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SPOTLIGHT: 2015 Park Preview Pages 6-9

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May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Europa-Park celebrates four decades unveils of success with new attractions AT: Tim Baldwin B&M [email protected] RUST, — Call it a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made it a celebration. On March 28, Roland Mack, the Mack family, the mayor (burgermeister) of Rust and special guests opened the park with a ribbon-cutting amid a flurry of showering confetti, balloons, and songs of celebration. The ceremony included a welcome from co- founder Roland Mack that reflected not only on how the park had changed over four decades, but the European community as well. Relation- ships across borders back in 1975 were a far cry from what they are today. It is that in- vigorated sense of European connectivity that has helped Germany’s largest theme park find astounding success. The mayor presented the park with a special gift for its 40th: a framed site permit drawing from when the park opened in The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- 1975. Appearing in flash mob ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK as well as staff from the vari- ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26 Dated material. material. Dated SUBSCRIBE TODAY! NEWSPAPER

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EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Tidbits While in Las Vegas recently to attend Amusement Expo 2015 and the Interna- tional Pizza Expo, I had some free evening time to catch up with a few of the major new attractions that have opened in Sin City. First up was the VooDoo Zip Line atop Slade the Rio on W. Flamingo Road. It spans the resort’s two hotel towers and, with the launch pad 510 feet above the ground, the view is unbe- lievable and the thrill factor is revved to the max. This Soar- ing Eagle ride, which seats two passengers side by side with a very secure but minimal restraint system, is one that creator Stan Checketts is most proud of, and he should be: it’s a Vegas must-do. Also on the don’t-miss list are the high-capacity zip lines of SlotZilla, an attraction that has bumped up the amusement factor at the Fremont Street Experience big time. Four lines guide harnessed riders in the traditional vertical zip line position from a height of 74 feet along an 850-foot course. This scenic trip above the historic street is a mere warm-up, though, to the four “flight lines” at the 114-foot level, which send riders Superman-style much INDUSTRY OPINION: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] faster along a 1,700-foot course just beneath the flashy Escapism Fremont Street canopy. It’s truly exhilarating, and I recom- Working on issues of Amusement expansion taking place there. Corporate mend night rides for all the zip line locations. Today often requires me to travel to sponsorship in the form of theme park I was impressed by the attention paid to the safety of various locations, which I always enjoy. tickets, accommodations and other zip line riders and employees alike. These attractions have This month, though, it was geographi- amenities is what makes it all come well-trained attendants and sophisticated computer sys- cally challenging. Since moving to Key together. tems multiple-checking every aspect of the harnessing and West for a two-year assignment with my Granted, the amusement industry “other” job (FedEx), I’ve not been as is all about escapism. It exists solely to braking, just like roller coasters and other thrill rides do. close to the parks on the mainland as provide people with a chance to forget Congratulations to VooDoo Zip Line and the Fremont I’m accustomed. And escaping to and Rutherford their daily cares for a little while, to Street Experience for delivering such well-executed and from this tiny island can be an arduous perhaps face their fears and live life on memorable outside-the-box fun. process. But it was worth it. the edge. During my visit, I saw that GKTW • Along with covering Carowinds’ new Fury also offers escapism but on a far more intimate Quick reminder that all amusement industry profes- 325 (trust me, it’s a stellar new ), level. As I toured the Village, I realized that sionals are invited to attend this year's 2015 Golden Ticket one of my other tasks was to check out the living on the edge means something totally dif- major improvements taking place at Give Kids ferent for the children there. This place allows Awards in the Big Apple on Sept. 11 & 12. Our host parks the World in Kissimmee, Florida. Several years them to forget the illnesses that brought them are Victorian Gardens in Central Park and Luna Park at the ago, I tackled a similar story there, and I recall there, to let go and simply embrace being a kid birthplace of American amusements — ! Look how deeply it affected me on an emotional again who want nothing more than to have fun. for complete details coming soon at: GoldenTicketAwards. level. I witnessed first-hand how selfless volun- Witnessing them escape their pain and suffer- com. Plan on attending and plan on plenty of quality net- teers work to bring a bit of happiness into the ing is a beautiful thing. working time in what is sure to be our biggest event ever! lives of children for whom life has dealt a less- GKTW Founder Henri Landwirth escaped See you soon! than-desireable hand. his past and should be proud of what his dream During this most recent visit to Give Kids has become. His will live on in the form the World Village, I was quite impressed by the wishes made real.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Tim Baldwin Desktop Edition Production per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are [email protected] $50.00 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Dean Lamannna • (310) 795-2734 Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 [email protected] Website Maintenance and its related web sites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] Stacey Childress Trademarked 2015 by Amusement Today Inc., Scott Rutherford • (704) 497-4557 [email protected] all right reserved. Advertising [email protected] Sue Nichols • (615) 662-0252 Association Memberships Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 AIMS International, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/iROC, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, PACE, TTIA, WWA Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Special Projects & Editorial Phone: (817) 460-7220 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x2 Monthly Contributors Industry Affiliated Charities Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Andrew Mellor, Give Kids the World Village, Web Sites: www.AmusementToday.com, Richard Munch, B. Derek Shaw, Morgan's Wonderland, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Janice Witherow National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH MINUTE IN HISTORY Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum DRILL COMPILED: Richard Munch 2 COMPILED: Janice Witherow Jeff Novotny, MAY For Jeff Novotny, work- •1907: Golden City Park, in Canarsie (Brooklyn), New York ing in the amusement officially opened for its maiden season on May 30 to an esti- industry isn’t a job, it is mated crowd of 25,000 people. The eight-acre resort was the a passion. As president brainchild of partners William Warner and Harry G. Traver, and owner of Larson and would eventually grow to 36 acres under several different International, Inc., manu- owners. Built on Jamaica Bay, in an area known primarily for facturer of such rides as its excellent fishing and fish dinners, it was within sight of an- drop towers, interactive other local park, Bergen Beach. The opening was delayed a flying rides and the clas- week, and even after the gates were opened, workmen were sic Tilt-A-Whirl, Jeff is still finishing the buildings. Designed to compete with Coney also a great ambassador Island, the big holiday crowd who arrived mainly by trolley, saw for the business serving the area outside the park transformed with hotels, restaurants as a board member and and other attractions. The park opened with two coasters – treasurer for the National the Coliseum Coaster and Over the Rockies, and operated until Roller Coaster Museum 1934, when the effects of the depression forced its closure. By and Archives and past 1939, the remains of the park were removed by the city for the president of AIMS Inter- construction of the Belt Parkway. national. His -to-earth Jeff Novotny, right, with son Matthew, enjoy the sites of personality and welcoming a waterfall in the mountains of Montana. •1916: Nicholas Schenck, the Russian immigrant who with ways make Jeff an instant friend the minute It is 8 p.m. Where would we typically his brother founded Palisades , in Fort Lee, you meet him. Jeff’s love of family, sports, find you? the great outdoors and fishing gives him , took over the controls of the park’s Big Dip Scenic Checking emails for the last time that eve- plenty to do when not on the “job.” Railway the evening of May 14, much to the surprise of park ning and watching sports on TV. employees. The 35-year-old millionaire (having made his initial Title. When visitors come to Plainview, Texas, fortune at Fort George in Manhattan years earlier) operated President/Owner. the first place I take them is… the popular coaster, although no second rides were permitted due to the long lines that opening weekend. Witnesses said Number of years in the Our factory to showcase where the rides Schenck seemed to have a great time on the electric coaster industry. are being built. for nearly three hours, although he said he was just filling in to 26. My favorite Happy Hour drink is… help the exhausted coaster crew. The Schencks would eventu- Best thing about the Cold beer. ally sell the park property in 1934, while Nicholas would go on industry... to become president of Loew’s Theaters in 1927, then head of My biggest worry is… The people. The amuse- Novotny MGM Studios in California. I really don’t worry too much about things ment industry is an amaz- you can’t control. ing network of great people. •1928: , in Rye, New York, officially made its debut When it comes to mowing my yard, I… on May 26. The creation of the new park, under the former Favorite amusement ride... Actually I have it pretty easy as our yard is L.A. Thompson executive Frank Darling, started two years Our , just simple fun. all natural and requires no mowing. earlier, with the purchase of two existing operations – Rye If I wasn’t working in the amusement Beach Park and Paradise Park. Both parks were demolished For me, the ideal Sunday morning con- industry, I would be… after the 1927 season and the new park, designed by the New sists of… Lost. York architectural firm of Walker and Gillette would grab the Attending church with my family and get- attention of the industry just before it entered the Great De- ting ready to watch the NFL games. Biggest challenge facing our industry... pression. Many politicians, celebrities and locals would visit this From the supplier side I would have to say My all-time favorite restaurant would beautifully located and well planned park over the years, enjoy- the patch work system, which regulates the have to be… ing the beach, casino, restaurants and more than 15 rides. Of industry. Pappadeaux seafood kitchens. note was the opening of a wooden kiddie coaster, which was something very unique for its time. Behind it stood the pow- The thing I like most about amusement/ The best book I have ever read is… erful Aeroplane Coaster (later Airplane Coaster), designed by season is… George Millay’s Wave Maker as he was a Frederick Church, which is still considered one of the greatest Taking a breather from commissioning all dear friend. wood coaster designs ever built. Until its regrettable removal in the rides at one time in the spring. 1957, it would be complimented by the Dragon Coaster, which The longest road trip I have ever taken still operates today as one of Church’s last operating coasters. Three things I always have in my wallet was… are… More than 6,000 miles with our boys on a •1986: Dollywood premiered on May 3, in Pigeon Forge, Ten- A little cash, business cards and a fishing 3-week-long sales trip covering the Eastern nessee to the delight of Dolly Parton fans worldwide. Former- license. half of the country. ly (which was already its third incarnation), the 400-acre property was redesigned to include various Par- It’s baseball season! The team I root for When I say summertime, you say… ton inspired rides and shops, including the Dolly Parton Story is… Boating. Museum and a replica of her family’s home where she grew The Texas Rangers. My next vacation will be to… up. While the Herschend family acquired the property in late My favorite place to take a nap is… Alaska, fishing for salmon and halibut. 1976, it would be a decade before they partnered with Par- I am not much of a nap person! In 20 years, I hope to be… ton on the new concept. The first year, more than 1.3 million Retired and stress free. visitors streamed through the gates, even though the park had The last time I wore blue jeans was… only one roller coaster type ride, the indoor Blazing Fury. The Today, hopefully. When I look out my front door I see… park would rely heavily on entertainment and its popular steam Tree-covered mountains. Favorite candy bar... , but would eventually purchase a retired Arrow mine ride Hershey’s peanut butter eggs which are Least favorite household chore... from Six Flags over Mid-America for the 1989 season. With a only available around Easter. Yum. Cleaning up after the dogs. great combination of food, entertainment and thrill rides, Dol- lywood today remains one of America’s great theme parks. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 EUROPA completed and even the hors- Continued from page 1 es starring in the Arena Show have acquired new digs. visitors to experience include Infrastructure improve- the Dream Dome. The world’s ments also include a staff largest mobile dome screen parking lot and a new central is a scientific marvel with its store serving the catering de- vacuum-held screen, nega- partment. tive pressure, 11 high defini- Looking into the future tion projectors, and original This 40th anniversary content produced for the park season will feature numerous by Mack Media. During a festivals. Of note, on July 11, staff preview prior to open- thrill-seekers will be able to ing weekend, employees were ride the coasters until mid- brought in and enjoyed the night. The next day, on the lounge “bag” seating, melodic park’s official birthday, Euro- preshow music and swirling pa-Park will — after 40 years images. Roland Mack joked — officially give a name to with his team, saying (roughly Euro-Maus and his girlfriend. translated) “Welcome to the One might suggest “Lucky,” Therapy Relaxation Center. as good fortune has certainly We can all meet here in the fallen upon his home. But then afternoons on stressful days.” Above, the Mack family and parade again, hard work has more to The content of the presenta- entertainers welcome audiences to do with it than luck. tion is titled “Beautiful Eu- Europa-Park’s 40th anniversary season, With the resort now reach- rope” and focuses on great which began on March 28. Left, both the ing more than 5 million visi- scenery filmed from around kitchen and dining room had been com- tors a year, it would appear the continent, with an occa- pletely redone for the Don Quichotte Europa-Park’s success has sional whimsical nod to Euro- restaurant. skyrocketed exponentially. COURTESY EUROPA-PARK; pa-park thrown in. The eight Visions of the future go well RESTAURANT/TIM BALDWIN minute feature is gorgeously beyond the five year plan. done. zones could be controlled each sult of management’s desire fountain package that rises Already on the minds of the Also from Mack Media day.” The parade features new to see the ride reach more of and falls throughout the ride many involved team members and under the direction of Mi- floats, new costumes, and cho- its potential. While getting cycle. and eager residents is the an- chael Mack is the park’s new reography by Jani Walsh-We- drenched on a warm summer Guest comfort nounced indoor water park. A 4D cinema movie. It too is a ber. Both Wheeler and Walsh- afternoon can be fun, much Moving sidewalks now second gate will dramatically vivid, colorful crowd pleaser. Weber are based out of Florida. of the year the ride sees de- bring arriving guests from expand the resort, particularly Translated, the “Time Car- The team also praised Aldric creased ridership when cooler the parking lot up to the front with a complete year round ousel” takes park characters Muller, who is in charge of weather — particularly with entrance. The Seehaus Res- audience, but even more than back in time where they meet technical systems for Europa- a nine-month operating sea- taurant, which saw major im- that is in the works. ancestors in various countries Park and his implementation son — intimidates riders to provements last year, is now What Amusement Today of Europe, along with a vil- of the upgrades. Senior Con- board. Now re-imagined as enjoying a beer garden terrace, saw first hand is that Euro- lainous black crow. Additional sultant Chip Cleary oversaw Whale Adventure Northern both uncovered and shaded. pa-Park has not lost its way. effects enhance the 3D experi- the direction of the 40th anni- Lights, the ride is virtually Those guests enjoying one Through the course of time, ence, including water, wind, versary parade project. transformed into a dry ride. of the park’s five resort hotels many American theme parks smells and vibrating seats. It is Hendrik Schwarser was Designer Pascal Schouten ex- now have a larger, expanded have forgotten — or care- the second 3D feature created the composer for the music plained the new storyline in- resort gate. Both Colosseo lessly discarded — the themes for the theater by Mack Media, on the new parade. It was re- volves two additional dark and Castillo Alcazar hotels are on which the park was built. and the film utilizes the park’s corded with a large orchestra ride components with interac- completing their upgrade to While there is no fault in latch- characters, humor and visual in . AT asked Schwarser tive elements. Apparently wa- air-conditioning and Alcazar ing onto a licensed brand, the effects in marvelous balance. what he wanted the audience ter rats have overrun the boat- is receiving renovation of the industry has seen many of A major investment into to feel when hearing the mu- ing facility and passengers bathrooms. The resort is also these arrangements come and the park's daily parade is also sic. He replied, “The parade aboard boats now shoot water enjoying a new cooperation go. These licensed partner- new for this year. Where pre- music is quite different than at targets instead of each other. with the golf club. ships rarely tell the story of viously, the floats broadcast a soundtrack. It has to have a “Naughty, playful fun for the Infrastructure what the park is truly about. the sound, for this season and perfect rhythm to it, you have kids,” laughs Schouten. While One of the park’s restau- The Mack family, howev- those beyond, a new techni- to dance to it, there has to have the ride layout remains un- rants, Don Quichotte, had er, is as energized as ever. And cal sound system has been some magic in it. I tried to changed, the new indoor por- a complete overhaul of the through it all, they’ve never introduced along the parade bring more colors with orches- tions and significant theming kitchen and parts of the din- lost sight of the story the park route. Now the music fol- tration with it.” Schwarser additions make it a new ride ing room, making for a more was designed to tell: the many lows the parade through its also composed the music for experience. The last scene now efficient and more modern cultures and the deep charac- route throughout the park “Spook Me: The Europa-Park involves riders witnessing the food preparation process for ter of the European countries. via the speaker system. Todd Musical” for this season. Inci- northern lights. staff and an updated eating It’s easy to see why celebrating Wheeler of Wheeler Projects, dentally, Europa-Park offers Other rides receiving experience for diners. Guests 40 years of doing things right Inc. was brought in to lead the more than 23 hours of differ- some TLC: the Euro-Tower, can even choose their own and the attention to detail is re- parade team and get it ready ent show product each operat- which now features a new meats on display behind glass. warding to all involved at the for opening day. “I thought ing day, most of which is new -esque thematic This restaurant not only serves park. Europa-Park staff have of myself as a conductor of a for 2015. look and the station loading park visitors during the oper- small flags on their nametag large orchestra,” says Wheeler. Ride enhancements area is filled with historic im- ating day, but its placement indicating the languages they “Technically, the parade had Several of the park’s rides ages and props; the Colum- brilliantly serves resort guests speak. Roland Mack points all the pieces available, but no got an overhaul or upgrade bus Dingy has been renovated for breakfast and late night out to AT that only 50 percent one knew how to integrate it this season. The largest the- both in the queue and on-ride dining from the opposite side, of the park’s attendance is with the creative vision of the matic makeover involved the with new animatronics, them- connecting to El Andaluz and actually from Germany. That parade. My first recommen- Whale Adventures Splash ing and technical upgrades; Castillo Alcazar hotels. fact alone speaks to how well- dation was to create a control Battle attraction introduced and the Wave Swinger has Back stage facilities for engineered fun can bring so room so the concept of parade in 2010. This came as a re- now been surrounded by a Ride Maintenance have been many cultures together. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 Roland Mack reflects on 40 years of making memories AT: Tim Baldwin time, it wasn’t really about man of IAAPA, how did that And a big, big step, and I [email protected] the number of visitors, but year help you personally? hope to be with it, is to have RUST, Germany — Ro- to give a very good quality Did it change any of your a second park and another land Mack is the son of entrepre- product to our visitors. And views? hotel. I’d really be happy if neur Franz Mack, and together, to make money out of the vis- I was already heavily in- my kids would overtake this, the two founded Europa-Park in itors you get. volved with a lot of parks pushing the business. I would 1975. Having studied mechani- What do you feel are the worldwide, mainly due to like to step back and let them cal engineering, Mack has found significant factors in Europa- . I was always feel the success. That makes a success not only with the park, Park’s successful growth? convinced that the organiza- real entrepreneur. but also leading the way at Mack There have been a lot of tion is in one global indus- Over the decades you Rides, continuing to improve things that helped us. First, I try. With the internet, there have surely taught your and escalate the success of both think the decision to call the is news going around the sons many lessons about the the park and ride manufactur- park Europa-Park. It was a world in a second, it is im- theme park business. Is there ing company. In his youth, the very small association at the Roland Mack portant to work much closer one thing vitally important family business of amusement time — six countries at the together…to find the trends, you wanted to impress upon park rides was immediately in time. Nobody at that time (pauses) I never thought to talk about safety, what them? his blood, and after traveling to would think we would have about it. They started to grow new attractions could help I think from the very be- America, he created the idea for 27 countries, no borders and up in the park and play in the our industry. I learned a lot ginning coming from my his own park in Germany. Along would have one currency. No park when it was closed. It about different cultures and father is that we achieve to with his brother Jürgen and sons one would have thought the was their home. A friend of different thinking. Looking really be a family park. That Thomas and Michael, Roland border between France and mine said if you want your over the borders, looking into means not only roller coast- continues to be heavily involved Germany would be taken children to take responsibility other countries and cultures ers — the highest and fastest in the park’s operation, keeping down. When we started, they in your company then they and working together on one — but also have family attrac- it all in the family. Included in closed the borders at night. should grow up on site. And thing makes the industry tions. You can see how Arthur his many successes and valuable We had been enemies in life that’s what happened. safer. We are a product that works without loops. My fa- opportunities was holding the between two world wars. When your father was has over one billion visitors ther always said the best ride role of Chairman of IAAPA, the Now about 25 percent of our still with you, what were his worldwide; safety is the main in the world is when the fam- first German to ever do so. visitors come from France and favorite things to do while in issue. If there is an accident in ily rides together, gets off and On opening day of the park’s that makes me so happy. We the park? one park, it is around in sec- says “Where is the (ride) en- 40th anniversary, Amusement have created a place where My father was more or onds. Safety can only happen trance?” and want to get back Today sat down with Mack and international guests are meet- less a constructor. He was not if there is an organization that on again. You have to have delved into the reflections of the ing here in friendship. That is really an operational guy. He talks about it, and does semi- coasters, sure. To have a nice last 40 years. a big happiness; it’s a beauti- did not have a lot to deal with nars, working on safety regu- experience and a good qual- ful thing. You need no lan- marketing or food; he was an lations — and this is IAAPA. ity experience that is the most With your 40th anniver- guage. It is the fun that con- inventor. I think he was hap- This was a focus in me. As a important thing, but over sary now underway, what nects the people. py that I took over all those boy, I saw the development all age ranges. It’s the atmo- memories do you have of the What was it like growing different professions. He was of the American associations. sphere, to forget your daily opening day back in 1975? up in an “amusement park” never really involved in daily As a European thinking guy, life. Yes (laughing). The train family? operation. He would come I was so convinced about the What makes you happy? stopped. The minister of eco- I think it is the biggest fun in during the afternoons af- international idea of IAAPA; If all the businesses we nomics and myself were on feeling you can get. If I hadn’t ter his job at the company, that was a great time. are in are making money. I the train to do the first round been born into this situation, and also the weekends; but Is there a long reach- think the service side of our with all the people. After 10 I should have invented the most of the time he was at the ing goal you would like to organization is as important or 20 meters we didn’t have idea. As a boy, all of the rides drawing board to invent new accomplish before retiring as the ride side. If I see young enough power and the brakes had been set up and had been rides. That made him happy. from your career? people working for us com- stopped. tested in front of my sleeping The park has so many If you work in a family mitting their futures to our Europa-Park has reached room. I would be able to get all fantastic successes with its business, I think the most im- organization... because if they a major milestone of 5 mil- of my friends to test the rides. rides and attractions. Was portant goal is to hand over are happy, they are much lion visitors a year. When My parents lived on the pro- there ever a time when you the gavel and to make it keep more able to make our clien- the park opened, I imagine duction site. When we moved thought something was a going successfully. That’s a tele happy. If everyone could reaching one million seemed to the new area, we always “flop”? big job. You have to know say “I am proud of Europa- huge. Did you ever think had a house close to the com- There was a time for sim- when your kids are ready to Park,” that is the greatest you could hit this mark? pany. When we came to the ulators. We ran one for six take on the responsibility. thing I could imagine. No. No. We thought we park, I lived in the middle of to eight years and we took A shorter goal is to keep the —Tim Baldwin could always reach one mil- the park. Right now I am just it out. We felt it wasn’t the park going, doing new rides. lion. There were always peo- at the corner of the park. My way to go. That was an ex- ple saying this park would life is the park and has been pensive experiment. We had Europa-Park's Blue Fire, from not be successful — it was a piece of the whole indus- one flat ride with mechanical Mack Rides, remains one of the the wrong location, there try. Maybe in the beginning I problems that we took out. more popular rides at the German were no crowds around, no thought when asked “What is With prototypes, you work theme park. big cities around, the borders your hobby?” that I didn’t re- through problems. Such as COURTESY EUROPA-PARK were closed — and everyone ally know what to tell them. our bobsled ride. When we thought we were going to But I liked rides. My hobby developed it, we had to re- build like a . Mainly at the was rides and amusement move part of the trough in time Mack Rides built for the parks. It is the most beautiful the first stage to make sure carnivals. Everyone thought job you can get and you have the train would go all the way (the park) was going to be a to be thankful for that. through. We had to change steady carnival. When we Thomas and Michael the layout and that was a reached 650,000 right away, have seemed to embrace it as tough time. For us, some- we really thought we were well. Had either of them de- times when we develop rides going to hit one million. But cided to do something differ- we have to look at capacity to we were never talking about ent for a career, would that make sure it is right. two or three or four… At that have made you sad? When you were chair- 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

2015 NORTH AMERICA PARK PREVIEW

CANADA Georgia British Columbia Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell…Joker Chaos — Larson 22m Giant Loop; Batman Canada Place, Vancouver…Fly Over Canada — I-Ride Panoramic Flight the Ride backward — special Batman train that will run backward on Batman Simulator roller coaster Playland, Vancouver…The Beast — KMG XXL rotating pendulum Six Flags White Water, Marietta…ProSlide with SkyBox Ontario , Valdosta…Jungle Rumble — Flying Carpet relocated from Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan… 60-meter Slingshot; Water park expan- Celebration City sion, ProSlide 18 Hawaii Neb's Funworld, Oshawa…Sparetime Express — E&F Miler family coaster relo- SeaLife Park, Oahu…R&R Creative Amusement Designs park rehab and theming cated from Jeepers, Maryland Wet'n'WIld, Kapolei...ProSlide CannonBowl 30 Quebec Idaho La Ronde, Montreal…Maison Rouge - Labyrinth of Fear — walk-through funhouse/ Silverwood, Athol…Fly Away — Air Balloon haunted attraction Illinois Mont St. Sauveur, St. Sauveur...ProSlide Pipeline Santa's Village AZoosment Park, Dundee…Fajume Wacky Worm relocated from Saskatchewan Old Town, Fla. Raymore Aquatic Center, Raymore…ProSlide Kidz ProRacer , Gurnee...new paint on Batman the Ride by Baynum MEXICO Painting Mexico F.D. Indiana Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City…SkySceamer — Funtime 243-foot StarFlyer Holiday World, Santa Claus…Thunderbird — B&M launched wing coaster Morelos , Monticello…Dragon Wagon — Wisdom Rides junior coaster from Villas Teques, Tlatenchi…WhiteWater Constrictor, AquaSphere, AquaLoop, Body Fiesta Shows Slide, Krylo slide, Ramp Slide, Space Bowl, Manta (F3), Inner-tube slide, Kentucky AquaCourse AC 60, Waves 18m, AquaPlay AP1050, AquaSpray (6 pcs) Beech Bend, Bowling Green…Zamperla Air Race; Swing ; Friday Nuevo León Night Lights — open late Friday night with LED lights on rides Bosque Mágico, Guadalupe…Zombie Ride — Sky Rocket II shuttle , Louisville…T3 — reopening of original T2 Vekoma SLC with coaster; Policías y Ratones — Reverchon spinning mouse new trains from ; A.R.M. Vertigo, reopening of river raft ride, Veracruz refurbished Huss , Zamperla Discovery, Balloon Tower and Magic Veracruz, Heroica Veracruz…WhiteWater Constrictor, SuperBowl, Boomerango, 4 Bikes lane Whizzard, AquaLoop, AquaDrop, Master Blaster, AquaPlay AP1750, Wave Louisiana Pool, Extreme River New Orleans City Park, New Orleans…Live Oak Lady Bug — Zierer Force Once Alabama replacing previous coaster damaged by Katrina Alabama Splash Adventure, Bessemer…New PTC train for Rampage roller coast- Maryland er Adventure Park USA, New Market…Wild West Express — Zamperla Windstorm Arizona relocated from Old Town, Fla. Wildlife World Zoo, Lichfield Park…15-acre expansion including Larson Flying Six Flags America, Largo…Bourbon Street Fireball — Larson 22m Giant Loop Scooters; A.R.M. Vertigo; family coaster and C.P. Huntington Trimper's Rides, Ocean City…SBF/Visa Spinning Coaster locomotive with two coaches Massachusetts Arkansas Edaville USA, Carver…Kersplash — E&F Miler water coaster relocated from Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, Hot Springs…ProSlide WaterWheel tower, Kidz Washington State Fair Bowl, Kidz ProRacer; new paint on by Baynum Painting Six Flags New , Agawam…Wicked Cyclone — Rocky Mountain California Construction redesign of existing wooden coaster, wood structure and Adventure City, Anaheim…Rewind Racers — steel shuttle coaster, Pandemonium coaster painted by Baynum Painting theming by R&R Creative Amusement Design Minnesota Bakersfield Water Park, Bakersfield…WhiteWater AquaSpray (34 pcs), AquaPlay Acuity Insurance Headquarters, Sheboygan...Chance Rides Century Wheel RainFortress, Wave Pool 6m, Boomerango, SuperBowl, 4 lane Whizzard, (indoor) Constrictor, Family Raft Ride, Inner-tube slides Como Town, St. Paul…SBF/Visa Cyclon Coaster Boomers, Fresno…R&R Creative Amusement Designs park rehab and theming Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington...Chance Rides Revolution 20 Boomers, Irvine…R&R Creative Amusement Designs park rehab and theming Waterpark at Valleyfair, Shakopee…WhiteWater 2 x Freefall, 2 x Castle Amusement Park, Riverside…Larson Star Dancer relocated from Silver Flatline Loops with AquaLaunch, 2 x AquaDrop Springs Mississippi Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park…Voyage to the Iron Reef — Triotech interactive Grand Paradise Waterpark, Collins...ProSlide SuperLoop and MultiBump Missouri Raging Waters, San Dimas…Aqua Rocket — ProSlide HydroMagnetic water coast- Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield...Chance Rides C.P. Huntington locomotive er with theming by R&R Creative Amusement Designs Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City...Chance Rides Tramstar with three trailing units Scandia Family Fun Center, Sacramento…Crazy Dane Coaster — E&F Miler wild Silver Dollar City, Branson…new Fireman's Landing are with multiple attractions mouse relocated from , N.J. including S&S relocated from Celebration City; Five Zamperla SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego...new paint on Journey to Atlantis by Baynum rides Painting Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka…Justice League, Battle for Metropolis 4D — Sally dark Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo…Dare Devil Chaos — Larson 22m Giant ride with multi-motion Oceaneering ride vehicles and Alterface interactive tar- Loop get system Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia…Twisted Colossus — Rocky Mountain Nevada Construction redesign of existing wooden coaster, wood structure painted by Wet'n'Wild, Las Vegas…Slideboarding — Conversion of Zip Zap Zoom slide to Baynum Painting WhiteWater interactive gaming experience Sunsplash Waterpark, Roseville…R&R Creative Amusement Designs park rehab New Jersey and theming Steel Pier, Atlantic City… 55-meter Giant Wheel Colorado Bowcraft Playland, Scotch Plains…SBF/Visa Midi Dance Party 360 Elitch Gardens, Denver…ProSlide Hybrid Behemoth Bowl/TornadoWave Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights…Shore Shot — S&S ~ Sansei Connecticut Double Shot; Ride Entertainment Group ; wave pool and two water Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury…Frantic — Visa International Twist 'N' slides Swing 360; SBF/Visa Mini Dance Party 360 and Mini Funplex, Mount Laurel…SBF/Visa Airborne Shot Florida Keansburg Amusement Park, Keansburg…Looping Star — ZL42 relocated Adventure Island, Tampa…Colossal Curl — ProSlide 24-foot funnel+40-foot wave from Beech Bend Big Kahuna, Destin...ProSlide 4-lane KrakenRacer Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson…El Diablo — Larson 22m Giant Loop LegoLand Florida Resort, Winter Haven…LegoLand Hotel — new hotel at park Morey's Piers, Wildwood… — Biplane-themed Larson Flying Scooters entrance; Heartlake City — new themed land with Zamperla Disk-O, Lego New Mexico models, shows and shops. New Mexico Zoo, Albuquerque...Chance Rides 36-foot wildlife carousel Miracle Strip Pier Park, Panama City Beach…Starliner — GCII wooden coaster Playland, Sunland Park…A.R.M. Rock Star Orlando Eye, Orlando…Orlando Eye — Intamin 400-foot observation wheel New York Race City PCB, Panama City Beach…Hurricane — S.D.C. Hurricane coaster relo- Adventureland, Farmingdale…Turbulence — Mack Rides spinning coaster cated from Adventureland, N.Y. Darien Lake, Darien Center…Brain Drain — Larson 22m Giant Loop; ProSlide 2x Wild Adventures, Valdosta…Jungle Rumble — Zierer Flying Carpet relcoated from TurboTwister with SkyBox Celebration City Splashdown Beach Waterpark, Fishkill…ProSlide May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7

2015 NORTH AMERICA PARK PREVIEW

Martin's Fantasy Island, Grand Island…SBF/Visa 9-meter Drop'n Twist tower; Nashville Shores, Hermitage...ProSlide Mammoth Bertazzon Musik Express Rock-N-Roll Texas Splashwater Kingdom at the Great Escape, Queensbury…Buccaneer Beach — Fire Mountain Amusement Park, Tyler...Zamperla Jumpin'Star, Allan Herschell renovated children's area; pool deck expansion and increased shaded seating Little Dipper roller coaster North Carolina Schlitterbahn Upper Padre, Corpus Christi…New water park with Torrent River, Carowinds, Charlotte…Fury 325 — B&M 325-foot mega coaster; Funtime SlingShot Lazy river system with swim up bars and multiple beaches, Master Blasters, Pullen Park, Raleigh...Chance Rides C.P. Huntington locomotive Boogie Bahn, Children's water play area and Hopkins relocat- Ohio ed from Alabama Adventure (portion of park soft-opened in 2014) , Sandusky…Rogarou — B&M floorless coaster remodeled from Mantis, Splash Kingdom, Amarillo...updating of former Amarillo Splash Water park with existing stand-up coaster, new paint by Baynum Painting new Fibrart bowl slide, children's area, upgraded food operations Coney Island, Cincinnati…SBF Visa Kiddie Bumper Cars and Midi Dance Party 360 SeaWorld, San Antonio…Pacific Point Preserve — interactive Sea Lion habitat, , Mason…Woodstock Gliders — Larson Flying Scooters; Snoopy's Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High (show); Harbor Market — food court restau- Space Buggies — Zamperla bounce around rant Oklahoma Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio…Batman: The Ride — S&S~Sansei Free Spin Frontier City, Oklahoma City…Brain Drain — Larson 22m Giant Loop coaster; new paint on Superman Krypton Coaster by Baynum Painting Pennsylvania Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Arlington...Baynum Painting - Hydra Maniac, Banzai Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, Pocono Township…Aquatopia Waterpark Boggan addition with WhiteWater Fusion AquaSphere + Manta, AquaTube, constrictor, Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington…Justice League, Battle for Metropolis 4D — Sally Flatline Loop, AquaDrop, Custom AquaPlay RainFortress, Rattler (F3), Python dark ride with multi-motion Oceaneering ride vehicles and Alterface interactive (F6), Master Blaster target system; new paint on Aquaman by Baynum Painting DelGrosso's, Tipton…A.R.M. Rock Star Trader's Village, San Antonio…Larson/A.R.M Dorney Park, Allentown…Cedar Creek Fliers — Larson Flying Scooters ZDT'S Amusement Park, Seguin…Switchback — Gravity Group wooden shuttle , Hershey…Laff Trakk — Maurer Rides indoor spinning coaster coaster Kalahari, Pocono Manor…New water waterpark resort with ProSlide TornadoWave, Utah Hybrid: Tornado 24/Tornado 24/ Tornado 24, ProBowl 30, TurboTwister, Lagoon, Farmington…Cannibal — in-house 208-foot multi-element roller coaster Pipeline, Pipeline Blast; Kidz package with 4-lane ProRacer, Bowl 14, 2x Virginia MiniRiver, 4x Twister; RideHouse wth additional Kidz attractions. Williamsburg, Williamsburg…Tempesto — Premier Rides Sky Knoebels Amusement Park & Resort, Elysburg…Impulse — Zierer multi-element Rocket II shuttle coaster coaster Motor World, Virginia Beach…A.R.M. Vertigo Wildwater Kingdom at Dorney Park, Allentown…WhiteWater Constrictor, 3 x Soak City at , Doswell…Transformation of existing Water Works Flatline loop with AquaLaunch, 2 x Inner-Tube Slides water park into Soak City including new attractions South Carolina Washington Frankie's Fun Park, Raleigh…Moser Rides 10-meter 10-seat revolving ride Wild Waves, Federal Way…WhiteWater Constrictor, Inner-tube Slides, 2 x Flatline South Dakota Loop, AquaDrop, 4 lane Mat Racer Storybook Land, Aberdeen…Zamperla Family Gravity coaster Wisconsin Watiki Waterpark, Rapid City…WhiteWater AquaLoop, AquaDrop, 3 lane Noah's Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells…R&R Creative Amusement Designs park Whizzard, FlowRider Double, Wave Pool, Fish slide, Kid's Slides rehab and theming Tennessee Bay Beach, Green Bay…Chance Rides C.P. Huntington train; Zamperla Tot Jumping Dollywood, Pigeon Forge…DreamMore Resort — new 300-room lodge with, spa and Spring, Jumping Star and Rockin' Tug indoor/outdoor pool; three Chance Rides Sunliners with 12 Sunline II trailing units

SPOTLIGHT: 2015 SPOTLIGHT: Park Preview Food & Pages 6-9 Concessions Pages 6-13

TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc.

TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. www.amusementtoday.com April 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 1 www.amusementtoday.com May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 CarowindsSilver Dollar unveils City debuts $8 million Fireman’s Landing section S&S, WhiteWater, band together to prevent such Europa-Park celebrates four decades B&M Fury 325an event – to be ready with Zamperla supply volunteer recruits who have of success with new attractions trained to test their prepared- AT: Tim Baldwin 10 new family rides ness,” explained Brad Thom- [email protected] and attractions as, general manager of Silver Dollar City. “The message RUST, Germany — Call it AT: - Scott Rutherford carries that everyone can give [email protected] a birthday, call it an anniversa back through volunteerism ry, but Europa-Park has made BRANSON, Mo. — Silver and community spirit.” it a celebration. Dollar City has a treat in store Fireman’s Landing ex- On March 28, Roland for guests this season as the pands into a previously un- Mack, the Mack family, the popular Missouri themer un- developed region of Silver mayor (burgermeister) of Rust veils an imaginative, all-new Dollar City, which substan- and special guests opened the section dubbed Fireman’s tially increases the park’s at- park with a ribbon-cutting Landing. tractions arsenal with six new amid a flurry of showering Offi cially opened to the family rides and four interac- confetti, balloons, and songs public on March 14, 2015, the tive play zones for younger of celebration. The ceremony $8 million Fireman’s Landing kids. These newest additions included a welcome from co- salutes the spirit and train- bring the number of rides and founder Roland Mack that ing activities of community attractions to over 40 and in- reflected not only on how the volunteer fi refi ghters. Similar creases ride capacity to over park had changed over four to a section opened last year 21,000 per hour. decades, but the European - at sister park Dollywood, the To supply the equipment community as well. Relation Fireman’s Landing storyline for Fireman’s Landing, Silver ships across borders back in creates the atmosphere of the Dollar City turned to three of 1975 were a far cry from what Fireman’s Landing, above, Silver Dollar City’s new rides serving as “training” the industry’s most respected $8 million area, offers six family rides along with they are today. It is that in- adventures for recruits and manufacturers – S&S, White- vigorated sense of European four interactive play zones for younger kids. The community heroes – all seek- Water West and Zamperla. section opened on March 14, 2015 after exten- connectivity that has helped ing to become part of the Sil- Centered around the head- Germany’s largest theme park sive planning. Below, two of the area’s Zamperla- ver Dollar City Fire Brigade. quarters of Fire Station No. 3, designed rides, Up the Ladder and Dizzy Dogs, find astounding success. The Silver Dollar City design- the new rides include: mayor presented the park thrill youngsters. - ers did their homework when •FireFall, an eight-story COURTESY SDC with a special gift for its 40th: researching the thematic as- fi re tower-themed Double- a framed site permit drawing The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax Produce pects of Fireman’s Landing. Shot ride (S&S/Sansei). Produce from when the park opened in now ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. As it turns out, the histori- •Fire Spotter, which fea- toto now 1975. Appearing in flash mob COURTESY EUROPA-PARK cal signifi cance of the new tures whirling balloons for roudroud style, costumed entertainers, “light” year blossomed into area is based on the fact that spotting fi re dangers (Zam- P as well as staff from the vari- ment. P dozens of construction proj- the 1880s town of Marmaros, perla). New attractions ous departments within the ects. Jakob Wahl, director of Missouri – once located on •Fire Wagon Frenzy, a park and the resort got the For what was supposed communications, reports, “We the site of Silver Dollar City bouncing ride for bucket bri- crowd clapping and energized to be a “light” year in terms had days with more than 2,000- – was completely burned to gade volunteers (Zamperla). for the opening. The official of investments, following the contract workers on site dur the ground by a blaze more •Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a ribbon cutting sent the crowds enormous expenditures of ing the off-season to prepare than 100 years ago. “Now fast galloping ride on Dalmatians running forward. Germany’s 2014, the park still had lots of all the new additions.” forwardSee to the Story fi ctional – storypage racing 26 around a fi re hydrant largest theme park was open new things to offer, as well as New attractions for for Fireman’s4 Landing, where for the 2015 season. enhancements for guest satis- 4See EUROPA, page 4 the citizens share a desire to 4See FIREMEN’S, page 4 Amusement Today was on - faction. Quite surprisingly, the hand to experience the excite Dated material. material. Dated

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50 1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

2015 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW

Australia Slides, 2 x AquaLoop + Flatline Loop, 3 x , 2 x AquaDrop, Slides, Aquanation, Ringwood...ProSlide SuperLoop with SkyBox, TurboTwister Kid’s Slides, Abyss (F6), Python (F6), Constrictor, Family Raft Ride, 6 lane AquaTwist Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Oxenford...ProSlide Kidz package — Bowl 14, MiniRiver, Pipeline, Mat Racer, Freefall+, SuperBowl, Inner-tube Slides, Master Blaster, AquaPlay Giant ProRacer, Tornado 24, Twister RainFortress, AquaPlay RainFortress, AquaPlay AP350, AquaSpray, Surf Wave Pool, Whitewater World at , Coomera...ProSlide Tornado 18 Indoor Family Wave Pool, Outdoor Family Wave Pool, Extreme River, Lazy River, Wyndham Leisure and Events Center, Melbourne...ProSlide Hybrid Behemoth Bowl/ FlowRider Double Tornado 24, TurboTwister Colombia Piscilago, Villanueva…ProSlide Tornado Wave Austria Denmark Familypark Neusiedlersee, St. Margarethen…Gerstlauer kiddy coaster Djurs Sommerland, Nimtofte…Bondegårdsland — new themed area with Vilde Hønsejagt Fantasiana Straßwalchen, Straßwalchen…Wildwasserbahn Mami Wata — Hafema white — Zierer Force Two coaster; rides from Zamperla, Mettalbau Emmeln, Wood Design water rapids ride with onboard sound; Dino Adventure Train — train ride with anima- and Zierer tronic dinosaurs Fårup Sommerland, Jylland…Aquarena GmbH AquaLoop and Kamakazi waterslides Weiner Prater, Vienna…Maskerade — Gerstlauer indoor/outdoor coaster with elevator lift Lalandia Indoor Waterpark, Billund…WhiteWater 3 x Body Slides, Custom AquaPlay Brazil England Beach Park, Fortaleza…ProSlide tornado 60 , Alton…Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure — Zamperla family coaster Wet'n'Wild Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo…ProSlide Tornado 60 Big Sheep, Bideford…Zierer Tivoli relocated from MetroLand, U.K. Belarus , Blackpool…Red Arrows — Gerstlauer SkyFly Chelyuskintsev Park, Minsk…Jumbo Jet — Schwarzkopf Jumbo Jet relocated from Bury St. Edmunds Leisure Centre, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk…WhiteWater 2 x Body Dreamland, Belarus Crealy Devon’s Great Adventure Park, Exeter…Twister Rollercoaster — SBF spinning Belgium coaster Bobbejaanland, Lichtaart…The Forbidden Caves — combination walk-through/dark ride/ Dreamland, ...Reopening of park with rebuilt Scenic Railway; Wacky Worm-style coaster; multiple restored vintage and classic rides Plopsaland De Panne, Adinkerke-De Panne…15th anniversary celebration with expansion of Paulton’s Park, Romsey…Vekoma suspended family coaster PlopsaAqua indoor water park, ProSlide SuperLoop with SkyBox Needles Park, Isle of Wight…Gosetto Carousel 1900 Bulgaria AquaMania, Albena…ProSlide FreeFall slide and Hybrid Tornado 24/Tornado 24 PowerLand, …Gerstlauer multi-element coaster Chile France Fantislandia, Santiago…Vekoma mine train relocated from Ratanga Junction, South Africa Bagatelle, Merlimont…Kid’z Coaster — Big Apple/Wacky Worm-syle coaster; Famous China Jack — Reverchon spinning mouse relocated from within park Altai Amusement Park, Hohhot…Bejing Shibaolai sky loop coaster Dennlys Park, Dennebroeucq…Voltigo — figure-eight spinning cars coaster Children’s Park, Louhu…Space Car — small family coaster; jungle mouse Magic Park Land, Ensuès-la-Redonne…Speedy — Pinfari RC 50 from traveling showman Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Xiangzhou…Penguins on Parade — custom musical show Dennlys Parc, Dennebroeucq…Gosetto Dream Farm ride and family SBF/Visa Spinning Dream Star Park, Pingyin…Loop and double coaster Coaster Eontime World, Xiangfang…Maurer Rides spinning coaster; S&S ~ Sansei Double Shot Germany Tower Erlebniswelt Seilbahnen Thale, Thale…Boderitt — Wiegand Wie-Hex suspended coaster Fantawild Adventure, Jiayuguan…Mine train coaster; inverted coaster Europa-Park, Rust…40th anniversary celebration with Time Carousel — 4-D cinema Fantawild Dreamland, Shifeng…Gravity Group/Martin & Vleminckx wooden coaster; movie; Dream Dome — world’s largest dome screen with custom movie; 40th anni- Vekoma suspended family coaster versary parade; enhancements to existing rides including Euro-Tower and Splash Fantawild Dreamland, Tong’an…Terror Twister — Maurer Rides SkyLoop Battle Fantawild Dreamland, Zhongmu…Gravity Group/Martin & Vleminckx wooden coaster Freizeit-Land Geiselwind, Geiselwind…Cobra — Interpark Wild Wind coaster from travel- Fantawild Theme Park, Nanjiao…Golden Horse mine train coaster; Golden Horse suspend- ing showman ed roller coaster Freizeitpark Plohn, Legenfeld…Miniwah — Mack Rides powered train Floraland Continent Park, Wenjiang…Boomerang Coaster — Beijing Shiboalai boomerang Hansa Park, Sierksdorf…Schwur des Kärnan — Gerstlauer 239-foot multi-element coaster Forest Lake Park, Qinnan…Double loop, double corkscrew coaster with indoor sections Galaxy Resort and Casino, Macau…ProSlide 3x Twister Holiday Park, Hassloch…Gerstlauer SkyFly Gingko Lake Amusement Park, Jiangning…Beijing Shiboalai jet coaster and suspended Legoland Deutschland, Günzburg…Lego City Police Station — interactive walkthrough looping coaster labyrinth; Atlantis by SeaLife — aquarium with glass tunnel walkthrough Great Mall of China, Sanhe…Premier Rides Sky Rocket II; Vekoma custom dive pretzel Wunderland Kalkar, North Rhine-Westphalia…Huss relocated from Holiday Park coaster; Vekoma motorbike coaster India Hainan Wenchang Space Theme Park, Wenchang…spinning cars coaster Lonavala Park for Malpani Group, Mumbai…WhiteWater Speed slide, Freefall, Hangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, Cixi…two steel coasters and one wooden AquaTube, Rattler, Boomerango, SuperBowl, 4 lane Mat Racer, Master Blaster, coaster AquaPlay RainFortress, Dual Waves Hefei Wanda Cultural Tourism City, Baohe…S&S ~ Sansei Tower; Flip Coaster Indonesia — tilt-style coaster Grand Wisata Go! Wet Water Park, Indonesia…WhiteWater Wave Pool, Wave River, Hello Kitty The Park, Anji…New park opened in April with Intamin Coaster Wheel and AquaPlay RainFortress, Kid’s Slides, Kid’s Boomerango, Kid’s AquaSphere, Python Water Coaster; ABC Rides Maypole and River Splash; Zierer multiple rides including (F3), SuperBowl, Constrictor, Rattler (F3), Family Raft Ride, Inner-Tube Wave Swinger, Kontiki, Jet Skis, Flying Flowers Ocean Park Water Adventure, Tangerang…Snake Coaster — Zierer Force One Hot Go Park, Fushun…S&S ~ Sansei Double Tower Jungleland, Bogor…Snake Coaster — Zierer Force One Jinan Intagible Cultural Heritage Park, Huaiyin…Jungle Dragon — Gravity Group/Martin & Iraq Vleminckx wooden coaster; Polar Express — Vekoma Boomerang; Al Zawra’a Dream Park, Baghdad…Vekoma SLC Lewa Happy World, Xi’an…Mack Rides launched coaster with two inversions; Beijing Family Fun, Duhok…Vekoma Boomerang relocated from Tivoli Karolinelund, Denmark Shiboalai looping coaster, famly coaster, Boomerang; Golden Horse suspended, moto Ireland coaster, mine train; worm-style coaster , Ashbourne…Cú Chulainn — Gravity Group Mirror Lake, Shaoxing…ProSlide Tornado 12, CannonBowl 40, TurboPipeline, 3x Pipeline, Israel Racer, FreeFall, SuperLoop with SkyBox, Tornado 60, Tornado Wave, Turbo Babylon Games, Kiryat Ono…Wattman Train Mammoth, Mammoth, Kidz Complex with Bowl, MiniRiver, ProRacer, Twister Vendico Amusements, Nahariyya…Wattman Train Nanhai Bay, Foshan…ProSlide HydroMagnetic Rocket, Tornado 60, Tornado Wave, 2x CannonBowl, 2x FreeFall, SuperLoop with SkyBox Cavallino Matto, Castagneto Carducci…Freestyle — TOGO Stand-Up coaster relocated Pine Forest Flying Mouse, Ma’anshan…Jungle Mouse coaster from Canada’s Wonderland Romon U-Park, Yinzhou…Legendary Dragon — Maurer Rides X-Car launch coaster; Travel , Castelnuovo del Garda… - The Black Hole — B&M dive coaster through Europe — Intamin looping coaster Leolandia, …Peppa Pig World — new section featuring Peppa’s House interactive Shanghai Disney, Pudong…Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train; Tron Lightcyles Power Run walkthrough attraction Sun Tzu Cultural Park , Guangrao…S&S ~ Sansei Double Tower Movieland Park, Lago di Garda…Diabolik — Vekoma Invertigo shuttle coaster relocated Taolin Happy World, Yangquan…spinning mouse coaster from Six Flags America Tieling La Viva Waterpark, Tieling…ProSlide Hybrid tornado 60/Tornado24, Tornado 18, Jamaica CannonBowl 40 with explosion, SuperLoop with SkyBox, TurboTwister, Mammoth River Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort, St. Ann…New water park with SplashTacular Wanda City Theme Park, Xinjian…Viper — GCII woden coaster; Beijing Shiboalai inverted waterslides, lazy river and natural ocean-front beach (opened December 2014) coaster; Intamin extreme coaster Japan Weihe Park, Weibin…Colorful Six Ring Roller Coaster — Zhipao double loop, triple cork- Hasunuma, Japan…WhiteWater Fusion 3 Constrictor + Rattler + Boomerango screw coaster Nagashima Spa Land, Nagashima…Acrobat — B&M flying coaster (Manta clone); New Wuhu Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, Jiujiang…Gravity Group/Martin & Vleminckx PTC train for White Cyclone wooden coaster; Vekoma Boomerang; steel coaster with two lift hills (mine train?) Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka…Air Racers - Gerstlauer SkyFly Xindao Happy World, Renhe…Hebei Zhingye four-ring coaster; big apple/wacky worm-style Korea coaster Lotte World phase II, Busan…WhiteWater Family Boomerango, Family Raft Ride, Xishiangbanna Theme Park, Xishiangbanna…B & M flying coaster; Zamperla MotoCoaster; AquaLoop x 4, dueling Master Blaster Intamin water coaster; S&S ~ Sansei Space Shot Tower Malaysia Yinji Kaifeng Waterpark, Henan…WhiteWater/Hopkins Shoot the Chute; WhiteWater Sunway Lagoon Expansion, Petaling Jaya…WhiteWater AquaLoop, Flatline Loop, Family Fusion Boomerango + Manta, AquaSphere + Constrictor, SuperBowl, Rattler, Inner-tube Raft Ride, Boomerango, Inner-Tube Slides, AquaSpray, AquaPlay RainFortress May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9

2015 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW

Morocco Tosselilla Sommarland, Tosselilla...—ProSlide 4-lane ProRacer Parc Sindibad, Cassablanca…Serpent — Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter The Netherlands Aqua Parc Geneva, Geneva…WhiteWater Fusion constrictor + Rattler Efteling, Kaatshuevel…Baron 1898 — B&M dive coaster Taiwan Slagharen Theme Park, Slagharen…Aqua Mexicana — new indoor/outdoor water park Hualien Farglory Ocean Park, Taroka...Chance Rides Freestyle Yumble Roermond, Roermond…Vekoma adventure theater simulator; Vekoma interactive Shang Shun Plaza, Miao Li …WhiteWater/Prime Play Clip n Climb, Adventure Trail, Sky Rail dark ride Ropes Course, Sky Tykes, Ballocity Zoo Emmen, Emmen…Mack Rides free flow boat ride Thailand Speelpark Oud, Valkeveen…Wattman Train Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, Nong Kae…New 7.18-acre water park with multiple Norway WhiteWater West attractions including MasterBlaster, AquaLoop, Family Raft slide and Hardangertun Hytter og Familiepark, Kinsarvik…Wattman Train Rain Fortress (opened December 2014) Lund’s Tivoli, Ålgård…KMG High Swing Trinidad & Tobago Phillippines Macoya Waterpark, Chaguanas…ProSlide RideHouse 250 with 2x Twister, Kidz package with Sky Ranch, Tagaytay…Zamperla powered coaster-like ride Twister, ProRacer, Miniriver, Tornado 12, Bowl Poland Turkey Energylandia, Zator…Egipt — Vekoma junior coaster; Vekoma SLC; Vekoma suspended fam- Ankapark, Ankara…Intamin 10-inversion coaster, Jet Ski coaster, Rapids Ride, Flying Island, ily coaster HyperSplash Slaskie Wesołe Miasteczko, Chorzów…Zyklon or Galaxi-type coaster relocated from Crystal Aura, Kemer, Turkey...New water park, giant Magic Sphere, Sommerland Syd, Denmark Aquatube, Black Hole, Big Hole, Black Hole/Flying Boats combination Russia FunLab Cevahir, Istanbul…Zombi — Triotech interactive dark ride Divo Ostrof (Wonder Island), …Mack Rides LSM launch coaster with four Landora Temali Park, Istanbul…Tryceratopous — I.E. Park family coaster; Vekoma junior inversions (blue fire clone) coaster Kvarsis, Novosibirsk…WhiteWater Constrictor, AquaSphere, AquaLoop, Body Slide, Krylo Marina Park, Istanbul…Intamin launched slide, Ramp Slide, Space Bowl, Manta (F3), Inner-tube slide, AquaCourse AC 60, Waves Gerim Park, Ankara…Gosetto three-floor dark ride; Moser Rides 55-meter Giant Wheel and 18m, AquaPlay AP1050, AquaSpray (6 pcs) 75-meter revolving tower Sochi Park, Sochi…Gosetto bumper car building; Huss Giant Ukraine Singapore EVPA Waterpark, Evpatoria…WhiteWater AquaPlay RainFortress, 4 lane Mat Racer, Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa…Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey — Zamperla family Constrictor, SuperBowl, Speed Slide, Inner-Tube Slide coaster Lavina Mall, Kiev…Vekoma suspended family coaster Smiley World at Vivo City, …Wattman Train Respublika, Kiev…Vekoma indoor coaster; Maurer Rides indoor spinning coaster South Korea United Arab Emirates Everland Samsung, Yongin Gun…WhiteWater/Hopkins Super Flume; ProSlide Hybrid Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi…Mission Ferrari — Dynamic Attractions indoor/out- HydroMagnetic Mammoth/Tornado 60 door LSM-launch roller coaster Habio Park, Seoul…ProSlide CannonBowl 30, Twister IMG World of Adventure, Dubai…Velociraptor Mega Launch Coaster — Mack Rides launch Spain coaster; Mack Rides spinning coaster PortAventura Resort, Salou…Cirque du Soleil summer touring base Uzbekistan Siam Park, Tenerife…ProSlide Hyrbrid Rocket Blast/Flying Saucer Mega Planet, Tashkent…Wattman Train Sweden Vietnam Gröna Lund, Stockholm…House of Nightmares — walk-through haunted house Asian Park, Đà Nang…Premier Rides suspended family coaster and lift coaster, Kolmården, Norrköping…Godiståget — Zierer Force 190 coaster Vekoma Mine Train, Vekoma Junior Coaster, all relocated from Freestyle Music Park Liseberg, Gothenberg…Mechanica — Zierer Star Shape Vinpearl, Phu Quoc…Vekoma family boomerang 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 INTERNATIONAL  S&S inks China Double Shot — Page 12 / Gardaland unveils its new B&M dive coaster — Page 12 Movie Park adds new shows, events and characters for 2015 AT: Andrew Mellor [email protected] the park, will be among other events during the season. The BOTTROP, Kirchhellen, fourth handbag throwing Germany — Movie Park Ger- world championships will also many began its 2015 season at be held in the park during the the end of March and will in- season, described as "a crazy troduce a range of new enter- event" featuring teams from tainment for the year. several different countries. Utilizing its familiar slo- As well as these new ele- gan of "Hollywood in Ger- ments, in an effort to provide many," the film-based park the park will also offer a new improved guests services, a will introduce the Minions Stunt Crew, led by stunt spe- number of new initiatives will from the well-known movie cialist Evangelos Grecos who be introduced, beginning right Despicable Me as its newest has worked on many well- at the start of the season with the availability of free Wi-Fi characters, coinciding with the known films, including the Movie Park Germany CEO Thorsten Backhaus is pleased throughout the park. New, en- release of a new film featuring James Bond movie Skyfall and to welcome new park residents, the Minions, for the 2015 the Minions in Germany this others such as Marvel’s The tertaining information videos season. COURTESY MOVIE PARK GERMANY year. Avengers: The Age of Ultron. have also been produced for “We are thrilled that the The new Stunt Crew show vide a new interactive Western holding a variety of events guests to view while waiting Minions are with us,” says Impossible Possible consists of Stunt Show with an Old West throughout the 2015 season. in queue lines, along with new park CEO Thorsten Backhaus. approximately 10 participants, theme. Additionally, more A large BBQ event was due to educational benefits for school “The guests will be able to including those from the U.S., new entertainment will be take place in early May, attend- groups and a Movie Park Ger- have photo opportunities with England and Spain. They will provided with the show Break ed by a number of well-known many app which offers a range them or see them in the park in not only take over the exist- the Rules on the central New celebrities, while the Nickel- of information to help visitors our daily parade.” ing Crazy Cops — the Action York Plaza Stage. odeon Kids Choice Awards, make the best out of their day In addition to the Minions Stunt Show, but will also pro- Movie Park will also be broadcast from at in the park. Dinosaurs ‘come alive’ at U.K.’s West Midlands Safari Park AT: Andrew Mellor Sound effects indicative of [email protected] the "lost world" add further to the atmosphere, while BEWDLEY, England — static fossil displays, a vol- The U.K.'s largest anima- canic vent, three pools and a tronic Dinosaur attraction geyser all combine to inten- made its debut at West Mid- sify the whole experience. land Safari Park (WMSP) in The entrance to the Ju- March. rassic safari is flanked by Land of the Living Di- the skeletal form of a T-Rex nosaurs is an immersive and is located in the park’s walking trail featuring 38 Discovery Trail. Examples Left to right: the entrance to Land of the Living Dinosaurs sets the scene perfectly for an life-size dinosaurs, each of some of the most for- exciting and intriguing experience. This Dilophosaurus is one of 38 life-size dinosaurs in the with moving eyes, mouth midable creatures to have latest exhibit to open at the U.K.’s . COURTESY SAFARI PARK and neck, and offers a jour- roamed the planet include ney that spans four ages of the Dilophosaurus, the fear- nosaurus Rex, elevated on lived. All the dinosaurs in the £2.5 million ($3.8 mil- dinosaur reign — Permian, some Gorgonops and two 4 meters rockwork, casts a the exhibit are built from lion) project in 2012. It led Triassic, Jurassic and Creta- of the largest at 8 meters dramatic shadow over the compound rubber and the park’s design team on ceous. The exhibit is heav- (26 feet) tall, the Apatosau- surrounding area, while the house a moving steel arma- trips around the world to ily themed and landscaped rus measuring 25 meters (82 impressive Sarcosuchus, ture, which adds realistic investigate exactly how the and is planted with copious feet) long and the Argenti- meaning "flesh crocodile," movement to each display. exhibit could be achieved, amounts of flora, including nosaurus at 30 meters (98.5 represents one of the larg- Daniel Griffiths, WMSP before various manufactur- tree ferns, gunnera, reeds feet) long. est crocodile-like creatures marketing manager, said: ers were engaged to devel- and monkey-puzzle trees. A life size adult Tyran- that is thought to have ever “Work initially started on op the dinosaurs.” 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 S&S~Sansei announces new PowerPark begins construction on Double Shot ride for China LOGAN, Utah — S&S~Sansei announced in March that a Gerstlauer launch coaster Double Shot tower ride is on tap to open in late 2015 at the Eon Time theme park in Hohhot, China. S&S officials said they are pleased to have the opportunity to place a Double Shot ride in the exciting and innovative Eon Time project. The developer, Eon Time Real Estate Corporation, has created a mixed-use development that fuses various aspects of natural elements with the surrounding context of the city, which will give the project a distinct identity. “At S&S, we are very honored to have been selected to par- ticipate in the unique Eon Time project,” said Tim Timco, vice president of Sales and Marketing for S&S~Sansei. “Eon Time is focused on creating developments that allow people and the en- vironment to exist in harmony, for which the environmentally friendly air-launched Double Shot tower ride was a natural fit. We’re looking forward to the opening of this new ride in the com- ing months.” The Double Shot, already in production at S&S, will launch Finland's Power Park has started construction on a launch coaster from Germany's Gerst- 12 passengers nearly 80 feet (24 meters) through two cycles of lauer Amusement Rides GmbH. Named Junker, the ride will send passengers from 0-100 positive 3-G and negative 1-G ride experiences. The cycle repeats kmh in just 1.9 seconds making it a faster acceleration than a Formula One car. After the with two 30 mph launch sequences in every ride. According to initial launch, riders will rise up a 40 meter climb, before being sent through a series of Timco, “The Double Shot earned its name from the extra shot loops, and turns and even an underwater tunnel below a pond while expereincing 860 (or thrilling acceleration) that riders experience during the ride meters of track and up to 4.5 g's. When it opens next summer, Junker will be the park's cycle.” sixth roller coaster. COURTESY POWER PARK •www.engineeringexcitement.com Gardaland takes guests to a new dimension with B&M dive coaster AT: Andrew Mellor [email protected] tion, followed by a camelback at high speed with a vacuum CASTELNUOVO DEL sense feeling, a spiral and fi- GARDA, Italy — The first nally an in-line roll. The whole dive coaster to open in Italy, experience lasts 100 seconds and the longest such ride in and three trains are used, each Europe, made its debut at Gar- made up of three rows of six daland at the end of March. seats. Minimum rider height is Supplied by Swiss com- 140 cm (52 inches). pany Bolliger and Mabillard, The white structure of Oblivion — The Black Hole the new attraction covers a represents an investment of total area of 13,000 square over €20 million ($21.6 mil- meters (139,931 square feet) lion) and provides a thrilling and stands in a new area of and spectacular new addition the park dedicated to space. to the park. With a track length Gardaland’s latest major ride of 566 meters (1,857 feet), the is heavily themed and the coaster takes riders to a height storyline has riders travelling of 42.5 meters (139 feet) where through a mysterious space- they have a three second wait time passage (the tunnel sec- at the top of the main drop tion) on the way to a new section before the big descent dimension, with the themed straight down, with 4g of ac- experience beginning in the celeration for 47.5 meters (139 interactive queue line, which feet) at an inclination of 87 de- itself is a key part of the attrac- Above, the white steel struc- grees. tion. ture of Gardaland’s latest The maximum speed, Having entered the queue major attraction Oblivion reached in the themed tunnel line section guests are under — The Black Hole is a new section of the track, excavated the impression that they are focal point within the park. to a depth of 7.5 meters (24.5 being scanned and a monitor Right, riders on the new feet), at the base of the main displays a modified image of B&M coaster at Gardaland drop, is almost 100 kmh (62 the passengers. LED light- are seated in trains featuring mph), after which the remain- ing provides a metal detector a total of 18 seats, in three der of the ride takes guests sensation as further checks rows of six. through four inversions as are made on visitors to ensure COURTESY GARDALAND they speed close to the ground, they are suitable to ride, while pillars and various other ob- a 50-meters (164 foot) long the experience. A ‘destination stacles. Upon exiting the tun- tunnel, more LED lighting, room’ gives an idea of where nel riders are taken through smoke effects, touch screens passengers might be headed, an Immelmann, a backward and a vibrating stage to test and a final passageway leads tailspin with a 180 degree rota- balance skills all add further to to the loading station. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13

18 See us at www.intaminworldwide.com #5 Booth Asian Attractions Expo 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 expands Thomas Land by 40 percent TAMWORTH, Stafford- Airport. In a tradition- shire, U.K. — Drayton Manor al terminal style it has a top Theme Park is focusing on its level balcony for VIP travel- younger visitors in 2015 with lers with views of Thomas an expansion that has Eu- Land. The area has five rope’s only Thomas Land in- themed rooms that will be creased in size by 40 percent. available for private hire for With three new rides, all events, parties or large fam- from Italian manufacturer ily groups looking to make Zamperla, plus a new Sodor their day out extra special. Airport terminal, Thomas The ground level will Land will have even more to feature a café for guests to create a magical day out for relax and enjoy a selection Thomas fans in 2015. Opened of hot and cold drinks and over Easter, the new rides in- snacks before they depart clude Flynn’s Fire Rescue, for their Thomas Land ad- Captain’s Sea Adventure and venture. Jeremy Jet’s Flying Toby’s Tram Express. Academy will also be land- is focusing on its younger visitors in 2015 with an expansion of its The new Thomas Land ing in its new location out- popular Thomas Land increasing the size by 40 percent. Along with the new two-story Sodor captures all the adventures of side Sodor Airport. Airport and its five themed rooms available for private events, the expansion is highlighted Thomas & Friends and the is- The first of the new by three new rides, all from Italian manufacturer Zamperla. These include Captain’s Sea Ad- land of Sodor, with a central Thomas & Friends charac- venture (above); Toby’s Tram Express (below left) and Flynn’s Fire Rescue (below right). The feature of the new two-story ter rides is the fast and fear- new features opened over the recent Easter weekend. COURTESY D & J POPE CREATIVE DESIGN less Flynn the Fire Engine, equipped with on-board hoses so riders can help to put any fires out. There is also Captain’s Sea Adventure which in- troduces six rotating Cap- tain lifeboats, all complete with their own cannons to squirt water. Toby the steam tram who wobbles, spins and turns also arrives in the shape of the new Toby’s Tram Express. Merrick the gan- try crane will also be join- ing Blue Mountain Engines Sir Handle, Skarloey, Rhe- neas and Peter Sam all the way from Skarloey Railway where visitors simply climb aboard and enjoy the ride. In addition to the new rides and café there will also be a fountain of the ever- popular Fat Controller and three Victorian fairground games, from games special- ist HB Leisure, plus a band- stand for live performances. Colin Bryan, CEO of Drayton Manor Theme Park, commented: “2015 marks the 65th anniversary of Drayton Manor and throughout our long history we’ve always prided ourselves on offering a fun day out for the whole family. “That was the reasoning behind the launch of Thomas Land in 2008. Since then the area has gone from strength to strength and has provided an immersive experience for fans both young and old. We are delighted to be extending it this year with all these fan- tastic new rides and facilities for our visitors to enjoy.” May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 WATER PARKS & RESORTS Amusement Today PRINT subscribers get free DIGITAL subscription. Visit amusementtoday.com to subscribe Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. to be acquired by an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners, L.P. MADISON, Wis., — Great Centerbridge and operator of indoor water Wolf Resorts, Inc. has entered park resorts. We look forward into a definitive agreement and Partners, L.P. to continuing to experience the plan of merger with an affiliate NEW YORK, N.Y. — next phase of the company's of Centerbridge Partners, L.P. Centerbridge Partners, growth as guests of Great Wolf whereby Centerbridge, a lead- L.P., is a private investment lodges," said Aaron J. Stone, a ing private investment firm, firm with offices in New York, senior partner of Apollo Global will acquire Great Wolf, North N.Y. and London, England. Management and member of America's largest family of in- It is a private investment the Great Wolf board of direc- door water park resorts. Great firm with approximately $25 tors. Wolf is currently controlled by billion in capital under man- The Merger Agreement funds affiliated with Apollo agement. The firm focuses was unanimously approved by Crystal Aura Resort & Spa in Turkey recently opened this Global Management, LLC, on private equity and credit the board of directors of Great Polin slide tower, which features this Sphere slide, shown as investments and is dedicat- listed on the New York Stock Wolf. The transaction is expect- the middle slide. Below, riders enjoy the final big drop on ed to partnering with world- Exchange as APO. ed to close in the 2nd quarter of another Polin slide. COURTESY POLIN Kimberly K. Schaefer, the class management teams 2015, subject to customary clos- chief executive officer of Great across targeted industry ing conditions. Wolf, commented as follows: sectors to help companies Great Wolf Lodge is North "This is an exciting next chap- achieve their operating and America's largest family of in- ter for Great Wolf Resorts. financial objectives. door water park resorts and During our partnership with Established in 2005, the brand leader in the water Apollo we saw tremendous Centerbridge was co-found- park resort industry. Great ed by Jeffrey Aronson and growth for our company, in- Wolf Lodge is a first-class, full Mark Gallogly. Galogly was cluding opening our 12th Great service, year-round destina- a 16-year veteran of the Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Mas- tion resort. Extending far be- Blackstone Group, where sachusetts and having our 13th yond water parks, Great Wolf he served as senior manag- under construction in Garden provides families with quality ing director, the head of pri- Grove, California. Now as we accommodations, exceptional vate equity and a member join Centerbridge's portfolio, of the firm’s management service, as well as popular pro- we look forward to continuing committee and the private prietary amenities all under to provide families with amaz- equity group’s investment one roof — creating family tra- ing experiences at each of our committee before his de- ditions, one family at a time. lodges." parture. The first Great Wolf Lodge Crystal Aura Beach Resort William D. Rahm, senior Aronson was a partner resort opened in 1997 in Wis- managing director of Center- at Angelo, Gordon & Co. consin Dells, Wisconsin; Great bridge, said, "Great Wolf is a and served as the head of Wolf now operates 11 resorts opens Polin Shere, slides leading hospitality business distressed debt and lever- throughout the U.S. with a and we are excited to support aged loans business. Pre- new Great Wolf Lodge un- KEMER, Turkey — Guests the park's owners worked the company in its next phase vious experience includes der construction in Garden at the Crystal Aura Beach Re- with Polin — which had also of growth. Kim Schaefer and serving as senior corporate Grove, California and another sort & Spa in Kemer, Turkey, designed and installed wa- her team have done an excep- counsel at LF Rothschild Great Wolf Lodge location in have always had lots of rea- ter parks at sister properties tional job delivering a uniquely and as a securities attorney Niagara Falls, Ontario. These sons to praise the park. Its all- Crystal Sunset and Crystal memorable experience to thou- with the law firm of Stroock resorts generally feature 300– inclusive, five-star offerings — to identify the sands of families every year & Stroock & Lavan. 600 rooms and a large indoor include delectable cuisine, perfect attractions to feature and we are thrilled to have the entertainment area measuring luxury spa treatments and lav- at their resort. Guests already chance to partner with them dous partnership with Kim 40,000–100,000 square feet. The ish accommodations. But now had access to Kemer Marina to build on that tradition. We Schaefer, her senior manage- all-suite properties offer a - va guests have a whole new rea- and Nomad Theme Park in are also fully committed to ex- ment team, and all 5,000-plus riety of room styles, arcade/ son to rave about the resort: the nearby seaside town lo- panding the company into new Great Wolf employees to build game rooms, fitness rooms, a variety of new water park cated in the Antalya Prov- markets so more families can upon the strong family ori- themed restaurants, spas, su- attractions that recently were ince on the Turkish Riviera. enjoy a Great Wolf vacation." ented brand they have estab- pervised children's activities installed by Polin Waterparks. Those temptations meant that "We have had a tremen- lished as the leading owner and other amenities. Owned by the Kilit Group, 4See RESORT, page 20 MEDIA

18 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING WATER PARKS B.NEWS JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERTSPLASH EDITORIALEDITORIAL MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected] A teen partyMEDIA MEDIAat Sun Splash Family Water justified. What we're shooting for is more than Park in CapeCREDENTIAL CREDENTIALCoral, Florida got out of hand a glorified hotel swimming pool, but something resulting in the cancellationVALIDVALID of five subsequent less than 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art THROUGHTHROUGH 20122010 parties that had been planned. features." It’s not about us as the service provider, On March 28 radio station SUGA spon- • sored a night swim at the park, but apparently Scotland's expansion to its water play park it’s about you, the Client. did not take into account the number of teens at the famous Falkirk Wheel opened in April to GARY SLADE that plannedPUBLISHER, to show AMUSEMENT up. Sun TODAY Splash reached bring even more visitors to one of Scotland's capacity by 7:30 p.m. but hordes of teens kept top tourist attractions. New features include flooding the park. When management tried to two pools with working lock gates, water can- control the front gate, teens resorted to jump- nons and model boats. Hydrozorbs and water A turn-key attraction ing over fences to gain access to the park. dodgems are expected to join the lineup later management/Aquatic TV news stations reported teens urinating this year. Taking the Zorb ball one step further, Risk Prevention company. in public and performing lewd acts in the pools. Hydrozorbs are transparent inflatable balls that The radio station that organized the party de- one person can climb inside, then run or walk www.i-amllc.com nied those accusations. Neighbors also com- — hamster-wheel-like — across the surface of plained about the excessive noise. the water. City officials met to discuss plans for the More than just a water-play area, phase one next party scheduled for April 25, and the possi- of the park was designed to educate guests bility of classifying it as special event with more about waterways. Phase two brings a few more security and stricter controls, but then cancelled fun activities to the area. the event altogether. SUGA had planned to The Falkirk Wheel, an engineering marvel host five more parties this year at Sun Splash. that opened in 2002, is a rotating boat lift that In the meantime the city has recognized the raises or lowers boats 79 feet from the Forth need for special entertainment options for the and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Water- city's youth and is planning its own city-spon- way authorities sought to create a dramatic sored teen events. landmark to replace the 11 aging locks that • closed in 1962 rendering the canals unusable. A Construction crews at the new Freedom visitors center with round-trip boat excursions Springs water park in Greenwood, Indiana, hosts more than 400,000 people annually. are putting in lots of overtime to get the park • ready for its grand opening on Memorial Day Critics were quick to jump on the band- weekend. Rainy weather put the project about wagon to voice their opposition to the pro- a month behind schedule. posed Manteca, California, Great Wolf Resort The $7 million water park is not likely to and its need for 300,000 gallons of water. But draw enough visitors to turn a profit, but city as is typical of the "cause du jour" that people officials have agreed to provide the expected are quick to mindlessly latch onto without do- $200,000 annual operating supplement as the ing any research, the truth is a far cry from the water park is considered an investment in the hype. Great Wolf was quick to point out that city's quality of life. Christian Maslowski, presi- once filled, the water park recycles 98 percent dent of the Greater Greenwood Chamber of of its water. City Manager Karen McLaughlin NEW Commerce said, “We’re finding a way to be mentioned that Great Wolf even recycles the the community our residents deserve, our busi- water used for laundry and the detergent is nesses expect and our community leaders envi- completely biodegradable. Water is also col- sion it to be.” The city has been without a public lected from the giant evaporators that are used pool since the original city-owned pool closed to control the humidity and temperature inside in 2012. the indoor water park. IN-PARK In addition to a lap pool and zero-depth As with most modern-day water parks, the INTERACTIVE GAMES entry pool, the park will feature a lazy river, mul- water is filtered and purified with an ultravio- tiple slides, cabanas and a sand play area. let light system that destroys 99.99 percent of • harmful microorganisms reducing the need for The County Board of Williams County, chemicals. N.D. approved, in April, a zoning variance to Although 300,000 gallons of water sounds pave the way for a $500 million, 200-acre Wil- like a tremendous amount, in reality it is just liston Crossing development that will include one-tenth of one percent of the water that the retail space, apartments, townhouses, condo- city of Manteca's residents and business use in miniums, four hotels and an indoor water park. a typical month. Despite its remote location 25 miles east of After the one-time filling, a single Great the Montana border and just 60 miles south of Wolf Lodge can have a significant economic • Squirt! it the Canadian border, the U.S. Census Bureau impact on a city. Studies show that because INTERACTIVE • It squirts back has ranked the area as one of the country's fast- of its reputation for providing a positive guest FUN! • Custom themes est growing regions four years in a row. experience, the resort can draw families from • Guest fun & sales Unbeknownst to many, Williams County is large distances who are willing to shell out close one of the largest crude oil producers in the to $300 per night. Many are repeat customers U.S. The oil and gas industry has brought about staying multiple days. Manteca's close proxim- Refillable Squirts water 30 ft. tremendous growth in both the city's popula- ity to the San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose mar- tion and infrastructure. The proposed develop- ket area gives it a large population base of 7.44 ment will bring much-needed recreational and million people from which to draw customers. shopping opportunities to the citizens of Wil- The resort, which operates 365 days a year, will liston, the county seat. provide approximately 570 jobs — more than GET A FREE SAMPLE at Big Squirt! Inc. Although specific details of the water park 400 will be full time. Estimates have the resort www.bigsquirt.com/freesample 1741 Torrance Blvd., Ste. D have yet to be released, the developers have generating $6.5 million in payroll, property, or call 1-888-388-8872 Torrance, CA 90501 visited other indoor facilities to determine the sales and occupancy taxes. size and scope of their project. Terry Olin of The Manteca City Council is expected to Stropiq, the developer behind the project not- make a decision on the proposed lodge this Keep our water park industry strong! ed, "If it's too small, kids will be too bored to summer. If approved, the lodge could open as Buy products and services from these suppliers. come back. If it's too big, it's not economically early as 2017. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

RESORT is a streamlined version of its ed Natural Light Effects (NLE) to feature in its new water park. giant Magic Sphere. The two- technology. This special lighting These new offerings are: Continued from page 17 person slide begins with a steep effect requires no electricity. In- •Aquatube: This exhilarat- Crystal Aura's owners wanted drop, and the high-speed jour- stead, harmonious, colorful de- ing, rapid ride features visual aquatic offerings that would en- ney moves travelers in a dizzy- signs occur when the sun's rays and auditory effects that will tice guests to stay on property ing ride around the interior of shine through the slide's fiber- give guests a ride to remember. for the duration of their visits. one sphere before taking them glass sides and interact with the •Black Hole: Touted as Po- Thus, the owners chose some through a tunnel slide to the flow of water through the tubes. lin's most popular ride, it offers of Polin's most appealing rides, next sphere. The designs continually change an incredible and unique ride focusing most particularly on Like with most of Polin's and adapt depending on the an- experience with a variety of spe- wanting one of Polin's wildly offerings, the Spheres are- man gle and strength of the sunlight. cial effects, including NLE, that popular Sphere slides. ufactured using resin transfer no other manufacturer offers. molding (RTM) composites More rides for more fun •Big Hole: Polin's popular A dizzying attraction technology. The Spheres' attrac- Crystal Aura also chose Black Hole on steroids creates a Polin's Sphere waterslide tion also features Polin's patent- several other Polin attractions substantial size slide that allows Polin's slides, seen here at the Crystal Aura Resort & Spa in Kemer, Turkey, feature the company's resin transfer mold- ing and Natural Light Effects for added slide durability and rider thrills. COURTESY POLIN

families to ride together in its larger tubes. •Black Hole/Flying Boats Combination: Polin connects two of its popular thrill slides using splash boats and mak- ing it available in two different configurations. One is a - down hill ride, and the other is uphill, where riders are pushed aloft on water jets, much like a roll- er coaster. Guests experience a journey full of surprises, travel- ing up and down and — when they think the ride is nearly complete — are thrilled by a last-minute surprise drop.

A family with respected roots The Kilit Group, owned by the Kilit family of nearby Anta- lya, originally made a name for itself back in 1955. That's when founder Turan Kilit began sup- plying glassware to hotels and resorts. Today, the firm is man- aged by Turan's three sons Su- leyman, Tuncay and Taner. Crystal Aura is located on a private section of Aura Beach, 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the Antalya Airport and 38 ki- lometers (23.5 miles) from An- talya's city center. It features 416 air-conditioned rooms with ful- ly stocked minibars, LCD tele- visions, private balconies and complimentary wireless Inter- net access. Spa offerings include massages, body treatments and facials. Guests can choose from four on-site restaurants or from the 24-hour room-service menu. Erdogan Turan, general manager, said the new water- slides at the resort provide a complete experience for guests. "Nearby attractions might tempt them to leave our property, but once they begin riding the slides, they can't get enough," he says. "They can spend all day at the resort and never tire of the offerings we provide to them." May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

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L  I   M I N P  1980 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 PARKS, & ATTRACTIONS  Diggerland USA unveils new 4x4 UTV attraction — Page 30 / Fairs & Attractions News — Pages 32-37 Turbulence about to hit N.Y.'s Adventureland Park Mack Rides spinner set to open soon AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The anticipation is building as Turbulence, the new roller coaster at Adventureland Park on Long Island is nearly ready to open. The 53 year old fam- ily fun park spent nearly three years deciding what attrac- tion would replace their SDC Hurricane coaster (1991-2014). Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG (Waldkirch, Baden Wuerttem- Turbulence, the new berg, Germany) won out. This under 45 seconds. Each car spinning coaster from Ger- is Mack’s second custom spin- spins independently, making many's Mack Rides, is nearing ning coaster installation in the for a unique ride experience, a May opening at United States. each and every time. Hourly Adventureland Park in The $5 million dol- capacity is expected to be 700 Farmingdale, N.Y. It features lar (USD) ride features two people. Height restriction is 48 1,210 feet of track. trains with three cars each, inches which allows younger COURTESY ADVENTURELAND using a yellow and green kids to ride. Turbulence is in- color scheme. Riders are ar- cluded with the $27.99 pay- “For a park of our size, it’s ranged two across sitting back one-price ride plan option. a big deal,” relates an exuber- to back for a total of 12 riders Admission is always free to ant Steve Gentile, park man- per train. The stands Adventureland. Opening is ager of Adventureland, who at 55 feet with a total track planned for mid-May, with sounds more like an expectant length of 1,210 feet providing Memorial Day as the absolute father. He continued, “This a 40 mile per hour ride in just latest. 4See TURBULENCE, page 24 Beech Bend park to offer five new rides for 2015 AT: Pam Sherborne are in place. The Air Race was purchased right [email protected] off the trade show floor during last November's BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Beech Bend International Association of Amusement Park Park, the family-owned and operated park lo- and Attractions Expo. It also is in place and cated in the south central region of Kentucky, ready to go. purchased five new rides for the 2015 season The Truck ride was still being that is to begin May 2. installed the first week of April, but Gonzalez According to the park's Charlotte Gonza- said there would be no problem getting it done lez, two of the new rides are updated replace- for opening day. ments for their older counterparts and three are "We are converting one of our older shelters new attractions. to house the Monster Truck ride," she said. "We "We traded in our older Wisdom Sizzler had been using it for overflow food seating, but and Tornado for brand new replacements," we are excited about using the shelter for the Gonzalez said. "We also purchased an Air Race ride." Air Race, a Zamperla ride, is up and ready to go for the open- (Zamperla), a Monster Truck ride from Wisdom The only ride that won't be ready on open- ing day at Beech Bend Park, Louisville, Ky., May 2. Beech and a Carousel Swing from Bertazzon." ing day is the Bertazzon swing. Gonzalez said Bend Park purchased five new rides for the 2015 season. Gonzalez said the two replacement rides 4See BEECH BEND, page 24 COURTESY BEECH BEND Creating Memories & Profi tability

Intermark Ride Group • abc rides switzerland • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains Moser Rides www.intermarkridegroup.com Revolving Tower 75 Mt. Wattman Trains abc rides, Rapids Ride TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 with kids can all ride together. TURBULENCE A child can leave saying, ‘I AMUSEMENT Continued from page 23 rode two roller coasters!’” The ride name, Turbu- MARKET PLACE ride is dwarfing over our mid- lence, was selected by way of way. Making this size ride is a naming contest. Guests were the first time for us. Long- Is asked to vote for one of five land is waiting for this. I think neers designed and installed preselected names and pro- we’re gonna hit a home run!” the station and ride founda- vide their own suggestion, if To test the waters, a group tion. They were SRF Architect they wanted to. The winner of family members traveled and SIMS Steel, both Long Is- was selected randomly from to California to ride the other land, N.Y. contractors. the pool of voters who selected U.S. Mack spinning coast- Bob Dean, with Leisure the winning name. er, the Sierra at Labs LLC, Sarasota, Fla. (the Caitlin DiSclafani, also Knott’s Berry Farm, (Buena North American sales of- with Adventureland, ex- Park, Calif.) The ride test fice for Mack Rides), was also plained how the process group ages ranged from 6 to pleased with the Adventure- worked, “Over three thousand 22. Rides were first taken at 10 land coaster. He said, “This people participated in the con- a.m. and then again at 5 p.m. project is very dear to Mack test with nearly half voting for Steve says both ride experienc- Rides because of the nature Turbulence.” She continued, es were totally different. When and location of Adventureland “We came up with the prese- all was said and done, the and their amazing staff. The lected names to match some Mack coaster received “Rave Gentile family and their Ad- of the park's themes: Man- reviews from all.” When asked ventureland team have been tis, since our kiddie coaster is why they chose Mack, Gen- fantastic to work with. This called the Lady Bug, Boomer- tile said, “We wanted to stay site lends itself to creatively ang, a reference to the spin- with the family aspect. We’ve compressing the Mack Spin- ning coaster, Rotator, since the been dealing with Mack a long ning Coaster into a very small property Adventureland was time. We are very comfortable footprint. The ride is very built on was a Broccoli, Esca- with them. They have been in twisted within itself with lots role and Chicken farm, Turbu- business a long time too.” (Ad- of thrilling transitions and ele- lence, to keep with the weath- ventureland also has a Mack ments, and it features very nice er theme of the Hurricane, and Musik Express and a few kid- track length and ride time. We Jester, just a fun name the staff die rides.) are very lucky to have been liked. We announced the name After the deal was con- chosen by Adventureland, and just before the new year via e- firmed, a group from Adven- this coaster looks to be the per- mail blasts and social media.” tureland travelled to Mack fect addition for their family Recently Gentile was Rides corporate offices in Ger- oriented audience.” talking with his son, lament- many to take another ride on With a rider height of just ing that the Hurricane roller their product, while seeing 48 inches, “We are grabbing coaster was there for 23 years. their particular coaster being another two years,” said Gen- “It looks like Turbulence will built in the factory. Mack did tile referring to the crowd that be there 30 – 40 years. It’s your all the ride engineering and the ride is designed for. He problem with what to do next design, while two local engi- continued, “Moms and dads when that time comes.”

BEECH BEND Continued from page 23 the site is ready, but the piece hadn't been re- ceived. P.O. Box 238 "We were expecting it to be here by mid- April," she said. "But it has been delayed. We Merino, CO. 80741 are being told now that it will be mid-May be- fore we get." 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 Gonzalez is sorry they won't have it up and [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com running for opening, but she is looking forward to the ride's arrival. They have named it the Bluegrass Breeze. Beech Bend Park’s director of maintenance "It is a gorgeous piece," she said. Bill Burr was busy with getting the park’s Gonzalez also is looking forward to the new Monster Truck ride ready for the open- new season. The park will continue its special ing day of the season for the Bowling Green, promotions such as giving anyone that is in the Ky., family owned and operated amusement military or has been in the military free admis- attraction. The new ride, one of five for 2015, sion. The military person's family receives a $5 will open May 2, the first day of the season. discount on tickets. It is being installed under an overflow picnic June specials include Mommy Mondays, shelter. COURTESY BEECH BEND where moms get one-half off admission with a paying child; Buy-one-get-one free Tuesdays; the first time ever, the park will be open past Grandparents' Wednesday, where a grandpar- dark on those Friday nights in July. ent gets one-half off admission with a paying "We started thinking that we have so many grandchild; Free Dippin' Dot Thursdays; and rides with beautiful LED light packages on Father Fridays, the mom's counterpart. them, but no one ever sees them because the There is no June Saturday special, but on park always closes before dark," she said. "We Sunday, every guest that brings in a church bul- have decided to try this. We are offering a $12 Keep our amusement park industry strong! letin gets one-half off admission. admission fee between 5:30-9 p.m." Buy products and services from these suppliers. For July, the park has planned a Friday Beech Bend's water park won't be open, night activity called Friday Night Lights. For however, during the nighttime activities. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Carowinds 2015 begins with new gate, massive B&M Fury 325 AT: Scott Rutherford srutherford@ amusementtoday.com CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While it has always been unique and one-of-a-kind, Carowinds is now emerging into the theme park major league thanks to a three-year, more-than-$50 million improvement and ex- pansion plan. As previously announced, parent company is investing heavily in the southern themer in an ef- fort to transform it into one of the region’s premier vacation destinations. And they’ve be- gun in grand style with the first phase of this endeavor being Carowinds has begun a three-year, more-than-$50 million expansion plan. The park’s new 8.2- unveiled this spring. NEXT MONTH: Q&A with Carowinds’s acre entrance plaza is dominated by Fury 325, a record-breaking mega coaster from B&M. The spectacular new ride treats guests to a 32-story, 81-degree first drop, a 6,602-foot-long New arrival experience VP & GM Mike Fehnel Guests immediately notice layout with speeds of 95 mph. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD; COURTESY CAROWINDS the first of these improvements plaza. The placement of the as they drive onto the property coaster effectively sets the tone and approach a bank of new toll for the day for arriving visitors. booths. With multiple-staffed And its all about the anticipa- lanes, re-designed traffic flow tion of fun. and 900 new spaces, getting into Fury 325 towers a whop- the parking area is now a breeze. ping 325 feet above the ground, But that’s just a warm-up easily claiming the record as the for what awaits them as the en- world’s tallest mega coaster. It tire North Gate entrance area was produced by the esteemed has been completely redevel- Bolliger & Mabillard of Mon- oped to offer a vastly improved they, Switzerland, the same firm guest arrival experience. The responsible for three of Carow- former plantation house from inds’ other thrillers: , Af- the park’s first seasons has been terburn and Intimidator. Cedar replaced with an 8.2-acre open- Fair wisely placed Fury 325’s air plaza that is home to the station adjacent to the main entrance, ticketing, guests wooden coaster in the former services and a host of other con- Wayne’s World, effectively veniences. breathing new life and energy into this once-sedate area of the Feel the sting of Fury 325 park. The centerpiece of the new While Intimidator — the entrance plaza is Fury 325. park’s built in Carowinds has been catapulted 2010 — is all about tall drops into the thrill ride stratosphere and floating airtime, Fury 325’s thanks to the introduction of strengths lie in blistering speed this phenomenal mega coaster, and a number of highly enter- which fully surrounds the new taining and unorthodox ma- neuvers such as over-banked FAST FACTS turns, low-profile speed hills and rapid-fire directional/el- Name/Park evation changes. Along with its Fury 325 breathtaking 32 story, 81-degree along with many of its supports event that perfectly exempli- Carowinds, first drop that generates veloci- and track glow a vibrant lime SlingShot fies this. Guests will be able to Charlotte, N.C. ties of 95 mph, Fury 325’s most green, making it highly visible Along with Fury 325, experience the best of what the Type original trick is its turnaround, from virtually anywhere in the Carowinds also installed an- Carolinas have to offer in this Non-looping Steel which coaster fans have dubbed park as well as to motorists on other thrilling experience, Sling- signature new food festival on nearby Interstate 77. Shot. Supplied by Funtime of Saturdays & Sundays through Mega Coaster the “treble clef.” This clever ele- ment finds the train swirling up “We are making history Austria, the SlingShot is located May 17. Height/Length/Speed from ground level into a 91-de- here at Carowinds, and creating just adjacent to the entrance of Carowinds founder E. Pat 325 feet, 6,602 feet/95mph gree bank that keeps riders tilt- another reason people can be the Vortex standup coaster. The Hall would be quite proud of ed on theirs sides as they begin proud to live in the Carolinas. ride utilizes a pair of cables to what his dream has become. Ce- Ride Vehicles a screaming dive beneath the The opening of Fury 325 gives catapult a two-person capsule dar Fair realized that it could im- Three eight-seat trains, new pedestrian bridge leading Carowinds two of the 10 tallest 300-feet into the air, nearly as prove upon and yet still remain each seating 32 riders, into the park. This 6,602-foot- roller coasters in North Amer- high as the Statue of Liberty, at faithful to Hall’s original con- four-abreast long monster concludes with ica,” says Mike Fehnel, Carow- speeds up to 60 mph. cept of bringing the Carolinas Capacity/Opened a spirited dash for home that inds vice president and general together with a unique blend 1,470 pph/March 28, 2015 is peppered with several air- manager. “We want to be the While Carowinds may be of southern charm and thrilling time-inducing rabbit hops and destination for families near and known as the “Thrill Capital of attractions. The next phase of Supplier a banked spiral before the train far, and the debut of Fury 325 the Southeast,” it’s also gain- this expansion can only elevate Bolliger & Mabillard hits the home brakes with en- coupled with the other exciting ing a reputation as the perfect Carowinds to the another level. Monthey, Switzerland ergy to spare. experiences for the 2015 season place to satisfy hearty appetites. The future looks bright indeed. At night, Fury 325’s lift hill puts us in the driver’s seat.” “Taste of the Carolinas” is an May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27

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Kinnaree at Siam Park, Spain

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Copyright © 2014 ProSlide Technology Inc. All rights reserved. ProSlide, the ProSlide logo and any other marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProSlide Technology Inc. in Canada, the United States of America and other countries. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

Kinnaree at Siam Park, Spain

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Copyright © 2014 ProSlide Technology Inc. All rights reserved. ProSlide, the ProSlide logo and any other marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProSlide Technology Inc. in Canada, the United States of America and other countries. 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Diggerland USA unveils new 4x4 UTV attraction WEST BERLIN, N.J. — a machine most of the public Diggerland USA, North Amer- would never get the chance to ica’s only construction theme operate.” park, has made public the de- Diggerland USA officially tails of its latest attraction. The re-opened for its second year recent unveiling of a modified of operation Sunday, March JCB WorkMax UTV truck fleet 15. The construction-themed is the 24th attraction to make adventure park covers 14 acres its way into the ride line up at and offers visitors the oppor- Diggerland USA. tunity to operate full size ex- The WorkMax is a com- cavators, dumper trucks, and pact, 4x4 Utility Terrain Vehicle backhoes among a range of with a 784 cc three-cylinder our park and the first of a few other heavy machinery in a diesel engine designed for the new concepts we hope to de- safe, family-friendly environ- many terrains and jobs in the but over the 2015 season,” said ment. construction, farm and military Ilya Girlya, CEO and owner of The park currently offers New Jersey’s Diggerland USA recently kicked off its second industries. At Diggerland, chil- Diggerland USA and Sahara 24 on-site attractions, most of season with the unveiling of a modified JCB WorkMax UTV dren and parents alike, drive Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Out- which are comprised of modi- truck fleet. The WorkMax is a compact, 4x4 Utility Terrain Ve- the black-and-yellow two-seat- door Water Park. “Our guests fied JCB heavy construction hicle with a 784cc three-cylinder diesel engine designed for ers along a designated course. love to drive, ride and operate equipment that have been en- the many terrains and jobs in the construction, farm and mili- “We are always looking the equipment they see at con- gineered to allow parents and tary industries. At Diggerland, children and parents alike, drive at new rides that further the struction sites — the WorkMax children to safely dig, drive the black-and-yellow two-seaters along a designated course. Diggerland experience. The provides another way for them and ride familiar, real-sized COURTESY DIGGERLAND WorkMax is a perfect fit for to do that; behind the wheel of construction equipment.

Sky Roller Sky Fly

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IBox Track Patent US 8,590,455 | Topper Track Patent Pending 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Houston Livestock Show & RCS pull out another great event AT: Pam Sherborne "Our more than 100 differ- [email protected] ent committees selflessly work MIDWAY FACTS HOUSTON, Texas — with our dedicated staff to 2015 Houston Livestock Weather may not have been make this show an impressive Show & Rodeo the most favorable for this event," he said. year's edition of the Houston One early indicator of a Ray Cammack Shows Livestock Show and Rodeo, great turn-out was the num- provides 80 ride midway but there were still more than ber of people attending the with more than enough enthusiastic fans at- World's Championship Bar-B- 2.4 million rides given tending during its 20-day run, Que Contest, which runs prior • Nearly half a million riders March 1-20. to the show. This year it ran rode the La Grande Wheel, A rodeo/concert paid at- Feb. 26-28. manufactured by tendance record was set this There were 232,380 people Carousel Holland year with 1,377,477 attending at the event, with opening day, • thanks to an entertainment Thursday, Feb. 26, drawing a 225,000 riders bumped line-up including such names record 45,375 for any opening cars in the bumper cars The 2015 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held March • as Miranda Lambert, Alan day of the barbecue event. 1-20, ended up setting a paid rodeo/concert attendance 6.7 million games played Jackson, Tim McGraw, Zac According to Sarah Poole, drawing 1,377,477 visitors. Total attendance for all grounds Brown Band, Brad Paisely and the show's manager, advertis- • 70 semi-truck loads of teddy activities was 2,483,193, ranking this year’s event in the Dierks Bentley coupled with ing and media, the additions number two slot. Ray Cammack Shows provided the midway top rodeo performances. of the 4-H and FFA Food Chal- bears, Minions and basketballs were won with just under 80 rides. Total attendance for all ac- lenge and the Longhorn Tro- COURTESY HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO tivities on the grounds came phy Steer Showdown were re- in at 2,483,193, putting it in ceived well. Also, the revamp The three most popular Owens; and the Big Top Swing, Food: Stubby's Cinnamon at number two in the record of the Rabbit and Honeybee rides were the Windstorm by Preston and Barbieri. Rolls, "The Original;" Best book. exhibits in AgVenture were Roller Coaster, manufactured Ray Cammack Shows Food-on-a-Stick: Holmes "Thanks to the undeni- big hits. by S.D.C., the Sky Ride by also contracted with Luehrs' Smokehouse, bacon wrapped able passion of our more than The parade through Seatrek and the Rave Wave by Ideal Rides for two rides, sausage-on-a-stick; Best Fried 31,000 volunteers, the Houston downtown streets that tradi- S.D.C. which were also new to the Food: Custom Confections, Livestock Show and Rodeo is tionally opens the show drew The carnival brought in show. Those rides were the fried brownie ball; and Clas- able to provide unique experi- thousands. a variety of new rides for the Avalanche and the Centrifuge, sic Fair Food: Holmes Smoke- encesFrederiksen to outstanding 1/7x3 b/w crowds, 3/14/02 11:22Ray Cammack AM Page Shows 1 pro- show this year. They included: both manufactured by Wis- house, gourmet one half rain or shine," said Joel Cow- vided just under 80 rides for Wacky Worm, by Fajume; the dom. pound Texas burger. ley, Houston Livestock Show the Houston Livestock Show Galaxy by Pinfari; OMG, Tech- In addition, the carnival Other awards included and Rodeo president and CEO. and Rodeo's midway. nical Park; Monkey Maze, by was sporting several new food Most Creative Food: Belgian trailers. They had a new Big Waffles, fried Sriracha balls; “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” Tex trailer, which serves barbe- Best New Flavor: Holmes FREDERIKSEN cue and was manufactured by Smokehouse, baked potato “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing. with meat; and Best Dessert: 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available They had three new Schantz Stubby's Cinnamon Rolls, • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 Manufacturing food trailers, "The Works." • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 serving foods such as funnel Houston Livestock Show • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 cakes and chicken-on-a-stick. and Rodeo and entertainer • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com The 2015 Houston Live- merchandise sales reached • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide stock Show and Rodeo Gold more than $3.6 million this • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide Buckle Foodie Awards com- year. petition was held March 5. En- There were more than tries ranged from fried foods 175,000 items with the show's and breakfast dishes to most logo that went home with creative and foods-on-a-stick. fans, including 10,000 lapel Kimberly Revis, owner pins, 20,000 caps and 30,000 T- of Custom Confections, took shirts. home first place for -Clas International Days have sic Fried Food with her fried become a popular time at the brownie ball. Other winners show. This year it ran March included Best Breakfast Food: 3-10. During that time, the Texas Skillet, the Breakfast show has between three and Cowboy Burrito; Best Value 10 volunteers staffing the In- ternational Room to help wel- come guests and inform visi- tors. This year there were 2,603 guests from 88 countries out- side of the U.S. that visited the event. In the social media realm, there were 201,941 posts on the Internet regarding the show. Show messaging reached more than 183 million people worldwide. Fans shared and retweeted original content to more than 120 million people worldwide. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 2015 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo sets eight single day attendance records

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — of over 1,000 entries in 2015. The 2015 San Antonio The 2015 San Antonio Stock The second annual Youth Stock Show & Rodeo had a Show & Rodeo, which ran Feb. Rodeo featured select Rodeo great run this year drawing 12-March 1, had a great run style events for 365 Texas 4-H 1,647,986 visitors thanks to this year. and FFA members and award- eight single-day attendance Records were set even ed $70,000 in scholarships to records. Wade Shows pro- though the final attendance the winners. vided 50 rides for the mid- figure wasn't among them. The San Antonio Stock way including this Drag Strip The event drew 1,647,968 visi- Show & Rodeo will be held Mega Slide by Wisdom. tors during the 2015 edition, February 11 – 28, 2016. COURTESY GREG WESTFALL which represents a slight de- —Pam Sherborne crease to the record-breaking attendance of 1,740,154 visi- tors last year. Eight days of the 2015 run set records for single day at- tendances. Also, 17 out of 21 concert performances sold out setting a new record in cumu- lative ticket sales. Wade Shows provided the midway with 50 rides includ- ing two new ones, the Enter- prise, manufactured by Huss, and by - la. The total purse for the PRCA Rodeo was $1,675,000, making the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo the largest and highest paying regular season PRCA rodeo, according to San Antonio event officials. For the tenth consecutive year, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo was voted the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year. The Junior Livestock Auc- tion set a new record, with final bids totaling over $6.1 million. In addition, almost all winning bids in each individ- ual category also set records. The San Antonio Junior Livestock Show, tagged as the largest junior livestock show in the world, had an increase

FAST FACTS 2015 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo San Antonio, Texas More than $1.7 million in scholarships awarded • 17 U.S. states and 5 countries represented by Horse Show participants • The International Committee hosted guests from 99 different countries • AT&T Center hosted 85 outdoor show performances on four different stages 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Fair Park redevelopment proposals stir big debate in Dallas AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected] DALLAS, Texas — Creat- ing and designing redevelop- ment and revitalization plans for Dallas' Fair Park, home to the State Fair of Texas, is not a novel idea. The 277-acre prime site of- fers so much possibility for the City of Dallas and other devel- opers that the temptation to look at it every once in a while is apparently too great. Currently, there seem to be two separate plans proposing If a redevelopment and revitalization plan, recently presented to the Dallas (Texas) City Council is approved, the Dallas Fair the future of Fair Park. Park and home to the nation's number one fair, the State Fair of Texas would be no more. The $478 million plan would elimi- One comes under the guid- nate the midway area by creating a 110-acre green space in the area now reserved for the midway. The plan has brought ance of Dallas Mayor Mike forth much debate. Above left, the 277-acre Dallas Fair Park as seen today. Above right, the proposed green space plan. Rawlings, who put together a COURTESY GOOGLE EARTH; STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Fair Park Task Force in 2013. He challenged it to come up management and marketing to been blamed for Fair Park's Park and Recreation Board sets owned classical music station, with "dramatic ideas" to revi- a private, non-profit entity. slow growth and its revital- the park's policy and direction, and the African American Mu- talize the 277-acre park. According to that same ization issues. Because of that taking the lead on day-to-day seum. According to a report that Dallas Morning News report, focus, some of Rawlings' task operations. Rawlings' Fair Park Task ran in the Dallas Morning News the two other major propos- force proposals could come to But, there are other groups Force proposes that a new non- August 2014, that task force be- als were to: "boost Fair Park's fruition, albeit it still may be and city offices that have a profit entity should be created gan circulating its report dur- access and connectivity and years down the road. role in Fair Park operations as to run the park. That group ing that month. to create a community green As it stands now, the City well. These include the city's would contract with the city The top recommendation space on the park's south side." of Dallas owns and operates Office of Cultural Affairs; the and have its own executive di- the task force has proposed is However, the focus of the Fair Park. The State Fair of Tex- city's Landmark Commission; rector and staff. for the City of Dallas to hand current task force is on the as takes over the park during the nonprofit Friends of Fair In addition, the "task force over the park's operations, park's governance, which has its annual run, but the Dallas Park; WRR (101.1 FM), the city- 4See FAIR PARK, page 35 FINANCING for the AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY

SUCCESS ISN’T JUST BLACK WHITE It Takes GREEN.

Ben Jones, FEC Specialist 910.798.1210 liveoakbank.com/fec [email protected] Copyright 2015 Live Oak Banking Company. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35

CARNIVALlights COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected]

The Kansas State Fair’s Ye turns the location, which includes a 116,000-square- 100 this year, so, in celebration, fair officials foot multi-use arena on the south end of the announced last month that the Kansas State Archer Complex. Fair museum exhibit will be themed “The The plan also calls for a midway, a park Year of the Ride.” area and an outdoor amphitheater for con- The museum is open during the fair, certs, plays and movie screenings, as well as a which is set for Sept. 11-20 in Hutchinson. camping and RV parking area. The estimated In the fall of 1914, the board of state fair cost of the project is $9 million. managers adopted a motion to lease land for • a carousel and figure-eight amusement ride The Santa Rosa County Fair, Milton, Fla., to John Keenen and J.S. Mahan, according served its first beer during its 2015 run April to Thomas Percy’s book, A History of the Kan- 3-11. sas State Fair. The fair partnered with the Santa Rosa Keenen owned several vaudeville the- County Veterans Foundation to serve Miller aters but had branched out into amusement Lite on the grounds on Friday and Saturday at rides in the early 1900s. He constructed the fair. April's fair was the first time in its 24- similar rides at other fairs in Oklahoma City, year history that beer has been sold. Little Rock, Shreveport, Minneapolis and Des The fair also contracted with a new car- The 2015 Sate Fair of Texas will feature a theme of Passport Moines before approaching the Kansas State nival, James Gang Amusements, to provide to Texas for its 129th year. COURTESY STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Fair, and all shared the name of Old Mill or the midway. some variation. Rides in Minneapolis and Des • plex" that would open up the Moines remain open today. Planning for the Du Quoin (Ill.) State Fair FAIR PARK Continued from page 34 Cotton Bowl and eliminate the The board officially approved the use of is in full swing and on track compared to pre- midway; and establish a parcel the name Ye Old Mill in March 1915, accord- vious years, even in the absence of a director, is recommending that the city for the fair that would push ing to Percy. Designed by Keenen’s son, John according to a spokeswoman with the Illinois increase its annual Fair Park it into the northeast corner of Keenen, Jr., this particular old mill opened Department of Agriculture. budget from $10 million to $15 Fair Park, an 84-acre area dom- for the first time in 1915 and offered a boat According to a news report that ran in a million," according to the Dal- inated by parking lots. ride through 1,000 feet of enclosed water local newspaper, The Southern, in late March, las Morning News. In Glieber's March state- channels. A large mill wheel moved the water the state released the lineup for the Illinois and the boats down the darkened channel, State Fair in Springfield without a word on the The panel proposes that ment, he said about this plan: although, when it first opened, it was more of entertainment acts coming to Du Quoin. the city use future bond "This proposal would effec- a tunnel of love than the scary ride it is today. There have been some concerns in South- programs to address the tively end the 129-year tradi- An article in a 1915 edition of The News ern Illinois about the future of the fair since park's $478 million in capital tion of the State Fair of Texas said Keenan also planned to build a perma- director Shannon Woodworth was dismissed needs. in Dallas." nent carousel and roller-coaster. in January by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Though not Most parties involved in Glieber's points out what The fair purchased the Mill ride around uncommon for an incoming governor to re- the current Fair Park discus- the city would lose if it lost the 1929 when three men running the opera- place staff of his predecessor, a replacement sions seem to agree that cen- State Fair of Texas, which con- tions at several state fairs all died within a few fair director has yet to be named. tralizing the governing body is tinues to top the list of the 50 months of each other. Those worries seem to have been com- a legitimate concern and that largest North American fairs. A.L. Sponsler, fair secretary at the time, pounded by a partial release of entertainment includes both city and Fair Last year, attendance was purchased the Mill from the estate for $500 acts booked for the Springfield fair. Park representatives. estimated at 2.85 million, plus. and then sold it for the same amount to the Illinois Department of Agriculture spokes- State Fair of Texas Presi- Glieber's said the fair has an fair. woman Kristi Jones told The Southern last dent Mitchell Glieber released estimated economic impact of More than 32,000 people rode the ride in month that work continues to ensure that the a statement in March address- $608 million on North Texas. 1928 at a cost of 10 cents a person, according Du Quoin event is successful this year. She said ing some of the proposed In addition, it annually cre- to the story. the state is not behind in announcing acts. changes. In that statement, Gli- ates jobs for more than 6,000 Today’s ride, operated by Charlie Griffin, Last year, the Du Quoin State Fair Grand- eber said: "We strongly believe people. is a family-friendly scare ride. stand lineup was released in early July. The Du the best solution is to allow the Glieber also stated that in The museum, located in the Lair White Quoin State Fair is slated to open this year on Fair Park Task Force recom- allowing the task force's rec- House, opened in 2014. Museum items will Aug. 28. The Illinois State Fair opens Aug. 7. mendations every opportunity ommendations every oppor- include a Ye Old Mill original boat, vintage Though Woodworth is no longer at the to succeed while preserving tunity to succeed "is far more photos, history of the carousel horse and helm, the fair still employs four full-time staff the historic park." desirable than taking a public much more. members. • Du Quoin Mayor Rex Duncan was quoted The second aforemen- National Historic Landmark The Laramie County Commission, Chey- in the news report that he is optimistic that the tioned development plan was and turning it into a develop- enne, Wyo., last month signed off on a grant Du Quoin fair will continue on as always. created by a private entity that ment." application that, if approved, would fund a • includes Boston-based urban All parties are engaging study of the feasibility of moving the county With two opposed, the Essex County designer Antonio Di Mambro public input, but as yet no di- fair to the Archer Complex east of Cheyenne. Board of Supervisors gave final approval last and former Trammell Crow rect decision has been made Commissioners voted to approve the ap- month to the sale of craft beer and wine at chief executive and founder about any of this. And, there plication to the Wyoming Business Council's the Essex County Fair, Westport, N.Y., set of the Foundation for Com- is no deadline for anything to Business Ready Community Planning Grant for Aug. 12-16. munity Empowerment J. Don happen. program for $25,000, with a match of $8,333 The measure passed 13 to two. Williams. Mayor Rawlings has coming from the Laramie County Fair board. The Agricultural Society had asked for Di Mambro and Williams praised part of the Di Mambro Fair manager Jeff Ketcham said fair of- the sales to be approved. Fair officials said have ties to Dallas and are fa- plan, but he added that he isn't ficials have been considering relocating the the sales are necessary to try to raise its bot- miliar with urban design and ready to sign off on anything event's main exhibition from Frontier Park tom line for the fair and to promote local craft project development. until the task force comes up to the Archer Complex 11 miles east of town breweries and winemakers. This Di Mambro plan, with a plan on who will run since September of 2013. Those opposing the measure felt that pro- which is the way it is now be- Fair Park. Fair officials have already relocated a few moting local products wasn't enough of a rea- ing referred, divvies up Fair The Dallas Morning News smaller events to Archer, and last April, the son to approve. And, that the sale of alcoholic Park into four sections: a 110- quoted the mayor as saying: fair board unveiled a wide-ranging vision for beverages at the fair could cause problems. acre green space, a proposed "The cart's a little before the marketplace; a 50-acre "multi- horse on this." 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Firestone Financial celebrates 50 years in the amusement industry AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected] ter the company was founded, Miller and Fanger joined ranks Fifty years ago, Michael with their one employee. Later Miller and Robert Fanger that year, they hired their sec- learned of an opportunity to ond, Sam Rizzari. In the 1970s, buy the controlling interest in a the company started to increase loan financing company. It was its presence in the coin-op mar- a small company, but the two ket and by the 1980s was well saw the potential. poised to ride the video arcade They invested in the com- boom. pany, Firestone Financial, and, "We were the first who - re right away, hired its first em- ally devoted our energy and ex- ployee, Ed Yaffe, to run the day pertise to financing the coin-op to day operations of the busi- industry," Miller said. ness. Yaffe had a background in Then, the company expand- selling vending machines. ed into the outdoor amusement From that small start in market in the early 1990s. 1965, Firestone Financial has "We understand the mar- turned into a nationwide lender ket," said Tony Costanza, as- Shown here are but a few of those with Firestone Financial, focusing on the financing needs sistant vice president, carnivals In 2006, Firestone hired Sa- which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. of businesses in the amusement, and amusement parks. "And mantha Keller, who has estab- COURTESY FIRESTONE FINANCIAL carnival, fitness and laundry when other lenders tightened lished herself as a vital piece of markets. up credit requirements, we the sales team and has focused Miller is still an active went the other way. her talents on the carnival in- member of the board of direc- "We have the benefit of dustry. tors. Yaffe's son, Larry Yaffe, is knowing the market and the "Our customers stay with the senior vice president of sales customers," Costanza said. us not just for years but, in and marketing. The company "This allows us to be more flex- many cases, generations," said has more than 50 employees, ible and do things that other Larry Yaffe. "We don't just pro- has financed billions of dollars lenders cannot." vide loans, we look to partner to with thousands of customers, The commitment to pro- help the customer grow. Their and has a team dedicated to the vide more than just a loan and success is ours as well." financing needs of amusement to develop long standing rela- Editor's note: Ed Yaffe and parks and carnivals. tionships with its customers has Sam Rizzari have since passed But, it was different in translated into repeat customer away. Fanger is no longer active in Tony Costanza, Sam Keller, those early days. Four years af- business of 68 percent. the business. assistant vice president sales representative

Firestone Financial is celebrating 50 years in business this year. The company is a nationwide lender financing the needs of businesses in the amusement, carnival, fitness, and laundry markets. Seen here at the 2014 Amusement Expo are Firestone’s Carol Francis, director of marketing, and Larry Yaffe, senior vice president of sales and marketing. AT/GARY SLADE FINANCING FUN FOR 50 YEARS! No one knows how to finance the outdoor amusement industry like Firestone! • Seasonal payment options • Financing for new and used rides • Secured working capital loans • Financing available for concession trailers, 1-800-851-1001 ext. 41 | firestonefinancial.com • Shows of all sizes game trailers, generators and more! May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

BUSINESS & CLASSIFIED  MarketWatch — Page 40 / Safety News — Pages 52-54 / CLASSIFIED — Page 43 Industry dynamo reeled in from Herschend Moving swiftly, boldly, SeaWorld names Joel Manby new CEO AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] pany in the U.S., Manby consistently drove profit- ORLANDO, Fla. — After able growth — expanding a three-month search, Sea- the company from six to 26 World Entertainment, Inc. properties while more than (NYSE: SEAS), announced doubling annual EBITDA March 19 that it had tapped and net cash flow. Her- former Herschend Fam- schend, which includes ily Entertainment president well-performing parks such ty Rating from 30th to fifth in and didn’t pretend I did.” and CEO Joel Manby as its as Dollywood in Pigeon the industry. Prior to joining Manby was the valedic- new president and CEO. Forge, Tenn., and Silver Dol- Saab, Manby held various torian of Albion College, Manby’s duties shifted from lar City in Branson, Mo., re- positions at GM and was a where he was a Rhodes Herschend’s Norcross, Ga., ports annual attendance of member of the start-up team scholarship finalist, and headquarters to SeaWorld’s more than 14 million across for Saturn Corporation, he earned an MBA from Orlando corporate offices its properties. where he was instrumental Harvard Business School. effective April 7. Joel Manby, formerly of Manby appeared to be in launching an innovative He serves on the boards of Herschend Family Entertain- Manby replaces Sea- primed for his new Florida- marketing and distribution several companies and or- ment, moved to his new post World Entertainment Chair- based role. as president and CEO of Sea- strategy. ganizations, including Pop- man David F. D’Alessandro, World Entertainment, Inc., in “I am honored to be se- In a candid interview eyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., who began serving as inter- early April. lected as SeaWorld Enter- with Amusement Today pub- and the National Advisory im CEO on January 15 after COURTESY SEAWORLD tainment’s new CEO,” he lished in May 2013, Manby Board of the Salvation Army. Jim Atchison stepped down. ENTERTAINMENT said in a press release. “This spoke of his unusual transi- Earlier this year, Sea- Atchison remains with the company has tremendous tion between the automotive World Entertainment con- company as board vice experience and qualifica- brands, and for more than and amusement industries. tinued moving to optimize chairman. tions to lead our company 50 years, families have come “In both, you feel the its business with new ap- Manby also is serving into the future.” to our parks to learn about customer’s breath and hear pointments lower down the on SeaWorld’s board of di- The dynamic Manby, 55, animals, have fun and be their complaints daily,” he executive ladder — naming rectors, which D’Alessandro may be just what the doc- entertained. We are known said. “But [the amusement] Daniel B. Brown chief parks continues to chair. tor ordered for SeaWorld, for our exceptional opera- industry is more complex operations officer and Don- “We are extremely which has seen its revenue tions and world-class ani- because it involves several ald W. Mills Orlando park pleased to welcome Joel and stock value slide along mal care. My job is to build businesses. We have food, president (both are four- Manby to SeaWorld Enter- with park attendance over on that foundation while which is very complicated, decade company veterans). tainment,” D’Alessandro the last two years. Ana- consistently improving and and varied entertainment. Terry Prather, former Or- said. “Joel has nearly 20 lysts have pointed to the innovating in a competitive Then we’ve got merchandis- lando park president, was years’ experience and a 2013 documentary Blackfish, environment. I look forward ing and attractions. It’s very moved to SeaWorld’s cor- proven track record with which heavily criticized the to working with our more difficult to be good at them porate team in the role of business models very simi- company’s treatment of its than 23,000 team mem- all. senior vice president of op- lar to ours — multiple captive killer whales, and bers through the challenges “The point is, I had to erations. brands and multiple prop- negative publicity generat- ahead.” learn to lead differently. In The company also has erties in the entertainment ed by the film and by animal Before joining Her- the auto industry… I was recently launched a tar- and theme park industries. rights activists as the prima- schend, Manby spent 20 more autocratic and felt I al- geted, long-term marketing Even in the most challeng- ry cause of the company’s fi- years in the auto industry. ways had the answer. When campaign focusing on con- ing business environments, nancial and public relations From 1996-2000, he served I came to Herschend, I sur- sumers who fall between Joel has consistently en- ills. as CEO of Saab Automobile rounded myself with bet- enthusiastic SeaWorld sup- hanced the performance of At Herschend Family USA, where he increased ter people and asked really porters and those who dis- the companies he has led Entertainment, the largest the company's sales by more good questions. I learned to agree with keeping animals for customers, investors and family-owned theme park than 60 percent and im- be a better leader… because in captivity. employees alike. He has the and entertainment com- proved its J.D. Power Quali- I didn’t know the industry •seaworldentertainment.com

EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. NORTH 61C AERO DRIVE, PARTS CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 AMERICAN INC. EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

BUSINESS & CLASSIFIED Magic Springs - Log Flume SeaWorld San Diego Journey to Atlantis

Spring 2015 You! ank Th

Cedar Point - Rougarou

Six Flags Fiesta Texas The Orlando Eye Superman Krypton

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baynumpainting.com 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH GE prepared to exit most of its lending operations NORWALK, Conn. — In the conglomerate's most significant stra- tegic move in years, numerous financial news sources have reported COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW 04/14/15 52-Week 52-Week that General Electric has resolved to part ways with large scale lend- Apollo Global Management ing at GE Capital, the giant finance business that long accounted for APO NYSE 21.69 30.58 20.02 (Great Wolf Resorts) around half the company's profits but whose risks have rattled inves- tors and weighed on its stock. The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 40.04 40.88 26.56 GE is expected to hang on to its aircraft leasing operations, as well as financing for the energy and health care industries. But the Group/ MERL LSE 456.00 459.50 3.277 bulk of the $500 billion behemoth is expected to eventually go, as the Legoland company concludes the benefits aren't worth bearing the regulatory burdens and investor discontent. INFO: www.gecapital.com. Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 55.83 58.94 42.75 Siriusware product becomes accesso Siriusware CMCSA NASDAQ 58.97 60.70 47.74 Comcast Corp./ LONDON — accesso, a technology solutions provider to the NBCUniversal Media global attractions and leisure industry, announced on April 8 the re- CMCSK NASDAQ 58.59 60.19 47.29 branding of its Siriusware salespoint solutions to accesso Siriusware. The rebrand for accesso Siriusware includes a new product logo The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 106.66 108.94 76.31 and brand identity as part of the rebrand, as well as incorporating the accesso Siriusware solution into the accesso web site: www.accesso. Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1169.00 1298.00 972.00 com. Since its acquisition by accesso in December 2013, Siriusware has Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.80 1.95 1.02 continued to successfully diversify beyond its traditional ski industry base to by offering its ticketing, guest management and point-of-sale Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 11.85 13.70 10.30 technology to cultural attractions and other leisure industry clients. Six Flags Great Adventure goes solar MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 21.76 27.64 17.25 JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure plans to take a gi- ant step toward reducing its carbon footprint by partnering with KDC SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 20.53 31.46 15.11 Solar LLC. Together they have introduced the state’s largest solar net metering project. KDC Solar will construct, own and operate the solar Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town 000069 SZSE 10.40 10.85 4.50 power system on Six Flags’ property. Co., Ltd. (OCT) “As part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and eco- Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 47.83 49.29 31.77 friendly initiatives, we intend to generate clean energy,” said Park President John Fitzgerald. “Solar power will significantly reduce our Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 3702.00 3799.00 2941.00 reliance on harmful fossil fuels.” KDC Solar estimates that construction will take 16 to 18 months, Village Roadshow VRL ASX 5.66 8.44 5.08 and that the solar facility will be operational in the second half of 2016. “We are continually searching for new ways to operate more ef- ficiently and enhance our role as good stewards of the environment,” STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN Fitzgerald said. CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED Morgan's Wonderland celebrates 5th birthday Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange ultra-accessible theme park designed with special-needs individuals in —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal mind, celebrated its 5th birthday with a festive party on April 10. Gordon Hartman, CEO of The Gordon Hartman Family Foun- DIESEL PRICES dation and the visionary – along with wife Maggie Gordon – who DIESEL PRICES created the totally wheelchair-accessible park, emceed a lineup of en- Region As of Change from tertainment that featured country-music singer Holly Tucker of NBC- (U.S.) 04/13/15 1 year ago TV’s The Voice, recently crowned Miss San Antonio 2015 Emma Faye East Coast $2.916 - $1.198 Rudkin and comedian Dominic Fournier. Midwest $2.633 - $1.299 Since its opening the park has welcomed more than 500,000 guests from all 50 states and 54 countries. Gulf Coast $2.620 - $1.170 Mountain $2.703 - $1.239 At a Glance... West Coast $2.720 - $1.173 •BURBANK, Calif. — The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) California $3.071 - $0.985 will discuss fiscal second quarter 2015 financial results via a live audio webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, May CURRENCY 5, 2015. Results will be released at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT / 1:15 p.m. PDT. To listen to the webcast, point your browser to www.disney. On 04/14/15 $1 USD = com/investors. The webcast presentation will be archived. 0.9450 EURO •SANDUSKY, Ohio — accesso recently announced that it has 0.6833 GBP (British Pound) signed a three-year extension to its existing agreement with Cedar 120.33 JPY (Japanese Yen) Fair Entertainment Company, to continue providing ticketing and 0.9797 CHF (Swiss Franc) eCommerce solutions for the operator’s venues across North America. 1.3152 AUD (Australian Dollar) The extended agreement means Cedar Fair will continue to leverage 1.2602 CAD (Canadian Dollar) the accesso Passport ticketing suite for online and mobile sales of tickets, passes and other items. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41

Gerstlauer coaster is set to raise family park’s profile Adventure City’s Allan Ansdell fast-forwards with Rewind Racers AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] reverse. back and forth, we made the With a design work. That was great, STANTON, Calif. — Hav- height re- because not only did we have ing celebrated its 20th anni- quirement of to deal with a setback from versary last August, Adven- just 39 inches, the highway, we had setbacks ture City, a small amusement the coaster and clearances from other park situated a few miles comfortably rides. For example our train south of Knott’s Berry Farm seats both Ansdell that runs through the park on busy Beach Boulevard, small children had to go under portions of has long managed to hold its and their parents. the new coaster. own between its much-larger “For many of our visitors, I envy parks that have neighbor in Buena Park and an Adventure City coaster is wide-open spaces where they the Resort in ad- their first roller coaster ride,” can order the ride and just jacent Anaheim. said Allan Ansdell, Jr., park plop it down. (laughs) president and co-owner of It must have been tough the property with his family. to say goodbye to the old After several years of careful planning and construction, Allan “We’re excited that this sum- Tree Top Racers. Ansdell, Jr., president and co-owner of Adventure City, is on mer, Rewind Racers will be It was a great ride for us, track to open the park’s new signature ride, Rewind Racers. many children’s first coaster and we really enjoyed it. It COURTESY ADVENTURE CITY ride… in reverse!” was built in the ’50s and re- attraction. But it’s because of keep your admission pricing Expected to open in May, quired a lot of maintenance. the success of Tree Top Racers fairly level? the coaster was undergoing When we closed the coaster, it that we wanted to continue We raise our admission, The approximately three- final inspections as Amuse- was still fully functional, but with having a showpiece ride on average, about a dollar acre fun spot, which bills ment Today went to press. An- we knew its time had come. It on Beach Boulevard. And every couple years. We have itself as “The Little Theme sdell, who personally handles was a traveling ride when we we’re not worried about it 10,000 families on our email Park that’s Big on Family many of the administrative bought it; we made it a per- paying for itself in whatever client list that have signed up Fun!” and is part of a 14-acre functions at Adventure City, manent ride. So there would number of years; we know through the park; it’s very former chicken ranch that spared a few moments to dis- have been a lot of challenges our business and we’re in it inexpensive to email those also is home to the midcentu- cuss the attraction and why disassembling and relocating for the long haul. people once a month to tell ry local retail landmark Hob- he brought it to the park. the coaster. It didn’t seem that way them what’s going on, or to by City, has found a niche The steel was scrapped. back in 2005, when reports offer them a coupon. We’re as an affordable, easily navi- Rewind Racers is Ad- We still have some of the cars surfaced that Adventure able to maintain whatever gated alternative to Southern venture City’s first new ride and donated a couple to the City and Hobby City were profit margin we have, and California’s big theme parks. since 2005. How did you de- National Roller Coaster Mu- being sold to a real estate then the extra goes toward And now the humble prop- cide on it? seum and Archives. developer. What happened any increased costs — such erty that is geared to kids age Kids love going on roller You’ve retained “Rac- with that deal? as higher wages or insurance two to 12 is ready to unveil coasters. So we figured that, ers” as part of the new coast- My parents own a lot of — that come along. an attraction that will land it if we put in a quality ride and er’s theming, which is nice. the land these businesses Our ticket price is fairly on the national amusement they love it as much or more We bounced around a sit on, and I own some of it. reasonable for the value, be- map. than Tree Top Racers, it’s go- couple of ideas but really During that time, the hous- cause for $16.95 we basically Rewind Racers, a com- ing to be a bonus for us. liked a race car theme, be- ing boom was going bananas, have a pay-one-price facility. pact steel roller coaster from After we retired the Miler cause it’s not something we and we got a contingent offer That’s been our niche. Fami- Gerstlauer Amusement coaster, we wanted to go for have at the park currently. on the property. We weren’t lies are going to go to the big- Rides GmbH of Germany (by something unique. We re- We said, “We’re a little city even really looking to sell! ger parks, which are a great way of Ride Entertainment searched spinning coasters, — we have attractions repre- But my parents are older and value for what they provide, Group), is the first family but there are a lot of rides that senting a train depot and an it was great opportunity. It but you can’t afford to go shuttle coaster of its kind in spin. I found Gerstlauer’s airport, and police and fire was somewhat sad for me, to them on a regular basis. North America. At a cost of family shuttle coaster while departments. So we’ll make though, because, Adventure We’re a great way for families about $2.5 million — or more researching coasters around this the Adventure City Race- City is my project — this is to be able to afford to give than half the original $4 mil- the world online. It was in- way.” We just thought there where I want to be. their kids some fun. lion cost of building the park teresting; we liked the idea would be a lot of fun things I understood my parents’ Not to mention reduce — it replaces Tree Top Racers, of a coaster going in reverse. we could do with race cars side, too. So I said, “Okay. If the theme park fatigue fac- a vintage Miler But because it was manufac- and racing elements. it goes through, fine. If not, tor… coaster that was the park’s tured overseas, I also thought Rick Bastrup and Rich- then we’ll just keep going When you have four, star attraction until it was it might be out of our bud- ard Ferrin at R&R Creative with the park.” The buyer five, six year olds and you closed in 2012. get range. It turned out to be Amusement Designs in Ana- paid some deposit money take them to Disneyland, if Rewind Racers features more reasonable than I had heim were really helpful in down — and then the hous- you’re running around all a single train of seven cars, thought. all this. I like working with ing market crashed and they day, by four or five o’clock each holding two passengers, Tree Top Racers was 41 them because they did the walked away. the kids are conking out. But that moves both forward and feet wide and fit in the - nar renderings and building de- I wasn’t crying over it, you’ve got to keep going, be- backward through the course. row space that we have signs when we built the park, because I got to keep run- cause you’ve paid the money The train is lifted backward along Beach Boulevard. So and they know what we’re ning my business. Seriously, and you’ve got to get your from the loading platform, we knew it was going to be a going for demographically. where was I going to go if money’s worth. That’s why and then it speeds back very tight fit for a new coast- Also, they’re able to keep the park closed? I have such parents like our park: they down back through the load- er. With most companies, their overhead down and are a great thing going, because spend three or four hours, ing area and along a twisting, the price got astronomical if really good about working I’ve got all the pizza and max, at Adventure City and loop-free circuit. A second lift you asked them to custom- within a budget. churros and pretzels I can eat just let the kids run free. And lined with tire drives at the ize the ride for the site. But Rewind Racers definitely for free. (laughs) I come in and that’s enough for everybody. end of the run propels the Gerstlauer worked with us, has a different flavor for us; do what I love to do. I’m set. •adventurecity.com train through the course in and after about six months of it’s more of a theme park-type Have you been able to 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Amusements, food/retail now under one owner Belmont Park operator secures San Diego Coaster Co., city lease AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — More than two years after rescuing Belmont Park from a bankrupt leaseholder and in- vesting millions of dollars in nership with local hospital- property-wide improvements, ity company Eat.Drink.Sleep., Pacifica Enterprises has moved which has overhauled Belmont successfully to consolidate op- Park’s beachfront restaurants, erations — and secure the fu- procured new tenants and up- ture — of the historic, 90-year- graded facilities, including ar- old fun spot in Mission Beach. cades and restrooms. In early April, Pacifica, a The park improvements Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.-based have impressed not only the real estate investment concern, city, but Belmont Park Gen- was granted a long-term lease eral Manager extension on the operation Wendy Crain, of Belmont Park and its clas- the longtime sic wooden coaster, the Giant caretaker of Dipper — the fifth oldest op- the Giant Dip- Thanks to a transaction last fall, the Giant Dipper and its Mission Beach home, Belmont erating wooden coaster in the per, and the Park, now have the same owner. The existing staff of the San Diego Coaster Company will country — by the San Diego San Diego continue to manage the historic landmark and surrounding rides. COURTESY EAT.DRINK.SLEEP. City Council. The city owns the Coaster Com- Crain seven acres on which the park pany’s major- do?’” Crain told Amusement To- operations at Belmont made the city, lasted more than a year and its attractions sit. ity stakeholders, Charles Can- day. “I think Charles and Dana sense to both Canfield, who and a half before a deal was The decision stretches the field and Dana Morgan. The wanted to renew the coaster’s also owns Santa Cruz Beach hammered out. The private current lease, which was due coaster had just seven years left lease for a longer term. But I Boardwalk, and Morgan. How- sale was finalized November 6. to expire in 2038, by as many as on its own land lease with the think they also started looking ever, as Crain pointed out, “We all agreed that this 31 years. city when Pacifica approached at themselves and thinking, “they had some contingencies. was the best solution,” Dana This follows Pacifica’s -ac the coaster’s owners with a ‘Well, why would we want to They wanted us, the current Morgan told AT. “When we quisition last fall of the San Di- buyout offer in 2013. do that?’ The youngest mem- management staff, which has first began operating at Bel- ego Coaster Company, which “They went to Dana and ber [of the partnership], Dana, been taking care of the coaster mont Park, there was only a has operated and maintained Charles and said, ‘Hey, we was 76 at that point.” for 25 years, to stay on.” carousel and the Giant Dip- the Giant Dipper for a quarter want to do all these great things The idea of one entity Negotiations between Pa- per — with the balance of the century. That move comple- and put a gazillion dollars into overseeing both the amuse- cifica and the San Diego Coast- park being retail shops and mented Pacifica’s earlier part- the park. What do you want to ment and restaurant / retail er Company, with input from 4See BELMONT, page 43 Pacific Park opens new custom-designed Route 66 gift shop SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Pacific Park display tables are parked in various spaces has a retro hit with its new custom-designed around the Route 66 gift store including one Airstream Route 66 gift store located in a that features the front end of a motorcycle that 1,200-square-foot open-air corner space on the accentuates the open-air shopping concept. Santa Monica Pier. The custom Airstream Route 66 gift store The shiny, polished aluminum, 16-foot pays homage to its historic Route 66 legacy custom Airstream is fitted for merchandise with highly recognizable metal die cut sym- display shelves, unique lighting and distinc- bols on its gift shop door. The icons best rep- tive spaces to feature Route 66 memorabilia. resent the cities located on the more than 2,200 The interior is enhanced by an automotive dé- mile highway including the Chicago Theatre cor with three old-time gas pumps, a license Sign, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, an Oil Well plates map of Route 66 states and specialty Derrick, a Saguaro Cactus and the Santa Mon- wood deck flooring. ica Pier Arch, among others. More than 200 novelty to collector items Route 66 was completed in 1938 and pre- are available including unique Route 66 T- sented travelers with an open road from Chi- shirts, handbags and shot glasses to clocks, cago to Los Angeles that offered unique mom artwork and coffetable books. and pop dining spots, first-of-its-kind motor “We’ve been looking for something com- lodging and one-of-a-kind roadside attrac- Pacific Park on the Santa pletely distinctive and synonymous to the tions. Monica Pier has opened Santa Monica Pier, which is also the western The first Airstream was built in 1931 in this new custom-designed terminus of historic Route 66 and embod- Culver City, Calif., and, together with the in- Airstream Route 66 gift ies the public’s overwhelming nostalgia for troduction of historic Route 66, Americans’ store. The shiny, polished America’s original highway,” said Jeff Klocke, love affair with traveling and road trips be- aluminum Airstream is fit- vice president, Pacific Park. “Pacific Park cel- gan. ted for merchandise that ebrates the Route 66 legacy with a custom Air- Pacific Park’s custom AirStream was de- features Route 66 stream that truly reflects America’s love for signed and built by Timeless Travel in Den- memorabilia. motor travel and the great outdoors — both ver, Colo. and took more than six months to COURTESY PACIFIC PARK of which can be found right here on the Santa complete. Monica Pier.” —Scott Rutherford Five free-wheeling multi-level custom May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

BELMONT merged into the park’s newly Continued from page 42 extended lease with the city. FAsttrack “We can do a ton more stuff COMPILED: Scott Rutherford restaurants. There was little in- now that the property is owned [email protected] teraction between the San Di- by one [company]. We’ve al- ego Coaster Company and the ready got really exciting plans park’s owners. Over the years, for the coaster; it’s going to A dynamic 24-hour party will kick off the dergo a massive makeover that showcases the we added more rides and the get a new paint job and better summer and launch the Disneyland Resort world’s best holiday traditions. Each area will balance of the property began chaser lights.” Diamond Celebration, May 22-23, as guests be an emotional journey, and bring the warmth to operate more as an amuse- Morgan, though a bit wist- enjoy the premieres of three, new nighttime of the season to guests in an entirely new way. ment park than a shopping ful, was pleased with the deal. spectaculars: the glittering Paint the Night • center. With these changes, it “We are very proud of our parade and the ground-breaking Disneyland Dolly Parton recently launched DollyP- became more difficult to oper- involvement of 25 years,” he Forever fireworks show at Disneyland park, arton.com, the comprehensive go-to website ate Belmont with two separate said. “The first time Charles plus the new presentation, World of Color – for all information regarding her historic ca- owners.” and I saw Belmont Park, with Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Dis- reer, life and many family-focused businesses. Morgan and Canfield met the coaster structure partially ney, at Disney California Adventure park. The Parton’s new website not only features her with Pacifica several times to burned and in very poor shape all-day/all-night celebration will begin at 6 a.m. business entities, including all the Dollywood discuss how best to develop after many years of not operat- Friday, May 22, and will conclude 24 hours lat- properties, but also Parton’s historic musical the park. During that period, ing, our initial reaction was to er. The revelry will include dancing and special career, award-winning movies and her work character encounters at locations in Disney- to promote literacy in children. DollyParton. according to Morgan, Paci- not get involved. But we saw land and Disney California Adventure parks. com provides visitors with an all-inclusive look fica visited Santa Cruz Beach so much potential… that we • at Parton’s life and legacy and is the first time Boardwalk and actually of- decided to take the risk and Orlando Aquarium has wel- the many facets of Parton’s life have come to- fered to sell its interest in Bel- restore the coaster. To bring the comed the first group of colorful fish and ma- gether to centralize her brand and that of her mont Park to the San Diego park from no rides running to rine animals to its 25,000-square-foot aquari- businesses. Coaster Company. Ultimately, what it is today was both chal- um attraction. Opening May 4, the immersive, “We wanted to create a place where all it made more sense to all par- lenging and satisfying. one-of-a-kind experience will eventually be of those things could come together to be ar- ties that Pacifica buy the com- “We are excited for the home to more than 5,000 sea animals. After chived and celebrated,” said Parton. “and Dol- pany and retain Crain and her future of Belmont Park under each group arrives, the fish and marine life lyParton.com gives us a space to do just that.” staff to continue managing the Pacifica’s ownership and- be are acclimated to the aquarium waters before • rides. lieve it is finally becoming the moving into one of 32 display habitats. The With education at the core of its founda- “It’s a win-win,” said world-class attraction it should first grouping features a variety of smaller sea tion, the State Fair of Texas aims to provide Crain, noting that the Gi- be.” animals, including Everglades Pygmy Sunfish, quality educational opportunities for students ant Dipper’s lease has been •belmontpark.com Butterflyfish and Triggerfish, Moray Eels and within the community, both locally and state- several sea snakes such as the Yellow Ratsnake wide. In line with this mission, the fair currently Nickelodeon Suites Resort unveils new and Rough Green Snake. Guests will have the donates 1.7 million free admission tickets Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles laser maze chance to come nose-to-nose with many dif- each year to students and teachers at North ferent sea creatures through a variety of dis- Texas schools. In support of its student ticket- ORLANDO, Fla. — Nickelodeon Suites Resort has opened play habitats, cold water rock pools, bubble ing program, the fair is expanding its educa- an all-new laser maze, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles La- aquariums, floor-to-ceiling aquariums, and tional initiatives to the classroom with a new ser Lockdown. The first-of-its-kind experience for the Teenage walk through 360-degree and 180-degree innovative curriculum, created in partnership Mutant Ninja Turtle brand was created exclusively with SimEx- clear acrylic tunnels. with Big Thought. The online curriculum com- Iwerks Entertainment and Nickelodeon. This new offering ex- • bines the unique culture of the fair with Texas pands on the typical laser maze model by combining state-of- Along with the introduction of El Diablo history and agriculture, incorporating it into a the-art technology with the highly recognizable Teenage Mutant (Larson Intl. Giant Loop), Six Flags Great Ad- TEKS-aligned program that focuses on STEM Ninja Turtles. venture’s 42nd summer season will be high- subjects (science, technology, engineering and lighted with a new roller coaster experience as math) for grades four through eight. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Laser Lockdown delivers it flips the trains on one of its most innovative • an adventure featuring high-visibility lasers and UV lighting, as roller coasters backwards for a limited time. Kong (a Larson Intl. Flying Scooter) is com- well as key graphic components, character dialogue and themed Batman: The Ride undergoes a gravity-defying ing this summer to Morey’s Piers & Beachfront music to immerse guests into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle role reversal from July 4th weekend to Labor Water Parks, the classic seaside attraction universe. The attraction also incorporates a few surprise special Day weekend. Since opening in 1993, Batman: located on the boardwalk of the Wildwoods, effects that further enhances the storyline and overall experi- The Ride has given more than 27 million thrill- N.J. Once an iconic boardwalk landmark in ence. ing rides and reigns as one of the most popular early 1970s, the new gorilla-themed Flying The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Laser Lockdown recruits roller coasters in the world. Scooter will open to the public Memorial Day guests for a mission to thwart the Kraang’s diabolical plan for “The ride’s intensity is ratcheted way up,” weekend serving as the new centerpiece of world domination. With Mikey trapped in a super-secret Kraang said John Fitzgerald, Six Flags Great Adven- Surfside Pier. Located atop an elevated plat- Laboratory, it is up to maze participants to disable the security ture president. “Thrill seekers will not want to form, Kong will sport an “I love Wildwood” t- system, all while using their ninja stealth skills to navigate a web miss this limited-time opportunity to put their shirt and clutch one of Wildwood’s well-known of high-tech lasers. The attraction is configured to entertain one inner ‘super hero’ to the test.” tram cars while hanging from the 60 feet tall or two participants at a time, providing a slightly different expe- • lighthouse at the ride’s center. Eight two-seat rience for guests each time they take on the challenge. This winter, Six Flags Great Adventure’s cars (painted like vintage world war planes) will “The Nickelodeon Suites Resort is excited to be the first to annual holiday extravaganza Holiday in the duck, dive and navigate around the infamous showcase the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Laser Lockdown la- Park will debut November 21 and run week- gorilla, bringing riders 26 feet in air. After sun- ser maze, which will be a tremendous draw for our hotel,” said ends and select days through January 3, 2016. set, Kong will light up with a rotating light on Millions of glittering lights, holiday entertain- top of the lighthouse and enhanced LED light- Louis Robbins, managing director, Nickelodeon Suites Resort. ment, delicious seasonal treats, Santa’s village, ing outlining each ride vehicle. Underneath the “We can’t wait for our guests to experience this new attraction animals and many popular rides will transform ride is Kong & Co., a new 3,000 square foot re- and enter their “mission score” on the leaderboard to see where the summer thrill destination into a winter tail space offering charging stations and comfy they rank against their friends and family.” wonderland, and will be included with all sea- chairs, as well as chocolate covered frozen ba- “We are proud to continue our partnership with Nickelode- son passes and active memberships. Holiday in nanas and merchandise for purchase. on by utilizing such a well-regarded brand to deliver a one-of-a- the Park will provide an escape from the hustle “Kong is among one of the most well- kind experience that enhances the overall stay for hotel guests,” and bustle of the shopping rush, and a way for known of all landmarks to grace Morey’s Piers added Mark Cornell, senior vice president, Attractions Develop- guests to create their own magical, memora- over the last five decades and it was time to ment, SimEx-Iwerks. ble holiday moments. A visual feast will await bring this classic back to life,” said Jack Morey, This new attraction marks the second collaboration between just inside the gates as six areas of the park un- second generation partner of Morey’s Piers. SimEx-Iwerks and Nickelodeon Suites Resort. The hotel is also home to a SimEx-Iwerks 4-D Theater. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 New attractions mark movie theme park milestone ‘Fast & Furious’ fuels Universal Studios Hollywood’s 50th year AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Holly- wood (USH) is grabbing the spotlight in Greater Los Ange- les as it continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary year, “epic.” The $1.6 billion under- which began last July when the taking will radically alter the park’s iconic, world-famous familiar footprint of USH as it Studio Tour tram ride notched sets its sights on the next five the half-century mark. decades. This summer brings the “For 50 years, Universal debut of a new thrill ride, Fast Studios Hollywood has given & Furious — Supercharged, guests unprecedented access and an immersive environ- to the world’s most alluring ment called Springfield sur- business by inviting them to rounding . peek behind the velvet curtain The introduction of a Night- and become part of the excit- time Studio Tour, a USH first ing movie-making process,” (see sidebar), and the comple- said Larry Kurzweil, president Fast & Furious — Supercharged, a 3D-HD film and hydraulic motion-based thrill ride, will be tion of a pair of new park- of USH. “We are reimagining the new climax of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. The attraction, inspired ing structures later this year over 75 percent of our desti- by ’ globally successful film franchise, debuts June 25. rounds out the latest phase in nation as we build upon our COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD a series of park additions and incredible success and expand improvements. our vision for the future, and digital monitors. Full speed ahead April). These attractions are we look forward to entertain- Even bigger news: The Beginning June 25, Fast Supercharged will propel merely the run-up to larger ing and inspiring guests for Wizarding World of Harry & Furious — Supercharged, guests into the high-stakes plans for USH and the ad- generations to come with what Potter, an expansive (and ex- a 3D-HD film and hydraulic underground world of fast joining Universal CityWalk will ultimately be an entirely pensively mounted) themed motion-based thrill ride, will cars and daring escapades — — part of an ongoing expan- new theme park experience.” attraction that has proven a be the new grand finale of traveling at perceived speeds sion and transformation of the For example, the “Glam- massive success at the Univer- the Studio Tour. The attrac- of up to 120 mph through 391-acre hillside property that our Trams” of yesteryear that sal Orlando Resort in Florida, tion was inspired by Universal the streets of Los Angeles. was approved by the Los An- gave way to today’s Studio is under construction at USH Pictures’ enormously popular Situated within a newly built, geles City Council two years Tour are undergoing a top- and also will debut next year. film franchise. (The latest in- 65,000 square foot building ago, and which publicists at to-bottom makeover. By 2016, Meanwhile, there’s plen- stallment, Furious 7, was ex- on the USH backlot, the ride, NBCUniversal, the division USH will roll out a fleet of ty for visitors to get excited pected to have chased down which has been conceived as a of owner Comcast Corp. that new, contemporary trams out- about in the park’s immediate more than $1 billion in global brand-new installment of the oversees the Universal parks, fitted with comfort-enhancing future. box office receipts — a record franchise, reunites series stars are calling “pioneering” and cushioned seats and superior for the studio — by the end of Vin Diesel (Dominic “Dom” Toretto), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Mi- Cameras, Action… LIGHTS! chelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. Tour guides illuminate the se- and Luke Evans (Owen Shaw), — The storied Studio Tour at crets of the Hollywood trade, who are tasked with saving Universal Studios Hollywood including how filmmakers one of their own from an inter- (USH), which marked 50 years create the effect of daylight national crime cartel. of operation on July 15, 2014, amid the black of night. The attraction fuses so- in a celebration that is ongo- Celebrated movie stars phisticated, hyper-realistic ing at the movie theme park, who found fame on Univer- special effects with a state-of- is putting its trams through sal’s backlot, including Mari- the-art 3D audio system and some after-dusk paces this lyn Monroe, 3D-HD imagery — project- year with the first-time intro- and Frankenstein, will make ed onto the world’s longest duction of a Nighttime Studio cameo appearances on the 360-degree screen, spanning Tour. tram route, and the park is nearly 400 feet. Thirty-four The evening offering, promising other “surprises” state-of-the-art digital projec- which will run every week- for Nighttime Studio Tour tors will be configured to en- end this summer from July guests. velop guests in unprecedented 4 through Labor Day, is de- —Dean Lamanna cinematic realism. signed to enlighten guests on Reprising their screen the art of moonlight movie- For the first time in the roles for Supercharged was a making and TV production. backlot tram ride's 50- trip for some of the actors. “It’s Over 20 locations along year history, the Nighttime really a sensory- driven expe- USH's Studio Tour route will Studio Tour will carry park rience, and I can’t wait to see showcase lighting and special guests on an after-dark what happens,” said Michelle effects techniques employed exploration of film and TV Rodriguez. Dwayne Johnson by the studio at night. Theatri- production. was even more enthusiastic: cal lighting will cast a glow on COURTESY UNIVERSAL “I get a chance to become Luke iconic backlot sets as Studio STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD 4See HOLLYWOOD, page 45 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45

HOLLYWOOD bers will be shown on the tram story. monitors, highlighting inter- USH first stirred national “We look forward to entertaining Continued from page 44 actions as they engage guests interest in the attraction with and inspiring guests for generations Hobbs and kick ass…all in 3D!” en route to the ride’s climatic an innovative television adver- Fast & Furious — Super- scenes. Along the tram route, tisement during NBC’s Super to come with what will ultimately be charged will take guests on a sightings of numerous prop Bowl Pre-Game Show last Febru- wild ride that begins the mo- cars from the Fast & Furious ary. an entirely new theme park experi- ment they board the Studio movies — including character “What better place is there ence.” Tour. Exclusive interstitial con- Dom Toretto’s iconic Dodge than the Super Bowl to launch tent featuring the cast mem- Charger — will enhance the a campaign where millions of —Larry Kurzweil, President, viewers huddle for non-stop, Universal Studios Hollywood edge-of-your-seat suspense?” said the park’s Larry Kurzweil. tion of being hurled through most influential filmmakers “In just 30 thrilling seconds, their TV sets and into the ac- and creative minds in entertain- our compelling spot resonated curately depicted town, com- ment, including Steven Spiel- with the exhilaration this im- plete with signature eateries berg, Matt Groening, James L. mersive thrill ride will deliver such as Krusty Burger, Cletus’ Brooks, Peter Jackson, Michael when it opens this summer.” Chicken Shack, Luigi’s Pizza Bay and Chris Meledandri. and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Kurzweil sees the prop- Animated environs Cream Parlor, along with Hom- erty’s vigorous development as Part of the layout at USH er’s favorite hangouts: Lard both a blossoming of the park will be rethemed when Spring- Lad Donuts, Moe’s Tavern and and, more than ever, a boon to field, hometown of America’s Duff Brewery. Los Angeles. favorite television family, The From its humble begin- “This is a pivotal time in Simpsons, breathes new life nings five decades ago, USH the history of Universal Stu- into the area surrounding The has emerged as one of the most dios Hollywood," he said. Simpsons Ride. The makeover progressive and exciting theme “This broad investment… will intends to capture the spirit of park experiences anywhere. further strengthen [the park] as the animated town and engage Yet it has remained true to its an economic leader, significant- Now under construction for a planned 2016 opening at Uni- visitors in the colorful world roots — immersing guests in ly contributing to long-term versal Studios Hollywood, and eagerly awaited by Harry Pot- that was the setting for the the awe-inspiring world of employment opportunities and ter book and movie fans on the West Coast, The Wizard- family’s antics during the tele- movie-making magic. tourism throughout L.A.” ing World of Harry Potter is expected to duplicate the huge vision series’ record-setting 26 Keeping the park at the •universalstudios success of the identically themed attraction at the Universal seasons. forefront of innovation, imagi- hollywood.com Orlando Resort in Florida. COURTESY UNIVERSAL Guests visiting Springfield nation and inspiration is its STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD will have the pleasant sensa- collaboration with some of the 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Santa's Village founders Normand and Cecile Dubois go into Hall Of Fame More than 120 attend NEAAPA’s 102nd Annual Meeting AT: Ron Gustafson Special to Amusement Today and special events. Other activities A Crisis Communica- Other awards The three-day event also tions session hosted by Col- PROVIDENCE, R.I. Outgoing NEAAPA Pres- included a tour of Rhode Is- leen Mangone, director of — More than 120 members ident Dave Sugrue presented land Novelty in nearby Fall media relations for the In- were in attendance at the the President’s Award to Da- River, Mass., with 30 mem- ternational Association of New England Association of vid Oberlander, finance com- bers on hand. Derek Lovato Amusement Parks and At- Amusement Parks and At- mittee chair. and his team provided a be- tractions (IAAPA), capped tractions (NEAAPA) 102nd Others honored were: hind-the-scenes look at the off the day. She reviewed Anniversary Annual Meet- George Zonas, ride superin- massive facility. IAAPA’s new template, ing at the Providence Bilt- tendent, Quassy Amusement Monday’s President's which illustrates appropriate more Hotel here March 23-25. & Waterpark, Middlebury, Dinner was held at the Union communications measures to It marked the largest turnout Conn., received the Alan. E. Station Brewery in Provi- take in the event of a crisis. in a decade at the gala. Ramsay Safety Award; Car- dence with 50 in attendance. NEAAPA’s 102nd An- Tuesday’s dinner meet- ousel Family Fun Centers, Tuesday’s schedule in- niversary Summer Meeting ing featured keynote speaker Fairhaven, Mass., Paragon cluded a panel discussion on will take place July 21 at Sto- Normand and Cecile Dubois, Ed Hart, chief executive of- Award for Marketing Excel- hiring and customer service ry Land, Glen, N.H. founders of Santa's village in when it comes to the newest ficer of Kentucky Kingdom, lence; Dana Caggiano, Cano- Jefferson, N.H. were elected Louisville, Ky., addressing bie Lake Park, Salem, N.H., into NEAAPA's Hall of Fame. generation of potential em- About NEAAPA the audience on how he has Pinnacle Award for Guest COURTESY NEAAPA ployees. That was followed The New England Asso- been able to pump new life Service. by a panel on legislative is- ciation of Amusement Parks into three amusement parks. Incoming NEAAPA of- Treasurer Charlene Con- sues with a representative and Attractions is recognized The late Normand and ficers were also introduced. way, Carousel Family Fun from the Massachusetts Leg- as one of the oldest regional Cecile Dubois, founders of They are: President Ryan De- Centers, Fairhaven, Mass.; islature and a Massachusetts organizations representing Santa's Village, Jefferson, Maria, , Secretary Ed Hodgdon, Fun- regulatory ombudsman. the industry in the nation. N.H., were indicted into the Salem, N.H.; First Vice Presi- town Splashtown USA, Saco, The afternoon featured a NEAAPA has more than 120 NEAAPA Hall of Fame that dent Dorothy Lewis, Fun Sta- Maine Vendor Showcase where 15 members including parks, evening. The Christmas- tion Entertainment Group, Justine Brewer, South- of NEAAPA's supplier mem- FECs, attractions, zoos, trav- themed park, which opened Danbury, Conn.; Second Vice wick’s Zoo, Mendon, Mass., bers had a captive audience eling units, fairs, festival, in 1953, continues to success- President Eric Anderson, chairs the awards committee and let their fellow members manufacturers and suppli- fully operate today with a Quassy Amusement & Wa- and celebrated her birthday know about the products and ers. variety of rides, attractions terpark, Middlebury, Conn.; during the evening. services they offer. •www.neaapa.com Buyers press ‘play’ button at Amusement Expo in Las Vegas Exhibitors rate the western part of the coun- try that you normally don’t event highly on meet — that’s mainly why I networking, sales come,” Coburn said. “And we get some good leads that AT: Dean Lamanna can possibly lead to sales.” [email protected] / novelties, redemption Jack Cook, president of LAS VEGAS, Nev. — equipment / merchandise, Bob’s Space Racers of Day- With plenty of flashing sports games, tattoos, token tona Beach, Fla. — an exhibi- lights, music and fun, the dispensers, video games tor at various evolutionary 2015 edition of Amusement and more participated. At- versions of the show for a Expo — the annual confer- tendees clearly enjoyed quarter century — agreed. ence and trade show of the themselves as they tried out “We have IAAPA on the East coin-op and revenue-gener- a wide array of arcade and Coast, and we have this on ating amusement, music and amusement park games in- the West Coast,” he said. “We Amusement Expo, co-sponsored by the American Amuse- family entertainment center corporating the very latest have a different clientele out ment Machine Association and the Amusement & Music Op- (FEC) industry — played out technology. here. It’s a good show for the erators Association, returned with its 2015 edition to the Las here at the Westgate Resort Exhibitors approached arcades, and it’s a good time Vegas Convention Center in March. AT/GARY SLADE & Casino and the Las Vegas by Amusement Today at the of the year for it.” Convention Center March event were enthusiastic Cook, who was direct- portunity for cheerleading face.” 24-26. about their business pros- ing attendees’ attention to and research, as well as for Firestone, which is cel- Co-sponsored by the pects during the event's run. his company’s colorful new building clientele. ebrating its 50th anniver- American Amusement Ma- John Coburn of Som- Gear It Up progressive ticket “What we find great sary this year (see related chine Association and the eville, N.J.-based Rides payout arcade game, noted about it is that we see the story page 36) and enjoys an Amusement & Music Opera- 4-U, Inc. — exclusive North that the event was a particu- new products and we get 80 percent repeat customer tors Association, this year’s American distributor for Eu- larly good fit for his -prod feedback from our custom- rate, also garners its share of expo offered a comprehen- ropean ride manufacturer ucts. “We sell arcade games, ers on the products that new business at Amusement sive series of industry edu- SBF-Visa Group and one of amusement park games, we’re financing,” said Carol Expo. “We get new amuse- cation seminars and a con- the few participating ride trailers, custom games… we Francis, director of market- ment industry clients here vention floor lined with well sales companies at Amuse- have a pretty vast lineup for ing for Needham, Mass.- every year,” Francis said. over 100 exhibitors. ment Expo — was on hand our customers. This event based Firestone Financial. “The biggest challenge for Vendors specializing in to showcase the company’s represents another portion “This event gives us a lot of them is making sure they’re coin-op machines, electron- popular Spinning Coaster, of our business.” great ideas, and it’s always providing incredible expe- ics, go-kart equipment, laser among other products. Some exhibitors viewed great to see our customers games, photo booths, plush “We meet people from Amusement Expo as an op- and meet with them face to 4See EXPO, page 47 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 EXPO whose company specializes Continued from page 46 in selling used amusement SeaWorld San Antonio unveils equipment. “Last year, I picked up two clients who riences for their customers, have been keeping me busy. new Pacific Point Preserve and investing to make their So it has been very success- SAN ANTONIO, Texas businesses thrive and suc- ful for me.” — SeaWorld San Antonio an- ceed. We’re here to help them Amusement Expo 2015 nounced Clyde & Seamore’s make those investments.” was co-located with the Na- Sea Lion High as the name Chris Campbell, owner- tional Bulk Vendors Asso- of its newest sea lion show. auctioneer of Captain’s Auc- ciation Show and the 2015 Opening May 22, this show tion Warehouse in Anaheim, Laser Tag Convention. The will be part of the new Pacific Calif., was so pleased with panoply of aromatic culinary Point Preserve, which will the Amusement Expo that, samples offered by the- ad also feature a restaurant (now having exhibited at the show jacently-sited International open) and renovated habitats for two years, he’s commit- Pizza Expo amped the syn- for the animals. ted to setting up at it for the ergy and attendance sharing Clyde & Seamore’s Sea next five. between the concurrent con- Lion High, stars the comedic “This event has an ex- vention center events. sea lion duo, Clyde and Sea- ceptional staff and a good at- •amusementexpo.org more. This hilarious tale is mosphere,” said Campbell, filled with amazing animal behaviors and splashy audi- SeaWorld's all-new show Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion ence fun. Clyde and Seamore opening on May 22 takes place in an aquatic-themed high find themselves in slippery school with the dynamic duo of Clyde and Seamore being pursuit of their high school nominated to win scholarships to Ocean University. Below, diplomas and judging from the park's newly opened Harbor Market restaurant gives the slapstick, high-energy guests the option to choose among four different styles pranks and hijinks, there’s of food: Asian cuisine, hamburger sliders, freshly-prepared no doubt Clyde and Sea- sandwiches and home-style favorites. Harbor Market is lo- more will emerge as heads cated in Pacific Point Preserve, the park's newly renovated of their class following Sea home for California sea lions. Lion High’s motto, “Educa- COURTESY SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO tion through Exploration and … Imagination.” When joined by mischievous otters, John Watlington, account executive for National Ticket Com- a Pacific walrus and a cast pany had the company's selection of tickets and wristbands of goofy human characters on display at the Amusement Expo 2015 show. AT/GARY SLADE swimming along in the fun, it certainly won’t be a normal class. The same show made its debut at SeaWorld Orlan- do on April 16. Pacific Point Preserve also features a newly opened res- taurant called Harbor Market which gives guests the option to choose among four differ- ent styles of food, including Asian cuisine, hamburger sliders, freshly-prepared sandwiches and a home-style menu. SeaWorld also has in- Mark Blumhagen (left) and John Coburn, Rides 4-U were on troduced a pre-order system hand at the Amusement Expo 2015 show to meet with their that will allow for quicker West Coast clients and potential FEC customers. AT/GARY SLADE order delivery. The restaurant is themed as a west coast har- bor, which is where California sea lions are naturally found. The centerpiece of this new realm will be the ani- mals’ habitat. Guests will have the opportunity to visit and feed sea lions and harbor seals inside the newly remod- eled area, and reservations to inform guests about ani- area, what we’re doing is not can be made for sea lion inter- mals and how to protect them only going to provide a more action programs, an in-water in their natural habitat. enriching environment for experience offering the clos- “SeaWorld is deeply our animals, but also take our est connection the park offers committed to providing our guests’ experience to a whole with these amazing animals. Showcasing their newest game Gear It Up, at Amusement animals and guests with the new level,” said Dan Decker, Expo 2015, were Bob's Space Racers President Jack Cook In addition, Pacific Point Pre- most enriching and engag- president of SeaWorld San (left) and Director of Business Development and Strategy serve will feature all-new ed- ing environments. With the Antonio. •SeaWorldSanAntonio.com Ron Malinowski. AT/GARY SLADE ucational elements designed new additions coming to this 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 New LSM speed boat concept unveiled Errol McKoy and Intamin team up for new water attraction AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] face of the water. Speeds will reach 62 mph. Intamin has DALLAS, Texas — Er- completed the engineering, rol McKoy is no stranger to and the partners are ready to new ideas. As an industry find the initial buyer to unveil veteran, he it to the world. led the charge Vittorio Fabbri, associated to introduce with Intamin and president wooden coast- of International Amusements, ers and para- represents projects in North chute rides America. Fabbri says, “Errol reminiscent of had a concept; we had to turn Coney Island McKoy it into reality.” He reports that to the Six Flags the team at Intamin had to ex- chain. In those instances he plore several options and look was first met with resistance, at different solutions. “We de- but his persistence to the faith cided upon the LSM launch as in his direction paid off. Over the best solution. We had the time, McKoy has found him- challenges of a normal water Intamin has announced plans self in parks and fairs, but al- ride coupled with the accel- for a new racing LSM speed ways in the action. eration.” boat ride for the amusement As creator of a new con- From a spectator’s stand- industry and LBE's. The ride showcases a decorative cept for the industry, McKoy point, this new attraction has boat, (left), a 20 foot rooster sought the help of Intamin. high visual impact. Prior to tail of water during travel Together, this partnership has launch, passengers will hear (below left) while reaching developed a new project un- the rumbling of the engines. speeds of 62 mph. like the industry has truly ever Piped into speakers in each COURTESY INTAMIN seen. It is McKoy’s hope that seat, the sound is orchestrated it is the beginning of some- to get the adrenaline pumping. in proper position on skids as thing big. Part of that excite- At launch, seven-foot flames the launch takes riders 0-60 in ment stems from not only the will erupt from the huge four seconds. attraction itself, but also the chrome exhaust pipes and Another feature is that a potential origins of new styles starting from takeoff, a spray walkover bridge can cross the of parks that do not yet exist. of water and 50-foot rooster course allowing eager par- Front and center is what tails of water shoot into the air. ticipants to take on the spray is now simply dubbed the Air jets will spray water out of of water as boats race under- LSM speed boat attraction. the sides and back. Certainly, neath. This has proven popu- Similar in respect to Intamin’s it is an undeniable “wow” fac- lar on splashwater rides in launched coasters, this new tor. Interlaced Productions, theme parks. As the boats ro- concept takes the launched based in Atlanta, will partner tate on the turntables at each idea to water. Two 24 passen- for the visual special effects. end, motors throw water cre- ger boats will be simultane- The company has done nu- ating another “wet zone” for ously launched across the sur- merous shows for theme parks the kids. across the industry. “At night alone, it would be a substan- vestment. With a length of 755 The challenge now is to it will be absolutely spectacu- tial new concept, but McKoy feet (230 meters) and a width find the right fit on such a sub- FAST FACTS lar,” beams McKoy. sees the attraction more than of 190 feet (58 meters), the stantial high-profile attraction. Speed Boat Attraction “It’s really a show,” adds just that. He envisions a new pool depth need only be one “We are approaching clients Fabbri. “When they hear the style of park; a boat park in meter deep. If used in a lake who we feel would be interest- Space Requirements rumbling, their butts are mov- a matter of speaking. “We setting of a city or community, ed in such an attraction,” says Ground: 755 feet long ing,” he laughs, referring to think the LSM speed boat McKoy sees the launch pool Fabbri. “Errol is doing a great by 190 feet wide the vibrating seats that help ride will be what the wave actually existing in the water job with this. He uses his expe- Pool: 656 feet long orchestrate the whole experi- pool was to the water park,” itself. “The ride itself would be rience to reach potential buy- by 98 feet wide ence. says McKoy. “Off to the left in its own pool filtered water ers outside the theme parks.” Pool water depth: 3 feet+ With side by side boats, and right will be boats of all environment,” notes McKoy. What really excites McKoy • the racing aspect is a key com- kinds — paddle boats, bum- The pool is to have turn- is the ease of sponsorships for Capacity ponent. In a fun twist, rid- per boats, See-Doos. There tables at each end. Operators such an attraction. He feels the 2 boats seating 24 total ers have an influence on the would be kneeboard ski-tow can have the freedom to load high profile nature of the LSM passengers per boat race. The Christmas tree lights and luxury boats for rent, as at both ends or let riders have speedboat leans toward social (6 rows of 4 riders); known in the racing world well as ski boats for rent. It’s two launches for the ride ex- media. A sponsor’s name can 1,200 to 1,700 pph count down to the action and every known contraption that perience. With loading at each not only be on signage and • then riders work in unison to floats would be a part of this end, theoretical hourly capac- the boats, but also on a time Speed initiate the launch using pad- boat park.” He says operation ity is 1,700. If riders travel the leader board, if an operator so 62 mph from LSM launch dle shifters. The better team on could be a pay-one-price or length of the pool both direc- desired to install such an ad- • the two boats will have mere an a la carte environment, de- tions then the capacity is esti- dition. “It’s very marketable Concept nanoseconds to take advan- pending upon the operator. “It mated to be 1,200 persons per and very sponsorable,” smiles Errol McKoy would be the first total park on hour. • tage of this launch, but it adds McKoy. “It’s a ride for the fu- Supplier the personal and team compe- water,” he adds. Each boat is on four “air ture. With the visibility of the Intamin Amusement Rides tition aspect to the attraction. Space requirements allude pillows,” as McKoy refers to ride the sponsorship opportu- If this were the vision to the significance of the in- them. Upstops keep the boats nities are limitless.” May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49

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For more information visit www.zamperla.com 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 Give Kids the World gearing up for 30th anniversary 2015 brings new Towne Hall, Zamperla Magic Bike with Banyan Park villas construction up next

AT: Scott Rutherford [email protected] KISSIMMEE, Fla. — It’s an undisputed fact that Central Florida is the acknowledged theme park capital of the world. The powerhouse trio of Walt Disney World Resort, Landwirth was able to relate Universal Orlando Resort and to the ill children he helped SeaWorld Orlando — along on a level few can imagine with Busch Gardens Tampa chiefly because he saw a part and an ever-expanding pleth- of himself in their eyes. As a ora of water parks and other child, Henri became person- area leisure options — manage ally familiar with the horrible to entertain more 50 million feeling of not knowing if he visitors every year. would live to see another to- But there’s another pur- morrow. When he was 13, his veyor of equally magical and family was removed from their often life-changing experi- home in Antwerp, Belgium ences not so very far from the and condemned to a series of main action. Located in Kis- concentration camps, includ- simmee, Florida, on a tranquil, ing Poland’s notorious Aus- As Give Kids the World prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2016, its namesake Vil- tree-shaded tract of real estate chwitz, that were ruled by the lage in Kissimmee, Fla. is wrapping up construction on the new Towne Hall. Once complete is Give Kids the World Village, Nazis during the darkest days later this season, the Towne Hall will serve as a gathering place for wish families and will of World War II. Though his a one-of-a-kind place that has include a food court, meeting space and staff offices.COURTESY GKTW the ability to offer a somewhat parents were brutally mur- more intimate experience than dered in the camps, Henri and began offering free accommo- Village has become and what the bustling theme parks. And his twin sister Margot miracu- dations at a hotel he operated Leadership and inspiration the future holds. “Even Henri it’s a place that inspires hope lously survived unimaginable in Orlando during the 1980s “How wonderful it is that Landwirth might have had and makes wishes come true cruelty and were reunited after to families with terminally ill nobody need wait a single mo- a hard time envisioning the on a daily basis. the war. children who wanted to visit ment before starting to improve size and scope of Give Kids Celebrating its 29th anni- Looking for a better life Walt Disney World. An unfor- the world.” The World when he created versary this year, Give Kids the and hoping to escape the hor- tunate incident in which a sick That wonderful quote it in 1986. Since that time, we World (GKTW) is a nonprofit rors of his past, Henri immi- child died while waiting for from writer and Holocaust vic- have served over 135,000 chil- organization with the honor- grated to America where he hotel space to open up in Or- tim Anne Frank is what Give dren with life-threatening ill- able mission of providing ac- became a U.S. citizen and was lando directly inspired Henri Kids The World President Pa- nesses and their families, from commodations and access to eventually educated in the ho- to never let that happen again. mela Landwirth uses to en- all 50 states and 75 countries. central Florida’s most popular tel industry. One might think He met with officials of the courage and inspire the staff, Our growth has produced attractions to children with that a having his childhood Make-A-Wish Foundation and nearly 15,000 active volunteers 144 family villa accommoda- life-threatening illnesses and stripped away and replaced by asked what they needed most and countless individual and tions, Castle of Miracles, Ice their families. The Village itself, torturous death and terror on to help children who wanted to corporate donors that make a Cream Palace, Julie’s Safari which opened in 1989, is a self- a daily basis would produce a visit Orlando area attractions. difference in the lives of fami- Theatre, Amberville and this contained home base retreat survivor forever bitter and re- The response was simply: “a lies with a child battling a life- month, the 53,000-square-foot for GKTW guests where every- sentful. But Henri transformed place where these kids and threatening illness. Pam has Towne Hall,” said Landwirth. thing is provided for them dur- his hatred for the Nazis and the their families could stay dur- been involved with Give Kids “The Towne Hall will serve ing a week-long holiday where Holocaust into forgiveness and ing their Florida visit.” And so The World since 1992 and was as a gathering place for our they are able to forget about he embarked on a journey to the seed was planted in Henri’s appointed president in 1995. In wish families and will include their individual infirmities for instead spread hope and good- mind and from that came Give this role she is responsible for a food court, meeting space a while and simply focus on will. Kids the World and the Village. the operations of the Village and staff offices. It is a much having fun together as family. Never wanting to see the He started with a single villa and all strategic advancement anticipated new building and pain and suffering of children that could accommodate two initiatives for the organization. one which we have needed for Tragedy inspires hope like he did in the German separate families and he never Speaking with AT, Land- quite some time, particularly GKTW Founder Henri concentration camps, Henri looked back. wirth comments on what the given that it rains in Florida almost every day in the Sum- mer and our families have not had a place to seek shelter dur- ing our evening entertainment programming.”

Renovation and expansion Today, Give Kids the World Village is a sprawling whimsi- cal resort offering 144 Villa ac- commodations and a varied assortment of entertainment attractions and fun all specifi- cally tailored for children with special needs. But those who helm the Village today are not about to rest on their laurels. Italian manufacturer Zamperla worked closely with GKTW to create the Village’s newest amusement ride, Lori’s Magical Instead, renovation and expan- Flight. A custom-designed Magic Bike, Lori’s Magical Flight is named in honor of a former wish child and volunteer. The ride sion of the facility is an ongo- is equipped with two special gondolas that accommodate guests in wheelchairs. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD 4See GKTW, page 51 May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 GKTW Prairie Financial, Inc. is Continued from page 50 ing venture. now OA Finance, LLC AT was given a grand tour of the Village in early March by Through an issue press GKTW’s Mark Hoewing (Pub- release on April 2, it was re- lic Relations manager) and vealed that Prairie Financial, Kaylee Rodriguez (Advance- Inc. is now OA Finance, LLC, ment manager) as major con- continuing a 15-year track struction on the Towne Hall record serving the complete was wrapping up. financing needs of the out- “As soon as Towne Hall is door amusement industry. complete, we will begin build- Prairie Financial, Inc., ing approximately 24 more was founded in 2000 to serve isting customers, and ex- villas in what we will call Ban- the outdoor amusement in- panding their business deep- yan Park,” Landwirth added. Give Kids the World Village is filled with countless treasures. “These wonderful new build- dustry. In 2011, it became the er into the industry. Along with numerous props re-appropriated from closed at- ings will be vertical rather than outdoor amusement division “At heart, this is a fam- tractions such as , Universal Studios also donated the horizontal, more like town- triceratops from the opening scenes of the original Jurassic of a Midwest bank “It was ily business, very much like house accommodations, and Park. The “sleeping” giant can now be viewed during a trip a very synergistic relation- our customers in the indus- will be creatively decorated to on the park’s railroad attraction. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD ship,” says Paul Muller, the try,” says Paul. “And we excite and please our precious company’s co-founder. “De- know that with Wade and children. With all of these ad- Magical Flight in honor of a them the strength and the will spite the downturn in the Mark, OA Finance will carry ditions, including our new ride former wish child and Amaz- to blossom and return to a time overall economy at that time, forward well into the future, provided by our wonderful ing Angel (volunteer) who held when nothing mattered more our business was strong. even when the time comes friends at Zamperla, our 30th such a special place in all of our than having fun. Our bank partner provided for Pam and me to retire.” anniversary celebration will be hearts before she passed away It is said that hope is the an excellent source of fund- The important thing for incredibly special.” last year,” said Landwirth. cornerstone of healing. Of- ing. It was a great match.” people to know is that while Landwirth and her team “Her legacy at the Village con- ten, all the medicines on the Prairie Financial, Inc. the name on the door has worked with Italian manufac- tinues and she would be proud planet can’t work if the spirit was co-founded by Paul changed, the faces and the turer Zamperla to create the to know that this special ride has lost hope. GKTW Village, Muller and his wife, Pam. service remain the same. “As Village’s newest amusement has two carriages where even along with its professional ride, Lori’s Magical Flight. those in wheelchairs can par- staff and army of selfless- vol Son Wade Muller joined OA Finance, we’ve already Custom-designed by Zamper- ticipate.” unteers, all work in concert the company in 2007. Mark helped our customers with la for the Village this colorful, to restore and promote that Walker was added in 2011, packages ranging from ten- whirling contraption located Hope heals sense of hope and possibility. having at one time been on thousand to over a million near the main entrance allows The GKTW magic hap- When they send a child back the banking side of the equa- dollars,” comments Wade parents to ride with their chil- pens when a child, surrounded into the world, they’ve often tion, serving Prairie Finan- Muller. “We have bank lines dren. A special feature of Lori’s by their family, gets swept up given them a renewed will to cial as a representative of a and funding partners in Magical Flight is the fact that it in the experience, when for fight and possibly even - over regional bank. place who are committed is equipped with two special one shining extended moment, come their respective illnesses. Fast forward to the fall to us, and committed to the gondolas that allow guests still they are allowed to forget While they might not always of 2014, when the bank made outdoor amusement indus- seated in their wheelchairs to about their particular ailments be successful, it’s admirable the decision to cease offering try.” board and enjoy the flight. and just be a kid. A palpable that they attempt. And for that new financing for the out- •oafinance.net “We named our ride Lori’s energy infuses them, gives they should be commended. door amusement industry. At that point the four mem- bers of the company made the decision to continue on their own, and OA Finance, THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST HAVE A NEW NAME. LLC was born. “We have very close, Complete financing for the long term relationships with our customers,” says Paul Outdoor Amusement industry since 2000. Muller, whose roots in out- door amusement date back to a company for which he worked in 1993. “We’re com- mitted, and we’re in it for the long haul,” he says. The four associates look forward to continuing their relationships with their ex- LATE Formerly Prairie Financial, Inc. BREAKING Paul Muller [email protected] Wade Muller [email protected] NEWS! Mark Walker [email protected] Pam Muller [email protected] .com 816-581-0033 • 839 NE Woods Chapel Road • Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 www.oafinance.net 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Help your team become a safety hero by joining AIMS Karen Oertley and hundreds of Level I, II and III The 2016 AIMS Safety Seminar Here’s to a prosperous and SAFE AIMS Executive Director AIMS Certification holders who have will be held January 10-15 at the year for all! (714) 425-5747 taken the time to study and learn in Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld [email protected] The real heros in safety order to become AIMS Certified in Orlando, Florida. Our Education As the media focuses on the fun Ride Inspection, Maintenance, Op- Committee is busy working on add- It's the most and excitement to be had at parks erations and Aquatics. A complete ing new and exciting classes. Stay wonderful time of and attractions this year, we’d like list of all AIMS Certified Individu- tuned for more announcements later the year! Oertley call attention to the thousands of in- als can be found on our website at: this year regarding the seminar. For Amusement dividuals who work in maintenance, www.aims intl.org. more information on the seminar or parks, attractions, and their suppli- operations and other areas of safety to add your name to our mailing list ers in many parts of the globe are at parks and attractions. They are Mark your calendar please write us at [email protected]. working around the clock to prepare also working round the clock to More than 40 years ago a group for high season in the park industry. plan and prepare for the safety and of industry manufacturers and sup- Membership in AIMS Extensive media coverage on new enjoyment of guests and other em- pliers banded together to create The price of an AIMS member- rides and attractions, lists of top- ployees, and will continue to work the AIMS Safety Seminar in order ship is not great but the significance rated coasters, and other thrills is diligently throughout the year to en- to ensure safe and knowledgeable of supporting our mission to pro- at its peak and is creating waves of sure a safe experience. A great day operation of their products. The an- vide safety training and education excitement for families and guests for these individuals is one in which nual AIMS Safety Seminar has grown is priceless. Please consider joining eager to enjoy both new and fa- there is no news and no media cov- to its current offering of more than AIMS International to show your vorite experiences. The energy sur- erage. Their accomplishments result 400 classes taught by close to 100 support for this important nonprofit rounding the beginning of the sea- in an accident that doesn’t happen industry experts, and AIMS Interna- organization. Information on mem- son provides an adrenaline rush for because someone paid attention. tional is now recognized by major bership can be found on our website everyone, including those of us who We all owe them a great debt of parks and attractions as the world- at www.aims intl.org or by writing us share the passion by working in this gratitude and appreciation! wide leader for safety training and at [email protected]. great business. This group includes hundreds education. Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 Quassy ride superintendent receives NEAAPA Safety Award ASTM revising standards on air PROVIDENCE, R.I. SAFETY — George Zonas, ride su- inflatable rides perintendent at Quassy ing manuals for amusement WEST CONSHOHOCK- EN, Pa, — ASTM Internation- Amusement & Waterpark, rides in various regions of al Committee F24 on Amuse- Middlebury, Conn., was the the country and around the ment Rides and Devices is recipient of the Alan E. Ram- globe. He served as secre- revising an important stan- say Safety Award during the tary/treasurer of NEAAPA dard on inflatable amuse- recent New England Asso- and was also the organiza- ment rides. The responsible ciation of Amusement Parks tion’s president in 2004-05. subcommittee (F24.61 on and Attractions (NEAAPA) NEAAPA established the Adventure Attractions) in- vites all interested parties to award following his death Annual Meeting at the Provi- contribute to the revision of dence Biltmore Hotel here. and it is presented annually standard F2374. Zonas, who has been at to an individual who has Three task groups have the helm of Quassy’s rides demonstrated "an unparal- been formed to develop re- department for more than leled commitment to safety quirements and test meth- a decade, also heads up the in the amusement parks and ods for key areas: Bob Field, Quassy Safety Committee. attractions industry.” president of N-Flatables/Cut- ting Edge, leads the design “We’re certainly de- Quassy’s John Frantzis and manufacturing group; lighted that George was accepted the award on behalf Kevin Wieging of UltraSound honored for his efforts here of Zonas during the gala din- Special Events Inc. and Kevin at Quassy,” said George ner event attended by more Baldree of Austin Moonwalks Frantzis II, a park owner. “He than 110 NEAAPA members. co-chair the group on opera- is an integral part of oversee- Zonas is in charge of all tions and patron education; Quassy’s George Zonas was the recipient of the Alan E. ing the safe operation of the ride training, ride documen- and Jake Vick of Zero Shock Ramsay Safety Award, presented at the annual meeting leads the group that is devel- tation and oversees all ride rides not only for our guests, of the New England Association of Amusement Parks and oping testing and inflatable but also the employees.” operation employees. In ad- Attractions. COURTESY QUASSY impact requirements. Ramsay was a lead train- dition, he also establishes For information on the er and certified risk evalua- and enforces all ride inspec- A Waterbury, Conn., na- & Decker’s Pop Fasteners Di- next meeting, contact Kat- tor known worldwide in the tion documentation and tive, Zonas was an inter- vision in Shelton, Conn. He erina Koperna, F24’s man- amusement industry before heads up the safety commit- national customer service retired from the company in ager at ASTM at (877) 909- ASTM. his untimely death at age 41 tee, which is responsible for representative and traffic 1999. •www.astm.org in 2011. He developed train- safe practices park wide. manager for 28 years at Black •www.neaapa.com

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maclan.com • 800.788.3951 • [email protected] • Lakeland, FL 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015 New six hour Crowd Control seminar added to program Pennsylvania Ride Safety Seminar draws 400 attendees AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] SAFETY GRANTVILLE, Pa. — Held twice each year, the ment Ride Safety Division, Pennsylvania Ride Safety Pennsylvania Department of Seminar trains, tests and cer- Agriculture. tifies hundreds of amusement Filoromo feels the Penn- ride operators statewide. Dur- sylvania system is unique. ing February 24 – 26, nearly “Our system has much more 400 people from various types frequent inspections and is of amusement operations re- the same training as a state ceived safety training con- inspector elsewhere. The pro- ducted by the Pennsylvania gram puts an amusement Department of Agriculture ride safety inspector at every Bureau of Ride and Measure- amusement site in the Com- ments Standards. Course ar- monwealth.” That means, eas included: Inflatable Rides, “There are thousands of eyes Principals in the Pennsylvania Ride Safety program are, l to r: A.J. Slaggert, instructor, Slag- Extreme Sports, Water Attrac- out there,” said Filoramo. gert Risk Management; Phil Slaggert, president of Slaggert Risk Management; Randall tions, Haunted Attractions, With more equipment than Arndt, Quality Assurance inspector, Pa. Department of Agriculture; John Jardine, Quality Go Karts/ and any other state (via fairs, car- Assurance inspector, Pa. Department of Agriculture; Joe Filoromo, supervisor, Amusement more. nivals, water parks, amuse- Ride Safety Division, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and John Humberger, Quality Seminar participants ment parks and independent Assurance inspector, Pa. Department of Agriculture. AT/B. DEREK SHAW choose the presentations that operations), Filoromo says, are the most beneficial for “Pennsylvania has a good loss going two deep in leadership all the different types of activ- their career path, job descrip- ratio.” (three is even better) for plan ity that this encompasses. tion, abilities, and employer “Entertainment Venues development is important. The PACIC speakers went benefit. Testing is provided for Crowd Control Seminar”, “Use, ‘what if’ when perfect- on to talk about threats to Class 1 and 2 Ride Inspectors is a new six hour seminar ing your emergency plan,” events that tax security teams and Independent and Special- that was held the last day of said Slaggert. including: large crowds, ized Inspectors. The testing is training, run by A.J. Slag- Next, put the plan in weather, unpredictable be- independent of the Depart- gert. Violence and rowdiness play. “Have your crew solve havior, unanticipated situa- ment of Agriculture; however at public events has seen a a problem once a day, week tions and even disease. Facil- it is sanctioned by them. “This giant increase recently with or month,” said Slaggert. The ity vulnerabilities were also is the only program that has flash mobs, trash mobs, bash key is to get into the habit of discussed and many security training and certification (by mobs and wilding becoming regular preparedness. Slag- tips were shared. Even chang- another entity) with govern- more and more prevalent. En- gert even goes so far to say ing music to alter the situation A composite listing of all the ment oversight,” said Joe tertainment venue managers that emergency numbers will modify the energy of an training seminars available Filoromo, supervisor, Amuse- need to be aware of the pos- should even be put on the event. during the semi-annual three sibility that social media may back of employee ID tags. Slaggert then presented day session. PACE seminar set play a role in a fast moving in- Sergeant Rick Trout, with the “History of Disasters and Les- AT/B. DEREK SHAW for Oct. 26-29, 2015 cident impacting their events. West Manchester Township sons Learned” stating there Slaggert feels, “this summer Police who is on the security are three types of events: No- with their safety program. The Pa. Ride Safety is going to be a very difficult detail of the 10 day York, Pa. tice (2011 Costa Concordia), They have “eyes in the sky” Seminars are not to be one,” referring to the recent Fair commented about ad- No Notice (2011 Indiana State (video cameras) to record confused with the annual unrest across the country. He vance planning. “It’s all about Fair roof collapse) and Spon- everything. All ticket takers PACE (Parks and Carnival feels Ferguson, Mo. (and other getting the right people to the taneous (1979 Riverfront Coli- and monitors are trained in Education) Seminar, jointly recent incidents) is the wick table all year round.” seum Who concert trampling). universal sign language that sponsored by the Penn- and the unrest this year could The Pennsylvania State A flash mob is when a is used when rules are being sylvania State Showmen’s harken back to levels experi- Police made a presentation group of people suddenly as- presented and when violators Association (PSSA) and enced from the late 1960’s. on their Criminal Intelligence semble in a public place and are being reprimanded. This the Pennsylvania Amuse- Slaggert began his pre- Center, (PACIC). This “fu- perform an unusual, seem- has been extremely helpful ment Parks Association sentation talking about the sion” center” created in July, ingly pointless act for a brief when needed in court cases. (PAPA). That seminar, pre- airplane that crash landed in 2003, is a collaborative effort time. Usually it is for a good As Ito puts it, “In the business sented by National Asso- the Hudson River a few years by numerous agencies to pro- cause, without damage or in- we are in, it’s foolish not to ciation of Amusement Ride ago and the rapid response vide resources, information convenience and is fermented film everything.” Protection Safety Officials (NAARSO), by local ferry boats. He cited and expertise to maximize the in social media. for everyone is the key. is scheduled for October Captain Carl Lucas of the ability to detect, prevent, in- Wilding occurs when The Pennsylvania De- 26 — 29, 2015 (location: Athenia, a high-speed cata- vestigate and respond to crim- people come out solely for the partment of Agriculture has eastern part of Pennsylva- maran ferry on their handling inal and terrorism activity. purpose of hurting or damag- inspected and registered nia, venue: TBD) includes of the situation. “You train so The organization operates ing your event. Those crowd amusement rides under the a hands on training session much you don’t think it over. with a threat analysis group, leaders are usually in the Amusement Ride Safety Act at one of Pennsylvania’s I didn’t have to give orders to drug analysis unit, violent back – they don’t want to be since 1984 and regularly par- amusement parks or at the the crew.” criminal groups, organized injured. The crowd surge can ticipates in education and out- seminar hotel with porta- A written emergency plan and general crimes areas as be a diversion for something reach seminars that include ble equipment brought in is just the beginning as it has well. PACIC always works else. The presenter went on to classes and hands-on dem- by local showmen. PACE to be put into motion, with with local municipalities, say if you flush out a crowd, onstrations. The next Penn- offers inspector training for the following four criteria townships and counties for a make sure you have a place to sylvania Ride Safety Seminar Pennsylvania Certified In- included: preparedness, pre- unified front. The center rep- send them. is scheduled for November 3 spectors and/or NAARSO vention, response and recov- resentatives also talked about Bob Ito, Risk Manage- — 5 at the Holiday Inn Har- levels. ery. The plan should specify, the reporting of suspicious ac- ment director for Sky Zone In- risburg (Hershey Area) I-81, •pashowmen.com by job title, who will do what tivity to aide them in their job. door Trampoline Parks, talked Grantville, Pa. •paamusementparks.com and when. Slaggert feels that They then went on to describe about the changes they made •paridesafety.com May 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 CLASSIFIEDS

AUCTION FOR SALE 2015 Media Planner Now Available

May 2010 AMUSEMENTSeptember TODAY 2009 39 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

CLASSIFIEDSCheck out the latest premium new and used rides at: CLASSIFIEDSfacebook.com/internationalridesmanagement www.AmusementToday.com or call (609)www.AmusementToday.com 425-1220 to receive a current list. To place an ad call (817)To 460-7220place an ad call (817) 460-7220 OPPORTUNITY eMploYMenT FOReM SALEFoploYMenR Sale T FOR FoSALEFoRR SaleSale FoFoRR SaleSale FoR Sale SeRVIceS Smokey Mountain Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters Amusements Inc. Amusements Inc. Great for game booths and ride queue needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departments 12 Rides Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit and weather-tight speaker. Up to fourCan Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit 13 Games 2-minute custom sayings or one self- Electrician - For Green Unit Electrician - For Green Unit Profitable, owner looking to diversify repeating custom canned spiel. Contact: with existing operations. Contact: Brian (Beaver) Bitner $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for Brian (Beaver) Bitner and (919) 272-5627 ChanceIf interested, Rides is aplease third generation,contact: family-ownedmore information company that or call has Anthony been at (919) 272-5627 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 manufacturingLen coasters, Soled rides and people movers for(865) more 742-1394 than 50 years. We Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 MAY Winter Quarters Now Open! have an opportunityRides-4-U, forInc. a Field Service Representative. The individual would Winter Quarters Now Open! (843) 362-0022 TFN ARM Family Himalaya T/M...... $79,000 be responsible(908) for526-8009 traveling to the customer site helpfor ride installations, grow trouble your- business? (843) 362-0022 TFN shooting, and/or commissioning on delivered products. We are seeking an SpinZamperla out T/M Tea (Huss) Cups ...... T/M...... $299,000$49,000 SeRVIceS LOOPINGLOOPING COASTERCOASTER Eclipse -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000 individual with a minimum of 5 – 10 years in the amusement ride industry Twister/New SBF Maverick Groovy (Moser) Bus on ...... $599,000 used either in a park environment or ride manufacturing. We would prefer 10+ Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster SkyDrop Master Tower -ARM T/M (ARM) T/M ...... $179,000 ...... $299,000 years experience in a work environment ofJ&D ride Carnival installations Services and commissionoffering ser- eQUIpMenT WanTed eQUILaunchpM LoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterTed Frederiksen Trailer...... $69,000 vices to you for a low, low price. ing.1998 Experience TM Chance with Gondola a manufacturer Wheel is a plus. ArrowArrow Dynamics Dynamics all steelsteel with with DropRio Grande Tower -ARM(Zamperla) T/M ...... $399,000 ...... $19,000 $410,000 - Completely rebuilt July SLIDES SLIDES Hurricane T/M...... $139,000 G-ForceG-Force 4, 56’ high xx 635’635’ longlong 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, Built in1977, 1977, Excellent excellent condition condition in Spinout T/M...... $249,000 Pleaseare made contact to 100% Chance / over Rides 6,000 at new (316) 942-7411 with any•Ride questions. setup portability not needed. Wanted used 90+ft. slides, Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic) ....$224,000 Indiana.Indiana. $100,000$200,000 Chaos -Chance T/M ...... $99,000 LEDResumes lights, can new be electrical sent to [email protected], new •Ride tear down portability not needed. Moser T/M...... $299,000 •Ride painting FUNHOUSES ForFor photos photos and details: ScooterCrazy Bus 1400 T/M -Majestic (Zamperla) T/M ...... $99,000 ...... $109,000 PIC drive. All updates. Ask•Ride washing us how you can tap into over Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, [email protected]@vestil.comFUNHOUSES TornadoZierer Wave T/M (Wisdom)Swinger T/M ...... $99,000...... Crazy Bus -Zamperla T/M ...... $99,000 Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 •Ride repair work mobility not necessary 22 Other Rides Drop...... Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000$399,000 or e-mail [email protected] •Concession250 million cleaning potential customers. Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used “Carnival Funhouses”, Tornado -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000 Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 •Concession work mobilityAngola, not Indiananecessary AmericanaSBF/Visa CarouselSuper Truck 28’ (Chance) T/M...... $119,000$29,000 and much, much more. Orient Express -Wisdom ...... $139,000 FREE Digital Edition TFN TrafficFabbri KamikazeJam T/M (SBF) T/M ...... $219,000...... $239,000 TO SIGN UP FOR 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 FOR SALE Vertical Water Race Games TFN 1989 T/M ...... $205,000 GO TO WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM office hourshours areare M-FM-F 88 a.m.a.m - 5 p.m., Americana Carousel 28’ ...... $199,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models only available to BINGO / BEANO GAMES FOR SALE Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. Traffic JamCall -SBF Len T/M ...... $219,000or John Publication & Ad Design Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM 1. SKEE BALLS (908) 526-8009 CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMThe RideRetiring Entertainment - Priced to Sell!Group is one of the amusementDanielle. Or callindustry’s our cell most at subscribers of the 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/M (Fabbri) ...... $149,000 FAX: (908) 526-4535 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMGreatdiverse price. and Callfastest-growing (718) 266-8384 companies. or WebCombining & Flash(207) the 659-4069.Design disciplines of Communications Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Tug T/M -Eli (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMSales, Operations,(718) 614-0597 Financial Partnerships, Installations, and Ride Manu- (978) 375-2542 4. SPORTS ARENAS TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragon 806- (Sellner) Moser ...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMfacturing, the company works in every segment of the entertainment Print [email protected] 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMindustry. We are a boutique firm that is Whateverlarge enough Your to Projecthave a worldCalls- For KamakaziPowerWANTED Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 (817) 564-3843 JUN 6. POOL TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMwideFor Sale: presence, Waterslide but small molds enough from to be nimbleAMUSEMENT and take on new TODAY areas of 7. VIDEO GAMES For Sale: 1987 Huss Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputablegrowth. company. Four complete CLASSIFIEDS Building anCall Oddity Len Park,or John want to buy systems ready for production with Great Condition. We are looking for a new Business DevelopmentYOUR Associate. USED This RIDE entry- FORQUARTERTIME SALE AMUSEMENTS anything thatCall creates Len orvisual John interest. Art, two additional systems available. claSSIFIed Tower rehabbed in 2004. (908) 526-8009 level position at the company entails the following job responsibilities: Transportation,(908) Movie526-8009 props, Theme claSSIFIed MARKETPLACE SUBSCRIBE AT: P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] deadlIneS $21,000Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 Park items,FAX: Nautical, (908) 526-4535Western, Architec- mid-sizedpark. · Assist and Learn the SalesMAY and Financial Partnership Process Indiana Location tural Collectible. The more unusual, the deadlIneS Ride is operating and available · Monitor and record ride revenue AMUSEMENT TODAY’S [email protected] better. October 1st. · Visit and work with clients to maximize revenue Classified pages close the 10th of AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Location - Eastern USA. · New project feasibility and analysis month prior to the issue date. OTHER RIDES AVAILABLE Call Mel at 920-426-1681 or Classified · Office pages and close trade the show 10th paperworkof Rates: 920-426-2015. month · Travel prior to to trade the issue shows date. .com •Regular classified ad– • Email: [email protected]. See more aboutRates: the position and the company at: 99-year-oldFOR SALE Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer $20 minimum up to 30 words; organ. Located in USA. Major rehab http://www.rideentertainment.com/newposition•Regular classified ad– $1 per additional word. Paratrooper:in 2004. Indoor $21,000 location. Available $20 minimum up to 30 words; •Display classified ad –$50 Calypso: $18,000September 2009. $1 per additional word. per column inch. A 1-point House of Glass Maze: $1,000 •Display classified ad –$50 Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, rule will appear around ad. Dual Flume Water Slide: $15,000 per column inch. A 1-point 2 chariots. www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and Bayern Curve: $19,000 rule will appear around ad. reverses also are available on Available through International Ride •Company logos, screens and display ads upon request. [email protected] reverses also are available on Angola, Indiana 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 Subscribe to our YouTube channel TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com youtube.com/amusementtoday 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 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2015

THUNDERBOLT

THIS SIZE CAN FIT ANY PARK

Total track length 681 m (2234’)

Maximum track height 35 m (115’)

Maximum Speed 25 m/s - 90 km/h - 56 mph

Max Vertical +4.3 G’s

Passengers per vehicle 9

Number of inversions 5

260 m (853’)

15 m (49’) First 9 seats vehicle and new patent pending lap bar restraint. Vicenza - ItalyPhone: 0444 +39 998400 e-mail: [email protected] Antonio Zamperla SpaAntonio www.zamperla.com