 KINGS ISLAND’S 40th ANNIVERSARY – PAGES 19-22

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Vol. 16 • Issue 4 JULY 2012 Cars Land turbo-charges DCA New Manta attraction surfaces to New gateway, themed applause at SeaWorld San Diego area refuel Disney Mack Rides, Falcon’s Treehouse, ThemeWorks California Adventure all contribute to coaster’s crowd-pleasing appeal STORY: Dean Lamanna STORY: Dean Lamanna “Manta is a ride at- Special to Amusement Today Special to Amusement Today traction, but it’s really a lot more,” said SeaWorld San ANAHEIM, Calif. — Af- Diego Park President John ter months of publicity en- SAN DIEGO, Calif. — It Reilly during the coaster’s gine-revving, the Disneyland glides. It dives. It flies from Memorial Day weekend de- Resort finally gunned the mo- the depths of its oceanic en- but. “It delivers exactly what tor of Cars Land, the intensely virons with swooping, twist- our guests want: a fun fam- anticipated new themed area ing and sometimes startling ily coaster complemented inside Disney California Ad- maneuvers. Meet Manta, a by an incredible hands-on venture (DCA), on June 15. new roller coaster attraction animal experience. Manta The peppy, well-oiled at SeaWorld San Diego. not only tells the story of the park-within-a-park, which Named ray, it gives you the sensa- impresses in every aspect of for the tion of being one — soaring, its production, is designed to whip-tailed, diving and skimming the help quell the fits and starts DCA’s new Cars Land, a 12- gracefully ocean’s surface.” of the resort’s 11-year-old sec- acre themed area inspired rippling At the ribbon-cutting ond gate and give it an aes- by historic Route 66 and giant ray ceremony on May 26, Reil- thetic veneer — and a level Disney-Pixar’s hit Cars films, known for ly gave a shout-out to AT of attendance — more in tune caps a five-year, billion-dol- bursting Reilly Publisher Gary Slade, with with adjacent Disneyland and lar-plus expansion and reno- from the sea whom he had shared sev- the Disney brand. vation of the park. and going momentarily air- eral preview rides on Manta Cars Land, based on the COURTESY borne, Manta – incorporat- DISNEYLAND RESORT earlier and who was im- popular Disney-Pixar Cars ing a 100,000-gallon aquari- pressed by the attraction’s films and sprawling across 12 um and shallow touch pool relentlessly twisting, low- acres, is the largest piece of – handily and quite spectac- to-the-ground track layout. the Disneyland Resort’s five- ularly fulfills the SeaWorld “Gary told me, ‘Thank you year, property-wide renova- mandate that all attractions for putting the ‘fun’ back tion and expansion (see AT provide interactive, ma- rine conservation-themed in the roller coaster,” Reilly February 2012 for a complete 4See MANTA, page 4 overview). The bulk of the edutainment. effort and $1.1 billion invest- ment have been lavished on DCA, with Disney’s promo- tional push highlighting Cars Land and the revamped DCA entrance area, Buena Vista Street, as key features of the park’s “grand reopening.” The two new lands follow several major additions to 4See CARS, page 7 SUBSCRIBE TO Dated material. material. Dated AMUSEMENT TODAY NEWSPAPER

POSTMASTER: PLEASE RUSH! June 26, 2012 Tuesday Mailed (817) 460-7220

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT SeaWorld San Diego guests riding the new Manta coast- FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT. com er are all smiles over the new family friendly ride. The

PAID amusementtoday LSM coaster opened on May 26. US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT AT/GARY SLADE 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint California tidbits Random thoughts from some of Southern California’s newest star attractions at the parks: •Disney California Adventure: What can a $1 billion makeover get you? Anything you want. The much needed icon that DCA needed has arrived. Radiator Springs Racers, Slade based on the Cars movie lineup takes the proven technology from Epcot’s Test Track by letting rid- ers now race each other on side-by-side tracks through a desert landscape. And this is just one portion of the entire new Cars Land. This is Disney’s best work yet. •Legoland California: When I first heard the news for a junior-sized Shoot the Chute I thought Merlin had lost it. No need to worry. Pirate Reef delivers all the fun and splash as the big chutes rides. Thanks to Legoland’s master model builders, this ride has more wet factor than many waterslides can create. And, thanks to two entry/exit points, this Hopkins Rides jewel of the Pacific waterway is accessable to both theme park and waterpark guests. Waterparks owners/operators should take a close look at this install and its use of Empex Watertoys. EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] •SeaWorld San Diego: As I told park GM John Reilly following our first ride together, “SeaWorld brought the The magic of Harry Potter heads for Japan fun back to the roller coaster.” By that I mean no inver- We have all been hugely uled to open first of the two, in late 2014, with sions, an ultra smooth, fun and exciting coaster that lets impressed by the Wizarding California set for 2016, I understand. guests and coaster enthusiasts come back for more. In a World of Harry Potter (WWoHP) Some may well, of course, question whether day when many coaster are not re-rideable, Manta is just at Universal Orlando Resort and or not the Harry Potter phenomenon will be as the opposite — re-rideable a 1,000 times over. Kudos to since opening two years ago it popular in a few years time as it is now, but I don’t Falcon’s Treehouse for their outstanding preshow, Mack has entertained millions of visi- see that being an issue — and clearly nor do the Rides for designing the coaster gem of the year and the tors from around the world in a powers that be at Universal. Indeed, almost a Mellor unique, yes, dare I say it, “magi- whole generation has been brought up with the park for putting the new area together in such a profes- cal” way. joys of Harry Potter so it’s a no brainer. And when sional manner. I think it’s fair to say that almost everyone you look at some of the figures involved, they tell •Universal Studios Hollywood: For Transformers: who has been to the attraction has come away their own story. The Ride-3D, the Hollywood park took the success of this awestruck by the creativity and astonishing detail Each of the seven books by J.K Rowling has dark ride technology from its sister parks in Orlando and that has gone into bringing the books and films broken sales records, with the series to date hav- Singapore to rewrite the film action to fit the 1984 Hasbro about the boy wizard’s exploits to life, placing ing sold approximately 450 million copies glob- toy figure. This $100 million ride uses all the guests right in the heart of the action in a way, ally and been translated into over 70 languages. latest gadgets in film technology. Dark ride fans will I would suspect, few ever imagined possible. I The Warner Bros. Pictures produced films have know I for one was totally blown away by it dur- grossed over $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the now make this a summer checkoff on their to do list. ing my visit. box office, making Harry Potter the largest gross- —Gary Slade It’s great news, therefore, that further incarna- ing film franchise in history. In Japan, the Harry tions of the attraction have now been announced, Potter film series has earned $893 million to date Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement one at Universal Studios Hollywood and now at the box office and has been seen by more than Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six another for Universal Studios Japan (as reported 78 million people. in this issue of AT). Although revealed some Wherever the park attractions are built, there- when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement months after the announcement for the California fore, success is assured, now and in the long, long Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career venture, it is the Japanese WWoHP that is sched- term. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997.

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, Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180; [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $200/$250. 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] Bubba Flint Daily E-mail Newsletter Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. [email protected] Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2012, with all rights reserved. [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Terri Adams, Dean Lamanna, Andrew Mellor, B. Derek Shaw, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY MINUTE •1895: On July 4, Sea Lion Presented by Park opened at Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y. It is generally con- DRILL sidered the first gated amuse- 2 ment park requiring patrons to COMPILED: Janice Witherow pay an admission just to enter Paul T. Couch, Dollywood the property. Sea Lion Park was also home to the infamous Flip Paul T. Couch’s theme park career began as a Flap, the first looping coaster performer and musician both in the U.S. Constructed by Lind at Kings Island and Opry- Beecher, it opened in Toledo, land USA. Having produced Ohio in 1899 and was moved to www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org shows for Opryland, the Sea Lion Park in 1900 where it Lucas Theater in Savannah, operated for three years. Georgia, and Nashville’s fabled Ryman Auditorium, •1904: Riverview Park, Chicago, Ill. held its grand opening on Couch now brings his produc- July 2. It was one of the America’s great urban amusement parks tion expertise to Dollywood Theme Park where he serves and operated for over 60 years. At its zenith the park featured as Director of Entertainment. more than 120 rides and was home, through the years, to 19 differ- Dollywood’s award-winning ent roller coasters including a Prior & Church Bobs coaster and a shows have received numer- Bartlett Flying Turns. As many as seven coasters operated simul- ous IAAPA Brass Ring Awards taneously in the 1960s. and Golden Ticket Awards for Dollywood’s Paul Couch accepts the Golden Ticket Award excellence over the last sev- •1907: On July 28, a fire at Steeplechase Park at Coney Island, eral years. Paul’s organization, for Best Shows during the awards event last September at Brooklyn, N.Y. destroyed most of the park. Owner George C. talent and pleasant disposition Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. Tilyou posted a sign that read “To enquiring friends: I have trou- are an ideal combination for AT/FILE his profession. He lives near bles today that I had not yesterday. I had troubles yesterday which The scariest thing I have ever done is … Dollywood with his wife and their beloved dog. I have not today. On this site will be built a bigger, better, Steeple- Carried Ricky Skaggs’s $45,000 fiddle through a chase Park. Admission to the burning ruins — ten cents.” The park long, pitch-black, junk-filled corridor behind a hotel Title ballroom stage. was rebuilt for the 1908 season and was fully operational by 1909. Director of Entertainment. Three years later, Tilyou died. His children continued to operate When I look out my front door at home, I see … the park for the next 52 years. It was Coney Island’s longest run- Number of years in the industry Granny’s Knob…it’s a large hill or small mountain… ning park. 33. take your pick.

Best thing about the industry •1974: The Great Adventure Entertainment Center, Jack- It is 3 p.m. on a workday. Where would we typi- It continuously renews itself. son, N.J. opened to the public on July 1 with two parks — The cally find you? Enchanted Forest and Wild Animal Safari. The $10 million park I work in theme park entertainment…what in the Favorite amusement ride was developed by restaurateur Warner Le Roy. Original plans world is typical? The shuttlecraft simulator at called for multiple attractions including a sea-life park, floral park, “Star Trek, The Experience” When I need some peace and quiet, I go to … sports complex, shopping district, hotel and campground to open in Las Vegas (yes, I am one of The driver’s seat of my 68 Firebird convertible and over a five-year period. The plans were never realized and in 1977 those!). cruise the highways and byways of Sevier County. the park was sold to Six Flags. Since that time Six Flags opened a Couch If I wasn’t working in the waterpark in 2000 and continues to run the amusement park and You are at the grocery store. What aisle do you amusement industry, I would be… safari animal park. spend the most time in? Designing and building furniture. The produce section. When did there get to be so •1984: An $80 million indoor theme park known as AutoWorld many different kinds of apples? I think the guy that Biggest challenge facing our industry comes up with all the different names for apples opened on July 4 in Flint, Michigan, a project of Six Flags. Al- Understanding what motivates our audience. is the same guy that comes up with the names for though Gov. James J. Blanchard predicted the new park would paint colors. trigger “the rebirth of the great city of Flint” the park would close The thing I like most about amusement/water just six months later. Several attempts were made to reopen the park season is … Favorite magazine amusement park or use the domed venue for other purposes, until The season of new possibilities it represents. Amusement Today readers have awarded Dolly- it was finally demolished in 1997. wood the Golden Ticket for Best Shows for the past Favorite appetizer three. I have become quite fond of this publication. I always order the soup. •2002: After completing 33 coasters and operating for 11 years, Denise Dinn closed Custom Coasters International and filed for When people come to visit me, I make sure to The last thing I do before leaving work is … take them to … bankruptcy. No attempt was made to reorganize the company and Make sure I know what I have to attend to tomor- Why, Dollywood of course! (I hear the shows are all of the assets were eventually liquidated at auction. The clo- row. good). sure came during construction of the New Mexico Rattler roller coaster leaving Cliff’s Amusement Park in a bind. Linda and Gary If I could guest star on any television show, it Favorite weekend getaway would be … Hayes hired the now jobless work crew, and completed the coast- Nashville. This was my home for over 20 years and The New Yankee Workshop. I would hold Norm er on their own. the place where I figured out what I wanted to be Abram’s safety glasses any day of the week! when I grew up.

The last thing I “Googled” was … TM The last junk food I ate was … “Willie the Duck.” If you grew up in Pittsburgh in Are hot dogs still considered junk food? Or have P.O. Box 5427 the 60s you totally get that. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 5-time Award Winner they managed to slip onto that food pyramid (817) 460-7220 thing? I’m going with hot dogs. It’s July! I will celebrate Independence Day by … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) Wrapping my dog in her Thundershirt and curl- My perfect Sunday is … ing up with her and my wife while we wait for the Find us on Facebook Sunday brunch at this sweet little bistro in down- neighborhood fireworks wars to subside. facebook.com/amusementtoday town Sevierville and then home to indulge in a stack of brand new recreational reading. The last thing I cooked was … Something on the grill. I am the designated griller. I absolutely can’t live without … Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday Morning “family time” with my wife and dog. My latest TV obsession The re-imagined incarnation of Battlestar Galactica. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone youtube.com/amusementtoday by visting www.mobiletag.com. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

MANTA Far left, Manta’s station and ride theming was created by Continued from page 1 ThemeWorks. Middle, after viewing an impressive pre-show said. film by Falcon’s Treehouse, riders are launched into this first The ride component of banked turn and drop. Above, Manta’s riders enjoy the re- Manta is a linear synchronous turn trip home after a second LSM launch. AT/GARY SLADE motor (LSM) double-launch coaster with blue steel track that sprawls across five acres formerly occupied by For- bidden Reef, the oldest sec- tion of the park, just north of SeaWorld’s Dolphin Point. Following the initial launch, which propels the 20-seat, ray-shaped trains to a maxi- mum speed of 43 mph in just two seconds, riders soar into a 54-foot drop (24 feet are below grade) and a well-paced half mile course of twists and short drops that supply surprising bursts of airtime. Above left, Before the first LSM launch, Manta riders are treated to a special underwater film (Falcon’s Treehouse) of manta In conceiving, developing rays and other sea life through a projection system that’s the first of its kind in the U.S. Above right, the massive interac- and constructing what became tive ray pool is part of both the ride’s entry queue and ride exit area. AT/GARY SLADE/FILM COURTESY FALCON’S TREEHOUSE the park’s single largest-ever capital investment — unof- ride design company Mack There’s plenty of carefully screen with undersea images sion to proceed with a media ficial cost estimates range be- Rides, which also engineered and artistically wrought mul- of gliding rays. The train rocks tunnel product for the launch tween $35-50 million — over the park’s popular Journey to timedia warm-up to the coast- forward and back ever-so- experience.” a three-year period, SeaWorld Atlantis water coaster eight er excitement, beginning with gently, as if in a water current, In addition to supplying worked closely with German years ago. the ride-optional, underwater while riders absorb this mag- the film production, music “We enjoyed [the collabo- queue below the aquarium nificent scene set to music of and audiovisual equipment ration] with that affords intimate views of increasing tempo. Suddenly, a (including 22 synchronized FAST FACTS SeaWorld hundreds of fishes and doz- hatch rises ahead and the train projectors) for the coaster very much,” ens of smaller rays of different bolts from the tunnel, diving launch, Falcon’s Treehouse Attraction/park said Christian species. (Actual manta rays, into the spaghetti-bowl track. coordinated the train’s rock- Manta Freiherr von which can reach 25 feet in A second LSM stretch propels ing movement in the launch SeaWorld San Diego Elverfeldt, width, have rarely been kept the train through the second tunnel with ride manufacturer San Diego, Calif. managing in captivity and will not be half of the course. Mack, enhancing the immer- director of Elverfeldt found here.) A concrete floor Utilizing a state-of-the- sive experience. Type Mack Rides, stamped with the impressions art projection system that’s The overall Manta attrac- LSM coaster who was onsite during the of seashells leads into this reef- the first of its kind in the U.S., tion package also features two coaster’s public debut. “We al- exploring experience. Manta’s show component was new eateries: Manny Ray’s, Maximum ready had the coaster system Back outside, Manta’s supplied by the attraction with a California-inspired height/drop/speed and technology designed and lushly landscaped loading sta- design and production firm menu, and Fusion Smoothies, 30 feet/54 feet/43 mph were happy with its operation tion, with its extensive bam- Falcon’s Treehouse, headquar- offering a variety of delicious [as Blue Fire] at Europa-Park boo fencing and hand-paint- tered in Orlando. The com- blended drinks. The Manta Track length/duration in Germany.” ed ceiling artwork (courtesy pany, which has a long history gift shop, an original building 2,835 feet/ According to Freiherr von of High Springs, Fla.-based of creative collaboration with that was part of SeaWorld’s 1 minute, 40 seconds Elverfeldt, the most significant ThemeWorks, Inc.), evokes an SeaWorld Parks & Entertain- Japanese Village when the challenge and modification exotic Southeast Asian island ment, last worked with the park opened in 1964, features Trains for the SeaWorld installation — complete with palm trees, San Diego property on the gifts and souvenirs highlight- 4 total, 20 seats each involved adding the second Japanese black pines, a collec- multimedia storytelling ele- ing the experience of the ride, LSM launch, which, in the ab- tion of cycads and a succulent ments for Journey to Atlantis. as well as items that focus on Manufacturer sence of a taller, gravity-based garden. Small shrines, Japa- “We were incredibly lucky the sea and its associated life- Mack Rides coaster structure, was needed nese rockwork, potted bonsai to work with such a talented style, such as resort and surf- Waldkirch, Germany to maintain the breathless trees and a stone pagoda and creative and technical team at type apparel. pace of the ride through its bell tower (structures dating Sea World San Diego,” said SeaWorld’s John Reilly Supporting suppliers second half and get the coaster back to the park’s 1964 open- Scott Miller, director of proj- said initial public reaction to Falcon’s Treehouse, back to the station. ing) enhance the atmospher- ect management — Asia, for Manta’s mix of coaster fun, in- Orlando, Fla. (film) and “Manta’s success is im- ics. Falcon’s Treehouse. “When teractive exhibits and marine ThemeWorks, High portant to Mack from a mar- Upon exiting the station, we were brought on board, conservation theming is en- Springs, Fla. (theming) keting standpoint, because the train rolls into temporary Manta’s show component was couraging. “So far, we’re get- it’s our first launch coaster in darkness and then brakes in- already in the concept phase ting great reviews, and people Official debut America,” said Freiherr von side a cavernous launch tun- and we were asked to par- are really connecting with the May 26, 2012 Elverfeldt. “It has exceeded nel, where 22 projectors fill ticipate in its refinement. We animals. We couldn’t be hap- our expectations.” a 270-degree wrap-around helped to influence the deci- pier.” July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 CARS arrivals, including Bob Iger, Continued from page 1 chairman and chief execu- tive officer of The Walt Dis- ney Company; John Lasseter, DCA in recent years, includ- chief creative officer of Pixar ing the rousing, finely tuned and Walt Disney Animation nighttime water spectacular Studios (and co-director of the “World of Color” and classic Cars movies); and many of the Disney dark ride The Little actors who have supplied the Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea colorful Cars character voices. Adventure. The Goodyear blimp Spir- “From the thrills of Cars it of America flew overhead, Land to the romance of Buena providing aerial coverage of Vista Street, the work that’s the celebration and its climac- been done throughout this tic fireworks above the artifi- entire expansion is extraordi- cial desert peaks of Ornament nary,” said Tom Staggs, chair- Valley — the towering back- man of Walt Disney Parks & drop for Cars Land’s fictional Resorts. “Disney California town of Radiator Springs. Adventure is a testament to “The Cars films are -par what we at Disney Parks do ticularly close to my heart, so best — connecting our guests seeing Radiator Springs come to the iconic stories, characters to life at Disney California and music they love, helping Adventure is a dream come them make shared memories true,” said Lasseter. “The art- to last a lifetime.” istry and attention to detail… Added Disneyland Resort is absolutely incredible, and President George A. Kalogri- I couldn’t be more proud of dis: “Every component of our the teams at Pixar and Walt expansion — from attractions, Disney Imagineering who merchandise and dining loca- worked side-by-side to make tions, to new entertainment this project a reality.” and re-imagined hotels — has been crafted to add exciting Power Steering Radiator Springs Racers is a high-tech, indoor/outdoor slot car ride that sends six-passenger new pages to our 57-year-old While competing Califor- story. Now, more than ever, “car-acters” racing around a hilly, twisting course. Track banking reaches a maximum of nia theme parks busily hyped 45 degrees, and each vehicle will log about 36,000 miles after a year of operation — the the Disneyland Resort makes their big new rides as “mega- the Anaheim/Orange County equivalent of more than 14 trips along the original Route 66. attractions” prior to mid-June, AT/GARY SLADE region a multi-day family va- the wheelie-popping arrival cation destination second to of Cars Land at DCA deflates Cone Motel and Ramone’s puter-controlled slot car tech- Elsewhere in Cars Land, none.” previous industry applica- House of Body Art. nology introduced in 1999 by Luigi (voiced by actor Tony The public relaunch of tions of the term. “We want guests to think Test Track at Epcot in the Walt Shalhoub) also invites guests DCA was preceded by a Built around a 525-foot- they are on this great road Disney World Resort, Lake to test-drive his new shipment splashy media preview June long asphalt pedestrian bou- trip…almost like they are go- Buena Vista, Fla., this high- of “Flying Tires” — an experi- 13-14. The festivities com- levard — modeled after and ing home,” said Kathy Mang- octane ride loads guests into ence akin to being loosed on menced with red carpet VIP named for historic Route 66 — um, executive producer of six-passenger sports cars for a an enormous air hockey ta- that unfurls toward a Cadillac Cars Land and vice president scenic road trip through Radi- ble. Riders lean left and right of Walt Disney Imagineering ator Springs, with a stop at ei- aboard the two-person cush- Get more, pay more fin-shaped mountain range, Cars Land invites guests to ex- (WDI), who explained that ther Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or ioned vehicles, floating and at the Mouse House plore “the cutest little town in each Cars Land attraction has Ramone’s House of Body Art. bumping along in an attrac- Carburetor County,” Radiator its own personality, based on Then, two cars line up on the tion reminiscent of Disney- ANAHEIM, Calif. — Springs. the cartoon denizens of Radia- dual track and exit the town land’s classic Flying Saucers. Ahead of expected at- Here, amid a plethora of tor Springs. “Guests will feel in a burst of speed, zooming At Mater’s Junkyard Jam- tendance increases this 1950s-60s-style neon and nos- as if the town is being operated along nose-to-nose — with boree, Mater himself (voiced summer with the reintro- talgia, there are three family by the characters. Everywhere guests never knowing which by comic actor Larry the Cable duction of its revamped attractions showcasing places you look there is a funny little car will win. 4See CARS, page 8 Disney California Adven- and characters from the Cars car nod. After all, it is a land ture (DCA) theme park, movies: Luigi’s Flying Tires, built by cars.” the Disneyland Resort has a bumper cars-style ride with Much of the area’s vin- raised admission prices. circular vehicles propelled tage highway theming was in- For example, a one- on a cushion of air around an spired by a research trip Walt day ticket for either Dis- 8,000-square-foot platform; Disney Imagineers took along neyland or DCA, previ- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a the actual Route 66. Other ously $80 for guests 10 high-capacity, Whip-like flat automotive “detailing” was and up, now is $87. And ride; and Radiator Springs created in collaboration with a premium annual pass Racers, a track-based, indoor/ Pixar animators. to the resort that includes outdoor racing experience Cars Land’s elaborate parking, previously $499, that carries guests in speeding western landscape, which in- now is $649. Cars character vehicles on one cludes hundreds of live cacti Disney officials have of the largest and most elabo- and other plant specimens, is offered no specific reason rate rides ever created for a anchored by a 280,000-square- At 280,000 square feet and 125 feet tall, Cars Land’s Orna- for the resort’s price hikes, Disney park. foot desert mountain back- ment Valley mountain range is the largest artificial rock struc- stating only that they are Fans of the movies will drop that houses DCA’s big- ture in any U.S. Disney park. It incorporates six distinct classic part of the company’s pe- also recognize the new area’s gest new draw: the six-acre car tail fin outlines (plus a few familiar hood ornament shapes) riodic pricing evaluation themed shops and restaurants, Radiator Springs Racers. from 1957-62 and sports a desert color palette as well as dra- and adjustment. like Flo’s V8 Cafe, the Cozy Utilizing the same com- matic night lighting. COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 CARS previewed last summer with Continued from page 7 the unveiling of a Streamline Moderne ticket gate modeled Guy, who has also contrib- on L.A.’s now-gone, 1935-built uted his trademark Southern Pan-Pacific Auditorium, cap- drawl to seven songs) issues tures the early-20th century his own unique call, courtesy creative spirit of Walt Disney of a Junkyard Jukebox that as never before — and enhanc- has lured baby tractors into es the immersive storytelling Mater’s Junkyard. The trac- experience that resort execu- tors swing guests around in tives and Walt Disney Imagi- hitched trailers. neers have mightly strived to Souvenir enthusiasts will bring to the park. find Disney and Disney-Pixar “The whole street comes gifts and clothing at themed alive to put you right there retail shops throughout Ra- with Walt when he first diator Springs. Dining options stepped off the train in Cali- are highlighted by Flo’s V8 fornia [in 1923], with all the In addition to Radiator Springs Racers, Cars Land is home to a pair of new flat rides: Luigi’s Cafe, inspired by old roadside optimism and opportunity Flying Tires, featuring Cars characters Luigi and Guido as hosts to a festival of tires that carry greasy spoons. The distinctive, he felt was there for him at guests on a two-inch air cushion created by 6,714 small vents; and Mater’s Junkyard Jambo- orange cone-shaped Sally’s the time,” said Lisa Girolami, ree, where Mater the tow truck has corralled a herd of runaway baby tractors and entices Cozy Cone Motel offers cone- director and senior show pro- guests to board hitched trailers for an old-fashioned “tow-si-do.” themed snacks (ice cream ducer for WDI. “Every piece AT/GARY SLADE : MATER’S JUNKYARD COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT cones and chile “cone” queso, has to be there when you walk among other “cone”-coctions), into a story, to know where ing in Southern California cui- defunct) Pacific Electric Red opening new doors, and doing while Fillmore’s Taste-in, as you are, what time it is, what’s sine, and anchors the central Car Line. It carries guests from new things, because curiosity the New Age hippie van-in- happening and to really be plaza from which guests set Buena Vista Street down Hol- keeps leading us down new residence, celebrates the nat- able to take in the music, the out to enjoy the different areas lywood Boulevard to the foot- paths,’” noted resort president ural health benefits of fresh colors and the ornamentation of the park. steps of the famed Hollywood George A. Kalogridis. “Our fruits, bottled water and juices on the architecture.” While the interior of the Tower Hotel, home to The ‘new path’ is built firmly on from the comfort of a tie-dyed DCA’s new architectural Carthay Circle Theatre evokes Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Walt’s legacy, enriched with geodesic dome. icon, the Carthay Circle The- the grand elegance of a classic Street characters and en- traditions that could only be atre, is a majestic, Spanish Co- movie premiere, the ambience tertainers, such as the Red found in the park that felt his Walt’s Road to Success lonial Revival building at the of the restaurant and lounge Car News Boys and the jazzy footsteps.” While Cars Land is com- end of Buena Vista Street that is warm and family friendly. musicians Five & Dime, add manding the most attention recalls the great L.A. movie “We’ve created a sanctuary to to the lively fun along Buena and excitement at the newly palace where Disney’s Snow escape from the bustle of the Vista Street and are among the improved DCA, guests now White and the Seven Dwarfs pre- park,” said Andrew Sutton, dozen or so entertainment ex- enter the park through anoth- miered in 1937. Adorned in- executive chef of the Carthay periences now found through- er richly detailed land: Buena side with historic Walt Disney Circle eatery and the Napa out DCA. This summer also Vista Street. Studios photos and exhibits, it Rose restaurant at Disney’s has also brought the Mad T The rethemed and re- houses the Carthay Circle Res- Grand California Hotel & Spa, Party (nighttime family fun designed area, which was taurant and Lounge, specializ- also located within DCA. inspired by Tim Burton’s 2010 Other food outlets on film version of Alice in Won- Buena Vista Street include derland) in Hollywood Land DCA welcomes Ghirardelli Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and the return of the Pixar (the names of the Three Little Play Parade. Pigs in the “Silly Symphonies” The tale-spinning heart cartoon), a quick-service diner of Buena Vista Street and the showcasing Starbucks coffee; whole of DCA lies in a statue Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped called, appropriately enough, Ice Cream (named for Mickey “Storytellers,” located at street Mouse’s cow pal); and Mor- level in the central plaza. The timer’s Market, a kiosk of- statue presents Walt Disney as fering whole and cut fruits, a humble young man, dream- bottled water, juices and soft ing of achievements to come, drinks. standing alongside Mickey Highlighting the expand- Mouse. ed shopping opportunities on “Set in this time period, Buena Vista Street are Elias Walt Disney could have been & Co, an elegant department you or I, or anybody at that Towering nearly 90 feet store carrying vintage Disney time…,” said Ray Spencer, over Buena Vista Street, the merchandise; Big Top Toys, WDI’s creative director for Carthay Circle Theatre, in- featuring innovative and inter- Buena Vista Street. “It’s part of spired by the Los Angeles active games and playthings; the story of the street, a story site where Walt Disney pre- Julius Katz & Sons, stocking of humble beginnings. It’s a miered Snow White and the home décor and kitchen gad- story of a wonderful, inspira- Seven Dwarfs in 1937, is the Welcoming San Leandro, Calif.-based Ghirardelli Choco- gets; and Trolley Treats, offer- tional time period with a won- new welcoming symbol of late Company to DCA’s expansion were (from left) Mary ing packaged candy, gourmet derful, inspirational, gifted DCA. At three-quarter scale Niven, vice president, Disney California Adventure; marshmallows and all kinds man who created what we can to the original building, it is Ernst Tanner, CEO, Lindt & Sprüngli AG; and George of goodies. now enjoy as The Walt Disney about 13 feet taller than its A. Kalogridis, president, Disneyland Resort. Located The name of the latter Company.” iconic counterpart, Sleeping in the Pacific Wharf area, the chocolatier’s first outlet store is a nod to the area’s It is also a story about a Beauty Castle, across the sited within a theme park will present each shop visitor new “old” form of transport: creative journey with no end. promenade in Disneyland. with a complimentary chocolate sample. the Red Car Trolley, based “Walt Disney once said, COURTESY COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT/GHIRARDELLI on L.A.’s historic (and long- ‘We keep moving forward, DISNEYLAND RESORT July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 INTERNATIONAL PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS Denmark’s Legoland kicks off 2012 season with largest single-year investment Reporter’s Zierer-built coaster Notebook features snowmobile Asian Attractions Expo theme, vertical drop exceeds expectations HONG KONG — IAAPA’s STORY: Andrew Mellor 2012 edition of the Asian At- [email protected] tractions Expo, held June 5-8 in Hong Kong, exceeded records DENMARK — Legoland Billund set at 2011’s Singapore show. in Denmark has marked the 2012 All total, 5,150 registered for season with the largest single invest- the 2012 show, up 439 from last ment in the history of the park which year. This year’s show had regis- has seen the opening of the new Polar trations of: 3,220 total qualified Land area. buyers, 1,079 total buying com- Created at a cost of DKK 75 million panies and 274 total exhibiting (U.S. $12.5 million), Polar Land fea- companies, up 38 from last year. tures a host of attractions, including a IAAPA has announced that centerpiece roller coaster, Polar X-Plor- AAE 2013 will be held June 4-7, er, a genuine penguin habitat named 2013 at the Sands Expo and Penguin Bay, the Ice Pilot School, pre- Convention Center at Marina viously the Power Builder (a Kuka Ro- Bay Sands in Singapore. boCoaster), the Polar Pizza and Pasta restaurant, a retail outlet and 44 new Lego models. Above, Polar Land is suitably themed throughout with a range of features, The Polar X-Plorer, built by Zierer, including 44 Lego models. Below, the new Polar X-plorer coaster from Zierer is a ‘free-fall’ roller coaster and one of is one of only three such rides in the world which incorporate a free-fall sec- only three of its kind in the world. Fea- tion. COURTESY LEGOLAND BILLUND Quoted turing a snowmobile themed train, the ride covers a total area of 3,400-square “ Having decided meters (36,600 square feet) and takes on the location, we passengers through a polar landscape looked at the with real penguins on a 111 second journey along the 498 meters (1,634 supplier options and feet) of track, past polar animals built because of its from Lego bricks, through an ice wa- terfall and into a 16.5-meter-high experience in the mountain, at a height of 10 meters (33 field and excellent feet). Inside the mountain the experi- reputation within the ence reaches its climax as the 16-seater snowmobile suddenly vertically free- industry, Huss was falls five meters (16.4 feet) in a “crash- the natural choice.” ing through the ice” feature, landing —Merlin General Manager safely back on the tracks to continue its Craig Dunkerley on the journey to the end of the ride. Visitors selection of Huss Park experience a G-force of up to 4.2 G’s Attractions as the supplier and a top speed of 65 kmh (40 mph) of its new Sky Tower at the during the ride. Hourly capacity of the England sailing Olympic venue coaster is approximately 850 riders. Penguin Bay is home to 15 Gen- 4See DENMARK, page 10 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 Duinrell adds Gerstlauer coaster, upgrades accommodations STORY: Andrew Mellor length of 361 meters (1,184 [email protected] feet) and a maximum height of 18 meters (59 feet). Top NETHERLANDS — Fol- speed is 50 kmh (31 mph), lowing a range of upgrades while a key feature is its al- to its Duingalows, campsites most silent running with the and the Duinhostel in 2011, track being filled with sand Duinrell in the Netherlands to reduce noise levels. A new has continued to invest in anti-roll back system is also the park for 2012 with the ad- incorporated which adds dition of a brand new roller further to the quiet operation coaster in its amusement of the ride. park as well as the installa- “The Dragon Fly is situ- tion of approximately 40 new ated in a woody environ- Duingalows. ment and is a nice family The new Dragon Fly coaster which is very popu- family coaster, supplied by lar among our guests,” said German manufacturer Ger- Duinrell director Philip van stlauer, has a special theme Zuylen van Nijevelt. “Chil- with the train being decorat- dren of a minimum height of ed to match with the main at- one meter are allowed to ride tractions in the surrounding this coaster, which is our sec- area, while all the support ond coaster supplied by Ger- pillars are painted in a wood stlauer. The first is the Falcon The new Dragon Fly finish so that it fits perfectly which is more suitable for coaster is into the woodland setting in thrill seekers. The Dragon the second which it has been built. Fly is perfect for families Just like a real dragon coaster ride with younger children.” at Duinrell to fly, the coaster takes guests As mentioned, also new be supplied flying through trees and the for this year are around 40 by Gerstlauer. train’s blue coloring, with Duingalows which have It has been a beautiful wing print, not been brought in to replace designed and only matches the tracks and the oldest Duingalows on the painted to fit themes of the other coasters site. The new Premium XL in with the (Kikkerachbaan and Falcon) holiday bungalows are very wooded area but also other surrounding spacious and are built along in which it attractions such as Water- the fringe of the park close to operates. spin, Splash and Mad Mill. the Duinrell Plaza facilities. COURTESY The new ride has a track DUINRELL DENMARK designed to match the birds’ Continued from page 9 natural patterns of behaviour. To this end, for example, both Huss Sky Tower to highlight Olympic venue the temperature and light ENGLAND — German ride manufacturer Entertainments will be the operator. too penguins, born and bred match natural cycles on Ant- Huss Park Attractions has announced that it Mirko J. Schulze, CEO of Huss Park At- at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland arctica, while there is also a is in the process of building a major observa- tractions GmbH, said: “It is the first time we and now accommodated in a designated nest building area tion tower on Weymouth, Dorset seafront on have worked with Merlin Entertainments and penguin habitat developed in and rocks to climb on, along the south coast of England for Merlin Enter- the whole team is delighted to be part of this partnership with zoologists with a suitable distribution of tainments. important and prestigious project. Everyone from Atlantis by Sea Life and aquatic and land areas. The tower, which will reach a height of at Huss is working very hard to ensure every- 179 feet and provide panoramic, 360-degree thing is done in accordance with the client’s views over the English channel and surround- wishes and to ensure their full satisfaction. ing countryside, is due to be completed in Fabrication of the tower itself and gondola time for this year’s Olympic sailing events set is finished and delivery to Weymouth started to take place in Weymouth and neighbour- on time in early March 2012. We are happy ing Portland. to have established this challenging starting The structure will be built on the town’s point with Merlin and are looking forward to Festival Pier and will feature a rotating gon- seeing the Huss Sky Tower in operation for dola capable of accommodating up to 70 this major event.” passengers, including guests with disabilities For Merlin, General Manager Craig and wheelchair passengers. The gondola, in- Dunkerley said: “The decision to develop corporating floor to ceiling windows will ro- the Weymouth Sea Life Tower was in part tate as it ascends and descends. inspired by the spectacular success of the A total of 29 concrete piles are being London Eye and subsequent expansion of sunk at the pier to act as a watertight barrier the Eye brand to also encompass the famous for the structure’s foundations. When com- Blackpool and Sydney Towers. Having decid- plete, the weight of the attraction will be 143 ed on the location, we looked at the supplier tons. options and because of its experience in the An official groundbreaking ceremony field and excellent reputation within the in- took place in January when work on the tow- dustry, Huss was the natural choice.” The Penguin Bay area provides an authentic habitat for 15 er’s foundations began. U.K.-based Merlin Gentoo penguins. COURTESY LEGOLAND BILLUND July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 World’s highest water coaster debuts at Mirabilandia STORY: Andrew Mellor section and returning to the [email protected] futuristically styled station. In the build-up to the ITALY — The Italian launch of the new attraction, park Mirabilandia, part of the a promotional campaign was Parques Reunidos group, was created by Mirabilandia which ready to debut its latest ma- gave park fans the opportu- jor attraction, just in time for nity to customize their own the start of the summer sea- Divertical boats with a choice son, with the opening of the of colors and graphics, via a spectacular Divertical water special interface on the park’s coaster, the highest such ride website. The winning designs anywhere in the world. have been used on the boats Topping out at a height of and the winners were due to 60 meters (197 feet), the new be guests of honor at the ride Mirabilandia’s new Divertical thriller has been designed and opening. water coaster, supplied by built by Intamin and is being “We have thought to offer Intamin, is the tallest such touted by the park as “the our fans a one-off opportunity ride in the world. Riders will most important investment in by putting their own signa- experience a drop of 197 the history of Mirabilandia.” ture on and personalizing one feet while reaching speeds Themed on the world of of the Divertical boats,” ex- of 62 mph. Following the power boats, the ride utilizes plained Riccardo Capo, CEO initial drop, the ride contin- up to 12 passenger boats that of Mirabilandia. “This is a way ues with a coaster portion are carried to the top of the to reward the passion and en- of track before splashing main drop hill via a vertical thusiasm of our fans who fol- riders in the water for a lift. Following release from low the construction of this big second time. Up to 12 this point of the ride, passen- attraction which will change boats are used on the ride, gers reach a maximum speed the image of Mirabilandia. which has been given a of 110 kmh (62 mph) as they “Divertical is, in fact, not drop over 60 meters (197 feet) powerboat theme. only the highest water coaster COURTESY MIRABILANDIA into a splashdown feature fol- in the world, but it will be- lowed by a classic coaster sec- come one of the symbols of the We must not forget that Diver- of the podium that, together and iSpeed (an Intamin launch tion which twists and turns park thanks to its impressive tical will be the highest coaster with Katun (a Bolliger and coaster), will totally belong to before entering a final water mass and innovative concept. in Italy and will finish on top Mabillard inverted coaster) Mirabilandia.” Harry Potter attraction set for Universal Studios Japan STORY: Andrew Mellor The USJ attraction will [email protected] be similar to that in Orlando and will include Hogwart’s JAPAN — Universal Castle, Hogsmeade and mul- Studios Japan (USJ) has an- tiple themed attractions. It nounced that, in partner- will be created with the same ship with Warner Bros. and commitment to authenticity Universal Parks and Resorts, and the same high level of it will be bringing The Wiz- talent and resources, includ- arding World of Harry Potter ing the creative leadership (WWoHP) to Japan within of Stuart Craig, production the next three years, marking designer for the entire Harry the global expansion of the Potter film series. hugely popular themed en- The themed area itself tertainment experience that will be a fully immersive en- opened at Universal Orlando vironment for the entire fam- Resort in June 2010. ily that will bring the stories The announcement of the of Harry Potter to life and be new park was made in May faithful to the visual land- by Glenn Gumpel, president scape of the films. And just and CEO, Universal Studios as the WWoHP in Orlando Japan; Brad Globe, president brought significant increas- of Warner Bros. Consumer es in tourism, jobs and eco- Products; and Michael Silver, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to come to Universal Studios Japan in late 2014 nomic benefit to the central president, Global Business and will include all the features and authentic design work that have made the Orlando at- Florida area, so too are simi- Development, Universal traction such a huge success. COURTESY UNIVERSALORLANDO RESORT lar benefits expected to come Parks and Resorts. They were to the Osaka/Kansai region, accompanied by James and honor at the announcement will be as “magnificent and faithfully bring to life the sto- and the entire country, as a Oliver Phelps, who played ceremony was Ichiro Matsui, as impressive as the WWoHP ries created by J.K.Rowling result of the new venue at the roles of Fred and George governor of Osaka. at Universal Orlando Re- in her books and as captured USJ. Weasley in the Harry Potter According to the parties sort.” Just as in Orlando, on screen in the Warner Bros. film series, while guest of involved, the WWoHP at USJ the Japanese attraction will films. 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 PARKS & ATTRACTIONS RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS Verbolten haunts the Black Forest at Busch Gardens Virginia themer’s Oktoberfest section rehab completed with Zierer coaster STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] Reporter’s WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Something mysterious is lurking in Notebook the woods at Busch Gardens, and park Coastin’ For Kids event guests are queuing up in droves this season to find out just what it is. raises money for GKTW The Virginia themer pulled out all the SANDUSKY, Ohio — Roller stops for its latest attraction, Verbolten coaster fans proved they have – Brave the Black Forest. big hearts and strong stomachs The new- on June 10 at Cedar Fair Enter- for-2012 ride tainment Company’s “Coasting caps off a two- For Kids” event, which raised year refreshment nearly $114,000 for Give Kids of the park’s The World Village (GKTW). Oktoberfest vil- That’s twice as much as the lage, which also event collected in its first three includes Mäch years, bringing the four-year to- Tower, a 240-foot drop tower from tal to more than $200,000. Moser’s Rides; an award-winning At Cedar Fair’s flagship pretzel-themed restaurant; and a new park, Cedar Point, more than show inside Das Festhaus (Entwined: 75 participants took marathon Tales of Good and Grimm). This mas- rides on the Magnum XL-200 sive endeavor culminates in the largest Verbolten’s five road- and Gemini. Some logged more capital expansion in the park’s 37-year ster-themed trains than 100 rides in a single day, history. each seat 16 riders stopping only for water and a who are secured with quick bite to eat. Verbolten individual lap bars. A “This year’s riders showed Inspired by Germany’s Autoban, height requirement of an unparalleled level of dedi- the Verbolten experience begins with 48 inches makes the cation and enthusiasm,” Cedar the queue and station, which have been ride accessible to a Point spokeswoman Annie Zelm painstakingly themed as a German wide range of guests. said. motorist touring agency presided over AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD by brother and sister Gunter and Gerta Schwartzwald. Gerta operates the visi- Verbolten utilizes five roadster- the “event building” where riders are Quoted tor center where travelers rent cars themed trains (red, orange, blue, green treated to an airtime hill followed by a “We’ve pushed the while Gunter oversees the garage that and yellow) that each seat 16 guests. To collection of high-G turns in darkness boundaries of 3D, supplies the cars. The elaborate sto- maximize capacity, Zierer designed the laced with healthy doses of UV strobe hyperrealism and ryline woven into the attraction, along platform with a dual loading system. lights, audio and other special effects. with plenty of props and TV monitors, When one train is filled, it advances After the train is smoothly braked to immersive special keeps guests entertained as they move onto a holding brake as its successor halt and held in place by powerful effects to transport toward the loading platform. takes on passengers. Trains are dis- magnets, riders experience one of three our guests, physically At the heart of Verbolten is a patched every 60 seconds. With riders storylines – The Spirit of the Forest, and viscerally, into the sprawling steel roller coaster that, secured by individual lap bars, the Lightning Storm or The Big Bad Wolf. world of Transformers.” like its predecessor, the Big Bad train rolls out of the station for a tran- Next comes one of Verbolten’s quil drive through the countryside. most shocking attributes. With riders —Universal Creative President Wolf, takes full advantage of the Mark Wooddbury decsribing park’s undulating terrain. Supplied After a leisurely, extended S-turn, an distracted by the show around them, the park’s collaboration with by German ride manufacturer Zierer, abrupt detour leads into a harrow- the train suddenly freefalls 16 feet to a Michael Bay, the film series’ direc- Verbolten features 2,835 feet of track ing adventure through the forbidden lower level. Before anyone can recover, tor and the creative consultant for that includes indoor and outdoor sec- Black Forest. a quick dip leads the train outside Transformers: The Ride-3D tions with propulsion provided by The first LSM launch segment pro- to the second LSM launch corridor. Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM). pels the train at 55 mph up and into 4See VERBOLTEN, page 14

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VERBOLTEN Continued from page 13

A powerful burst of energy pushes riders back into their seats and into a wicked right- then-left ascending turn. This maneuver positions them high above the park atop a derelict covered bridge. Surrounded by sounds of creaking and splintering wood, the train moves ever closer to the preci- Verbolten’s queue and station are expertly themed as a German motorist touring agency. The dual loading station substan- pice, eventually slipping over tially decreases wait times for guests. AT / SCOTT RUTHERFORD and plunging 88 feet to the Rhine River below. Like the Zierer did their job by keeping attraction. The LSM launches tion and, of course, that spec- the Wolf was a unique roller Big Bad Wolf before it, the the equipment and other ship- have been completely reli- tacular final drop and turn coaster, and there will most train whips through another ments consistent. Once they able and performed exactly over the river. We knew that likely never be another one S-turn over the water and then arrived, the track segments all as promised. I feel they really was a wonderful and thrilling to offer that same experience. climbs back up the hillside. fit perfectly with one another add a new dimension to the segment; we didn’t want to We, too, were saddened to see A floating speed bump and as well as the foundations we ride, especially at the begin- take it away. So we made the it go. People are telling us banked left turn leads into the had prepared. A Memorial ning when trains are literally drop ten feet taller and used that they loved the Wolf, and brake run. Day weekend debut was our sucked into the Black Forest, as many of the Wolf’s sup- will miss it always. But they’re target but we actually opened and again at the end when port foundations as we could also embracing Verbolten as Extolling Verbolten’s virtues two weeks earlier than that. they are suddenly thrown to allow Verbolten’s trains to an excellent ride,” concluded During an on-site inter- As compared to some of our back out,” said Giles. follow almost the same path Giles. “It’s a worthy successor view, AT spoke about the cre- other ride startups, Verbolten as the Wolf did for so many to the Big Bad Wolf and this ation and debut of Verbolten is well above average. Replacing the Wolf years. very special area in the park.” with Larry Giles, Busch “Guest reaction to this To make way for Verbolten, “We fully recognize that Gardens’ vice president of new ride has been phenom- park officials made the painful design and engineering. enal. I’ve been here 24 years decision to retire the Big Bad “Verbolten’s installation went and worked through a dozen Wolf, a beloved Arrow Huss extremely well. Despite a hur- of these openings and I’m suspended coaster that thrilled ricane early on in the construc- blown away by how much Busch Gardens guests for 25 tion process, the mild winter people love this ride,” contin- seasons before being removed helped us keep on schedule. ued Giles. “Our intent was to in 2009. Closing a ride that create a complete experience had so many fans was a risky FAST FACTS for guests instead of simply move for Busch Gardens. This a roller coaster. It begins with suspended coaster was abso- our themed queue and its sto- lutely unique but the forces it Attraction/park ryline. Then we have the show generated, especially during Verbolten building, which is something the manic drop and turn over Busch Gardens that really sets Verbolten apart the river, were extreme and Williamsburg, Va. from any other coaster. taking their toll on the aging “Verbolten is our most steel track. Using the wording Type technologically complex “the ride had reached the end LSM coaster of its operating life” left a void that for some fans will never Features be filled. Two LSM launch sections; Larry Giles fully under- in-the-dark show building stands the public’s attachment with light/sound/ to the Big Bad Wolf. “We get environmental special a lot of repeat visitors, and effects including a 16-foot for many in this region Busch horizontal freefall drop Gardens is their theme park. section; high-speed drop/ Generations come here year S-turn over Rhine River after year. For many, the Big Bad Wolf was their first roller Maximum coaster,” Giles explained. “All height/speed my kids grew up riding it. 88 feet/53 mph And due to its relatively low height requirement, it was Track length/duration the most accessible coaster to 2,835 feet/ the largest group of visitors. 1 minute, 30 seconds When we decided to retire it, we were very concerned about Trains how loyal guests were going 5 total, 16 seats each to react to losing a favorite ride. It was something that we Manufacturer considered very carefully. Larry Giles, Busch Gardens’ Zierer Karussell GmbH “When the time came to vice president of design and Offenberg, Germany choose the BBW’s replace- engineering, on the board- Verbolten’s finale features a trip across a ‘collapsing’ bridge ment, we looked back at all ing platform with one of and an 88-foot plunge to the Rhine River below. Like the Official debut of its best features. We kept Verbolten’s five trains. Big Bad Wolf before it, this section is a highlight of the ride May 25, 2012 the flowing exit from the sta- AT / SCOTT RUTHERFORD experience. AT / SCOTT RUTHERFORD July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 Kennedy Space Center welcoming visitors Kennedy Space Center Visi- tor Complex is offering rare during 50th anniversary year with tours behind-the-scenes tours for its 50th anniversary year, SPACE CENTER, Fla. Atlantis exhibit will pro- including one taking visitors — NASA is offering visitors vide guests a unique van- inside the massive, 525-foot- rare access to several key tage point to view Atlantis tall Vehicle Assembly Build- areas of Florida’s Kennedy up close, while telling the ing, where the Apollo rockets Space Center during its 50th story of the 30-year Space and space shuttles were anniversary year to enhance Shuttle Program through assembled and the Launch a popular destination that a number of hands-on, in- Control Center, where NASA already features an array of teractive and immersive directors and engineers authentic attractions show- mediums. supervised all of the 152 casing the space program KennedySpace launches for the space shuttle and opportunities for up- Center.com. and Apollo programs. COURTESY NASA close viewing of ongoing rocket launches. A special Kennedy Space Center Up-Close Tour has been extended through the end of 2012 to provide visitors a look inside the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assem- bly Building (VAB), where the Apollo rockets and space shuttles were assembled. One of the largest buildings in the world, the VAB had been off limits to visitors for more than 30 years until the tour was added in Novem- ber. The visitor complex remains one of the best vantage points to see rock- et launches taking place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. More than 10 launches have been sched- uled for 2012 to carry NASA science missions and gov- ernment satellites, as well as to test commercial space programs. “We want people to know that a visit to Kenne- dy Space Center remains a visit to an operating facility where a lot of exciting things are happening. It’s a world- class destination that offers a truly authentic and memo- rable visitor experience, and this year is an ideal time for Florida residents and va- cationers to visit,” said Bill Moore, chief operating offi- cer of Kennedy Space Cen- ter Visitor Complex. Events are planned to mark milestones in the cre- ation of the future home of the space shuttle Atlantis, expected to open in July 2013. Ground was broken in January on the exhibit, and this fall Atlantis will “roll over” from its processing facility inside the Kennedy Space Center to the visitor complex for permanent dis- play. The 65,000-square-foot 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 AMUSEMENT MARKET PLACE

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Tel: (817) 652-1212 • Fax: (817) 652-1242 www.dynamicattractions.com Parts and Service - Arlington, TX, USA • Sales and Marketing - Victoria, BC, Canada Engineering & Fabrication by Dynamic Structures Above, The popular game WhirlyBall opened May 19 on I-Drive in Orlando. At right, top to bottom, the $7 million WhirlyDome, by SP Entertainment, is an FEC that also features dual bowl- ing lanes, Lazer Tag, a mo- tion base simulator, arcade games and a bar/restaurant area. AT/MARLON SCOTT

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ORLANDO, Fla. — The WhirlyDome, by SP Enter- tainment, opened on May 19 on the tourist driven Interna- tional Drive in Orlando, Fla. Housed in the former Sports Dominator store on I-Drive, WhirlyDome is a $7 million dollar project housing several entertainment experiences. A 20-ton second floor was built to house the second of two Flotron WhirlyBall courts, a Laser Tag by Zone with an Ocean Quest theme designed by Creative Works and a cock- tail bar. The lower level has Laser Frenzy, dual bowling lanes, an F1 motion base simulator, and indoor/outdoor dining ar- eas. A full kitchen facility was built to accommodate a Blood- hound Brewpub and Eatery concept plus catering for pri- vate parties. Guests can pay as they go with credits loaded into a WhirlyCard. Owners tout the facility as the only WhirlyBall facility in the area, with the next closest facility located in Atlanta. Also WhirlyDome is the only one located in a retail environment that draws from walk-up tour- ists on I-Drive as well as pri- vate groups. Keep our amusement park industry strong! •WhirlyDome.com Buy products and services from these suppliers. —Marlon Scott July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17

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PO BOX 638 • Plainview, Texas 79072 • (806) 293-1353 • www.larsonintl.com 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 SkyScreamer flies at Six Flags Great Adventure Funtime of Austria delivers second round Fiesta Texas of towers to Six Flags SkyScreamer

STORY: Scott Rutherford makes debut [email protected]

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure’s 2012 season is highlighted by the debut of SkyScreamer, a 24-story tower swing ride. Anchoring the park’s newly- themed Adventure Alley, an area tailored to entertain fami- lies with rides they can expe- rience together, SkyScreamer takes traditional swing rides to the next level. Thirty-two guests board the ride and sit two-abreast in open-air swings as they climb to the top of SkyScreamer’s 240-foot tall tower while spin- ning around. At full swing, guests soar in a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 mph and are afforded spectacular views of the park and surrounding countryside. During a soft opening on May 17, Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, fresh off Supplied by Funtime of Austria, Six Flags Great Adventure’s his Broadway run in “How Due to ride height restrictions placed on the park, Six new 240-foot tall SkyScreamer is the tallest of four 32-seat to Succeed in Business Without Flags Fiesta debuted its 200-foot tall SkyScreamer, when StarFlyer units to open in the U.S. Guests sit two-abreast in Really Trying,” was among the the ride opened in May. The Fiesta Texas version was open-air swings as they climb to the top of the ride’s tower very first to ride SkyScreamer given a different paint scheme giving it a unique look. along with cast mate Michael all the while spinning around a 98-foot circle at speeds of 40 AT/TIM BALDWIN mph. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD 4See SKYSCREAMER, page 19 Six Flags America makes a stand with Apocalypse STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] BOWIE, Md. — While the Mayan’s end-of-days pre- diction is scheduled for the conclusion of 2012, Six Flags America decided to get a head-start on disaster with the introduction of Apocalypse – they are met with signs of The Last Stand. Ranking as the impending doom: airplane park’s eighth roller coaster, wreckage, burned out vehi- Apocalypse is a first-genera- cles, evidence of the undead tion stand-up model supplied and scorching special effects,” by Switzerland’s renowned said Rick Howarth, Six Flags steel coaster manufacturer, America park president. Bolliger & Mabillard. “We selected this ride for Six The mayhem struck Six Flags America, complete with Flags America on June 7 a timely 2012 Apocalypse with a trainload of zombies theme, to broaden our roller taking the first spin aboard coaster collection and give Mayhem has Apocalypse, which is located guests a multi-sensory thrill descended on Six near the first drop of the park’s ride experience.” Flags America in the Wild One wooden coaster. The Upon entering the attrac- form of Apocalypse attraction was built partially tion, guests wind through a – The Last Stand, on the site of the former Skull queue, stepping further and first-generation Mountain, an Intamin water further into an end-of-the- stand-up coaster coaster that was retired in late world scenario. They then supplied by Bolliger 2011. stand four-abreast in one of & Mabillard. “As guests approach two seven-car trains that each AT/SCOTT Apocalypse—The Last Stand, 4See APOCALYPSE, page 19 RUTHERFORD July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

SKYSCREAMER that was the foundation for Group (REG) of Millersville, APOCALYPSE America where it operated from 1990 through the 2011 Continued from page 18 Adventure Alley.” Md. “We are excited about Continued from page 18 Supplied by Funtime all of the StarFlyers open- season. Fans wondering if the Urie (former “Ugly Betty” star) of Austria, Six Flags Great ing at Six Flags parks around accommodate 28 riders. After ride lost any of its bite during and several other Broadway Adventure’s new SkyScreamer the chain,” said REG’s Adam making the 100-foot ascent to the transformation from Iron cast members. Jonas described is the tallest of four 32-seat Sandy. “At Great Adventure, the ride’s apex, a twisting first Wolf to Apocalypse can rest SkyScreamer as “the perfect StarFlyer units to open in the the SkyScreamer anchors the drop propels them through a assured. Aside from an elabo- ride to start the day.” United States. Six Flags Fiesta park’s new Adventure Alley tight, convoluted 2,900-foot- rate thematic package and an AT spoke with Six Texas opened their version section, which is a great nod to long course at speeds of 55 outstanding new orange-on- Flags Great Adventure’s earlier this spring while Six the classic 1970’s theme park. mph. The turbulent journey is charcoal color scheme (pro- Communications Director Flags Discovery Kingdom and It is full of rides the entire highlighted by two complete vided by amusement industry Kristin Siebeneicher about Six Flags St. Louis both intro- family can enjoy together and inversions (a vertical loop and veterans Baynum Painting), SkyScreamer’s construc- duced SkyScreamer rides in the SkyScreamer is a thrilling corkscrew). the coaster provides virtually tion and debut. “The instal- 2011. addition to a classic amuse- Before ravaging guests at the same intense ride charac- lation of SkyScreamer went Funtime is represent- ment park skyline.” SFA, Apocalypse began its life teristics they enjoyed during smoothly. Once the massive ed by Ride Entertainment as Iron Wolf at Six Flags Great its years in Illinois. footers were installed, it was amazing to see how quick- ly the tower was erected,” said Siebeneicher. “The ride has performed well and the reaction to SkyScreamer has been tremendous. It’s won- derful to see children, teens, adults and seniors all soar- ing 24 stories in the air. The ride is gentle enough for all ages, yet its height and speed make it thrilling enough to please adrenaline junkies. SkyScreamer is the perfect cornerstone of our newly- themed Adventure Alley sec- tion, which is designed to evoke nostalgia and features rides for the entire family. “This season, we also added a music-themed Scrambler, Déjà Vu, Air Jumbo flying elephants, and com- ing in July, new bumper cars named Fender Benders. They join our existing Big Wheel, a 150-foot Ferris wheel,” added Siebeneicher. “It may be inter- esting to know that during the extensive research we com- pleted last year, the number one thing our guests told us – from both teens and adults – was that they wanted to see more rides the entire fam- ily could enjoy together. And

Six Flags Great Adventure’s Communications Director Kristin Siebeneicher and associate Kaitlyn Turi pose before the park’s new SkyScreamer opens. AT/TIM BALDWIN 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 Legoland California’s Pirate Reef makes big splash Hopkins supplies “JUNIOR” Shoot the Chute; Empex Watertoys provides water blasters

STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert soaking daring guests on the bridge below. [email protected] Lego frogs, installed by Master Model Build- ers and designed to spray water at passengers, CARLSBAD, Calif. — All hands were on are part of the more than 30 pirate-themed Lego deck as the new Pirate Reef attraction at Lego- models that went into Pirate Reef. The mod- land California opened on Friday, May 25. The els were created out of more than 223,000 Lego main feature of the new attraction is a specially bricks and include both Captain Red Brick and designed Shoot the Chute ride from Hopkins Captain Blue Brick, pirates, monkeys, parrots Rides of Haines City, Florida. Instead of the 50 to and more. The water cannons were supplied by 100-foot thrilling drop typical of most Shoot the Empex Watertoys of Canada. Chute Rides, Pirate Reef features a modest 25- Jim Glover, vice president of sales for Hop- foot drop and a gentle slope that is more suited kins Rides said, “We started more than a year- to small children — the park’s primary audience. and-half ago to design a ride that would be more After plunging down the chute, the 20-pas- for their guests with an average age of six years senger boats make their way through two life- old. We designed the ride with a nine-meter size Lego pirate ships where Captain Blue Brick drop and extended the runout so it provides a and Captain Red Brick are currently engaged in nice smooth deceleration so children can have a battle. The 20-foot high and 40-foot long ships great time with lots of water and the traditional are designed for guests to climb aboard, battle splash.” Glover added, “One of the tasks was to each other with water cannons and blast pas- design this ride for both use in the theme park sengers on the ride as they splash down 25 feet and the waterpark.” Despite its smaller size, Pirate Reef, a The entire attraction will be accessible from Hopkins Rides Shoot the Chute ride, creates the Legoland Theme Park as well as the sepa- a big splash, both before and through the rately-gated Legoland Water Park. One boat can two Lego-brick themed pirate boats. be used for the waterpark and the other for the TOP: AT/GARY SLADE; 4See LEGOLAND, page 21 BOTTOM: COURTESY LEGOLAND July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

LEGOLAND Continued from page 20 theme park. The queue area, ride gates and even the bridges are set up to keep the guests from the two different parks segregated. Early results from Lego- land California show that the smaller lift height, and drop of the ride, can still result in the same big splash and same soak factor, that riders are used to seeing and experiencing with Left to right: Pirate theming made from Lego bricks is found at Pirate Reef’s entrance and throughout the ride as are several the taller Hopkins versions. water cannons (Empex Watertoys) used to create extra H20 fun while riders try to avoid the extra soaking that is in store as they approach the two pirate ships. AT/GARY SLADE Pirate Reef riders drop, splash, and smile at Legoland California 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

New 3D film ride raises competitive stakes in SoCal Uni Studios Hollywood digs in for battle with “Transformers” STORY: Dean Lamanna Joining Optimus Prime at Special to Amusement Today Universal Studios Hollywood FAST FACTS for the May 24 premiere of UNIVERSAL CITY, Ca- “Transformers: The Ride- Attraction/Park lif. — With theme parks to the 3D” were (from left) Tom Transformers: The Ride-3D/ north and south firing great Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Studios promotional guns this summer Universal Parks & Resorts; Hollywood in a combined billion-dollar Mark Woodbury, president, Universal City, Calif. bid to win Southern Califor- Universal Creative; Larry nia’s tourist dollars, Universal Kurzweil, president, Uni- Type Studios Hollywood is looking versal Studios Hollywood; Track-based motion/flight to solidify its position behind Steve Burke, president simulator combined with perennial leaders Disneyland and CEO, NBCUniversal; high-definition 3D film and its sister park, Disney Cal- Ron Meyer, president and and multimedia effects ifornia Adventure, among the COO, Universal Studios; and region’s top draws. Steven Spielberg, the ride’s Soundstage size At an estimated cost of executive producer. 60,000 sq. feet COURTESY $100 million, “Transformers: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS The Ride-3D” should ably de- HOLLYWOOD Building height fend the park’s enviable rank- 60 feet ing. vehicles on a breakneck chase maker Steven Spielberg, the al Light & Magic, as having from the headquarters of the executive producer of both the the “perfect” combination of Track length/duration top-secret N.E.S.T. (Nonbio- ride and the film series. Also features — “an exhilarating 2,000 feet/4 minutes logical Extraterrestrial Spe- attending were Transformers blockbuster with non-stop ac- cies Treaty) agency through film star Glenn Morshower, tion and astonishing special Vehicles city streets and across roof- who appears in the ride ex- effects. It has all the elements 12 passengers each, seated tops, and even crashes them perience; Frank Welker, who to become one of the world’s in three rows, themed to a A visceral extension of through an office building, on voices the ride’s Megatron most dynamic theme park new Autobot called Evac the blockbusting Transformers the hunt for a missing shard character; and Peter Cullen, thrill rides and a centerpiece movie franchise, itself based of the All-Spark, a powerful who voices the ride’s Optimus attraction at Universal Studios Film / Audiovisual on the popular Hasbro toy Transformers artifact. Prime character. Hollywood.” component products introduced in 1984, It’s a wildly bucking, Michael Bay, the film Describing the park’s col- 34 projectors aimed at “Transformers: The Ride-3D” spinning, in-your-face and series’ director and the cre- laboration with Michael Bay, 14 oversized, custom- takes the motion simulator altogether seamless multi- ative consultant for both this and its resulting dedication to configured screens experience to a highly sophis- level 3D thrill ride addition- “Transformers” ride and the the brand, as “extraordinary,” spanning a combined ticated new level of mobile, au- ally enhanced by the elements version of it that debuted last Universal Creative Presi- 4,000 feet: 5,000 watts of diovisual immersion. of wind, heat and mist — the December at Universal Studios dent Mark Woodbury added: surround sound Deploying an inventive apotheosis of the Transformers Singapore, made a videotaped “We’ve pushed the boundaries per vehicle storyline that finds humanity movie experience. This is defi- appearance on a temporary of 3D, hyperrealism and im- caught in an intergalactic war nitely not your uncle’s “Back screen erected in front of the mersive special effects to trans- Production between the heroic Autobots to the Future” simulator ride. attraction, which is housed port our guests, physically and Universal Creative, and the evil Decepticons — “Transformers” was pre- within a giant new sound stage viscerally, into the world of Hasbro, Industrial Light & humanoid robots that morph viewed to the media on May 24 that bridges Universal’s theme Transformers.” Magic at will into objects ranging with a red carpet affair attend- park and lower-level produc- Also contributing to the from cars and trucks to exotic ed by, among others, Universal tion backlot. park’s most ambitious attrac- Official debut weaponry — the ride marries Studios President and COO The park’s Larry Kurzweil tion ever was the inclusion May 25, 2012 the very latest film advances to Ron Meyer, Universal Studios praised “Transformers,” with of the voices of several actors cutting-edge, track-based ve- Hollywood President Larry its photo-realistic computer- from the movie. hicle simulator technology. Kurzweil, Universal Parks & generated imagery supplied “It was essential for us to formers characters,” said Thi- The adventure sends Resorts Chairman Tom Wil- by the Oscar-winning wizards work with the authentic voice erry Coup, senior vice presi- 12-passenger Autobot Evac liams and Oscar-winning film- at Lucasfilm Ltd.’s Industri- actors that created the Trans- dent of Universal Creative. “The fans will really appreci- ate that.” Fans may also appreciate a new Transformers-inspired beverage called Energon that is available at the Transformers Supply Vault, a new retail store introduced in conjunction with the attraction. Served in 22-oz. collectable vessels and infused with a pulsating All-Spark lighted ice cube, the fun elixir was created by award-winning Universal Studios Hollywood On Universal Hollywood’s new “Transformers: The Ride- Executive Chef Eric Kopelow. 3D”, riders wear the 3D glasses, giving the film technology, What better way to toast above, a realistic look and feel. the park’s latest amusement COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD benchmark? July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 Frontier City makes a splash with Wild West Water Works WhiteWater West provides themed waterplay structure

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Grab your swimsuit and head to Frontier City! That’s the message being sent out from the Frontier City market- ing department this season. Why? Because the Okla- homa city themer now offers Wild West Water Works, a gi- ant-themed Rain Fortress from WhiteWater West. Wild West Water Works is five stories tall (52 feet) with 198 ways to stay cool, eight colorful slides, a 1,000 gal- lon tipping bucket, and offers a spacious lounging deck, changing facilities, showers and more, creating a refresh- ing water oasis for guests of all ages. This newest section of the park, located on the park’s former employee parking lot, Top row: This artist cacti sculpture (left) and detail to building just south of the Wildcat roller theming (right) help anchor the guest experience at Frontier coaster, was a first class instal- City’s new Wild West Water Works. Middle row: WhiteWa- lation in all areas. ter West provided the themed Rain Fortress structure. Bot- Wild West Water Works tom row: the largest landscaping project in park history, and (the actual structure) sports a themed props are just part of the attention to detail the park theme that pays tribute to both gave its new water area. AT/GARY SLADE Oklahoma’s rich hertiage of Wild West and Native Ameri- guaro cactus, three barrel cacti art sculptures. can. and four clusters of prickly As guests make their way From the moment guests pears all accented by fresh- to the bathroom and changing enter the new area, they are ly planted knockout roses. areas, they enter spacious/ greeted with a massive center Desert Steel’s Eric Carroll of showering facilities that are walkway art sculpture that Newton, Kansas was the artist lined in colorful tile and state- contains a nine-foot tall Sa- hired to create the $15,000 plus of-the-art fixtures found in up- scale spas and resorts. Adjacent to the waterplay general manager at Frontier of the structure at all times. structure, the lounge areas are City. “Families will be able to The new waterplay area is accented with ten, 20-foot di- extend their visit at the park free with park admission. It ameter shark shade umbrel- with this new area, allowing opened to the public Memo- las from Anchor Industries for a place to relax and cool off rial Day weekend. to help shade guests from the in the heat of the Oklahoma In other sun, while not playing in the summer. This new attraction, Frontier City news: water. The Rusty Spur Cafe in addition to our great rides, •Guests saw a shine of rounds out the area serving shows and concerts, makes new paint throughout the food and drink for the new Frontier City the best enter- park this year with the Wildcat section. tainment experience and val- (wooden coaster), The Prai- The $3 ue in Oklahoma.” rie Schooner (swinging ship); million Wild Ball also pointed out dur- Eruption (S&S Sky Sling) and West Water ing AT’s visit, that Frontier numerous buildings through- Works fea- City pulls its water from six out the park all looking new tured more water wells and the aquafer and fresh. than 1,050 under the parks property •Guests will enjoy the yards of con- lines. A seventh well, that return of Two Johns Saloon crete poured Ball reaches 245 feet deep, was (show) and the Santa Fe BBQ The Two Johns to create the drilled just for the new Wild restaurant. Saloon and show fun and lounge area. After West Water Works, offering •As a result of the water- (above) along that was completed, the single clean water from what Ball de- play expansion, employees with the Wildcat’s largest landscaping job in the scribed as nature’s finest wa- now have a nice new paved new coat of paint history of Frontier City got un- ter filter. parking lot, north of park, that help the Frontier derway to add that first-class Wild West Water Works is actually closer to their back City guest experi- touch. has a capacity of approxi- area where employees clock in ence the be best “We are excited and proud mately 800 guests per hour and out for their work shifts. its ever been. to offer this new experience to and uses 10 fully trained life- —Gary Slade AT/GARY SLADE our guests” says Stephen Ball, guards to watch all aspects 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 WATERPARKS & RESORTS INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS Mammoth opens with huge response at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Reporter’s ProSlide delivers Notebook massive $9 million Oklahoma beats HydroMagnetic Texas for hottest water coaster STORY: Pam Sherborne summer on record [email protected] TULSA, Okla. — The states of Oklahoma and Texas have SANTA CLAUS, Ind. – Holiday argued for years on everything World & Splashin’ Safari’s 2012 ex- from cattle, oil, water and foot- pansion turned out to be the largest ball. single-ride investment in the park’s Now, thanks to the National history. Climatic Data Center in Tulsa, The new $9 million ProSlide Tech- they don’t have to argue who nology Mammoth opened the week- had the hottest summer in 2011. end of Friday, May 11, and since has Oklahoma gets the win. caused quite a stir not only among the Oklahoma’s average tem- park’s patrons, but in the industry as perature last summer was 86.9 a whole. degrees, whereas Texas finished “It is the world’s largest water with 86.7 degrees. coaster,” said ProSlide Marketing Di- Holiday World & Splash- Thanks to the hot summer rector Brad Goodbody. “It is the lon- in’ Safari’s new Mam- of 2011, both state’s assortment gest (1,763 feet) and the widest (12 moth HydroMagnetic wa- of waterparks all reported re- feet across the internal path). It is also ter coaster from ProSlide cord attendance. the highest capacity, with a capacity is a record setter. The $9 Stephen Ball, Frontier City of over 1,000 riders per hour. It also million ride is the world’s GM, told AT that it’s cross town has more power than any other water longest such ride at sister park White Water Bay coaster.” 1,763 feet, and uses 100 had a record 2011 thanks to the In 2010 ProSlide completed the LIM’s to blast the six- heat. construction of its Wildebeest water passenger rafts through coaster for Holiday World. At that the course. time, that ride was being touted the COURTESY PROSLIDE Quoted world’s longest. Now, it places second. “ We invested And, park officials are absolutely thrilled. $10 million of our “One of the last conversations I money in Draper, had with my late brother Will was in now they want to the weeks after Wildebeest opened, in May of 2010,” said Dan Koch, Holiday raise our taxes so World president. “Will was ecstatic they can put us out with the public’s reaction to our water coaster. We agreed we needed to find of business.” a way to outdo our incredible ‘beest.’ I —Cowabunga Bay owner feel we have done just that with Mam- Shane Huish on the city’s moth. Will would have loved it!” attempt to raise the taxes of Koch went on to say, “I was the residents and the waterpark to first to ride Mammoth! All I can say fund a recreation center is, ‘Wow!’ Mammoth does not disap- 4See MAMMOTH, page 28 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

engineered exhilarationTM

Holiday World Splashin’ Safari, IN, USA

The World’s Most Revolutionary Water Coaster Longest - largest - highest capacity - Most powerful water coaster ever built!

www.proslide.com Patented: US Patent 7918741; Multiple Worldwide Patents Pending July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27

engineered exhilarationTM

Holiday World Splashin’ Safari, IN, USA

The World’s Most Revolutionary Water Coaster Longest - largest - highest capacity - Most powerful water coaster ever built!

www.proslide.com Patented: US Patent 7918741; Multiple Worldwide Patents Pending 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

walking up stairs. MAMMOTH FAST FACTS Continued from page 25 Goodbody said ProSlide’s relationship with Holiday point. I can’t wait to get on it Name/Park World has been great. The suc- again!” Mammoth/ cess of the Wildebeest was tre- Goodbody said his first Holiday World & Splashin’ mendous, he said. ride on the Mammoth was Safari, Santa Claus, Ind. “They came to us and very interesting. said they wanted something “It was the response of Height/Length bigger with a larger capacity some of the riders I found 70 feet/1,763 feet and more thrills,” Goodbody really interesting,” he said. (the world’s longest) said. “We were already devel- “About halfway up the first oping the Mammoth concept incline, a couple of the riders Number of drops/ but Holiday World’s ride is got sort of freaked out and had tallest drop completely customized to that to get off. It really does give 7 drops totaling 187 feet/ park.” you that roller coaster feel as 32 feet at 45-degree It is customized, he said, you go up. This ride has done angle to the park’s landscape among the best job I have ever seen to other features. It is built on breach that gap between a wa- Linear Induction Motors a hillside so the elevation of ter ride and a coaster.” 100 LIM’s throughout the ride doesn’t appear to be The Mammoth uses Hy- 6 uphill sections, 2 of as high. Park officials and dromagnetic technology to which are camel humps ProSlide worked side by side ProSlide used propel the six-person raft up to save the natural foliage of Holiday World’s a series of hills utilizing lin- Ride time/Capacity the area — the trees and wood natural terrain ear induction motors (LIMs). 3 minutes/1,000 pph settings. in the design of This is a technology ProSlide After Mammoth opened Mammoth. The has used before, such as on the Footprint to the public last month, there HydroMagnetic Wildebeest. Goodbody said Approximately 3.2 acres were modifications made. water coaster this ride has 100 LIMs. Concluding these modifica- features 100 The ride begins with a 300- Suppliers tions, the ride has gone up LIM’s to power foot conveyor ride “lift hill,” ProSlide Technology, ride to having 12 rafts flowing the rafts followed by a series of drops Z-Pro, rafts through it. through the including a three-story drop at “I understand the lines course provid- a 45-degree angle, plus six ad- Cost/Opened are still sort of lengthy, but ing a capacity ditional drops. The drenching $9 million/ May 11, 2012 that happens with a new of 1,000 pph. ride includes a total of seven ride,” Goodbody said. “Ap- COURTESY PROSLIDE drops, adding up to 187 feet of parently, when they open the total “drop.” al seats that cradles the riders ride for the day, guests just run “The new twist to this wa- providing back support. There straight for it.” ter coaster is the six-passenger are no seat belts, but there are The response the Mam- boats — this is brand new handles to grab on to.” moth has gotten has caused design,” Koch said. “These The outer portion of the other park officials to take a round boats add tremendous raft is plastic and on the bot- closer look at it. Goodbody capacity, plus riders may be tom are the metal contact said they are already working facing forward, backward or plates that react to the mag- on another one that will end in even sideways. It’s all the fun netic power being produced a ProSlide Tornado. That ride, of Wildebeest, plus Mammoth by the LIMs. Goodbody said set to open in November, is is taller, longer and wider.” the magnet motors are about located at Yaz Island Under- The new raft, which 30 inches by 20 inches in size world, UAE. ProSlide has designated as the and produce 670 pounds per Other park additions for clover wheel raft, was specifi- foot of power. 2012 include “Rock the World” cally developed for this ride, Mammoth’s tallest eleva- Christian music festival, a new Goodbody said, adding that tion is 69 feet higher than its family-friendly event called Z-Pro manufactured the raft lowest drop. The conveyor- Holiday World’s Happy Hal- for them. style lift hill replaces any loween Weekends throughout “The rafts have multiple slide-tower stairs, making the the month of October, plus levels,” Goodbody said. “The water coaster accessible to rid- park-wide Wi-Fi and rental ca- inner portion has six individu- ers who might have difficulty banas. ProSlide spins into Jeddah with Saudi Arabia’s first Tornado

ProSlide Technology, Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, has an- nounced that Stationery Fantasies Water Park in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is the latest location to be installing ProSlide’s most iconic water ride, the Tornado. This project marks the first ProSlide Tor- nado in Saudi Arabia and continues the momentum and growth of ProSlide water rides in this region. The Tornado was on Sta- tionery Fantasies’ wish list when the park set out to select an ex- pansion ride for their waterpark. ProSlide has now surpassed 70 Tornado installations worldwide. This announcement comes im- mediately after ProSlide reported a very successful DEAL trade- show in Dubai, UAE where ProSlide showcased their assortment of water rides and the future plans of water ride development. COURTESY PROSLIDE July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 MEDIA

30 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING Utah city wants to tax residents, NEWSSPLASH Cowabunga Bay to build rec center B. JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERT COMPILED:EDITORIALEDITORIAL Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected] DRAPER, Utah — The city of Draper, Utah is attempting to The Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark the mayor’s longtime business partners in the tax residents and businesses to build a recreation center. Among MEDIAMEDIA the business to be taxed is the $10 million privately funded in Lake Geneva,CREDENTIALCREDENTIAL Wis. received an environmen- Goldeyes. Cowabunga Bay waterpark. The proposed center includes a tal stewardshipVALIDVALID award from Wisconsin-based • family swimming area and lazy river and would compete with Orion EnergyTHROUGHTHROUGH Systems,2012 a technology2010 company The New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club and the waterpark the city is attempting to tax. Owner Shane Huish that specializes in energy management. The the American Red Cross held a fundraiser at said “We invested $10 million of our money in Draper, now they waterpark recently completed a lighting retrofit the Uhrichsville Water Park in Ohio. The An- want to raise our taxes so they can put us out of business. They project that reduced their energy consumption nual Red Cross Duck Race was held June 5 with for lighting by more than 75 percent. The new proceeds benefiting the local Red Cross chap- don’t have to turn a profit. It’s unfair competition. I will do ev- GARY SLADE system willPUBLISHER, save theAMUSEMENT lodge TODAYmore then $22,000 ter. Ducks were available for $5 each or a quack erything I can do to stop it.” annually and reduce their carbon emission by pack of six for $20. Purchase of a duck also in- To further complicate matters, Salt Lake County is already 191 tons. cluded admission into the waterpark. planning a recreation center in Draper, and the residents are al- • • ready paying a county tax to fund that project. The city sched- The city council of Temecula, Calif. ap- On Saturday, May 26, the West Edmon- uled the bond election in June, a time usually set aside for proved the sale of a 19-acre parcel of city- ton Mall’s World Waterpark hosted Ukrainian emergency elections, as voter turnout is much less than that of owned land for the development of a new wa- Night. Edmonton’s famous Ukrainian dance November elections. If the bond passes, some local businesses terpark. Wild Rivers Temecula is expected to troupe along with the Shumka School of Dance could see a 50 percent increase in their property taxes. open in 2013. The approval brings to an end performed the world’s largest kolomeyka — a more than six years of waterpark proposals for folk dance — in the water. Tickets for the eve- the city that had never panned out. ning were only CAN$10, a substantial savings WhiteWater provides on board waterpark • over the park’s usual admission price. The Greenville County Recreation Dis- • to new Carnival Breeze cruise ship trict (South Carolina) has mandated life jackets The old Swing Zone family entertainment for all guests less than 42 inches in height at all center in New Bern, N.C. has been transformed three of its waterparks. Even though two-near- into a waterpark. Captain Bly’s Shipwreck Cove drownings last year were blamed on lack of was expected to open mid-June. Charles Blythe adult supervision, the district is not taking any of Trenton, N.C. purchased the closed property chances. Every guest under 42 inches, includ- last fall and refurbished the facility. The center’s ing swimmers, non-swimmers and infants must original mini golf course and batting cages were wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket refurbished and new waterslides added. and be accompanied by a responsible adult at • all times when in the waterpark. The district pur- Although Legoland Florida’s waterpark of- chased 1,500 life-jackets for distribution at the ficially opened on the Saturday of Memorial Day three waterparks, but the district is encouraging weekend, 400 guests were given a free preview parents with young children to purchase their along with the media the Thursday before. The own. offer to attend free had some guests queuing • up at the gate the night before. The new water- Closed since 2009, Splash Down Dunes park is a refurbishment of the previous Cypress waterpark in Porter, Indiana may get a reprieve. Gardens Splash Island. Adding the Lego touch Seven Peaks Marketing of Utah, which oper- is a Build-A-Raft river ride which has guests at- ates two waterparks and three family fun cen- taching large, floating Legos to their innertubes ters, hopes to close on the property and have before heading into the lazy river. Admission Setting sail on the high seas for the very first time on June it up and running in 2013. Seven Peaks deter- to the park is $12 in addition to the $75/$65 3, Carnival Breeze, the newest Carnival fun ship, now offers mined that the materials in the waterpark are in admission ticket to Legoland. Admission to the guests a splashing good time with Carnival WaterWorks, an good shape, but the grounds will need exten- waterpark only is not available. Legoland is en- onboard waterpark featuring a signature Champagne Bowl sive work. The waterpark is close to the Indiana couraging guests to purchase a two-day pack- waterslide, AquaDrop waterslide that extends over the ship’s Dunes National Lakeshore, which made the lo- age. side, an AquaPlay 1050 multi-level interactive play structure cation of the property attractive to Seven Peaks. • and other exciting attractions all provided by WhiteWater On June 4, 2012, Seven Peaks Marketing Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has West. COURTESY WHITEWATER WEST announced the acquisition of Bluff Falls Water filed a lawsuit against the Beach Waterpark in Park and Family Fun Center in Poplar Bluff, Mason, Ohio for violating the state Consumer Mo. Upon completion of the acquisition, the Sales Practices Act. The waterpark sold approx- park was renamed Seven Peaks Waterpark imately 8,800 season passes at an average price Poplar Bluff. The fun center is open year-round of $89 before announcing in March that it would and the waterpark had already opened for the close. Instead of refunds, the Beach offered pass season. “The acquisition of Seven Peaks Wa- holders a package of alternative experiences at terpark Poplar Bluff is a part of Seven Peaks’ local attractions that was valued at more than expansion into the Midwest and additional an- $200. Many felt the compensation package was nouncements concerning the purchase of other too restrictive and not very useful. In his law- amusement parks will be forthcoming,” said suit, DeWine stated that the offers were not Gary Brinton, CEO of Seven Peaks. adequate substitutions to what the consumers • paid for. The lawsuit seeks consumer restitution, The controversial waterpark that had been a permanent injunction and civil penalties. proposed at The Forks in Winnipeg, Canada, • has been pulled by the developers. Criticism Children ages 4 to 15 now have an ex- from city councilors and negativity from peo- clusive spa at The Great Wolf Lodge in San- ple in the community over a $7 million grant dusky. Scooops Kids Spa opened on June 5 as from the city to help build the waterpark was an ice cream-themed spa that offers manicures, one of the many factors that led to the defeat pedicures and facials, complete with their own of the project. Others were concerned about a flavorful products, designed especially for chil- waterpark going into such a desirable piece of dren. The Scooops spas have been extremely CORRECTION property near the popular historic district. Add- popular at Great Wolf Lodge locations nation- In the Hurricane Alley story (June 2012, page 23) AT mis- ing to the controversy was the fact that the new wide. With the Sandusky installation complete, identified the supplier of the wave generation equipment for waterpark would have been near the Goldeyes all 11 Great Wolf Lodge locations now have a the new waterpark’s wave pool. The actual supplier was Aquat- baseball team, owned by the city’s mayor. The Scooops Kids Spa. ic Development Group’s (Cohoes, N.Y.) Wave Tek system. AT agent for the waterpark developer was one of regrets the error. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 AT BONUS ISSUE Key Lime Cove welcomes guests SEPTEMBER 2012 for behind-the-scenes tours Tour highlights park’s state-of-the-art ozone disinfection system

GURNEE, Ill. — Key Lime Cove takes so much pride in their state-of-the-art water filtration system, they are in- viting everyone to come and see it. The staff now offers a waterpark tour at 8:30 a.m. on weekends, prior to the park’s opening. Guests take a walk- ing tour of the pump room under the waterpark and are shown the ozone disinfection system. Guides explain how ozone is 200 times stronger than chlorine but has no ef- Key Lime Cove’s Chief Engineer Robert Williams shows off fect on skin or hair. Ozone is one of the park’s Climate Center’s that lets resort guests To be part of this special issue, a highly effective sanitizer, view the current water temperature, air temperature and hu- effective against bacteria, vi- midity. AT/GARY SLADE contact us today! ruses, spores, fungus, mold as well as Cryptosporidium, E. liams added, “I believe that Choice Awards are based on coli, and salmonella. the condition of a pump room millions of reviews and opin- Gary Slade Sue Nichols (817) 460-7220 (615) 662-0252 Chief Engineer Robert is a direct reflection of how an ions posted on TripAdvisor [email protected] [email protected] Williams is the ecological ex- operation is run. Our water- by travelers from around the pert at KeyLime Cove. He park technicians take air and world. Top hotels for fami- oversees the ozone purifica- water quality seriously. They lies were determined based tion program to produce some are trained to know every on properties that were most of the purest water anyone pipe and how the water flows highly rated by people who could swim in, anywhere on through all 176 valves and 46 traveled with their family. Earth. Its pH value is the same gauges.” To date, there are few “With the help of mil- as a human teardrop. waterparks and municipal lions of travelers around the “We are conducting tours pools in the U.S. that are using globe, TripAdvisor is thrilled to educate parents about the ozone technology. to recognize the world’s most water their kids are swimming KeyLime Cove is rapidly outstanding hotels with the in,” said Robert Williams. “We becoming known as a destina- Travelers’ Choice Awards,” are proud of our state-of-the- tion of choice. TripAdvisor, the said Christine Peterson, presi- art ozone disinfection system world’s largest travel website, dent, TripAdvisor for Busi- which provides impeccable announced its top Travelers’ ness. “Recognizing the best water quality and clarity, as Choice Hotels for Families, of the best based on traveler well as air quality. Ozone de- naming KeyLime Cove Indoor feedback and reviews, value stroys 99.9 percent of bacteria, Waterpark Resort the No. 1 and quality are the hallmarks viruses, spores, fungus and Family Hotel in the U.S. and of our Travelers’ Choice win- mold. It leaves the water spar- No. 2 worldwide. The 10th an- ners.” kling clear and fresh.” Wil- nual Trip Advisor Travelers’ 4See TOURS, page 33

Guests attending the park’s behind-the-scenes tour will be shown the spotless pump room which features 18 pumps, 176 valves and 42 gauges. The pump room is maintained by five full time technicians, who hard test water samples every two hours. The system makes pure ozone, recognized by the EPS as an antimicrobial disinfectant. AT/GARY SLADE July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33

Key Lime Cove’s indoor waterpark features 420,120 gallons of water and an air quality system that refreshes the air every 20 minutes during operation. The park has a capacity of 1,476 guests. AT/GARY SLADE TOURS of our hotel, America, the year-round re- Continued from page 32 amenities and sort features 414 suites and guest service staterooms The resort’s en- “We are honored. There on Trip Advi- tertainment and amenities can be nothing more reward- sor.” include a 65,000 square-foot, ing than being recognized by KeyLime 84-degree tropical-themed in- our own guests as the very Cove is an is- door waterpark; an arts, crafts best,” said Dale McFarland, land-inspired McFarland and activities center for kids; general manager of KeyLime family va- arcade; multiple restaurants Cove. “We appreciate our cation destination less than and 6,000 square feet of ban- guests for their continued an hour drive from Chicago quet and meeting space. patronage and for taking the and Milwaukee. As The Offi- —Jeffrey Seifert time to share their reviews cial Resort of Six Flags Great 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 BUSINESS REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS NRCMA premier exhibit opens at Dollywood PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — It’s been a long time in the making; however park historians, hobbyist organizations and the general public are all embracing the roller coaster/ amusement park exhibit that runs daily, now through Sep- Reporter’s tember 16, 2012. This is the inaugural exhibit of the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in a 1,250 square foot exhibit space formerly occupied by the Dolly Notebook Parton Museum, which is now housed in its own building. IAAPA Europe America’s Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks exhibit is announces new located in Heritage Hall — a space directly above the cave, in the lower end of Craftsmen’s Valley at Dollywood, Pi- address geon Forge, Tennessee. BELGIUM — IAAPA Eu- Contained in this traveling exhibition are 20 displays rope has announced that it has of various sizes, covering all aspects on the subject of roller moved to new office facilities coasters, along with a few related areas of interest. The dis- to better service its members plays and videos represent a good portion of the current in- throughout Europe. dustry as well as historical artifacts, photographs, and oth- IAAPA asks that members er items that make note of the new contact represent the details below: past. Many of the displays IAAPA Europe IVZW have a con- Rue du Congrès 37-41, nection to the B-1000 Brussels, Belgium roller coast- Telephone: (32) 2 609 54 45 ers at Dol- Fax: (32) 2 609 54 46 lywood with Email: [email protected] a balance Web: www.IAAPA.org/europe between old and new. As a reminder, the IAAPA One Euro Attractions Show 2012 will highlight includes the display of a Prior and Church de- be held October 9-11 in Berlin, signed roller coaster car from the Giant Dipper at Belmont Germany. Members interested Park, San Diego, Calif. alongside a Thunderhead car that is in attending or exhibiting are the “rolling stock” on that coaster at Dollywood. The 1925 asked to contact IAAPA Europe. Frank Prior and Fredrick Church car is what gave Mike America’s Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks, present- Boodley the inspiration to design “Millennium Flyer” style ed by the National Roller Coaster Museum, is now on roller coaster cars for Great Coasters International built display for this season only at Dollywood. The exhibit roller coasters around the world. In the exhibit Boodley is features full size coaster cars (top) to paneled exhibits Quoted featured on a video where he explains his design process. (above), giving the guest plenty to view and read. “I think the industry Another highlight is the showcase on Arrow Dynamics, COURTESY NRCMA one of the major steel roller coaster manufacturers of the will be thrilled with late 20th century, headed by the late amusement industry Texas on the Larson International manufacturing site. Un- the exhibit, and many legend and IAAPA Hall of Fame Ron Toomer, who has a til a permanent museum is built, the traveling exhibit is an will see their parks or panel citing his industry accomplishments as a celebrated opportunity to show and share some of the items acquired designer. A favorite area is sure to be the roller coaster en- along with educating the general public about all aspects of coasters highlighted thusiasts’ room, showing the extent to which aficionados roller coasters — history, operation, physics, images, design, throughout. “ collect and display anything and everything roller coaster memorabilia and more. —National Roller Coaster related. Other exhibits include: Parks of Tennessee, Wild Will the Dollywood exhibit make an impact? “Our ex- Museum board member and Eagle (Dollywood’s newest coaster), Hall of Fame coasters, pectation is that the industry will look at this as a first step,” historian Richard Munch on the Coasters in Movies, a map of all U.S. parks both in opera- said Richard Munch, board member of the National Roller NRCMA’s premier exhibit now tion and defunct and a roller coaster history timeline. Coaster Museum and the person with the long-term muse- open at Dollywood The museum board has been looking for the opportu- um vision when he co-founded the American Coaster En- nity to showcase many of the items and artifacts that are thusiasts in 1978. He continued, “I think the industry will be housed in their 2,600 square feet of storage in Plainview, 4See EXHIBIT, page 38 Looking for a part? E-mail us! Email: [email protected]

NORTH AMERICAN PARTS, INC. (716) 839-4791 x101 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 With new ownership comes big changes at Noah’s Ark waterpark New ProSlide Quadzilla added to ride lineup WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Backyard BBQ includes Austin City Change was the first thing visitors saw Blues pork ribs, oven roasted chicken as they entered Noah’s Ark on open- and Johnsonville andouille sausages. ing day, Saturday, May 26. Palace En- Sides like corn on the cob, baked beans tertainment, the new owners of Amer- and macaroni and cheese are also of- ica’s largest waterpark, transformed fered. There’s a new Bavarian nut cart the front entrance of the park and have with freshly roasted almonds, cashews a lot in store for visitors in 2012. With and pecans, and a new eatery that the opening of the highly-anticipated serves Villa Prima Pizza and burgers. new ride, Quadzilla, a bounty of new On the lighter side, Noah’s Ark is food options and tremendous ways to offering turkey and veggie burgers, save, park officials are hoping to en- freshly made garden salads, veggies hance the customer experience while and dip, fresh fruit cups, and pineap- inside the park. ple, vanilla and orange-flavored soft “We are putting our efforts into serve that is both fat free and lactose creating an atmosphere of family fun free. and giving new reasons for our pa- With the addition of a new park trons to visit the park and return again entrance, Noah’s Ark will now be and again,” says Doran Carrell, gener- completely enclosed. Visitors no lon- al manager of Noah’s Ark Waterpark. ger have to wear wristbands to show “It’s important to have a balanced mix that they have paid admission to all between thrill rides and family attrac- the attractions. After entering the park, tions.” visitors have full access to every attrac- Quadzilla, the new, ProSlide 4-lane tion. KrakenRacer waterslide will be a ma- The park’s summer concert series, jor attraction this summer, but Carrell “Rock the Ark” will kick off on Satur- also believes the new food options day, June 30. One of 10 winning bands will thrill the taste buds of many visi- from a statewide music competition Noah’s Ark waterpark did not let a change of ownership slow down its ef- tors. Noah’s Ark has added Nathan’s held last March will perform every forts to add new slides for the new season. The Wisconsin park removed popular foot-long hot dogs and hand- Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wave a set of older slides and used the same platform to introduce Quadzilla, a dipped ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes Stage through Labor Day weekend. 4-lane KrakenRacer from ProSlide. and root beer floats to the menu. A new —Jeffrey Seifert COURTESY PROSLIDE

Get Your Free Daily Update Delivered Directy To Your Inbox! EXTRA! EXTRA! DESKTOP EDITION Breaking amusement industry news delivered directly to your Sign up today at: e-mail inbox each weekday. amusementtoday com And it’s free! July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

Submarine Theater removal underway at Aquarena Springs COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, As part of its ongoing transformation of Aquarena Springs [email protected] (San Marcos, Texas) from a once-popular water wonderland Disneyland’s Carnation Plaza Gardens, stowed upon an individual by the Disneyland tourist attraction to an ecological and environmental educa- the park’s iconic bandstand and dance floor Resort. Davis was recognized for designing tion facility, Texas State University has removed the unique located just off the Hub, has been a popular clothing and patterns for attractions includ- Submarine Theater. Built in 1972 it was the only theater of its place for music and dancing since its opening ing It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Ca- type. Show spectators viewed the activities through the the- in 1958. Despite heated protest from long- ribbean. The tradition of dedicating windows ater’s windows. The show began on the water’s surface then time fans of the Gardens who recognized it at Disneyland began more than 50 years ago as the theater slowly submerged, aquamaids performed un- as one of Walt’s most hallowed park venues, when Walt Disney dedicated many of the win- derwater dance routines and various stunts, even having an the opposition won. On April 28, 2012, Dis- dows along Main Street, U.S.A. to individuals underwater picnic. At its peak, the theater was entertaining neyland hosted its final dance night there. It who helped make the park a reality. To date, as many as 2,000 guests each day. As additional funds be- was decided that the area could better serve more than six dozen individuals have been come available, the remaining attractions — the Intamin Sky guests by being removed and re-imagined as honored in this manner. Tower, and Von Roll Skyride will also be removed. The histor- a character/princess meet-and-greet location. • ic glass bottom boats are in the process of being restored, • Augmented Reality has joined forces with and the boat tours will continue. AT/TIM BALDWIN Kings Dominion’s new free mobile app The CTM Group; a leader in children’s rides —Jeffrey Seifert (available at iTunes and Google Play Store on and souvenir penny machines, found all over Android phones) allows guests to plan their the United States, Puerto Rico and abroad. day at the park, purchase tickets and scan a CTM has always tried to stay ahead of the barcode from the mobile ticket on an iPhone kiddie ride industry with their extremely suc- or Android at the front gate. It includes a GPS cessful simulator rides such as the Roller- enabled map of Kings Dominion along with coaster and the Virtual Racer, and now, The a park guide; friend finder function, allowing CTM Group continues to take their children’s guests to keep track of their group while at entertainment concept to an innovative new the park; and access to information such as level. lodging and other accommodations near the • park. KD plans to add new features to its mo- Knott’s Berry Farm is enticing collectors bile app throughout the year. and park fans with the launch of their first ever • collector pin trading program. Knott’s initial The newest Ripley’s Believe It or Not! series, released on Memorial Day weekend, Odditorium opened on June 7 in the Light consists of 31 different designs that include Street Pavilion on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. the Peanuts and Knott’s collection. Both fea- The two-story, 10,000-square-foot facility is ture seasonal events, rides, attractions and home to hundreds of exhibits, oddities and characters that are uniquely Knott’s. New pins innovative interactive activities as well as Ri- will be released weekly and will range in price pley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze and the 4D from $6.99 to $9.99. Knott’s Official Trading Ripley’s Moving Theater. Pins have two classifications, pins that can be • purchased in one of Knott’s designated re- Six Flags Over Georgia celebrated its tail locations and “branded” pins that can be 45th anniversary on Saturday, June 16, 2012 only be acquired by trading with Knott’s Berry with a day filled with live entertainment, a Farm team members. All trading pins feature commemorative ceremony with celebrity the official Knott’s Pin Trading logo embossed guest Jeff Foxworthy, hundreds of cupcakes on the back. The “branded” pins will carry an and a fireworks extravaganza that capped off additional identification, Snoopy’s paw print the day. Six Flags Over Georgia opened its on the front of the pin. gates for the first time on the same day in • 1967 as the Southeast’s first regional theme The Virginia Zoo has opened an outdoor park. habitat for its orangutan residents. The zoo • says the orangutans had never before experi- Registration is now open for IAAPA At- enced direct sunlight or walked on soft grass. tractions Expo 2012. Those who register by The outdoor exhibit also will give them the August 17 will save 40 percent on admission, chance to venture onto a 40-foot climbing This unique display is some- have early access to ticketed events and have structure, 16-foot sway poles, vinelike ropes, EXHIBIT the chance to win the Golden Token — an all- raised platforms and hammocks. Continued from page 35 thing a little extra for Dolly- wood guests.” access pass for you and a colleague to attend • America’s Roller Coasters ANY education program or networking event Connecticut’s Sea Research Founda- during IAAPA Attractions Expo. More details tion’s Mystic Aquarium kicked off its inaugu- thrilled with the exhibit, and & Amusement Parks exhibit can be found at: www.IAAPA.org. ral Summer Drive-in Movie Series on June 28 many will see their parks or is open daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. • with James Cameron’s Titanic, starring Leon- coasters highlighted through- through September 16 and is SkyVue, the towering 500-square-foot ardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Compliment- out. We tried to include every- free with admission to Dolly- observation wheel rapidly taking shape on the ing the success of the aquarium’s newest ex- one, but I am sure we missed a wood. Las Vegas Strip, has completed the first phase hibit, Titanic – 12,450 Feet Below, “Titanic” is few parks.” The National Roller Coast- of construction and is beginning its vertical being presented on a 40-foot screen. “I feel it will be special for er Museum and Archives is a climb. Focus is now turning to its retail and • Dollywood,” said Pete Ow- 501c3 non-profit organization dining experience. Upon opening, SkyVue will On June 15, the first of six Starbucks cafes ens PR manager for the Dol- dedicated to the preservation be the largest observation wheel in the West- coming to Disney Parks opened in the Fiddler, lywood Companies, who also and protection of the history ern Hemisphere and the first attraction of its Fifer and Practical Cafe at Disney California serves on the National Roller of the roller coaster and the kind in Las Vegas. Adventure park. The cafe will serve Disney Coaster Museum board. Ow- amusement industry. Cash • favorites, including signature sandwiches and ens continued, “Our employ- and artifact donations can be Legendary Disney costume designer and desserts, in addition to Starbucks items. Soon ees and management team made by contacting the NRC- Imagineer Alice Davis was recently honored Starbucks will be available at all Disneyland were very supportive during MA: P.O. Box 5424, Arlington, with a window dedication ceremony on Main and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. the preparations, installation Texas 76005-5424. Street, U.S.A. — one of the highest honors be- and opening of the exhibition. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Newly formed Mack Media to offer popular 4D film to parks

GERMANY — During the “Together with the part- Mack Media GmbH & Co. Asian Attractions Expo, held ner company nWave, the and nWave Pictures S.A. June 5-8 in Hong Kong, Mack global market leader for the have teamed up to offer Media GmbH & Co. KG based production and marketing of the popular 4D film from in Rust, Germany showcased 3D and 4D films, Mack Media Europa-Park, The Secret of its first own production to- will now distribute this digi- Balthasar Castle to other gether with the distribution tal adventure and is looking parks around the globe. partner Brussells, Belgium- forward to the reaction from COURTESY MACK MEDIA GmbH & CO based nWave Pictures S.A. abroad,” Mack concluded. The crowd pleaser The Secret of Balthasar Castle has already been screened in the Magic Cinema 4D in Europa- Park since November 2011. The overwhelming response from visitors of Germany’s largest theme park has en- couraged the newly formed media division Mack Media to now also offer the film to other theme parks and attractions. The film is now available un- der the title of Castle Secret. In cooperation with the makers of the most success- ful German animated film Die Konferenz der Tiere – 3D (Ani- mals United), after just under one year’s development, Eu- romaus and his friends have been brought to life in a 15 minute 4D-adventure. In the Castle Secret, Euromaus, Eu- romausi, Eurofant, Böckli and Louis solve the mystery of the mysterious Balthasar Castle. The five funny animals mas- ter many exciting situations together. The animated film was presented in a mini 4D cinema made especially by nWave. Michael Mack said, “We are very proud that we have made the leap to the international market with Castle Secret. Thanks to the ability to adapt the language, the film can real- ly be used anywhere and there is already a German and Eng- lish version. We have put a lot into this project and the posi- tive feedback shows us that it has been worth it. JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER!

2012 TICKET

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I. AWARDS V. BEST OF THE BEST! 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

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 Enthusiasm for safety! Mike Gutknecht Heights, Utah. It’s a great place to visits for Skycoaster to certify Site The AIMS Safety Seminar is an- Ride Entertainment Group work with several private offices, a Controllers. I find that visiting the other great tool in creating enthu- of Companies and conference room, a kitchenette; it various sites and working with the siasm among your staff. The great AIMS president even has a fireplace for those cold employees who love their jobs is an- classes combined with the extraor- mike@rideentertain- Utah winters. I’m close to a freeway other way for me to get enthusiastic dinary networking make attending ment.com and near several restaurants with about my job. the AIMS Safety Seminar a priceless very good food. It’s a great place to I recently made a trip to North- opportunity to help your staff stay A common defi- be productive, but like most people, ern California where I visited Six enthusiastic with their job. Combine nition of the word I occasionally have times when I am Flags Discovery Kingdom and this with the incredible amount of enthusiasm is “a going through the paces but am not California Great America and was knowledge imparted to the students strong excitement of exactly enthusiastic about my job. amazed at the enthusiasm the staff by instructors who are icons within feeling or something Gutknecht For me, being around others is members of both of these great the amusement industry and you inspiring zeal or fer- a great motivator. Making the trip parks had for their jobs. Visiting the have an event that will bring benefits vor.” When you look up the defini- back to the east coast office of Ride parks and seeing people who really to all who attend for years to come. tion of the word contagious, you’ll Entertainment located outside An- enjoy their jobs made me feel good. I encourage you to take a good see that it means “exciting similar napolis, Md. always motivates me in On the flight home, I was re- look at the offerings at the AIMS emotions or conduct in others.” my job. I get to see what others in flecting on my time at each park and Safety Seminar and expose your staff Great — now that we’ve gotten our the company are doing and feed off found myself smiling and enjoying to the enthusiasm bug. Together, English lesson out of the way, where of the enthusiasm they have for their the memories of the previous couple let’s start an epidemic and make our are we going with this? I think that projects. days. It made me realize that I had industry better than ever. enthusiasm is contagious. I also occasionally make site caught the enthusiasm bug. I work in an office in Cottonwood AIMS member spotlight: Don Hankins Editors note: This is a series of ar- me to obtain my NAARSO Level 3 in non-fiction and especially enjoy read- being a part of the amusement industry ticles to run in AIMS News & Notes that 2000. Then in 2003 I was promoted to ing about the history of the amusement continues to be a joy to me. spotlight an AIMS member who has Senior Amusement Ride Inspector and ride entertainment business and the Tell us one thing you have learned been active in the annual AIMS Safety in 2006 I was promoted to Assistant Di- people who were involved in the early from the AIMS Safety Seminar. Seminar. To suggest a future spotlight rector of the Safety Standards Division. years of this industry. I learned that you can learn new on an AIMS member contact Steve Lay- I retired in 2009 after 21 years of service Tell us something about yourself and important things from the first time cock at: with the State of Oklahoma. that is not commonly known by your students as well as from the students steve.laycock@ What did you do before you were amusement ride peers. who have been in the field 50 years. rides.com in the amusement business? While serving in the navy I had the Come to AIMS with an open mind and Over the years I have done a num- opportunity to live in Australia for three open ears and you will learn much that Don Hankins ber of things but always enjoyed me- years. I found Australia a wonderful will help you do your job better. Independent Ride chanical things and believe strongly in country and would jump at the chance What was your favorite class at Inspector education so I attended Great Plains to go back. the AIMS Safety Seminar? Area Trade School for auto mechanics. What is so special about your Any class that I don’t have to teach; For a number of Hankins However, when I joined the navy they work? no, really it would be very difficult to years, Don Hankins felt I had an aptitude for electrical work I’m my own boss, how great is that? pick a favorite class because I find I was a fixture around the state of Okla- so I was sent to Construction Electri- I do independent inspection work, much learn something in every class I take. homa. Now, even after retiring in 2009, cian ‘A’ school and Dive school for un- of it for The Lundy Group. This allows That being said, I think those classes he continues to service the industry that derwater construction. Later I was sent me to travel across the country working where the students take an active part he had come to love. Don continues to to electrical ‘B’ and ‘C’ school as well. with a large number of parks, carnivals, in the class are the best. As a presenter spend one week of his own time each Being in the navy allowed me to travel fairs, water parks, and FEC’s. I enjoy at AIMS I often find students teach me year at the AIMS Safety Seminar but in- so between 1971 and 1979 I served all meeting and working with all these dif- as much or more than I teach them. stead of just taking classes he is giving over the world with the Seabees. When ferent people and seeing their facilities, Why should someone attend a back to the industry as a volunteer in- I left the navy I was a Construction Elec- however, I owe a great deal to the State training seminar and particularly the structor at the AIMS Safety Seminar. As trician 1st Class. After working civilian of Oklahoma. I was in my early years AIMS Safety Seminar? if attending classes and instructing oth- electrical jobs and attending Cameron with the state when they sent me to ev- We should always strive to learn, to er classes were not enough, Don took University I ended up with the State of ery school you can think of. I attended improve what and how we do things. some time out of his schedule during Oklahoma. In my spare time I was an schools on accident investigation, elec- Attending a safety seminar provides the last AIMS Safety Seminar to answer EMT for a volunteer ambulance service trical safety and nondestructive testing. for a chance to exchange ideas, learn questions for AIMS New & Notes. for 16 years. I also attended AREA, NAARSO, and different and many times better ways What do you do in your free time? AIMS seminars on a regular basis. to doing things. Attending the AIMS How did you get started in the In my younger days I was an avid How long have you worked inde- Safety Seminar in particularly gives you amusement business? bicycle rider and could be found most pendently? a chance to meet and discuss problems It was 1988 and I was hired by weekends on a bicycle tour or race. My I have been doing independent and ideas with a good number of differ- the state of Oklahoma Department of riding now is more recreational but I still inspection and consulting work since ent manufacturers. Labor as a Boiler/Amusement Ride In- enjoy it along with bowling and yard 2009.” I am one of the lucky people, In general, how was your over- spector. My career with the state led work. I also enjoy reading, particularly I have a job that I enjoy every day and 4See SPOTLIGHT, page 41

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] July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 ASTM Amusement Rides Committee focuses on trampoline park safety W. CONSHOHOCKEN, president of Amusement standard development for mitment the task group mem- tend. Pa. — Trampoline parks are Evaluation and Testing, in- trampoline courts since the bers have shown,” notes Slag- The next ASTM Commit- one of the fastest growing cluded the input of suppli- first informational meeting,” gert. “The amount of time tee F24 meeting will be held segments of the attractions ers, inspectors, operators and says Jeff Platt, chairman of the this group has volunteered Oct. 18-20 in Reno, Nev., and industry. In the last year, the consumers to develop ASTM International Association of to develop an effective stan- will be open to all with an in- popularity of trampoline WK35776, New Practice for Trampoline Parks. “The pub- dard for trampoline courts is terest in safety and a desire to parks has risen dramatically the Design, Manufacture, In- lication of an effective stan- amazing.” contribute to amusement in- and new facilities are opening stallation, Operation, Mainte- dard for trampoline courts is The next trampoline court dustry standards. almost weekly. Stakeholders, nance, Inspection and Major key to providing an enjoyable task group in-person meeting Additional information recognizing this growth, have Modification of Trampoline participatory experience for will be held July 18 and 19 at for prospective members can come together to develop an Courts. our guests.” Xtreme Trampolines in Buf- be found at www.astm.org/ ASTM standard practice for “Members of the IATP “I am extremely pleased falo Grove, Ill. All interested COMMIT/F24.htm. this unique attraction. have been involved with the with the dedication and com- stakeholders are invited to at- At the ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices’ global safety stan- dards meeting last fall, Sub- committee F24.60 on Special Rides and Attractions met with trampoline park stake- holders and representatives of the International Associa- tion of Trampoline Parks to establish a special task group. This Trampoline Court Task Group, led by Phil Slaggert, SPOTLIGHT Continued from page 40 all experience at the AIMS Safety Seminar and how prepared were your instruc- tors? My overall experience at this AIMS Safety Seminar and for that fact all of the AIMS Safety Seminars that I have at- tended have been great. That is why I keep coming back. I think the instructors are very well prepared. It is a chal- lenge each year to present a class or classes that will keep a first year student as inter- ested as someone who has a number of years in the indus- try so I would like to say a big “thank you” to each person who has ever taken their time to instruct me. Tell us one person you have met here during a net- working opportunity time that has made an impact on you and why. It would be very hard to name just one person as there have been so many talented people I have met and who have made an impact on me over my years at AIMS. I am, however, very excited to see the new faces and the young people entering our industry and their desire to learn and attending AIMS. I encourage them to take the time during different networking opportu- nities to talk with those who have been around for a while. Their knowledge and stories could fill a book. —Steve Laycock 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 Joe LaGuardia, 63, served New York State Fair for 32 years

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bon- cious and LaGuardia not only throughout the year finding he knew his job. This is not nie Brocious, marketing di- became close colleagues, join- the best for them. Joe was only a tremendous loss for rector/talent buyer, Great Al- ing together as routing part- very respected in this posi- his family and friends, but lentown (Pa.) Fair, reflected ners, but also formed a friend- tion.” also a tremendous loss for the about the passing of her col- ship that extended beyond Carey Harveycutter, ex- community. Joe did so much league and good friend, Joe them to their families. ecutive director, Salem (Va.) in the community. He was ac- LaGuardia, as she packed on “He was just coming out Civic Center, home to the Sa- tive in so much and he just Thurs., May 17 to attend his of a medical induced coma,” lem Fair, said he had known made it a better place to live wake that afternoon in Syra- Brocious said. “But, he rec- LaGuardia for 15 years. in Syracuse.” cuse. ognized me right away. He “He knew his market,” He served on the boards LaGuardia, who served squeezed my hand. I told him Harveycutter said. “He pro- of the Syracuse Chiefs, the the New York State Fair in that I was standing there with grammed his fair so well. He Greater Syracuse Sports Hall Syracuse for 32 years, died his wife and my husband, but took his budget and stretched of Fame and the Central New on May 14. He succumbed that was the best squeeze I it better than anyone I have York Arthritis Foundation. to complications while being had ever had from a man.” ever known.” LaGuardia was an ar- treated for amyloidosis, a rare Brocious had also brought In a local news report, dent golfer and past presi- blood disorder. He was being a list of industry names, peo- Tom Young, former Syracuse dent of Bellevue Country treated at the Boston Medical ple who had called about him. Joe LaGuardia mayor and friend of LaGuar- Club. When he was still at the Center. He was 63 years old. “He nodded as I read dia’s, said his death was a Fair, LaGuardia sometimes “He was a guy that really each one of the names,” she tertainment agencies. shock. Although there is no brought music stars such as meant a lot to me,” Brocious said. “I was so very glad that I “He brought huge acts cure for amyloidosis, there country singer Vince Gill to said. “I met him in 1990 at was able to bring the industry to fairs, like Frank Sinatra is treatment that can give pa- play at Bellevue. an IEBA (International Enter- into his room that day.” — acts that normally didn’t tients a fairly normal life. He was very active in the tainment Buyers Association) Brocious said LaGuardia book into fairs,” she said. “He “Everyone expected he International Entertainment convention. He represented forged huge relationships broke through and booked was going to recover,” Young Buyers Association. the fair and a fairer man has with the booking agencies shows into grandstands that was reported as saying. “I can tell you there isn’t a never lived. He was a para- and bands across the country normally didn’t go there, In another report, former dry eye in Los Angeles, New mount leader in our indus- over the years he was at the like music festivals. And, he State Fair Director Peter Cap- York and Nashville today,” try.” state fair. And, since LaGuar- wanted to take care of his tal- puccilli, was quoted as say- she said. Having the same job du- dia, like Brocious, booked ent. He wanted them to have ing: “Joe was the leader in the LaGuardia is survived ties, marketing, booking en- all entertainment such as the best facilities, because he industry, there’s no question by his mother, wife, Carol, tertainment, and publicity, for grounds acts, he had relation- knew they were on the road about it. And if you know their three children and three their perspective fairs, Bro- ships with many types of en- all year. He spent a lot of time Joe, it’s because he cared and grandchildren. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012

Region As of Change from MARKETWATCH (U.S.) 06/11/12 year ago East Coast $3.818 $-0.150 Prices Prices 52 Weeks Midwest $3.696 $-0.209 RIDING THE Company One Month Ago 06/13/12 High Low MARKET Gulf Coast $3.698 $-0.198 Cedar Fair L.P. $26.84 $27.85 $31.74 $16.43 Mountain $3.873 $-0.115 MGM Mirage $10.40 $10.98 $16.05 $7.40 West Coast $3.902 N/A FUEL PRICES Six Flags Ent. Corp. $44.48 $49.95 $50.77 $24.72 California $4.066 $-0.179 CBS Corp. $30.02 $31.41 $35.00 $17.99 TOP 7 MOST TRADED On 06/13/12 $1 USD = Walt Disney Co. $44.33 $46.23 $46.65 $28.19 CURRENCIES 0.7954 EURO Apollo Global Mgt. LLC $10.76 $12.70 $17.94 $8.85 0.6445 GBP (British Pound) Blackstone Group $11.54 $12.32 $17.78 $10.51 79.3695 JPY (Japanese Yen) Village Roadshow $3.15 $3.08 $4.12 $2.41 0.9553 CHF (Swiss Franc) 1.0052 AUD (Australian Dollar) NBC Universal $18.88 $19.37 $21.00 $14.02 CURRENCY 1.0292 CAD (Canadian Dollar)

PEOPLE WATCH ACE honors Ron Toomer’s legacy Saffas, former owners of Jenks amusement Cedar Point hires new marketing rep Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, announced Annie Zelm as its with plaque at Cedar Point park die days apart new marketing programs representative. Zelm will be responsible for coordinating with regional media TULSA, Okla. — The two to promote the park’s upcoming events, including this year’s new former owners of Indian Na- attractions, Dinosaurs Alive! and Luminosity, the park’s live night- tions Amusement Park, Jenks, time show. Oklahoma, died days apart. She will also be responsible for responding to all media inqui- Farris P. Saffa, 93 died April 10 ries and planning special events at the park. with his wife of 59 years Anne Zelm looks forward to bringing her energy and experience to Saffa, 87, passing on April 16. the park as it begins an exciting new season. Before joining the marketing team, she worked for four years as a reporter and editor The son of Lebanese im- at the Sandusky Register. She has also held leadership positions at migrants, Farris Saffa grew up Kings Island in Cincinnati. in Drumright. Starring as an All-State IAAPA adds two to association’s team quarterback in high school, he The International Association of Amusement Parks and At- went on to play football on a tractions (IAAPA) added two staff members to its global headquar- scholarship at the University ters staff in Alexandria, Virginia. of Notre Dame. Ryan Strowger joined the attractions industry trade associa- Following graduation, he tion as vice president of exhibitions, conferences, and sales. In served three years as a para- this role, Strowger is responsible for growing IAAPA’s three trade trooper during World War II, shows: Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA jumping out of gliders over Attractions Expo. He will also oversee IAAPA conferences and Europe with the Army’s 82nd manage the exhibit, advertisement, and sponsorship sales teams. On Saturday, May 19, members of American Coaster En- Airborne Division. Most recently, Strowger served as director of business devel- After the war, he became opment for the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), thusiasts (ACE) presented a memorial plaque to Cedar Point honoring legendary coaster designer Ron Toomer. a beer distributor in Tulsa which is owned and managed by the Consumer Electronics As- where he met and married his sociation. Toomer’s career spanned 93 roller coasters from 1966 to wife Anne Saffa, a native of Amy Pepin joined IAAPA as manager of conference, trade 1998, with Cedar Point being home to five of Toomer’s show, and meeting operations. Pepin will work with the director of coaster creations: Cedar Creek Mine Ride, Corkscrew, New Madrid, Mo. conference and trade show operations and the director of meet- Gemini, Iron Dragon, and the world-renowned Magnum She worked at St. John’s ings to oversee trade show and event registration, coordinate spe- XL-200. As Mr. Toomer’s coasters were a critical part of Medical Center as a medical cial events, manage attendee services, and play a key role in event the exploding popularity and growth of both roller coast- transcriptionist, taking dicta- housing and transportation logistics. ers and Cedar Point during the latter part of the 20th tion from surgeons as they She comes to IAAPA with six years of event planning experi- Century, it is fitting that Cedar Point received this award came out of surgery. ence, most recently with John Snow Inc., a public health research highlighting his vital importance to the development of In the late 1960’s, the Saf- and consulting firm, where she planned conferences in Africa, Asia, the steel roller coaster. Ron Toomer passed away last Sep- fas bought Skyline Park in and the Caribbean. Before John Snow Inc., she served as educa- tember, however, his wife Betty and daughter Carol at- Jenks, Okla. and its iconic Sky tional programming manager for the American Resort Develop- tended this very special presentation as guests of Cedar King wooden roller coaster, ment Association and was responsible for logistics and program- Point and ACE. AT/TIM BALDWIN which at the time was billed ming for trade association events in the United States. as the world’s longest. They would later rename it as In- dian Nations Amusement Park. Seeing the opportunity to make a better investment from the park, they would close the amusement park and convert a portion of the land for a housing develop- ment. The Saffas are survived by three daughters, Toni Wer- sal, Terri Saffa and Tamme SLA Saffa-Baker; a son Ferris Saffa Continued from page 41 Jr.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 MIDWAY CARNIVALS STATE FAIRS REVENUE SUPPLIERS Skerbeck Shows enjoying a very good 2012 STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Bill Skerbeck, Skerbeck Brothers Reporter’s Shows, had no reason to complain as the 2012 season was getting into full swing last month. Notebook His unit was playing in this Mich- New sponsor igan city at a local church festival. on board at the “When we get the weather, we get the crowds,” Skerbeck said. “Memo- Colorado State Fair rial Day weekend was the closest we PUEBLO, Colo. – The largest have gotten to being rained out this building on the Colorado State year.” Fairgrounds will have a new name by the time the State Fair, set The 2011 season was a lot differ- for Aug. 24-Sept. 3, 2012, rolls ent. Last spring was the wettest on re- around. cord for him. Southwest Motors has joined “But, by July 4th, last year, the the sponsorship team and the weather had worked itself out and it events center will don its name, was great,” he said. “We had the stron- the Southwest Motors Event Cen- gest September we have ever had.” ter. Skerbeck said he hopes that up- The 7,800-seat center is swing will continue for his show home to a number of fair and throughout the entire 2012. community events including con- New for the show this year is an certs, roller derby competitions, Owens Cuckoo Haus purchased from and weddings. Barry Jamieson, World’s Finest Shows, Here is Skerbeck Brothers Shows’ Chance Century Wheel with their Sell- The new sponsorship package Ontario, Can. Bill Skerbeck and his ner (now Larson) Strawberry located near the base of the wheel. Skerbeck with Southwest Motors includes brother, Joe Skerbeck, also purchased Shows has three wheels – this Century Wheel, an Eli Bridge Wheel and a $35,000 with a three percent in- a used Wisdom Orient Express from Mulligan Wheel. AT/SUE NICHOLS crease annually for a minimum of Andy Schoendienst, Luehrs’ Ideal five years. Rides, Belleville, Ill., and various other In 2011, over 100 sponsors items such as canvas and inflatables. helped to promote youth and ag- riculture by creating over $1.6 mil- This will be the third season for the lion in revenue for the Colorado show’s A.R.M. Vertigo, which was State Fair. purchased factory new. For much of the season, Skerbeck said he and his brother split the car- nival into two units. They have a to- Quoted tal ride arsensal of about 50 rides so “If we can find other they usually carry about 25 on each unit. They also own 30 games, six food sources of revenues, trailers and eight generators. then we don’t have “We have about eight other rides to raise our ticket in various stages of condition,” Sker- beck said. prices to keep up Skerbeck Brothers Shows, based with the increase in Escanaba, Mich., is traced back to 1857. in operations.” “Our people were circus people —Wade Shows owner from Europe, what we call the old This is one of the new purchases for Skerbeck Shows for the 2012 season. Frank Zaitshik on adding country,” he said. “In about 1880, they This Owens Cuckoo Haus had belonged to Barry Jamieson, World’s Finest sponsorships to his rides came to the states and stayed in the Shows, Ontario, Can. Skerbeck said this has worked out to be a very nice 4See SKERBECK, page 46 attraction for his company. AT/SUE NICHOLS Factory wholesale pricing! • Over 100 designs available! • Made in the USA

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SKERBECK ning. In 1975, Skerbeck and his Continued from page 45 brother took over the opera- midwaylights tion of the show. COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected] circus business. In 1900, they “Of course, our families bought their first ride. It was are with us,” he said. “My a horse pulling a merry-go- wife, Carla, and Joe’s wife, The State Fair of Virginia and The Mead- The 2012 Alameda County Fair, Pleasan- round. They started buying Debbie, work with us. Now ow Event Park could change hands again, ac- ton, Calif., is celebrating its 100th birthday with more rides and, by 1910, they our adult children are also cording to a news report. new exhibits, a return of the downtown parade, had gotten out of the circus working on the midway. So, I Tennessee-based Universal Fairs LLC a brand new concert format and a variety of new president Mark Lovell bought the 150-year-old attractions. The fair began June 20 and will run business and just traveled with guess there will be a sixth gen- fair’s intellectual property at an auction for $5.67 through July 8. rides.” eration.” million on May 22. Lovell later reported that a Butler Amusements, Fairfield, Calif., is pro- And, that was the begin- group approached him with an offer to buy the viding the midway for the 2012 event. fair and the property. Visitors to the event are getting the chance Lovell said he made a counteroffer. If the to be part of the history of the fair by purchasing group accepts it, the property will be sold. He a brick for the Alameda County Historical Monu- didn’t identify the potential buyer. ment. They are able to peruse the memorabilia Lovell plans to operate the property as a available symbolizing the fair’s most tributed “full-event facility” with the fair and other activi- moments ties, such as trade shows and weddings. But if Author Victoria Christian has authored a the price is right, he’s open to selling the prop- book on the history of the fair. erty. A new mobile website for the 2012 event is • giving visitors fair information at their fingertips. The historic Michigan State Fair will make • a comeback this summer after a three-year ab- Missoula’s Board of County Commissioners sence, donning a “Made in Michigan” theme has banned smoking at the Missoula (Montana) and featuring numerous attractions. County Fairgrounds, except in designated ar- The 2012 Great Lakes State Fair is set for eas. Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, 2012, at the Subur- The newly signed resolution applies to all ban Collection Showplace in Novi — a 235,000 public events, including the Western Montana square-foot venue with five-acres of outdoor Fair. space for fair activities. The catalyst for the resolution was a struc- All fair features will sport the “Made in ture fire at last year’s fair. Michigan” theme and focus will be placed on The fair manager had said that the build- the state’s agriculture and commodities. ings at the Missoula County Fairgrounds are old According to the Great Lakes State Fair wooden buildings, many of which are of histori- website, attractions will include agriculture and cal significance. Smoking is a public safety risk livestock exhibits, rides provided by Arnold with the potential to cause fires. Amusements based in Traverse City, Mich., a • Michigan Brewery Beer Garden and the Detroit Officials with the Du Quoin State Fair re- Shrine Circus. ported its revenue from non-fair events is up Michigan country and Americana musicians dramatically over the past 10 years. It is having will perform at the event, but no names have a huge impact, they said, for the entire region. been released. Fair Manager John Rednour Jr. was quot- The fair will be funded by sponsors and do- ed as saying in a local news story that: “As far nations rather than by the state. as revenue coming into the fairgrounds, we’re • talking about 6-700,000 dollars, maybe even a Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif., is giving up on million within the next couple years. But for the California — the letters in the name, anyway. communities surrounding, it’s millions and mil- Disneyland Resorts spokesman Kevin Raf- lions of dollars in economic impact. ferty told a local news agency that the giant Motorcross, horse racing, and camping letters that spelled out the state’s name outside are just a few examples of the non-fair events the Disney California Adventure theme park that take place throughout the year at the fair- will be donated to the California State Fair, grounds. Sacramento, for a new entrance. “The non-fair income actually consists of This is the third season for Skerbeck Brothers Shows’ A.R.M. The letters, popular with picture-takers, money paid by vendors, renters, promoters, Vertigo. It has been a very successful ride for the show. have stood at the park’s entrance since its open- camping fees and, during non-fair events, gen- AT/SUE NICHOLS ing in 2001, but they won’t fit with a major ex- erally, we charge parking,” said Rednour. pansion to the re-themed park. The fairgrounds aren’t the only place ben- They were given to the volunteer associa- efiting from the visitors that come to these Indiana authorities continue tion of the California Exposition and State Fair events. Local restaurants and hotels, as well as in Sacramento. The group will use them for a many other area businesses, are also reaping the search for fire suspects new building entrance. benefits. SHELBYVILLE, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Home- • Officials say non-fair events are held at the land Security issued the following news release: Delaware County Fair board officials say fairgrounds more than 300 days a year. Local and state authorities are asking for the public’s help that preparations for this year’s Delaware • as they continue to look for the suspect(s) responsible for setting County Fair, Muncie, Ind., are in full swing. New The Oakland County Fair at Springfield the Shelby County Fair grandstand on fire. The Indiana State events, new stages and even a new grandstand Oaks County Park in Davisburg, Mich., has been Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with will greet visitors during the July 9-21, 2012 run. extended to 10 days this year, running from July information that leads to an arrest. Last year, the Delaware County Fair board 6-July 15. During this 10-day event, there will The Shelbyville Fire Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s made a commitment to offer even more fami- be a midway with carnival rides (provided by Department, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office contin- ly-friendly options. This includes a family area Playworld Amusements Inc., Alma, Mich.), a ue to investigate the fire which occurred during the early morn- set up near the midway and different activities free circus, Oakland County Idol contest and ex- each night, such as clowns, animal shows and hibits ranging from aerospace to woodworking. ing hours of May 19, 2012 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds, 901 the Colts Caravan. That area will also include There will be a large variety of favorite fair Fair Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana. Local and state investigators bounce houses for the little ones. foods and space for families to pack a picnic and determined the fire that destroyed the historic grandstand was Parking costs are being reduced from $10 eat in the comfort of an activity pavilion. And, intentionally set. to $5. there will be a variety of entertainment and daily Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about • promotions. this fire, no matter how insignificant the information may seem, to call one of two hotlines to provide information. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47

Playworld Shows, based in Alma, Mich., has been hit with more than its share of rainy days already in 2012. Set up in Dearborn Mich., the show had its Larson Ring of Fire, with the Fajume Wacky Worm set up near its base. At left, the Mulligan Wheel is one of the draws for the midway, as are food and games. COURTESY PLAYLAND SHOWS Playworld Shows seeing abundance of spring rains WARREN, Mich. — used Owens fun house pur- Weather had not been friendly chased from E.K. Fernandez, to Playworld Shows at the first Magic Island Carnival in Ha- part of the 2012 season. Joyce waii. Brady, who owns the show Also purchased were two with husband Jeff Brady, said Hampton rides from Dalton – June 11 that out of the last 10 a tractor ride and a VW ride. weeks, they had had only one They purchased a brand new really good weather week. Tivoli Remix, and a Zamperla “And that ended up be- Air Raid. ing a great event,” she said. “We don’t have any of “When the weather is good, so these as yet,” Brady said. “The is the business.” Air Raid we purchased will be In fact, when speaking the first trailer-mounted -ver with AT, Brady said they sion of the park ride. We won’t were setting up in Warren get that one until the fall.” for a downtown fair. And, it The Brady’s son, Kyle was raining. But, she hoped it Brady, was still in Hawaii with would let up when the event Fernandez in June. He took started. two rides, the A.R.M. Super Playworld Shows is based Shot, which belongs to Play- in Alma, Mich., and plays world Shows, and the Dartron Michigan for the first part of Rave that he purchased last the season until Labor Day year. weekend. Then, the show “He worked this out with heads to the Carolinas for the Fernandez,” she said. “He left remainder of the season. the first of May and was ex- Brady said that what she pected to be gone for about six has been seeing is that the weeks.” well-established dates are Brady said her son made doing better than those that his Hawaiian connection in haven’t been around as long. the 2011 season. “We play a lot of still dates “Fernandez’s foreign at the early part of the season,” workers were late getting to she said. “If the date is not a his show so he reached out to well-established one, it just the industry,” Brady said. “A doesn’t draw the folks.” group of carnival owners’ kids The Brady’s increased went over there to help out their 38-ride arsenal this year until his workers could get on with five attractions, but only the midway.” one was on the midway in —Pam Sherborne mid-June and that was the 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 Zaitshik adding sponsor-themed ride, looking to go cashless The 2012 season hit the road again after very the road,” he said. “The good awaiting the return of his Hr- ly Kraft Macaroni and Cheese successful early year routes. news here – we have had time ubetz Tip Top, which he pur- themed,” Zaitshik said, “not going well for Although he only had two to go through all the rides. chased earlier in the year. The just the tea cups like the first Wade Shows units out during late spring As we finish up these, we can ride cars were being wrapped one. The entire ride will have where traditionally he would swap them out with rides on by Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, the blue and yellow colors.” STORY: Pam Sherborne have three, he felt the 2012 the road.” making this ride the second This is not Zaitshik’s first [email protected] season had already gone ex- Of course, the down side sponsored-themed ride by sponsorship agreement for tremely well for the show. He was not having the revenue that company. The first, a a ride, yet this one has been SPRING HILL, Fla. – In described his early year Flor- produced by dates. Zamperla Crazy Daisy, oper- very successful. Not only does mid-May, Frank Zaitshik, ida and Texas routes as “out- He said he would have ated during the 2011 season. Kraft pay for the sponsorship, owner, Wade Shows Inc., was standing.” rather had a shorter down “This second ride is entire- 4See WADE, page 50 busyFrederiksen with some 1/7x3 of b/w his crew3/14/02 11:22“I gave AM up Page some 1 of our time, then kicked back up dur- here going over rides, putting east coast dates this year so ing the Memorial Day week- finishing touches on upcom- after the Florida route, we end. But, the time had been ing technological changes for shut down the Wade unit, very productive. his midway and preparing to leaving us with two units on For starters, Zaitshik was “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide This is the first ride Frank Zaitshik, Wade Shows Inc., themed for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It is a Zamperla Crazy Daisy and operated on the midway during the 2011 season. He will have a second Kraft Macaroni and Cheese themed ride on the midway for the 2012 season, a Hrubetz Tip Top. AT/SUE NICHOLS

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Seats remain on ride for transport Fast Set-up and Tear-down 36-Passenger Capacity Simultaneous Loading Fan Light Package Mast Covers Sweep Panels

28-Foot Trailer This Angry Birds games on Wade Shows’ midway has been getting a lot of attention. Frank Zaitshik, owner, Wade Shows, said he was glad to see something out there a little 1-800-274-0211 fax 217-479-0103 different, even though he doesn’t own any games except [email protected] elibridge.com for a Denny’s Electronics water race game. This Angry Birds game is owned by Mike O’Connor. AT/SUE NICHOLS We Finance everything but the smiles on the midWay Prairie Financial Helping show folks grow their businesses since 2000

Paul Muller [email protected] Mark Walker A division of Wade Muller [email protected] prairiefinancialinc.com [email protected] 816-554-3863 July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012 WADE the fairs,” he said. “If we can working on taking his mid- For the 2012 season, he the rides and games in 2014. Continued from page 48 find other sources of revenues, way cashless. He was in nego- wants to be able to do the He plans to use a down- then we don’t have to raise our tiations in May so he did not Ozark Empire Fair, Branson, loadable card, a Fun Pass. As representatives have come out ticket prices to keep up with release any company names, Mo., set for July 27-Aug. 4, the program begins, patrons to two of Wade Shows events the increase in operations. We as far as which company he 2012, and the Missouri State will still need to go to a ticket to host special promotions. will certainly be looking at it might use for the system. Fair, Sedalia, Aug. 9-19, with a office to get the card down- Zaitshik feels this type of harder.” Zaitshik said he feels continu- cashless system for rides only. loaded, but eventually he sees extra revenue source is a good Some years ago, Zaitshik ing to be on the cutting edge He provides about 40 rides for using kiosks where patrons opportunity and he plans to had a sponsorship deal for of technology is the best way each of those dates. can download the card them- look at it harder. his Fabbri Mega Drop with to go. He implemented a fast In 2013, he wants to of- selves. “As one fair manager said Pepsi Zero. The ride sported pass system, which he calls a fer the cashless system for all “Our ticket sellers will be- during a seminar I attended, the brand logo. But, that was a Gold Pass, several years ago rides for all dates, meaning he come card scanners,” he said. this type of sponsorhship is one-time deal. as a customer service for those will have about 100 rides on Does he think he will re- not only good for the carni- Also, during this down that don’t want to wait in long the cashless system next year coup his monetary outlay any vals, but it is also good for time, Zaitshik has also been lines. Then, he wants to include time soon for the program and the implementation of it? “Heck no,” he said. “But, we pride ourselves at having MIDWAY the state-of-the-art technol- ogy here. It will be more of a MARKET PLACE customer service. People think that doing this will decrease workforce pilfering. But, we think it will eventually be a revenue producing system by the discounts and such we will be able to load onto the card.” For the 2012 season, Zait- shik purchased a Techni- cal Park Street Fighter and a Chance Inverter earlier in the year. He bought a used Wis- dom Sizzler, making this his third Sizzler, and, of course, the Hrubetz Tip Top that was rethemed to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese ride. Zaitshik’s Wade unit start- ed back up June 19 at the Livo- nia (Mich.) Spree, June 19-24, and then on to the Delaware State Fair, Harrington, July 19- 28.

Political debate to be a 2012 Nebraska State Fair attraction

LINCOLN, Neb. — Ne- braska U.S. Senate hopefuls Deb Fischer and Bob Kerrey have agreed to a campaign de- bate at the State Fair in Grand Island. The Lincoln Journal Star reported the candidates will square off on Aug. 25. Fair dates are Aug. 24-Sept. 3, 2012. Both are seeking to fill the seat that will open after the retirement of Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson. Nelson an- nounced in December that he will not seek re-election. Kerrey, a Democrat, is looking to return to the U.S. Senate after leaving office in 2001. The former Nebraska governor most recently served as president of The New School, a university in New York City. Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! Fischer, a Republican, is a Buy products and services from these suppliers. Nebraska state senator from rural Valentine. July 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51

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

2008 CAPCO CENTER TRAILER Due to growth at the four North Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks and the addi- Like-new condition, 18’x8’, removable tion of a new park in Waco, hitch, all hydraulic, goes to ground level, Hawaiian Falls Waterparks is seeking extra awning lights. senior managers. The following positions are currently $40,300 open:

Call EJ Dean (978) 375-2542 MECHANIC •General Manager •Director of Finance GENERATOR FOR SALE Company: Quassy Amusement Park •Director of Marketing www.quassy.com Detroit deisel 140kw mounted in a Email cover letter and resumé to sound proof enclosure Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, [email protected]. 400 amp 3 phase main breaker, com- Conn., has a full-time mechanic’s posi- More info and job descriptions are pletely rebuilt in 1994 and only used tion available. Applicant must have a online at http://www.hfalls.com/water 1300 hours since. thorough knowledge of andMay experi 2010- AMUSEMENTpark/employment.html TODAY 39 500 gal fuel capacity ence with mechanics, gear reduction, September 2009 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 pneumatics, hydraulics, and electro-me- For more details and pictures chanical. Must have the proven ability call Dennis at (718) 372-2592 to use these skills to ensure the save operation, maintenance, and inspec- KIDDIE RIDES FOR SALE Subscribe to our YouTube channel tions of amusement rides, attractions youtube.com/amusementtoday Turtles:$7,500 and company equipment. CLASSIFIEDSHampton Cars: $8,000 Space Train: $4,000 CLASSIFIEDS www.AmusementToday.comCompetitive salary,www.AmusementToday.com benefits package. Little Dipper Coaster: $7,000 Complete job description available Sky Fighter $7,000 Follow us on Twitter To place an ad call (817) 460-7220via e-mail at [email protected]. twitter.com/amusementtoday To placeContact an Ericad Anderson, call (203)(817) 758-2913 460-7220 ADULT x100. Quassy is an EOE. FOR SALE FOR SALE Paratrooper: $24,000 eMploYMenT eMFoploYMenR Sale T Troika: $65,000FoFoRR SaleSale FoFoRR SaleSale FoR Sale SeRVIceS Smokey Mountain Calypso: $22,000 DATEBOOK Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters Amusements Inc. Majestic Bumper Cars: $8,000 Great for game booths and ride queue Amusements Inc. House of Glass Maze $3,000 JULY 16 & 17 needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departments Dual Flume Water Slide $15,000 12 Rides Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit and weather-tight speaker. Up to fourCan Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit Bayern Curve $28,000 PAPA Summer13 Games Meeting, DelGrosso’s2-minute custom Amusement sayings or one Park, self- Electrician - For Green Unit Profitable, owner looking to diversify Electrician - For Green Unit Zyclon Coaster $80,000 repeating custom canned spiel. Contact: Tipton,with existing Pa. operations. Contact: Brian (Beaver) Bitner $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for Brian (Beaver) Bitner [email protected] • and (919) 272-5627 If interested, please contact: more information or call Anthony at (919) 272-5627 Angola, Indiana Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 Len Soled (865) 742-1394 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 SEPTEMBER 6 MAY Winter Quarters Now Open! Rides-4-U, Inc. Winter Quarters Now Open! SERVICES help grow your business? (843) 362-0022 TFN Annual (908)AIMS 526-8009 Board of Directors Meeting, (843) 362-0022 TFN Bumper Cars (24 cars) 40x80 (SBF)....$125,000 WHITEWATERSpin out T/M (Huss) 10 YEAR ...... INSPECTIONS$299,000 Pigeon Forge, Tenn. LOOPING COASTER Eclipse -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000 SeRVIceS Twister/Maverick (Moser) ...... $599,000 LOOPING COASTER 3rdTwister/ party Maverick insurance (Moser) and ...... $599,000 safety inspec- tions.SkyDrop Master TowerCalifornia -ARM T/M (ARM)QSI T/M ...... $179,000inspections...... $299,000 Former • J&D Carnival Services offering ser- eDropQUI TowerpM T/MenT (ARM) ...... Wan$249,000Ted eQUILaunchpM LoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterTed vices to you for a low, low price. Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster Disney Safety Manager. Amusement and 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel Arrow Dynamics all steel with DropRio Grande Tower -ARM(Zamperla) T/M ...... $399,000 ...... $19,000 SEPTEMBER$410,000 - Completely 7 & rebuilt 8, 2012 July Golden Ticket Awards, Super Truck (SBF)SLIDES ...... $19,900 Arrow DynamicsSLIDES all steel with waterparks. 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! Wanted used 90+ft. slides, www.safetycertify.com Dollywood, Piegeon Forge, Tenn. Ali Babaportability T/M (ARM) ...... not needed.$249,000 BuiltG-Force 1977, 4, Excellent 56’ high xcondition 635’ long in are made to 100% / over 6,000 new •Ride setup Wanted used 90+ft. slides, (916)ChaosScooter 772-2698 -Chance 1800 T/M T/M (Majestic) ...... $99,000 ....$224,000 •Ride tear down Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic) ...... $224,000 Built in 1977,Indiana. excellent $200,000 condition in LED lights, new electrical wiring, new portability not needed. PIC drive. All updates. • •Ride painting FUNHOUSES ForIndiana. photos $120,000and details: ScooterCrazy Bus 1400 T/M -Majestic (Zamperla) T/M ...... $99,000 ...... $109,000 Ask us how you can tap into over Crazy Bus T/M (Zamperla) ...... $99,000 •Ride washing Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, [email protected] photosFUNHOUSES and details: Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 CrazyOPPORTUNITY Bus -Zamperla T/M ...... $99,000 PleaseOCTOBER call Gene 1-5Dean: (Trade (978) 375-2542 Show Oct. 3 &•Ride 4) repair work mobility not necessary [email protected] Other Rides 250 million potential customers. Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 Drop Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000 or e-mail [email protected] •Concession cleaning Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used22 “Carnival Other Rides Funhouses”, SMOKEYTornado -Wisdom MOUNTAIN T/M ...... $129,000 AMUSEMENTS 32nd Annual WWA Symposium & Trade•Concession Show, work Paris DropContact Tower (Moser) Sunny ...... (612) 332-5600$89,000 mobilityAngola, not Indiananecessary Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 INC.Orient Needs Express Ride -Wisdom Help ...... $139,000In All and much, much more. TFN TOKEN MACHINES FOR SALE Hotel, LasTO SIGN Vegas, UP FOR Nev. Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) .....$119,000 Departments: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 Four Token Machines (26” tall, 13.5” Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit. Vertical Water Race Games Traffic Jam T/M (SBF) ...... $219,000 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., BINGO / BEANO ElectricianAmericana Carousel- For Green 28’ ...... $199,000 Unit. 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models wide, andGAMES 13” deep) FOR SALE Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. wanted1989 Orbiter for Bangor T/M ...... State Fair, $205,000Bangor, in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. Manufacturer: Standard Change-Makers Contact:Traffic Jam -SBF T/M ...... $219,000 OCTOBER 9-11 Publication & Ad Design Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Call (207) 825-3944 ask for Jamie or Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 2 - Model 2001. SKEE BALLS Brian (Beaver) Bitner Point-of-Purchase Materials Design Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 EuroAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring Attractions - Priced to Expo, Sell! Messe Berlin,Danielle. Or call our cell at 2 - Model2. 400 CLAW MACHINES (919)Kamikazi 272-5627 T/M (Fabbri) ...... $149,000 Great price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Bear Affair ...... $44,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design Communications Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows Front display3. has STACKERS yellow background BillyKiddieMini RockingClark Scrambler Tug T/M -Eli (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 Berlin,AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Germany(718) 614-0597 Baja Buggy T/M(978) (Zamperla) 375-2542 ...... $59,000 with pink,4. purple SPORTS and ARENAS teal print with (863) 738-1689 TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragon 806- (Sellner) Moser ...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM [email protected] stars. Sides5. AIR and HOCKEY back are TABLES black. Winter Quarters Now Open! AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM • Whatever Your Project Calls For High Flyer (ARM) ...... $189,000 KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 (817) 564-3843 JUN Text reads:6. Midway POOL TABLESTokens - Insert Cash (843) 362-0022 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale: Waterslide molds from AMUSEMENT TODAY Deluxe Sizzler T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 7. VIDEO GAMES NOVEMBER 13-16 HereFor - Tokens Sale: 1987Dispensed Huss Here Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputable company. Four complete CLASSIFIEDS Bill accepter takes $1, $5, $10 & $20 WANTED:Call EXPERIENCED Len or John IAAPAsystems readyAttractions for production Expo, with Orlando, Fla. Crazy Surf P/M 60ft. tall 18 people (Sartori) QUARTERTIMEGreat Condition. AMUSEMENTS Call Len or John two additional systems available. YOUR USED RIDE claSSIFIed bills. Tokens dispense along bottom AMUSEMENT(908) RIDE 526-8009 MECHANIC ...... $99,000 Tower rehabbed in 2004. (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIed MARKETPLACE (7.5” opening)P/M. Excellent Lock on frontride forleft. Three- SuccessfulFAX: candidates (908) 526-4535 must be expe- Please contact [email protected] deadlIneS Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX: (908) 526-4535 Call Len or John prong plugmid-sizedpark. comes out of backside. rienced in all aspects of Amusement deadlIneS MAY2013 Price for all four: $6,776 Park maintenance programs. Candi- AMUSEMENT(908) 526-8009 TODAY’S Ride is operating and available Please call (603) 474-5424 dates must have the ability to read ClassifiedFAX: pages (908) close 526-4535 the 10th of October 1st. AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Location - Eastern USA. maintenance manuals, maintain, erect, Classified pages close the 10th of month prior to the issue date. FOR SALE JANUARY 13 - 18, 2013 repair, and troubleshoot ride and park month prior to the issue date. Rates: Wisdom Sizzler - $125,000 • equipment. Annual AIMSRates: Safety Seminar, Doubletree by •Regular classified ad– 99-year-oldSBF 4x4 Truck Carousel Ride - $27,500 w/1924 Wurlitzer $20 minimum up to 30 words; •Regular classified ad– organ.Bobs Space Located Racers in USA.10-player Major Water rehab Please respond with qualifications, Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, Fla. $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available $20 minimum up to 30 words; Race Game - Park Model - $9,995 resume, contact information, and salary Find •Displayus on Facebook classified ad –$50 September 2009. $1 per additional word. Hampton 14-player Water Race Game requirements to: • facebook.com/amusementtodayper column inch. A 1-point •Display classified ad –$50 FourPark Modelrows, 35- Make jumpers, Offer 23 standers, Human Resources Department rule will appear around ad. MARCH,per column IAAPA inch. A Leadership 1-point Conference 2013, Bobs Space Racers2 chariots. 8-player Tin Can Santa’s Village AZoosment Park www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and rule will appear around ad. Alley Game - Make Offer 601 Dundee Ave. Sao Paulo, Brazil reverses also are available on Available through International Ride •Company logos, screens and East Dundee, IL 60118 Subscribedisplay to our ads YouTube upon request. channel Martin’s FantasyManagement Island reverses also are available on youtube.com/amusementtoday (716) 773-7591 x3106 Email: [email protected] 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 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2012