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 Q&A WITH FUN SPOT’S JOHN ARIE, SR. — PAGE 6B-7B

TM www.amusementtoday.com JULY 2013 BONUS SECTION B $25 million investment on 15 acres by Arie family Orlando’s Fun Spot America opens to record numbers STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] ORLANDO, Fla. — A re- freshing ‘David’ vs. ‘’ powerplay was initiated in cen- tral this spring when Fun Spot America on unveiled its $25 million ex- pansion that offers area visitors — and local residents — an af- fordable alternative to the giant theme orbiting the city.

In celebration of Fun Spot’s 15th anniversary, a Grand Re- The new $15 million Opening was held on Saturday, Fun Spot America has a June 8, 2013. Florida Congress- collection of thrill rides man Daniel Webster, local offi- including, clockwise cials and other local celebrities from top left: Free- gathered for the ribbon cutting dom Flyer (Chance/ that included free , ); White Light- food and prize offerings. ning (Great Coasters); Underway since September 2012, the expansion enlarges the Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson); from five to 15 acres and Rip Curl (Wisdom) and features two family roller coast- in the foreground the ers, a , three new Double Decker Carou- thrill rides, a new 45-foot-tall, sel (Chance) and the multi-level go-cart track along 250 foot tall Skycoaster with a new food court, new tick- (Skycoaster/Ride Enter- et booth, additional parking and tainment). rest rooms. Fun Spot hired 100 AT/GARY SLADE new employees for this expan- sion, and more than 150 people FEC, a theme park or a water- “The IAAPA show was one of were hired by the local general park. We looked around, talked the resources we had but the contractor, H.J. High Construc- with a lot of people in IAAPA beauty of the Golden Tickets was tion of Winter Park, Fla. for the and ultimately decided to stay a smaller presentation that offers construction of the new park. with the small park atmosphere a much more intimate involve- ... like Knoebels. We traveled ment with the people there. We Fun Spot’s around the country talking to went to several parks over the When asked about the gen- hundreds of people at about 30 last three or four years during esis of the current Fun Spot different parks. It was a process, the Golden Tickets” said Arie. expansion, John Arie, Sr., Fun a collaboration with people who “It was invaluable to do this and Spot’s owner and CEO, explains were knowledgeable and edu- talk to the people running these what led him and his family to cated in the industry. We took a places. I’m really looking for- develop this property. “When lot of what we learned and put it ward to the Golden Tickets event we bought the property two and into what we’ve got here.” at Santa Cruz this year. We’ve half years ago, we really didn’t Aire also made sure to men- gone to , and Holiday have a master plan on how to ex- tion that attending AT’s Golden World was an eye-opening expe- pand. We had to make the deci- Ticket Awards Ceremonies has rience. It was all valuable, the sion on whether we were going provided him with a more per- time we spent at those parks.” to go with a bowling alley, an sonal fact-finding experience. 4See AMERICA, page 2B 2B July 2013 AMERICA Continued from page 1B

Coasters are big draw When Fun Spot embarked on its recent expansion, officials made a wise decision to make sure roller coasters were a major part of the plan. “When I start- ed Fun ‘n Wheels on I-Drive in 1978, I never expected I would be having a 15 acre park with roller coasters just up the street,” said Arie. “But I knew that roller coasters would take our parks to a new level.” And they certainly have. Opened this past June are two family-friendly roller coasters: White Lightning, an amazing The Fun Spot America expansion represents a $25 million new wooden coaster designed investment in the Orlando park that is now home to two and built by -based family roller coasters, the second tallest Skycoaster ever Great Coasters International, built and a mix of other family rides. Inc. (see story on page 10B), and COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA Freedom Flyer, a family sus- pended coaster. 20 riders per circuit. mounted a Statue of Liberty on The $5 million Freedom On hand for the festivities top of the new and only double Flyer is the result of a partner- was Charlotte Van Etten,- Ve decker Americana ship between and koma account manager, sales manufactured to date as soon as Vekoma Rides International. The & marketing. “Hats off for the installation was complete. majority of the coaster, mainly expansion and opening festivi- “Fun Spot’s new Freedom the supports, track and controls, ties at Fun Spot!” said Van Etten. Flyer is a perfect fit for the en- were all produced in the U.S. “The Freedom Flyer coaster is tire family. A suspended fam- by Chance Rides at that manu- the fifth in a row of this new de- ily coaster that offers the rush facturer’s facilities in Wichita, sign suspended family coaster, of a much larger coaster, while Kansas. The ride’s sleek and following earlier successful in- allowing small children and comfortable came from Ve- stallations in Moviepark Ger- the more cautious adults to en- koma. many; , Oklahoma joy. The hanging seats create a Sporting an eye-catching City; Grönalund ; Farup smooth ride while creating the blue-and-yellow color scheme, in and now Fun Spot. illusion that you truly are fly- Freedom Flyer was intention- Parks are delighted having this ing. This is the first coaster - ex ally placed over the so coaster in their park and guests perience for most of the younger that even spectators are offered just love it. Fun Spot is a real children due to reduced height a thrill as riders soar through family business and they have requirements. Now parents The Schwarzkopf , above, was brought to the park the coaster’s sinuous twists and translated this family feeling don’t have to split up the four from Over and outfitted with an impres- turns just above their heads. very well into their park.” and five-year-olds; everyone can sive LED light package from Denny’s Electronics. IRM bro- After climbing a Angus Jenkins, North ride! The perfect match for Fun kered the ride deal. Rides 4U located this Miler Sea Serpent that tops out at 65 feet, Free- American sales for Chance Rides Spot’s client demographic. The from ’s Castaway Cove. dom Flyer’s 10-car train begins extols the suspended coaster’s Freedom Flyer was made in the AT/GARY SLADE its graceful flight, gliding along appeal: “Freedom Flyer is aptly U.S.A. by Chance Rides under the 1,296-foot-long course at 34 named as anyone who has met license of Vekoma,” said Jenkins. mph. The single train, which uti- John Arie would agree ... he is Regarding the new coast- lizes Vekoma’s comfortable new one of the most patriotic people ers, perhaps John Arie Jr., Fun restraint system, accommodates they have ever met. In fact, he 4See AMERICA, page 4B

Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. To order extra copies of this Bonus Section call (817) 460-7220. The entire contents of this Bonus Section are copyrighted 2013 by Amusement Today, Inc.

Amusement Today would like to thank John Arie, Sr., and the entire staff at Fun Spot America for their help with information used in this section. Bonus Section Staff: Gary Slade, Scott Rutherford, Stacey Childress, Sue Nichols, Dean Lamanna, Terry Lind, Sammy Piccola July 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3B

P O BOX 638 • Plainview, Texas 79072 (806) 293-1353 • www.larsonintl.com

Fire Ball

Flying ScootersTM Tilt-A-Whirl TM 4B AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2013 AMERICA 200 feet of lattice structure; we Tilt-A-Whirl with all LED light- LEDs. The Tilt-A-Whirl from FAST FACTS actually doubled its strength to ing. Fun Spot chose vibrant Larson and our refurbished Continued from page 2B what it was in Las Vegas. It can colors and designed spectacular Schwarzkopf Enterprise our now withstand winds up to 140 graphics.” both outfitted with LEDs from Name/Park Spot’s television spokesman and Freedom Flyer/ mph.” The other rides brought to Denny’s Electronics. They are all Fun Spot America COO, said it best of all: “These Just as with the Skycoaster, Fun Spot as part of the expan- absolutely beautiful at night.” Orlando, Fla. are two great coasters, both built it was important for John Arie sion include a new Rip Curl Arie and his team worked in America. You get great airtime and his family to choose Ameri- from Colorado-based Wisdom closely with a number of ven- Type with the wooden coaster, and ca-made products for the major- Rides. This custom-designed dors and key suppliers to bring Family Suspended Coaster it’s so smooth. The steel coaster (Tallest of it’s kind in the U.S.) ity of their ride package. “Com- Himalaya-style ride features a the Fun Spot project to fruition. leaves your feet dangling and ing out of the recession, we felt surfer theme and is housed in its Chief among these are: Midway you soar over people’s heads as Height/Length it was our obligation to buy own permanent enclosure. An Games, a joint venture with 65 feet/1,296 feet they walk through the park. It’s American as opposed to over- impressive sound system and Bob’s Space Racers; American cool.” seas. When choosing our rides lighting package make this ride Specialty ( provider); Drop/ / we tried to keep every thing popular with teenagers. ColorVision (ride photo pro- Maximum Banking Skycoaster, other rides as American as possible. We In a deal brokered by IRM, vider); Core Cashless (point of 39 feet/34 mph/ offer diverse thrills 55 degrees wanted bright, flashy rides that a Schwarzkopf/ Enter- sale provider); Irvine Ondrey While the two roller coasters people could enjoy. We already prise was purchased, relocated Engineering (wood coaster safe- Height Restriction are obvious attention-grabbers had a and a Scram- from ty system); Denny’s Electronics 36 inches with a so are the other new attractions, bler. Last year we bought [from and refurbished before finding (LED light systems) and Gold 48 inch tall rider which are aimed squarely at Chance] the world’s only Ameri- a new home at Fun Spot. While Medal Products (concession thrill seeking families. cana-themed double carousel. formerly known as the Wheelie equipment). Train First up is the 250-foot-tall “We wanted proven, mid- in Georgia the ride retains its Once all is said and done, One, 10-car train seating Skycoaster (world’s second tall- 20 riders, supplied by Vekoma dle-of-the road rides with good original name of Enterprise at its what John Aire and his dedi- Rides est), which towers above every- capacity and reasonable costs. new home. cated family have created at Fun International thing at Fun Spot. Supplied by That guided our decisions on For the younger set, Fun Spot is something quite extraor- Skycoaster, Inc. and Ride Enter- which rides to buy,” said Arie. Spot worked with Rides 4U to dinary. This is especially sig- Safety Controls tainment Group, this particular Also new this season at Fun acquire the Sea Serpent, a Miler nificant considering the park’s Chance Rides Mfg. unit first thrilled riders in Las Spot is the first new Tilt-A-Whirl kiddie coaster that was relocated location within one of the most Vegas at MGM Grand Adven- Supplier produced by Larson Interna- from Playland’s Castaway Cove competitive amusement indus- Chance Rides Inc. (Wichita, Kan.) tures (1996-2001) before being tional since acquiring the exclu- in Ocean City, N.J. The joins Fun try environments in the world. under license with Vekoma Rides refurbished and upgraded. sive rights from Spot’s arsenal of rides geared for “We provide people with a great International “We kept the original green Sellner Manufacturing. The at- the park’s smaller guests. alternative, both the tourists and (Vlodrop, AB, ) lighting that was used at MGM tractive eight-car unit features Lighting up the rides was the locals,” said Arie. “You can but we had to strengthen the the new low-slung carriages and important since the cooler night come for a ride, or a couple of Cost arch before it could operate in $5.5 million brilliant illumination. hours can often bring some of the hours or all day. People are look- Florida,” explained John Arie. Larson’s Jeff Novotny com- larger crowds out for an evening ing for those options, and for —Source: Fun Spot America/ “Because the wind load rating ments on the new Tilt: “It was at Fun Spot. “We bought LEDs value.” Chance Rides/Vekoma has changed in the last ten years, great working with the Fun Spot from a number of vendors,” said we totally reinforced the first team again to produce the first Arie. “Wisdom has their own

CONGRATULATIONS TO FUN SPOT AMERICA ORLANDO WITH THE SUCCESSFUL OPENING ON JUNE 8, 2013

SCHAAPWEG 18 6063 BA VLODROP THE NETHERLANDS TEL +31 (0)475 409222 FAX +31 (0)475 402115 WWW.VEKOMA.COM

13194 ADV Vekoma AT 254x165 Fun Spot CORR.indd 1 14-06-13 09:49 July 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5B 6B AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2013 Filling Central Florida’s need for mid-range amusements Fun Spot Attractions is a happy medium for owner John Arie, Sr. STORY: Dean Lamanna 15th birthday, included the Special to Amusement Today 2,000-foot-long White Light- ORLANDO, Fla. — John ning, Orlando’s first wooden Arie, Sr., is enjoying the ride coaster, and Freedom Flyer, a of his life. 1,200-foot-long steel suspend- Arie’s Central Florida ed coaster. Along with the company, Fun Spot Attrac- property’s current name — it tions, with free-admission was formerly known as Fun parks in Orlando and Kis- Spot — new park- simmee, has found a profit- ing and infrastructure are part able niche between the mega- of the package. (A waterpark theme park and the family is being eyed for a recently entertainment center (FEC) in purchased, vacant 10-acre par- family work in every depart- the region’s saturated amuse- cel that is part of the park’s to- ment from human resources ment market. Even while the tal acreage.) to arcade management. economy has seen more rises For Arie, 64, a Rocky An avid flying enthu- and dips than a SkyCoaster — Mountain, N.C., native who siast who also enjoys boat- an attraction that has helped moved to Central Florida in ing and fishing, Arie got the John Arie, Sr., president/owner of Fun Spot Attractions put Arie’s properties on the his teens and first entered the amusement spark when he amusement parks in Orlando and Kissimmee, has just com- map — Fun Spot has enjoyed industry as a $40-a-week go- first boarded the Paratrooper pleted a $25 million expansion of his Orlando operation, Fun growth every year for more kart track employee in 1968, ride at the Central Florida Spot America. He oversees more than 300 employees, who than a decade. Fun Spot is very much a fam- in the mid-1960s. “The include many Arie family members. This season, Arie’s now- ily affair: son John is the com- sights, the smells — that ex- AT/GARY SLADE 25-acre Orlando park, Fun pany’s chief operating officer perience burned pleasure into two unique coasters — the has really changed - Spot America, is showcas- (and energetic TV pitchman), my mind,” he said. His main wooden out-and-back White scape of International Drive. ing its $25 million expansion while son Mark is in construc- pleasure these days is creating Lightning, from Great Coast- From a marketing stand- along International Drive. The tion and helped build the those memories in his guests, ers International, and the steel point, who are you targeting? array of new rides officially in- park. Other members of the and he shared his thoughts on suspended Freedom Fighter We already enjoy about troduced on June 8, the park’s immediate and extended Arie doing just that with AT. by Vekoma — to be the head- 60 percent of our attendance liners within our park. from locals; we’re very strong What was the impetus for We also found a used, 250- there. tripling the size of your Or- foot SkyCoaster in Las Vegas We’d like to attract the lando property? that was at the MGM Grand teens and tweens, yet still The opening of our eight- Adventures for about 10 years keep the families. Family acre park down in Kissimmee, before being taken down and units, school groups — basi- near Universal Studios Flori- put in storage for another cally, anybody who comes to da, which was a phenomenal seven or eight. It’s become our Central Florida for the major business move. It gave us the centerpiece visual icon and 4See ARIE, page 7B knowledge and helped create the vision that we could do a lot more in Orlando with more FAST FACTS than the five acres with which we originally started there. A quick look at John Arie’s park career and history: At first, we didn’t know whether we should go more •1969-1975: operated Lil’ 500 Mini Bike Track in to the FEC — with a bowling Maitland, Fla. alley and nighttime entertain- •1975-1976: operated Karts A Go Go in Ocean City, ment that seems to be preva- Md. lent everywhere — or expand •1976-1981: operated Little Wheels Go-Karts in our . We Orlando, Fla., a single track with a unique “tummy chose the latter. tingler” hill How did you decide on •1979-1988: operated Fun ‘N Wheels amuse- your new attractions? ment park operations in Orlando and Kissimmee, Fla., I spent 2011, the year after featuring the world’s first themed action parks with our purchase of the additional multiple tracks and rides acreage, traveling the country •1990-1998: operated Fun Spot Amusement Parks in my own airplane — I have a in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Virginia Beach, Va. Cessna Corvalis 400 — to 30 or •1996-Present: developed and operates Fun Spot so amusement parks and rid- Action Park present location in Orlando, Fla. just off In- ing about 50 roller coasters. I ternational Drive, featuring multi-level tracks as its ma- talked to hundreds of person- jor attraction components plus 13 additional rides nel and key people through- •2004-Present: operates SkyCoaster of Florida, LLC out the parks about the posi- dba Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee, site of world’s tallest tives and negatives. Skycoaster at 300 feet I came to the realization •2007: John Arie, Jr. (John’s son) named COO of Fun that, even with all these gi- Spot Attractions gantic, multi-multi-million- •2013: $25 million Orlando location expansion dollar coasters, it still seemed completed in six month, on time and on budget, park like middle-of-the-road “fam- renamed Fun Spot America, site of world’s second ily” attractions were the top tallest Skycoaster at 250 feet money-grossers. Therefore, —Source: Fun Spot America we chose what we felt were July 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7B This AT archive photo of Very well. We never saw a teeth in go-kart operations, so ARIE John Arie’s Fun ‘N Wheels decrease; in fact, 2012 was the a good go-kart track would Continued from page 6B I-Drive location in Orlando highest-gross, highest-at-prof- be my first choice. Number shows his drive to seek out it year we ever experienced. two would be roller coast- attractions. the hottest in family rides We’re very pleased and feel ers. Number three would be Tourists in this region typ- being offered. Here is one tremendously blessed. classic amusement rides, like ically are here for a five-day of the first models of the Did you encounter any the Himalaya and the Para- vacation, with two additional Riptide, a wet/dry water- issues with the Fun trooper. I remember as a kid traveling days. We want to get slide from Bill Crandall’s Spot America expansion? going to the fair and riding them to give up one of those New Wave Rides. The wet/ Zoning was not a prob- the Paratrooper, and thinking five days to come visit us. dry waterslide concept lem. However, the bureau- it was the best experience in How are you accomplish- would explode on the scene cratic hurdles were unbeliev- the world — never knowing ing that? in the 1980s. able. We had to redesign the or envisioning that I would With a business plan that AT FILE entire project because of an someday own two Paratroop- has worked very well for 15 easement. And after we paid er rides. years — and that is, offering Our customers also like may think of the ads, they al- $300,000 for all our building What do you find most an inexpensive day out. We interactive rides, like bumper ways seem to remember them. permits and started working, satisfying about working in have free admission and park- boasts and go-karts, which of- Our marketing director, Mark another inspector came by this industry? ing. Mom and Dad don’t have fer a different ride experience Brisson, has done a great job and stopped us because we It’s fun, challenging and to pay when they come in; each time. for us. didn’t have a $50 tree-removal innovative. It’s kind of like the only participants will be pay- You’re known for your What was the total atten- permit. That kind of thing just last American cowboy indus- ing to participate. fun, down-home TV spots dance at your properties last goes on and on, and it’s frus- try, where you’ve got freedom Consistently, we’ve heard featuring Arie family mem- year? trating. to grow and do things. See- it said: “My kids enjoy com- bers. How has this casual pro- Since we have free admis- Has the expansion im- ing people are having fun is a ing here more than Disney motional approach worked sion and free parking, it’s re- pacted ticket prices? big reward, as is helping our or SeaWorld or Universal.” for you amid all the pricey ally hard to get an accurate Yes. We have two unlim- young, entry-level employees And that’s because in real- corporate amusement adver- count. But we do sporadic at- ited-ride pricing levels, adult grow and mature and under- ity, they’re doing more at Fun tising in Orlando? tendance surveys and estimate and child. They’ve both gone stand management and moti- Spot America. At the high- We’re locally owned and that we get more than a half a up five dollars — from $35 to vation — and how to make a dollar parks, you wind up go- operated and aren’t interested million people a year in Orlan- $40 for the adult, and $25 to living doing something you ing on two, three, four rides, in doing slick television com- do and more than 700,000 in $30 for the child. Individual like to do. and if you really want to ride mercials. We’re a value prod- Kissimmee. We anticipate that ride prices have not gone up. Most of all, I’m creating more than that, then you have uct and we communicate that total rising to over two million What kinds of rides ap- something to turn over to my to pay for special treatment so in our ads, and we have a next year. peal to you personally? family, and their kids, when I that you can go to the front of laugh at ourselves in the pro- How did your operations It’s too simple to say the retire and die. I’m very thank- the line. (laughs) We’re the op- cess. hold up through the reces- ones that make money for ful for that. posite of that. No matter what people sion? us, isn’t it? (laughs) I cut my

on the addition to your park. CongratulationsThank you for including the Wisdom Rides Inc. Rip Curl in your expansion plans.

Vic, Mai, and Bryan Wisdom and all the Wisdom employees thank you for buying American!

Wisdom Rides Inc. • PO Box 238 Merino , CO 80741 • 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 • wisdomrides.com 8B AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2013

Industry suppliers turn out for FunSpot America’s opening

Above, Irvine Ondrey sup- plied the computer con- trolled safety system for Fun Spot America’s signature coaster White Lightning. Clockwise from top left and listed l to r: Jack Mendez, Bob’s Space Racers; Len Soled, Rides 4U and Jerry Aldrich, Amuse- Below, riders enjoy the Eli ment Industry Consulting took time for the AT camera. The Great Coasters International team of Jeff Pike, Bob Dean and Bridge and the al- Chris Gray were proud to show off their latest coaster creation. Working together on the Freedom Flyer coaster were ways popular go-karts. Vekoma’s Charlotte Van Etten with husband Ton and Chance’s Angus Jenkins with wife Tisha. Victor Wisdom was happy AT/GARY SLADE; GO-KARTS COURTESY FSA to see the popularity of his new Rip Curl. Bill Kitchen, Skycoaster inventor, said a few words about this history of the Fun Spot ride and its relocation from the MGM Grand Adventures. AT/GARY SLADE GreatCoasters-FunSpot ad.pdf 6/14/13 1:44:02 PM

July 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9B 10B AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2013 Orlando’s first wooden strikes at Fun Spot GCII’s showpiece a number of firsts for GCII, tured rides], to make sure we chiefly among them is the kept the ledger connections White Lightning fact that White Lightning is away from the steel to make the company’s first coaster to it continue to feel like a wood- designed for all feature a steel support struc- en coaster. And that’s what STORY: Scott Rutherford ture. But this is no ordinary we did. We basically built a [email protected] steel scaffolding. Just as they three-foot-tall wooden coaster do with their intricately-fash- on top of all that steel. And it ORLANDO, Fla. — Cen- ioned wooden rides, GCII worked. White Lightning feels tral Florida is renowned for its went to great lengths to ensure the way we expected it to. It theme parks. There’s literally these steel supports were not doesn’t feel ridiculously harsh no place on earth quite like it. only functional but also pleas- like some steel-supported And roller coasters are a major ing to the eye. All the connec- coasters can. If you watch the facet of those properties. How- tions are uniform, which gives connections and the distribu- ever, conspicuously missing the ride an attractive, ordered tional loads, it behaves the from that varied mix of thrill appearance. same way our other rides do. rides has been a wooden roll- While GCII is renowned “We didn’t want to do er coaster. Fun Spot America for producing convoluted it like others have,” added remedied that situation on twister designs, White Light- Pike. “We didn’t want to just June 8, 2013 with the opening ning is their first true out-and- slap a ledger against a piece of White Lightning, a truly back layout. As usual, though, of steel, insert the bolts and amazing new wooden coaster the course is peppered with call it ‘done.’ That’s easier and designed and built by Penn- plenty of their trademark cost-effective but it’s not our sylvania-based Great Coasters twists, turns and unexpected way. Though White Lightning International, Inc. elevation changes including a is our first steel-structured This project represented working mid-ride double-up, ride, it is so far exactly what double-down element. They we expected. We’re proud also incorporated their first of what we’ve built and Fun FAST FACTS true 90-degree banked track Spot guests seem to really like section, which takes place it. And at the end of the day Name/Park atop the far turnaround. that’s what matters.” White Lightning/ Since the 75-foot-tall AT spoke with Fun Spot Fun Spot America White Lightning utilizes owner John Arie, Sr. about Orlando, Fla. shorter six-car Millennium his decision to build a wood- Flyer trains (most GCII rides en coaster and why he chose Type use trains twice that length), GCII. “Why a wooden coaster? Wooden out-and-back the designers actually had to That’s easy,” Arie said with roller coaster built on re-adjust their formulas and a knowing grin.” Nobody in steel support structure calculations. The result is a Orlando has one. And GCII fast-paced ride that has no was chosen for three reasons: Height/ Length slow spots from chain release they have impeccable creden- 75 feet/2,032 feet to the . The compa- tials in the industry; they’re ny worked diligently to make an American company; and Drop/Speed/ sure this action-packed coast- they have a proven train that Maximum Banking er was exceedingly smooth, I just couldn’t deny. I was con- 67.2 feet/45 mph/ an impressive feat considering cerned that by not going that 90 degrees the swift acrobatics the trains way increased our chances for (53 degrees on first drop) are performing. Also new was failure. So we chose GCII. foam padded seats from Ralph To keep the ride running Top to bottom: Fun Spot America’s new White Lightning is Height Restriction S. Alberts Co., featuring the safe and smooth, GCII worked themed to the American Railroad; riders exit the 90-degree 46 inches Fun Spot logo stamped into with Irvine Ondrey Engineer- banked back turn; the double-up and down-down was pat- the seat back. ing to deliver the ride safety terened after Knoebel’s famed ; the out-and-back Trains As this was the company’s system. design is unique for GCII and below, two young thrillseekers Two, 6-car first steel-structured project, “We went with a steel enjoy the coaster with hands in the air. Millennium Flyer trains they were determined to make structure mainly because it re- AT/GARY SLADE seating 12 riders each sure it felt like one of their all- quires less maintenance. Plus, wooden coasters. GCII’s Jeff it’s powder-coated white that Safety Controls Pike explained to AT what that will stand out brilliantly for Irvine Ondrey Engineering process entailed. “We fully un- years,” said Aire. “It’s a show Ann Arbor, Michigan derstand how a wooden track piece. Come ride it!” works on the ledger system A showpiece indeed. Supplier that we use. What we didn’t White Lightning is a rollick- Great Coasters know was how wooden track ing wooden coaster experi- International, Inc. and ledgers react to being ence that will hopefully pave Sunbury, Pa. bolted directly to a steel sup- the way for a wave of coast- port. It was too big of a ques- ers short on stature but huge Cost tion to leave unanswered,” in the thrill department. GCII $3.5 million said Pike. “When we were and Fun Spot America have working with GCII co-found- once more proven that wildly —Source: Fun Spot America/ er Mike Boodley, he said that entertaining rides do not have Great Coasters International if we ever got into steel [struc- to be gigantic to be fun. COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA July 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11B

Daytona Beach, Florida-based Bob’s Space Racers provided four games of skill to the new FAST FACTS Fun Spot America. During the park’s grand opening, and under a agreement with the park, the Bob’s team was on hand to teach and train the games employees to create maximum Park revenue. Delivered to the park was a Water Gun Fun, Balloon Bust and Hot Shot basketball Fun Spot America toss. Delivering soon will be a high-striker type game. 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, Florida 32819 AT/GARY SLADE (407) 363-3867 www.funspotattractions.com

What/Cost New 15-acre park (10-acres undeveloped) located behind the Fun Spot Action Park/$25 million expansion

Park Construction Contractor H. J. High Construction, Orlando, Fla.

Admission/Pricing Free parking and free admission/ Unlimited Armbands: $39.95 (54 inches and taller), $29.95 (under 54 inches) Annual Pass: $119.95 Guests may also buy individual ride tickets, costs vary

New Rides White Lightning, Great Coasters International Freedom Flyer, Chance Rides/Vekoma Rides Mfg. Top left, Lenexa, Kansas-based Core Cashless provided Fun Spot America with its front en- Rip Curl, Wisdom Rides try ticketing system and ride wristband scanning system giving the park accurate counts of Tilt-A-Whirl, passengers rode on each ride. Top right, the SkyDiner provides fresh food for visitors in air Used Rides conditioned setting under the 250 foot tall Skycoaster arch. Above left, the Chance/Vekoma Enterprise, Schwarzkopf/Intamin by IRM Freedom Flyer was built over the walkways for more guest interaction. Above right, Larson’s (relocated from Six Flags Over Georgia) Tilt-A-Whirl, Paratrooper and in far background Chance Double Decker Carousel offer more Sea Serpent, Miler Coaster by Rides 4U ride choices for guests. (relocated from Playland’s Castaway Cove) AT/GARY SLADE Skycoaster, Skycoaster Inc. by Ride Entertainment Group (relocated from MGM Grand Adventures) Rides Relocated from Fun Spot Attractions Schwarzkopf Enterprise at Fun Spot America , Fredericksen Double Decker Carrousel, Chance Rides Paratrooper, Hrubetz Scrambler, Eli Bridge Scooby Boo, Fredericksen Commander Go-Kart Track (track length increased from 850 feet to 1,400 feet)

Other Key Suppliers Midway Games, joint venture with Bob’s Space Racers Insurance Provider, American Specialty Shade Structures, Creative Shade Solutions Graphic Design/Signage, Tuten Graphics Park Benches, American Recycled Plastic Security Surveillance, Straight Line Communications Phone System, Emergent Telecommunications Lockers, School Outfitters/Hallowell Ride Photo Provider, ColorVision Point of Sale System, Core Cashless Wood Coaster Safety System, Irvine Ondrey Engineering LED Lights, Denny’s Electronics Concession Equipment, Gold Medal Products Beverage Provider, Pepsi Proud supplier of the Schwarzkopf Enterprise Find us on Facebook at IRM Rides or call (609) 425-1220 —Source: Fun Spot America to receive a current list of available premium used rides 12B AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2013