Adrenaline Peak Debuts As First High-Profile Ride for Oaks Park

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May 2018 | Vol. 22 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Vekoma Rides acquired Adrenaline Peak debuts as first by Sansei Technologies high-profile ride for Oaks Park VLODROP, Netherlands and OSAKA, Japan — Dutch Gerstlauer supplies roller coaster manufacturer Vekoma Rides Manufactur- first Euro-Fighter ing B.V., based in Vlodrop, the Netherlands, was acquired March 30 by Sansei Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded steel coaster in Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Pacific Northwest With the 100 percent acquisition of Vekoma (100 percent AT: Tim Baldwin of the shares will be taken over), Sansei will increase its [email protected] global market share in the field of designing, supplying and installing roller coasters. Headquartered in Osaka, PORTLAND, Ore. — For Japan, and active in the global entertainment equipment 113 years, Oaks Park has quiet- industry, Sansei achieved a turnover of around 29,122 mil- ly operated nestled into a small lion Yen (US$278 million) in 2017, largely from the sale of portion of parkland alongside attractions to amusement parks and dynamic stage instal- the Willamette River. Its roller lations to theaters. skating rink has long been one Adrenaline Peak features three inversions: a vertical loop, a The collaboration with Sansei is the beginning of a new of the most famous attractions cutback and a heartline roll. COURTESY OAKS PARK chapter in Vekoma’s development. Since 2001, Vekoma has in the park. Throughout its steadily grown into an innovative manufacturer of roller years of operation, a good mix been sprinkled into the lineup Peak opened to the public. coasters. In addition to seeing geographical growth, Vekoma of children’s rides have min- as well. This season, Oaks Park This looping steel coaster, a has also managed to position itself as a preferred supplier gled nicely along with family has taken a bigger step. 4See OAKS PARK, page 6 to a number of globally operating owners of leading theme rides. A couple thrill rides have On March 24, Adrenaline parks. With the acquisition by Sansei, Vekoma can now further expand its leading position in the worldwide market of Twisted Timbers delivers RMC hybrid roller coasters and other amusement park attractions. Vekoma’s acquisition is a logical next step, according fever to Virginia's Kings Dominion to its management. Kees van Biert, chairman of the company's supervisory board, explained:: “In recent years, a AT: B. Derek Shaw solid foundation has been laid in which safety, innovation, [email protected] quality and customer satisfaction have served as spear- DOSWELL, Va. — The heads of our policy. In Sansei, we have found a reputable foundations of the former partner, with equivalent standards and values, who can of- wooden roller coaster known fer continuity to the company and bring us even further. as Hurler at Kings Dominion Through their presence and contacts, we also see oppor- have given rise to something tunities to better serve new regions, such as Japan, South- entirely new: Twisted Timbers. east Asia and North America.” The product of Hayden, The conditions of the acquisition stipulate that no Idaho-based Rocky Mountain changes may be made to the strategy, management, terms Construction (RMC), the slick of employment and the location of the business. Vekoma’s new ride sports the company’s governance structure will, therefore, remain virtually un- I-Box steel track on a reprofiled changed after the acquisition, and its current management and reconfigured structure that team will remain intact. The company will continue its ac- was originally designed and tivities under the same trade name as an independently built by International Coasters, operating company. Inc. in 1994. Hurler ran for 22 •vekoma.com and sansei-technologies.com After ascending a 111-foot lift hill, riders slowly enter the barrel-roll first drop. COURTESY JILL RYAN 4See TIMBERS, page 8

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4 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2014 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Tidbits Amusement Today is launching a new interview series this month called Women of Influence. Each month for the next year, we will spotlight a woman who is making an impact in the amusement industry. Mary Chris Smith, president of Allied Specialty Insurance and executive vice Slade president of XL Catlin, receives our inaugural series coverage. Please turn to page 42 to get to know Smith and learn about her accomplishments. If you would like to suggest for profiling in this series a woman who is leading the way in any area of our business, email us at [email protected]. We will consider all suggestions for possible inclusion as we develop this ongoing feature. This issue also contains our 2018 What’s New Guide to attractions opening at parks around the world. Special thanks to AT staffer Jeffrey Seifert for his time-consuming research and effort in compiling the industry’s most detailed listing, which you’ll find on pages 46-49. • Congratulations to Tilman Fertitta, owner of Landry’s INDUSTRY OPINION: Dean Lamanna, [email protected] Restaurants, the Houston Rockets and numerous Houston- area amusement facilities, who was presented with his Defending the price of fun own personalized 2017 World Series championship ring It’s an annual event with the drama tic opportunities too good not to exploit. by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane. The Houston Astros of a fireworks spectacular. Disney and It is human and business nature to keep defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games to win Universal announce they are hiking theme pushing the envelope and pursuing more. their first World Series. park admission prices, and then patrons Especially in our industry. “When [the Rockets] win a world championship, I get explode with outrage on social media. As discussed previously on this page, one,” Crane told Fertitta. And Fertitta agreed to repay the Yet theme park turnstiles keep spin- there are things parks could do to reduce favor to Crane should his Rockets become champions. ning fast enough to throw sparks. the appearance of gouging. But at least • A known truth: even as wages in the Lamanna chains such as SeaWorld Entertainment I received a note from my good friend and legendary U.S. remain stagnant, the cost of just and Six Flags have stepped up with mem- newspaper publisher H.V. O’Brien of the Eastland County about everything continues going up. As long as bership and payment programs offering more- Today group of community newspapers. This fine stretch of there’s demand, it’s a certainty that what we pay affordable admission, as well as discounts. And Texas, located midway between Fort Worth and Abilene, is for what we want and need never will move in the Disney, too, in dealing with capacity crowds at opposite direction. its properties, provides variably priced admission seeking an entrepreneur or company to open a small FEC. Park operators face the same expenses every- and season pass plans based on off-peak dates. Local residents and the students attending two colleges one does — and a whopping “then some.” Major “We know how important making memories would love a place to go for good food and fun — whether costs in utilities, licensing, food, construction, at Disney theme parks is to our guests,” said Suzi it be in the form of go-karts, batting cages, bowling and/or maintenance and the executive talent needed to Brown, vice president of communications for the some other form of entertainment. manage it all are incurred in the course of satisfy- Disneyland Resort. “We will continue to evolve If anyone is interested in making a proposal, please get in ing (and exceeding) increasing visitor expecta- our pricing in a way that gives them a range of touch with me or O’Brien. tions. These properties keep growing because we options to meet their budget and helps better • keep throwing our dollars at them. spread attendance throughout the year so they We want to remind our readers of the new, centralized AT The strengthening relationship between can make the most of every visit.” email address to which you should submit all news, photos and amusements and IP — fostered by the media Another known truth: special experiences — other editorial items for possible publication on our print and/or property-aligning/acquiring savviness of today’s even when we have to budget more for them — digital platforms. The address: [email protected]. theme park corporations — has created synergis- are priceless. Opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher & Editor Managing Editor Production Manager owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna • (817) 460-7220 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial Monthly Contributors Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Andrew Mellor, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Trademarked 2018 by Amusement Today Inc., all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager, Circulation Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x4 Association Memberships Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 x5 [email protected] ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] • (717) 650-8330 PAPA, PACE, TTIA, WWA Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, B. Derek Shaw [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Advertising Industry Affiliated Charities Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com August 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 OBITUARIES Robert "Bob" Kissel dies at 82; show MINUTE owner was avid carousel horse collector DRILL MADISON, Ind. — Robert "Bob" Ralph Kissel passed 2 AT: Janice Witherow away on March 26. He was 82. Laura Woodburn, Hersheypark Kissel was the son of Ralph F. and Olga A. Schinkel Kis- sel. The family started Kissel Brothers Amusements in 1942. Laura Woodburn is the director of attrac- The carnival was headquartered in Cincin- tions and the guest experience for Hershey nati, Ohio. Entertainment and Resorts. She oversees Kissel loved the family business. He par- the safe operation of Hersheypark’s rides ticularly enjoyed wooden horse carousels and wet attractions, guest services, season and would purchase carousel equipment and pass and ticket sales and redemption at the resell the wooden horse parts. park, the Hersheypark call center and a friend- Kissel resided in Cincinnati until 1994 ly greeter staff. Laura began working for at which time he and his family moved to a Kissel Hersheypark in 1988 as a part-time sweeper, farm near Canaan, Ind. and after graduating from college she was He was a member of the Greater Ohio Showmen's As- hired full-time and has served in several roles. sociation. and the International Independent Showmen's Her pleasant, can-do attitude, care for her staff Association. and deep knowledge of the industry wins her Kissel is survived by his niece, Linda Caldwell, and her high praise from those who work with her. husband, William of Cincinnati; his nephews, Michael Grein and his wife, Roberta of Cincinnati, and David Grein and his Title: Director of Attractions and wife, Rhonda, of Cincinnati; and his great nieces and neph- the Guest Experience. ew, Kirby, Shelby and Bryce Grein. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shir- Number of years in the industry ley Kissel Grein; and his brother, Arthur Kissel. I began working part time in 1988 as a Laura Woodburn has been a part of the A graveside ceremony took place on March 30 at the sweeper and was hired full time in 1996 as Hersheypark team since 1988. Vine Street Hill Cemetery, Cincinnati. the guest services supervisor. COURTESY HERSHEYPARK The family has requested that contributions be made to beach has the best sunrises and sunsets. the donor's choice of charity. Best thing about the industry: There are so many wonderful things about When it comes to television, I turn the John William Conner, Conner Family our industry. What I value the most is the net- channel every time I see … working and close relationships we share with Commercials, unless it is the Super Bowl. Amusements, dies at 72 in Beardstown, Ill. so many people all over the world. There is BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — John William Conner died at his no other industry that embraces idea sharing On my pizza, I usually order … A really home surrounded by his family on March 25. He was 72. quite like ours. It really is amazing! good margherita pizza always wins! Having enjoyed a long career in Chicago-area media, Conner purchased his first carnival ride while working at a Favorite amusement ride: I’m not sure I’m The best advice I ever got was … Identify Chicago radio station. A small electric-pow- allowed to have just one favorite, but I do what makes you stand out from others and ered train was purchased and was booked enjoy Skyrush. then work hard to be the best in that area. with local carnivals before being set up at a local shopping center, where the ride soon blos- If I wasn’t working in the amusement indus- If I could learn to play one new sport, somed into Conner Family Amusements. try, I would be … A television news anchor. it would be … Lacrosse — my son plays Forty-nine years later, more family rides defense and it looks like so much fun! had been added. With the addition of vendor Biggest challenge facing our industry carts, Conner was able to lengthen and round Conner Staffing challenges seem to be a consistent The one thing I never seem to have out the visitation time at the park. opportunity for many park operators. enough time for is … Conner's park created first jobs for many of those he Baking, because I love cake. would employ, as he believed everyone deserved a chance to The thing I like most about amusement earn and keep a paying job. park season is … Opening a new attraction In my opinion, the best national talk show His media advertising sales skills aided in his ability to has to be the most stressful and most satisfy- host is … Oprah Winfrey, I love her passion establish the Rushville Merchants Group. In 2007 he was ing time. I love to see the faces of our guests for people. honored as parade marshall in the Beardstown Fall Fun Fes- as they experience our latest additions. tival. When not active in his work, he enjoyed his Chicago At a party, my beverage of choice is … Cubs. Favorite rainy day activity: A really good Malbec. He is survived by his wife, June Conner of Beardstown; There can be no rainy days in the summer! two children; four grandchildren; one great grandson and If I had to participate on any reality TV one sister. After a long day, I decompress by … show, it would be … Funeral services were held on March 31 at the Colwell Reading and gardening. MythBusters — a fan favorite in our home. Memorial Home in Beardstown, with burial following at St. Alexius Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the It’s spring! My favorite flower is … but- Twenty years from now, I hope to be … Beardstown St. John's Lutheran Church. terfly bushes. The flowers are modest but the A grandmother — and not one day before! audience they draw is magnificent! The style of my home is … The gathering What’s one item you can’t leave the house place for our family and friends for every spe- without? My cell phone. cial occasion.

My favorite food on the grill would have The most money I ever spent on a pair of to be … Chicken, onions, peppers and pine- jeans was … I don’t own many jeans, but I Follow us apple shish kabobs. do love high heels.

Pick one: day of fun at the beach or hitting My favorite time of the day: Morning, the the ski slopes? A fun day at the beach — the fresh start of a new day is inspiring. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 OAKS PARK according to MacKay. “One Continued from page 1 side of the park is the Willa- mette River, while another side Euro-Fighter model manufac- is a protected wildlife refuge. tured by Gerstlauer Amuse- We’re out on this little isthmus, ment Rides GmbH, is the so we really don’t have room to first such coaster in the Pacific expand anywhere. We looked Northwest and is the tallest at- for something that would fit the traction featured at the park. footprint,” she said. “We spent “This Euro-Fighter was a a long time with a couple of fantastic project, and in many companies, and this one packed ways took us back to our the most thrill and the most dif- roots,” said Siegfried Gerst- ferent dynamics into the ride.” lauer, managing director, Ger- The ride was named by stlauer. “Our company began use of a local contest. It was making unique, marketable launched on National Roller roller coasters for small parks, Coaster Day last August and and Adrenaline Peak certainly Adrenaline starts pumping on the 97-degree first drop (left). Riders conquer the Gerstlauer continued through December. fits that bill,” he said. “I was hoping for 500 ap- Euro-Fighter eight at a time. COURTESY OAKS PARK AND RIDE ENTERTAINMENT The coaster has several plicants,” said MacKay, “and thrilling elements new to the stoked once I was on.” Previously, Oaks Park had “When a park like Oaks we ended up with 5,000. I nar- market. The vertical lift hill Management said the proj- operated a portable looping gets a new coaster it really is rowed it down to a list of 100, helps keep the ride compact ect went very smoothly, and coaster, which has since been a reason to celebrate,” said and then our management while adding a daring compo- Gerstlauer had stated it was dismantled and will hopefully Adam Sandy, chief business team pared it down to four nent as riders ascend to the sky a record for the company for be sold. It had a 54-inch height development officer at Ride names and unanimously chose at a 90-degree angle. The first quickest installation. The erec- requirement, but Adrenaline Entertainment, who represents Adrenaline Peak.” drop is taken at a beyond-verti- tion only took 10 days. Peak has only a 48-inch re- Gerstlauer in North America. The park attracts between cal 97 degrees. The tangled lay- “The response has been to- quirement. “With its traditional rides and 750,000 to one million people out features banked curves and tally fantastic. We’ve had great “We’ve had several kids unique roller skating rink, each season. Attendance goals three inversions — a vertical crowds even in rainy, terrible come who couldn’t ride the old Oaks is iconic and what we are to cross that million-visitors loop, cutback and heartline roll weather,” said MacKay. “With coaster in the past expecting to think of as a classic American mark with Adrenaline Peak. Of — all within 1,050 feet of track. nice weather ahead, we’re ex- not be able to ride this one ei- amusement park. Adrenaline note, Oaks Park is a nonprofit “Oh my gosh, I’m that cra- pecting to be overrun. We’ve ther. To see their faces and the Peak provides a new anchor historical site. zy, screaming lady,” said Em- had so many wonderful com- joy when they realize they are for the property and a market- Guests to Oaks Park are ily MacKay, promotions and ments. There is so much excite- tall enough — and it’s more able asset that will be a draw sure to be drawn to the ride events manager, Oaks Park. ment for the coaster. People extreme — they have been be- for decades.” at night. The lighting pack- “It was so much fun. I was think it is amazing and can’t sides themselves,” MacKay The choice in selecting the nervous at first but was totally wait to go on it again.” told Amusement Today. new coaster was an easy one, 4See OAKS PARK, page 7 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 OAKS PARK Continued from page 6 age has a captivating program that follows the car as it travels through the coaster layout. It was supplied by KCL Engi- neering (Des Moines, Iowa). “The 51 track fixtures are mounted using a custom ex- truded aluminum mounting base that is isolated from the ride with heavy-duty rubber to help minimize potential vibrations,” said Tom Kend- rick, lighting designer, KCL Engineering. “We met with the contractor for Adrenaline Peak onsite at Oaks to go over The ride’s action is contained in a compact space. COURTESY RIDE ENTERTAINMENT installation details which included how to properly mount line Peak as it follows the hills, can start and stop effects in for our lighting work on the the lights and how to aim them turns, and inversions of the reaction to this feedback, and Monster at Adventureland in for the best result. The profes- track,” said Andy Versluys, stack multiple effects as need- Altoona, Iowa,” said Libby sionals onsite picked up on an electrical engineer, KCL Elec- ed to create an infinite number Ibeling, marketing assistant, The lighting by KCL install rhythm very quickly.” trical. “Our lighting controller of different scenes.” KLC Engineering. “We are al- Engineering is designed to “The chase is precisely receives feedback from the ride We were honored to re- ways seeking the next oppor- follow the car through its programmed to match the to know when the car passes ceive awards from the Illumi- tunity to expand upon our fan track layout at night. changing speeds of Adrena- certain points on the track. We nating Engineering Society base and growth.” COURTESY KCL ENGINEERING 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 TIMBERS Throughout the 100-second ride cycle, FAST FACTS Continued from page 1 passengers experience 20 airtime moments. The coaster also includes a 109-foot barrel Name/Park seasons. roll down drop, overbank inversion, zero-G Twisted Timbers RMC’s extensive make- roll, inverted top hat and a lateral-G floater. Kings Dominion over has incorporated a num- COURTESY JILL RYAN Doswell, Va. ber of more-aggressive ele- Location in the Park ments — including three over- Candy Apple Grove banked turns, three inversions and 20 airtime moments — Type Hybrid roller coaster, into the ride, which is located wooden frame with steel in the Candy Apple Grove sec- supports and track tion of the park. The coaster’s grand open- Height/Speed/Length ing on March 24 was the culmi- 111 feet/54 mph nation of two years of practical max/3,351 feet and creative decision-making Special Features by park owner Cedar Fair, 109-foot barrel roll Kings Dominion’s in-house down drop; development team and RMC. overbank curve; “When the decision was zero-G roll; made to not operate Hurler inverted top hat; in 2016, the development team — even with our foreman leav- rience is preceded by some lateral-G Floater; considered many options — ing right before completion storytelling in the queue, 20 airtime moments; including restoration or the as [his wife] had twins. King where guests find themselves three extreme airtime transformation of Twisted Dominion… [was] easy to work on the forbidden grounds of hills on the back stretch Timbers,” said Maggie Sellers, another coaster experience, with and very helpful.” Hanover Hill Orchard. Here Ride Vehicle park communications man- according to Rob Decker, the The park collaborated they encounter evidence pre- Two trains, ager. “Once we determined a company’s senior vice presi- with its corporate parent on a served from mysterious events 24 passengers each full transformation was justi- dent of planning and design. name for the new coaster. The that took place in 1950, includ- Footprint fied, the design and engineer- “Their technology allowed one chosen covers all aspects ing a glowing crater, rusted 180 feet by 800 feet ing phases took a little more us to completely change the of the project, with “Twisted” vehicles, tractors hanging in than a year.” dynamics of the ride,” he said, highlighting the ride’s I-Box the air and siding peeled off Color Scheme Permitting, site prepara- clearly impressed by the com- steel track-enabled maneuvers the warehouse. It builds a sense Red oxide track; tion, demolition, construction pany’s ability to transform the and “Timbers” applying to its of unease for the wild ride frost blue and and restoration of the entire wooden frame of the coaster wooden structure. through the orchard to come. apple green trains (As part of the general Boarding a train with a area of the park occurred over “both dimensionally and expe- Height Minimum a period of 18 months. The rientially” with its I-Box track updating in the Candy Apple front car themed as a Hanover 48 inches coaster transformation pro- technology. Grove area, the Rebel Yell Hill Orchard truck, riders are cess began with the removal of “RMC’s design perfectly wooden racing coaster has carried up the 111-foot-tall lift Ride Supplier, Install Rocky Mountain pieces of track in early 2017; by struck the balance of creating been renamed Racer 75 — the hill, gliding around a right Construction last summer, crews were add- a strong ride dynamic but with ride opened with the park curve into the barrel-roll drop. Hayden, Idaho ing height to the lift hill and a smooth profile for an experi- in 1975 — and the Ricochet The train flies through the first airtime hills. ence that is highly repeatable,” wild mouse coaster has been (and largest) of three over- Opening Theming, mechanical ele- Decker enthused. “I could ride renamed Apple Zapple.) banked turns and into three March 24, 2018 ments and the queueing area Twister Timbers again and Twisted Timbers is much airtime hills, then shoots into were installed this past January. again — and did!” more than Hurler reborn. The an inverted top hat element. the train into a few more air- The track’s completion in mid- “Kings Dominion was look- coaster was taken down to the Within the latter, the train time hops before finishing at February was followed by a ing for an option to reinvent the footings in some areas and built twists upward clockwise akin the station. successful period of testing. Hurler, and our hybrid option up in others. Three airtime hills to a barrel roll, hangs there for a The coaster has garnered “We are very pleased with allowed them to create a state- along the back of the ride are moment, and then exits with a “rave reviews,” according to the results,” Sellers said. of-the-art new ride utilizing the much higher and touch lower counterclockwise flourish. Tony Johnson, park vice presi- Cedar Fair knew RMC existing structure,” said Fred to the ground than before. And Several twisting air- dent and general manager. was “the best company for Grubb, RMC co-owner. “The the lift hill, now 28 feet higher, time moments pump out the “Guests love the airtime the hybrid conversion pro- construction of Twisted Timbers features a dramatic, descend- screams before the track dips moments and non-stop ele- cess” once it determined that went very well, and as planned. ing barrel roll in place of the back through the structure and ments,” Johnson said. “They’ve Hurler’s structure and real Out of all our coasters this year, original first drop. into the third inversion. Two also been really pleased with estate would be retained for the build was the smoothest The 100-second ride expe- overbanked right turns guide the theming that has been included in the ride area and queue line. “Kings Dominion has long been known for delivering world-class experiences at scale for a broad audience of families and thrill-seekers alike. We are excited about the strong reaction we have received and appreciation of the ride.” Added Decker: “Twisted Timbers is another example of Cedar Fair’s commitment to invest in a portfolio of unique and intriguing experiences that Twisted Timbers' 24-passenger trains (960 pph), are fashioned after an orchard truck tying into the theme of visiting the offer a higher appeal and value forbidden grounds of Hanover Hill Orchard. Located in the Candy Apple Grove section, the project required 18 months to for our guests.” complete. COURTESY KINGS DOMINION •kingsdominion.com May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  San Diego Zoo's new $68 million exhibit — page 14 / FAIRS 25-31 Lamberink wheel to take leisurely spin at Ohio’s Coney Island AT: Dean Lamanna nary structure, taking family spectacular landmark as half [email protected] playtime to new heights with a million programmable LED state-of-the-art technology,” lights put on a show visible CINCINNATI, Ohio said Sally Derrick, park mar- for many miles around. — In fitting “observation” of keting director. The ride is owned jointly its 132nd year of operation, The attraction’s arrival is by San Antonio, Texas-based Coney Island amusement partly a celebration of Coney Wood Entertainment Co. park will host one of the larg- Island’s emergence from a and Wade Shows, Inc., of est portable wheels in North particularly rough off sea- Livonia, Mich. It debuted America when it opens its son, which saw floodwaters at the Florida State Fair in gates for the season May 26. — the highest to hit the Ohio February 2017. The 45-meter-tall River since 1997 — inundate Tickets are available ride, an RL45 model from the property. Periodic flood- online for the wheel, which Lamberink of Overschild, ing has been a problem for will stay onsite at Coney the Netherlands, will be the park historically. Island through July 8 before dubbed the Coney Island “It’s a great way to launch rolling to other locations, SkyWheel during its gener- an exciting 2018 season while including the Wisconsin ous six-week stay. Situated putting the wintertime Ohio State Fair near Milwaukee. adjacent to the park’s Sunlite River issues behind us,” •coneyislandpark.com Water Adventure area, not Derrick said. far from the Riverbend The wheel features 36 On May 26, one of the Music Center, it will offer six-person gondolas. Each largest portable observation passengers a 360-view of the ride will take about 10 min- wheels in North America park, the Ohio River and utes, completing four rota- will begin a six-week run well beyond. tions per session. at Cincinnati’s Coney Island “The Coney Island At night, the attraction amusement park. SkyWheel is an extraordi- will become an even more COURTESY CONEY ISLAND 3D flying theater readying for takeoff at San Francisco’s Pier 39 SAN FRANCISCO, and CEO of Triotech, described Calif. — Pier 39 on the bay the attraction as “a thrilling in Fisherman’s Wharf will ride that is a love story to one become an airstrip of sorts of the most beautiful cities in when a new attraction lands the world.” on it this summer. The theater’s seat- The Flyer — San Francisco, based motion and curved, a flying theater, is being billed 1,100-square-foot, field-of- as the world’s only immersive vision-filling screen ensure experience of its type in 3D. a “front-row seat” for every The project represents a cre- guest. After the floor slips ative partnership between oper- away, the six-minute 3D flight ator W.A. Alter, Inc., of San travels over (and sometimes Francisco and award-winning very close to) iconic loca- attraction developer Triotech of tions such as the Golden Gate Montréal. The Flyer — San Francisco, a new flying theater coming to the city’s Pier 39, combines Bridge, Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Using computer-generated motion-seat technology and 3D to carry guests over local landmarks. COURTESY PIER 39 Marin Headlands, Chinatown imagery and high-definition and the Castro District. film footage captured with the theater will take guests on a and developing multi-sensorial — San Francisco will create an As a local-culture bonus, help of drones and helicopters soaring, swooping tour of the effects in tandem with cutting- unforgettable guest experience the journey also will offer — all combined through the Bay Area’s iconic landmarks. edge 3D high-definition tech- that will have audiences ... on glimpses of some of the Bay cinematic artistry of Montréal- “Through our partnership nology,” said John Alter of W.A. the edge of their seats.” Area’s best-known performers based mixed media develop- with Triotech, we have spent Alter, Inc. “The overall mov- While praising the collabo- and personalities. ment house Fly Studio — the nearly two years researching ielike originality of The Flyer ration, Ernest Yale, president —Dean Lamanna May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 v AMUSEMENT PARK Busch Gardens in Va. poised MARKET PLACE to thrill with VR attraction WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — journey to rescue the sacred After previews held for the Heart of Ireland. Along the media earlier this year, Busch way, they are enlisted to Gardens Williamsburg was help keep a one-eyed villain readying a virtual reality (VR) named Balor at bay. Wind motion simulator attraction, effects will enhance the the- Battle for Eire, for its public ater portion of the 15-minute debut in April. (A specific date experience. was unavailable as Amusement Busch Gardens is banking Today went to press.) synch with the 360-degree on Battle for Eire to open VR Billed by Busch Gardens action — presents a fami- up to a wider audience; statis- as the first installation of the ly-friendly fantasy world tics have shown that less than combined technologies in inspired by Irish lore and 10 percent of Americans have North America, the immer- mythology. It is located in the experienced the technology. sive theater experience — park’s Ireland section. The attraction was designed complete with a new style The story line finds guests by Falcon’s Digital Media, of swiftly strapped-on, extra- riding on the back of a flying a division of Orlando-based hygienic VR headset by HTC dragon as they follow a hero- Falcon’s Creative Group. n Vive and seats moving in ic fairy named Addie on her —Dean Lamanna Naughton Sesame Place gives hard hat tour Insurance, Inc. of Oscar's Wacky Taxi

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On the first day of spring, Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., hosted a few dozen of the media for a hard hat tour of its new Gravity Group roller coaster, Oscar’s Wacky Taxi. The ride sits on what was formerly 75 parking spaces near the main entrance. The 40-foot-tall wood-steel hybrid coaster features 1,200 feet of track, with a mid-course helix tunnel, lots of speed bumps and ample air time for the pint-size set and families as well. The ride is expected to open to the public in late spring. The only other coaster at the 14-acre park, Super Grover’s Vapor Trail (Vekoma custom junior coaster) is celebrating its 20th season; it was the first mechanical ride at the property.AT/B. DEREK SHAW Stan Checketts ride tower announced for Pigeon Forge mall redevelopment PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. four extreme swing, drop Digital Edition — A vacant mall being and launch rides represent- App redeveloped outside of ing the most-recent inven- now Dollywood is expected even- tions in the Checketts oeuvre. available! tually to offer 169 acres of A later phase could expand retail, entertainment and the adventure ride offerings attractions. across a 70-acre park. Plans indicate that the Erecting the tower and central draw at the Teaster rebuilding the mall, which Lane site of the former Belz will be known as Tower possibly a driving range and Factory Outlet World, to Shops at the Mountain Mile, a water park. be renamed The Mountain currently is estimated at $30 The mall that largely Mile, is a tower-based adven- million. The entirety of the makes up the initial phase ture ride concept by veteran project, wrapping around likely will contain a bowl- amusement industry innova- The Ripken Experience base- ing alley, a sports bar and tor Stan Checketts. ball complex, eventually will an arcade. Mountain Monster Keep our amusement park industry strong! Called Mountain cost more than three times and half the mall space could Buy products and services from these suppliers. Monster, the attraction is that, and it would include be open by spring of 2019. 200 feet tall and features other attractions, hotels, and —Dean Lamanna May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13

New Parts Store 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 San Diego Zoo’s Africa Rocks area garners roars of approval ‘Return’ of Rex the Lion puts bow on $68 million exhibit AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Move over, Mr. MGM lion: There’s a new leonine icon taking the spotlight in Southern California. The unveiling in March of a strikingly regal and “roar”- geous bronze lion statue in the entrance plaza of the San Diego Zoo was filled with symbolism. The 27-foot-tall, 20,000-pound work represents Gracing the San Diego Zoo's entrance, this statue inspired the property’s century of exis- tence, its preeminence among by Rex, the lion that led to the zoo's founding, raises guest zoological parks, and the open- anticipation for the new Africa Rocks section. COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO (ABOVE); AT/DEAN LAMANNA ing (and gradual completion in phases) last summer of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks — a nat- the San Diego Zoo Institute cally honors Rex, the lion that uralistic, multifaceted exhibit for Conservation Research inspired the founding of the area that could be the Balboa and the San Diego Zoo zoo in 1916. As the story goes, Park institution’s crowning Global Wildlife Conservancy. Wegeforth, a San Diego phy- has replaced the zoo’s 1930s- you see on display,” said the achievement. “He’s a huge reminder of sician, and his brother were era Dog and Cat Canyon zoo’s director, Dwight Scott, “Rex is more than an where we came from a century driving past Balboa Park when exhibits, showcases distinc- describing Africa Rocks short- engineering marvel,” said ago, and a symbol showcasing they heard a lion roar. The tive wildlife in six roomy, ly before its debut. “It’s mak- Rick Schwartz, an ambas- that zoo founder Dr. Harry lion, named Rex, was part conservation-minded out- ing connections here with the sador for San Diego Zoo Wegeforth’s dream of uniting of a menagerie left behind door settings that carefully [conservation] work we do Global, the non-profit organi- people with wildlife lives on.” after the Panama-California recreate their home turf. around the world.” zation that operates the zoo, The statue more specifi- Exposition, and he and his Among the exotic inhabit- Still, animal diversity is a mates — and a number of ants are rock hyrax and klip- big part of the attraction. For other animals — were living in springers; baboons, leopards, some inadvertent pop culture cages along what is now Park fossas and vervet monkeys; appeal (and good humor), the Boulevard. meerkats; sociable weavers new zoo section even features In that moment, and sunbirds; several species a honey badger. Wegeforth’s idea for the zoo of lemurs; and — not seen “Everyone is familiar with was born. at the zoo since the 1970s — the big animals from Africa — The good doctor would no African penguins. the elephants and the giraffes,” doubt be amazed at how far The latter are, in fact, an said Steve Fobes, the zoo’s the facility has come. And Rex endangered species that now chief architect. “This became a surely would have loved to have a spectacular, state- chance to showcase some of the have the run of Africa Rocks, of-the-art home called Cape smaller, lesser-known animals Frederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1 which recreates diverse animal Fynbos, complete with gran- from the continent.” habitats from the savanna to ite-look artificial rockwork, In addition to Cape Africa Rocks features eight acres of naturalistic outdoor the sea. a 200,000-gallon pool with Fynbos, other habitat high- exhibits, including this habitat housing some very content The eight-acre, $68 mil- depths of up to 13 feet and lights within Africa Rocks West African dwarf crocodiles. AT/DEAN LAMANNA lion exhibit complex, which a wave-making machine. The include the Acacia Woodland, zoo’s goal is to encourage home to the vervet monkeys “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN breeding among the birds; it is and leopards and many dif- “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. partnered with a similar effort ferent types of birds; the 5212 St. Paul St. taking place in Africa. • Financing and Leasing Available “It’s more than just what 4See SAN DIEGO, page 15 • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide

Many exhibits in the San Diego zoo's Africa Rocks section present smaller, lesser-seen animals, such as the dwarf mongoose (left) and the slender-tailed meerkat. They live in rock outcroppings and burrows. AT/DEAN LAMANNA May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 SAN DIEGO San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Continued from page 14 drew a combined five million guests annually. Madagascar Forest, where the The new bronze Rex at the predatory fossas, which are gate will be there to welcome related to the mongoose, roam; loyal visitors as well as new the West African Forest, featur- generations curious to learn ing dwarf crocodiles; and the about the creatures with whom Ethiopian Highlands, housing we share the planet. hamadryas baboons, geladas, “We all know it started Nubian ibex and more. with a roar, but this statue also Those with an interest shows that the roar has never in horticulture, or just really stopped,” Schwartz said. “It’s cool plants, can enjoy a gar- in the hearts and minds of all den stocked with rare and of us who share a passion for The signage throughout Africa Rocks (left) is both unobtrusive and informative. Among the exotic flora. wildlife.” varied habitats presented is a swampy one (right) within the West African Forest section Overall, Africa Rocks is a •zoo.sandiegozoo.com containing several unusual and endangered turtle species. AT/DEAN LAMANNA model of organic landscaping and comfortable, efficient public space design. Sidewalks are extra wide and gently slop- ing, and exhibit areas flow into each other without jar- ring transitions. A particularly nice touch on extra-hot days is a 65-foot-tall waterfall that guests can walk behind. An impressive, exposition-like tensile metal aviary net covering two acres contains many of the new area’s winged inhabitants. Mostly unobtrusive but attractive signage throughout Africa Rocks clearly identifies all of the habitats and species on display in large, succinct text. The placards’ information is supplemented online by Animal Byte, a section of the San Diego Zoo website that attracts more than 300,000 page views each month and contains more than 180 animal fact sheets. Africa Rocks is expected to create a big jump in the zoo’s visitor numbers by the end of its first full year of operation. Prior to the section’s opening last July, the Balboa Park location and its 1,800-acre sister facility in nearby Escondido,

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Providing protected air space for bird species, as well as a high degree of visual interest, is this two- Nautic Jet Sundancer Loopster acre tensile metal aviary net. AT/DEAN LAMANNA 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Alton Towers opens Wicker Man from Great Coasters International Wooden coaster ton Towers on the site of the old log flume.” is first in the U.K. Andy Hine, founder of Roll- er Coaster Club of Great Britain, in more 20 years agrees. “In the U.K. we haven’t had a new [wooden coaster] this AT: Tim Baldwin century. The public demand just [email protected] hasn’t been there, and I can see why if you’ve only experienced a STAFFORDSHIRE, Eng- woodie built decades ago. Mod- land — It was a long time ern-day wooden coasters are as coming. Alton Towers has a thrilling as their steel counter- long-established reputation for parts because technology has groundbreaking coasters. Nem- moved on so far. It has taken up esis took the relatively new in- to now to convince the U.K. pub- verted coaster genre and turned lic that it’s what the landscape it into a thematic masterpiece. needs,” he said at the opening. Oblivion and Air were the first “Alton Towers has worked installations of their kind. Smil- extensively with Great Coasters er holds the record for number and other partners like Merlin of inversions — a dizzying 14. Magic Making (MMM), Holo- But a wooden coaster seemed to vis, and Backstage Technolo- Wicker Man's wooden structure and fire effects make for a dramatic roller coaster, the first- be a missing component among gies to create an immersive ex- of-its-kind at Alton Towers. The Great Coasters International installation is the first coaster the park’s lineup of nine roller perience,” said House. “From coasters. Wicker Man not only the amazing theming to the of its type to be built in the U.K. since 1995. The attraction delivers a great climax to the gave the park double digits in queue story, the guests will be story line that builds throughout the experience. COURTESY ALTON TOWERS its arsenal, but it was the first transported into another world. wooden coaster to ever be in- The sensory overload from stalled at the 38-year-old park. Wicker Man will truly be like “The team at Alton Towers nothing else guests have expe- realized that England had not rienced. Typically, our coasters built a new wooden roller coast- are known for their thrilling er in more than 20 years,” said on-ride experience, but Wicker Adam House, senior design Man will be known for not only engineer, Great Coasters Inter- the same quality coaster Great national Inc. “After extensive Coasters International provides, research from their end, they re- but also theming that will light a alized that a modern-day, high- fire in your eye.” thrill wooden roller coaster The storyline as presented is would be the perfect fit for the centered on the Beornen, a mys- already impressive coaster col- terious group that lives in the tall Wicker Man simultane- inspiration has come from his- drop into a sweeping curve.” lection at the park. Great Coast- surrounding woods. Coming to ously,” he said. “Extra care was torical sources, and we’ve creat- Much of the story is told ers specializes in smooth and escape the outside world and re- taken to develop a schedule to ed a unique and strong identity before riders step aboard. Ho- twisted wooden coaster layouts connect with nature, they strive allow the structure and track for our ride.” lovis supplied the elements of and leapt at the challenge to for a simpler way of life, becom- to be installed while the steel From a statistical stand- the multisensory storytelling help design a custom, terrain- ing single-minded in their pur- frame of the Wicker Man was point, the coaster is far from experience. Holovis worked hugging wooden coaster for Al- suit. Having developed their being built. The bridges for the GCII’s tallest or longest. A mod- alongside MMM to conceive own language and belief sys- structure needed to be woven in est length of 2,027 feet, a speed and script the preshow, then tem, the Beornen appear to be and through the steel framing of 44 mph and a first drop of 72 produced the media and deliv- FAST FACTS working toward something big. structure during installation. feet aren’t staggering statistics, ered the complex AV elements “At the beginning, we knew No doubt that this coordination but the ride’s thematic experi- throughout the attraction, in- Ride/Park one thing, that we really want- created a seamless integration ence and unique attributes still cluding the projection mapping. Wicker Man/Alton Towers ed to build an exciting roller between theming and coaster to make for a star attraction. Rid- This began on-site at the Ho- coaster,” said Bradley Wynne, help create the first U.K. wood- ers pass through the impressive lovis Demonstration Campus Ride Stats creative lead for Alton Towers. en coaster to integrate wood figure three times. filming scenes and capturing Speed/ 44 mph “We’ve never had a wooden and fire.” “There’s no doubt in my vocals in the Green Screen and Length/ 2,027 feet roller coaster at Alton Towers, Wood coasters and fire mind that the triple-down first Audio Studio with full post pro- First Drop/ 72 feet and we knew it would be a great might seem an odd mix, but drop is going to take a lot of duction and mixing. addition to the resort’s suite of the novel approach adds to the people by surprise. In and of Surround audio and im- already impressive coasters. We mystique. Cost/Opened itself, the element is really thrill- mersive media are featured listened to our fans that said “When it came to telling throughout the queue, preshow, £16 million ($22.5 million)/ ing, but with the addition of two they wanted a completely dif- this story, we wanted to draw sensory tunnels, guests are go- station loading zone, enclosed March 2018 ferent experience, something on legend, British history, the ing to be blown away,” House sections, exit and within the that would take them back to local area, myths and tales from told AT. Wicker Man structure. Holovis Trains/Capacity what they first loved about roll- Alton and the surrounding ar- Alton Towers has an unusual also programmed all the effects Two 24-passenger er coasters. Everything at Alton eas,” commented Wynne. “The building restriction that does not including synchronized pyro- Millennium Flyer trains/ Towers needs that extra layer concept of burning an effigy (or permit any rides to extend above technics. 952 riders per hour of magic. We started to build wicker man in this case) can be the tree line. In meeting this re- “This has been a phenom- a huge theming feature — the traced back through the Neo- quirement, the lift hill of Wicker enal project for Holovis and a Manufacturer/Designer/ Wicker Man himself — who lithic period, ancient Druids Man has a slight bend in its up- great example of the company’s Supporting Suppliers would burst into flames as you and the Roman era. Since we ward trajectory. House said, “As turnkey capability,” said Peter Great Coasters go through him.” announced the title, a lot of the with any project that has unique Cliff, creative director. “With International Inc./ Amusement Today asked reporting has linked the theme site constrains, much of the lay- our artists, software develop- Jeff Pike, House if the dramatic theming back to the Wicker Man movies, out was modified to fit the site ers and engineering teams all Skyline Design, LLC/ caused any challenges for GCII. but actually the theme and story topography, including the unique working together to deliver this Theming Partner/Holovis “Additional coordination was of our ride is completely unre- lift hill. Wicker Man utilizes the spectacular experience, we hope Musical Score/IMAscore required for constructing both lated. We’re exploring similar park’s dynamic terrain to have guests will enjoy it as much as a wooden coaster and 60-foot- concepts as the movies, but our that exciting triple-down first we do.” May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Legoland Florida coaster gets Great Lego Race VR makeover High-tech upgrade supplied by Mack’s VR Coaster unit AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Lego toy-brick fans, start your engines… The Great Lego Race is now underway at Legoland Florida Resort. The park’s wild mouse- style roller coaster, formerly known as Project X, now car- ries guests into a 360-degree, A Mack Rides-manufactured roller coaster formerly called Project X provides the physical sensation for the VR experience brick-built virtual reality (VR) of The Great Lego Race, which utilizes technology created by Mack’s VR Coaster subsidiary to create a 360-degree, Lego world depicting a road rally brick-built world. COURTESY LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT with Lego Minifigures — including a pirate, a wizard, a The laws of physics and Entertainments Group, the “The Great Leo Race was VR Coaster subsidiary on surfer and more — driving an aerodynamics only loosely concept is billed as the first VR inspired by the way kids play the media overlay. The two- array of imaginative vehicles. apply in The Great Lego Race. coaster experience designed with Lego toys at home,” and-a-half-year development The ride reopened in March Wearing optional VR head- for kids. A similar coaster said Candy Holland, senior process included the render- after a fairly swift, though sets, riders experience the retheming and upgrad- creative director for Merlin ing of the 360-degree anima- long in the planning, rethem- point of view of a Lego race ing debuted at Legoland Magic Making. “It’s a unique tion by U.K.-based Figment ing, retrofitting and freshen- car driver with action taking Malaysia Resort last year, Lego adventure that lets kids Productions to specifications ing up. place in every direction — up, and another is in the works at enter an epic, imaginary set by The Lego Group, ensur- (The coaster, which began down, forward, backward and Legoland Deutschland Resort world made entirely from ing that the digital environ- life as Jungle Coaster in 2004 all points in between. in Günzburg, Germany. It also Lego bricks.” ment faithfully represented at Legoland Windsor Resort Developed under the represents the first time the Merlin worked with the models and landscapes that in the U.K. before it was relo- supervision of Merlin Magic Lego brand and Minifigure coaster’s original manufactur- could be built from real Lego cated to Legoland Florida in Making, the global cre- characters have been integrat- er, Mack Rides of Germany, bricks. 2011, gave its last rides as ative division of Legoland ed with VR in a theme park on the attraction’s makeover 4See LEGO, page 19 Project X on Jan. 8.) chain operator Merlin attraction. and coordinated with Mack’s ‘Walking Dead,’ Triotech bring frightful fun to Downtown Vegas AT: Dean Lamanna show area is filled with miss- [email protected] ing persons notices, breaking news footage about a LAS VEGAS, Nev. — viral outbreak in L.A. and Already a sight to behold perhaps the most ominous with its flood of risqué warnings ever for guests street performers and free- with physical conditions ly imbibing visitors, the that could be aggravated by Fremont Street Experience extreme thrills and motion. It in Downtown Las Vegas got all builds unease as much as a whole lot freakier — and anticipation. frightening, in an agreeable Like the most effective way — with the debut of Fear mazes produced by Knott’s the Walking Dead Survival Scary Farm and Halloween late last summer. Horror Nights at Universal Amusement Today caught Studios, Fear the Walking up with the zombie-themed Dead Survival features a combination walk-through number of rooms — here set Expanding the attractions / escape room / motion within a makeshift military area at the east end of simulator attraction dur- facility — that increasingly the Freemont Street ing Amusement Expo amp the scares, with several Experience, Fear the International in early March. live actors keeping the par- Walking Dead Survival Inspired by the hit AMC tele- ticipants moving forward as features a gruesome vision series, it occupies a well as jumping out at them in entrance / pre-show area storefront near the base of the growlingly grotesque, in- and a motion simulator- the SlotZilla zipline struc- your-face fashion established based 3D zombie battle. ture, just beyond the east end by the TV show. An unnerv- AT/DEAN LAMANNA of Fremont Street’s massive ing combination of sound canopy. and shadowy lighting effects, Groups of up to 12 at a plus some claustrophobia- The attraction repre- specializes in high-tech inter- Experience handles its day- time are led into the 20-min- enhancing gimmicks, make sents a creative and IP alli- active gaming rides and to-day management. ute attraction, which is it almost a relief to arrive at ance between the Fremont equipment. Devoting more “[Las Vegas] is the ideal fronted by a gift shop and a the motion simulator, where Street Experience, AMC and than a year to development, place for a futuristic, immer- gruesome scene of a crashed the climactic, interactive 3D Montréal-based Triotech — Triotech scripted, manufac- sive and interactive attrac- jeep and deceased driver. zombie battle (involving elec- extending to co-ownership tured and installed the attrac- An apocalyptic waiting/pre- tronic weaponry) unfolds. by the latter company, which tion, while the Fremont Street 4See VEGAS, page 19 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 LEGO VEGAS Continued from page 18 Continued from page 18

The adventure actually tion,” said Ernest Yale, begins as guests step through Triotech president and CEO. the ride’s new entry portal, “Fear the Walking Dead which features large versions Survival incorporates many of several Minifigure racers of our technologies and is a and their custom Lego vehi- first for us in terms of creativ- cles. The queue is filled with ity and immersion as well as colorful graphics represent- a business model.” ing each of the five racing Historic Fremont Street, teams, with themed elements for its part, is banking on to entertain waiting riders and lively returns from this inva- video screens demonstrating sion of the not-quite-dead. the VR experience. “We’re always looking to Once guests begin the create the optimum experi- journey in the ride vehicles, the ence for our guests, including tourists and locals alike,” said VR visuals are synched with For the second year in a row, the family-oriented music group Kidz Bop Kids will bring their Patrick Hughes, Fremont the coaster’s twists, drops and national concert tour to Legoland Florida Resort. The group will appear Nov. 10-12 and Street Experience president climbs — creating an all-new perform two concerts each day. COURTESY LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT experience filled with action, and CEO. “We’re excited to surprises and humor. six years old and 48 inches that, for the second year in a two concerts each day and partner with Triotech, along The Great Lego Race tall to wear the VR headsets, row, the family-oriented pop extend meet-and-greet oppor- with AMC. This new attrac- reaches a height of 51.8 feet which are sanitized after each music group Kidz Bop Kids tunities to park guests. All of tion will not only benefit and a top speed of 35 mph use and inspected regularly. will bring their national con- the fun is included with regu- Downtown Las Vegas, but along more than 1,300 feet of In other Legoland Florida cert tour to the park on Nov. lar park admission. the city as a destination.” track. Riders must be at least news, the resort announced 10-12. The group will perform •legoland.com •vegasexperience.com 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Toverland to unveil new entrance area with major expansion AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

SEVENUM, Netherlands — Toverland theme park will become one-and-a-half times larger, and more elabo- rate in layout, with its scheduled introduction in July of a new entrance area along with a previously announced attractions section.

Toverland’s reimagined gateway, called Port Laguna, has been described by the park as a place where guests Set to debut in July along with Avalon, a themed attractions area that is the largest expansion in the park’s history, Tover- — with the wave of a special land’s new Port Laguna gateway will offer guests a respite from the bigger thrills as well as interactive opportunities for electronic wand — can “prac- visitors to wave electronic wands — with magical results. COURTESY TOVERLAND tice real magic.” It features ponds with reflective azure According to Caroline “This shows that our park cal warehouse) before they are hectares in size, it represents water and a beach, and it has Kortooms, Toverland gener- is truly worthy of the name sold in the shop. the largest expansion in the been designed to provide al director, Port Laguna will Toverland [i.e., Magicland],” Visitors may enter the park’s history. relaxing welcome and fare- become “the place where our Kortooms said. Magiezijn to discover other With these and still more well bookends to an exciting guests love to stay. Full of A highlight of Via Magia forms of magic during an expansions and upgrades day of rides and attractions. warmth and color.” is the Magic Store, operated interactive show. in the planning, including Central to the new Tucked inside Port by the fictional Magistralis Aside from Port Laguna, a four-star hotel, Toverland entrance area is Via Magia, Laguna’s storefronts and family, who have collected Toverland also is moving has indicated that it is aim- a boulevard that leads visi- alcoves are magical scenes all the valuables and bottles toward completion of its ing to increase visitor length tors to other areas of the park. that can be discovered with that have washed up on the new themed area, Avalon. of stay — with its ultimate Lining the pedestrian thor- a provided map. The interac- Port Laguna beach for genera- Highlights of the section aim to attract one million oughfare will be shops, eat- tive scenes are activated by tions. These scavenged items include a wing coaster called visitors annually. eries, shows, games and an guests with the wave of an are carefully “wizard-tested” Fēnix and Merlin’s Quest, a • toverland.com iconic lighthouse. electronic wand. in the Magiezijn (i.e., magi- fantasy boat ride. At seven Europa-Park brushing up on its French for big summer season RUST, Germany — mer season, in the park’s France will be a special adjacent German-themed focus of Europa-Park during area, the train-style fam- its summer season, which ily ride formerly known as began March 24 — with the Old 99 has been rethemed theme park’s corresponding as Michael Ende’s Jim section undergoing a thor- Button — Journey through ough updating among other Morrowland. The makeover changes and additions else- coincides with the release of where around the sprawling the feature film Jim Button property. and Luke the Engine Driver, The big news in the which opened in theaters in French-themed area is the Germany in late March. refurbishment and retheming Meanwhile, construc- of Eurosat, the roller coaster tion on the year-round water inside the park’s iconic geo- park Rulantica continues near desic sphere. Mack Rides’ Europa-Park’s gates. The makeover of the attraction, 450,000-square-meter resort renamed Eurosat — CanCan extension, sporting a Nordic Coaster, includes larger, more theme and containing 25 comfortable vehicles and water attractions, is expected improved tracks for a better Mack family members (from left) Jürgen, Michael, Thomas and Roland revealed the to open by the end of next riding experience, plus Euro redesigned lead vehicle of the rethemed Eurosat — CanCan Coaster earlier this season. year. Visitors can get an early Coastiality — a virtual real- Already delighting Europa-Park visitors is the new mini-railroad adventure Michael Ende’s look at what to expect from ity option from Mack Media Jim Button — Journey through Morrowland, inspired by the German cultural touchstone Rulantica via the exhibition with its own station, track and a concurrent feature film release.COURTESY EUROPA-PARK “Journey to Rulantica,” locat- switches and carriages (a first ed in the former Historama in the realm of VR coaster ditional Parisian architecture, Curiosités, occupying the the lake, invites relaxation in the Luxemborg-themed attractions). The ride opens including a replica of the former Universe of Energy and affords views of a spec- area; and “Rulantica — The this summer. famous Moulin Rouge vari- attraction space, offers a tacular water fountain show Musical,” in the baroque The entrance zone to the ety theater — transporting quirky, amusing dinosaur- accompanied by traditional Europa-Park Teatro in the area has undergone some visitors back to the 19th cen- themed adventure, while French music. park’s Italian-themed area. redesign in the style of tra- tury. Madame Freudenreich Liberté, a floating bistro on Also new for the sum- —Dean Lamanna May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Family Entertainment Group acquires way. The park, set to reopen in spring 2019, three Going Bonkers Fun Centers is undergoing a transformational renovation ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG) an- from what was once a conventional amuse- nounced in March that it has acquired three Going Bonkers Park ment park to what will become a family enter- Family Fun Centers in Quincy, Il.; Columbia, Mo.; and Topeka, tainment center with family-focused program- ming and entertainment in addition to some Kansas. Post-its amusements. The Going Bonkers locations were previously owned and Renovations began in March. operated by Richard and Lori Houseweart and Tim Anderson. • The Housewearts and Anderson will continue to operate the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, Darien Lewisville, Texas, location in addition to managing their other COMPILED: Lake, N.Y., is extending its operating season business interests. Pam Sherborne in 2018 to incorporate its new fall event, Jack- Richard Houseweart stated, “I’ve been fortunate to work o-Lantern Jamboree set to run Sept. 28-Oct. with many companies over the years. I can honestly say with- [email protected] 29, 2018. out reservation that none have been more honest, fair and pleas- The Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree will feature ant to deal with than FEG. We are confident that Going Bonkers Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, Pa., will pumpkin-themed entertainment including is in good hands going forward.” feature Thomas the Tank Engine, along with specialty foods, costume contests, a trick-or- According to Ray Smith, director of business development his friends and favorite destinations from the treat trail, a pie-eating contest and a brand- at FEG, “Going Bonkers is a perfect fit aligning with our strategy Island of Sodor, for the 2018 season. Kenny- new laser light show. of acquiring high-quality, well-operated locations and driving wood General Manager Jerome Gibas said In addition, park guests will have the the business to the next level through strategic investment, tech- the park's new Thomas Town, a permanent unique opportunity to bring a carved jack-o- nology and innovation.” attraction, is helping Kennywood celebrate lantern to help Darien Lake break the Guin- As part of the acquisition, FEG is excited to enhance the fa- its 120th anniversary and is one of the largest ness World Record for most carved pumpkins cilities over the next year through the installation of a new games single-year additions in all that time. in a line. and attractions package, restaurant expansion, exterior renova- Along with the characters, the area also • Guests at Sea Life Aquarium Legoland tions and improved online presence. The locations will also be will feature five rides, with four new ones and California Resort, Carlsbad, can now take a included in Family Entertainment Groups’ Bonkers brand. the retheming of the Olde Kennywood Rail Road into a Thomas & Friends story. The area splash in the ocean without ever getting wet also will include a retail center, soft-play area, and become a shark explorer at the attrac- birthday center and the entertainment show tions' two newest exhibits: Sea at Night and featuring Thomas’ friends Percy, James, Emily Shark Mission. Both exhibits allow guests to and Gordon. All the attractions will be placed learn about marine life in a fun and interactive in and around the existing footprint of the way. park’s train ride, which has operated at Ken- Sea at Night invites guests to jump, leap nywood with various themes since 1945. and splash into simulated bioluminescent More details were to be revealed as open- waves that react to their footsteps. The reac- ing date approached. Kennywood opens for tion created by the guests’ movements dem- the 2018 season on May 5 for weekends and onstrates the effect of a glowing tide similar then full time operation on May 24. to ones often seen along the Pacific coastline. • Shark Mission allows kids to come face Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Ca- to fin with six different species of sharks and lif., in partnership with Warner Bros. Consum- rays on three giant touch screens. Young ex- er Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, plorers can learn about anatomy, conservation opened a new extreme virtual reality (VR) expe- and other cool facts through interactive activi- rience in late March. For a limited time, guests ties and games. Guests can also hold a shark’s can experience the new DC Heroes Drop of tooth, learn about shark skin and eggs, plus Doom VR. Riders don special VR headsets step into a shark cage. to view the action as Superman and Wonder The attraction opened March 16. Woman battle their nemesis, Lex Luthor, while • plunging 400 feet at speeds up to 85 mph. A Jefferson Memorial Forest parks ad- The Drop of Doom, manufactured by In- ministrator in Louisville, Ky., announced in tamin, opened at the California Six Flags Park March that Kentucky Kingdom is finalizing a in 2012. This year when riders buckle into their contract with the Louisville Metro Parks and floorless seats and strap on their VR headsets, Recreation Department to operate the zipline they are immersed into a 360-degree virtual attraction at the 6,600-acre forest. world where they are unwittingly invited by This attraction, to be called “Zipline King- DC Super-Villain, Lex Luthor, to test the new- dom — An Adventure at Jefferson Memorial est LexCorp levitation technology. The VR ex- Forest," offers a unique three-hour, highly in- perience is using Samsung Gear VR headsets. teractive experience. Besides allowing riders Among the highlights of this interactive to enjoy the view of the wooded terrain from story line include: Lex Luthor levitating riders 30 feet up, the zipline also connects riders with his anti-gravity ray gun as they begin to with 39 different activities, among them Tar- float upwards, rising high above the skyscrap- zan swings, a zig-zag suspended bridge, rope ers; Wonder Woman and Superman dashing to ladders, a log swing, a plank crossing, a half the rescue with an epic battle ensuing high in trapeze, a net tunnel and a “flying carpet.” the air over Metropolis; Wonder Woman clash- • ing with an army of flying LexBots while Super- One restaurant at Dollywood in Pigeon man is in fierce combat with Lex Luthor; and Forge, Tenn., has been recast this year with high in the sky, the battle starts spinning out of a little help from another iconic Tennessee control with riders falling 1,000 feet, straight brand, Lodge Manufacturing Company, lo- down, to the city streets far below. cated in South Pittsburg, Tenn. Aunt Granny’s • All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet will now include In March, county commissioners of Blair carving stations as well as new menu items County, Pa., in which Altoona, Pa., home such as Southwestern herb baked chicken, of Lakemont Park is located, approved an country chicken & dumplings, roasted red- amendment to the Lakemont Partnership skinned potatoes with cheddar cheese & ba- lease, allowing Lakemont to remain closed for con, corn puddin’, and much more. The park a second summer while renovations are under- has already opened for the new season. May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Park’s guests learn the ropes on courses by Innovative Leisure

AT: Dean Lamanna U.K. adventure attractions spe- debuted March 24. ropes activity for park guests Park’s adventure factor to [email protected] cialist Innovative Leisure. Featuring a variety of chal- ages two to seven, with or with- another level.” The park has installed lenging elements that test users out an accompanying adult. He praised the Innovative HEWISH, England — the company’s Sky Trail high both physically and mentally, The new attractions are Leisure team for integrating the Puxton Park near Bristol has ropes and Sky Tykes junior the Sky Trail high ropes course included in Puxton Park’s courses “seamlessly” with the introduced new activities from ropes courses. The attractions incorporates two elements admission price. park’s existing landscape and appearing for the first time in “The grand opening of our attractions. the U.K. — a rolling log and a high ropes course was a great “Since opening over 10 wave tunnel. success — with visitors queu- years ago, we have worked hard With the former, partici- ing up hours before the attrac- to add new and exciting attrac- pants attempt to cross a “log” tion opened,” said Alistair tions every year, but this may either while holding hand Mead, park managing director. be one of my favorites,” Mead lines or without the aid of the “We expect our membership said. “We’re looking forward to lines. With the latter, when par- numbers to increase massively witnessing children and parents ticipants step onto the wave with the addition of this excit- alike enjoying this new attrac- tunnel, it begins to wobble — ing new attraction, as it has tion for years to come.” affording a challenge that is undoubtedly raised Puxton •innovativeleisure.co.uk more fun than technical. The high ropes course also allows guests to walk out over a plank toward the park’s nar- row-gauge railway and lake, creating some scenic thrills. Covering an area 25.7 meters by 14.7 meters, and taking participants six meters above the ground, the Sky Trail course presently offers a single level that is expandable. It can be enjoyed by visitors of varying ages who meet certain height requirements; for example, children meeting a minimum height of one meter Puxton Park’s new ropes courses from Innovative Leisure have are able to participate if accom- been engineered for fun and safety, and they accommodate panied by an adult. guests of varying ages. The courses blend aesthetically with The Sky Tykes junior course the adventure park’s landscape. provides an introduction to the COURTESY INNOVATIVE LEISURE May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 Houston Rodeo boosts city morale, breaks attendance records Ray Cammack Cowley, the event’s president and CEO. “While our atten- Shows supplies dance for 2018 was lower than vibrant midway in years past, this Houston tradition offered an opportunity for AT: B. Derek Shaw the community to come together [email protected] after a tough year.” Cowley described the 2018 HOUSTON, Texas — presentation as “the best ever” Dynamic bookend concerts by in the show’s 86-year history. Garth Brooks raised spirits It included an updated, state- and key numbers at the 20-day of-the-art concert stage and a Houston Livestock Show and more consistently branded look Rodeo. enhanced by the use of the show’s The annual event promot- signature orange and blue colors ing agriculture and showcas- throughout the grounds. ing Western heritage, held Feb. The celebration of a very rel- 27-March 18 at NRG Park, broke evant theme — the Spirit of the a couple of daily attendance Volunteer — was an important records — thanks to the singer’s part of the package. performances on opening and “Thanks to our more than closing nights. First-day atten- 33,000 volunteers, we are able dance was just over 75,000, while to continue to produce an amaz- the tally on the final day, which ing event while supporting the Massive crowds (above) broke attendance records during also featured two auctions, hit an youth of Texas,” Cowley said. the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. RCS helped provide all-time record of 75,577. Garth Brooks was the first 79 rides for the 20-day event. A new 126-foot-wide stage Overall attendance came in entertainer to step onto the new inside NRG Stadium was engineered and manufactured by at 2,408,550, well short of last star-shaped, rotating concert TAIT. For the second time the 164-foot-tall Le Grande R50XL year’s record-setting 2,611,176. stage. Its impressive stats include Wheel (Ron Bussink) graced the grounds (below right). “Many in Houston are still a 48-foot-diameter performance COURTESY RCS INC.; HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO dealing with the after-effects of area with five radial star points Hurricane Harvey,” said Joel extending outward 36 feet, each capable of being raised or lowered individually or simultane- ously. In addition, the stage features 434 lights; a 28-foot-tall, motion-controlled video back- drop; and a laser-guided positioning system, which moves the stage to the precise center of NRG Stadium for performances. The stage was engineered and manufactured by TAIT, an entertainment automation technology company that has created custom stage rigging and sets for singers Pink and Justin floor, trick mirrors on the second Storm (Wisdom, via Joy Rides); Star Market, an outdoor shop- Timberlake, among others. floor and a spiral slide providing Extreme (KMG Afterburner), ping location on the west side of Ray Cammack Shows, Inc., a zippy finish. Centrifuge (Wisdom Gravitron, the NRG Astrodome. Featuring provided the sprawling midway, The top-grossing rides were via Luehrs’ Ideal Rides); new local businesses, it offered a which encompassed 79 rides, 57 the 164-foot-tall Le Grande Windstorm roller coaster (SDC, variety of products from leather games and 40 food outlets. New R50XL Wheel (Ron Bussink), via SJ Entertainment); Bungee goods to artwork. rides this year included Extreme SkyRide (Seatrek), Windstorm Jump (Funtime); and Sling Shot Founded in 1932, the (Technical Park), a velocity (SDC), Rave Wave (Reverchon) (Gravity Works, via AM). Houston Livestock Show and swing ride reaching heights of and Crazy Coaster wild mouse Cowley pointed out that Rodeo has committed more than 65 feet while rotating; Flying (Zamperla). midway revenues and visitor $450 million to the youth of New rides to this years’ Jumbo (Kolmax Plus), an inter- Attractions from six inde- length of stay were up this year. Texas. This year’s educational lineup included Extreme active family ride; and Konga pendent ride operators filled out “It was a strong year, and there funding includes $14.27 mil- (Technical Park) velocity (KMG), a jungle-themed bench the rest of the midway. Rides was greater excitement on the lion in scholarships, more than swing ride, Flying Jumbo ride with high-speed side-to-side included Airmax (Dance Party grounds,” he said. “When we $8 million in junior show/calf (Kolmax Plus) interactive movement and a water feature. from Guernieri & C. s.r.l.); look at per capita spending, we scramble participants, more family ride, and Konga Also new was Rockin’ Rodeo Speedway (Zamperla Kiddie believe attendees spent more than $3.7 million in program (KMG) jungle themed bench (Owen Trailers), a two-story, Whip); Windsurf (Soriani time here, since they spent more grants and $586,000 in graduate ride. COURTESY HOUSTON rodeo-themed mirror maze with s.r.l., via Caprice Enterprises); money.” assistantships. LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO a classic glass house on the first German Fun House (GGW); New this year was The Lone • rodeohouston.com 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 MIDWAY Finland fairgrounds recognized MARKET PLACE as intangible cultural heritage HELSINKI, Finland — The recognition of traditional fairgrounds across Europe as important examples of intangible cultural heritage has continued to widen. According to the definition provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has officially recognized locations and forms of world cultural heritage since 1972, intangible cultural heritage is a protective designa- tion for traditions and cus- toms passed down through generations. These include Tuomo and Mari Seiterä of the Finnish Fairground and singing, dancing, theater and Circus Association, together with Johanna Mäkelä of the music, as well as rituals and organization CircusInfo Finland, proudly display the official festivals. national recognition of Finland’s fairgrounds and circuses as Following similar recogni- part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. tion at the national level given COURTESY FINNISH FAIRGROUND AND CIRCUS ASSOC. in France, Italy and Belgium honor, which was awarded “For generations, we have (Flanders), fairgrounds in by the Finnish Ministry of been committed to the future of Finland have been added to Education and Culture. fairgrounds, and this important the country’s national intan- “This award is the reward work comes from the heart,” gible cultural heritage list. for the long-term commitment Seiterä said. “The award also Last December, Tuomo and of our friends in Finland,” helps make this work more Mari Seiterä, representatives said Albert Ritter, ESU presi- transparent and public.” of the Finnish Fairground dent. “I’m confident that in all The next step would and Circus Association, were European countries, long-term be the inclusion of Finnish presented with the admission fairgrounds will be recognized fairgrounds culture on certificate during a ceremony as intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO’s international list at the National Museum of We will continue to be active of intangible cultural heritage. Finland in Helsinki. in the ESU for this purpose.” Nominations for this list can In addition to fairgrounds, For Mari Seiterä, inclusion be submitted by national gov- circuses were included on the in the national list of intan- ernments to UNESCO — in cultural list. gible cultural heritage dem- this case, the nominating body The European Showmen’s onstrates a great appreciation would be the Finnish Ministry Union (ESU) congratulated of fairground tradition and of Education and Culture. its Finnish colleagues on the showmen. •esu-ufe.eu Auxiliary’s 100th year a focus of Showmen’s Rest memorial FOREST PARK, Ill. — The the tragedy led to “a real opportunity, Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Showmen’s for the Showmen’s League and the League of America will hold an Ladies Auxiliary to step forward as a ecumenical and historical memorial charitable organization.” service on May 17 at Showmen’s The mass grave was donated Rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, after the tragedy by the Showmen’s The event commemorates the League of America. The Ladies 100th anniversary of the auxiliary, Auxiliary sprang into action by col- which was formed as a result of the lecting clothing, costumes, rigging Hagenback-Wallace Circus train and other needed replacement wreck and fire. The tragedy, which equipment to get the circus back on destroyed three sleeping cars, took its feet for its next stop two days later the lives of 86 — including showpeople en in Beloit, Wisc. route to a performance in Hammond, Ind. Ron Grossman, a columnist and writer for Surrounded by five elephant-shaped the Chicago Tribune who has researched the monuments with trunks lowered in mourning, subject, will be among those speaking at the Showmen’s Rest is the final resting place for service. many showpeople. Fifty-six victims of the train The memorial is set for 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. wreck were buried in a mass grave at the site. at 7750 West Cermak Road in Forest Park. For “This is a solemn event, not an entertain- more about the service and related history, Keep our amusement park industry strong! ment event,” said Al Slaggert, memorial pro- visit showmensleague.org. Buy products and services from these suppliers. gram chair. The memorial will emphasize how —B. Derek Shaw May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Nearly 500,000 attend 67th Miami-Dade County Youth Fair NAME provides 96-ride midway AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

MIAMI, Fla. — The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition, Inc., known to most attendees as The Youth Fair, is the largest non-profit charity event in South Florida. This year the 21-day fair, held between March 15 and April 8, drew 475,000 attendees. (For reasons not yet known to organizers before The weather was perfect during the 21-day Miami-Dade Amusement Today went to County Youth Fair held in Tamiami Park, which has been home press, the tally was down to the annual fair since 1972. Two of the five top grossing 21.5 percent from 2017.) rides include the Sky Ride (left) and a Chance Giant Wheel, The event transformed visible behind Sugar Shakers Elephant Ears stand (right). 86-acre Tamiami Park — the COURTESY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY YOUTH FAIR; CYNTHIA WRIGHT site of the fair since 1972 — into a midway loaded with Strawberry Waffle Bombs, grounds, including 51 major Wheel (Chance Rides). and games, but this year rides, games, food and fam- Raspberry Crème Funnel rides and 44 kiddie rides. A major improvement at guests could also use them ily fun along with agricul- Cakes and Waybetter Three other operators con- the fair this year was trans- to purchase food and bev- tural and educational exhib- Strawberry Milk Shakes. tributed to that total: Jeremy portation. erages,” Hernandez-Maltes its. Several concerts were Special promotions Floyd, with three rides, “We had four new trams said. “And for the first among the livelier offerings. helped bolster attendance. and Modern Midways and with continuous service time, we had our Youth Fair “The theme of the 2018 “We usually do online Mark Cockerham, with one from opening to closing time Ambassadors at the front Youth Fair was ‘Adventure promotions before the each. NAME has played the every day,” Hernandez- gate to welcome our guests Awaits,’” said Claudia fair starts — as early as fair since 2005. Maltes said. “We installed and to answer any questions Hernandez-Maltes, director Thanksgiving and continu- “It’s always the big kick- a new digital marquee on they had before proceeding of marketing and entertaining during the holidays, as off to our season,” said Amy Coral Way and 109 Avenue to the ticket windows.” ment. “We had four new well as during Valentine’s Girton, vice president of [Gate 2 entrance], where The Youth Fair is dedi- rides, new concerts, more Day,” Hernandez-Maltes marketing for NAME. “Each we communicated many of cated to promoting educa- than 10 new foods and new said. “We had two spe- year, we bring fresh ideas our online promotions, con- tion and agriculture while strolling entertainment. We cial online promotions and rides to the midway to certs, etc.” showcasing and rewarding saw our highest attendance that were a total success. please the kids and excite the Magic Money wrist- youth achievement and pro- during concert days on One was called Fair Expo thrill-goers. We are proud bands were offered to viding quality family enter- Fridays and Saturdays, as Grille, which consisted of to offer something for the guests for the second time tainment — all without tax- well as during the last week- two admission tickets with whole family to enjoy.” this year. The technology payer dollars. It also exhib- end, which always does very unlimited rides, plus a $10 Debuting at the fair enhanced fairgoers’ experi- its more than 63,000 student well for us.” voucher to be used at Fair was NAME’s refurbished ence via paperless ticketing projects. The fair also offered Expo Grille — all for $70. Chance Rides Zipper, fea- and scanning. Next year’s fair opens regional Mexican-genre We also had another online turing new open-style gon- “In 2017, the wristbands March 14. bands for the first time. promotion, BOGO — buy dolas and over-the-shoulder could only be used for rides • thefair.me/thefair Other musical acts included one admission for $14 and restraints. “The ride was TLC and Nelly. get the second admission for taken down to its structural Among the new food free.” base and has all-new sup- items enjoyed by attendees Farmland, Ind.-based ports, tracks, trolleys and were Flaming Hot Cheeto North American Midway cables,” said Girton, noting Corn, Crispy Alligator Entertainment (NAME) that an LED lighting pack- Bites, Chocolate-Covered brought 95 rides to the fair- age and new electronics also were added. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the popular ride concept. A handful of rides were new to the fair in 2018. They included Hyper Loop (Technical Park), Hard Rock (Fabbri Stargate 2), Wiggle Wurm (Majestic), Frog Hopper (S&S Mfg.) and Dragon Coaster (Jung Mfg). The five highest-grossing rides were Sky Ride, Niagara Falls (Reverchon Technical Park’s Hyper Loop (left) was a popular ride Spinning Coaster), Crazy during The Youth Fair’s 67th annual run. NAME debuted its As seen in this midway view, the fair’s crowds were robust on Mouse roller coaster refurbished Chance Rides Zipper, featuring new open-style most days. This was the second year Magic Money wristbands (Zamperla), Polar Express gondolas and over-the-shoulder restraints. were deployed. COURTESY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY YOUTH FAIR (Mack Rides) and the Giant COURTESY NAME; CYNTHIA WRIGHT May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

WATER PARKS & RECREATION  Royal Caribbean's latest record-breaking ship — Page 36 Aqua Planet welcomes guests to newest water park in the Philippines AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected] PAMPANGA, Philippines — Aqua Planet, the newest park in the Philippines opened to the public on February 24. The nearly 25-acre property cost more than $49 million (2.5 billion PH Pesos) to construct and claims to be one of the largest water parks in the Philippines. The facility can accommodate up to 3,500 guests on 25 water attractions including a FlowRider, spiral slides, a bowl slide, tornado- style slide, multilane racing slide, lazy river, wave pool, and This aerial (above) gives a nice view of the park layout, its 38 waterslides and attractions as well as its location within the a children’s interactive water Clark Freeport Zone. The six-lane octopus racing slide (right) offers a quick thrill and keeps lines moving. play structure. COURTESY AQUA PLANET Aquatic Development Group of New York designed specifically for children. The area, Bubblies Bay, so families ance gets low or is depleted. is now home to a golf resort, a and developed the property for pool features three different with small children can set up a Safety Skills Training of number of industrial buildings, resort owners BB International types of gentle waves. The back- home base there. The island and Dubai, UAE, provided risk casinos, landmarks, and retail Leisure and Resort Develop- drop of the Boogie Bay wave palmera cabanas are ideal for management and safety con- establishments. ment, along with locally based pool includes a 600-inch LED large families or groups, as each sultation as well as training The park has been in soft- Morris International Recre- television screen that is bright can accommodate up to 25 guests. and certification of the staff and opening mode since November ation Technology serving as enough to display video day In addition to the cabanas, more than 100 lifeguards. SST 2017. The first guests to visit consultants. and night. Comfortable chairs, the park has seating for more offers globally recognized safety the park were children brought In addition to design and umbrella tables and 24 beach ca- than 3,000 provided by umbrella training programs such as those in from local orphanages. They planning, ADG provided the banas line the front, shallow end tables with chairs and lounge from Ellis & Associates. were given access to Bubblies equipment required for wave of the pool. chairs that are free for guests An extensive guest ser- Bay. Since then the park has generation, water filtration, wa- Chengdu Tailong Amuse- to use. 600 lockers are available vices and front line staff train- held a number of special pre- ter flow pumps and a Flow Rid- ment Industry of Chendu, Chi- for rent and WiFi is available ing program was incorporated view events including visits by er surf simulator. na, supplied the waterslides. throughout the park. to make certain that employees Philippine celebrities. One lucky Water quality management Most appear to be copies of at- Aqua Planet is cashless and who interact with customers are man got to try out the gigantic is automated by computer sys- tractions that were designed and the facility partnered with Sem- friendly, accommodating and LED television by proposing to tems that monitor the PH level, developed by the well-known nox Solutions of Karnataka, In- courteous. The focus is on deliv- his girlfriend via a message on chlorine, and other chemicals to Canadian waterslide suppliers. dia, to provide RFID wristbands ering exemplary customer ser- the screen — she said yes. ensure the water inside the park Even the attraction names are to each guest purchasing an advice in order to create the best To prevent overcrowding, is safe and clean. Four state-of- similar: Aqua Loop, Super Bowl, mission. Wristbands are used to possible water park experience. attendance at the park is limited the art filtration systems run Octopus Racers, and Tornado. access lockers, and to purchase Aqua Planet is in the Clark to 3,500 guests. For the time be- 24-7 making sure that on aver- The beach cabanas, located food, beverages and items at the Freeport Zone, a redevelop- ing, the guests are accommodat- age, all of the water in the facil- in front of the wave pool, Boogie gift shops and boutiques. The ment of the former Clark Air ed on a first-come first-served, ity is cycled through the system Bay, are available for rent and wristbands are also color coded Base which the U.S. Air Force walk-up basis. On several nor- 16 times per day. feature a sofa, chairs and table, by height. Adult guests receive a closed in 1991 after the erup- mally busy operating days such The wave generation equip- a fan for ventilation and a safe green wristband; those under 48 tion of Mount Pinatubo. Four as holidays and weekends, the ment supplied by ADG for Boo- to secure valuables. Each can ac- inches are given an orange wrist- years later, following the clean- park has reached capacity, re- gie Bay, is capable of producing commodate up to 15 people. band, indicating they are prohib- up and removal of the volca- sulting in guests being turned eight different types of waves. Additional cabanas are ited from riding certain high-thrill nic ash, the base reemerged as away at the gates. The park is The Bubblies Bay children's area placed throughout the park; 13 attractions. Kiosks are strategi- Clark International Airport expected to implement an on- includes an interactive water- Bubblies Bay cabanas are conve- cally located throughout the park and the Clark Special Eco- line advance reservation system play structure and a wave pool niently placed in the children’s to reload wristbands once the bal- nomic Zone. The former base in the near future.

The split wave pool incudes a peninsula for lifeguards, as well as a 600-inch LED television screen. Eight different types of The bowl slide and tornado both utilize four-person rafts and share the same lift system. waves keep guests engaged all day long. COURTESY AQUA PLANET COURTESY AQUA PLANET May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas offers an array of NEWSSPLASH AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert accommodations and activities [email protected]

BARCELONA, Spain — Royal Caribbean's newest ship Kalahari Resort Sandusky had to close erate in the city of Grapevine — the Gaylord launched from Barcelona, Spain, on March 31, 2018. Symphony temporarily after an HVAC air duct detached Texan Resort and Great Wolf Lodge Grape- of the Seas, the 25th cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean line, is from the ceiling and fell into the indoor wa- vine. Stand Rock feels there is enough tourism another record-breaker and the fourth ship in the Oasis-class ter park on March 12, 2018. The metal air duct in Grapevine to justify a third resort, noting series which includes Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. With landed in the wave pool and the children's that the Gaylord attracts convention attend- a gross tonnage of 228,021, she surpasses her sister Harmony basketball pool injuring five people — three ees and business executives from all across the of the Seas by more than 1,000 GT. Built by the Chantiers de guests and two associates. Fortunately the country, while Great Wolf Lodge appeals to l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, at a cost of U.S. injuries were minor with the two associates families with younger children, usually within $ 1.35 billion, Symphony is now the largest passenger ship on taken to the hospital for treatment and then driving distance. The yet-to-be-named Stand the planet. released. The three guests declined transport Rock facility plans to appeal to young adults The ship departed Barcelona on a Saturday evening for a and were treated onsite. Engineers quickly and families with older children with water park five-night preview sailing to Italy. The maiden voyage, with a went to work replacing all of the metal straps rides geared toward tweens and young adults. full complement of 5,518 guests and 2,200-member crew, de- and cables that hold up the air ducts and the Stand Rock is probably best known for its parted Barcelona on April 7, for a seven-night voyage. The ship indoor water park reopened on March 16. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevier- will continue cruising the Mediterranean until October of this Kalahari plans to redesign the system of air ville, Tenn. and Camelback Resort/Aquatopia year, then make a 12-day transatlantic crossing departing Bar- ducts and is waiting on approval from Huron Waterpark in Tannersville, Pa. celona on Oct. 28, arriving in Miami, Fla., on Sept. 11. Symphony Township. Off-gassing of chlorine and other • will then home-port out of Miami at a brand-new cruise ter- pool chemicals can be very caustic to steel On March 22, Aqua Fun, the first inflatable minal built by Royal Caribbean. The new terminal promises to and cause fasteners to fail. Some indoor wa- water obstacle course in Abu Dhabi, opened streamline boarding with the latest technological features. ter parks have switched from galvanized steel to the public. Located in the warm waters of As with the other Oasis-class ships, Symphony features a ductwork to flexible PVC or vinyl. the Persian Gulf just off Corniche Beach, the split structure, with the five-deck high Central Park and Board- • inflatable course is designed to spell out I♥ walk outdoor areas running down the middle of the ship. Mall of America could become home to AD, and can be seen from the towering ho- These areas feature lush tropical gardens with more than 12,000 a massive indoor water park. Bloomington, Ill. tels that border the beach. Guests are required plants, upscale restaurants, shops, and a working carousel. city officials are conducting a feasibility study to wear life jackets, and seven lifeguards are Although they are the largest ships at sea, and capable of to determine the probability of success. Triple stationed throughout the course. This is the holding more than 7,000 people, the Oasis-class ships were Five, the mall's ownership group, would lease second Aqua Fun course in the UAE. The first, built with a something-for-everyone formula that has proven to land to the city east of the current mall. Un- in Dubai, is shaped like Dubai's tourism logo be successful. The ships continually rank at the top of guest sat- der the proposal, the city would build and own which spells out Dubai in both English and isfaction surveys, and demand for bookings is high. The 12-day the water park and Triple Five would operate Arabic. Both are the brainchild of Ahmed Ben transatlantic crossing of Symphony was nearly sold out before it. Although still in the planning stages, the Chaibah who, while on the beach, overheard the ship had even set sail. 250,000-square-foot water park would become a parent commenting they wish there was New ways to play on Symphony include Battle for Planet one of the largest in North America. Triple Five more for the kids to do at the beach. Children Z, Royal Caribbean's first glow-in-the-dark laser tag game, and currently operates World Waterpark at West and adults can now bounce, climb, slide and Escape from Rubicon, an escape room themed to a Rubicon Edmonton Mall, and is building American overcome various obstacles along the course. submarine, where guests must solve a collection of puzzles be- Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. While fun, these obstacle courses can provide fore time runs out. That property, which has faced multiple delays, an actual workout with participants burning Among the most notable features of Symphony is the ulti- also includes a massive indoor water park. 500 – 900 calories per hour. Both inflatable mate family suite, a two-level, 1,346-square-foot suite that can • parks were manufactured by Wibit Sports, sleep up to eight guests. It includes an 85-inch HD television, a Wavegarden, the Spanish engineering Bocholt, Germany. floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, and a slide that descends from a chil- company that supplies large-scale, manmade • dren's bedroom on the second level to the main level. The suite surf pools, is building a new Wavegarden park Following three years of fundraising led is also equipped with a Royal Genie to cater to every whim. in Australia. Urbnsurf Melbourne, located at by the local Lion's Club, the Village of Chase, More sophisticated suites include the 1,744-square-foot the Melbourne Airport, expects to be pump- B.C., is going to install a splash pad. The civic- royal loft suite, some of the largest and swankiest accommoda- ing out six-foot-high, ocean-like surfing waves based organization recognized the need for tions at sea. The two-level suites feature two bedrooms, a large by Easter 2019. Urbnsurf, an Australian licens- services and amenities for young children in living room and dining area with two-deck floor to ceiling win- ee of Wavegarden technology currently oper- the village. According to Canada's 2016 cen- dows, its own grand piano and multiple large HD televisions ates surf parks in Perth and Sydney. Urbnsurf sus children under the age of 14 accounted for that lower from the ceiling. The suite fills the entire corner on Melbourne will be a complete surf sports, en- 11 percent of the population. The local Lions the back of decks 17 and 18. Other two-deck suite options in- tertainment and leisure facility. In addition to Club raised funds through hot dog sales, pie clude the crown loft and star loft suites. the Wavegarden Cove, the park will include a sales, local dances and other small fundraisers. Symphony features multiple outdoor pool zones on deck multioutlet food and bar section, concept re- Plaques were sold for $5,000 and generated 15, including a beach pool with a swim-up bar. A trio of water tail store, fully-equipped surf and rental shop, about $100,000. A $25,000 grant from the slides from Polin known as the perfect storm include clear tube night surfing, a surfing academy, high perfor- provincial-sponsored Southern Interior De- sections allowing passengers to watch guests as they slide by. mance coaching and training options, fitness velopment Initiative trust brought the total to Two FlowRider surf simulators are a Royal Caribbean staple. classes, festival and event spaces, a beach club $355,000 — enough to start construction. Wa- The sports pool is perfect for swimming laps in the morning, and landscaped open spaces for relaxation. terplay Solutions Corp. of Kelowna, Canada, and Splashaway Bay is a water play structure suitable for chil- • was contracted to build the splash park. dren. Other outdoor attractions include a miniature golf course, Stand Rock Hospitality of Wisconsin • rock climbing walls and a sports court. The ultimate abyss slide, Dells, Wisc., is hoping to develop a hotel water Wild Rivers, the Irvine, Calif., water park a dry slide from Wiegand, plunges 10 decks from the deck 16 park resort in Grapevine, Texas. Initially pro- that was forced to close in 2011 for an apart- sports deck to the Boardwalk below on deck 6. Along the wind- posed in 2016, Stand Rock intends to present a ment complex, may finally get rebuilt. Wild ing 216-foot long course thrill seekers will experience flashing plan to the city of Grapevine planning and zon- Rivers is working with the city of Irvine to open lights and an audio system that plays startling sounds. ing commission this spring. The concept plan an upgraded 26-acre water park at the city’s Inside the ship there are nearly two dozen restaurants and shows a $330 million resort to be built in two Orange County Great Park. snack outlets, multiple bars, an arcade, a comedy club, jazz phases on a 185-acre tract of land just north of In March the city council approved Wild club, 1,401-seat Royal Theater that houses a full-size produc- Grapevine Mills shopping mall. The location Rivers taking the next step and doing neces- tion of Broadway's Hairspray and even an ice rink. The 600-seat puts the resort in close proximity to two other sary environmental studies on the project be- outdoor multideck AquaTheater at the ship's stern plays HiRO resort hotels with water parks that already op- fore finalizing lease terms. a high-energy, visually stunning acrobatics and aqua show. May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 NEWSSPLASH 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  Women of Influence — page 42 / People Watch — page 44 / Market Watch — page 45 Ferris wheel brings iconic signature to Dallas restaurant AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

DALLAS, Texas — When ordering barbeque ribs, it is common to consider your options of side dishes. Deciding whether to hop on a Ferris wheel once your hands are clean, that’s something out of the ordinary. That’s what Phil Schan- baum was going for. Along with partner Brandon Hays, Schanbaum is involved in eight bars or eating establish- Ferris Wheelers offers fantastic smoked meats, but also signature side dishes such as jalapeno bacon cole slaw and south- ment in the Dallas area. Each western potato salad (right). The view from the top of the wheel offers an overlook of the Dallas skyline (below right). one has its own name and dis- AT/TIM BALDWIN tinct menu. Chef Doug Pickering is a wheel. graduate of the city’s South- Schanbaum said with this ern Methodist University. venue, the group of partners His expertise in finely-crafted were looking for something Texas barbeque eventually led different. Ferris Wheelers him to teaching school courses Backyard & BBQ is located in on it. Pickering’s skills pro- Dallas’s Design District, a re- pelled him to barbeque star- developing neighborhood two dom within the city in the past miles west from the heart of few years. Pickering is a fellow downtown. Trendy enough to partner at this restaurant. be hip, but never pretentious. stage set up for evenings. But then, there is this “The area was an up-and- “Sometimes we have a coming district,” said Schan- couple of beers and put our baum, “and the father of a creative minds to work, and friend of ours owned the prop- we thought about something owned by a traveling carnival. Operation of the wheel erty. We like to plant our flag that would create an attrac- Schanbaum said the rehab of coincides when there is live in different neighborhoods tion — something iconic that the Ferris wheel went down music on the patio, which is around town. The [burger] would be a mini fixture of to the nuts, bolts, cable and Thursday through Sunday company was looking to get the skyline,” Schanbaum told motor. “We wanted to make evening. Sunday afternoon out. With kids put through col- Amusement Today. “We thought sure it was a safe environment operation is also being added. lege, it was time to relax. With about the nostalgia of a Ferris for everyone,” he said. He Once aboard, riders at the top the area continuing to be revi- wheel, and it lights up people’s also comments with alcohol get a nice overview of the sky- talized, we found the property faces when they see it.” served, there are specific poli- line of Dallas. very valuable. When we ap- Schanbaum admits that cies for riding to ensure safety. The unique draw of the proached this venue, we saw his partners had never ex- Cody Hand, a fourth wheel has brought additional a big parking lot in the back, plored the idea of an amuse- partner for this facility who media attention, as well as and we needed to eat up some ment ride before. “We felt, also oversees ride operations, company outings looking for of that space. It was excessive ‘Why not?’ Surprisingly spoke toward the operation of team building. “It’s some- for a 2,500-square-foot restau- enough, it was easy to find the Ferris wheel. “It runs like thing like that factor of when Partner Phil Schanbaum sits rant. It is now a 7,500-square- one. It was in pretty good con- a charm. Some nights we have you were a kid. It brings you on the backyard patio in foot patio.” dition. We made sure it was people lined up to take a ride. together in a happy way,” front of the 50-foot artistic The venue was designed ready to go.” It’s really easy to operate, and Schanbaum said. statement. for not only overflow crowd, The wheel is a 50-foot we have three or four people There is no charge to ride AT/TIM BALDWIN but also live music with a Eli Bridge wheel previously trained to run it.” the Ferris wheel.

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 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Fourth location expands brand Crayola Experience drives repeat business with creativity AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

PLANO, Texas — Cray- ola Experience evolved from a simple idea. Since 1903, Crayola LLC has operated in Easton, Pennsylvania, and 80 percent of the world’s crayons are still produced there. What started as a small welcome center for the town of Easton, was eventually re-imagined in 2013 as Crayola Experience. This larger scale facility met the demands of its increasing Crayola Experience in Plano, Texas, is the fourth installation of the brand. A live show (left) allows kids to see crayons made popularity. Seeing potential of up close in person. AT/TIM BALDWIN similar experiences elsewhere, a second location opened in ors onto images and videos of North Texas has become. It nual passholders have first justifying a day at a park with The Florida Mall in Orlando him or her. keeps growing. All these fami- dibs on attending events, such today’s educational demands. in 2015, and Mall of America Kelly-Anne Suarez, me- lies are look- as a Marvel Comics inker ap- Crayola Experience finds a in Bloomington, Minnesota, dia communications manager ing for things pearing in person to teach kids more natural fit. welcomed a third location and spokesperson for Crayola to do. I think how to draw superheroes. “School field trips here in 2016. In late March of this finds the new location -a per we’ll be huge- Other additional events incorporate STEM activities,” year, Plano, Texas, opened the fect fit. ly successful driving the turnstile are said Suarez. “Teachers like doors to the newest property. “Anyone familiar with here,” said home-school field trips, girl a show we have developed What was formerly a park- this area knows how family Poling. scout sleepovers and corpo- about ‘being green.’ We also ing lot outside The Shops at centric it is and how warm and Crayola Poling rate events. “Crayola After have a Silly Science show that Willow Bend has been trans- welcoming it is. Ours is a fam- Experience Dark – that is one of the most brings in classroom science formed into a 60,000-square- ily attraction. provides a few hours of fun popular events we’ve had at into a fun atmosphere.” foot indoor attraction in a mat- The people of and activity for parents and our other locations,” said Su- AT asked Poling how the ter of months. North Texas their kids, but the company arez, “and we’ll be doing it new facility approached the Similar to the other in- have been so creates numerous opportuni- here. After hours, mom has a market following two installa- stallations, popular activities effusive with ties for return business, start- glass of wine and works on a tions being introduced to tour- include naming and wrap- their welcome ing with annual passes. structured craft. We have food ist areas (Orlando and Mall of ping one’s own crayons, activ- of us. We’ve “Ask any mom if she as well. No kids, adults only.” America). He said, “Every- ity centers, a Crayola-themed had great suc- Suarez wants a place on a rainy day Birthday parties are a where we go, we are primar- play structure, an entertain- cess in every or especially hot day to take staple, naturally, and three ily there for the local market, ing show that mixes live cast market, but the people of Tex- her kids where she knows they separate rooms accommo- we’re there for the local fami- members with animated char- as on social media have been are going to have fun and be date those revenue streams. lies. We are part of the com- acters, Adventure Lab and especially (pause) … I cannot stimulated and inspired and Still, management explores munity. We try to participate other assorted interactive op- tell you. We had 20,000 follow- engaged — that’s the easiest more opportunities than just in as many things as we can.” portunities. Three new addi- ers — in a day,” Suarez told sell in the world,” said Suarez. families. Poling said the attraction tions grace the North Texas Amusement Today. “We could Crayola Experience even “Everyone talks about currently employs 125-150 location: Kaleidoscope, an not be happier here.” allows visitors unsure if they team building. How can you part-time or seasonal staff all-new Melt Down, and Silly Scott Poling, general want to opt for the annual get your employees in an en- members but could expect Selfies. Kaleidoscope allows manager, Plano, agrees. Hav- pass to apply their admission vironment that is engaging more than 200 when the peak guests to move and interact ing had experience with Six of the first day’s visit before and inspiring? There’s some- summer hours arrive. “Most with Crayola video back- Flags and Magic Springs, he leaving and upgrade it to an thing to be said for creativity. of our employees come in grounds and create artistic ef- joined the company when the annual pass. Annual passes This is a place to have your with a pretty high opinion fects that are then emailed to Easton location was being re- are valid at all four locations. meeting and rediscover what of Crayola which makes it the guest. Melt Down finds introduced. He has gone on to “Not only is [the annual it is to be a kid and develop pretty easy.” guests drawing with melted work at both the Orlando and pass] a great value, but we problem solving," said Suarez. Poling predicted the Plano crayons, and Silly Selfies plac- Mall of America facilities. have special events that are Many amusement parks location will be the company’s es facial features the child col- “I can’t believe how big seasonal,” Suarez said. An- and attractions have difficulty most popular. “There’s not a lot out there like Crayola Ex- perience. This is a great family attraction where people are doing things they aren’t necessarily doing at home anymore, but here we do it in a larger than life way. This is the model we will take going forward. I can’t wait to see how the guests respond to it,” he said. “We’re never done. We’re always updating,” said Su- arez. “As Crayola continues to innovate the way kids play, In addition to artistic endeavors, physical activity (left) engages children during a visit. A variety of Crayola products allow Crayola Experience does as for both two-dimensional work and 3-D sculpture. Large spaces accommodate not only many families, but group outings as well.” well (far right). AT/TIM BALDWIN •crayolaexperience.com 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 100,000-square-foot facility positions ride production for the future S&S Worldwide has grand opening of new manufacturing HQ AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

LOGAN, Utah — It was a chance to show off its new home. S&S Worldwide hosted a grand opening on April 10. With the former facility visible just a half mile away, the company was in the process of relocating the various team members from the old facility to the new. The manufacturing end had already seen the move, and the administration The company’s new Steeplechase vehicles (above) are on staff was eagerly looking for- display in front of the new location. Seven meeting spaces ward to their new surround- are made for conferences of all sizes, with each meeting ings. location equipped with state-of-the-art technology (top They should be. right). The new weld shop (right) exhibits greener and Tim Timco, president and improved safety initiatives. AT/TIM BALDWIN CEO, S&S, welcomed have experienced tremendous may have been more reluctant staffers, growth, [the previous facility] to have an open conversation their ven- hindered our growth. We really in a group setting where oth- dors, indus- needed to improve our produc- ers were working. They can try invitees, tion process.” have a quick meeting and and digni- “We designed the building then jump back to their office. taries from Timco around employee happiness With the technology we’ve the parent company, Sansei and their well-being,” Jason put into every one of those Technologies. “It was two Mons, COO, told Amusement meeting areas, it makes it more years in the making. We had Today. “We brought in a lot of functional and gives them the some adjustments and changes natural light and colors and resources to get the job done.” as one would in a project of made it an enjoyable place to “We love it when the the art. From the delivery of mate- this size, but it has now come work and a place where the parks come to visit us,” added “The flow of operations in rials to welding, to blasting full circle, and we have this employees would feel like they Mons. “But with the technol- our previous facility was very and painting and then to the new facility we are very proud are going somewhere to be a ogy we’ve installed here, they scattered with a lot of bounc- staging area to be shipped, the of,” he said. part of something and not just no longer have to do that. We ing back and forth. Here we clockwise flow organizes each All buildings combined put in their time.” have state-of-the-art video con- designed the entire operations project in logical fashion. comprised 60,000 square feet Shortly after enter- ferencing technology to where group to flow in a clockwise “If a customer out there previously. Now there is more ing, employees and visitors we can meet directly with the motion,” explained Mons. needs a part, we now have than 100,000 square feet to encounter a frosted glass wall customers at any moment they “We’ve done everything to the capability to manufacture, improve and update the com- that highlights the histories of want to. But if they do want minimize steps and to keep have it painted, cured and pany’s home with the latest in the companies involved in S&S to come, we welcome that and things flowing to the next. It shipped that same day,” Perkes technology and safety. Worldwide’s success. Arrow, now have many places to sit minimizes handling, increases said. “It makes a difference to “The move to our new Sensei Technologies, and S&S down, make them feel comfort- efficiency and decreases costs. having a ride open or having facility will greatly enhance Power have notable moments able and have a very produc- It makes it so our parts can get it remain closed. Our service our flow of production,” said pinpointed in timelines culmi- tive meeting.” out to our customers faster. techs, our installers and our Timco. “It will be so much nating into a larger glass panel Photographic artwork “Before, the business and customer service departments more efficient, so much more for S&S Worldwide. as well as a carefully chosen the building grew up around are all grouped together in the cost effective. Even though we The administration end placement of the red and yel- us, not vice versa. We forced the same areas to better serve the of the building is efficiently low in the company’s logo, as building to do what we needed customers and respond to their structured on two floors. Mons well as the blue from Sansei it to do. We had forklifts to needs quickly.” points out that there are unfin- Technologies, add to the wel- move things around, which is S&S is the largest U.S. ished areas of the new facil- coming ambience and make what the equipment was built manufacturer of amuse- ity that will allow for future for a colorful, engaging atmo- to do, but it was a lot of moving ment rides. With more than growth as demands dictate sphere. and handling. Now all the tools 400 roller coasters and attrac- how these spaces are needed Beyond the main offices, are in their work station. We’ve tions installed in more than 30 and developed. major planning went into mak- minimized the movement of countries around the world, “I love the light in this ing the new home as efficient as materials from one place to the company is now poised to facility,” said Preston Perkes, it can be, even down to which another, which minimizes the handle major projects lined up director of administration, side of the building receives opportunity for accidents. It’s for 2019 and the many years S&S. “We made a concise effort the most sunlight to make the safer,” Mons said. following. The larger, updated to give more employees more transport and delivery of mate- “I think our welding sec- facility appears to meet the windows and to offer a lot rials the most accessible in the tion has to be one of the best needs of both employees and more natural light. In the [pre- snowy, winter months. welding facilities I’ve ever customers with incredible effi- vious facility], we had one con- “Our old building was like seen,” added Timco. ciency. ference room. We now have spaghetti, you went from one Perkes agreed. “When I “I like the open collabor- seven areas for collaboration building to the next outside, think of our weld shop, I think ative aspect of our building, Spare parts are now more where employees can schedule sideways, upside down. Now of ‘dark, smoky, stinky — all so we can work together as a easily identified and located meetings or drop in. They now it flows from one step to the those things.’ Now you have a team,” said Timco. “We’re a with barcode technology, have space to grab someone next, just like you would want facility that is bright, that has great team, and we needed bet- allowing for speedier and say, ‘Come with me, look it to,” said Timco. all the resources available and ter avenues to work together as processing of orders. at this design.’ Now they can Each section of the pro- now we have air that is cleaned a team. This new building real- AT/TIM BALDWIN talk about it where before they duction process is also state of every six minutes,” he said. ly promotes better teamwork.” May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Mary Chris Smith President, Allied Specialty Insurance Executive Vice President, XL Catlin INFLUENCE Treasure Island, Fla. A view from the top… I am proud to lead Allied Specialty Insurance into our 35th anniversary of contributing time, talent and quality insurance protection to the amusement business. Allied was created and continues to be operated by “children of the carnival industry.” Having lived it, we genuinely understand and appreciate this industry. It’s a unique factor that has contributed to our success. And we’re looking for even more success now that we’re integrated with XL Catlin as part of the XL Group companies. Part of what makes our connection to XL Catlin so strong is our shared focus on customer service. It’s the foundation on which we built at Allied, and it’s also at the bedrock of XL Catlin. In fact, in 2017, J.D. Power named XL Catlin “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Large Commercial Insurers” for the second consecutive year. XL Catlin had the highest scores of all commercial insurers in the categories of service interaction, program offerings, price, billing process and claims. It is no accident that our companies found each other

Accomplishments and affiliations… •Board of Directors, Outdoor Amusement Business Association •2nd Vice President, Showmen’s League of America •1st Vice President, Showmen’s League of America (St. Louis Chapter) •2014 Show Person of the Year, Northwest Showmen’s Club •2005 President, Ladies Auxiliary of the Showmen’s League of America •Outdoor Amusement Business Association Scholarship Committee •Chair, Scholarship Committee, Mary Chris Smith, with Showmen’s League of America (St. Louis Chapter) sons: Conner William Smith and Daniel Roy Smith. COURTSEY ALLIED SPECIALTY INSURANCE My thoughts on insurance, the industry, family, teamwork and more… It’s hard to believe how far we’ve and Annie into Allied knowing that to working with industry members to deal with the challenging regulatory come since our humble beginnings their talents and knowledge of the promote prolonged success. and economic environment. in 1983, when Paul “Duke” Smith industry would be an asset. So, David Our team continues to grow and Since 1983, Allied has partnered and his son, David Smith, started and I were both children of the evolve as our company, the industry with some of the amusement indus- Allied Specialty Insurance. Duke industry. In fact, I was introduced and the technology in the world try’s leading trade organizations. owned a carnival when he realized to David by my Luehrs Ideal Rides around us changes. What doesn’t Some of those we sponsor include the need for an insurance compa- family! Aunt Jean (Luehrs) and Uncle change is how much our team cares the Outdoor Amusement Business ny dedicated solely to the amuse- Joe Clair, Uncle Andy and Aunt for their clients — as if they are fam- Association, Showmen’s League of ment and entertainment industries. Lorelei (Luehrs) Schoendienst, and ily. It shows in the service they pro- America, International Association of Since then, Allied has focused on their children still own and operate vide. Everyone on the Allied team Amusement Parks and Attractions, serving the unique risk management the show. Duke passed away in 2002 shares in our growth and success. and the American Pyrotechnic needs of this industry, and our focus and sadly, I lost David two years later. As I continue on this 35th year, I Association. is unwavering. I am most proud to be the mother look forward to my tradition of travel- My team and I also sit on com- I, too, know what it takes. I of my two sons, Conner William Smith, ing with my staff to visit clients across mittees and attend the many conven- am the granddaughter of Hub and 21, and Daniel Roy Smith, 19, who North America. I did this during my tions, dinners, golf tournaments, con- Winnie Luehrs, who founded Luehrs tragically lost their father David at ages years with David and have ever since. ferences and more. We are involved! Ideal Rides in 1957. Their children 8 and 5. They have grown to be fine I love to visit to see their beautiful Allied is looking forward to — my Uncle Jon, Aunt Jean and young men. David would be proud. business that they take such pride in! accomplishing even more. We’re Aunt Lorelei, along with our father, I also take great pride in the team As business owners in the amuse- intent on growing our business and Bill — grew up on the carnival. In my I have cultivated at Allied. In fact, ment industry, Allied’s founders our team to support our clients’ and younger years, I traveled with the some of our team members have been understood that industry organiza- this industry’s insurance and risks carnival with my family: Bill (Hub’s with us for 20-plus years! We have tions are critical to keeping the busi- management needs. oldest son), Maggie and my two sis- exemplary talent, and each member ness thriving and growing. Without (Allied is a subsidiary of XL ters, Lisa and Annie. is genuinely excited about the amuse- industry organizations, we would not Group Ltd.) In 2012 and 2013, I brought Lisa ment industry’s future and committed have the navigation tools needed to —Reported by Pam Sherborne May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

Allied Ad TK 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Schlitterbahn responds to charges arising PEOPLE from 2016 Verrückt waterslide accident Amy Altman has joined Polin USA, the stateside sales office of Polin Waterparks in AT: Dean Lamanna injured on it. dramatic effect that in no way Salt Lake City, Utah, as director of sales and [email protected] Several counts in the first reflects the design and con- marketing. Formerly national sales manager for indictment concerned interfer- struction of the ride. Aquatix Landscape Structures of Eden Prairie, KANSAS CITY, Kan. — ence with law enforcement. “Quotes were purported Minn., Altman will oversee strategic marketing A fatal waterslide accident They alleged that Miles hid or to be from definitive design initiatives, sales team development and design at Schlitterbahn Waterpark destroyed documents related meetings, when they were, in coordination in her new role. Polin’s stateside Altman Kansas City in August 2016 to injuries riders had previ- fact, ‘acting.’ office is positioned to help the company better serve its customers and partners in the U.S. has led to multiple charges ously sustained on Verrückt. “During the civil matter, against the park, its parent The indictment described attorneys involved noted that Cleveland, Ohio-based McGowan Amusement Group has company, a company co-own- the ride as a “deadly weap- we cooperated fully, provided named Ryan Gillenwater vice president. er, and several former and cur- on” that was “never properly thousands of documents, and Gillenwater, who has spent the past 10 years rent employees. or fully designed to prevent that nothing was withheld or building a reputation as a top family entertain- The charges have stunned rafts from going airborne.” It tampered with.” ment center (FEC) insurance expert, has created many in the industry with their found that Verrückt met “few, The statement went on to several successful insurance programs for the severity, scope and potential if any” of the safety standards claim that the indictment was FEC sector. Focusing on education and preven- repercussions. The case was set by the American Society “full of false information,” tion, McGowan Amusement Group is a leading still developing as Amusement for Testing and Materials. that Schlitterbahn fully stands provider of insurance and risk management Gillenwater Today went to press. Schwab’s injury report- behind its staff and parks, and services to the amusement industry, focusing on education and prevention. The charges stemmed edly occurred when the raft he that the company will fight the from a Wyandotte County shared with two female riders, charges “point by point” and Philip Hancox has been appointed general manager of market- grand jury indictment upon cresting the waterslide’s “aggressively.” ing and communications for Dreamworld theme unsealed March 23 following second hill, flew upward and In a follow-up statement park and SkyPoint Observation Deck and a 19-month investigation into hit a metal hoop supporting posted by Schlitterbahn March Climb on Australia’s Gold Coast. Hancox, who the Verrückt waterslide acci- safety netting. 27 regarding the second indict- has 16 years of experience across several indus- dent, which resulted in the The boy’s family reported- ment, the company said: “This tries and markets, most recently with Brisbane- death of 10-year-old Caleb ly secured close to $20 million indictment, as in the previ- based Flight Centre Travel Group, will provide Schwab. The 168-foot-tall in settlements from the park ous one related to Tyler Miles, strategic direction in brand strategy, direct and waterslide was billed as the and other parties connected is wrought with references to digital marketing, social media, partnerships / Hancox world’s tallest attraction of to the ride’s creation. The two the outtakes of a dramatic, loyalty, public relations and internal communications for both attractions, which are owned by Ardent Leisure. its type. female riders, who suffered scripted television show, and Along with the water serious injuries, settled with filled with information that Water park and water attraction designer / builder Aquatic park, Tyler Austin Miles, the park privately. we fully dispute. Jeff Henry Development Group (ADG) of Cohoes, N.Y., 29, a former park opera- “We were shocked by has designed waterpark rides has named Bruce Quay COO. Quay has led and tions director, and Jeffrey W. the allegations being made… the world over. Nearly every grown businesses in the manufacturing, distri- Henry, 62, one of Verrückt’s about Tyler and our [Kansas waterpark that exists today bution and commercial services sectors for over designers and a co-owner of City] park,” said Schlitterbahn has an attraction or feature 30 years, working with such companies as GE New Braunfels, Texas-based in a written statement dated based on his designs or ideas. and Cookson Group PLC, and as an owner of Schlitterbahn Waterparks March 23 and emailed to AT “The incident that hap- companies within the aquatic sector. He served and Resorts, were included by company spokesperson pened that day was a terrible as executive VP for ADG in the early 2000s — Quay by name in the 47-page indict- Winter Prosapio. “The alle- and tragic accident. We mourn leading the company’s manufacturing division, including the introduction of FlowRider to the North American ment. The indictment brought gation that we operated, and the loss of this child and are market. 20 counts against the park and failed to maintain, a ride that devastated for his family. We Miles ranging from aggravat- could foreseeably cause such know that Tyler, Jeff and John Pradeep Sharma, who has been helping to develop the water ed endangering of a child and a tragic accident is beyond are innocent and that we run a park market in India as vice president of business aggravated battery to involun- the pale of speculation. Many safe operation — our 40 years development for Vancouver, B.C., Canada-based tary manslaughter. of us, and our children and of entertaining millions of peo- WhiteWater, has been appointed president of Miles turned himself in grandchildren, have ridden ple speaks to that. the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and pleaded not guilty to the the ride with complete con- “We are confident that and Industries (IAAPI). He was previously charges filed against him. He fidence as to its safety. Our their innocence will be proven vice president of the organization. Sharma has was freed on a $50,000 bond, operational mantra has been in court where we know the chaired various committees on safety and training; he also drafted India’s first safety standard with a trial set for Sept. 10. and will forever be Safety First. facts will show this was an Sharma for amusement rides (IS 15475 — Amusement Following the unsealing of “The accusation that accident.” Rides Safety) for the Bureau of Indian Standards on behalf of we withheld information or Prior to the tragedy, the a second indictment three days IAAPI. later, Henry was taken into altered evidence is completely state of Kansas permitted custody in Brownsville, Texas, false. We have operated with amusement parks to conduct New Zealand-based Magic Memories, now operating in 10 and extradited to Kansas City. integrity from day one at their own annual ride inspec- countries, has moved to strengthen its senior management team as He was released on a $500,000 the water park — as we do tions. The state has since part of its aggressive global growth plans this year. bond after being booked on throughout our water parks moved to toughen require- As new head of development, CJ Little will be responsible for charges including second- and resorts. We put our guests’ ments for annual ride inspec- effectively leveraging technology to deliver world-class products degree murder. and employees’ safety first; tions, inspector qualifications and experiences to different demographics across multiple platforms via multiple channels. Another designer of the safety and maintenance are at and accident reporting. Little will be working with Jason Kirby, group head of waterslide, John T. Schooley, the top of our list of priorities. Verrückt was closed per- product; Jeff Vier, group vice president, engineering; and Brent “Since the date of the inci- manently after the accident. 72, also was arrested in Texas Canning, group general counsel. All have joined the company with and extradited to Kansas on dent we have worked closely Schlitterbahn has said it a wealth of experience in scaling global brands, including Mozilla, similar charges. with law enforcement; at no would dismantle the attrac- Cradlepoint and Infoblox. Among the findings of the time have we withheld evi- tion when it was permitted to In addition to expanding its executive team, Magic Memories grand jury investigation was dence; at no time have we do so by officials. has grown its board of directors to help guide business direction that Verrückt, since its opening altered evidence. The indict- The Kansas City water and support global growth. Sanjay Dholokia, formerly chief marin July 2014, had already hurt ment uses quoted statements park was expected to open keting officer of Marketo, will support the company’s strategy of at least 13 people by the time from a reality TV show [Xtreme for the season as scheduled becoming an omni-channel revenue-generating business, while Schwab, the son of Kansas Waterparks, aired on the Travel on May 25. Jeff Ryan will ensure the company remains an aspirational, fun Rep. Scott Schwab, was fatally Channel] that was scripted for •schlitterbahn.com and safe place to work May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 MARKET WATCH BUSINESS WATCH

COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW Board to review Playland management contract 04/11/18 52-Week 52-Week WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The Westchester County Board of The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 30.98 37.52 28.85 Legislators will be undertaking a review of the county's contract Merlin Entertainments Group / with Standard Amusements to manage the Playland Amuse- MERL LSE 343.20 537.50 317.10 Legoland ment Park in Rye. The contract between the county and Standard Amuse- Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 63.85 72.56 59.66 ments was signed in 2016 by former County Executive Rob As- Comcast Corp./NBCUniversal torino. New County Executive George Latimer has said that his CMCSA NASDAQ 33.56 44.00 32.74 Media administration would be looking at the Playland agreement with “a fresh set of eyes.” The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 100.80 116.10 96.2 “Public-private partnerships are designed to be a win for both parties. The public-private partnership with Standard Amuse- Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.44 1.02 0.43 ments to manage Playland has steadily shifted the burden to the public,” said Legislator Catherine Parker, the Board’s Majority EPR Properties EPR NYSE 55.06 76.90 51.87 Leader and representative of the district where Playland is located. Parker, who has called on the Latimer administration to ter- Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 2813.00 3400.00 1910.00 minate the agreement, continued, “Given the stated County ob- ligation of tens of millions of dollars for capital improvements in Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 2.04 2.21 1.55 the contract, that we know is significantly higher, the mechanism Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 7.12 8.51 7.03 to recoup those investments is not in the agreement. The goal to unburden the public was negotiated away under the last admin- MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 33.68 38.41 27.01 istration, with substantive changes since the BOL vote in 2016. I look forward to hearing what the new administration has learned Parques Reunidos Servicios ES:PQR MCE 12.56 17.45 11.69 related to the management of Playland since taking office.” Centrales S.A. The board’s own review of the contract will be undertaken by the committees on Budget and Appropriations; Law and Ma- NEW4Sansei Technologies, Inc. JP:6357 TYO 1455.00 1539.00 827.00 jor Contracts; Parks, Planning and Economic Development; and SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 15.52 19.23 10.42 Public Works.

Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 61.93 70.44 51.25 DreamVision founder found guilty of fraud DreamEast Group Ltd. HK:0593 SEHK 8.90 16.36 8.46 SHOALS, Ala. — On March 20, Bryan Kevin Robinson pleaded guilty to a count of securities fraud and was sentenced to 10 Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 674.00 688.00 540.00 years in prison. He's also banned from the securities industry in Alabama and has to pay more than $7 million in restitution to Village Roadshow AU:VRL ASX 3.16 4.21 3.05 more than 40 investors, according to the Alabama Securities Commission. STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED In February 2015, Robinson and Florida-based Dream-Vision Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, Inc. announced DreamVision Soundscape, a $3.5 billion music- 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 themed amusement park that would be located in Muscle Shoals. —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal They said the park would be 1,400 acres of music-themed rides and entertainment and bring thousands of jobs to the area. DIESEL PRICES DreamVision also had similar plans for a park in Fort Worth, Texas. Region As of Change from (U.S.) 04/09/18 1 year ago East Coast $3.024 +$0.446 In Brief: Midwest $2.957 +$0.442 •WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 23, Congress passed the Gulf Coast $2.844 +$0.398 2018 omnibus appropriations bill which funds the government for Mountain $3.086 +$0.446 the remainder of the fiscal year. IAAPA successfully advocated for a West Coast $3.226 +$0.454 provision in the bill which sends a strong positive message to the Ad- ministration about the value of the Summer Work Travel Program California $3.717 +$0.782 (J-1 Visas), widely used by the attractions industry. The provision re- CURRENCY quires consultation and notice to Congress regarding the estimated On 04/11/18 $1 USD = economic impact of any changes to the program and how changes 0.8105 EURO would affect the public diplomacy goals of our country. The purpose 0.7062 GBP (British Pound) of the provision is to ensure reasonable consultation with Congress 107.09 JPY (Japanese Yen) and stakeholders prior to the Administration making substantial 0.9562 CHF (Swiss Franc) changes to the program which could have a negative impact on ei- 1.2916 AUD (Australian Dollar) ther the businesses that host Summer Work Travel Exchange Visi- 1.2650 CAD (Canadian Dollar) tors or the exchange visitors themselves.

and 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

2018 WHAT’S NEW GUIDE | INTERNATIONAL

Three Gorges Happy World, Wanzhou.…Roller Coaster — Qin Long family roller coaster Compiled by Jeffrey Seifert Tongguan Kiln International Cultural Center, Changsha.…Cavu Designworks Flying Theater Australia Wanda Movie Park, Huangdao.…New park designed by Legacy I GGE; multiple rides Dreamworld, Gold Coast.…Vekoma i-Ride Panoramic Flight Simulator including indoor roller coaster; spinning cars coaster; multi-dimensional cinema robotic Austria roller coaster from Premier Diesel, Edelschrott.…Steirarodl - Wiegand alpine coaster Weihai Rio Carnival, Weihai.…S&S Combo Tower Familypark, St. Margarethen.…Almjodier – Zierer freefall towers; Fairytale carousel — Window of the World, Kaifu.…S&S Worldwide compressed air launch coaster Wooddesign/Vermolen Rides Zhongnan Baicao Garden, Anji.…Gold Roller Coaster — Golden Horse suspended roller Bahamas coaster Pirate's Cove, Freeport.…Zip Line — High Extreme Tours 540-foot zipline Colombia Belgium Parque Del Café, Montenegro.…Yippe — Gerstlauer family coaster Aqualibi, Wavre.…700-square-meter water playground Cafamlandia, Bogotá.…ProSlide Kidz Mini River, Bowl 14, Twister, OctopusRacer, 4-lane Bellewaerde, Leper.…Son of Bigfoot — nWave 4D film ProRacer, Tornado 24 Bobbejaanland, Lichtart.…VR headsets on Dreamcatcher suspended coaster Piscalago Water Park, Melgar.…ProSlide Mammoth Walibi Belgium, Wavre.…Tiki-Waka — Gerstlauer bobsled coaster; Popcorn Revenge — Cyprus ETF/Alterface interactive dark ride Parko Paliatso Luna Park, Ayia Napa.…Looping Star — Schwarzkopf looping star Brazil Denmark Beach Park, Aquiraz.…ProSlide double Tornado Wave 60 Djurs Sommerland, Nimtofte.…Jungle Rally — Zierer Force Zero coaster; Safaribussen — Mirabilandia, Paulista.…Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang; Intamin eight-inversion coast- Zamperla Crazy Bus er relocated from Terra Encantada Fårup Sommerland, Saltum.…Golf Island — 12-hole mini golf course Parque de Praise, Brazil.…Soaring Eagle Zipline Knuthenborg Safaripark, Knuthenborg Allé.…Dinosaurskoven — Outdoor dinosaur T-Rex Campinas, São Paulo.…Dina Coaster — SBF Visa spinning compact coaster exhibit Bulgaria Legoland Billund, Billund.…Flyvende Ørn — Zierer Force Custom coaster; Refurbished Aquamanai Aquapark, Albena.…ProSlide RideHouse 200 Lego Canoe ride; Legoredo Town expansion China Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen.…Tik Tak — Mondial Shake R5; Winter in Tivoli; Chess - the Atlantis Sanya, Sanya.…New resort with 15 ProSlide attractions including RocketBlast, Musical Speed Slide, Tornado Spin — Behemoth Bowl 40/Tornado 60 hybrid; Tornado Tantrum England Chengdu Wanda City, Dujiangyan.…Intamin launch coaster Alton Towers, Alton.…Wicker Man — GCII wooden coaster Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Xiangzhou.…Zierer Force coaster; Zierer Force Two coaster Blackpool Pleasure Beach, England.…Icon — Mack Rides multi-element launch coaster Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou.…Wiegand-Maezler Slide Wheel Chessington World of Adventures, Chessington.…Land of the Tiger — Endangered Tiger Colourful Yunnan Happy World, Jinning.…New park with multiple rides including Bolliger exhibit; Tiger Rock — retheming of Dragon Falls log flume & Mabillard wing coaster; Mack Rides coaster; Mack Rides supersplash; Golden Horse Fantasy Island, Canvay Island.…Huss Frisbee and Huss Magic mine train Paulton's Park, Romsey.…Little Africa — animal enclosure; Queens Flying Coach — Daqian Happy World, Shizhong.…China Zhipao 6-ring roller coaster; Golden Horse family Metallbau Emmeln monorial; Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club — Mack Rides boat ride roller coaster South Pier, Blackpool.…Crazy Coaster — Reverchon spinning relocated from Arcadia City Ever Grande Ocean Flower Island, Danzhou.…New resort with Vekoma Firestrom launched Thorpe Park, Chertsey.…The Walking Dead - The Ride — retheming of X Vekoma Enigma coaster; multiple ProSlide attractions including RocketBlast, SuperLoop with SkyBox, 3x coaster Tornado 24 hybrid, OctopusRacer, Tornado 24/Tornado Wave hybrid, Behemoth Bowl 40/ Finland Tornado 60 hybrid, Aquatic Play Structure Särkänniemi, Tampere.…Preston & Barbieri Wave Swinger Fantawild, Wenfeng.…Vekoma junior coaster France Fantawild, Handan.…Vekoma Hyper Space Warp Babylan-Amiland, Saint-Pierre-du-Perray.…Bûche Dansante — SBF Visa spinning coaster; Fantawild, Taiyuan.…Vekoma family boomerang; Vekoma Hyper Space Warp Jet — Schwarzkopf Jet Star from French traveling fair Fantawild, Wuhu.…Vekoma Hyper Space Warp Cita-Parc, Lille.…Dauphin Express family roller coaster Fantawild Asian Legends, Quingxiu.…New theme park with multiple rides including Asean Dennlys Parc, Dennebroeucq.…Squadron 13 — Technical Park Aerobat Express — Vekoma boomerang coaster; Jungle Trailblazer — Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Didi'land, Morsbronn-les-Bains.…Baby Flum — Soquet junior flume ride; l'Apollo Side Car Group wooden coaster — Technical Park Sidecar; Cirque Rodéo — circus act Forise Changchun Water Park, Changchun.…ProSlide RocketBlast, 3x Pipeline, Twister Disneyland Paris, Marne la Vallée.…25th anniversary celebrations; major overhaul of Hainan Ocean Paraduse, Hainan.…S&S Combo Tower Phantom Manor Happy Valley, Beijing.…Family Roller Coaster — Bolliger & Mabillard family inverted Futuroscope, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou.…Through Thomas Pesquet’s eyes — 4K Imax Laser coaster; Music Roller Coaster — Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster production with 3D audio Happy Valley, Jinniu.…Western Regions Heaven— Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster Jardin d'Acclimatation, Paris.…Rockets — Gerstlauer bobsled coaster HiDream Indoor Theme Park, Songbei.…Beijing Shibolai sky loop coaster Kingoland, Plumelin.…Pistone Tower — SBF Visa Drop'n Twist Hot Go Dreamworld, Fushun.…Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster; Preston & Barbieri Le Pal, Saint Pourçain-sur-Besbre.…Yukon Quad — Intamin family launch coaster coaster; Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster LeFleury, Wavrechain-sous-Faulx.…L'épée D'odin — Zamperla Freefall Hot Go Water Park, Fushun.…ProSlide BehemothBowl 40/TornadoWave 60 hybrid, 2x Mer de Sable, Ermenonville.…New Mexican-themed area with Condor — Zamperla Family Tornado24 hybrid, BehemothBowl 40 Swinger; Tornado — Zamperla Sombrero Huayi Brothers Movie World, Wuzhong.…Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster; Golden Nigloland, Dolancourt.…Zabeilles — Zierer Roundabout; Eden Palais — Carousel and Horse family coaster; S&S Combo tower museum Kunming Colorful Yunnan Happy World, Kunming.…S&S Double Tower Parc Ange Michel, Saint Martin de Landelles.…Tourbillon — Gosetto spinning cars coaster Magic Forest, Rencheng.…multi-element roller coaster Parc de la Vallée, Massais.…Circuit Bobsleigh — Schwarzkopf City Jet relocated from Ocean Paradise, Lingshui.…New park with multiple rides including Intamin mulit-element Nigloland coaster; Intamin spinning cars coaster Parc Saint Paul, Saint Paul.…Wood Express — Gravity Group wood coaster OCT Nanjing, Jiangshu.…ProSlide Tornado 60, FlyingSaucer 45, BehemothBowl 60, Mammoth Parc Spirou, Monteaux.…New park with multiple rides including Zierer Force Two; Zierer Oriental Heritage, Changsha.…Vekoma Space Warp; Vekoma family suspended ESC 535; Zierer force zero; Zierer Kontiki Oriental Heritage, Cixian.…Vekoma Space Warp; Beijing Jiuhua family coaster Puy-du-Fou, Plailly.…Le Mystère de La Pérouse — new show for 2018 Polar Ocean Park, Pudong.…new park with multiple rides including Intamin LSM launch Walibi Rhône-Alpes, Les Avenières.…Dock'N Roll — Zamperla Rockin' Tug; Balloon Race coaster; Zamperla family coaster — Zamperla Samba Balloon; Hurricane — Zamperla Vertical Swing Quancheng Euro Park, Qihe.…Children Coaster — Beijing Jiuhua children's coaster Germany Shanghai Disneyland, Pudong.…Rex's Racer — Intamin launched shuttle coaster; Toy Story AltmühlBOB, Riedenburg.…Speedbob — Wiegand sport coaster (dual alpine coasters) Land themed area with three new attractions Bayern-Park, Reissbach.…Stadlgaudi 4D — Lagotronics interactive rotating Farm Fair Shengming Universal City, Yubei.…Suspended Roller Coaster — inverted roller coaster GameChanger; Farm Race — Metallbau Emmeln electric vehicle ride; Tractor Ride — Silk Road Culture Expo Park, Xiongguan.…Vekoma Boomerang; Beijing Shibaolai sus- Metallbau Emmeln electric track farm tractors pended looping coaster Eifelpark, Gondorf.…Log Flume Pirateninsel Sun Tzu Cultural Park, Guangrao.…Launch Coaster — S&S Worldwide compressed air Europa-Park, Rust.…Redesigned Eurosat with separate loading station for VR , Jim Button launch coaster; two 12-seat S&S combo tower rides Journey Through Morrow Land children's ride. Sunshine Dream Park, Xingyi.…multi-element roller coaster Ferienzentrum Schloss Danker, Haren.…Achterbahn — abc Rides tube coaster Sweetland Water Park, Dalian.…ProSlide HyrdroMagnetic Rocket, Tornado 18, CannonBowl 40, Octopus-Kracken Racer 4INTERNATIONAL WHAT'S NEW CONTINUED ON PAGE 47 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47

2018 WHAT’S NEW GUIDE | INTERNATIONAL

Freizeit-Land Geiselwind, Geiselwind.…Cobra — Interpark Wild Wind coaster formerly on Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen, Emmen.…Tweestryd — two Vekoma family boomer- German fair circuit ang coasters Hansa Park, Sierksdorf.…Barcos del Mar — Technical Park Sidecar; Son of Bigfoot — 4D Norway cinema Dyreparken, Kristiansand.…Spøkelses-Huset — haunted house attraction Heide-Park, Soltau.…Peppa Pig Land — new themed area; Schorsch Dino-Abenteuer — Tusenfryd, Venterbro.…Steampunk Hunters — VR on former Western Expressen Vekoma Metallbau Emmeln electric track vehicle ride junior coaster Holiday Park, Hassloch.…New indoor expansion with indoor pool and waterplay structure, Oman slides, 500-seat theater, Zierer Force Two coaster, Zamperla Windstarz Hawana Aqua Park, Dhofar.…New water park with waterslides, leisure pools, toddler's Karls Erlebnis-Dorf, Wustermark.…K2 — abc Rides family coaster pool and wave pool Kurpfalz Park, Wachenheim.…Wutzels Piratenflug — Zierer Wave Swinger Pakistan Legoland Deutschland, Günzburg.…Pirate Island Hotel — new pirate-themed lodging; Bahria Adventura, Karachi.…New park with multiple rides including Compact Dragon Ninjago 4D cinema; Mack Media VR on Project X - Test Strecke Coaster — Preston & Barbieri coaster; Golden Horse Fruitworm coaster Movie Park Germany, Bottrop.…Excalibur - Secrets of the Dark Forest — retheming of Onederland, Karachi.…KIA roller coaster — indoor spinning coaster park's river rapids ride by IMAscore, Leisure Expert Group and Tema Design Peru Rasti-Land, Salzhemmendorf.…Brückenturm (Bridge Tower) — new play area with sliding Granaj Villa, Lima.…Cuycolo — Zamperla twister coaster boards; water playground Poland Rodelmekka Pottenstein, Pottenstein.…Wiegand Hexenbesen suspended coaster Energylandia, Zator.…Hyperion — Intamin mega coaster; Speed — Intamin water coaster Schwaben Park, Kaisersbach.…Wilde Hilde — Ride Engineers Switzerland roller ball Holiday Park Kownaty, Torzym.…Majaland — new indoor themed area with Wickie coaster Coaster — Zierer Force Two Skiliftkarussell Winterberg, Winterberg.…Brandaeur alpine coaster; Wiegand alpine Legendia, Chorzów.…Bazyliszek — interactive dark ride from Alterface and Jora Vision coaster Portugal Sommerrodelbahn Ruhpolding, Ruhpolding.…Chiemgau Coaster — Wiegand alpine Aquashow Hotel, Quarteira.…ProSlide Tornado 45 coaster Qutar Therme Erding, Erding.…Big Wave — Wiegand-Maelzer combination slide with curve and Adventure Island, Doha.…Dragonfire — Premier Rides LSM launch coaster sidewinder Russia Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle, Friesoythe-Thüle.…Njordland — Viking-themed children's Children's Park, Anapa.…Maurer Rides wild mouse relocated from Attrapark Moscow play area Dream Island, Moscow.…New indoor theme park with 29 attractions including Intamin Wild- und Freizeitpark Klotten, Klotten.…Klotti's Adventure Farm — Playhouse for small launched coaster children (under 3) Golden Bay, Gelendijk.…ProSlide Tornado 24/Tornado 60 hybrid Zoo Safaripark Stukenbrock, Stikenbrock.…Alpen-Coaster — Schwarzkopf Wildcat relo- Play Ventura, Kursk.…Roller Coaster — I.E. Park indoor coaster cated from Schwaben Park Saudi Arabia Greece Al-Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah.…Soaring Eagle Zipline Olympia Aqua Park at Riviera Resort, Peloponnese.…New water park with multiple slides Dana Beach Resort, Al Khobar.…ProSlide Tornado 45, 4-lane OctopusRacer, CannonBowl from Polin Waterparks 40, 2x Pipeline, 2x Twister Indonesia South Korea Atlantis Water Adventure, Jakarta.…ProSlide SuperLoop with SkyBox Blue One, Gyeongju.…ProSlide 2x Kidz Twister, 4-lane Kidz ProRacer, Kidz Mini River Cartoon Network, Bali.…ProSlide RideHouse 300, Kidz OctopusRacer, Mini River, 4-lane Gyeongju World, Gyeongju.…Draken — Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster ProRacer Lotte World, Sokcho.…ProSlide RocketBlast, ProBowl, Twister, RideHouse100 Trans Studio Mini, Kubu Raya.…Crazy Cab Coaster — Vekoma junior coaster Ocean World Water Park, Gangwon.…ProSlide FlyingSaucer 45, Mammoth Trans Studio Mini, Kupang.…Vekoma junior coaster Robotland Theme Park, Incheon.…Zamperla Thunderbolt coaster Ireland Shinwa Water Park, Jeju.…ProSlide RocketBlast, FlyingSaucer 30, Double TornadoWave Tayto Park, Ashbourne.…Spinning cars coaster 60, 2x Tornado 32 hybrid, 3x Pipeline Italy Spain Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda.…I Corsari: la Vendetta del Fantasma — retheming of Ferrari Land, Salou.…Junior Red Force — SBF Visa Group race coaster; Zamperla Mini Jet, I Corsari boat ride; Peppa Pig Land — new themed area with swinging ship and balloon Speedy Coaster, Balloon Race; SBF Visa Fly Over ride Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, Madrid.…Twist and Splash ride Luneur Park, Rome.…Spinner — Eos Rides spinning cars coaster Siam Water Park, Tenerife.…ProSlide Mammoth Movieland Park, Lago di Garda.…Pangea, The World of Dinosaurs — outdoor truck ride Sweden through a dinosaur forest Daftöland, Västra Götaland.…Skutan — family coaster Osteria Ai Pioppi, Treviso.…Catapulta — park-built shuttle coaster Furuvik, Gävle.…Spökjakten — new interactive dark ride from Sally Corp. Japan Liseberg, Gothenburg.…Valkyria — Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster Shirakaba Resort Family Land, Koshoku.…Shirakaba Wood Coaster — steel shuttle Switzerland coaster Conny-Land, Lipperswil.…Catapul — Space Shot Tower; Lost World/Dino Attack — Universal Studios Japan, Osaka.…Final Fantasy XR Ride — VR on Space Fantasy The Ride Lagotronics upgrades to dark ride to make it interactive Malaysia Trinidad & Tobago 20th Century Fox World, Genting Highlands.…Rebranded Genting Theme Park with mul- Chaguaramas Waterpark, Chaguaramas.…ADG wave pool tiple rides including Alien vs Predator — Dynamic Attractions steel coaster; Wings Over Tunisia Rio — Setpoint suspended coaster; Sons of Anarchy & Weyland Yutani — twin-tracked Carthageland, Hammamet.…Spinning cars coaster from Eos Rides coaster; Ice Age-themed coaster Turkey Big Adventure Waterpark, Desaru.…ProSlide Tornado 60, 3x Tornado 24 hybrid, Tornado Land of Legends Theme Park, Antalya.…Mack Rides hyper coaster; Gerstlauer family 360 18, CannonBowl 30, RideHouse 500; Kidz Mini river, Bowl 14 Tornado 12, Twister, 2-lane coaster; SBF Visa race coaster racer, 4-lane racer United Arab Emirates Borneo Samariang Water Park, Kuching.…Proslide Mammoth, 2x SuperLoop with SkyBox, Aqua Fun, Abu Dhabi.…Floating Wibit Sports obstacle course 6-lane ProRacer, 2x Pipeline, CannonBowl 30, RideHouse 200, Kidz Twister x2, Kidz Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.…ProSlide Aquatic Play with multiple Kidz slides; ProSlide MiniRiver, KIDZ ProRacer, Kidz Bowl 14 Twister Legoland Malaysia, Johor Bahru.…The Great Lego Race — VR addition to former Project Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.…Mission Ferrari — Dynamic Attractions special X roller coaster effects coaster Movie Park Animation Studios, Ipoh.…Intamin 10-inversion coaster Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.…New park with multiple rides including Tom Mauritius and Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin — Zamperla spinning coaster (indoor); Intamin inverted Casela World of Adventures, Cascavelle.…Wiegand alpine coaster coaster Netherlands Ukraine Attractiepark Rotterdam, Rotterdam.…Shuttle Loop — Schwarzkopf flywheel shuttle loop Ocean Plaza Shopping Center, Kiev.…Vekoma family coaster relocated from Toshimaen, Japan; Nauta Bussink Evolution Vietnam DippieDoe Attractiepark, Best.…Dolle Pier (Mad Earthworm) — Big Apple/Wacky Worm Kittyd & Minnied, Châu Thành A.…Dragon Flight Roller Coaster — Golden Horse spinning style coaster coaster Drouwenerzand Attractiepark, Drouwen.…KMG Freak Out Sun World Danang Wonders, Đà Nång.…Highway Boat — Intamin suspended family Efteling, Kaatsheuvel.…Retracking of Python, Vekoma looping coaster coaster with vertical lift; Paradise Fall — Intamin family launch coaster Toverland, Sevenum.…Fênix — Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster; Merlin's Quest — Mack Vinpearl Land, Thu Thiem.…New theme park with multiple rides including Vekoma mine Rides tow boat ride; Magic Store — Lagotronics Magic Wand train; Vekoma Firestorm launched coaster; Vekoma family suspended 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

2018 WHAT’S NEW GUIDE | NORTH AMERICA

area' Slinky Dog Dash — Mack Rides junior coaster; Alien Swirling Saucers — Compiled by Jeffrey Seifert flying saucer ride CANADA Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, Orlando.…Surfari Water Park — ADG Dual Flow- British Columbia Rider, waterslides, splash pad, lazy river, zero entry pool Cultus Adventure Park, Cultus Lake….Larson Intl. Super Shot Drop Tower Legoland Florida, Winter Haven.…The Great Lego Race — VR addition to former Ontario Project X roller coaster; Baynum Painting repainting complete repaint of Project Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan.…Lumberjack — Zamperla Hawk; Flying Canoes X coaster — Zamperla Jump Around; Splash Works children's pool expansion Nocatee Splash Water Park, Ponte Vedra Beach.…ProSlide RideHouse 300 Québec Sam's Fun City, Pensacola.…Emerald Coaster — Pinfari Zyklon Z40 relocated Bromont Water Park, Bromont.…ProSlide FlyingSaucer 30 from Ocean Beach Pleasure Park (England) LaRonde, Montreal.…Carnaval en Folie — new family zone; Tourbillon — Larson SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando.…Infinity Falls — Intamin river raft ride with record- International Tilt-a-Whirl; Petite Roue — Ferris Wheel; Torsade — Scrambler breaking drop and new-style rafts Méga Parc, Quebec City.…Larson International 22m Hubless Ferris Wheel; Universal Studios Florida, Orlando.…Fast and Furious - Supercharged — simu- Extreme Engineering Cloud Coaster lated high-speed tram chase Pays des Merveilles, Sainte-Adèle.…E&F Miler coaster relocated from Six Gun Vue at 360, Orlando.…Funtime Star Flyer City New Hampshire Georgia COSTA RICA Georgia Mountain Coaster, Helen.…Georgia Mountain Coaster — Wiegand KidZania, San Jose.…New FEC — Interactive child-sized replica of a real city, Alpine Coaster including buildings, shops and theaters, as well as vehicles and pedestrians Great Wolf Lodge Georgia, LaGrange.…New indoor waterpark with ProSlide moving along its streets. Tornado 24, FlyingSaucer 45, Mammoth, RallyRacer 54, SuperLoop with Sky- MEXICO Box, Twister; Kidz 2x ProRacer and 2x Twister; ADG wave pool Distrito Federal Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell.…Twisted Cyclone — RMC conversion of former Kataplum, Mexico City.…Vekoma suspended family coaster Georgia Cyclone coaster Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City.…Wonder Woman Coaster — S&S Free Spin Wild Adventures, Valdosta.…Megabugs! Adventure Continues — interactive coaster area with 70 exhibits of insects and arachnids Quintana Roo Idaho Amikoo Theme Park, Mayan Riveira.…Vekoma i-Ride Panoramic Flight Simulator Roaring Springs Water Park, Meridian.…Bearfoot Bay expansion — three slides Alabama and 20 bear-themed water play toys Alabama Splash Adventure, Bessemer.…Splash Island — ProSlide 2x Kidz Twist- Illinois er; Kidz Mini River; Kidz 4-lane racer; Kidz Bowl 14; Vortex Aquatic Strcutures Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee, Gurnee.…New indoor waterpark with ProSlide Behe- water play structure; PTCI overhaul of Rampage train mothBowl40/BehemothBowl 40 hybrid, Mammoth; Kidz 2x ProRacer, Twister; Arizona ADG wave pool Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Vail.…Soaring Eagle Zipline Raging Waves, Yorkville.…ProSlide 2x Drop Slide, Kidz Zone Arkansas Six Flags Great America, Gurnee.…Mardi Gras Hangover — Larson International Magic Springs, Hot Springs.…Brain Drain — Larson International Super Shot Giga Loop 100; Holiday in the Park Drop Tower Indiana California Holiday World, Santa Claus.…Tembo Falls and Tembo Tides — ProSlide chil- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Lake.…Soaring Eagle Zipline dren's slides and ADG wave pool; PTCI overhaul of The Voyage trains California's Great America, Santa Clara.…RailBlazer — RMC Raptor track Iowa coaster Adventureland Park, Altoona.…Bernie's Barnyard — kiddie rides, playground, Disney California Adventure, Anaheim.…Pixar Pier — retheming of Paradise arcade games all geared for young children; Metallbau Enmen Pony Trek; Sky- Pier with Incredicoaster — rethemed California Screamin' Intamin coaster line Attractions Crazy Couch Four Seasons Westlake, Westlake Village.…ADG FlowRider Arnolds Park, Arnolds Park.…Chance Rides 36-foot carousel Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park.…HangTime — Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster with Kentucky KCL Engineering lighting package Beech Bend, Bowling Green.…Baynum Painting resurfacing of steel and slides on Legoland California, Carlsbad.…Lego City Deep Sea Adventure — Mack Rides Tiki Aqua Play structure submarine ride; Lego Ninjago - Master of the 4th Dimension — 4D theater; Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville.…Scream Xtreme — Zamperla Endeavour; Rock Castle Hotel — 250-room premium hotel 'n' Roller family ride; Happy Family The Ride and Journey 2 the Mysterious SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego.…Electric Eel — Premier Rides Sky Rocket II coaster Island — 5D films Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo.…Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster — Skyline Maine Attractions Skywarp Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach.…Sea Viper — Preston & Barbieri steel Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Concord.…Splash Water Island — interactive water coaster; Wipeout — steel coaster play structure Maryland Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia.…CraZanity — Zamperla Giant Discovery Six Flags America, Largo.…Wahoo River — ADG upgraded lazy river; PTCI over- Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City.…Kung Fu Panda multisensory haul of Roar and Wild One trains theater attraction Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro.…Chance Rides CP Huntington Train Waterworks, Reading.…ADG wave pool Massachusetts Waterworld Concord, Concord.…Splashwater Island — four-story interactive Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver.…Kersplash — E&F Miler Water Coaster water play structure relocated from Washington State Fair Colorado Six Flags New England, Agawam.…Harley Quinn Spinsanity — Zamperla Giant Carla Madison Recreation Center, Denver.…New rec center with indoor water park Discovery; expanded Gotham City area including lap pool, lazy river, waterslides, kids play structure with tipping bucket Michigan Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights.…ProSlide 8-lane ProRacer; Upgrade Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center, Wyoming.…Cruiser Coaster — SBF Visa to Lost River of Pharaohs with R&R Creative special projection effects compact spinning coaster Connecticut Minnesota Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury.…Category 5 Rapids — ProSlide Tornado Valleyfair, Shakopee.…Delirious — Larson International 22m Giant Loop 18 and 2x Pipeline Twister; Splash Away Café; Dennys Electonics LED lighting on Missouri Chance Yo-Yo and Sellner Tilt-a-Whirl; commemorative 100th anniversary magazine America's Fun Park, Branson....Interpark SuperNova and Wacky Worm operated Florida by S.J. Entertainment. Adventure Island, Tampa.…Vanish Point — 70-foot ProSlide 2x Turbo Twister Silver Dollar City, Branson.…Time Traveler — Mack Rides launched, spinning coaster with SkyBox Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka.…Typhoon Twister — ProSlide BehemothBowl 40/ Aquatica Orlando, Orlando.…Ray Rush — WhiteWater West family raft water slide TornadoWave 60 hybrid Beachwalk, Jacksonville.…New planned community surrounding 14-acre Crystal Worlds of Fun, Kansas City.…Nordic Chaser — Zamperla Jump Around Lagoon — first in U.S. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Lake Buena Vista.…Toy Story Land — new themed 4NORTH AMERICA WHAT'S NEW CONTINUED ON PAGE 49 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49

2018 WHAT’S NEW GUIDE | NORTH AMERICA

Nebraska Balloon; remodeled Fudge House and Cookie House Fun Plex, Omaha.…Rockin' Rapids — two SplashTacular tube water slides with South Carolina translucent fiberglass sections Neptune Island Waterpark, Hartsville.…Water park expansion of previous Nevada splashpad — 1,000-foot lazy river, zero entry pool, ADG wave pool, speed body The Linq, Las Vegas.…Fly Linq — 10 side-by-side ziplines over the Linq Promenade slide, pair of tubular water slides, three mat racing slides New Hampshire Wild Water & Wheels, Myrtle Beach.…ProSlide Drop Slide Canobie Lake Park, Salem.…Water park expansion — ADG Tidal River; three- Tennessee slide tower; Ice Jet — Bertazzon Matterhorn Anakeesta, Gatlinburg.…Anakeesta Mountain Coaster — Brandauer Summer New Jersey Toboggan Clementon Park, Clementon.…PTCI overhaul of Hell Cat train Dollywood's Splash Country, Pigeon Forge.…Baynum Painting repainting of Diggerland, West Berlin.…Seven-acre expansion; Soaring Eagle Zipline; Kubota Big Bear Plunge tower, gelcoat Mountain Scream Slides, gelcoat and exterior Rugged Riders and Farm Tractors; Elevation Station scissors lift; Ventrac 3400Y of Butterfly slides Gillian's Wonderland Pier, Ocean City.…Drop Tower — Larson International Mountain Mile, Pigeon Forge.…Mountain Monster — Stan Checketts/Soaring Super Shot Drop Tower Eagle Inc. 200-foot tower with four attractions including swing ride, drop ride Morey's Piers, Wildwood.…Wild Whizzer — SBF Visa compact spinning coaster; and dive ride Baynum Painting repainting of Doo Wopper coaster Nashville Shores, Hermitage.…Aqua Park — Wibit Sports floating obstacle course Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson.…Cyborg Cyberspin — abc Rides Tourbil- Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland, Nashville.…New ADG-designed indoor park lon; Baynum Painting restoration of carousel panels with ProSlide Tornado 45, Mammoth, CannonBowl 40, 2x Twister, Pipeline, New York SuperLoop with SkyBox, FreeFall with SkyBox, 4-lane OctopusRacer Castle Family Fun Center, Chester.…Soaring Eagle Zipline Texas Darien Lake, Darien Center.…Tantrum — Gerstlauer Euro-fighter 380 Aquatica San Antonio, San Antonio.…Taumata Racer — Six lane WhiteWater Fantasy Island, Grand Island.…Fairy Tale Forest — new children's area; Skyline West racing slide Attractions Strike-U-Up; Baynum Painting waterslide restoration and tower Big Rivers Waterpark, New Caney.…New waterpark with multiple slides and painting ADG wave pool Seabreeze Amusement Park, Rochester.…Baynum Painting gelcoat of Rip Tide Circuit of the Americas, Austin.…Soaring Eagle Zipline Slide El Paso Zoo, El Paso.…36-foot Chance Rides Endangered Species Carousel SplashDown Beach, Fishkill.…Megalodan — ProSlide TornadoWave 60; ProSlide Epic Waters indoor water park, Grand Prairie.…New indoor waterpark with Kidz MiniRiver, 4-lane ProRacer multiple slides from WhiteWater and Sunbelt Pools outdoor wave pool Splish Splash, Long Island.…Baynum Painting gelcoat and exterior of Dragon's Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston.…Baynum Painting repaint- Den; gelcoat and exterior of Kiddie Cove; resurface exterior of Dr Van Dark ing of Star Flyer Tower and structural steel columns under pier Tunnel; resurface tubes of Alien Invasion Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah.…PTCI overhaul of Boardwalk Bullet trains; Baynum The Great Escape, Lake George.…Pandemonium — Chance Rides freestyle Painting repainting of Drop Tower North Carolina Landry's Downtown Aquarium, Houston.…Chance Rides Electric CP Hunting- Carowinds, Charlotte.…Beagle Scout Acres — 8,000-square-foot play structure; ton Train Camp Snoopy — playground structures; multiple children's rides SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio.…Electric Ocean — light and music cel- Ohio ebration; Sesame Parade Cedar Point, Sandusky.…Steel Vengeance — RMC conversion of former Mean Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio.…Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster Streak coaster; PTCI overhaul of Blue Streak trains — RMC Raptor track coaster, Pirates of the Deep Sea dark ride retheme, Plain Township Aquatic Center, New Albany.…Baynum Painting gelcoat and revamped Spassburg area exterior of waterslides Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington.…Harley Quinn Spinsanity — abc Rides Tourbil- Zoombezi Bay, Columbus.…ADG Adventure Lagoon Water Ride lon Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati.…Chance Rides CP Huntington Train Splashway Water Park, Sheridan.…ProSlide 3x Tornado 24 hybrid Oklahoma Trader's Village, Grand Prairie.…Chance Rides 36-foot Americana carousel Frontier City, Oklahoma City.…Soaring Eagle Zipline; PTCI overhaul of Wildcat Utah train; second Silver Bullet train from Greezed Lightnin' AstroWorld Lagoon, Farmington.…New GCII trains for Roller Coaster, new candy shop Oregon Vermont Oaks Amusement Park, Portland.…Adrenaline Peak — Gerstlauer Euro Fighter 320 Quechee Gorge Village, Quechee.…Wisdom Rides oval coaster relocated from with KCL Engineering light package Central Park Fun-Land Pennsylvania Virginia Dorney Park, Allentown.…PTCI overhaul of Thunderhawk train Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg.…Battle for Eire — motion base Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster.…Merlin's Mayhem — S&S Worldwide suspended theater with 360-degree virtual reality coaster with R&R Creative theming and video package Central Park Fun-Land, Fredericksburg.…Twist N' Shout — SBF Visa compact Hersheypark, Hershey.…Breaker's Edge Water Coaster — ProSlide HydroMag- spinning coaster netic with Flying Saucer 45; Whitecap Racer — ProSlide RallyRacer 32 Kings Dominion, Doswell.…Twisted Timbers — RMC conversion of former Hurler Idlewild & SoakZone, Ligonier.…Reopening of Rollo Coaster with new PTCI coaster train; Baynum Painting complete repaint of Wild Mouse Ocean Breeze Water Park, Virginia Beach.…ProSlide Mammoth River Kennywood, West Mifflin.…Thomas Town — retheming of the Olde Kennywood rail- Washington road and five children's rides from Zamperla; R&R Creative theming and graphics The Rides at Long Beach, Long Beach.…Wacky Worm — Big Apple/Wacky Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg.…Over The Top — SBF Wave Rider Worm-style coaster Sesame Place, Langhorne.…Oscar's Wacky Taxi — Gravity Group wooden coaster Wisconsin South Park Waterpark, Allegheny County.…ADG wave pool renovation Noah's Ark Waterpark, Lake Delton.…Raja - The World's Largest King Cobra Splash Lagoon, Erie.…ADG FlowRider — Polin Waterparks King Cobra; theming upgrades provided by R&R Creative; Waldameer, Erie.…ProSlide CannonBowl 30; Balloon Race — Zamperla Samba Baynum Painting rehab of shoot the chute boats and structural painting 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Despite nor'easter, 130 make trek to NEAAPA meeting

NEAAPA: Ron Gustafson Center, Fairhaven, Mass. Special to Amusement Today In addition, Lewis recognized past NEAAPA presi- MYSTIC, Conn. — More dents. Membership Milestone than 100 people weathered Awards, ranging from 10 to a nor’easter to attend the 75 years, were presented to New England Association of sions on March 13 was Louie numerous members in recog- Amusement Parks and At- Gravance, who addressed a nition of their continued sup- tractions’ (NEAAPA) 105th capacity audience. Gravance port of the organization. Anniversary Education Con- developed training and orien- The conference enjoyed a ference & Annual Meeting tation programs at The Walt raft of industry sponsors. March 12-16 at the Hilton Disney Co. in Orlando, Fla., Among the companies Mystic hotel. and previously had a career supporting the event were Around 30 who had reg- in acting — appearing in doz- Allied Specialty Insurance, istered for the event were not ens of television commercials Inc., Treasure Island, Fla.; able to attend as heavy snow and other projects. Today, he Premier Rides, Baltimore, and wind swept into the re- is a consultant and speaker Md.; Dippin’ Dots, LLC, gion. through his firm, Louie Gra- Paducah, Ky.; S&S-Sansei Despite the wintry blast, vance Creative Concepts. Technologies, Logan, Utah; 130 were on hand for NEAA- “Great Service Serves the Naughton Insurance, Provi- PA’s annual dinner meeting Server First!” was Gravance’s dence, R.I.; FetchRev, Tempe, on March 13. The highlight of theme, and it was an ideal fit Ariz.; Carousel Family Fun the gala event was the induc- for the many parks and attrac- Centers, Fairhaven, Mass.; tion of George Frantzis II into tions operators present. He Windish Music and Pro- the NEAAPA Hall of Fame. called on audience members George Frantzis II of Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, ductions, West Chester, Pa.; An owner of Quassy for assistance during the fast- Middlebury, Conn. (above), was inducted into the NEAAPA Rhode Island Novelty, Fall Amusement & Waterpark, paced, 90-minute session. Hall of Fame at the organization’s 105th Anniversary River, Mass.; Daly Cavana- Middlebury, Conn., Frantzis is The morning concluded Education Conference & Annual Meeting in Mystic, Conn. ugh, LLP, Wellesley, Mass.; the third member of his family with a roundtable session Presenting the award was Dorothy Lewis, NEAAPA president. Edaville Family Theme Park, entered into the prestigious devoted to revenue generat- NEAAPA members attended a reception prior to the annual Carver, Mass.; Whitewater hall. He served as NEAAPA ing. The moderators were dinner meeting (below). COURTESY NEAAPA/RON GUSTAFSON West Industries, Richmond, president in 1998-99. Dave Oberlander, senior vice president of Mashpee, Mass.- Training and education based Centerplate, and Cin- The conference kicked off dy Brewer-Lavoie, owner of March 12 with a five-day Na- Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, tional Association of Amuse- Mass. ment Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) outreach safety Showcasing vendors school and testing session (see An afternoon vendor related photo, page 65). showcase on March 13 was Of the 58 participants, facilitated by Kevin Estrela, many were state inspectors regional manager for Dippin’ in New England. Also attend- Dots, LLC. More than a dozen ing were individual NEAAPA member tables were set up members who inspect and with displays maintain their own rides and Estrela introduced indi- others who inspect facilities vidual speakers after asso- nationwide. ciation members made their The International Asso- rounds. The included repre- ciation of Amusement Parks sentatives of NEAAPA mem- and Attractions (IAAPA) ber suppliers Windish Music hosted a regional network- and Productions, S&S-San- ing event Monday afternoon sei Technologies, Premier which summarized a variety Rides, Naughton Insurance, of legislative issues and relat- FetchRev and Dippin’ Dots. ed updates. The day’s final seminar Featured speakers were was “Crisis Management — officers for 2019, as well as Rachel Morrissey, Canobie B.C., Canada; NXT Capture, Erika Scheffer, IAAPA state Incident Response and Com- reports from the secretary, fi- Lake Park; and Meritorious Orlando, Fla.; North Ameri- advocacy director, and Erik munication.” Speakers were nance committee and nomi- Service Award / John Win- can Amusement, Weymouth, Beard from the law firm of Steve McPherson, security nation committee. NEAAPA kler, Six Flags New England, Mass.; High Mountain En- Wiggin and Dana, LLP, of and emergency medical ser- President Dorothy Lewis also Agawam, Mass. terprises, White Plains, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn. Beard is a vices, Canobie Lake Park, Sa- provided a brief report. The 2019 NEAAPA of- Xpressposts.com, Danbury, member of IAAPA’s Govern- lem, N.H.; Chris Nicoli, brand During the gala, Lew- ficers are President Dorothy Conn.; CLM Entertainment ment Relations Committee manager, Canobie Lake Park; is presented the following Lewis, Fun Station Enter- Group, LLC, Woonsocket, R.I. and is also on NEAAPA’s and Todd McGhee, manag- awards: Alan E. Ramsay Safe- tainment Group, Danbury, and Bass Resort Sales, Mans- board of directors. IAAPA ing partner of Protecting the ty Award / Bill Cormier, Fun- Conn.; First Vice President field, Mass. board member Rob Norris of Homeland Innovations, LLC, town Splashtown USA, Saco, Eric Anderson, Quassy NEAAPA’s 105th An- Seabreeze Amusement Park Braintree, Mass. Maine; Paragon Award (excel- Amusement & Waterpark; niversary Summer Meet- in Rochester, N.Y., also was in The organization’s annu- lence in graphic promotion) / Second Vice President Dave ing will take place July 24 attendance. al dinner meeting followed. Dippin’ Dots, LLC, Paducah, Oberlander, Centerplate; at Funtown Splashtown in Keynote speaker for It included a brief business Ky.; Pinnacle Award (excel- and Treasurer Charlene Con- Saco, Maine. NEAAPA’s educational ses- agenda to accept the slate of lence in customer service) / way, Carousel Family Fun •neaapa.com May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 Postcards, images highlight Coney Island's history AT: Jeffrey Seifert what is left of Coney Island's probably sold but never mailed, was constantly changing. Fires [email protected] unique culture as well as the to be saved instead in scrapbooks were frequent and attractions that amusements and the spirit of the Because this book is a post- burned were often rebuilt larger Coney Island is famous for people in the area. card history, the time frame it and grander than before. much more than just hot dogs A portion of the profits from covers is limited. Some significant Competition was fierce, and and wild rides. At the turn of the the sale of the book are being do- Coney landmarks, such as the El- what was often a hot item one 20th century, it was known as the nated to the Coney Island History ephant Hotel, predate the print- year, could quickly fall out of fa- "playground of the world." In the Project and Coney Island USA. ing of postcards, so images are not vor. Attractions were frequently beginning, this upscale resort ca- The Arcadia Postcard Series included in this collection. updated or simply torn down and tered to the rich. Between 1897 takes a look at some of American The book is divided into eight replaced. and 1904, three lavish amuse- history’s most iconic areas as they chapters, with the first chapter, Some attractions even tried to ments parks opened in Coney appear in carefully curated collec- The Early Days, featuring some capitalize on the frequent fires, by Island. By 1920, the subway ex- tions of vintage postcards. of the very first picture postcards burning every night. Dreamland's tended to Stillwell Avenue, which Arcadia Publishing’s Post- ever created. Many feature the Fighting the Flames exhibit fea- made Coney Island more acces- card History Series seeks to honor lavish hotels that catered to the tured firemen who fought flames sible for everyone. the lost art of the postcard with a wealthy, some of whom stayed for and rescued people from a six-sto- The abundant history is re- stunning collection of volumes on the entire summer. ry building each night. A compet- markable, and its peaks and val- a specific topic. The remaining seven chap- ing attraction at Luna Park called leys closely resemble one of its lection of amusement attractions. In the early 1900s, postcards ters highlight a specific park or at- Fire and Flame, had fireman fight- most famous icons, the roller Author Laura J. Hoffman, were a far more common way to traction: Steeplechase Park, Luna ing an entire city block that was coaster. Coney Island hit its apex grew up in Mountain Lakes, N.J. communicate. In many cases, they Park, Dreamland, Surf Avenue, set ablaze each night. between 1910 and 1930. After- and made frequent trips to Coney are also our only lasting images The Bowery, Brighton Beach, Ironically real fires played a ward, it suffered through the Island. Although she currently of certain structures, monuments, and the beach and boardwalk. major role in the eventual demise Great Depression, went into major lives in Florida, she is an avid col- and places. Despite the plethora of rides, of both parks. The 1944 Luna decline after World War I, and hit lector of Coney Island memora- Postcards were the social theaters and eateries, one of the Park fire wiped out most of the bottom in the 1970s and 1980s. In bilia. She shares her extensive col- media of the 1900s. According most popular attractions at Coney 22-acre park. recent years, there has been a pro- lection of Coney Island postcards to the book, on an average sum- was the beach itself. Located at The 128-page soft cover book found revitalization effort to bring to chronicle the storied past of this mer weekend in 1907, visitors to the south end of the peninsula the features 222 black-and-white im- the area back to its glory days. classic vacation destination. Re- Coney Island mailed more than a beach is bathed in sunlight all day ages highlighted with captions. The book, Coney Island, from markably, all of the images in the quarter-million postcards to fam- long and the waters of Lower Bay The book retails for $21.99 and Arcadia Publishing's Postcard book are from the author's per- ily and friends. On a single day are relatively calm. can be purchased at popular book History Series uses stunning vin- sonal collection. in 1906, the Coney Island post of- The bulk of the postcards are sellers such as Amazon.com or di- tage images and postcards to illus- Hoffman hopes the book fice processed more than 200,000 from the 1920s through the 1940's rectly from Arcadia Publishing at trate the history of this unique col- will inspire others to preserve postcards. Thousands more were a time during which Coney Island arcadiapublishing.com 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 Bowling Green State University partners with Cedar Fair Cedar Fair to build es, and then interns can find tory’ for these students. We opportunities inside the park see this as a cutting edge way educational facility during the summer months. that the college provides work- in Sandusky Other Cedar Fair parks can ready students with a wealth also be utilized. Kings Island of transferable skills as well AT: Tim Baldwin is in the Cincinnati area and as some of the more niche fea- [email protected] Michigan’s Adventure is in the tures that amusement parks neighboring state to Ohio. and resorts value.” SANDUSKY, Ohio — “Cedar Point hires “I’m frequently asked by Known for one of the great- interns in a wide variety of people what is more impor- est collections of roller coast- roles spread across every tant: experience or educa- ers on the planet, the city of park department including tion. The great thing about Sandusky is gearing up for responsibilities ranging from this program is that it will something different: College culinary to merchandising to provide both," said McClure. classrooms. logistics and many more,” said “Being able to partner direct- Cedar Fair, the par- Jason McClure, vice president ly with Bowling Green State ent company of mega-park and general manager, Cedar University allows us to embed Cedar Point, has partnered Cedar Point, one of the largest amusement parks in the Point. “The Bowling Green in to the curriculum some of with Bowling Green State world, will be nearby for interns at the new BGSU facility. State University program will the nuances related specifically University (Bowling Green, The new tourism degree will cover various aspects giving be a co-op program and stu- to our industry. The program Ohio) to offer a degree in students hands-on experience with resort management, dents will have the ability to will provide a wide range of tourism called Resort and restaurants and attractions. AT/TIM BALDWIN connect with a specific depart- topics that align with the vari- Attraction Management. A ment, or to gain experience in ety within our operation, and new set of classrooms and dor- said Richard Zimmerman, be used by our seasonal asso- a wide variety of departments most importantly, help them mitories for up to 200 students CEO, Cedar Fair. “As an off- ciates as the need arises. So, during the program. We are understand that these topics will soon be constructed in the shoot of this, several years we’re combining market-based working toward the goal of a are all connected in some form. city of Sandusky to specifically ago we worked with BGSU on apartments with the education 200-student program.” The city of Sandusky will focus on this new degree. leadership training. That really facility, and it’s a win-win for While Cedar Fair will fund provide the land and finan- This collaboration between blossomed as we saw the value the company and the univer- the building of the new facil- cial support in the form of tax BGSU, Sandusky and Cedar in the training and relevancy sity,” added Zimmerman. ity, Bowling Green will run breaks. The state of Ohio has Fair could be considered the of BGSU in the community. Students enrolled in this the program. For the first two contributed $800,000. final feather in caps worn by Matt announced the joint pro- program will find a broad years, students would attend “This has been a triumph two former top brass offi- gram last year.” approach to the degree, one classes on the main campus of collaboration; it’s one of cials — Matt Ouimet, former Cedar Fair will oversee which will encompass tour- or the Firelands branch cam- those rare projects that comes CEO of Cedar Fair and Mary the construction of the class- ism with resort and business pus in Huron, Ohio (ten miles along and checks all the boxes Ellen Mazey, retired president rooms and dormitories, an management. With Cedar from Cedar Point). The final – workforce development, of BGSU. The program was expense estimated to be at Point being right down the two years will focus on the civic involvement, private spearheaded by the two indi- least $15 million. road, interns can have first- tourism degree and take place investment, success in work- viduals, who both retired on “One of the more innova- hand experience working with in Sandusky. ing with both the city and the January 1, and has finally been tive features of this relationship attractions, resorts, restau- “We’re proud to take a state,” said Zimmerman. “Eric given the green light. is that Cedar Fair is providing rants and numerous aspects leadership role here,” said Wobser, the city manager for “We’ve always empha- BGSU with the school facil- of the business. Zimmerman. “This is a truly Sandusky, has also been a key sized to young people that ity, and in conjunction with The proximity of the new unique workforce develop- driver. A lot of pieces had to working in an amusement park this we’re building a 200-bed campus to the park will allow ment arrangement where come together to make this is a great career opportunity,” housing facility that could also guest lecturers to attend class- Cedar Fair serves as a ‘labora- happen.” Kings Island hires noted chef, debuts fast-casual BBQ dining

AT: Dean Lamanna Reds baseball team, and [email protected] Funky’s Catering, also in Cincinnati. MASON, Ohio — With its “Kings Island has always new season now underway, been a place where family Kings Island is stepping up its memories are made,” Major food service on both sides of said. “It’s an honor for me and the counter. my team to have the chance James Major, a two-time to be creative, and to provide winner of the Food Network’s great food experiences, that add Chopped TV cooking contest and to those memories and the fun a contestant on guests have during their visit.” Alton Brown’s The park is confident With two-time Chopped TV show winner James Major now on board as executive chef, Cutthroat Major can deliver the culinary Kings Island is enhancing its food service. Evidencing this initiative is the new Coney Bar B Kitchen, has goods. Que restaurant in the Coney Mall section. COURTESY KINGS ISLAND taken on the “Chef Major is here to help executive chef create those memorable food position at the and dining options throughout April 14, and included in the as a selection of side dishes. rounding attractions, includ- Cincinnati- Major the park that will enhance park’s dining plans, the Coney Located in the Coney Mall ing the Grand Carousel. area theme park the guest’s visit,” said Mike Bar B Que restaurant is a new section of the park, next to the “In the amusement park An Ohio native and U.S. Koontz, Kings Island vice fast-casual dining option. It Scrambler, Coney Bar B Que industry, you’re constantly Navy veteran, Major is a president and general manager. offers a variety of barbecued features architecture and them- challenging your team to find Culinary Institute of America Kings Island already is choices, such as smoked St. ing that pay tribute to the early new ways to help friends and Certified Pro Chef II. He moving to increase its menu of Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, days of Kings Island and the family come together — and previously served as executive food-based fun. rotisserie chicken and the very area the restaurant occu- the culinary experience is a big chef at Great American Ball Having opened with the Cincinnati-based favorite pies. Covered outdoor seating part of that,” Koontz said. Park, home of the Cincinnati rest of the 33-acre property on Queen City Sausage, as well provides relaxing views of sur- • visitkingsisland.com May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

ThisM spaceuseu is provided courtesym of Amusement P Todayrogress, a corporate partner of the National R Roller Coasterep Museumort & Archives. Historic Busch Gardens brochure FROM THE ARCHIVES COLLECTION included with Bob Minick collection

Long before the Busch Gardens theme parks in Williamsburg and Tampa, there were Busch Gardens parks adjacent to several of the company's breweries, where tours where extremely popular — typically given aboard a monorail. The Cyclone was a familiar sight to millions of visitors, many The brochure above shows the Busch Gardens in Van traveling from Buffalo, N.Y., by steamship to see this new at- Nuys, Calif., just outside Los Angeles. Opened in 1964, traction. Designed by the Traver Engineering Co., the leg- the park featured a boat tour, screened-in bird aviary and 1927: endary ride opened on July 4, 1927 at Crystal Beach Park, several open bird areas with flamingos, swans and storks. in Ridgeway, Ont., Canada. Topping out at 100 feet, the all-steel-structured ride thrilled an Attractions included a bird show, penguin exhibit, otter estimated five million riders during its 20 years of operation. One of three identical rides in display and relaxing terraces all set amid beautiful tropical the Northeast, parts of its original steel framing was used in its 1948 replacement, the Comet gardens. Coaster. —Richard W. Munch NRCMA/BOB MINICK COLLECTION May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  Skynext recap — page 59 / Safety at the Amusement Expo International — page 61 / CALENDAR — page 64 The evolution of ASTM amusement ride standards Committee F24 celebrates ings of the committee, along with 40th anniversary; now classic merry-go-rounds, water 1,000 members strong slides, Ferris wheels, and more recently, ziplines and trampolines. The group began to set voluntary ASTM: Jack Maxwell consensus standards related to Special to Amusement Today design, construction, operations, and maintenance. WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Harold Hudson was there Pa. — When adventurous New from the start. The industry con- Yorkers paid five cents to board sultant began volunteering in the Gravity Pleasure Switchback 1979 with the committee, so he Railway at Coney Island in 1884, had a front row seat (with lapbar they found themselves hurtling and shoulder harness firmly in along at a top speed of nearly 6 amusement rides and devices place, thank you very much) to miles per hour. (F24), which celebrated its 40th see the evolution of rides and ride Little did they know that this anniversary in February 2018 at safety. While keeping people safe historic roller coaster would help its meeting in New Orleans, La., and secure has always been the spawn an industry that would USA. number one focus of the industry, someday be capable of sending Hudson notes that the advent of a Amusement ride safety has grown to include more than just riders to a top speed of more than Setting the (lap) bar formalized, voluntary, standards roller coasters and flat rides. Today, the F-24 Committee 149 mph, as does Formula Rossa In 1978, when the commiteee development process designed must decide ASTM regulations on attractions such as ropes in Abu Dhabi. formed, amusement parks were to ensure consensus among the courses and ziplines (shown above) as well as new trends, Although the industry is al- in the midst of a roller coaster many stakeholders was a real like trampoline courses. AT FILE ways competing for the tallest, “arms race.” The U.S. National game-changer. fastest, newest experience, there is Amusement Park Historical As- “Many of the early standards one thing that everyone agrees on sociation characterizes the 1970s had tremendous impact on the sic — just a few pages focusing Statistically, amusement rides — rider safety is the number one as “the decade of the roller coast- industry because suddenly there on performance or results, with have become an increasingly safe priority. Thanks to the hard work er,” with parks seeking to top was a bar to be met,” he says. little information on how such form of family entertainment. For of designers, engineers, operators, each other with faster, taller rides “The effect was that overall safety results were achieved. But “over example, an August 2017 report owners, and others, amusement and looping inversions — all of throughout the industry was im- the years, standards have become from the U.S. National Safety rides have become both more ex- which upped the ante in terms of proved. The parks had a refer- more specific and now many are Council states that: “Compared to citing and safer over the years. patron safety. ence for what they needed to do design standards that set param- 2003, both the estimated number Progress in recent decades Roller coasters soon became — that is, there was an industry eters and serve as guides for the of injuries and the injury rate per has been driven by groups one of the many types of rides standard.” designer/engineer and operator,” million patron-rides in 2016 were such as ASTM International’s and attractions that industry ex- Hudson points out that those he says. down — by 36 percent and 20 1,000-member committee on perts began bringing to meet- early standards were pretty ba- Two of F24’s groundbreaking percent, respectively.” The report accomplishments, in Hudson’s indicates 0.8 injuries per million view, are the standard practices patron-rides in 2016, with only a for ride design (F2291) and mea- fraction of those injuries reported suring ride dynamic characteris- to be “serious.” tics (F2137). “Dynamic forces are what most amusement rides do, Nimble and responsive and F2137 was the first practice to One of F24’s most valuable standardize how these forces are attributes is its responsiveness. measured and analyzed,” he says. “I think what makes F24 such “Now every designer, engineer, a great committee for the theme inspector, or operator has compa- park and amusement industry is rable results because they all use that it’s the only international stan- the same standard for acquiring dards group where we bring up and analyzing forces on amuse- new topics that are relevant to the ment rides.” industry as soon as they happen, It seems clear that the rela- and we’re able to release standards Now one of ASTM International's largest committees by membership, the amusement rides tionship between ASTM Inter- faster,” says committee mem- and devices committee (F-24) most recently met in New Orleans, La., in February to cel- national and amusement ride in- ebrate its 40th anniversary and work on its standards development. COURTESY ASTM dustry stakeholders is working. 4See ASTM, page 58 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 57 58 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 ASTM time is a key strength of F24,” he then you don’t join. So it’s on all of Continued from page 56 says. “When new knowledge is us to be that role model, because acquired, a standard can often be we need more technical people ber Linda Freeman, a functional modified to include that knowl- going into that field, and the way safety engineer and business de- edge in less than a year. This is to find more bodies is to bring in velopment manager for Rockwell important to an ever-improving more women.” Automation. “So anytime there’s safety environment.” a new challenge in the industry, The challenges Freeman ref- Global reach because of the way ASTM is struc- erenced range from addressing F24, like many ASTM Inter- tured, anyone can bring a topic to the safety implications of new ma- national committees, is global a meeting, anyone can propose terials and technologies to devel- both in terms of its membership that a subcommittee be formed, oping standards from scratch for roster and the impact of the stan- and anyone can request a meeting entirely new categories of amuse- dards it develops. With major to discuss a problem. It just makes ments and attractions. ride design and manufacturing us a much more relevant and time- A newly published standard companies located throughout ly-to-the-issues group.” approved by the subcommit- To learn more about the ASTM F24 Committee's work on the Americas, Europe, and Asia, tee on test methods (F24.10) is a and with U.S.-based companies Hudson concurs. “Reaction amusement ride safety visit: www.astm.org/video/F24. in markets around the world, it’s COURTESY ASTM crucial that the work of the com- Let's do lunch good example of the former. The stakeholders that standards need mittee is carried out in a spirit of Invitation for lunch four years ago, now new standard, F3214, will help to keep pace. To meet this need, cooperation with other standards ride designers and owners better the subcommittee on adventure organizations. seeing benefit with more women on F24 determine the flammability and attractions (F24.61) began work Greg Hale has a long history WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. —The membership roster of other fire properties of materials last year on a standard for build- of involvement in efforts to - im the ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, they use in foams and paddings ing and operating “land-based prove the consistency of interna- like that of many other committees, includes many engineers. No for riders. pedestrian obstacle courses.” tional safety standards. As an F24 surprise there. And most of those engineers are men — also not Roger Berry, with the Ralph Among other things, the pro- member for nearly 30 years — as surprising, considering that only 29,000 of the 337,000 mechanical S. Alberts Co. Inc., notes that ride posed standard aims to “remove well as in his professional roles engineers employed in 2015 in the United States were women, ac- vehicles, especially those indoors, obvious hazardous conditions by as chief safety officer and vice cording to the National Science Foundation. can sometimes be overlooked by the logical application of existing president of worldwide safety However, what may be surprising to those not involved with inspectors who focus more on standards and model codes.” and health for Walt Disney Parks F24 is the fact that an outreach initiative that began just four years the structure when determining Brian von Ancken, global and Resorts, and immediate past ago with a simple invitation to lunch is slowly but steadily chang- the appropriate building code risk manager and general coun- chairman of the International As- ing the face of the committee to be younger and more gender- flame/smoke standard to apply. sel for Tough Mudder, puts it sociation of Amusement Parks balanced. “Because this is a ride vehicle, this way: “The growth of the in- and Attractions — Hale has “When I first started going to ASTM meetings, around 2000 we want to provide additional re- dustry and concerns for partici- championed the harmonization of or 2001, I could probably count on both my hands the number of quirements to ensure safety,” Ber- pant safety led us to think about ride standards. women that were there,” marvels Linda Freeman. “Now, I don’t ry says. “We have some soft goods global standards. The entire event “The harmonization process even know half of them.” involved that are there for the pro- is being examined, including pre- has consisted of bringing togeth- Freeman, a functional safety engineer and business develop- tection and comfort of our guests event checks and fall protection.” er the ride experts working on ment manager for Rockwell Automation, was that are not going to meet a tradi- the EN (European Norms), ISO there for that first lunch in 2014. It came about tional drywall burn standard or a A strong pipeline of (International Organization for thanks to a suggestion by F24 member Kathryn more aggressive burn standard.” standards experts Standardization) Standards, and Woodcock, Ph.D., P.Eng. “I proposed this ses- Helping to enhance the safety In addition to keeping pace ASTM International Standards,” sion because I met many people through Com- of foam pads and molded goods with the latest trends and tech- Hale says. “The leaders and mem- mittee F24 and was often surprised to discover used on ride vehicles is only the nologies, F24 is one of the most ac- bers of each of those organizations that two people who I knew had attended for beginning. According to Berry, this tive of ASTM International’s 150 have been key to the success by some time did not know each other, despite new standard is now a living docu- committees in regards to building working together and sharing having similar jobs,” says Woodcock, a profes- Freeman ment that will incorporate future a pipeline of future experts. their technical expertise so that sor at Ryerson University in Toronto. changes in the industry. “The U.S. “One of the things that’s re- the core technical requirements of Freeman had a similar experience. “There are 300 people at Environmental Protection Agency ally cool about F24 is that we have all three sets of these global stan- the F24 meeting but you might only be in a meeting room all day is constantly changing materials a very active student outreach dards are now harmonized.” long with the same 20 people, and don’t see the other women,” that can be used in the construction program,” says Freeman. “We Giving two examples of she says. “So that’s what I think is important. It’s helped us to also of ride components,” Berry says, are doing really well with succes- cross-fertilization, Hale says, increase the number of women that are now frequently attending “so consequently there will be a sion planning for technical people “ASTM International’s F2291 de- the F24 meetings.” need for future revisions in this in our industry. In the beginning, sign standard was based on the So what goes on at these meetings? “We usually go around area. But we’ll also be updating we used to have maybe five or six great work of the EN13814 com- the table and give brief bio and career highlights,” Woodcock says. the standard to include composite students that would attend. At the mittee. Conversely, EN13814 has “This opens the door to unstructured discussion of common inter- body structures, as well as electri- last meeting, the number was over adopted ASTM’s F2137 for mea- ests, new developments, observations, and aspirations.” cal and hydraulic systems.” 40. So it’s really grown over the suring ride accelerations, and ISO What began as an informal luncheon has evolved into a regu- Beyond the traditional last four years.” technical committee 254 has also lar feature of every F24 meeting — and the women who were there amusement rides, Committee F24 Freeman also points out that voted to adopt F2137.” Hale says at the beginning are thrilled with the results. Freeman remembers, is also adjusting to the demand for amusement attractions will con- this means that there will essen- when she was a student, how “any opportunity I ever had to so- voluntary consensus standards in tinue to grow in complexity and tially be only be one standard in cially interact with professional women engineers, to see role mod- new recreational activities that will require knowledgeable, tech- the world for measuring ride ac- els, really had an impact on me. So it’s great to be able to give didn’t even exist until recently. nically sophisticated engineers celerations. back and do that for the female students, to inspire them to pursue Take obstacle course racing. and leaders to design, build, and Clearly, the 1,000-plus mem- technical careers.” It’s only been about a decade since maintain them. bers of ASTM International’s “I am gratified to see that more of the women of F24 now fitness enthusiasts started scram- One way to increase the num- committee on amusement rides know each other, and with the importance of networking in the bling up walls and crawling under ber of candidates capable of fill- and devices are poised to build on attractions industry, this can only be an asset, not just to the con- barbed wire in organized events, ing these roles is to reach out to their strong legacy of the past four nected women, but to others in their networks,” says Woodcock, but USA Obstacle Course Rac- women. decades. who also gives a shout-out to her male colleagues. “There have ing, the sport’s governing body in “Women make up half of the •www.astm.org been some wonderful allies among the men of Committee F24, the United States, asserts that it is planet's population, so gender sponsoring the lunches from time to time and encouraging their now the number one mass partici- representation in technical fields Reprinted by permission female colleagues to join us. The supportive atmosphere in this pation sport in the world, larger should also be 50-50,” Freeman ASTM Standardization News, committee is remarkable.” than marathons, half-marathons, says. “But sometimes that doesn’t March/April 2018 —Reprinted with permission and triathlons combined. happen because, when you don’t ©ASTM International ©ASTM Standardization News, March/April 2018 As the sport has expanded, so have someone as a role model or 100 Barr Harbor Drive has the realization among various you don’t feel part of the group, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 59 Amusement industry’s future starts taking shape at Skynext AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] customers. “We continue to learn, year ORLANDO, Fla. — Having after year, what works well and quickly become an annual tradi- what doesn’t,” said Parrish, tion each March, Skynext, host- adding that Skynext 2018 was ed by Skyline Attractions, LLC, “the best yet. [We had] a better is a program designed to prime space for the event, better food, aspiring students and young an incredible lineup of present- professionals for a career in the ers and fantastic special events. amusement industry. We’ve received overwhelming- ly positive feedback.” Planning for Skynext is a six-month effort on the part of Skyline’s staff. “We’re very pas- Offered on a first-come, Skynext attendees enjoyed presentations from speakers throughout the industry. The event sionate about this industry and first-served basis, this year’s is a "must attend" for young professionals seeking amusement industry careers. have experienced the challenges weekend gathering, which took COURTESY SKYLINE ATTRACTIONS, LLC of starting a career in it,” said place March 2-3, drew 60 par- Parrish, “so we push each other ticipants to Skyline’s headquar- of the participants have never developed. Alexis Papadelias ate about the industry was able to develop an event that truly ters. Attendees representing 23 been on an amusement ride from Universal Orlando and to follow his dreams. helps others.” states included 13 women and construction site. SeaWorld Mike Kiddoo from Universal Jeffrey Siebert, president of Skyline markets Skynext two high school students. Orlando graciously provided a Parks and Resorts talked about Six Flags Fiesta Texas, was the mainly through its own social The fourth presenta- tour of their new-for-2018 water their roles and provided insight program’s first-ever virtual pre- media channels. Other compa- tion of the event featured ride, Infinity Falls, and it pro- into the daily challenges of oper- senter — participating via Skype. nies and presenting organiza- a theme park attraction con- vided an up-close look at what ating world-class attractions. He gave participants a visual tions also help promote the pro- struction tour and nine guest goes into constructing a world- Melissa Ruminot from The tour from the construction site gram — including Stevensville, speakers from throughout the class attraction.” Nassal Co., a leader in themed of Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Md.-based Ride Entertainment, industry, as well as represen- Speakers throughout the environment fabrication, gave Coaster, a cutting-edge, single- which has been a sponsor. tatives from the International weekend energized the event an overview of the company rail steel roller coaster from Off-site field trips and eve- Association of Amusement and inspired attendees. and its history. In addition to Rocky Mountain Construction. ning activities contribute to Parks and Attraction (IAAPA) IAAPA’s Alex Reszitnyk offering a concept-to-comple- Key takeaways for par- making Skynext a memorable and the Themed Entertainment highlighted the opportuni- tion recounting of his com- ticipants included the impor- experience. “We’ve developed Association. ties offered by the IAAPA pany’s innovative SlideWheel tance of networking to enter the a tradition of participating in a “The construction tour is Show Ambassador Program, revolving waterslide attraction, industry, the variety of career construction tour of an attrac- always a hit, and this year was no while Franceen Gonzalez from Frank Heimes from Wiegand- paths the industry offers and tion one year and then experi- exception,” said Scott Parrish, a WhiteWater discussed her Maelzer GmbH told attendees the rewards hard work pro- Skyline design engineer. “Most career and the job skills she has of how a kid who was passion- duces in the form of smiling 4See SKYNEXT, page 60 60 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 SKYNEXT SAFETY MARKET PLACE Continued from page 59 encing the same attraction in its completed state the following year,” Parrish said. “We did this in previous years with the Orlando Eye and SeaWorld’s Mako. After touring the Mine Blower roller coaster construction site at Fun Spot America in Kissimmee last year, we returned to experience the exciting finished product during the first night of this year’s event.” Job placements for past participants are frequent. “Many have landed full-time positions in the industry [or]… gone on to receive internships,” said Parrish, noting that he himself is one of AUXEL SRL ― ITALY – TEL +39 0444.653211 – WWW.AUXELRIDES.COM three past participants who now work full time at Skyline. “We hope to always be a valuable learning experience that is a step- roudly working with the following P ping stone for careers.” merican made companies A - : Other companies that have scooped up Skynext •Premier Rides participants include Disney, •Sally Dark Rides Great Coasters International, Premier Rides, Falcon’s •Swannee River Creative Group, Entech, Railroad Co. ITEC Entertainment, Merlin •Owen Trailers Entertainments, Recreation •Philadelphia Engineering and Herschend Toboggan Family Entertainment. Coasters, Inc. Past attendee Curtis Weiner, a control system engi- Facebook.com/IRMRides neer at ITEC, said Skynext and its presentations helped define his path into the amusement business. “The best part for me was when I was introduced to the presenter from ITEC Entertainment,” Weiner recalled. “I really enjoyed hearing about the controls engineering projects they worked on and thought that was exactly what I would like to do. “I wanted to learn about the industry and see if it was really what I wanted to be a part of. The entire Skynext event did that for me. It played a huge role in my finding a way into the industry, and I recommend it for everyone who wants to learn about the industry.” This kind of testimonial is rewarding for the Skynext team, which is more enthusiastic than ever about the program’s potential. “Our goal is to continue drawing the who’s who of industry professionals as our featured presenters, and to provide unique and valuable learning and networking experiences for our attendees,” Parrish said. “We hope to continue fostering those relationships and building new ones.” Visit Skyline Attractions’ website for information and Keep our amusement park industry strong! updates regarding Skynext 2019. Buy products and services from these suppliers. •skylineattractions.com May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 61 Customization, convenience are ‘key’ for lock manufacturers AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — In an era when security comes in all manner of high-tech forms, it can be easy to overlook the simple yet crucial role of the lock. Securing the business of fun was the unifying message of several lock manufacturers at Amusement Expo International (AEI) earlier this year. Specializing primarily in medium to high security for nearly a century, Camlock Systems, Inc., of Southington, Conn., supplies locks for fam- At AEI 2018, Camlock Systems’ (from right) Chris Martell, marketing manager, and associates Zoe Rodriguez and Bob Divito ily entertainment centers demonstrated the company’s new Bulk Vending 360 lock (inset). Lock America’s Robert Chen, marketing development (FECs), arcades, casinos, kiosks manager, and Dan Walsh, sales manager, displayed an array of lock options. AT/DEAN LAMANNA; CAMLOCK SYSTEMS (INSET) and more. Redbox machines dispensing movie and video “friction points” — factors that “It allows the operator to work picking, kicking, drilling and account, under your name.” game rentals utilize the com- might make someone less like- more quickly while vastly other forms of attack fill Lock Walsh said his company pany’s locks. ly to lock something properly, reducing wrist strain.” America’s catalogue. Tubular- typically deals with distribu- “In addition to harden- such as inconvenience or poor The Bulk 360 lock installs style key locks capable of more tors who supply amusement ing a business against physical ease of use — in determining easily with a small adapter and than 60,000 codes are available. operators. attack, we look at the broader the right lock style and solution. no expensive retrofitting. “We pride ourselves in “Anyone who comes picture of what security is — The company was spot- Corona, Calif.-based Lock assembling locks to order,” said to [AEI] is our customer,” he understanding things like key lighting a new product, the Bulk America, Inc., in business since Dan Walsh, sales manager, who acknowledged. “They’re here control and making it very dif- Vending 360, at AEI. 1982, displayed low- to high- pointed out that the cam lock — buying amusement machines, ficult for people to get access to, “It functions the same as security locks for any applica- often used in cabinets and cash and the machines have locks on or duplicate, a key,” said Chris a traditional bulk-vending lock tion or budget. FECs and bowl- drawers — is the most com- them, and they make money. Martell, marketing manager but requires only one swift, ing alleys top the company’s mon in the amusement indus- And any time you make money, for Camlock. smooth rotation,” said Martell, amusement client list. try. “Our tubular locks and you want to lock up.” Camlock analyzes risks noting that international pat- Pre-assembled and cus- high-security locks come with •camlock.com and what Martell described as ents on the lock are pending. tomized locks resistant to keys that are registered to your •laigroup.com 62 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 LJM & Associates conduct inspections at Miami-Dade County Youth Fair

Gibsonton, Fla.-based LJM & Associates, Inc., was on site at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair prior to the fair's opening on March 15 to conduct ride inspections. Left is the LJM team (left to right): Whitney Wesphal, Rick War- ble, Doug Clark and Avery Wheelock. Right, Whitney Wesphal (left) and Deanna Johnson conduct a inspection on the Alpine Bobs during setup at the fair. The fair concluded its 2018 run on April 8. COURTESY LJM & ASSOCIATES Tru-Vu unveils waterproof LCD display

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — Tru-Vu Monitors, Inc., a provider of industrial-grade LCD monitors and touch screens, has announced the release of a new 24-inch outdoor waterproof Sunlight Readable LCD display. It is designed to produce crystal-clear full HD images even in direct, bright sunlight. The new SRMW-24 Series monitors feature over 1,000 nits of brightness (which is four times brighter than a standard LCD monitor) and special anti-reflective glass to ensure superb image quality in any light conditions. The waterproof NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure and operating temperatures of -4 degrees to to +158 degrees ensures it will withstand nearly any environment. •tru-vumonitors.com May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 63

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] The 2019 Safety Seminar will return to Galveston Back by popular demand! Inspection. tion classes that can be tailored to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. Galveston proved to be a wonderful The 2019 AIMS Seminar your needs. In addition to AIMS location and we received extremely Education Committee, chaired Certification Testing in Maintenance, AIMS News positive feedback on the site, ven- by John Jachim, includes John Operations, Ride Inspection and The AIMS board voted to ues, quality of classes and instruc- Hanschen, David Bromilow, Anna Aquatics, the seminar will again offer approve a second term for board tors. We are pleased to announce Lisa Bacon, Joe Zdunek, Scott certification in CPO (Certified Pool President Tim Viox for the 2018- that the 2019 AIMS Safety Seminar Logue, Liz Nemeth, Adam Hickey, Operator), and OSHA 10. 2019 year ending March 31. The will be held at the Galveston Island and John Nielesky. The committee AIMS Executive Committee includes: Convention Center at the San Luis is planning many new, exciting and Call for nominations for the AIMS President, Tim Viox, Leisure Labs; First Resort, Jan. 13-18, 2019. innovative classes for the 2019 Safety International Safety Award! Vice President, Franceen Gonzales, As the No. 1 Safety Seminar for Seminar. Along with AIMS classroom The AIMS International Safety WhiteWater; Treasurer, Linda overall safety education, training, offerings, the proximity of local attrac- Award recognizes an individual or Freeman, Rockwell Automation; and and development in the amusement tions including Landry’s Pleasure Pier organization that demonstrates lead- Past President, Timo Klaus, KumbaK- industry, the AIMS Safety Seminar is and Schlitterbahn Galveston allow ership, innovation, and foresight the Amusement Engineers. The full where the BEST of the BEST in the more hands-on learning opportuni- in improving safety in the amuse- AIMS board list can be found online amusement industry consistently send ties. Stay tuned as details are final- ment industry. The first annual AIMS at www.aimsintl.org. their employees for annual safety ized in preparation for class registra- International Safety Award was training, education and certification tion set to open in September. Early presented to Harold Hudson in Upcoming AIMS Meeting dates: registration will begin in July. 2016, followed by Har Kupers in The AIMS Board of Directors Classes will be held at the 2017. We are now accepting nomi- will meet on Sept. 6, 2018 prior to Galveston Convention Center with Acclaimed for its diverse cur- nations for the 2018 AIMS Safety the Golden Ticket Awards at Silver hotel accommodations at the adja- riculum (more than 200 different Award. Nomination forms and more Dollar City in Branson, Mo. cent Hilton Galveston and San Luis classes) and the quality of instructors information can be found at www. The annual AIMS International Resort. The AIMS Seminar offers (more than 120 industry experts), the aimsintl.org. This prestigious award Membership Meeting will be held certification testing in Maintenance, AIMS Safety Seminar offers a broad will be presented during the Golden on Jan. 14, 2019, at the Galveston Operations, Aquatics and Ride range of safety training and educa- Ticket Awards on Sept. 8, 2018, at Hilton. Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 64 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 CALENDAR 2018 Roller Skating Association International Convention & Trade Show May 13-17 Las Vegas, Nev. • (317) 347-2626 x103 Email: [email protected] • Asian Attractions Expo, June 6-8 Conference: June 5-8 - Trade Show: June 6-8 Hong Kong, China • www.iaapa.org • PAPA Summer Meeting, July 17-18 Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, Pa. www.paamusementparks.com • NEAAPA 105th Anniversary Summer Meeting, July 24 Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco, Maine www.neaapa.com or email: [email protected] • Euro Attractions Expo, Sept. 23-27 Conference: Sept. 23-27 Trade Show: Sept. 25-27 Amsterdam, Netherlands • www.iaapa.org • World Waterpark Assn., Oct. 23-26 Trade Show: Oct. 24 & 25 Las Vegas, Nev. • (913) 599-0300 • www.waterparks.org • Parks and Carnivals Education (PACE) Amusement Ride Safety Seminar Oct. 29-Nov. 1, York, Pa. (Classroom training location TBA Hands-on training at Majestic Midways Winter Quarters, Dover, Pa.) www.paceseminar.com/index.html • Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar Nov. 6-8, Red Lion Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. Joe Filoramo, (717) 215-4316 Phil Slaggert, (561) 758-3266 www.paridesafety.com • IAAPA Attractions Expo, Nov. 12-16 Conference: Nov. 12-16 Trade Show: Nov. 13-16 Orlando, Fla. • (703) 836-4800 •www.iaapa.org • IAFE Annual Convention, Nov. 25-28 San Antonio, Texas (417) 862-5771 • iafeconvention.com

2019 AIMS International 2019 Safety Seminar Jan. 13-18, 2019 San Luis Resort and Hilton Hotel (Classes at Galveston Convention Center) Galveston, Texas • (714) 425-5747 www.aimsinlt.org • NAARSO 2019 Safety Fourm Dates TBA • Myrtle Beach, S.C. Hotel to be announced Hands on ride training at Broadway at the Beach (813) 661-2779 • www.naarso.com • IISF Trade Show, February 5-8, 2019 Riverview, Fla. • (813) 677-9377 www.gibtownshowmensclub.com • AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo 2019 Conference: March 26 - Trade Show: March 27 & 28 Las Vegas Convention Center, (Hall TBA) Las Vegas, Nev. • (708) 226-1300 www.amusementexpo.org • Have a Calender listing you want to share? Email it to: [email protected] May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 65

NAARSO at NEAAPA Annual Meeting

Joe Pandolfo, instructor with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), stands before a class of 58 taking part in a five-day outreach safety school and testing session during the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) 105th Anniversary Education Conference and Annual Meeting held in Mystic, Conn., in March. Taking part were New England state inspectors as well as NEAAPA members who inspect and maintain their own rides and others who inspect facilities nationwide. COURTESY NEAAPA Search and rescue training Resources in Search and Rescue (RSAR), a nonprofit organization with a mission of reuniting lost or missing people with their families, held training sessions on March 28 at Lake Quassa- paug in Middlebury, Conn., with Quassy Amusement & Waterpark serving as a host location. The organization consists of nationally-certified canines and handlers and will assist local agen- cies in searches. For more information about RSAR visit http://www.rsarinc.com. Shown with one of the dogs (below) is RSAR volunteer Celeste Robotaille. COURTESY QUASSY/ RON GUSTAFSON

Follow us 66 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018 May 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 67 THIS JUST IN White Castle coming to Central Park Fun-Land; new Twist-n-Shout coaster opening midsummer CLASSIFIEDS FREDERICKSEN, Va. — On the extended weekend of Cinco de Mayo, May 3-6, White Castle will be returning to Central Park Fun-Land with its Crave Mobile. The first weekend in May AUCTION FOR SALE will mark White Castle’s fourth trip coming to Central Park to serve up their world-famous sliders. Moser Flipping Action Arm P/M.....$99,000 Central Park Fun-Land has a strong relationship with White Chance Century Wheel P/M.....$199,000 Castle and continues to bring the food company's Crave Mobile Chance Pharoahs Fury T/M..... $550,000 to the park twice a year. The goal has been to improve the value Wisdom Tornado T/M...... $139,000 to passholders by creating more opportunities for not only fun, but for satisfying food deals as well. White Castle has been one Tivoli Orbiter T/M...... $399,000 of the most requested events among residents of the Fredericks- 2010 ARM Vertigo T/M...... 400,000 burg region. ARM Happy Viking T/M...... $89,000 The park will continue to enhance value for visitors with the Kolinski Slide T/M...... $39,000 biggest attraction of the year yet to come, as the all-new SBF/ Rides 4U Twist-n-Shout indoor roller coaster will arrive this Zamperla Tea Cup T/M...... $49,000 summer. 2016 KMG Freak Out T/M.... $725,000 Central Park Fun-Land offers 10 different rides and attrac- Zamperla Power Surge T/M.....$299,000 tions inside its 40,000-square-foot building, along with over 90 different arcade games. Nine additional rides and attractions are Zamperla Shocker T/M...... $250,000 located outside on seven acres in the middle of the Central Park Expo Wheel T/M...... $299,000 Shopping District. Chance carousel heading to Arnolds Park Call Len or John ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa — Arnolds Park Amusement Park (908) 526-8009 has announced that a new 36-foot Chance carousel will make its FAX: (908) 526-4535 debut this summer. FOR LEASE www.Rides4U.com Park officials said the carousel was funded by donations. The ride is eight feet larger than the current carousel and will be housed in a gazebo that can be closed in the winter to protect the ride from the elements. When it opens to the public, the carousel will have standard horses, but it also will include a chariot, a wheelchair chariot, an elephant, a tiger, a lion and an assortment of other animals. It will also include five upgraded large horses for guests to experience. “The staff and amusement park board are very excited about CLASSIFIED ADS the addition of this new ride,” said CEO Jeff Vierkant. “Our carousel sits at the very front entrance of our park, and this is going to be $20 minimum, a showstopper as families walk into our park.” Officials said the donations came from the Restore the Park up to 30 words campaign. The renovations thus far have included a new ticket of- ($1 per additional fice, a new parking lot, in-park bathrooms, a renovation of the Ma- jestic Pavilion and park administration offices, and an expansion of word) the Maritime Museum. New ‘werk’ structure for Kraftwerk DISPLAY AD: $50 per column inch (a 1-point rule will appear around ad) Due the 10th of the month prior to issue date

Audiovisual system integrator Kraftwerk Living Technologies of Wels, Austria, is positioning itself for greater future growth and efficient delivery of global projects by adjusting titles and shifting duties. As of March, the management team members are (pictured above, from left): Alex Sanfilippo, director of engineering; Kevin Murphy, director of sales and marketing); Christian Hofer, managing partner / chief technical officer; Manfred Meier, managing partner / CEO; Werner Spiegel, director Call Sammy of project implementation and service; and Siegfried Steiger, director of finance and administration.COURTESY (817) 460-7220 KRAFTWERK LIVING TECHNOLOGIES 68 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2018