the repair of a leaking , and the flames spread I would describe my backyard at home as … quickly, literally flattening the entire property and adjacent spokesperson for six years before making My sanctuary. the move to San Antonio. Now the commu- parcels in a matter of hours. It would signal the end of Brook- nications manager at Six Flags Fiesta Texas When going somewhere, are you usually lyn’s three park trifecta (which included Luna and Steeplechase (since 1993), Sydne relishes in her role and early, on time or late? Parks). Losses would top $3,000,000 and the park was never has a polished style of doing business not Always on time. rebuilt. Future structures would be required to be constructed always found in today’s world. She is actively of non-flammable materials — the reason why a majority of the involved with several philanthropic endeav- You’re at the beach: Do you stay on the Cyclone roller coaster’s superstructure is steel framing. ors, including the Children’s Miracle Network sand or hit the waves? and a local children’s hospital, where she Both; depends on the beach! •1924: Riverview Park’s most beloved coaster, the Bobs, serves as a long-time committee member. opened May 7th while it rained. The landmark, still The worst movie I’ve seen lately is definitely … fondly remembered over 40 years after its closing, is consid- Salt (starring Angelina Jolie). Title ered one of the most famous coasters ever built. Communications Manager. Something I would love to wear but don’t have the nerve is … •1930: On May 31, was born in Pasadena, Califor- Number of years with Fiesta Texas A jewel encrusted tiara would be really cool nia. He joined Arrow Development in 1965 to help design the 18. to pull off! world’s first Mine Train coaster, then would eventually become president. Under his leadership Arrow Development (later Ar- Best thing about the industry Favorite spectator sport row Dynamics) would become a significant manufacturer of log Making friends for a lifetime. Baseball. flumes, auto rides and multi-looping steel coasters for more than 30 years. Favorite amusement park ride When drinking water, do you like yours Any major . with or without ice? •1976: Grand Openings of the two Marriott’s Great America Definitely with ice. If I wasn’t working in the amusement parks in Gurnee, Illinois and Santa Clara, California were held on May 29. Built to celebrate the American Bicentennial, the industry, I would be … On a rainy day, I like to … A Hollywood publicist. Do household repairs. two parks featured Americana themes in six areas and were an immediate success. Although Marriott corporation sold the Biggest challenge facing our industry… If you could be in a band, what would its parks eight years later, both continue to operate today. Incorporating all the rapid changes in tech- name be? nology to provide guests with the most cur- The Survivors. •1988: Houston’s AstroWorld broke their all time single-day rent and popular complement of attractions attendance record on May 14 entertaining more than 54,000 and experiences. My all-time best “blooper” moment would guests and logging $1 million-plus in sales. Attendance for the have to be … entire weekend totaled over 120,000 guests. The thing I like most about amusement Not mentioning the park name in my very park season is … first live interview (oops!). Finally seeing all the extensive park prepara- —Compiled by Jeffrey L. Seifert and NRCMA tions, show rehearsals and general planning When I think of doing laundry, I … come together for an incredible opening. Actually find it calming.

TM Favorite junk food The habit I would most like to break is … P.O. Box 5427 Key lime pie. Drinking morning coffee. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 5-time Award Winner (817) 460-7220 I typically celebrate my birthday by … I wish I could be paid to … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) Going out to dinner. Visit world-class resorts! Find us on Facebook facebook.com/amusementtoday The best place I have ever watched a The TV show I can’t live without is … sunset is … The Amazing Race. On a Hawaiian cruise. Follow us on Twitter The last time I cooked a meal, I whipped up … twitter.com/amusementtoday Something in a Crock Pot.

Get the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers congratulate hope that along the way we have provided a source for Amusement Today on 15 years amusement industry news to everyone. We couldn’t Hi Gary, do it without the dedicated staff we have, and all of Just finished reading the April issue ofAmuse - our friends in the amusement indsutry who continue ment Today. I didn’t realize you are 15 years old. to support us. Thanks to all and here’s to another 15 Congrats to you. I enjoy the daily issues, and of- years! ten forward stories to nonpark friends who are interested. Thanks for taking another look at the Reader wants even more industry. And great job on the Golden Tickets. coverage in AT Not sure who will represent Knoebels this year, would hope it is me! Dear Gary, Leanna Knoebel Muscato Thanks you for sending the March and April Games Manager issues of Amusement Today. Knoebels Amusement Resort You mentioned in the March issue how many Elysburg, Pa. people miss the old Amusement Business maga- zine and we are included in missing them. You Hi Gary, also addressed that you would be expanding the Congratulations on your 15 years!!! Wow... Midway section which we would be interested time flies when you are having fun. I know you in. Please advise me when this will take place. are living the “dream” every day. The paper We are OABA members and receive the looks super and you have become a part of the OABA ShowTime magazine and Carnival as well. fabric of the business. Your award program is al- Dennis Hyde ways talked about. Seems like only yesterday!! Hyde Associates Here’s to 15 more!!! Horseheads, N.Y. Come see us!! Carey Risinger Editor’s note: While we do plan to expand the way Senior Vice President, Food Service we cover certain and other Midway related news State of Texas stories, like all publications, we are at the mercy of ad- , Texas vertising for support. The more carnival-related adver- tising we get to support the Midway section, the more Editor’s note: Leanna and Carey, thanks for your pages we can devote to this segment of our industry. kind words on our 15th year. While we feel like the Until then, you can look for AT to improve and expand Find us on Facebook 15 years have been a roller coaster ride at times, with in the coming months its editorial coverage on staff facebook.com/amusementtoday its many ups and downs, it has been a FUN ride. We promotions, food and games on the Midway. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 any type of noise. After si- GIANT lently cresting the apex of the FAST FACTS Continued from page 1 153-foot lift, riders plunge into take the Giant to a new and im- a near-vertical drop angled Name/Park proved level. Through the bid- at 79 degrees, making it a fan New Texas Giant/ ding process, we were hoping favorite in the back seat. Da- Six Flags Over Texas, to discover a new way to put vid Lipnicky, public relations Arlington, Texas in a wood track that wouldn’t director of American Coaster What have the same ‘dog and hunt’ Enthusiasts, says, “The first drop from the back seat is ab- Steel-tracked roller coaster in the years we had previ- built on exisiting wooden solutely stunning. It provides ously.” Sossamon continues, support structure from “We were convinced we could an extreme airtime experi- original Texas Giant make improvements, but we ence.” After about two dozen wooden coaster to weren’t thoroughly convinced rides, Lipnicky laughed, “It’s create new type we wouldn’t have a product one of the few rides that still of coaster for 10 years that wouldn’t need makes me grab the lap bar go- more maintenance put into it. ing down the first drop.” Height/Length “Through the discussion, Not even a light mist and Sossaman interjects that 153 feet maximum; Fred Grubbs of Rocky Moun- spots of rain could pre- the first drop is a favorite mo- 148 foot lift height/ tain and Alan Schilke basically vent the New Texas Giant ment as well. “Coming over the 4,506 feet discussed new concepts. I was from performing like the lift, it’s hard to anticipate what very interested in what they superstar this new coaster a 79 degree drop will feel like,” Drop/Maximum / Maximum Track Banking had to say,” adds Sossamon. is. The ride received a $10 he says. 147.5 feet at 79 degrees/ “In my mind, I was sure it was million makeover. After the initial plunge, AT / GARY SLADE 65 mph/115 degrees the right thing to do. The whole trains rise into a unique dou- OS,” CWBOY UP” and “YEE- cess were to give the best ride ble-up popping riders out of concept just sounded right — it Ride Time/Capacity their seat in a moment of strong all makes sense.” HAW.” Martindale smiles, “We possible while keeping guests 2:08 station to brake/ The Trains came up with 53 suggestions safe.” weightlessness and quickly 3 six-car trains; A new style of coaster and I cut it down to six. Don’t Martindale credits Les soar into a 90-degree banked 24 total passengers trains have been introduced be surprised if you see the li- Hudson at Six Flags corporate turn, gracefully floating riders by Gerstlauer to be used on cense plates change out to keep offices for the Cadillac concept. on their sides. A second drop Features the new Iron Horse steel track it fun.” Pinstriping and authen- Sossamon adds, “We were rushes passengers into one of 3 tunnels with fog and [see sidebar on page 8]. Work- tic Cadillac symbols acquired strong on the ‘Texas-ism’ of the the ride’s more unique mo- special LED effects; first ing hand in hand, Six Flags’ through internet means give ride.” ments — a 95-degree snap turn. ever use of new Iron Horse input with Gerstlauer has re- the trains a signature feel like “Our two largest design Riders travel just beyond verti- Coaster Track; first hybrid sulted in a unique appearance, no other coaster cars have in a challenges were space and cal before being rotated back coaster to go from wooden one that truly screams “Texas.” long time. weight,” adds Sandy. “The full into a steep descent. “I guar- coaster to a steel coaster Symbolic of the park’s 50th an- Adam Sandy of Ride Enter- available road wheel running antee that this moment will be Construction Time niversary, the new trains rep- tainment Group of Companies, surface was around 4 inches, the enthusiasts’ favorite,” says RMC’s Iron Horse Track resent 1961 Cadillac Sevilles who represents Gerstlauer, which was the flat space we Schilke. “You get the down- has been in development comments, “When you think had between inner and outer hill yank from the 95 degrees. in design, right down to the for 4 years; ride project about it, a new roller coaster chamfers on the track. The oth- That yank and twist down — tailfins. Capitalizing on Lone took 17 months from that is what’s going to surprise Star icons, each train sports a train is not often designed from er issue was weight. Because conception to opening pair of longhorns on the front the ground up. Many of the the new layout was calculated people.” The last overbanked car. The red, aqua and charcoal vehicles out there are simply utilizing the existing structure, turn goes the furthest with a Trains black trains also humorously adaptations of coaster trains the track and trains had spe- graceful 115-degree banked Gerstlauer Amusement incorporate license plates on already in existence. The pri- cific weight criteria. The track turn through coaster structure, Rides GmbH, the back cars. They read “ADI- mary goals of our design pro- weight was already a given which is followed by a bunny Muensterhausen, amount, so the trains had to be hop delivering the biggest dose calculated to meet critical re- of negative Gs on the entire Design One of the strictions. ride, which then rockets riders Alan Schilke, New Texas “After all these challenges upward into a sinuous twist Ride Centerline LLC, Giant’s were given to Gerstlauer,” San- into the block brake. Hyde Park, Utah highlights dy continues,” we had to give Riders of the original Tex- is the Six Flags a one-of-a-kind fiber- as Giant will recall a lurch of Supplier extreme glass mold to make the Texas heavy brakes here that slowed Fred Grubb, Rocky Mountain banking Giant vehicles stand out. In ad- the ride to a near standstill be- Construction Group, dition, we had to offer features fore dropping into the second and leads Hayden, Utah into sud- Six Flags has on other coasters, half. Not anymore. Sharon den drops, such as a lap bar capable of Parker, public relations man- Supporting Suppliers shown handling significant negative ager for Six Flags Over Texas Crossroads LED, special here on G’s and stadium seating. I am loves this new element. “You effect lighting in tunnels; the ride’s proudest of the way Gerstlauer look straight out and see ev- Entertainment Manage- third drop. synthesized all the requests ery single car drop out and ment Group, braking; AT / GARY and requirements, and pulled then you have your moment,” Hodell Natco, bolts; SLADE them into a vehicle concept that smiles Parker. Trains now Intermountain Lift, chain worked flawlessly on the first speed through the block and trough and anti-roll backs; run. It isn’t often you have the enter a sequence of three dives KT Galvanizing, galvanizing; eyes of an industry upon you that go to near ground level — Tree Dog Lumber, wood and I am happy to say that the an attribute that was never fully product we delivered exceeded utilized in the original layout. Safety System everyone’s expectations. Sim- Interspersed within this trio of Six Flags Over Texas safety and engineering using ply put, the trains look great drops is a playful bronco ride Allen-Bradley controls and run even better.” of weightless airtime before The Ride Experience the track hugs the ground in a Cost/Opened Once dispatched to the heavily banked turn at ground $10 million/April 22, 2011 lift, the trains engage the chain level, cutting through the lift. with virtually the absence of 4See GIANT, page 6 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 the park intimately knew what GIANT was needed in modernizing it Continued from page 5 to the 2011 version. The Drive As the course traverses It has been a long journey undulating track and an S- for Six Flags Over Texas. This turn, the ride enters a set of one-of-a-kind project has been tunnels and gets two new and in evolving development for improved bunny hops up onto nearly 17 months. One thing the final , making the for certain is they reached ride a negative G dream for their goal. The park wanted a enthusiasts. Magnetic brakes smooth-as-glass crowd pleaser, bring the coaster to a smooth and they got one. Guests are ex- stop. iting the ride with huge smiles The Players and rave reviews. The park can A project this massive in- be confident they have a home cluded a lot of companies. [For run with their newest attrac- a complete list of supporting tion. suppliers see Fast Facts box on “My favorite thing about page 5.] the New Texas Giant is that Six Flags brought an amaz- it constantly surprises you,” ing amount of talent to the proj- boasts Martindale. ect as well. When asked about However, it should be no how much was done in-house, surprise to find many parks Sossaman replied, “We fully around the country (and From the New Texas Giant’s impressive 79-degree first drop installed all mechanical driving world) coming take a closer to its second drop (above), this new hybrid coaster doesn’t parts.” With an understanding look at what will be one of the let up, giving guests a speedy and smooth ride like none of the gear box previously uti- most talked about success sto- other before. AT / GARY SLADE lized on the original woodie, ries of this season. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 Six Flags turns to Gerstlauer to deliver themed trains STORY: Adam Sandy ate a train design that looked Special to Amusement Today different from any other roller ARLINGTON, Texas — coaster vehicle on the mar- The trains on the New Texas ket. Giant at Six Flags Over Tex- On the technical side, as look great and ride even Gerstlauer received input better. Gerstlauer’s custom- from Larry Chickola, chief of designed vehicle offered corporate engineering, and unique roller coaster technol- his team at Six Flags Engi- ogy. The ride’s most striking neering. Together they de- signed a wide, comfortable A full size mock up of the coaster vehicle, above left, was done in stages at the Gerstlauer visual feature is the look of factory, before a mold could be cast. This produced the finished themed design in fiberglass, the trains. Gerstlauer worked seat and lap bar rated to han- shown above right. COURTESY GERSTLAUER hand-in-hand with Les Hud- dle significant negative g’s. son, Six Flags’ vice president The goal of the seat de- seat could be made. The key of independent articulation, gree of performance were of design. He wanted the sign was to create a con- behind the lap bar and seat which allow the train to eas- the best that the company look of a 1961 Cadillac Dev- toured seat that accommo- design was that the systems ily navigate Rocky Mountain’s had produced to-date. ille and together they spent dated a wide range of guest had to safely contain a wide sinuous Iron Horse track. The Editor’s note: Adam San- hours poring over pictures sizes on a very exciting ride. range of guests, from those design of a roller coaster train dy is sales director for Mary- of the classic car to get the Hours were spent in the just over 48 inches to large from the ground up does not land-based Ride Entertain- contours just right. From the Munsterhausen, Germany adults, the system had to happen often. Gerstlauer’s ment Group of Companies, Cadillac chrome to the iconic factory closing the restraint work for everyone. The bo- goal was to ensure that the the North American represen- tail fins, they worked on the on guests and seeing if they gies were also unique and of- guest experience, ease of tative for Gerstlauer Amuse- small details in order to cre- could get out, so the perfect fered many different degrees maintenance, and high de- ment Rides GmbH. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 2011 North american PARK PREVIEW CANADA Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka...... SkyScreamer — 230-foot Star Flyer White Water, Branson...... Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay — highly-themed adventure river , ...... Cosmic Revolution — Moser Rides tilting Himalaya; Ropes Courses Sky Trail Explorer , Kansas City...... 1926 Illions from Park; kids area with seven rides ,Edmonton...... WhiteWater West AquaLoop, AquaDrops and AquaTune at the PNE,Vancouver...... Atmosfear — 218-foot Funtime-Handels Starflyer New , Salem...... — Gerstlauer Euro Fighter coaster Ontario , Glen...... Splash Battle Egypt — 3DBA/Preston & Barbieri interactive water ride Bingeman’s Big Splash Waterpark, Kitchener...... WhiteWater West Boomerango, Multi-Lane Mat Calypso Waterpark, Limoges...... Ten new WhiteWater West waterslides including two AquaLoops, AquaTube Body Slides Canada’s Wonderland, ...... Windseeker — Mondial 300—foot Clementon Park & Splash World, Clementon...... Torpedo Rush — Two ProSlide Freefalls with SkyBox Ontario Place, Toronto...... Two ProSlide Topsy-Turvey with ProSplash Fun Town Amusement Pier, Seaside Park...... Zamperla Midi Discovery 16 rotating Sauble Beach Fun World, Sauble Beach...... Looping Star — Looping Zyklon ZL42 from Beech Bend Gillian’s Pier, Ocean City...... SBF Airborne Shot Iplay America, Freehold...... Zamperla Happy Swing, Jump Around and Kite Flyer Québec Keansburg Amusement Park Keansburg...... Zamperla Happy Swing and Jump Around Valcartier Vacation Village, Valcartier...... WhiteWater West Whizzard multi-lane tube-enclosed mat racer Morey’s Piers, Wildwood...... it — KMG Fireball with new restraint system Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson...... Green Lantern — B&M standup coaster from ; Funtime 54m. Slingshot Alabama Alabama Adventure, Bessemer...... Buzzsaw Falls, SkyTrans Manufacturing Shoot the Chutes , Farmingdale...... SBF Drop ‘N Twist Tower; Zamperla Mini Disk’O Arizona Coney Island Amusement Park, Coney Island...... Visa Umbrella Swing Mesa Sunsplash, Mesa...... Storm Rider — ProSlide BehemothBowl Holiday Valley , Ellicottville...... Mountain Coaster — Wiegand Alpine—Coaster Wet ‘n’ Wild, ...... Constrictor — WhiteWater West Constrictor inner tube slide Luna Park ( Zone), Brooklyn...... Steeplechase — Zamperla Moto Coaster; Soaring Eagle — Refurbushed Zamperla Volare coaster from Eltich Gardens; Funtime 44m. Slingshot California Martin’s Fantasy Island, Grand Island...... Loop Fighter and Starship 2000 () , Belmont...... Down Force — Unicoaster; Moser Rides Gyro Loop Seabreeze Rochester...... Zamperla Midi Teacup ride Castle Park, Riverside...... 20,000 sq ft water play area Disneyland, Anaheim...... II — refurbished Star Tours attraction; Little Mermaid Ride — North Carolina Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim...... WhiteWater West multi-lane Mat Racer , Charlotte...... Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular — night time light show Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park...... Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride Waterpark, San Jose...... Bombs Away — ProSlide SuperLoop Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz...... 100 year anniversary of the Looff Carousel; Moser Rides 14-seat Spring Ride Beach Waterpark, Mason...... Rainforest Rapids - transformation of existing tube chute; Toucan - zero-depth children’s SeaWorld , San Diego...... 300,000 gallon sea turtle aquarium; Riptide Ripsaw — Huss airboat; Zamperla Rockin’ Tug pool Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo...... SkyScreamer — Funtime 150-foot Star Flyer Cedar Point, Sandusky...... Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia...... Green Lantern: First Flight — ZacSpin coaster; new vehicles on Columbus Zoo, Columbus...... Chance Morgan CP Huntington Train Krypton; Roller Skater from SF , Kings Mills...... Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride; Dinosaurs Alive — upcharge animated dinosaur exhibit Colorado Zoombeezi Bay, Columbus...... Python Plunge and Anaconda Falls — WhiteWater West Boomerango, Master Blaster, Inner Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights...... Mile High Flyer — Two ProSlide Pipeline slides Tube Slides

Connecticut Oregon , ...... Rev-O-Lution — Zamperla Mega Disk’O 24 Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, McMinnville...... WhiteWater West SuperBowl, custom AquaPlay, AquaTube body slide, , Middlebury...... Wooden Warrior — Gravity Group wooden coaster Inner-Tube slide and wave pool

Florida Pennsylvania Tampa, Tampa...... — Intamin LSM launched coaster; new Millennium Flier trains for Gwazi Dorney Park, Allentown...... Planet Snoopy with 8 new Zamperla rides wooden coaster Idlewild, Ligonier...... Wowabunga — ADG WaveTech Wave Pool , Orlando...... The Grand Reef — new exploration area with thousands of fish and reef sharks; SeaVenture Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg...... Black Diamond — refurbished and rethemed steel PTC coaster from Morey’s Piers underwater walking tour , Langhorne...... Elmo’s Cloud Chaser — Zamperla Midi Family Swinger Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Lake Buena Vista...... Star Tours II — refurbished Star Tours attraction , Erie...... North End — expansion area with three Zamperla rides including Flying Carousel; Chance Morgan Fun Spot, Kissimmee...... Screamin’ Eagle — Larson with LED light package; Galaxy Spin — Zamperla twister CP Huntington Train coaster from , Winter Haven...... New Park (former Cypress Gardens) with multiple attractions including Mack South Carolina from Legoland Windsor Myrtle Beach Landing, Myrtle Beach...... SkyWheel, a 187—foot Chance Morgan Giant Wheel , Orlando...... Expansion & New Ride WonderWorks, Myrtle Beach...... New 50,000 square—foot entertainment and education attraction with Moser Rides Extraor- Rapids Waterpark, West Palm Beach...... Rapids Racers — ProSlide 6-lane KrakenRacer dinary Bike

Georgia Tennessee , Austell...... — Gerstlauer custom Euro-Fighter coaster , Pigeon Forge...... Barnstormer — S&S 80 foot Sky Swing /Splash Island, Valdosta...... Hakini Rapids and Kona Cliffs — ProSlide Mammoth and MammothBubba Nashville Shores Waterpark, Nashville...... Kowabunga Beach — WhiteWater West AquaPlay AP1050 water treehouse with Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta...... Chance Morgan CP Huntington Train four slides

Idaho Texas Boulder Beach Waterpark, Athol...... WhiteWater West Python family raft ride Hawaiian Falls, Roanoke...... new waterpark with WhiteWater West Giant Rainfortress with 20 slides, wave pool, Boomerango, three-lane Mat Racer Illinois Legoland Discovery Center, Grapevine...... new 35,000 square-foot entertainment center with interactive dark ride and 4D Harbor Waterpark, Gurnee...... Waterpark expansion with, four waterslides, and Wave Loch FlowRider theater Santa’s Village AZoosment Park, East Dundee...... new park at former Santa’s Village; classic rides from Santa’s Village and NRH2O Waterpark, North Richland Hills...... WhiteWater West Viper Megatube slide Kiddieland (Melrose Park); animal exhibits Galveston, Galveston...... Shipwreck Harbor — 3-foot wave lagoon with slides, shade structures, additional lounging areas Indiana Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels...... Tubenbach — new section with The Falls — world’s longest water tube Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus...... Safari Sam’s Splashland — ProSlide children’s water play area; new PTCI train chute, Deluge Whirlpool River and Boogie Bay kids’ area for Voyage coaster SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio...... Sesame Street Bay of Play — rethemed kids area with new Chance Morgan 36-foot , Monticello...... Adventure Point — Ropes Courses Sky Trail Voyager Carousel Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground, Fremont...... Starflight Amusement Rides AquaZoom hydroplaning bumper car system Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington...... New Texas Giant — new steel coaster from Rocky Mountain Construction reconstructed from former wood coaster with new Gerstlauer trains Kansas Trader’s Village, San Antonio...... Larson Star Dancer Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, Kansas City...... Boogie Bahn surf ride; three slides, rapids river, whitewater tube chute Wet ‘N’ Wild Water World, El Paso...... Ride Entertainment Systems

Maine Utah , Old ...... LED Light Package for existing Chance Morgan Wheel Lagoon, Farmington...... Bambora — family coaster

Maryland Trimper’s Rides, Ocean City...... Zamperla Happy Swing Resort, Jay...... New 40,000 square foot indoor waterpark including WhiteWater West AquaLoop; Wave Loch Flow- Massachusetts Rider Virginia Six Flags , Agawam...... Gotham City Gauntlet Escape from Arkham Asylum — Maurer Söhne wild mouse from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg...... Mäch Tower — Moser Rides 235-foot Kentucky Kingdom U.S.A., Williamsburg...... Vanish Point — Speed slides

Michigan Washington Air Zoo of Kalamazoo, ...... Zamperla Midi Wild Waves Waterpark, Federal Way...... ProSlide CannonBowl Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon...... Beach Party — Whitewater West Aquaplay RainFortress interactive water play structure with 8 slides Wisconsin Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay...... Zippin Pippin — Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Group recreation of Zippin Pippin Minnesota coaster from Libertyland , Shakopee...... Cosmic Coaster — Zamperla powered coaster from Dorney Park; Planet Snoopy with 6 Zamperla rides MEXICO Mississippi Six Flags Mexico, ...... Terminator X — laser battle attraction (opened December, 2010) Gulf islands Waterpark, Gulfport...... WhiteWater West multi-lane Mat Racer

Missouri , Branson...... Half Dollar Holler — children’s playscape and ride area including Treetop fun houses, climbing nets, and refurbished carousel Compiled by JEFFREY SEIFERT/Amusement Today 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 2011 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW AUSTRALIA Taunus Wonderland, Schlangenbad Knall Fall — abc rides Multi Motion Tower , Sunshine Coast...... Zamperla Mega Disk’O Tropical Island , Berlin...... Moser Rides African Jungle Lift Wet ‘n’ Wild, Gold Coast...... Skycoaster HONG KONG AUSTRIA Ocean Park, Hong Kong...... Hair Raiser — B&M ; Chance Morgan Aviator; Arctic Blast — Mack powered coaster; Aquapulco Waterpark, Bad Schallerbach...... SplashCinema 4D theater Intamin rapids ride Familypark Neusiedlersee, St. Margarethen...... Wave Swinger Wiener Prater, Vienna...... Black — Funtime Chaos Pendel; Moser Rides Atlantis Adventure Infinity Mall, ...... I.E. Park indoor looping coaster BELGIUM Aqualibi, Wavre...... €11 million rehab including glass pyramid and several waterslides , Lichtart...... Dizz — Maurer Söhne custom spinning car coaster Bugs Waterpark, Makassar...... Polin Waterparks Aquatower 600 Coo, Stavelot...... Wickie The Ride — Gerstlauer spinning car coaster Trans Studio Indoor Theme Park, Bandung...... new indoor park with LIM shuttle coaster; several large Zamperla , De Panne...... Adinkerke-De Panne Mayaland — Indoor Children’s area with rides from Zierer and Zamperla Rides; Interlink Super Flume Waterbom Jakarta, Jakarta...... WhiteWater West SuperBowl BOTSWANA Lion Park Resort, Gaborone...... Schwarzkopf Looping Star from Dreamland Edenlandia, Napoli...... Thriller — Mack Mega Coaster LSM-launched coaster BRAZIL Europark Idroscalo, ...... Funny Mouse — Interpark Wild Mouse coaster , Olinda...... Sky Mountain — Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang from Six Flags Over Georgia , Castelnuovo del Garda...... — B&M protoype “wing-rider” style coaster Mirabilandia, Savio...... Master Thai — Preston & Barbieri family racing coaster MagicLand, Valmontone...... New park with multiple attractions including coasters from Maurer Söhne and Vekoma; Bali Paradise Waterpark, Fushun...... new indoor/outdoor waterpark with multiple WhiteWater West attractions including Intamin Spillwater 20 and Rapids Ride world’s first “Flume in Flume” MegaTube China Dinosaur Park, Changzhou...... S&S Power fourth dimension coaster; Huss observation tower; Intamin Spillwater 20 JAPAN Hangzhou Paradise, Hangzhou...... Shibolai Suspended Looping Coaster Fuji-Q, Fujiyoshida...... Gerstlauer custom Euro-Fighter coaster Happy Valley (Beijing), Cahoyang...... Extreme Rusher — S&S Power launched coaster , Tokyo...... Mickey’s Philharmagic 4-D theater Happy Valley (Shanghai), Songjiang...... Flight of the Dragon — Huss suspended simulator movie ride Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo...... Jasmine’s Flying Carpets — Zamperla custom telecombat Happy Valley (Shenzen), Shenzen...... Shangrila Snowfield — S&S Power coaster; WhiteWater West AquaLoop, Boomerango, SuperBowl, Mat Racer, Raft Ride MALAYSIA Happy Valley (Wuhan), Wuhan...... new park with Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Group racing/dueling wooden coaster; multiple Shangri-La Tanjung, Aru Resort...... Tanjung Aru ProSlide KidsTwister, GiantTwister, TunnelTwister attractions from WhiteWater West including AquaLoop Jin Jiang , Xuhui...... Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang THE Knight Valley, Shenzen...... new park with Mountain Flyer — GCII wooden terrain coaster; two Maurer Söhne coasters Aqua Mundo at Center Parcs, Eemhoff...... ProSlide Topsy-Turvy Lubura Aquatic World, Changzhou...... WhiteWater West Abyss, Family Boomerango, AquaPlay Giant RainFortress DippieDoe Familiepark, Eindhoven...... Tyfoon - Zierer custom coaster from Gardens Red Sun, Nanjing East China Mall, Nanjing...... Vekoma custom motorbike coaster Duinrell, Wassenaar...... Gerstlauer family coaster World , Wujin...... New park with multiple attractions including coasters from Maurer Söhne and B&M; S&S , Sevenum...... Mack SuperSplash water coaster , Biddinghuizen...... Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater COLUMBIA Parque Recreativo Piscilago, Nile...... ProSlide RideHouse with MiniRiver, ProRacer, Twister and FireSlides NEW ZEALAND Hamner Springs Thermal Pools, Hamner Springs...... WhiteWater West SuperBowl CYPRUS Phaethon Beach Hotel, Paphos...... ProSlide 4-lane ProRace, PipeLine, TunnelTwister POLAND WaterWorld Waterpark, Ayia Napa...... ProSlide Tunnel Twister Wroclawski Park Wodny Waterpark, Wrocław...... Black Hole — waterslide with glass element, lighting and sound effects

DENMARK RUSSIA , Nimtofte...... Skatteøen — Mack SuperSplash Water Coaster Djubga Waterpark, Krasnodar...... Polin Waterparks double tube racing slides Fårup Sommerland, Saltum...... WhiteWater West family raft and water playground SAUDI ARABIA ENGLAND Al-Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah...... Larson/Arm drop tower Adventure Island, Southend on Sea...... Kiddi Koasta — Zamperla Family Coaster Atallah Happy Land Park, Jeddah...... Intamin Surf Rider impulse shuttle coaster , Somerset...... Astro Storm — Zierer coaster from Pleasure Beach, Blackpool , ...... Speedy Gonzales — Big Apple/Wacky Worm type coaster SCOTLAND Drayton Manor, Drayton Bassett...... Ben 10 Ultimate Mission — Vekoma Junior Boomerang coaster Codona’s Amusement Park, Aberdeen...... Innovative Leisure high ropes course Flamingoland Theme Park and Zoo, Malton...... Zamperla Air Force suspended coaster Funland Amusement Park, Hayling Island...... Moser Rides Speed Flip SINGAPORE Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare...... Moser Rides Sidewinder and Spring Ride Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa...... Battlestar Galactica — Vekoma Inverted and sit-down dueling coasters (delayed Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock...... Knights of the Round Table — Moser Rides X-Arm Ride from 2010); Madagascar — dark boat ride Pleasure Beach, Blackpool...... PBB with Wallace & Gromit dark ride; Mack Splash Battle; several Zamperla rides; abc rides tower Legoland Windsor, Windsor...... Project Atlantis — Aquarium with dark ride Caribbean Bay, Yongin-si...... Four WhiteWater West AquaLoops , Ripon...... Skeleton Cove — new themed area with five rides from Loudon Castle Gyeongju World, Gyeongju...... Two ProSlide SuperLoops with SkyBoxes , Romsey...... Rethemed kiddie area with seven new rides including Zierer 12m. Ferris Wheel Jamsil-Dong...... World’s largest indoor foam playground , Blackpool...... ProSlide CannonBowl and Tunnel Twister Ocean World at Vivaldi Park, Kangnam-Ku...... WhiteWater West Python Megatube slide, Whizzard multi-lane tube-enclosed , Chertsey...... Storm Surge — WhiteWater West Spinning Rapids ride from Cypress Gardens mat racer Seorak Waterpia Waterpark, Sokcho-si...... ProSlide WorldAlley and DarkMammoth Linnanmäki, Helsinki...... Ukko — Maurer Söhne X-Car coaster SPAIN PortAventura, Salou...... Sésamo Aventura — rethemed kiddie area with new attractions from Zierer and Heege FRANCE Aqualand , Bassin D’Archaron...... Polin Waterparks Racer Hybrid combination bowl and boomerang slides Aqualand Water Park, St. Syr Sur Mer...... Polin Waterparks Black Hole Turbolance boomerang slides Astrid Lindgren’s World, Vimmerby...... Themed area and castle Disneyland Paris, Marne la Vallée...... Toy Story Playland — new themed area with RC Racer — Intamin impulse shuttle coaster Furuvik, Gävle...... Rocket — family coaster Fraispertuis City, Jeanménil...... Timber Drop — S&S Power coaster Gröna Lund, Stockholm...... Twister — Gravity Group wooden coaster , Dompierre Sur Besbre...... Twist — Mack spinning coaster , Gothenburg...... Atmosfear — conversion of Intamin observation tower to Intamin Gyro Drop 36 La Récré des Trois Curés, Milizac...... Mambo — Mack flying bobs from Bobbejaanland Mer de Sable, Ermenonville...... Tiger Express — Mack Wild Mouse from Walibi Holland Parc des Naudières, Sautron...... Roller Coaster — Zierer Force Two coaster Amazon Falls, Pattaya...... new waterpark with multiple WhiteWater West attractions including duelling Master Blaster; Super Parc Touristique des Combes, Creusot...... Boomerang — Vekoma Junior Boomerang coaster Bowl Walibi Rhone-Alpes, Les Avenières...... Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater Siam Park City, Bangkok...... Grand Canyon Express — Zamperla powered coaster from Jerudong Park (Brunei) Walibi Sud-Ouest, Roquefort...... Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater Walygator Parc, Maizières-les-Metz...... Maurer Söhne indoor wild mouse from Japan’s Expoland TAIWAN Fisherman’s Wharf, New Taipei Cit...... Intamin 360-foot Super Gyro Tower GEORGIA E-DA Theme Park, Dashu Township...... Big Air — Vekoma Big Air shuttle coaster (opened December, 2010) Mtatsminda Park, Tbilisi...... Multi-inversion coaster believed to be from China TURKEY GERMANY Cobra Kingdom Waterpark, Belek...... new waterpark with 10 Polin Waterparks slides, inner tube rides, King Cobra and water Bayern Park, Reisbach...... Freischütz — Maurer Söhne LSM-launched coaster play area with additional slides Europa-Park, Rust...... Piccolo Mondo — rethemed Ciao Bambino dark ride; Volo da Vinci — Mack suspended pedal monorail ORA Istanbul Theme Park, Istanbul...... Vekoma Junior Coaster Freizeit-Land Geiselwind, Geiselwind...... Wilde Maus — Mack compact Wild Mouse coaster , Legenfeld...... Zierer Force 190 coaster Freizeitpark Ruhpolding, Ruhpolding...... Gipfel-Stürmer — Gerstlauer family shuttle coaster Wild Wadi, ...... Proslide Bowling Alley and Alley Galaxy Erding Waterpark, Erding...... Wiegand/Maeizer Turbo Racers Yas Island, ...... Multiple WhiteWater West attractions including AquaLoop, Viper, SuperBowl and Speed Slides Hansa Park, Sierksdorf...... Die Schlange von Midgard — Gerstlauer family coaster Heide-Park, Soltau...... Krake — B&M floorless Diving Machine coaster VENEZUELA Holiday Park, Hassloch...... Mayaland — Indoor Children’s area with Anubis — Zierer Family Freefall Tower Parque Italo Americano, Caracas...... Technical Park Rock ‘n’ Roll coaster Inselsberg-Funpark, Kleiner Inselberg...... Wiegand Wie-flyer Lego Discovery Center, Berlin...... Zamperla Magic Bike , Bottrop...... Val Helsing’s Factory — Gerstlauer indoor coaster Nürburgring, Nürburg...... ring°racer — S&S Power custom Thrust Air coaster , Brühl...... Maus au Chocolate — interactive 3—D dark ride; Zierer Wave Swinger and a pair of kiddie drop towers Rasti-Land, Salzhemmendorf ...... Zierer Family Freefall Tower

A PRINTABLE PDF VERSION OF THE 2011 PARK PREVIEW IS AVAILABLE AT AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 INTERNATIONAL PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS BRIEF Heide-Park adds Germany’s first B&M STORY: Andrew Mellor Disney breaks [email protected] ground on GERMANY—Germany’s Shanghi park Heide-Park, part of the Group, un- SHANGHAI—The veiled its latest major ride on Company and April 16 when the new dive Shanghai Shendi Group, its coaster Krake opened to visi- joint venture partner in Chi- tors. na, have broken ground on Situated in the Pirate Bay the Shanghai Disney Resort area of the park, the new thrill- following approval from er comes from Swiss coaster the Chinese central govern- ment in Beijing. Both com- panies marked the start of construction on the first Disney resort in mainland China at a groundbreaking ceremony held on April 8. specialist Bolliger & Mabillard “Today marks a sig- and represents an investment nificant milestone in the of €12 million (U.S. $17 mil- Riders on Krake will be taken up to a height of 41 meters (134.5 feet) before plummet- history of The Walt Disney lion). In one of three floorless ing vertically to earth. Among the features of the Krake track is an Immelman curve. Company,” said Robert A. vehicles, each with three rows COURTESY HEIDE-PARK Iger, president and CEO of six seats, the attraction takes of a ship in the clutches of the Immelmann and camelback area of 10,000 square meters of The Walt Disney Com- riders high above the park beast before being re- features before returning to (107,639 square feet). The ride pany. “Our Shanghai resort lake for an adrenalin pumping leased to plummet vertically the station. itself provides a similar expe- will be a world-class family experience. Once at the high- down into the dark mouth of Heavily themed in a sea rience to the likes of Oblivion vacation destination that est point of 41 meters (134.5 the “beast.” From there guests and shipwreck style at the U.K.’s Re- combines classic Disney feet) the rider vehicles are held speed along the remainder of setting, Krake also features sort and SheiKra at Busch Gar- characters and storytelling for a few fearful seconds as the 476 meter (1,562 feet) long fog and water effects and the dens Tampa in Florida. with the uniqueness and riders look down at the wreck track through a splash zone, whole attraction covers an beauty of China. Working with our Chinese partners, the Shanghai Disney Resort Merlin growth continues alongside international expansion will be both authentically STORY: Andrew Mellor included the acquisition of Cypress Gar- Disney and distinctly Chi- [email protected] dens, near Orlando, Fla., which is cur- nese.” —Europe’s rently being transformed into Legoland The Shanghai Disney leading and the world’s second largest Florida for opening in October this year, Resort will be home to visitor attraction operator Merlin Enter- and the operating contract for the U.K.’s a Magic Kingdom-style tainments has announced its financial iconic Complex in the park that will blend clas- results for the year to December 25, 2010, northwest of England. More recently, sic Disney storytelling and which show continued strong growth Merlin has also acquired the Sydney At- characters with all-new at- coupled to further expansion of its im- tractions Group and Kelly Tarlton’s Un- tractions and experiences pressive portfolio of global visitor attrac- derwater World, bringing several attrac- tailored specifically for the tions. Capital investment of £103.8 million tions in Australia and New Zealand into people of China. The park The total number of visitors to the (U.S. $168.5 million) during the year was its portfolio. will feature several themed group’s venues increased to 41 million, funded from operating cash flow and “We are delighted to report another lands complete with excit- a rise of 2.5 million (6.5 percent), while the group reported strong and resilient year of strong performance from Merlin ing, iconic Disney attrac- group revenue was up 4.1 percent to growth against a tough economic back- Entertainments,” said Chief Executive tions and experiences. £800.8 million (U.S. $1.37 billion). Under- ground. This performance was driven by , “with growth coming from The new Shanghai Dis- lying group EBITDA (Earnings before in- strong trading within the existing estate all parts of our unique business. During ney Resort is slated to open terest, taxes, depreciation and amortiza- while international growth came from 2010 we significantly extended our geo- in approximately five years. tion) was up 8.5 percent to £255.8 million three new openings on three continents. graphic footprint, while delivering fur- (U.S.$ 415.5 million). Notable highlights of the year also 4See MERLIN, page 12 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 Lo-Q signs two contracts with for queing ENGLAND –– Lo-Q plc recently an- aly, the Lo-Q VQ2020 virtual queue man- ed: “We are very pleased to have signed nounced that it has signed two new agree- agement system is now installed in a total these agreements with Movie Park Ger- ments to install its VQ2020 queue man- of three Parques Reunidos parks. many & Parque de Atracciones Madrid agement system at Movie Park Germany As part of the agreement Lo-Q plc and to add two more Parques Reunidos and at Parque de Atracciones Madrid. will install and train Movie Park Ger- parks to our portfolio of Theme Parks in Movie Park Germany and Parque de many and Parque de Atracciones Madrid addition to Mirabilandia, Italy. Parques Atracciones Madrid are owned by Span- employees to deploy the VQ2020 queue Reunidos is a leading company in the ish leisure park operator Parques Reuni- management systems to their guests and Amusement Atttractions Industry around dos, the second largest operator of lei- provide them with the benefit of virtual the world and we are confident that Mov- sure parks in Europe. Parques Reunidos queuing for rides. Lo-Q’s VQ2020 system ie Park Germany and Parque de Atraccio- operates 71 theme parks, waterparks and uses patented queuing technology to en- nes Madrid and their guests will benefit nature and animal parks across Europe, sure that a guest queues fairly for a ride significantly from using our virtual queu- South America and the U.S. Movie Park without having to physically stand in ing technology.” Germany had over 1.2 million visitors line. Both installations will be completed Lo-Q has offices in the U.K. and the to its theme park in 2010 and Parque de for the start of Movie Park Germany and U.S.A. For more information visit www. Atracciones Madrid had over 1.3 million Parque de Atracciones’ 2011 seasons. Lo-Q.com. visitors in 2010. With Mirabilandia in It- Tom Burnet, CEO of Lo-Q comment- opens new 1200-seat Reveleijn entertainment experience STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

NETHERLANDS—Eftel- ing in the Netherlands opened its latest major attraction at the beginning of April in the shape of the ‘city’ of Raveleijn. The story of Raveleijn has been written by Efteling and Paul van Loon, the well- known Dutch children’s au- thor, and the brand new area of the park forms the setting Merlin Entertainments’ continued growth will include the for a spectacular new park opening of a fifth Legoland park, , in Octo- show about five children who ber 2011, on the site of the former Cypress Gardens. grow up to become riders on COURTESY MERLIN ENTERTAINMENT horseback, each with special plans and by the end of 2012 talents which they combine to MERLIN we will be operating more confront the city’s oppressive Continued from page 11 than 80 attractions as we de- ruler. The story has also been The new ‘city ther growth in turnover and velop further across Europe, reworked by van Loon into of Raveleijn’ profitability as we welcomed North America and the Asia book form, while in addition at Efteling 2.5 million more visitors to Pacific region.” to this it forms the basis for the will host a our iconic attractions around Looking further ahead, Raveleijn television series and spectacular the world. more openings being planned an online game. live show “In the past year we have for 2012 include Legoland Ma- The story behind the park based on the continued to invest to grow laysia and the Legoland Wind- show, which features horses newly cre- and develop our business. We sor Hotel in the U.K., along and real ravens, has taken over ated story of now operate over 70 attrac- with five new Midways, in- two years to conceive. The show is performed five or six Raveleijn. tions in 17 countries across cluding two in the U.S. — Sea COURTESY four continents under our Life Kansas City and Legoland times per day in the enormous EFTELING internationally recognized Discovery Center in Atlanta, new open air arena which of- which contains several sensa- ters very closely and can get brands. Looking ahead, we Georgia. fers seating for up to 1,200 vis- have accelerated our growth itors. Guests are also be able tional high-points, was devel- a taste of them in their own to watch the performances oped by Efteling itself. The homes. I am very proud of from the galleries (terraces) of ominous ravens immediately what we have built, both lit- the restaurant Het Wapen van set the tone for an exciting tale erally and figuratively, with Visit the ALL NEW Raveleijn. that, in true Efteling tradition, Raveleijn.” “Never before have we has a clear moral message. It The new arena covers an presented a park show of is about working together and area of 1,450 square meters com these proportions in the open learning to use your own tal- and is adjoined by a new ad- amusementtoday air,” commented Efteling ents. ministration building and a President and CEO Bart de “This is the first time that themed event location. The Online Boer. “The show is on such a an Efteling tale has been ap- show lasts for 30 minutes and grand scale that special music proached in such a multime- features 10 cast members, five has been composed for it and dia way,” de Boer continued. horses, five ravens, one owl now! this will be performed by the “People can get to know the and one . It is suitable Get the free mobile app for your phone http://gettag.mobi Brabant Orchestra. The show, story and its leading charac- for guests aged six and over. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 Guests soaring on Australia’s first Skycoaster AUSTRALIA—Australia’s first Skycoaster debuted on March 9, 2011 at Wet’n’Wild Water World in Oxenford. The continent’s first ‘flier’ was 15-year-old Stacey Licciardi of Cockatoo, Victoria who was taken nearly 180 feet in the air before she pulled the ripcord, flew through the ride’s iconic arch and ushered in Skycoast- er’s Australian presence. As the most-visited amuse- ment park in Australia, this waterpark, located along the country’s famed Gold Coast Australia’s first Skycoaster debuted in March at Ox- was a natural spot for the first enford’s Wet’n’Wild Water World.The 180-foot-tall Skycoaster on the continent. Skycoaster takes fliers up nearly 20 stories before “This has been a great project they pull the rip cord and soar over the park’s popular for us,” said Mike Gutknecht, wave pool. A product of Skycoaster, Inc. the company director of Skycoaster. “It was now oversees the safety training of over 75 Skycoast- very challenging because we er attractions on six continents. COURTESY REG had to engineer a ride that met the region’s wind loads, which Gutknecht. Australia installation will fol- tion. “This isn’t a ride where of many in Aus- allow structures to withstand Bob White, the general low Skycoaster’s detailed safe- the operator pushes a button; tralia. We look forward to the typhoon-force winds. How- manager of Village Roadshow ty program, which has made our operators are involved in next one,” added Gutknecht. ever, our engineering team de- Theme Parks said, “The Sky- the attraction one of the safest harnessing a flyer so they can Skycoaster oversees the signed a guy wire system that coaster has been a fantastic in the amusement industry. be pulled nearly 200 feet in the safety training of over 75 Sky- met their wind requirements addition to Wet’n’Wild Wa- Operational protocol includes sky. It requires a different type coaster attractions on six con- and it worked perfectly.” ter World. We chose this at- an annual safety seminar and of training and we believe our tinents and the company is The Wet’n’Wild Skycoast- traction as it not only offered on-site certification, all of safety record proves that we part of the Ride Entertainment er sits near the park’s wave a unique experience for our which is run by Skycoaster. have one of the best programs Group (www.rideentertain- pool and offers guests an guests, but it suited the ‘fun “Our attraction is unique in the industry.” ment.com). The Ride Enter- adrenaline rush as they fly out and thrill’ theming of our wa- and therefore the way we go The Skycoaster offers a tainment family of companies over the property. “The place- ter park environment perfect- about training has always rush unmatched in Austra- provides sales, service, and ment of a Skycoaster is critical ly. We have experienced very been different from other lia and can be seen from up financial solutions to parks and this park really has one positive guest feedback from amusement rides,” said Jason and down the M1 Motorway. across the globe. of the most visually-engaging the Skycoaster.” Anderson, Skycoaster’s man- “With the great guest response locations I have seen,” added Like all Skycoasters, the ager of safety and certifica- we feel that this is just the first DP Associates sees recovery for leisure attractions UNITED KINGDOM— confidence and an increased the expertise the company is company has been involved and Bletchley Park, a U.K. Strategic leisure consultants amount of activity through- able to offer developers, in- in are the redevelopment of heritage site famous for its DP Associates (DPA), cur- out the attractions industry,” vestors, owners and opera- Dreamland Amusement Park code breaking exploits during rently involved in a variety he comments, “both in our tors of all types of leisure and in Margate, U.K., where the the Second World War, which of projects within the theme home territory of the U.K. attraction facility. Among traditional seaside town park DPA helped to transform into park and visitor attractions and throughout the world. the most recent projects the is being brought back to life, a visitor attraction. sector, is reporting clear signs Not surprisingly with the that the industry in general is way the global economy has coming out of a relatively qui- been of late, many new proj- et period as the effects of the ects and developments have worldwide recession begin to been either cancelled or post- recede. poned, while existing opera- The U.K.-based consul- tors have been extremely cau- tants, which boasts a vast tious where new investment amount of experience in at- has been concerned,” said traction concept design, de- Phillips. “However, we can velopment and operation, see from the inquiries we are has a varied client portfolio receiving that things are mov- having worked on a diverse ing forward again in pretty range of projects, from the much all sectors of the attrac- redevelopment of a well- tions industry, be it theme known, traditional seaside parks, FECs, animal attrac- amusement park in the U.K. tions, heritage sites, museums to a brand new FEC project in and others. Venues are getting Abu Dhabi. And founder and busier, more investment is be- Managing Director Duncan ing made and more projects Phillips is seeing a return of are on the go. It looks like confidence and investment in things are really starting to the many projects DPA is in- move again.” volved in as well as elsewhere. The wide range of inqui- “There is definitely more ries DPA is receiving reflects 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 PARKS & ATTRACTIONS RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS BRIEF SeaWorld San Antonio retires Arrow log flume ACE donates Former Boardwalk & Baseball $5,000 to city of flume was Arrow’s fourth-longest Green Bay for SAN ANTONIO—After service.” preservation 20 years of chills and thrills While SeaWorld is not at SeaWorld San Antonio, the making any immediate an- GREEN BAY, Wisc. log flume ride, Texas Splash- nouncements for a replace- — The American Coaster down, will make its final ment attraction, its closing al- Enthusiasts (ACE) recently splash on Friday, May 13, and lows the park to plan for new donated $5,000 to provide SeaWorld is inviting guests entertainment experiences, support and assistance to to experience it one last time whether it’s a ride, show, the city of Green Bay and before the ride closes. animal encounter or other at- their efforts to reconstruct Added in spring 1991 as traction. Zippin Pippin at Bay Beach one of the nation’s largest wa- Amusement Today asked Amusement Park. Zip- ter flume rides, Texas Splash- Decker what effect the ride’s pin Pippin was purchased down became the park’s first closing will have on its guests from the city of Memphis thrill ride. The 75-foot tall log during the hot Texas sum- last year and is currently flume ride is located between mers. being reconstructed at the the park’s and The “Tex- Green Bay park. Great White roller coast- as heat is “Preservation of clas- ers. Four-passenger boats always a sic rides is what ACE transport guests through a big fac- stands for,” says Howard twisting, turning half-mile tor for Gillooly, ACE preservation route that includes two excit- us and director. Gillooly added, ing plunges: the first is a 65 our guest “What Green Bay is doing foot drop and the second is a surveys is remarkable, and ACE is 75 foot camelback drop that tell us proud to be a supporter reaches speeds of up to 35 they DECKER of this project.” Upon re- miles per hour. Overall ride want to ceiving the donation, Bill time is extimated at six min- stay cool, stay shaded and SeaWorld San Antonio will Landvatter, Green Bay’s di- utes. have more water options,” retire Texas Splashdown on rector of parks, recreation According to AT research Decker said. “We added wa- May 13. When it originally and forestry, noted, “This files on Arrow, the 2,300 foot ter this year with the opening opened, the ride was the was truly unexpected and long flume was the fourth of Sesame Street Bay of Play fourth largest built by brightened my day.” Land- longest flume built by Arrow and we’ll certainly be consid- Arrow. AT / GARY SLADE vatter went on to tell ACE, (Development) Dynamics. It ering all options for another “Thanks so much for all originally opened in 1987 at family attraction in our up- you do to keep some of Florida’s Boardwalk & Base- coming three-year expansion the truly unique treasures ball before being moved to plans.” of our country.” Texas. Of the top five longest The flume is being retired Zippin Pippin former- flumes, only Six Flags Magic and is not being put up for ly stood at Libertyland Mountain at 2,304 feet and sale. Once SeaWorld has re- in Memphis, Tennessee. Ontario Place at 2,182 feet re- moved requested flume parts Originally known as Pippin main in operation today. from the ride for use at its sis- when it opened in 1923, “Since Texas Splashdown ters parks, the flume will take the ride utilized parts from debuted more than 20 years about 60 days to dismantle. a previous coaster located ago, it has been enjoyed by No announcement has been at nearby East End Park. hundreds of thousands of made yet as to what ride or When Zippin Pippin closed SeaWorld guests,” said Dan attraction will take its place in 2005, it was the fifth old- Decker, SeaWorld San An- in upcoming years. est coaster in the United tonio’s park president. “The —Compiled by AT Staff States. ride has had a great run of 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011

AMUSEMENT Legoland opens Star Wars Miniland CARLSBAD, Calif. — Ac- MARKET PLACE tress Carrie Fisher, known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars Episodes IV, Magnetic Brake Retrofit V and VI, made a special ap- The best stop is a smooth one. EMG is proud to be the exclusive representative for Velocity pearance on March 31 to com- Magnetics magnetic retrofit braking systems. e memorate the grand opening of Star Wars Miniland at Lego- Replacement Chain As the representative for Elecon Chain EMG can land California. The ceremony provide replacement chain, sprockets and drive g was attended by community systems for roller coasters, water rides, and flat rides. M leaders and celebrities with Custom Spare Parts their families and featured If you are having trouble finding a pump, dramatic unveilings of each commutator or piece from an old ride contact EMG. of the seven scenes built with We have the ability to track down and source rides from any era. more than 1.5 million Lego bricks revealing 2,000 Star Actress Carrie Fisher was on hand for the Entertainment Management Group debut of Star Wars Miniland at Lego- 1-410-643-9300, ext. 303 Wars Lego models. Group of Companies [email protected] Fisher, currently serving land California. Park guests can follow a as the Jenny Craig spokes- chronological path through the Star Wars person, granted an out-of-this timeline and retrace the major events of the beloved saga. 4See STAR WARS, page 17 COURTESY Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C. 106 Burnham Intervale Road Original Bob’s park game on exhibit Contoocook, N.H. 03229 GIBSONTON, Fla.—Is was my first group game built the target a rocket ship moves Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447 there an old carnival grave- specifically for a park. It is upward. The first player to yard? Actually no, but there just like the first one we made reach the top wins. This seems •Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways is a new museum (see AT, in a trailer. Although we are simple today but that was new •Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides April 2011, page 43) built by best known for developing technology then. It was also •New ride control systems and modifications the International Independent the Whac-A-Mole and water the first game that incorporat- •Rebuilt used - one year guarantee Showmen’s Foundation in games, this game was very ed sound effects, music, and Gibsonton, Florida. important to the industry. lighting effects. (603) 746-4446 Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. It was an early carnival race Bo Pugh, president of the Parts and Service Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton (BSR) has donated its first free game that was successful in an Showmen’s Club, accepted standing group game for ex- amusement park. It proved a the game on behalf of the hibit. Bob Cassata, founder, common link between carni- museum. Pugh said, “We are and Jack Mendes, president val midway and park games. happy to accept this early in- Structural Technologies Inc (retired), originally installed I wish the club much success novation in games. The mu- the game at Riverside Park with the museum.” seum is dedicated to the trav- New Construction in Agawam Ma in 1972. The The game’s painted out- eling show and will contain Renovations game ran continuously until er-space background with many carnival and related Daily Maintenance the game was replaced by Cas- racing rockets and special ef- exhibits. The museum has an Relocations sata and Mendes in 2000 with fects drew a crowd in 1972. early Conderman Ferris wheel Track Replacement a new electronic water race. People called it Bob’s space from 1908 and early wagons Demolition Since then BSR restored and that eventually be- from Royal American Shows.” Inspections game to its original luster and came the company name. The The museum is expected to be Emergency Work now has donated the game to game uses a handle and pulley open to the public late in 2011. 380 Bad Man Hill Rd. • Paxinos, Pa 17860 the new museum. system to flip a ball past a tar- (570) 590-3255 or (570) 590-9880 Bob Cassata said, “This get. Each time the ball passes [email protected]

Buddy A. Stefanoff Vice President — Chief Design Engineer [email protected]

10710 E. 119th Ct. N • Collinsville, OK • 74021 Cell: (918) 504-6595 • Fax: (918) 553-6444 www.corssroadsled.com

Keep our amusement park industry strong! Bob’s Space Racers’ original park game is now on exhibit at the IISF’s Carnival Museum. Buy products and services from these suppliers. AT / GARY SLADE May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 lander model of Princess Leia Morey’s Piers to host event STAR WARS from the Hoth scene of Star Continued from page 16 WILDWOOD, N.J.— For adults looking for a terrify- Wars Miniland. When asked what it was six nights in October, Mo- ingly good time,” said Dino world wish for 9-year-old like meeting Carrie Fisher, rey’s Piers will transform Fazio, director of pier op- Carson Wiener, who suffers Wiener replied, “It was cool Mariner’s Landing Pier, lo- erations. “It is not recom- from Leukemia. In addition to providing Carson with a because she was in Star Wars cated at Schellenger Avenue mended for young children chance to meet one of his Star and I would have really want- and the Boardwalk, into a as it is being designed to be Wars heroes, Fisher presented ed to be in Star Wars too, if I nightmare of epic propor- Jack Morey, executive vice one of the most frightening a $5,000 check from Legoland could.” tions. The pier will be satu- president. Halloween attractions out California to Make-A-Wish Visitors to the all-new Star rated with fog and filled Morey’s Fears attrac- there.” tions are slated to include Foundation San Diego Chap- Wars Miniland can follow a with spooky decorations, This themed event will chronological path through the Sea Serpent, SuperScoot- ter. Through the Make-A- roaming actors, eerie light- take place Friday and Sat- the Star Wars timeline and ers, Tea Cups, Pirates of the Wish Foundation, Carson was ing and other startling sur- urday nights, October 14-15, retrace the major events of Wildwoods, Rollie’s Coast- able to fulfill his wish last year prises. 21-22 and 28-29 from 6:30- by coming to Legoland Cali- the beloved saga. Some of er, Musik Express, Moby “This event has been 11:00 p.m. Morey’s Fears fornia and spending time with the 2,000 Lego models will be Dick and an especially hor- ten grueling years in the will be a gated event with a Master Model Builder Gary more than 8-feet-tall and inter- rifying Ghost Ship experi- making. We’ve been talking general admission price of McIntire. Legoland California active buttons will allow chil- ence as the main act. There about it, having meetings $25. Season Pass Members asked Carson to help break dren to activate animations will also be two frightening and making plans; we just can present their pass to the red ribbon today – using a throughout the scenes. all-new Halloween attrac- needed a centerpiece to jus- save $10 off admission. Ad- lightsaber – to officially open “This is a really exciting tify something of this magni- tions that will only be avail- mission will include unlim- Star Wars Miniland. day for Legoland California tude. The addition of Ghost able during Morey’s Fears. ited use of all attractions and To commemorate their — we are the first Legoland Ship last summer provided Themed food and drinks access to Mariner’s Landing participation, Model Shop in the world to introduce Star us with the signature “fright will also be available. Pier. This event is not rec- Supervisor Tim Petsche pre- Wars Miniland,” said Peter feature” that we needed to “This event is being ommended for children un- sented both Fisher and Carson Ronchetti, general manager of launch Morey’s Fears,” said geared toward teens and der 8 years old. with replicas of the Lego mini- Legoland California Resort.

Flying Scooters Super Shot Big Rides Small Spaces Giant Loop

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(806) 293-1353 Star Dancer www.larsonintl.com 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 WhiteWater signs partnership with industry innovator RICHMOND, British Co- Briggs. “We worked together lumbia—In line with its vi- in the late 90s to create the sion of leading the waterpark AquaPlay line of products, industry through innovation, which has dominated the in- WhiteWater is pleased to an- dustry for the last ten years nounce that Rick Briggs and in interactive play. So we his company Interactive Enter- thought we would repeat that tainment Concepts LLC have same winning combination to joined forces to develop and introduce the next big thing deliver the next generation for the waterpark industry— of interactive play products. SplashQuest.” The Texas version of Legoland Discovery Center includes a Texas-themed Miniland, com- With his proven record of in- WhiteWater CEO Geoff plete with the Ferris Wheel and Dallas TV Southfork Ranch to name just of dustry firsts, Briggs will lead a Chutter affirms: “We are de- few of the Lego-built models. AT / GARY SLADE visionary team at WhiteWater lighted to partner with Rick to develop revolutionary new Briggs on such a breakthrough products including Splash- venture, as Briggs’ vision of Legoland Discovery Center Quest, an interactive wet play aligning live action technol- quest featured throughout the ogy with waterpark design waterpark. and development parallels “WhiteWater has always WhiteWater’s dedication to opens in Grapevine, Texas been the leader in waterpark delivering the next generation design and attractions,” said of waterpark products.” STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] GRAPEVINE, Texas — Aquatic Development Group Merlin Entertainments Group opened its newest Legoland completes acquisition of Discovery Center at the Grape- vine Mills Mall on Wednes- Alpine Products day, March 30, 2011. The $12 million, 35,000 square-foot COHOES, N.Y.— attraction is the second Lego- Aquatic Development land Discovery Center in the Group, Inc. (ADG) a United States and fifth in the leader in the design and world. Situated north of the manufacture of engi- airport midway between the neered recreation and cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, amusement systems, the Legoland Discovery Cen- announced on April 19 ter, geared toward children that it has completed its ages 3 to 12 and their families, asset purchase of Alpine offers its visitors a fun, highly Products. The only U.S. interactive and educational manufacturer of moun- experience with multiple at- tain coasters and the tractions to offer hours of en- redesigned Superslide, tertainment. Alpine Products has On Kingdom Quest, an in- earned a reputation as a teractive laser dark ride, guests leader in product safety join the Good King’s army and and innovation. Alpine Products mountain coast- climb aboard a chariot for a “Ski resorts and er is popular among ski resorts. battle against evil skeletons mountain attractions COURTESY ADG and giant trolls. The chariots the world over are pause before movie screens looking to expand and diver- year long, they are ideal attrac- for a short story that sets the Keys to the new Legoland discovery Center were handed sify their revenue strategies.” tions for non-skiers and are scene for the upcoming battle. over to Iain Scouller, who jumped in a box of giant Legos to said Ken Ellis, president and fun and exciting for the entire Riders will encounter four show media members all the fun children would have build- CEO of ADG. “With Alpine family. movie screens and four battle ing and creating with the famous colored bricks. Products we can offer a wider Attitash Mountain in N.H. engagements as their chariot range of revenue-producing opened an Alpine Products’ twists and turns through the dren and out-of-towners will fountain at Dallas City Hall. solutions from mountain Mountain Coaster in 2010. dark labyrinth. easily recognize D/FW airport, Night falls every few minutes coasters to FlowRiders, to en- Owner Tim Boyd commented, Merlin’s Apprentice is Rangers Ballpark, Cowboys and the Lego D/FW buildings tire waterparks.” Ellis is also “The Alpine Mountain Coast- a “Magic Bike” ride where Stadium, The Texas Star Ferris come to life with interior light- affiliated with the ski industry er is certainly a great ride.” guests go round and round Wheel at Fair Park, Reunion ing that mimics a true night- through his ownership inter- He added, “The acquisition pedaling as fast as they can to Tower and perhaps even The time skyline. est in Camelback Mountain by ADG is a positive develop- help Merlin conjure his magic. Great Wolf Lodge. Sharp-eyed The Lego Studios 4D cin- Resort in Tannersville, Pa. ment for the future success of The goal is to reach for the locals will spot the more ob- ema is a large, comfortable Mountain coasters have this product.” skies in hopes of becoming scure buildings such as Fort 91-seat theater with stadium- become an increasingly attrac- Alpine has signed two Merlin’s top apprentice. Worth’s Kimbell Art Muse- style seating. 3D glasses pro- tive investment for ski resorts agreements for mountain The Dallas/Fort Worth um, and the Dallas Meyerson vide the usual depth of vision and mountain attractions. coasters in recent weeks. Metroplex is represented in Symphony Center. Whimsical effects as the action unfolds Low-risk, easy to install and Camelback Mountain Resort miniature form in the spec- details include Star Wars stor- in 3D and flurries of wind, inexpensive to operate, these of Tannersville, Pa. and West tacular Miniland. Nearly 1.5 mtroopers sitting in Cowboys rain, lightning and even snow rides provide a clear path to Mountain Resort of - million bricks form skyscrap- Stadium, The Simpsons sitting inside the theater bring the return on investment in as few bury, N.Y. both plan installa- ers, buildings and the iconic in the Ballpark and SpongeBob fourth dimension to the movie as 24 months. Operational all tions in the 2011-2012 season. landmarks of the area. Chil- Squarepants swimming in the 4See DISCOVERY, page 20 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 The facility includes a special (with theater-style seating

DISCOVERY laundry center, and bricks are that allows for a free shooting Continued from page 18 continuously rotated as bricks field in front of each riders) experience. Each of the four are picked up and washed, were supplied by ETF. Merlin films features Lego characters, and clean bricks brought in. did the theming and overall and the movies were custom The average brick is washed design. The films for the Lego made exclusively for the Lego- about every two days. Studios 4D cinema were sup- land brand of theme parks and A Legoland Cafe serves plied by S.D. Entertainment centers. up coffee, tea and beverages and Threshold Animation Stu- Thousands of bricks are as well as snacks and hot or dios. The Merlin’s Apprentice waiting for guests in the Lego cold full meals for the whole attraction is a Magic Bikes ride Racers: Build & Test Zone. family. Complimentary news- supplied by Zamperla. Here visitors assemble their papers and cappuccino ma- Also in the mall and cur- own race car, then test them chines can provide a respite rently under development is out on the speed car test track. for adults while their children the Aquarium, situ- Other attractions include continue to partake in the ated across from the Lego- a factory tour, Princess Parlor many activities offered at the land Discovery Center. Sea karaoke room, a large three center. Life, the world’s number one story climbing structure play- A large Lego shop allows aquarium brand is expected ground with tunnels, nets and visitors to leave with boxes to open in July. Once open, slides; and celebration rooms of Lego bricks and kits, or the Grapevine Mills Mall will be where guest can make a mem- very latest Lego product, in- the world’s first location to ory by hosting a birthday par- cluding some exclusive Lego have a dual Discovery Center/ ty or other special event. items. The store is accessible Sea Life combination attrac- Of course, no Legoland from the mall and does not re- tion. Discovery Center would be quire admittance into the Dis- The Legoland parks and complete without Legos, and covery Center. properties and Sea Life aquar- there are plenty here, more Several manufacturers iums are owned by Merlin En- than two million, large and and suppliers were utilized tertainments Group, the lead- small, traditional, and soft along with the Legoland’s ing name in location based, and spongy. “When visitors own creative team to make family entertainment. Merlin step inside Legoland Discov- the center a reality. The dark is Europe’s number one, and ery Center Dallas/Fort Worth, ride project was overseen by the world’s second largest vis- they will feel like they have 3DBA and partners including itor attraction operator, with just jumped into the biggest Alterface and Threshold Ani- 62 attractions and 6 hotels in 3DBA, Alterface, Threshold and ETF all worked with Merlin box of Legos ever,” said Iain mation Studios. The specially 12 countries across three con- Entertainments to create this trackless dark ride for the new Scouller, general manager. designed five-person vehicles tinents. Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine, Texas. AT / GARY SLADE

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www.etf.nl May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 Structural Technologies continues Thunder Road’s rehab Carowinds coaster Amusement Today visited right supports, everything in AT also spoke with 400 feet of track or address Carowinds in late March just that 1,200-foot-span, from the Carowinds’ Director of Main- structural work where the in fourth year of as STI, on site since Jan. 3, ledgers up, is new including tenance and Construction Ja- loads are more dynamic.” was wrapping up and prepar- lift chains and idler wheels, mie Gaffney about the park’s At press time, STI crews rehab program ing to head to its next project. hand rails, walkboards and, of wooden coaster overhaul were packing up to head to STORY: Scott Rutherford “We’re really impressed with course, track stacks and run- project. “The major aspects of New York’s Coney Island to [email protected] the amount of money, time ning steel.” Thunder Road’s rehab will be prepare the Cyclone for its CHARLOTTE, N.C.— and energy is in- Adams went on in detail complete by the end of 2012,” traditional Palm Sunday de- Leonard Adams and his crew vesting in Thunder Road,” as to what Structural Technol- said Gaffney. “The next sec- but. They were also in the final from Structural Technolo- said Structural Technologies’ ogies did to get Thunder Road tion we’ll work on will be stages of securing the contract gies, Inc. recently completed Leonard Adams III as he stood ready for the 2011 season: the low hills that lie between to return to Conneaut Lake their latest stint at Carowinds, with his father atop the 93- •Replaced 95 percent of the new second hill and the Park and continue the work which included the Penn- foot surveying freshly the ledgers. recently-rebuilt back turns. started last season when they sylvania-based company’s installed lumber. “Last year, •Increased the track stack After that, we’ll scale it back replaced 350 feet of track on contribution to the extensive 600 feet of this ride’s structure from seven layers to eight for to typical maintenance work the historic Blue Streak. rehabilitation of the park’s sig- was rebuilt from the ground added durability and longev- where we’ll go in and replace nature wooden racing coaster, up. This encompassed the two ity. Thunder Road. back turns and the approach •Tightened the space be- Now in its fourth year of to the top of the next hill. This tween track ties to 30 inches a major five-to-six-year over- year, we concentrated on the (some were previously up to haul that included a complete front end of the coaster. De- 48 inches apart). rebuilding of certain sections, spite losing over two weeks •Running steel width was Thunder Road is once more of work to bad weather, we increased to six inches from ready for passengers. But get- replaced 1,200 feet of track, the original 3.5 inches. ting one of Carowinds’ most which included the lift hill, •Central walkboards be- popular attractions in proper first drop and all the way to tween the track were added to working order took the efforts the crest of the second hill. assist in maintenance worker of a dedicated team. Along with several major up- safety. Thunder Road: A ‘colorful’ history Constructed in 1976, Carowinds’ Thunder Road is a virtual duplicate of Thunder Road, Carowinds’ ’s Rebel Yell signature wooden racing and the younger cousin of coaster, is the final stages Kings Island’s Racer. This of a comprehensive over- coaster is iconic not only haul. For the 2011 season, due to the fact that it strad- Pennsylvania-based Struc- dles the N.C./S.C. state tural Technologies, Inc. line but because its original rebuilt 1,200 feet of track rolling stock originated at that included the lift hill, Chicago’s storied Riverview first drop and all the way to Park. These spectacular, ar- the crest of the second hill. ticulated trains were built Below, Leonard Adams and in-house in 1963 by the Leonard Adams III pause for Riverview staff for the John a moment, and across state Allen/PTC-built Jetstream, lines, atop their company’s the beloved park’s final Thunder Road opened in 1976 with articulated trains that latest project, the ongoing coaster. originated on the Jetstream at Chicago’s Riverview Park. restoration. AT / SCOTT RUTHERFORD While incredibly com- Though beautiful and quite comfortable, they proved too fortable and stylish with heavy and were replaced with standard PTC rolling stock. their auto-themed nose COURTESY SCOTT RUTHERFORD ARCHIVES cones, the Riverview trains AT consulted point to the overhaul. proved far too heavy. They fact that unlike the Racer and All of the new wood be- punished the track and Rebel Yell, which are both ing used in the coaster’s res- structure with more weight continually painted a bril- toration has been treated than it was designed to liant white as their designers with advanced water seal- withstand. After only a few intended, Thunder Road’s ants and other protectants seasons of operation these original paint was sand- prior to kiln drying that will beautiful trains were shame- blasted away by its previous ensure its operation for fully scrapped and replaced owner. This puzzling folly re- many years to come. Despite with more conventional cars sulted not only in removing the effort to return the ride supplied by Philadelphia the paint but it also abraded to its former glory, Carow- Toboggan Coasters, Inc. the surface of the Douglas inds officials have stated Though Thunder Road Fir, destroying much of the they have no plans to paint is the youngest of the three wood’s original protectant. Thunder Road in its original Cedar Fair wooden racing With little defense against color scheme — white struc- coasters, it is the only one the elements, this acceler- ture with red track and blue that has required such a ated the deterioration of the handrails. drastic and comprehensive wooden structure that even- —Scott Rutherford rebuilding. Industry experts tually resulted in the current 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 WATERPARKS & RESORTS INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS Waterplay structures, thrill slides popular in 2011 STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] More and more water- parks seem to be installing children’s play structures for the 2011 season, but that isn’t all they are doing. AT’s 2011 Waterpark Roundup continues:

Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Virginia Beach, Va. In March, AT passed along the announcement of new ownership of this Vir- ginia Beach waterpark. Now, that new ownership (Kieran Burke and Gary Story, owners of Nashville Shores and both former Six Flag executives) has announced some of the new plans for renovations and improvements that are sched- uled to be complete when the The new owners of Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Virginia (Va.) Ocean Breeze’s new play structure for the 2011 season is park opens its 2011 season on Beach, have announced some of the improvements that will be being called Hook’s Lagoon. Manufactured by Whitewater May 27. made to that park for this season. Among them are a new at- West Industries, the structure will include interactive fea- traction that combines four different slides. The equipment for tures and a tipping bucket on top. COURTESY OCEAN BREEZE 2011 WATERPARK the installation is being supplied by ProSlide Technology Inc. ROUNDUP COURTESY OCEAN BREEZE Whitewater West Industries, for the new attraction was said Marci Blevins, Johnny Blevins family bought Water One new slide attraction, B.C., Can., is the supplier for supplied by Fibrart S.A. de Blevins’ wife. “We are adding Town USA, Shreveport, La., called Neptune’s Revenge, is what the park will call Hook’s C.V., Jalisco, Mexico. red LED lights to the water to and reopened it as another actually a four-slide complex Lagoon. “At the top, there will be make it look more like lava.” from ProSlide Technology, Ot- Other improvements in- sprays of water to simulate the The new attraction is lo- on Memorial Day last year. tawa, Canada. clude enhancements to the spraying of lava and we are cated in the Paradise Island Marci Blevins said the first All entry points to the million-gallon Runaway Bay using equipment to add some area of the waterpark. thing they did to the Shreve- slide start at the top and rid- Wave Pool and numerous aes- turbulence to the splash pool,” In February 2010, the port park after purchasing it ers are able to choose which thetic and architectural reno- was refurbish all the slides descent. Riders will grab a vations throughout the park to and “really the whole park.” one- or two-person tube, then create a Caribbean theme. Six They also added a children’s maneuver through dark, en- more private cabanas are be- castle for a toddler play area. closed serpentine tunnels, ing added. Those improvements were multiple open and closed fun- This multi-million dol- completed for the opening of nels and high-speed drops. lar facelift for 2011 is only the the 2010 season. Two slides incorporate Topsy- start of new things to come for “This year we are adding Turvey funnel flumes, and a Ocean Breeze, according to the a new slide tower for the chil- third slide features a section owners. dren’s area,” she said, adding known as the Bulletbowl. Fibrart is also supplying the The slide complex is Splashwater Kingdom, equipment for this new attrac- known as ProSlide’s Mach 4. Canton, Texas and tion. Ocean Breeze management Splashwater Kingdom, There are now a total of 12 is boasting that the closest Shreveport, La. attractions in the Canton park similar slide to this one is in Johnny Blevins, owner of and 15 in the Shreveport park. New York and Iowa, and that these two waterparks, has new the Ocean Breeze version is additions going into each park Mulligan’s Family the only one in the country for this season. Fun Center, Murrieta, Calif. to contain two Topsy-Turvey For the Canton facility, The Mulligan Family Fun flumes. All others have one. Blevins, along with his son, Center is adding another way The children’s play area Brett, came up with an idea of Construction of the new volcano slide attraction at Splash for its patrons to have fun. is also being upgraded with a a volcano slide. Working with Kingdom, Canton, Texas, is scheduled for completion at the Now, along with the minia- new play structure that will be his engineers, the team creat- first of May. Waterpark owner Johnny Blevins and his son, ture golf, go-karts, arcade, and packed with interactive fea- ed the ride that will have two Brett, designed the attraction and worked with his engi- Lazer Tag, park management tures like sprayers, a slide and slides that drop down into a neers to create it. The equipment came from Fibrart S.A. de is working on the first phase a large tipping bucket on top. pool of water. The equipment C.V., Jalisco, Mexico. COURTESY SPLASH KINGDOM 4See PARKS, page 26 Have waterpark news of interest? E-mail it to [email protected]. 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 PARKS Continued from page 23 of a new waterpark. The first phase will consist of an attraction that will fea- ture five speed slides, multi- level platforms, interactive aquatic controls, vibrant col- ors, spray nozzles, and a Big Splash Pumping Station. The waterslides are geared to families with children be- tween ages three to 13 years old. Rick Bastrup, R&R Cre- Mulligan Family Fun Center, Murrieta, Calif., will open the first phase of a new waterpark this summer. The attraction will consist ative Design, Anaheim, Calif., of five speed slides, multi-level platforms, interactive aquatic controls, vibrant colors, spray nozzles and a Big Splash Pumping said his company is working Station. Mulligan is working with R&R Creative Amusement Designs, Anaheim, Calif., for theming; Duncan Design, Santa Rosa, with Mulligan’s on the them- Calif., for construction, design, manufacturing of elements and installation; and Arihant, a company based in India, for the equip- ing of this water attraction. ment. COURTESY R&R CREATIVE Arihant of India was chosen as the supplier of the equipment theme so they requested we would work with their equip- The new attraction is perhaps, a lazy river and other and Duncan Design, Santa continue with that,” Bastrup ment.” slated to open sometime this water attractions. Plans are to Rosa, Calif., was selected to said. “We worked with the Bastrup is now working spring. keep some of the existing ac- provide construction design, manufacturer and project en- closely with Duncan Design to According to local news tivities at the fun center while manufacturing of all elements gineer to secure all the eleva- art direct the construction of reports, the Murrieta Mulli- others will go to make way for and installation. tions so we could develop the- the elements and the installa- gan’s has a five-year plan to the waterpark. “Mulligan’s has a western matic sets and elements that tion of the thematic elements. become a full waterpark with, May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 BUSINESS REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS BRIEF NEAAPA spring meeting attendees honor DAFE names top Hall of Fame inductees, attend sessions and network Disney attractions STORY: Pam Sherborne York, N.Y. [email protected] The spring meeting, held VIENNA, Ohio—The PROVIDENCE, R.I. – at the Renaissance Hotel, Haunted Mansion and Members of the New Eng- kicked off with early March 29 with registration and educa- Disney’s Magic Kingdom land Association Amusement tional sessions. Sessions pre- topped the Darkride and Parks & Attractions honored sented throughout the meet- Funhouse Enthusiasts’ two new additions to the or- ganizations Hall of Fame dur- ing were: “Don’t be Thrown 2011 member’s survey ing this spring’s 85th Annual for a Loop: Overcoming Legal which this year asked Meeting held here, March 29- Issues Unique to the Amuse- members of the interna- 30. ment Industry,” presented by tional club to name their The induction was just Erik Beard, Day Pitney, LLP; favorite Disney attrac- one of the highlights during “Strengthening Your Brand tions. A variety of rides the annual meeting. The event in Today’s Marketplace,” and attractions from Dis- is packed with educational presented by Dorothy Lewis, ney parks around the sessions, receptions and plen- Fred L. Markey Kate (Horner) Wall Fun Station Associates; “Fast world received votes with ty of opportunities to network Track to Group Sales,” by the following being the with colleagues. NEAAPA 2011 NEAAPA 2011 Sheryl Bindelglass, Sherylgolf; Top Ten Favorites: “We had over 125 mem- Hall of Fame Hall of Fame “Do You Hear What I Hear?” •No. 10, Expedition bers at our meeting this year,” us. We have between 108-110 Dodgem Corporation, War- by Steve McPherson, CPP, Everest, Disney’s Animal said Alan Ramsay, NEAAPA business members.” wick, R.I., and Kate (Horner) CFI; “ASTM International & Kingdom, Orlando, Fla.; secretary and with CLM En- Inducted into the Hall of Wall, formerly with Lake The Amusement Industry,” •No. 9, Splash Moun- tertainment, Cumberland, Fame this spring were the late Compounce, Bristol, Conn., by Len Morrissey, ASTM F24 tain, Magic Kingdom, Or- R.I. “That is about average for Fred L. Markey, president, and Riverside Park, New 4See NEAAPA, page 35 lando, Fla.; •No. 8, Indiana Jones - Temple of the Forbidden Europa Park introduces coaster-inspired FoodLoop restaurant Eye, Disneyland, Anaheim, GERMANY—Europa- down from the upper floor Calif: Park kicked off the 2011 season and through the room to reach •No. 7, Space Moun- with the final component to its each table. Cooking pots and tain, Magic Kingdom, Or- popular Europa-Park Histora- bottles rush through tight lando, Fla.; ma attraction that opened last bends and head directly to- •No. 6, Dinosaur, Dis- summer. More than 35 years wards the loop on an intricate ney’s Animal Kingdom, of Germany’s biggest theme track layout and then to each Orlando, Fla.; park’s history is highlighted table. •No. 5, Haunted Man- within the park’s landmark FoodLoop offers 130 seats sion, Disneyland, Ana- gold-and-blue pyramid. And on the first floor and 65 seats heim, Calif.; with the construction of Food- on the second. Additionally, •No. 4, Pirates of the Loop, the re-design of this a showman wagon, which Caribbean, Disneyland, park favorite is now complete. has been turned into a coffee Anaheim, Calif.; The innovative concept offers bar, also seats 20 guests. Each •No. 3, Pirates of the themed cuisine of the highest table is equipped with three Caribbean, Magic King- order. With 215 seats on two modern touchscreens that al- dom, Orlando, Fla.; floors and an unimpeded sight low guests to order numerous •No. 2, Twilight Zone line over the park, the Food- dishes and drinks. When the Tower of Terror, Disney’s Loop constitutes yet another order is complete, a vertical Hollywood Studios, Or- highlight in Europa-Park’s lift transports the pots and lando, Fla., and For the 2011 season, Europa-Park introduced its new Food- varied culinary offerings. bottles upwards so that they •No. 1, Haunted Man- Loop restaurant. Thomas Mack, head of hotels and gas- When entering the new can speed down elaborate sion, Magic Kingdom, Or- tronomy, demonstates the concept, which features a roller restaurant, visitors will find tracks and reach their corre- lando, Fla. coaster-inspired tubular track system that delivers food and more than just food. Shiny sponding table. steel tubular tracks wind 4See FOODLOOP, page 35 •www.dafe.org. drink to individual guests’ tables. COURTESY EUROPA PARK Looking for a part? E-mail us! Email: [email protected]

NORTH AMERICAN PARTS, INC. (716) 839-4791 x101 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 Fresh Look - Validator 100 STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected] Fresh Look is a sea- COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] sonal feature that spot- New York’s Darien Lake Theme Park Re- of cleaner, renewable energy. lights a first-time exhibitor sort opens for the 2011 season on May 14 has confirmed that at the past IAAPA trade with new family cabins, six new live shows the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruis- show. Amusement Today and three in-park concerts that will feature es from the Port of Galveston to the Western sought out new and engag- American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and Nick- Caribbean beginning Sept. 22, 2012. Ports of ing vendors that may not elodeon star Miranda Cosgrove. In addition, call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Cos- have caught the eye of ev- the park will introduce Thomas & Friends Full ta Maya and Cozumel. Disney’s Magic will join eryone at the show. As AT Steam Ahead Live!, an interactive show for the Carnival Cruise Lines’ ship called Carnival concludes this feature this kids, and the Family Care Center, which will Magic, which begins from Galveston issue, be sure to take note provide baby changing centers, nursing sta- on Nov. 14. Carnival’s Triumph will also begin of some new ideas from this tions for mothers and enhanced family bath- sailing out of Galveston on Oct. 6. Carnival’s and past columns that just rooms. Ecstasy and Conquest now sail out of Galves- might be a good fit for your Entertainment Safety Solutions is a new ton but will be repositioned to New Orleans. park. company formed by three former Six Flags Six Flags St. Louis is celebrating its 40th employees that offers products and services anniversary in 2011. The third park in the Validator 100 Michael Merbach designed to improve organizational safety Six Flags chain will allow guests visiting this www.validator100.com cultures and reduce losses due to accidents season to relive some of the history through in the amusement industry. The ESS trio’s in- ‘Then and Now’ signs located throughout the dustry expertise includes more than 80 years park and at the Gallery of Thrills in the Pal- What is it? experience in Safety, Operations, Risk Man- ace Theater Lobby. These displays will show- Validator 100 is a coun- agement and Human Resources. More de- case photos and videos of the past 40 years. terfeit detection device tails: www.entertainmentsafetysolutions.com. The first 400 guests that entered the park on that instantly confirms if a Park opens for its 114th the 2011 opening day received a complimen- currency bill is authentic or season on May 7. Kiddieland will feature a tary ticket to return for the official Anniver- not. In addition, it also de- new midway constructed of brick pavers that sary Celebration on June 5. The first 10,000 tects whether a credit card leads to a new building offering convenience guests on that day will receive a commemo- is counterfeit. and comfort to both parents and kids includ- rative 40th Anniversary souvenir and will be [Of note, at the IAAPA ing new snack options and a set of family re- invited to enter a contest to win a Ruby and show the product was mar- strooms with changing tables. Kennywood’s Diamond Pendant provided by Clarkson Jew- keted as MoneyCop. Since historic Parkside Café, built in 1898, will now elers. Guests will also be invited to enjoy a the November show, the about their first time at the feature air conditioning, as well as larger and giant 40th Anniversary cake. product has been updated show: improved restroom facilities. With tens of thousands of votes cast, and rebranded Validator How was your first Comedian Bert Kreischer, host of Travel ProSlide’s HydroMagnetic Rocket took the 100. Improvements to the IAAPA experience? Channel reality show Bert the Conqueror, top award in the much acclaimed About. device include a different “We loved the show. It will travel to Holiday World & Splashin’ Sa- com’s Readers Choice Award for Best New activation switch that gives was very successful.” fari in May to ‘conquer’ two of the world’s Water Park Ride. The ride that took the top a longer battery life that an Did the show meet top-ranked rides – The Voyage roller coaster honor was the ‘’ at Holiday World employee can’t accidentally your expectations? and Wildebeest water coaster. The park con- Spashin’ Safari as the longest, and clearly the drain; it’s more durable, “Unbelievably yes! I’ve ducted open auditions by video and e-mail for best, water coaster in the world. making it long lasting even built relationships in North families to ride along with Bert. The Holiday Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation mem- if dropped numerous times; Carolina, Missouri and Ohio World episode is expected to air in June. ber of the legendary ‘Great Wallendas’ circus and a light has also been just from the show.” For the 2011 season, Indiana Beach family, kicked off the Santa Cruz Beach Board- added so that verification What does your prod- Amusement Resort will introduces its third walk’s Spring Break with two jaw-dropping can be done in noisy places uct bring to the industry? section, Adventure Point. Joining the Board- stunts on April 16, 2011. Wallenda walked on where the beep alone may “Validator 100 is need- walk Funway Rides and Ideal Beach Water- top of the Boardwalk’s spinning Ferris Wheel not be heard easily.] ed to protect the vendors park at Indiana Beach, Adventure Point is and rode a motorcycle ride up a wire from the What made Amuse- from fraud and counter- home to new Zip Lines, a high ropes course, beach to the top of the 125-foot ment Today take notice? feiting. Where the industry rock climbing and the new Adventure Point tower ride and back. Nik’s wife Erendira, of It was alarming to see is vulnerable is they are a Outfitters shop. Adventure Point is part of a the famous Flying Vasquez family of trapeze demonstrated how many point of sale. Sometimes multi-year, multi-million dollar expansion and artists, hung from a trapeze under the motor- counterfeit bills passed vari- they are in a booth or cart improvement plan that includes a new en- cycle during the hair-raising ride. ous tests, including the very with no electricity. Validator trance plaza, remodeled and upgraded rest- Shareholders of The Walt Disney Com- common detection marker 100 is portable. It’s cost ef- rooms and facilities. pany have re-elected its entire board includ- seen in stores. The simple, ficient.” The Philadelphia Zoo recently an- ing Apple CEO Steve Jobs, despite concerns efficient and compact nature What is your biggest nounced that GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, over his health and poor attendance at com- of the product was a home success story from the the retail energy business of GDF SUEZ En- pany board meetings. Proxy advisory firm run. Because Validator 100 show? ergy North America, will supply its electric- Glass Lewis & Co. had recommended voting “Bounces to Go! Toby ity for the next two years, beginning with against Jobs’ re-election because he failed detects the magnetic ink in Johnson is a super guy. He 25 percent of the Zoo’s electricity consump- to attend 75 percent of the board meetings authentic currency, it can really believes in our prod- tion offset by renewable energy certificates in fiscal 2010. Jobs became Disney’s largest detect fraudulent bills print- (RECs). RECs represent the environmental shareholder after the company purchased ed on washed currency. An uct.” attributes of electricity generated from wind, Pixar Animation Studios in 2006 for $7.4 bil- ultraviolet light also helps What advice would you solar or other renewable power facilities. The lion in stock. Jobs, who bankrolled Pixar when pinpoint the identification give a first time exhibitor? RECs, which are Green-e Energy Certified, it was a fledgling movie house, now holds 7.3 strip within the bill for veri- “Don’t be afraid to get will be donated to the Zoo by GDF SUEZ En- percent stake in Disney. After the vote, Dis- fication as well as revealing out there and talk to peo- ergy Resources and will displace an estimated ney said that it “considers itself fortunate to the authenticity markings in ple. It’s truly great.” 3,195,990 pounds of carbon dioxide per year have Steve Jobs as a member of its board of credit cards that can only be Editor’s note: Although – the equivalent of taking 314 cars off the directors.” Despite his spotty attendance re- seen under ultraviolet light. remarketed as Validator road. In utilizing the certificates, the Zoo will cord, Jobs has had a significant influence on Amusement Today talk- 100, a demonstration of the help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and Disney’s digital strategy, as evidenced by its ed to Michael Merbach, Val- device can still be seen on encourage development of domestic sources many iPad applications. idator 100 vice president, YouTube under MoneyCop. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 Morgan’s Wonderland celebrates first birthday SAN ANTONIO – Special public. events throughout the month of •On Friday, April 29, the April helped commemorate the Make-A-Wish (MAW) Foundation first anniversary of Morgan’s will observe World Wish Day with Wonderland, the world’s first a special afternoon in the park for ultra-accessible family fun park all Wish families from South Texas. specifically designed with special- More than 1,000 MAW recipients needs kids and adults of all ages in and their families will enjoy Mor- mind. gan’s Wonderland from 4 to 8 p.m. “It’s hard to believe a year •On Saturday, April 30, at 11 has elapsed since we held our a.m. and again at 2 p.m., approxi- grand-opening celebration April mately 100 children performers 10, 2010,” said Gordon Hartman, from Community Bible Church president and CEO of The Gordon will present “Under God’s Sea” at Hartman Family Foundation and The Rapier Trust Starlight Amphi- the driving force behind comple- theater. tion of the 25-acre, completely vited to decorate such conveyances and bring them Throughout the month of wheelchair-accessible park. “We won’t soon forget to the park. The parade was followed by a birthday April, Morgan’s Wonderland guests were invited the 10,000 guests who attended that very special party and special festivities in the The Rapier Trust to take part in a birthday photo competition. Prizes event and helped us open the very first park of its Starlight Amphitheater. were awarded for the best photos taken at Morgan’s kind. Hopefully the events we’ve planned for April •On April 16, Morgan’s Wonderland helped Wonderland. will help rekindle the tremendous excitement that ac- stage the Texas Regional Games sponsored by U. S. “Morgan’s Wonderland is a special place where companied the opening of Morgan’s Wonderland.” Paralympics and the Southwest Wheelchair Athletic anyone can have fun,” said Hartman, “but it was Festivities in April includes: Association. Air guns competition took place at the created with special-needs individuals in mind. We •At 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, Hartman and park’s Event Center, while the wheelchair slalom took an abandoned rock quarry and transformed it 8-year-old Casey Rohrer of Hermosa Beach, Calif., competition was held at The Rapier Trust Amphithe- into an outdoor recreation oasis for those with cogni- cut a ribbon to signify the start of the birthday cele- ater. An estimated 50 competitors were involved. tive and physical challenges. Unfortunately, count- bration. Last November, PCI Education of San Anto- •On April 23, author Winifred Barnum-Newman less children and adults with special needs do not nio and the WeAreTeachers organization announced read from and autographed copies of her new book have access to facilities that can help them fully en- Rohrer as one of the winners of a trip to Morgan’s – Caterpillars Can Fly: The Metamorphosis of Morgan. joy outdoor recreation. Inclusion is our overarching Wonderland, part of a national back-to-school con- The new, colorfully illustrated hardback tells the sto- objective. Our vision is to play an instrumental role test for special-education students and teachers. ry of 17-year-old Morgan Hartman and the unique in helping establish more ultra-accessible family fun •At 2 p.m., a parade through the park featured park she inspired for those with special needs, their parks throughout the nation.” wheelchairs, walkers and wagons. Guests were in- family members, friends, caregivers and the general 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011

Region As of Change from MARKETWATCH (U.S.) 04/18/11 year ago East Coast $4.111 $1.030 Prices Prices 52 weeks Midwest $4.068 $1.024 RIDING THE Company One Month Ago 04/20/11 High Low MARKET Gulf Coast $4.033 $0.999 Cedar Fair L.P. $18.62 $19.20 $20.00 $10.99 Mountain $4.126 $1.017 MGM Mirage $12.64 $13.40 $16.94 $8.92 West Coast $4.319 $1.116 FUEL PRICES Six Flags Ent. Corp. $67.80 $69.55 $73.99 $31.85 California $4.440 $1.212 CBS Corp. $23.25 $24.60 $26.17 $12.26 TOP 7 MOST TRADED On 04/20/2011 $1 USD = Walt Disney Co. $40.76 $42.04 $44.34 $30.72 CURRENCIES 0.70079 EURO Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. $2.42 $2.08 $3.75 $1.78 0.61428 GBP (British Pound) Blackstone Group $16.35 $19.00 $19.27 $8.93 82.50864 JPY (Japanese Yen) Village Roadshow $3.39 $4.17 $4.45 $1.82 0.89775 CHF (Swiss Franc) 0.95315 AUD (Australian Dollar) NBC Universal $19.22 $20.40 $21.65 $13.75 CURRENCY 0.96160 CAD (Canadian Dollar)

PEOPLE WATCH obituaries Michael Turner joins Neptune-Benson aged marketing for the Red Lobster and Olive Garden family Neptune-Benson, Inc., a manufacturer of restaurant brands. Frey, who holds a business degree from the Firestone Financial’s commercial filtration systems based in Cov- University of Florida and an MBA from Stetson University, will first employee entry, R.I. has announced the appointment of report to Dan Brown, chief operating officer for the SeaWorld Ed Yaffee, 74, dies Michael Turner as vice president international Brands. He will work out of the company’s Orlando headquar- Ed Yaffee, 74, the first em- business development. He has more than 27 ters. ployee of Firestone Financial, years of experience in the entertainment and “Pete has had a great impact on our Orlando parks in just Newton, Mass., died suddenly attractions industry. a few short months. He has keen strategic insights for themed March 27, 2011. “We are thrilled to have Michael join our TURNER family entertainment,” Brown said. “We are confident that un- Yaffee was a critical part of team and head up our international business” der his leadership these great brands will continue to grow Firestone Financial’s start and said Mr. Barry Gertz, president Neptune-Benson. “Michael has and prosper.” continued growth from 1965 extensive knowledge of the international attraction business Michael Hartman has been named senior until his retirement in 2000. and has a proven track record in building strong relationships marketing officer, Busch Gardens and Sesame As the first employee, in all markets.” Place. Hartman held a variety of senior mar- Yaffee introduced the compa- Turner will oversee all aspects of the company’s interna- keting positions in 13 years at PepsiCo, most ny to the distributor network tional business operations. His responsibilities will include recently vice president of marketing for Pepsi that was instrumental in the working to ensure implementation of corporate strategy, ex- Beverages Company in Somers, N.Y. growth of the organization. tending current market partnerships and defining new mar- In his new role, Hartman will oversee mar- Firestone still benefits from kets to enter. He spent the last 14 years at Gateway Ticketing keting programs for Busch Gardens parks in HARTMAN the results of Yaffee’s early ef- Systems, the world leader in revenue management systems, Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; water parks forts with continued market where he built an international network of sales and support Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Wil- leadership in the vending and offices. Before that, he founded of Lasergate Systems, the liamsburg; and Sesame Place, a Sesame-Street-themed park in amusement industry today. innovator of electronic ticketing and access control for the at- Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia. Hartman also will manage He will be missed by tractions industry. He was instrumental in the company’s pub- corporate marketing functions that support the Busch Gardens his family, colleagues, and lic offering. brands and Sesame Place. He will work out of the company’s friends. Orlando headquarters and report to Donnie Mills, chief oper- He is survived by his wife, SeaWorld Parks names new marketing officers ating officer, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place. Eileen, three sons, David, Lar- “We are delighted that Michael will be joining our team. ry and Eric, and their families. Orlando, Fla.-based SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment He brings a tremendous amount of creative energy and expe- Funeral arrangements named senior marketing officers for its SeaWorld and Busch rience, and a long record of success in marketing consumer were to be held in March 30, Gardens theme parks. goods and managing some of the world’s best known brands,” Sharon, Mass. Peter Frey, formerly vice president of said Mills. “He is a great addition to our marketing team.” marketing for SeaWorld Orlando, was pro- Replacing Frey as Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld moted to senior marketing officer, SeaWorld Disney Imagineer Orlando is Toni Caracciolo, formerly the company’s corporate Brands. Frey will oversee advertising, promo- Collin Campbell dies head of Brand Management and Advertising. Caracciolo start- tional marketing, publicity, digital marketing Celebrated Disney Imagi- ed her SeaWorld career as a public relations representative in and consumer marketing for SeaWorld parks in neer Collin Campbell passed 1990. She moved into special event management in 1993 and Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio, as well away on Saturday, April 2, advertising in 2000. She was chosen to oversee the market- as Discovery Cove and in Orlando. 2011. FREY ing program for Discovery Cove in 2003 and the company’s Frey joined SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment An employee of WED En- Aquatica waterpark was added to her responsibility in 2008. in 2010 after 14 years at Darden Restaurants, where he man- terprises, the division of that de- signs and produces the iconic Disney theme park attrac- tions, Campbell was involved in many aspects of the design of attractions at Disneyland, , and the international Disney theme parks. His unique renderings of , Jun- gle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean were an integral part of the conceptualization and design of those beloved Disney attractions. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35

New park mobile NEAAPA FOODLOOP Web site introduced Continued from page 31 Continued from page 31 for cell phone Committee Staff Liaison & Jim “It is absolutely impor- WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.— Seay, F24 Committee Chair- tant for us to constantly Teamed with Mobile Card man; and “The ADA and the please our guests with sur- Cast, a cutting edge mobile Amusement Industry,” panel prising and innovating nov- marketing company, High included Tim Sorge, presi- elties. With this restaurant, Mountain Enterprises in High dent, Swings-N-Things, and we have a worldwide unique Plains, N.Y., has introduced Stephanie See, IAAPA. product that perfectly fits into Park Pilot, the first mobile The board meeting, annu- Europa-Park. The roller coast- Web site compatible with all al business meeting and din- er theme is presented in a new cell phones. A new product ner were held March 29. manner here and turns into for the amusement industry, The President’s Break- an unforgettable experience Park Pilot uses technology to fast was held the morning of for the whole family. We have enhance the guest experience March 30. The 2011 NEAA- paired the coaster experience and provide new marketing PA officers are: Greg Chieko, with a wide range of culi- tools to management. Eastern States Expositions, nary delights including meat, Park Pilot represents a West Springfield, Mass., fish and vegetarian dishes as new concept in mobile web- president; Cory Hutchinson, well as snacks,” said Thomas sites. Instead of an app just Funtown Splashtown USA, Mack, head of hotels and for IPhones and other smart Saco, , first vice presi- gastronomy. “Healthy and phones, Park Pilot is a mobile dent; and David Sugrue, Cen- light delicacies for young and Web site for all cell phones. terplate, based in Samford, old alike are put in the fore- The basic features include Conn. ground while regional and park information, an interac- The NEAAPA traces its seasonal influences guarantee tive map to assist patrons to roots to 1913. It is a member- varied delights for the guests’ find various points of interest, based, volunteer associa- palate all year round.” a component to allow patrons tion with a mission to serve MENT T to organize their visit to enjoy its membership by promot- E O S D U A ing safe operations, regional M their favorite rides, shows and Y events, as well as a reminder development, professional The FoodLoop restaurant is new this season at Germany’s A as to where their car is parked growth and commercial suc- Europa-Park. The restaurant features 130 seats on the first E S 7 and much more. cess of the amusement indus- floor and 65 seats on the second. Touch screens at the tables T. 1 9 9 •www.highmountain ent. try in New England. allows guest to oder their food. Orders then arrive to the com or www.mobile cardcast. table via a unique roller coaster looking track system. Subscribe Today! com. COURTESY EUROPA PARK (817) 460-7220 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 2010 Golden Ticket survey participants shape thoughts on: The Bucket List - Park Version STORY: Tim Baldwin “There’s nothing else like waterpark to be mentioned on [email protected] it.” - Y. Janik; this must-do list: “The natural surround- “Noah’s Ark is huge. It’s In 2007 Jack Nicholson ings coupled with the layout of the best outdoor waterpark.” - and Morgan Freeman made a slides; great rides for a water- T. Petillo. term all the more common in park.” - S. Cook; People had this to say about the movie The Bucket List. The “The waterpark that has Dollywood: premise of the movie, as well redefined the industry.” - D. “The shows are great, the as the term, was accomplishing Klawe; rides are great, and the staff is key things in your life before “It is the waterpark that the best in the world.” - J. Mac- you “kick the bucket.” others are judged against.” - R. Gregor; From an industry stand- Cook, and “Great southern mountain point, Amusement Today asked “Home grown “organic” goodness — clean, great shows, our 2010 Golden Ticket Awards fun. Very few mass-produced great employees.” - S. Cook and survey participants a few buck- rides.” - R. Bird. “The most exceptional et list questions as to what rides Knoebels Amusement Re- quality in overall park experi- and what parks should be on sort had legions of fans: “The original Disney park “Visit for historic reasons ence.” - D. Collins. everyone’s list to get to before “It’s a great old time expe- is so enchanting. You can’t not and a great collection of coast- Tokyo Disneyland and they kick the bucket. It should rience. It’s like going back in feel all of the history around ers and unique older rides.” - M. DisneySea has made many be stated that this survey isn’t time.” - L. Scheinin; you.” - M. Scott, and Carvalho, and people stand up and take notice: scientific by any means, but just “There’s no place on Earth “Walt’s dream made real- “Three magnificent wood- “Tokyo Disney Resort of- a matter of our panel sharing like it — great rides, friendly ity that is now the dream of bil- ies dating back to the 1920s that fers great rides and shows, but their experienced thoughts with staff and delicious food!” - E. lions.” - L. Klimko. still run extremely well due to the service is what makes the our readers. AT isn’t going for Ringas, and Pleasure Beach Blackpool extensive maintenance by this resort stand out. Employees are anything “official” here, but as “Traditional park, tradi- causes enthusiasts around the great park.” - A. Reid. friendly to a fault.” - J. Braziel the 2011 park season gets un- tional carousel, Phoenix, Haunt- world to say this: Splashin’ Safari is to wa- and derway, it is interesting to note ed Mansion and great food. “They boast a unique col- terparks... “Tokyo DisneySea has the why these items are “list wor- Need you ask? Just go!” - R. lection of one-of-a-kind rides.” “There is nothing but top best and most unique immer- thy.” Letting our panel do most Ozana. - V. Lucas; notch rides.” - M. Jackson; sive themed experiences. Every of the talking, here is a mere Cedar Point has taken Best “This is one of the nicest ...as Holiday World is to inch of the park is worthy of a sampling out of the hundreds of Park on the Golden Tickets for traditional parks I’ve ever been amusement parks: photo.” - R. Turner. comments they had to say. 13 years in a row: to — ever!” - S. Crosby, and “Holiday World has the “The sheer size of the park “Unique, quirky, a total friendliest park staff, free The Rides The Parks is overwhelming for a first time throwback — rides all over the drinks, free parking, free sun- When it comes to rides, When it comes to parks, visit.” - A. Sampson; place.” - J. Gasper. screen and the most reasonable our list grew to almost exactly here’s a dozen (as a three-way “They have the most coast- Kennywood is an Ameri- prices in an extremely beautiful 100. To do all those noted by tie of tabulation prevented a ers on a great setting on one of can legend. Our panel com- place.” - B. Neal; our panel of enthusiasts, you top 10) of what places you need the Great Lakes.” - M. Luhman; ments: “In an era where the world would, well, have to be an en- to visit. Of note, Schlitterbahn “Number One in the world “There’s literally no con- is going crazy, it is great to see thusiast. Here’s a good start to was far and away the most men- for a reason.” - M. Kaiser, and ceivable way to make a bad use a family owned and operated give anyone ambitious an unof- tioned park of any kind. It more “They have the best coast- of one’s time while at Kenny- park with family values.” - J. Pe- ficial Top 10: than quadrupled all other wa- ers on the face of the Earth.” - F. wood.” - J. Thompson; ters and The terparks combined. Our panel Gold. “Kennywood has a charm “It represents what a great has stayed legendary for more put it this way: Disneyland has always and history unlike any place day at the park can be like.” - M. than 80 years for good reason: “The end all of waterparks stood as a true original: else, and it has a great combina- Kaiser. “The granddaddy of them — huge with a wide variety of “It truly makes you feel like tion of great old rides plus good Europa Park has captivated all! Love it or hate it, you have rides and slides.” - D. Ruth; a kid again.” - J. Marcin; new ones, too.” - T. Kelly; guests from around the world: no credibility as a coaster enthu- “Europa Park is an amaz- siast until you’ve ridden it.” - J. ingly themed and well run park Pytka; almost perfect in every way. “The Cyclone is THE coast- Bucket List People should go to see how a er that defines the genre.” - B. (listed in order of ranking) park should be.” - M. Parker; Galvin; PARKS THE RIDES “The best park on the plan- “The standard against 1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort 1. Cyclone (Coney Island) et. They are only missing one which wooden coasters are 2. Knoebels Amusement Resort 2. The Voyage (Holiday World) key ingredient — a wooden measured.” - C. LaReau, and 3. Cedar Point 3. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man coaster.” - B. D. Shaw, and “The epitome of the roller 4. Disneyland (Universal's Island of Adventure) “The beauty, the special coaster.” - J. Gerard. roller coasters, dark rides, the The Voyage at Holiday 5. Pleasure Beach Blackpool 4. (Cedar Point) people — excellent!” - J. Mitch- World rivals Coney Island for a 6. Kennywood 5. () ell. modern day masterpiece: 7. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari 6. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Busch Gardens Williams- “I don’t think another coast- 8. Europa-Park (WDW's Hollywood Studios) burg has long been noted for its er this intense will be built in 9. Busch Gardens Wiliamsburg 7. The Beast, King's Island quality: my lifetime. “ - D. Hamburger; 10.Noah's Ark 8. The Phoenix (Knoebel's) “It’s not just the most beau- “It leaves you breathless, 11.Dollywood 9. Leap The Dips (Lakemont Park) tiful park ever; there is plenty to wanting to go right back in 12.Tokyo Disneyland 10. , (Disneyland) do if you are not a thrill rider.” line.” - S. Flaharty; - M. Jackson and “Ass kicking speed, speed, HONORABLE MENTION “They blend beautiful speed!” - A. Soares; , Deno's Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island grounds, great coasters, and lots “A night ride on The Voy- Tivoli Gardens, Copenhangen, of animals.” - C. Cason. age is beyond words — pitch Noah’s Ark was the third 4See BUCKET LIST, page 37 May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37

but in the many years ahead. BUCKET LIST Set for September 16 and 17 If Amusement Today can add Continued from page 36 a couple of additions in conclu- sion, this ride and park had sev- dark, in the woods, lightning Holiday World to rollout red carpet eral votes, but just fell slightly fast and out-of-control.” - C. below the tabulation totals to Austin, and make a list. They certainly de- “If you want to experience for AT’s 2011 Golden Ticket Awards serve their place on any Bucket a real white knickle, intense air- STORY: Janice Witherow List as well. time-filled ride — The Voyage is [email protected] Anyone who celebrates it.” - B. Cassi. SANTA CLAUS, Ind.—It’s a “don’t miss” amusement parks and rich his- The Amazing Adventures industry occasion, and Amusement Today invites tory has to embrace the marvel- of Spider-Man has long given you to “save the date” on your fall calendar for ous creation that is the Wonder Universal’s Islands of Adven- its annual Golden Ticket Awards. The two-day Wheel at Deno’s Wonder Wheel ture a Golden Ticket for Best event will be hosted this year by the innova- Park at Coney Island. Mon- Dark Ride: tive, hospitable and charming Holiday World strous in size and mesmerizing “One of few attractions that & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind., where in motion, it is a rite of passage exceeds expectations.” - H. Gil- the staff is already hard at work preparing to agenda for the event, which will outline all of for any New Yorker, a must-do looly; roll out the red carpet for industry attendees on the details (including hotel information and for most tourists, and an inge- “Spider-Man really raised Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17. registration), will be released at a later date. nious piece of engineering that the bar for incorporating tech- Special behind-the-scenes tours, a luau- This event is reserved for working profession- continues to operate well past nology and amazingly visuals.” style party and cocktail reception are being als in the amusement industry; representatives the 90-year mark. Tim Melago - J. MacGregor and planned to kick-off the event on September 16. from parks and attractions, manufacturers, of Pennsylvania states, “It’s a “Still the cutting edge in Other activities such as guided park tours, a suppliers and consultants are invited to join unique, iconic and classic ride virtual simulator rides.” - J. day of experiencing Holiday World & Splash- Holiday World and Amusement Today at this that still can give you a real Crawley. in’ Safari and the anticipated awards’ show fol- fun-filled celebration. scare.” Millennium Force at Cedar lowed by a special dinner will entertain attend- This is the 14th annual year for the Golden Likewise, Tivoli Gardens Point broke the 300-foot barrier ees on September 17. Ticket Awards; they are presented to the “Best in , Denmark has in 2000: To check out the general itinerary for the of the Best” in the amusement industry and are a character so original that it “It’s a rocket sled on rails!” almost defies description. It’s Golden Ticket Awards, please log on to www. calculated from an international poll conduct- - J. Peters. more than an amusement park, goldenticketawards.com. A more specific ed by Amusement Today. Battling Millennium Force yet incorporates rides into its this past decade for top spot on striking architecture, lavish the Steel Coaster charts has been ridden at night.” - H. Sykes, and “Matterhorn was the first BoulderDash at Lake Com- gardens and array of eater- Bizarro (formerly Superman “The best ending of any tubular steel track coaster and pounce has one of the most ies. Tucked within them is an Ride of Steel) at Six Flags New wooden coaster.” - R. Snyder. still delivers pure fun without unique settings for any roller old classic scenic railway, one England: Knoebels’ Phoenix has all sorts of over-the-top hype.” - coaster on the planet; of only nine left in the entire “It’s one helluva ride — stood as not only an amazing O. Dobnick; Harry Potter and the For- world. This inspirational park perfect!” - L. Schulz; preservation story among roller “The first tubular steel track bidden Journey is the newest has been placed on many lists of “The setting, the tunnels coasters, but a favorite among coaster created out of necessity ride on our Bucket List, having places every person should visit and the airtime!” - S. Holmes; the coaster elite: is a very fun ride that everyone just opened last year; sometime during their life, and “The entire ride — incred- “An awesome traditional should try.” - J. Hammond, and with brass rings we find it a fitting end to this ible!” - R. Lakeman, and wooden coaster that is lots of “The first tubular steel (Knoebels’ mentioned often) wide perspective made possible “Bizarro has the most fun and can be ridden over and coaster; still one of the best have a definite place on the by our Golden Ticket panel — unique steel track layout with over.” - L. Colletti; themed experiences. There’s Bucket List, and one of the biggest collections of great special effects.” - B. Mac- “A fun, rollicking, tour-de- nothing else like it.” - R. Turner. A ride on a classic Flying experienced connoisseurs of the Callum. force of a coaster preservation And if you want 10 more, Skooter also is a worthy men- amusement industry. “Tivoli Twilight Zone Tower of miracle.” - D. Lipnicky, and these were also heavily men- tion from our panel of experts. Gardens is historic, beautiful Terror at Walt Disney World’s “The most true wooden tioned: and has something for every- Hollywood Studios entered coaster operating today.” - A at Six Flags Magic Moun- And Finally... one,” says Joe Riznar of Ohio. Disney into the thrill ride ech- Lloyd. tain unquestionably crosses the Because of their specific at- And who can ask for more than elon with an amped up “cool” Leap the Dips at Lakemont outrageous barrier; tributes, most of the parks and that? factor: Park is the world’s oldest roller Magnum XL-200 started rides listed on this Bucket List Amusement Today is grateful “Twilight Zone Tower of coaster and also on the minds of a coaster revolution when it find their way on AT’s Golden to the avid park enthusiasts who Terror is never the same. It those putting their bucket lists passed the 200-foot mark in Ticket Awards annually, even if shared with us their insight. changes.” - D. Damm, and together: 1989; their positions may be juggled Certainly, anyone who accom- “Get rid of your demons as “See what it was like in the El Toro at Six Flags Great differently. It was these signa- plishes the many items on this your hurtle downward.” - au- old days and appreciate what Adventure is a different kind of ture aspects that make them unofficial Bucket List is worthy thor unknown. we have now” - R. Lopate, and wooden coaster; noteworthy and important for of being added to the hundreds The Beast at Kings Island “It’s your only chance to Expedition GeForce at people to seek out. Perhaps of experienced critics who com- has maintained a reputation ride one like this, and it shows Holiday Park is Germany’s (and parks can take a strong look and prise our Golden Ticket Awards among wooden coasters for how far coasters have come.” - Europe’s) highest rated coaster; strive to attain such lofty goals experts. Contact AT if you feel more than three decades: D. Dumez. and and incorporate such charac- your qualifications make you “The longest wooden coast- Disneyland’s Matterhorn is offer thrills beyond teristics to their rides that make worthy: tbaldwin@amusement- er with two lift hills. It must be a true theme park original: 400 feet in height; them outstanding not just today, today.com. 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011

www.aimsintl.org

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. • 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.aimsintl.org Updates to the AIMS AIMS member spotlight certification program Editor’s note: This is the second in a se- structive Testing (ASNT), California Electrical ries of articles to appear in AIMS News & Code (CEC) and applicable California regulations. Jan King •Proof of a high school Notes that spotlights an AIMS member who We provide an extra set of eyes to see potential AIMS certification director education or equivalent. has been active in the annual AIMS Safety problems and strive to keep the rides as safe as possible. I believe in safety and it gives me a [email protected] •Certificates showing 12 Seminar. To suggest a future spotlight on an good feeling to know that I am helping owner/ Continuing Education Units AIMS member contact Steve Laycock at: operators to provide a safe fun experience to the Each (CEU) from attending amuse- [email protected] general public.” year the ment industry or other appli- Which amusement rides that you work on AIMS certifi- cable seminars or education. Bobby Park gives you the least amount of trouble? cation com- •Proof of 120 months Associate Safety “I actually see the fewest issues with some mittee and of experience in the area of Engineer, QSI; of the older style rides such as the Bradley & Kay staff review amusement ride inspection. State of California DOSH ‘Huff N Puff’ and the Allan Herschell ‘Helicopter” and evaluate •Documentation of pass- ride.’ input from KING ing an eye exam within six Bobby Park, has worked How long have you worked at your present the industry months prior to taking the for two different owner/opera- organization? in relationship to the AIMS PRI exam. Detailed require- tors in the amusement industry, “I have been in the amusement industry for the past 20 years but with the current organiza- certification program. Modi- ments for this eye exam are first at in San Diego tion for the last 10 years.” fications and additions to the explained on the Inspector and later with Bell’s Amusement Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His Tell us one thing you have learned from the program are implemented at application available through hands-on knowledge of amuse- AIMS Safety Seminar. the AIMS website. the annual AIMS Safety Semi- ment rides gave him a good “There are a number of things I could men- nar. This year’s seminar is to •Copy of a current AIMS background when he went back PARK tion, but the most impressive thing is just the be held at the Doubletree by Level II Certified Ride Inspec- to his home state of California amount of time that is spent in designing rides Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld tor (CRI) certification. to become a state ride inspector. Although he is that provide a thrill while keeping the forces on November 9-15, 2011. Along with the Inspector a dedicated family man he regularly spends one the passengers and ride at an acceptable level.” Classes will be held from Level III certification test, we week a year of his own time at the AIMS Safety What was your favorite class at the AIMS Thursday, Nov. 10 through will be offering the AIMS In- Seminar. This time is spent continuing his edu- Safety Seminar and why? Monday, Nov. 14. All AIMS spector Level I and II as well cational activities to sharpen his knowledge and “I need to pick two. “1. One was the Metallurgy Class with Cindy certification testing will take as Operations Level I and II, abilities so he can better perform his job func- Emerick who has a degree in metallurgy. She was place on Sunday evening, Maintenance Level I and II tions. In November of 2010 Bobby was an at- tendee at the AIMS Safety Seminar in Orlando, very effective in explaining the processes and el- Nov. 13. Results from testing and the Aquatics Operations Florida. ements involved in developing alloys and analysis Level I. Please visit our web- will be available to students Here he takes a few minutes to answer ques- for amusement rides without loosing the class in when they turn in their CEU site at www.aimsintl.org to tions for AIMS News & Notes. technical jargon. sign-off sheet on Tuesday at view the entire AIMS Certifi- “2. Another favorite was the Visual Inspec- the AIMS booth during the cation Program. How did you get started in the amusement tion Class with Jeff Abendshien. This class out- IAAPA Attractions Expo. All Those planning to take an business? lined different facets in the inspection process. certificates of completion, AIMS certification test should “It started with SeaWorld in San Diego as a One method he used was an exercise in visual CEU certificates, certification send all completed applica- summer job. I was a technician working on ar- inspection which identified differences among in- certificates and cards will be tions, along with supporting cade equipment and remote control boats and dividuals that presented a sound philosophy to issued on Tuesday, Nov. 15. documentation to: AIMS In- trucks.” visual inspection.” Why should someone attend the AIMS ternational, Ltd., 3026 South What did you do before you were in the A big change for 2011 is Safety Seminar? that all qualifying documenta- Orange, Santa Ana, Calif. amusement business? “As a teenager while in high school I worked “To enhance their knowledge base, expand tion and applications for test- 92707. Documents can also at the local Burger King where I was the head in areas they may not be as familiar with, build on be faxed to the AIMS office ing must be submitted to the French fry cook.” their skill set, networking, developing relation- AIMS office by Nov. 1. This at (714) 276-9666 or emailed What do you do in your free time? ships with others related to their work and most new deadline will help insure to [email protected]. Please “My free time is spent with my family where of all to provide a safe and enjoyable experience accuracy in preparing tests remember the Nov. 1 dead- my time is dedicated to being a good dad to my for our guests. There are many classes directly and allow sufficient time to line. children and a good husband to my wife. I enjoy related to the core disciplines of the amusement confirm one’s qualifications. A list of AIMS certificate my free time, being with my family and involved industry that help develop the individual. There No one will be permitted to holders is available on our in their many activities.” were more classes I wanted to take, just not sit for an exam if their pa- website at www.aimsintl.org. What do you currently do in the amuse- enough hours in the day.” In general, how was your overall experi- perwork is incomplete. It is If you have any questions re- ment industry? ence at the AIMS Safety Seminar and how pre- also our goal to alleviate long garding this list of certificate “I am currently an inspector with Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) for the pared were your instructors? waiting times at registration. holders please email the cer- state of California. My principle function is to in- “This past year’s seminar was excellent! I tification office at certs@aim- AIMS will be introducing spect rides at fixed locations.” always learn something at the seminar and this the Level III Professional Ride sintl.org. What is so special about working for DOSH? year was no exception. I found the instructors Inspector (PRI) certification in We look forward to see- “We help the owner/operator maintain and to be well prepared in their fields and being able November. To qualify to sit ing you in November and operate their rides to be in compliance with in- to network with your peers and develop those for this exam one must pro- hope you have a safe and dustry standards such as ASTM, American Weld- relationships enhances the purpose of attending, vide the following: prosperous summer! ing Society (AWS), American Societh of Nonde- even long after the seminar is over.”

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected] May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Held March 29 in Las Vegas Creative Operational Concepts conducts ROTC training program

LAS VEGAS—Since 2002, operators,” said COC partner Shown here at the New York the owners of Creative Opera- Patty Beazley. “Each partici- New York Hotel and Casino tional Concepts, Cindee Pat- pant went home with a tool in Las Vegas are attendees rick Huddy and Patty Beazley, box including more than 30 for the ROTC training pro- have been providing service items that will allow them to gram conducted by Creative and safety programming to give their own seasonal and Operational Concepts. the attractions and hospital- full-time operators the benefit COURTESY CREATIVE OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS ity industry around the world. 4See SAFETY, page 40 This year, the pair, along with veteran trainer Darlene Reese- Sittig, decided to make the firm’s crucial Ride Operator Trainer Certification (ROTC) available to individuals in a three-day, single location for- mat. The first-ever, single- site, ROTC training program, which was held March 7-9 at the New York New York Ho- tel & Casino in Las Vegas, attracted more than 25 ride managers from as far away as Hong Kong. Focusing on the “10 Critical Components of Ride Operation,” the ROTC training included unique teaching methods designed to help trainees understand the “why” of each task. “Creative Operational Concepts has been conduct- ing on-site audits and training since 1997,” said co-founder Cindee Patrick Huddy. “What we noticed is that the facility’s training method had a huge impact on the consistency of both safety and service proto- col execution. We learned that a tell-show-do style of training produces inconsistent results and that the length of time spent in training is not near as important as the technique.” As part of their early ride operations training success, Huddy and Beazley devel- oped the proprietary Learn it! Link it! Live it! teaching meth- od. The three-part strategy teaches team members why it is important to perform each task to a set performance stan- dard; demonstrates the spe- cific skill required in a unique, hands-on manner; and pro- vides ideas for identifying with the task to ensure it will be performed precisely every- day. “By making the critical ride operator trainer certifi- cation available in a three- day, single location format, we were able to reach both amusement industry new- comers and veterans in a way that was affordable for smaller 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 always looking for new ways SAFETY of imparting knowledge to our Continued from page 39 staff,” added Fazio. “One sim- ple, interactive exercise that of the proven ROTC training we brought home from ROTC program.” helped reinforce the impor- “ROTC is a solid base to tance of consistency in each build any ride operator train- task. At the training program, ing program,” said participant we were asked to eyeball vari- Donald Spiller of Six Flags ous height requirements by Magic Mountain. “It focused placing pieces of masking tape on two of the most important on the wall. This exercise eas- aspects of our business, safety ily proved that it is impossible and guest service.” to accurately measure a guest “The (ROTC) program sets by any means other than by a standard of performance for using the appropriate tool in each task, enabling us to raise the correct way.” the bar across the industry,” “I went in thinking ‘what said Dino Fazio of Morey’s else is there to know’ and came Ride Operator Trainer Certification was held March 7-9 in Las Vegas. Above, Donald Spiller, Pier and Beachfront Water- out with a strong passion and Six Flags Magic Mountain checks the roller coaster restraint as Patty Beazley, Creative Op- park. “It also gave attendees rejuvenated enthusiasm for erational Concepts play the role of a rider. At right, Lori Kaupp, Parc Management listens in the opportunity to discuss hot my job,” added Ryan DeMaria to David Russ, State Fair of Texas as ADA safety is discussed. Seated in the wheelchair is Ian topics and best practices.” of Canobie Lake. “This is the Martinez, . Fazio, who was part of ideal training program for any ROTC attendees were from the faculty. Based on the program again in early 2012. the faculty at ROTC in Las Ve- ride operations team. It was evaluated at the conclusion positive feedback from this •www.creativeoperational gas, also brought three of his wonderfully presented and of the program via a written year’s single-site training, Cre- concepts.com operations team members to can be individualized for any exam, video teach-back practi- ative Operational Concepts attend the training. “We are facility.” cum, and written evaluation has committed to offering the May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 MIDWAY CARNIVALS STATE FAIRS REVENUE SUPPLIERS 2011 Houston Livestock Show a record breaker BRIEF STORY: Pam Sherborne vative, fun, affordable place Kalamazoo [email protected] 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for friends and families to en- Fun Facts by the numbers HOUSTON, Texas—The joy,” said Skip Wagner, presi- fairgrounds •More than 187,000 stuff animals were won at the 79th edition of the Houston dent of the Houston Livestock getting a face lift games on the midway. Livestock Show and Rodeo, Show and Rodeo, in announc- •More than 20,000 young cowboys and cowgirls took a with volunteer help and a lot ing the record attendance. KALAMAZOO, ride on the pony rides. of enthusiastic fans, ended “With the help of the more Mich.—A $3.6 million con- •More than 23,000 people visited the butterfly house. on a record-breaking run this than 24,000 show volunteers, struction project began in •More than 9,000 children rolled around the water in year, with 2,262,834 in total we are able to continue to be giant bubbles. late March at the Kalama- attendance during the March the largest livestock show, Top 5 rides on Midway zoo County Expo Center 1-20 run. richest regular-season rodeo The 68-ride midway was provided by Ray Cammack Shows, and Fairgrounds that will The record total also in- and offer the best entertain- Laveen, Ariz. and selected independents add nearly 35,000-square- cluded a single-day record of ment option around.” 1. Windstorm, manufactured by SDC feet to the Expo Center, 150,948 the final Saturday of This year, the Houston (owned by Steve VanderVorste) demolish the horse track the fair. That broke the record Livestock Show and Rodeo 2. Skyride, Dopplemyer around the grandstand set in 2003. hosted 2,291 international 3. G Force, KMG and do some electrical up- Some other numbers for guests from 61 countries, in- 4. Hi-Miler Coaster, Carl Miler grades. Houston included a total at- cluding large delegations from 5. Wave, SDC According to a report tendance of 1,255,323 for the Mexico, Guatemala, Hondu- on MLive.com, the con- paid rodeo and headliner ras and Venezuela. Several struction is set to be com- concerts, which are just under were Brad Paisley, with an at- over the top third and fourth guests came from as far away plete by Sept. 1, 2011, 9,000 from the record number tendance of 73,825, who took spots, respectively. as Thailand and Kyrgyzstan. which would mean that of 1,264,074, set in 2010. Five over the third spot in the top “There are so many vari- Other highlights include a it would still be going on 2011 RodeoHouston perfor- 20, while Miranda Lambert, ables regarding attendance, record 244,184 people visiting during the fair, set this mances landed in the list of attendance 73,811, and La Ar- from the weather to the econ- the World’s Championship year for Aug. 8-18. the Show’s Top 20 paid ro- rolladorra Banda El Limon omy, but we continue to excel Bar-B-Que Contest to help Earlier in March, the deo attendance records. Those and La Leyenda, 73,469, took by creating an exciting, inno- 4See HOUSTON, page 42 Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted to issue bonds to pay for the constuction over the next 15 years. In making the proposal in 2010, Parks Director Da- vid Rachowicz explained that these were changes that needed to take place to attract new events. He said that the demolition of the horse track could make room for more ven- dor space. The horse track was used for harness rac- ing during the fair. He was quoted last year in a story from MLive. com, saying: “Horseracing for one day with 20 spec- tators is not a good use for that property.” Wade Shows, Livonia, Left, the Hi-Miler Coaster, manufactured by Carl Miler, came in fourth in the top five rides on the midway of Ray Cammack is the carnival midway pro- Shows, Laveen, Ariz., who provided the carnival for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with 68 rides and 34 games vider. this year. Right, independent ride operator Steve VanderVorste booked his Windstorm in with RCS this year at Houston where it ranked in the top five for rides on the midway. COURTESY JASON KNUTSON

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Left, There were 61 food vendors at the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Patrons could ride the Sky- ride and catch a glimpse of some of those food vendors. Right, Ray Cammack Shows provided the rides, including the Le Grand Wheel, manu- factured by Carousel Hol- land.

COURTESY JASON KNUTSON

athletes through the invita- letes from the top 10 U.S. and stock competitions and horse the Hi-Miler coaster and was HOUSTON tional RodeoHouston BP Su- Canadian rodeos competing show entries. Six of the junior pronounced dead at a local Continued from page 41 per Series and the inaugural bareback riding, barrel rac- auction Grand Champion and Houston hospital. kickFrederiksen off the 1/7x3 show, b/w 3/14/02toppling Cinch 11:22 RodeoHouston AM Page 1 Su- ing, bull riding and saddle Reserve Grand Champion re- Shafer told local report- last year’s attendance record per Shootout. The Shootout, bronco riding for a total purse cords were broken this year. ers at the time of the accident of 221,229. which debuted March 20, was of $200,000, making this event Junior auction sales totaled that he didn’t believe the ride The event showcased a ground-breaking, one-day the richest one-day rodeo. $8,235,171. malfunctioned because the bar North America’s champion event featuring champion ath- There were 26,683 live- Even the Houston Live- and belt were still in place af- stock Show and Rodeo Wine ter the accident. The ride has “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN Auction set a record. The auc- no history of serious prob- “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. tion brought in $1,659,729, lems, according to Shafer. In 5212 St. Paul St. including the show record fact, the Hi-Miler ranked num- • Financing and Leasing Available price of $210,000 for the Grand ber four as the top rides on the • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 Champion Best of Show and a midway for this year’s show. • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 show record price of $130,000 “The Ray Cammack • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com for the Reserve Grand Cham- Shows carnival accident on • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide pion Best of Show. the Hi-Miler roller coaster on • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide There were a total of 68 March 20, 2011, at the Houston rides and 34 games brought Livestock Show and Rodeo is in by Ray Cammack Shows, being investigated by several Laveen, Ariz., the carnival entities to include Ray Cam- provider for the Houston mack Shows, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Livestock Show and Rodeo, The carnival had a very the Houston Police Depart- good run at the show, but a ment and plaintiff attorneys,” death on the midway the final said Victoria Le Fevre, a media night of the show dampened spokesperson for the show. some spirits. “Because of these ongoing A 44-year-old man, Brian investigations and because Joseph Greenhouse, fell from litigation has been initiated against Ray Cammack Shows and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, show of- ficials have been advised by their legal counsel to make no further comments involving the accident, results of investi- gations or lawsuits until such time as all investigations have been completed and until law- suits have come to conclusion, or until further advised by le- gal counsel.” In other midway news, Steve VanderVorste brought in his Windstorm roller coast- er. That ride placed first in the top rides on the midway. VanderVorste purchased the coaster from Fun , Seattle, Wash., and completely refurbished it and made it por- table. The coaster was manu- factured by SDC. There were also 61 food vendors at the 2011 show, 36 that were brought in by the carnival and 55 booked by the Rodeo. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 Miami-Dade fair attendance up STORY: Pam Sherborne Food sales were up five Florida Championship Wres- [email protected] percent. Games were up 16 tling (FCW) was just one of MIAMI—Phil Clark, chief percent this year. Game totals the special events held on executive officer, Miami-Dade haven’t increased in a while. the grounds at the Miami- County Fair and Expo, was “People love carrying Dade (Florida) this year. The very pleased with the 2011 around the bears they have special events were held fair, which ran March 17-April won,” he said. “The plush was every Friday, Saturday and 3. very nice this year. It was very Sunday. In the background “It was a very good fair,” bright and colorful.” can be seen the midway of Clark said. “Everything was North American Midway North American Midway up. Our attendance was up 4.5 Entertainment, Ridgeland, Entertainment. percent over 2010. Our online Miss., provided the midway COURTESY MIAMI-DADE FAIR sales were up 57 percent. Our 4See MIAMI-DADE, page 45 advanced ticket sales were up 21 percent to a total of $1.6 mil- lion. Our on-ground midway sales were up nine percent.” Clark said the fair expe- rienced only two days of rain this year, compared to six days last year. He also feels in- roads made into online social networking have paid off. “We started with social networking about three years ago,” he said. “Our first year, we got a little business from it, not even $100,000. But, we stayed with it and on it all the time. We feel we have finally connected with the right peo- ple, those people that buy on- line. Our family business has gone through the roof. Those are often the people looking for discounts. We have be- come almost entirely family- driven.” Attendance this year was 586,100. Advanced ticket sales are available until the day be- fore the start of the fair. Online sales continue throughout the entire run although there is not a discount offered once the fair starts. “We’ve told them, though, if they buy online, they don’t have to wait in lines at the gate to get tickets,” Clark said. He feels fair visitors are fi- nally believing them. Midway tickets are also available online and discounts are offered during the ad- vanced purchase time. Clark said the fair ben- efits from online sales in two ways—increasing the actual number of tickets sold and in- creasing sales once patrons get to the fair. “We think that when people buy online and in ad- vanced, they come to the fair having already spent the ini- tial money,” he said. “So, the money they bring here is like new money, maybe they have already gotten another pay check.” So, more spending is done on the grounds. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 MIDWAY PEOPLE WATCH MARKET PLACE Fairs announce changes at the top

Annually, there are many changes within the fair indus- try. Here are just a few. The Utah State Fairpark board of di- rectors, Salt Lake City, an- nounced last month their selection of a CARAS new execu- tive director, Clark H. Caras, of West Jordan, Utah. He was expected to as- sume his new duties at the Fair- park on April 18. For the past six years, Caras has served as HI VOLUME FUNNEL CAKE COOKER marketing director for the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic • All High Grade Stainless Steel Development during a time • Made in U.S.A. that has seen companies such • 180 Cakes or more per hour as Proctor & Gamble, Adobe, • AGA Approved Controls Disney, Hershey, Amer Sports, • 145,000 BTU Burner LP or Natural Gas and others expand in, or relo- • Temperature range of 250-400º cate to the state. His career en- • Dimensions 42”L X 24”W X 34” H compasses broad experience in • Authorized Gold Medal Dist. public affairs, politics, business development, corporate initia- R.L. Mueller Nat’l Dist. Happy Jack Funnel Cake tives, and large event planning. St. Louis, MO 63135 & Corn Dog Batter Caras grew up on a sheep www.rlmueller.com and more. (800) 222-7033 ranch in central Utah. He said that being a kid who was aller- gic to most farm animals made him resourceful at an early age. The Utah State Fair marks 156 years this year when it runs Sept. 8-18, 2011. Caras is taking the helm over from Judy Duncombe, who was named acting execu- tive director in February, 2010, when Rick Frenette left to head up the Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis. •Utah County Fair, Span- ish Fork, also has a new fair director this year. Julie Blaney has taken over the reins at that fair from Jay and Carol Harmer who had led the fair since 2008. She said in a news report that she hopes to bring the fair clos- er to being self-supported. She has already booked a couple of revenue producing concerts for this year’s fair, set for Aug. 17- 20. For the first time this year, the fair will host a Scout Expo. There will, of course, be the county fair staples. •Former Laramie (Wy.) County Commissioner Jeff Ket- cham has been named the new Laramie County Fair manager. Ketcham, who was county com- missioner for 28 years, replaces Yvonne Ware who held that po- sition until February. Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! In the announcement, Ket- Buy products and services from these suppliers. cham said his main goal would be putting on a quality fair. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 Yuma County Fair patrons beat the heat to attend the fair

YUMA, Ariz.—High The fair held its tradition- Attendance was up temperatures didn’t deter al Demolition Derby, which nine percent this year patrons from visiting this drew about 9,000 people. at the Yuma (Ariz.) County year’s the 2011 Yuma (Ariz.) Another first this year was Fair, which ran March County Fair, which ran March the Safari Adventure Live, an 29-April 3. Brown’s 29-April 3. exhibit that included animals Amusements, Mesa, Ariz., Fair Manager Eric Wofford such as kangaroos and ma- provided the midway. said attendance was 171,000 caws. COURTESY YUMA COUNTY FAIR representing an increase over —Pam Sherborne 2010 of nine percent. “Even with temperatures getting pretty hot on Friday of the fair,” Wofford said. “I think they said actual tem- perature was 102 degrees, but it felt like 106 degrees. We are normally a little cooler and windier this time of year.” Brown’s Amusements, Mesa, Ariz., provided the fair with 35 rides. This is the 11th season for Brown’s to be at the fair. New this year was a big named performance in the arena. Chris LeDoux played Tuesday night of the fair. “We have a lot of enter- tainment on the grounds, but this is the first time we have had a big name like this in the arena,” Wofford said. “I think it was very successful. I will do something like this again next year. We did country this year. Maybe, next year we will do rock or some other type of music.”

MIAMI-DADE Continued from page 43 with 90 rides. For the first time this year Clark said they presented spe- cial events every Friday, Sat- urday and Sunday, plus an array of daily entertainment. There was Florida Champion- ship Wrestling, rock bands, Spanish speaking bands, and garage bands with which the fair has had much success. The fair hosted the Royal Hanneford Circus, something it has done for “thirty some- thing years.” There was the ice show that has been there for about five years. New this year was the Rainforest Experience, which exhibited exotic animals along with presenting educational information.

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MARKETPLACE AmusementToday.com AUCTIONS EQUIPMENT OPPORTUNITIES SERVICES AUCTION FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

FOR LEASE OR SALE DAVID A. NORTON’S NORTON AUCTIONEERS CLASSIC RIDES FOR SALE THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS Spin out T/M (Huss)...... $249,000 Twister/ Maverick (Moser)...... $599,000 The following rides are for sale PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS Drop Tower T/M (ARM)...... $249,000 by the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department in North West Pa: Rio Grande (Zamperla)...... $19,000 Allan Herschell Merry-Go-Round, CARNIVALS • PARKS • CAROUSELS Crazy Dance (Fabbri)...... $325,000 Pillow Bounce by Wapello, FEC’S • MUSEUMS • TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Antique Cars by Hampton Manu- Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic).$224,000 facturing, Space Train by Kiddie 50 W. PEARL ST, COLDWATER, MICHIGAN 49036-1967 Crazy Bus T/M (Zamperla)...... $99,000 Rides USA, Airplane Ride by King Manufacturing, Chair Swing 800-279-9063 T/M (Wisdom)...... $99,000 FAX (517) 279-9191 by Smith and Smith, Rocket Ride WWW.NORTONAUCTIONEERS.COM Drop Tower (Moser)...... $89,000 by King Manufacturing. E-MAIL: [email protected] Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance).$119,000 QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS (410) 358-8311 MICHAEL Our desire is to sell these rides Traffic Jam T/M (SBF)...... $219,000 as one lot. 1989 T/M...... $205,000 For additional information and EMPLOYMENT FOR SALE Truck Stop (Zamperla)...... $18,000 photos please e-mail SMOKEY MOUNTAIN AMUSEMENTS MODEL AA POPCORN TRUCK FOR Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan)...... $249,000 [email protected] or INC. Needs Ride Help In All SALE - Large popcorn truck with 3 Dizzy Dragon (Sellner)...... $54,000 Find us on Facebook call (814) 922-3595, attention Departments: serving windows and a gold metal 24 facebook.com/amusementtoday David V. Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit. oz. popper, room to accommodate T/M (Zamperla). $349,000 Electrician - For Green Unit. other equipment, similar to a creator Baja Buggy T/M (Zamperla)...... $59,000 Contact: popcorn truck - very sharp looking. Brian (Beaver) Bitner Asking $22,500 - Call John Carlson at High Flyer (ARM)...... $189,000 DATEBOOK (919) 272-5627 (413) 568-2769 or e-mail jccruiser26@ Peter Paul (Zamperla)...... $29,000 Billy Clark aol.com for more information. JUNE (863) 738-1689 Call Len or John KIDDIE RIDES FOR SALE 21-24 Winter Quarters Now Open! (908) 526-8009 Turtle:$7,500 Asian Attractions Expo, Resorts World Sentosa, Sig- (843) 362-0022 FAX: (908) 526-4535 Pony Cart: $5,000 napore May 2010 AMUSEMENTSeptember TODAY 2009 39 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Tubs of Fun: $6,000 Bulgy Whale: $6,000 •www.iaapa.org Wet Boats: $6,000 GLOW NOVELTY VENDING BUSINESS Hampton Cars: $9,000 FOR SALE - Site: http://nglbiz.biz SEPTEMBER Space Train: $4,000 Van, trailer, tent pics, bottom of page. Little Dipper Coaster: $7,000 Nationwide credibility; 30+ years; 16 & 17 Bounce Room: $500 $100,000 gross for 5 months. All showsCLASSIFIEDS 2011 Golden Ticket Awards, Holiday World, Santa are exclusive contract, cash only busi- CLASSIFIEDS www.AmusementToday.com [email protected] ness. Pro Web site. Claus, Ind. www.AmusementToday.com Angola, Indiana •www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Details on all, call Robert To place an ad call (817) 460-7220 MECHANICAL ENGINEER To place an ad call (817) 460-7220 FOR SALE Home: (727) 447-4447 Wisdom Sizzler - $150,000 REDUCED Cell: (727) 542-4519 27-29 Baltimore based roller coaster $125,000eMploYMenT FoR Sale Euro AttractionsFoR Sale Show, The Olympia, London,FoR Sale England FoR Sale entertainment engineering firm is in SBF 4X4 Truck Ride - $37,500 REDUCED eMploYMenT FoR Sale FoR Sale SeRVIceS need of a Mechanical engineer with Smokey Mountain •www.euroattractionsshow.com $29,500 Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters a strong background. Ability to read Amusements Inc. Bobs Space Racers 10-player Water Race Amusements Inc. Great for game booths and ride queue drawings and review design work needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp Game – Park Model – REDUCED $9,995 needs Ride Help - In All Departments OCTOBER 12 Rides required. Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit and weather-tight speaker. Up to fourCan Hampton 14-player Water Race Game Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit 13 Games 2-minute custom sayings or one self- Park ModelElectrician – Make - ForOffer Green Unit 3-7 Profitable, owner looking to diversify repeating custom canned spiel. The successful candidate should have Electrician - For Green Unit Bobs Space RacersContact: 8-player Tin Can Alley with existing operations. 5-10 years of hands-on experience Contact: World Waterpark Association’s 31st Annual Symposium Brian (Beaver) Bitner $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for Game – Make Offer Brian (Beaver) Bitner and in the Mechanical engineering field (919) 272-5627 (3-7) If interested, please contact: more information or call Anthony at Martin’s Fantasy Island (919) 272-5627 with knowledge of steel construction, Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 Len Soled (865) 742-1394 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 & Trade Show (5 & 6), New Orleans, La. MAY welding, fasteners, machining, bear- (716)Winter 773-7591 Quarters x3106 Now Open! Rides-4-U, Inc. Winter Quarters Now Open! •www.waterparks.org help grow your business? ings, wheels, pneumatics, hydraulics, (843) 362-0022 TFN (908) 526-8009 EAST COAST BEACH LOCATION (843) 362-0022 TFN electrical systems and human factors. Spin out T/M (Huss) ...... $299,000 12 Rides - 13 Games SeRVIceS We are looking for a person who LOOPING COASTER NOVEMBEREclipse -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000 possesses strong expediting and Profitable, owner looking to diversify LOOPING COASTER Twister/ Maverick (Moser) ...... $599,000 project management skills, attention witheQUI existingpM operations.enT WanTed eQUIpMenT WanTed 9-15SkyDrop Master Tower -ARM T/M (ARM) T/M ...... $179,000 ...... $299,000 J&D Carnival Services offering ser- Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel vices to you for a low, low price. to detail, motivated, and is a team Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster Drop Tower -ARM T/M ...... $399,000 all steel with 2011Rio Grande AIMS (Zamperla) Safety ...... $19,000 Seminar, Orlando,$410,000 Fla.- Completely rebuilt July player. Knowledge of transportation If interested, pleaseSLIDES contact: Arrow DynamicsSLIDES all steel with G-Force 4, 56’ high x 635’ long RioCrazy Grande- Dance Zamperla (Fabbri) ...... $325,000 T/M ...... $19,000 2009. All eight motors and gearboxes We offerYOU the following services: BETCHA! Len SoledWanted - Rides-4-U used 90+ft. slides, •www.aimsintl.org systems is a plus. Candidate must be portability not needed. BuiltG-Force 1977, 4, Excellent 56’ high xcondition 635’ long in are made to 100% / over 6,000 new •Ride setup (906) 526-9009 BuiltWanted in 1977, used excellent 90+ft. condition slides, in ChaosScooter -Chance 1800 T/M T/M (Majestic) ...... $99,000 ....$224,000 LED lights, new electrical wiring, new •Ride tear down computer literate and proficient in portabilityIndiana. not $200,000 needed. Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD. Solid FUNHOUSES ForIndiana. photos $200,000and details: Crazy Bus T/M (Zamperla) ...... $99,000 PIC drive. All updates. •Ride painting 15-18Scooter 1400 -Majestic T/M ...... $109,000 Ask•Ride washing us how you can tap into over Works knowledge a plus. WantedPlush Toys used For “Carnival Games Funhouses”, [email protected] photosFUNHOUSES and details: Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 Crazy Bus -Zamperla T/M ...... $99,000 Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 •Ride repair work And Carnivalsmobility not necessary [email protected] Other Rides IAAPA Attractions Expo, Orlando, Fla. 250 million potential customers. Drop Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000 or e-mail [email protected] •Concession cleaning Position will require travel. Current Special: Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used22 “Carnival Other Rides Funhouses”, •www.iaapa.orgTornado -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000 •Concession work Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 mobilityAngola, not Indiananecessary Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 96 Pieces Assorted close outs Orient Express -Wisdom ...... $139,000 and much, much more. TFN TO SIGN UP FOR Please fax resume with salary require- sizes range from 4” to 14” Traffic Jam T/M (SBF) ...... $219,000 affinitymm.com/twitterbook Contact Sunny 612 332-5600 Turbo Force -Zamperla T/M ...... $199,000 THIS2 Bob FREE Space NEWS Racers SERVICE WeWe will travel travel the the East East Coast. Coast. Our Our ments to (410) 923-3157, attention Vertical Water Race Games TFN 1989 Orbiter T/M ...... $205,000 GO TO WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM office hourshours areare M-FM-F 88 a.m.a.m - 5 p.m., Beth Thompson, or e-mail at $75 + Shipping.BINGO / BEANO GAMES FOR SALE Americana Carousel 28’ ...... $199,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player parkcom models Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. [email protected] Call : (610) 252-9800 Traffic Jam -SBF T/M ...... $219,000 Publication & Ad Design amusementSea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000today Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM 1. SKEE BALLS CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring - Priced to Sell! Danielle. Or call our cell at 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/M (Fabbri) ...... $149,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMGreat price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design Communications Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Tug T/M -Eli (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM(718) 614-0597 (978) 375-2542 4. SPORTS ARENAS TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragon 806- (Sellner) Moser ...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM [email protected] 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Whatever Your Project Calls For KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 (817) 564-3843 JUN 6. POOL TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale: Waterslide molds from AMUSEMENT TODAY 7. VIDEO GAMES For Sale: 1987 Huss Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputable company. Four complete CLASSIFIEDS Call Len or John systems ready for production with Great Condition. YOUR USED RIDE claSSIFIed QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS Call(908) Len 526-8009 or John two additional systems available. Tower rehabbed in 2004. (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIed MARKETPLACE P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] deadlIneS Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX: (908) 526-4535 mid-sizedpark. deadlIneS MAY AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Ride is operating and available Classified pages close the 10th of October 1st. AMUSEMENT TODAY’S month prior to the issue date. Location - Eastern USA. Classified pages close the 10th of Rates: month prior to the issue date. • Rates: •Regular classified ad– 99-year-old Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer $20 minimum up to 30 words; organ. Located in USA. Major rehab •Regular classified ad– $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available $20 minimum up to 30 words; •Display classified ad –$50 September 2009. $1 per additional word. per column inch. A 1-point •Display classified ad –$50 Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, rule will appear around ad. per column inch. A 1-point 2 chariots. www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and rule will appear around ad. reverses also are available on Available through International Ride •Company logos, screens and display ads upon request. Management reverses also are available on display ads upon request. Call (609)SUBSCRIBE 920-0252 or (609) TODAY 827-1316 RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEAR STAY INFORMED AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE GAMES FOR SALE LOOPING COASTER MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com SUBSCRIPTION1. SKEE BALLS FORMLaunch Loop Shuttle Coaster 2.R CLAWNew MACHINES Subscription Arrow Dynamics all steel with R3. RenewalSTACKERS G-Force 4, 56’FIRST high AND LAST x 635’ NAME long CREDIT CARD NUMBER 4. SPORTS ARENAS R Change of Address Built 1977, Excellent condition in 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES Indiana. $200,000 6. POOL TABLES USA OUTSIDE USAFor photosCOMPANY and NAME details: EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE 7.R VIDEOOne Year GAMES $50 $70 [email protected] R Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS P.O. Box 5427 R Three Years $130 $190 P.O. Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 • R Payment Enclosed AMUSEMENT • (817) 460-7220 COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Charge to Credit Card: (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) TODAY SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL Fax (817) 265-NEWS FREE(6397) • QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION RRSerial# 1161-69 R • We accept: G/M, sand blasted CLASSIFIEDS ready for repair and paint We accept: 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO PRESERVING MAKE A YES! THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER USED RIDE HISTORY DONATION R $10 R $25 R $50 R OTHER AMOUNT: $ Call John Fanelli (978) 343-4881 MARKETPLACE 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011

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