APRIL 2012 Picture: Pierre Pierre Cloutier Picture:

High Five! MVR salutes OCT with new woodie Wodan Wahooo! Waterpark Legoland Hotel + more! Complete Lily Pad Walk Setup

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APRIL 2012

6-7 Front Gate Setting the agenda for the month ahead

8 Park Hoppin’ Paul Ruben’s alligator encounter Design an unusual racing coaster that will be the number one wood coaster in China and Asia, if not the world 9 Park Bloggin’ “ Chuck Bingham describes the challenge for Widening your network Martin & Vleminckx at Happy Valley Wuhan, P29 ” 8-18 Park News P22 Your monthly update

22 Flying Ninjago Ride profile

24-26 Wodan Ride profile

29-30 Dragon Wings Ride profile

32-33 Tweetsie Railroad Park profile P24

34-35 Wahooo! Waterpark profile

36 Mini Golf New attractions

38 Legoland Hotel Picture special

40 Ride Guide Products and services for parks and attractions Our biggest challenge is how to educate the local market to the concept 41 Show Guide “ of indoor swimming Shama Uchil discusses Wahooo! Waterpark in Exhibitions and networking for amusement professionals Bahrain, P34

42 Web Guide ” P36 Online resources for the amusement industry

THIS MONTH’S COVER SHOT: Dragon Wings at OCT’s new APRIL 2012 Happy Valley park in Wuhan is China’s first duelling wooden rollercoaster – and one of the most exciting new coasters on the

planet. Built by Martin & Vleminckx to a Gravity Group design, the

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Picture: Pierre Pierre Cloutier Picture: page 29. martin-vleminckx.com

odan w woodie W HighOCT Five! with ne aterpark MVR salutes Wahooo! W el Legoland Hot + more! www.parkworld-online.com

ParkWord AprilApril 20122012

During its one year of operation in 2000 – and for some time after – London’s Millennium Dome attracted many critics. Some of these, rightfully, criticised the government of the time for building a structure and only later deciding its content. Others balked at £800 million ($1.25bn/€950m) cost and “lack” of visitors. Sold for a knock-down price in 2005 to concert promoter AEG, the venue lost money and failed to meet the over ambitious 12.8 million attendance target. Nevertheless the Dome pulled in 6.5 million guests – in just 12 months – making it one of Europe’s busiest attractions after Disneyland Paris. Granted, it received a lot media attention (and all publicity is good publicity, right?), but how many attractions do you know that can break even or attract those sorts of visitor numbers in their first year? In the hands of AEG, the Dome has flourished as live music venue the O2, while across the channel Disneyland Paris remains Europe’s most popular tourist attraction, celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. Yet even this has not escaped criticism since it opened its gates in Marne-la-Vallée outside Paris in April 1992. The deal with the French government, and associated property developments around the park, was one area of particular consternation. Cultural differences were perhaps inevitable. When a second park, Walt Disney Studios, opened at Disneyland Paris Resort in 2002, some noted that it was a rather lacklustre version of Disney MGM (now Hollywood) Studios in Florida. They were surely right, which is why hundreds of millions of euros worth of improvements have been made in recent years. Yet with over 10 million annual guests, and a further 4.5 million at the Studios park, Disneyland Paris is an attendance success story. Alas, 20 years after its debut, the park’s owner Euro Disney is still spectacularly in debt. Many industry experts attribute this to over construction, but as Walt Disney Studios proves, it’s also false economy to under invest. Nevertheless the company appears committed, and has already outlined its interest in building a third park at Marne-la-Vallée. Just as you should never judge a book by its cover, you should never judge an attraction purely by its visitor numbers, but for some critics out there it wouldn’t be a bad place to start. Owen Ralph - Editor

Editor Owen Ralph (+44 161 438 2934) [email protected] North American Editor Paul Ruben (+1 585 381 1012) [email protected] Contributors this issue Jack Samuels, Shama Uchil Sales Manager Mark Burgess (+44 1622 699124) [email protected] Publishing Director Paul Ryder [email protected] Managing Director Parvez Kayani [email protected] Publication Secretary/ Jennifer York (+44 1622 699109) Subscriptions [email protected] Head Office Datateam Business Media Ltd London Road, Maidstone, , ME16 8LY, UK Tel: +44 1622 687031 APRIL 2012 ISSN 1462-4796 datateam.co.uk © Copyright 2012. All materials in this publication remain the copyright of Datateam Business Media and no part of it may be Member of: reproduced without the written permission of the proprietors. A request to insert an advertisement is deemed to be an acceptance of Datateam Business Media Ltd’s conditions of trading, copies of which are available on request.

@ParkWorldMag APRIL 2012

Front Gate www.parkworld-online.com

24 26 BigQuestion Figures32 28 Have you ever considered adding a hotel or other 20 guest accommodation? of50 Fun 38 41 John Holer, Marineland, Canada: Our campground business has proven very popular, but Marineland is located in Niagara Falls – a city 2.3 that is full of hotels – and I don't want to compete with them. I concentrate kilometres – combined track length on my efforts on the attraction business, which is what I know and understand. Dragon Wings duelling coaster at Happy Valley Wuhan, China (1,143 + 1,193m) Gerardo Arteaga, Fantasilandia, Chile: We have a concession with municipality of Santiago for the land of the park and they would not allow us to build a hotel. They want to save the historical part of this area. If, in the future this restriction was lifted, we would consider building a hotel. 8 million euros – investment in new Marshall Hill, Funland (Hayling Island), UK: No. Our market is attractions this season at Germany’s 90% day-trippers and there are already a lot of caravan sites down here on Freizeitpark Plohn the south coast. When you do add a hotel, the guests expect a discount to enter the park. Do you get that money back in secondary spend? I am not so sure, secondary spend was right down last season, and not just from those 2,500 you would expect. The middle classes and management types were being tonnes of water at Wahooo! Waterpark in very careful with their spending, and they are alsothe first to complain. Bahrain – hovering just metres above Dick Knoebel, Knoebel's Amusement Resort, USA: We do have shopping mall car park weekly rental cottages on the grounds, as well our 575-site campground. Also, our Lake Glory Campground is five miles away with shuttle service, and it has nearly 200 sites. We have considered a motel but feel we do not 100,000 have enough potable water for it. I have property nearby in Elysburg number of bolt fastenings on Wodan, the suitable for a hotel/motel but have been unable to find a suitable franchise new wooden coaster at Europa-Park in operator. As they all say, “Sure, we would be filled in the summer but would Germany die in the winter.” Barbara (my late wife) often reminded me that I have enough to do without being a hotel/motel manager. 174,100,000 THIS MAGAZINE ON YOUR COMPUTER, British pounds ($276.3m/€210m) – IPAD OR IPHONE EVERY MONTH capital expenditure in 2011 across Merlin FOR FREE! Entertainments’ 88 worldwide attractions register now at parkworld-online.com Produced in association with AECOM. FOLLOW PARK WORLD ON TWITTER @ParkWorldMag www.aecom.com/economics

Park ’n’ Park - Guests attempting to avoid steep parking charges at Over Texas Ups & have had their cars removed by tow truck Downs when parking in neighbouring businesses

Traffic Trouble - Merlin Entertainments is refusing to contribute £30 million ($48m/€36m) to ease traffic congestion around , . It claims a relief Crazy Horses - New road would only be needed six weeks a year Jersey’s Steel Pier has decided against bringing back its controversial diving horse Rejoice for Mickey! - Pray for Mickey! - Disneyland Paris show following complaints Disneyland Paris celebrates its developer Euro Disney is still in debt from animal activists 20th anniversary on April 12

6 APRIL 2012 Front Gate www.parkworld-online.com

ParkPatrol Everyday scenes through the operator’s eye Kernels

1 34Ocean Park (Hong Kong), Santa Cruz Beach 2 Boardwalk (California) and Puy du Fou (France) are in the running for this year’s Applause Award. Presented by Liseberg every two years at IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, the award honours a park whose management, operations and creative accomplish ments have inspired the industry with their foresight, originality and sound business development.

The Australian theme park operator Village Roadshow is hoping to open a park in China, according to Australasian Leisure Management. The project would, "effectively leverage the extraordinary value of our 40 years and more of world quality theme park expertise and without any heavy investment burden," chairman Robert Kirby told the magazine.

David Sanvoisin has been appointed event manager for the UK’s Leisure Industry Week (LIW) exhibition. David boasts more than 14 years experience in the leisure and events industry and formerly oversaw the Play & Attractions sector of LIW from 2003 to 2008. LIW returns this year from September 18 to 20 in Birmingham.

1) Located between the beach and residential buildings, the Wonder Wheel has been in continuous operation UAE shopping mall operator Emaar Retail has for 91 years! The only time it stopped was during the great blackout of 1977. The first wheel of its kind, it announced plans to open a second Sega Republic features 16 cars that swing back and forth, while providing a traditional ride on the rim. The family entertainment centre (FEC) in Dubai. The original owners, Alfred and Herman Garms, would get very upset when a reporter would call it a “Ferris” 3,600ft sq ft facility at the Dubai Marina Mall is set wheel during an interview. They actually threw reporters out of the office on several occasions. The Wonder for a summer 2012 debut. The existing Sega Wheel was declared a Landmark in 1989. The colours are protected as well as the signage and Republic at the Mall of Dubai features a combination the property around it. This ride was truly a “Wonder” when it was built and still is! of high tech arcade games, simulators and a handful of rides and attractions including a Maurer Söhne 2) The Sweet Shoppe is actually a 1970 Waymatic Chalet trailer which has been at the park since then. It spinning coaster. was my dad’s “good luck charm,” as it was from that little “pushcart” where he saved enough money to finally buy the park in 1980. , Hampshire England, has closed its 3) The Mangels Fire Engines were actually built in two blocks away from the park, where they have Village Life Museum. An auction was held at the park called home for the last 62 years. The original park founder, William Ward, purchased them along with a Whip on March 14 when items including hand carts, heavy and a pony cart. My brother Steve has totally rebuilt all of them. His son DJ, who is a computer whiz, has installed horse harnesses, hand tools and equipment from the a frequency drive unit, allowing a softer start for the ride. workshops of a farrier, carpenter, shoemaker and a 4) The Snack Bar was re-themed to look like the original Deno's Snack Bar which opened cooper went under the hammer. in 1970 when Columbia Pictures prepped the entire park for the filming of a scene for at the Columbus Zoo and Men in Black 3. They made our modern signage look retro and also brought in vintage Aquarium is the latest waterpark to install and pinball and other arcade games, umbrellas, even garbage cans. The film will be released operate a Q-band ride reservation system. The Ohio sometime in summer 2012! venue has signed a five-year deal with Lo-Q, the 11th waterpark globally to utilise the waterproof Q- Dennis Vourderis, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, Coney Island, New York band.

APRIL 2012 7 Park News www.parkworld-online.com

ParkHoppin’ Parques Reunidos with Paul Ruben Slagharen Spanish group sn

Gators RR Us The Spanish group Parques Reunidos has been on a shopping Attending the grand opening of Legoland Florida this winter left me trip and recently added new parks yearning for the charm of the original Cypress Gardens. Portions of to its portfolio from Europe and Cypress Gardens remain in this Lego-themed reincarnation of the North America. property, but it felt like an afterthought. While watching the children’s Based in the Dutch town of the entertaining misadventures in the Lego driving school, my thoughts same name, Slagharen attraction drifted to other classic pre-Disney Florida roadside attractions. park was founded by the And then the thought hit me... Gatorland! This 110-acre (0.45 sq km) Bemboom family in 1963 and park and wildlife preserve was located not far from my Orlando hotel, now entertains over one million and I had never been there. Have you? I’ll bet that of the 25,000 IAAPA guests a year, making it one of the largest parks in the Netherlands. The award- Attractions Expo attendees each year, maybe only a few hundred have. winning facility, which is anchored by an American theme, features over 40 rides Shame on the rest of you. and attractions, live Western shows and on-site accommodation, in addition to its Gatorland is located just a few miles from the Orange County signature pony rides. Convention Center, a hidden jewel of a park. It was founded by Owen Meanwhile in the United States, Parques Reunidos subsidiary Palace Godwin in 1949, and is still privately owned by his family. Billed as the Entertainment has completed the acquisition of Noah’s Ark waterpark from Tim “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland features thousands of and Dan Gantz. Billed as America’s largest waterpark with over 50 attractions alligators and crocodiles, spread across 70 acres, the venue was pivotal in the development of Wisconsin a breeding marsh with Dells as the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” The property also features two boardwalk and hotels, offering over 300 rooms. observation tower, reptile With these latest acquisitions, the Parques Reunidos froup now operates 72 shows, aviary, petting zoo, theme, water and animal parks, as well as family entertainment centres, making it swamp walk and Europe’s second largest leisure park operator. The group operates attractions in 11 educational programmes. Legoland had alligators, but theirs are made of Michael Severn Lamb plastic bricks. Leaving Legoland (it was jammed 1948-2012 on opening day anyway), I The former chairman and chief executive of found my way back to British specialist transport manufacturer Severn- Orlando and Gatorland. Lamb has died. Michael Severn-Lamb was Free parking? Yes, indeed. diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the end Now that’s nostalgic. I of November last year and passed away on walked in and found February 7, aged 63. A celebration of his life gators to the right of me was held at a civil ceremony on February 16. and gators to the left of me. In a word, Gatorland is authentic. I watched Michael was the son of Severn-Lamb founder people leaning over the protective fences watching gators, and the Peter Severn-Lamb and his wife Rita and was gators watching people. The gators were looking for a hand out. born in Stratford-upon-Avon. He began his Eventually I wandered back to the 800-seat gator wrestling stadium. It career as an interior designer but joined the has a large sand-covered stage with a surrounding moat. During the 20- family business in 1975 following the untimely minute show, a wrangler jumped into the reptile-infested waters and death of his father at the age of 53. hauled a thrashing gator onto the stage. He said he was paid minimum Under the leadership of this larger than life character, the company grew wage. You couldn’t pay me enough to do this. He toyed with the gator, significantly. What had at one time been a relatively small model making and told the audience some little-known facts about the creatures. For company building miniature railways, developed into a major player in leisure example, I learned that a gator won’t attack you if you are carrying a transportation, supplying trains and other people-moving products to parks flashlight. But it really depends on how fast you are carrying it. At the ranging from Drayton Manor to Disneyland. In 1995 Michael won the title of (UK) Businessman of the Year and during conclusion of the show, he invited members of the audience to wrestle the same year Severn-Lamb won the Queen’s Award for Export. During the the alligator and have their photo taken. late 1990s and early 2000s the company enjoyed continued success although I couldn’t resist, but only because the gator was a female named the challenges of the business took their toll on Michael’s health and he retired Mona. This was inter-gender wrestling at its finest. Here’s the picture to as chairman in 2004, at which point his eldest son Patrick took to the helm. prove it. OK. I have a confession. The gators’ jaws were taped shut. But “Michael’s father was an excellent engineer and when Michael took over the it was still great fun. I think Mona liked it, too. company he showed a great ability to adapt what his father did to the Gatorland has an Allan Herschell train ride that meanders through its changing requirements of the industry,” recalls Drayton Manor managing swamp and around the property. It’s a classic ride. It also has 1,200ft of director Colin Bryan. “I’ve enjoyed a lot of discussions and great friendship zip lines from Global Highline Adventures that carry riders over the with Michael over the years and now with his son Patrick at the helm, Severn- marsh infested with what else? Gators. This offers a great view for those Lamb continues to help us with a variety of projects on the park.” of us who have faith in thin flimsy steel cables. Michael leaves a widow, Francoise; two sons, Patrick and Richard; and two See you later, alligator. grandchildren, Harrison and Olly.

8 APRIL 2012 Park News www.parkworld-online.com goes shopping ParkBloggin’ aps up Slagharen and Noah’s Ark by Dr Jack Samuels

countries, mainly in Europe and USA, including such famous properties as Widen your network Bobbejaanland, Mirabilandia and Kennywood. “The acquisition of Slagharen signifies the extension of our family leisure The amusement and attractions business is extremely diverse but it is also facilities in a new market, the Netherlands,” notes Parques Reunidos executive part of a much wider industry, that of the leisure, entertainment and chairman Richard Golding. “This acquisition represents another important step in hospitality – or tourism if you prefer. It’s amazing how often parks and the Parques Reunidos growth strategy.” attractions professionals fail to recognise the resources that are out there in similar businesses to their own. Those in other industries are just as guilty. slagharen.com Some years ago I decided to attend a conference for the ski resort noahsarkwaterpark.com industry in, of all places, Orlando. When I enquired why there were no speakers from the and attractions industry I was asked, “Why?” Then I proceeded to point out that these two industries share Noah’s Ark many things in common, and in some cases even share the same facilities. For example, in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area we have two snow sports areas (Mountain Creek and Camelback) that operate as ski resorts in the winter but large waterparks over the summer season. Further the problems faced and the operating knowledge used by these industries is very similar. Both have seasonality, cater to similar market segments, offer food & beverage/gift shops, use heavy equipment and have safety issues to address – amongst other common factors. After I pointed this at the conference, my fellow delegate replied, “Yes, you certainly have a point.” In fact, one of the few things the ski resort industry doesn’t share with parks and attractions business is an extensive educational programme. Parks 1, ski resorts 0. But stepping back inside our own industry, we can see such sub sectors as waterparks, bowling, miniature golf and haunted attractions. Magma erupts at Paultons Attending a trade show or conference event for one of these related industries can offer a tremendously valuable learning curve. It’s amazing After introducing the hit Peppa Pig World in 2011, Paultons Park in how many speakers and exhibitors I have recruited over the years for Hampshire, England, has extended an olive brand to its older guests this IAAPA and other events simply by telling them other industry groups exist. season with the addition of a tower ride called Magma. Think who you might encounter by widening your network. The Jurassic volcano-themed attraction was officially unveiled on March Here are several of the resources/events I have found useful over the 31 and propels riders skywards through a cloud of smoke. As the circular years: car moves up and down the 25-metre tower, it also turns horizontally, •Travel and Tourism Research Association. Not so much a trade show providing passengers with an added sensation. as an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and research The new attraction is one of two Drop ‘n’ Twist influencing the entire tourism industry. towers in the UK from the Italian manufacturer •International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) and SBF/Visa (the other at Flambards in Cornwall). International Special Events Society (ISES). Just two of about six US- Theming was by RMA from London, which also did based groups in the events industry that offer seminars at their trade the design work for Peppa Pig World. shows that are useful to the amusement park and attractions industry. paultonspark.co.uk •Outdoor merchandise retailers shows. As well as this event in Salt Lake City, Utah, other merchandise shows include New York City’s Variety Merchandise Show and ASD/AMD in Las Vegas. Here you can find a lot of useful information relating to merchandise that is sold for use in the outdoors and gift shops. These shows are very important for merchandisers in our industry and sometimes provide useful seminars as well. It may seem as though you can spend the entire year on the road attending conferences and industry events, but if you like to travel and learn new things, start shopping around. A whole new world of educational opportunities is out there waiting for you – and might just give you the edge when it comes to making improvements at your park or facility.

Dr Samuels has written over 150 articles for the amusement, theme park and entertainment industries. He provides diverse consulting services in general marketing and market research, facility development, customer service, safety, crowd and event management and promotional activities programming such as birthday parties. He can be reached at [email protected]

APRIL 2012 9 Park News www.parkworld-online.com

SPIDER-MAN 2.0 Islands of Adventure relaunches classic ride New high-definition animation, new 3D projection, effects. Guests will and high-tech wraparound 3D glasses are central see moss swaying in to the new-look Amazing Adventures of Spider- the wind, rats Man ride at Universal Orlando’s Islands of scurrying through the Adventure. The attraction’s sets, audio system and streets and hear lighting have also been upgraded. electricity arching so The new animation comes to life across the close it will raise the attraction’s towering visual spaces – some of which hair on the back of are more than four stories tall and just as wide. their necks. Live special effects such as heat blasts and water And for the first surges as well as the motion of the ride vehicle are time ever, Spider- precisely calibrated to match the animation so that Man co-creator Stan Lee riders will feel as if the on-screen adventure is makes a cameo appearance inside the attraction happening to them in real life. in digitally animated form. As they reanimated the attraction film, the creative team added hundreds of new details and universalorlando.com

Riders wearing the new 3D wraparound glasses New high definition animation

more than 700 construction jobs to the community Las Vegas in addition to an estimated 500 full-time positions for the entertainment, dining and retail offerings wheel wars once the development opens. The concrete foundation has been set for , “The observation wheel is the perfect complement which its developer claims will become the largest to the Strip,” says developer Howard Bulloch, Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere – taller than “fuelling both an economic impact for our the , but shorter than rides in Singapore community and creating a unique addition to and Nanjing, China. globally-renowned entertainment offerings.” Set to be built by construction industry Plans also exist for a wheel further down the Las conglomorate Ledcor, the attraction will open on July Vegas Strip linking the Imperial Palace and Flamingo 4, 2013. Located directly across from Mandalay casino resorts. The $500 million project by Caesars Bay, the wheel will tower 500ft (150m) above the Entertainment would stand 550ft tall, snatching the Las Vegas Strip. It will feature 32 gondolas and two bragging rights from Bulloch. Which rides come to large high definition LED displays at its hib. Sizing up fruition and when remains to be seen. to the length of two football fields, the distinctive signs will be the world’s largest displays offering An artist’s impression spectacular visuals – and advertising of SkyVue opportunities.The climate-controlled 24-person gondolas will offer views of the city skyline, with each ride lasting 30 minutes. Guests will have the opportunity to rent out a gondola for private events, complete with catering services. In addition, the project will offer more than 200,000 sq ft of retail space and an additional 20,000 sq ft for conventions. The project will bring

10 APRIL 2012

Park News www.parkworld-online.com

Wild Eagle B&M coaster takes flight at

Dollywood has launched Wild Eagle, the first Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Wing Coaster in North America. The $20 million attraction represents the largest single capital investment in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park’s 26-year history. Wild Eagle’s floorless design allows passengers to experience the sensation of flight. Sat in pairs either side of the coaster’s track, there is nothing but air above and below them. The new ride is perched on Dollywood’s highest peak, rising 21 storeys into the sky and providing spectacular views of the Smoky Mountain terrain below. Taking off from the Wilderness Pass area, riders travel the coaster’s 3,127ft track as it dives,

drops, twists and turns. Traversing the mountainous terrain, Wild Eagle features a 135ft first drop and reaches a top of 61mph as it manoeuvres through four inversions including a giant loop, a “zero-G” roll and a giant flat spin. Each coaster train consists of 14 pairs of seats and features an imposing bald eagle with piercing eyes and broad wings outstretched for flight. The complete journey lasts nearly two-and-a-half minutes. ASTM 24 meeting Power Park flume The body that produces global safety standards for Power Park in Finland is planning a double drop the amusement industry held its biannual meeting Super Flume for 2013 courtesy of the Anglo-French during February in Fort Lauderdake, Florida. supplier Interlink. The 400-metre-long attraction will Attendance was at an all-time high with over 200 be situated in a new area of the park and pass safety experts from around the world participating, underneath an existing bridge structure. from the USA to Japan. The theme for the new attraction will be “Bridge In addition to sessions on the usual issues like over the River Kwai”. The soundtrack to the movie of ride design, operations and maintenance, the same name will be played to passengers on the participatory attractions such as zip lines, rock ride, while a Thai restaurant will be added close by. wall climbing, zorbs, inflatables and trampolines The ride’s two drops will be 7 and 14-metres were also examined, in addition to water-related respectively. Nine six-seater boats will provide attractions. A significant amount of work capacity for 600 passengers per hour. continues on the subject of trains, which balloted “We’ve great success with our flume rides over a new standard for the first time. the years,” notes Interlink’s John Hudd. “Naturally A number of sessions were also held to assist we are delighted that Power Park has chosen us to with the adoption of ASTM F24 standards. The provide such an attraction. It’s been an interesting recently passed Canada-specific standard was project to work on.” used as a model for other countries that wish to incorporate internal requirements and existing standards into their adoption of F24 standards. A newly established task group focused on the Latin American adoption of F24 standards met to review the model. “I am extremely pleased with the high level of interest expressed in the spring 2012 meeting,” remarked ASTM F24 chairman Jim Seay. “I am grateful that participants travelled around the globe to share their passion for safety in the amusement industry.”

12 APRIL 2012

Park News www.parkworld-online.com

Sniggle Hunt at Yogi Bear’s Yogi Bear’s Camp Resort in California is one of the Sniggle Hunt provides a unique adventure which latest visitor attractions to install an electronic can be enjoyed again and again, making it an scavenger hunt. attractive income source for attractions operators. The Sniggle Hunt product from Veqtor UK Simple and easy install and operate, it boasts very encourages players to hunt around the camp in low running costs. The game’s engaging back story Jellystone Park with a simple hand held device can be replaced by custom content if required. looking for Sniggle terminals. Every time they find Following the installation of Sniggle Hunt this one, they receive points and a fun message about winter at the Yogi Bear’s Camp Resort, Veqtor is recycling, conservation or the environment. negotiations with a European holiday resort provider (Pennsylvania) while the British company 1st Sometimes they get bonus points, but players must about rolling out the system to a number of sites. Attractions hopes to introduce its wristband-enabled also beware of the “sleeping” Sniggle points, which Electronic scavenger hunts appear to be a hot Safari Challenge game at a European zoo in early deliver no points at all, unless you return when they product right now within the attractions industry. 2013. are awake. The hunt can also be timed, creating a Great Wolf Lodge last year unveiled a game called mad dash to find as many Sniggles as possible in the Great Wolf Story Explorers featuring a RFID equipped campjellystone.com allotted time. toy bear at its resort in the Pocono Mountains veqtor.co.uk

Quassy to expand waterpark Quassy president Eric Anderson surveys the site Saturation Station, the popular waterpark feature at bodyslides, all from ProSlide Technology. For , Middlebury, Connecticut, is toddlers, Quassy will also install what it has named going to spring a major leak. Four new attractions Splash Away Bay, a 2,000-square-foot Splashpad by will be added for the 2013 season – nearly doubling Vortex Aquatic Structures International. the size of the facility. Construction is expected to start All of the new attractions will be located adjacent late this summer. to the existing Saturation Station water play area on Three huge waterslides will be at the heart of the land vacated by the removal of the Mad project including a BulletBowl tube slide and two Mouse coaster at the end of the 2010 season. Great Wolf agrees merger with Apollo Great Wolf Resorts, operator of the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterparks/hotel chain in North America, has agreed to a merger with Apollo Global Management. Apollo, a leading global asset manager, is likely to acquire Great Wolf for approximately $703 million ($5.00 per share), including the assumption of the company’s outstanding debt. The transaction has been unanimously recommended by Great Wolf’s’ board of directors, but is not without criticism from some stockholders, who feel the offer undervalues the company. A leader in indoor waterparks and family destination resorts, Great Wolf now operates 11 properties in the USA and Canada. The first Great Wolf Lodge resort opened in 1997 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and each facility typically features between 300 and 600 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 to 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room configurations, in addition to arcade/game rooms, fitness rooms, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children’s activities – and of course a large undercover waterpark. celebrates four decades On April 29, 1972, Kings Island opened outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. The slogan used to entice 7,000 curious guests was “C’mon Get Happy!” and admission to the park was $6.00. It didn’t take long for word to get out. By the end of the first season Kings Island had set a theme park industry record by playing host to more than 2 million guests. Since then, over 120 million visitors have visited Kings Island, enjoying its 65 attractions. Set to reopen for the on April 28, Kings Island plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary season throughout the summer of 2012.

14 APRIL 2012

Park News www.parkworld-online.com

MERLIN RELEASES ANNUAL RESULTS The world’s number two attractions operator has released its financial results for Eye and Dungeon in the UK. the year to December 31, 2011, revealing strong and resilient growth in turnover There was an encouraging start for Merlin’s first year of and profitability, delivered against a tough economic backdrop. As in other recent operations in Australia following the acquisition of the Sydney years, this was achieved through a sustained programme of investment in its Attractions Group and a further move into the Asia Pacific market with existing attractions, opening of new attractions and strategic acquisitions. announcement of plans to acquire Living & Leisure Australia with businesses in Combined visitors for the year were 47.3 million, up from 41.6 million in Australia, South Korea, Thailand and China. By the end of 2012, the company 2011. Revenue was up by over 18% from £856.1m to £945.7m will have 94 worlwide attractions located across four continents. ($1.5bn/€1.14bn). Operating profit was £231.4m ($367.2m/€279.2bn). “Last year was the most exciting in the history of Merlin Entertainments,” states Merlin invested £174.1 million last year, including £76 million on its existing chief executive Nick Varney. “This year we will open our sixth Legoland park in estate and nearly £100 million on new developments, all funded from operating Malaysia, further strengthening our rapidly growing business in the Asia Pacific cash flow. region; we have opened a hotel at Legoland Windsor; and we will add six new One of the highlights of the year was the company’s largest new theme park Midway attractions. We will continue to invest for growth under our proven opening, Legoland Florida. There was also a record number of new “Midway” strategy of growing our strong brands in a portfolio of attractions balanced by attractions, with seven new outlets in four countries including the Blackpool Tower geography, product and demographics.” Nemesis Sub-Terra Sealions save energy! According to research conducted The Sealion House, one of the most by Alton Towers 75% of Brits popular attractions at England’s have a phobia of being trapped Knowsley Safari Park, has been fitted with underground and as many as solar panels to help reduce electricity one in five adults are scared of bills and the park’s carbon footprint. the dark. The British park’s new The energy generated from the solar Nemesis Sub-Terra attraction panels helps reduce what would plays heavily on both of these otherwise be rising bills for heating and fears. lighting the Sealion House. Spare energy Central to the experience, from the panels, which were installed by which launched on March 24, is Eco Environments, will also be used to a believed to be by power adjacent children’s fairground ABC Rides, similar to that used rides. by Merlin Entertainments in a number of its Dungeon attraction. But it is also “We are trying to make the most of every opportunity we have to be accompanied a back-story based on the park’s famous Nemesis inverted greener,” says Edward Perry, director of operations for Knowsley Estates, which coaster. runs the safari park. “If you are going on the attraction for the drop alone you will be It is estimated that the solar installation will save Knowsley Safari Park over disappointed,” reported one park fan on a web forum. “The point of the £800 on electricity bills every year and generate a £1366 annual income attraction is that it's an overall experience with the drop adding to that through “feed-in” tariffs. It will help the park reduce its carbon emissions by experience.” over 4423kg per year.

Rainbow MagicLand Wild water! reopens for 2012 A small park in Germany is aiming to Italy’s newest theme park, MagicLand attracted 721,316 guests in its make a big splash in 2012 when it inaugural season – less than half the initial projected annual attendance of 1.8 unveils a new from ABC million. Engineering. The park debuted last May adjacent to the Fashion Set to be completed later this month, District shopping outlet in Valmontone near Rome. Zum Rittersturz at Wild und Freizeitpark According to several observers that was too soon, in Klotten will be the country’s longest, and a number of the park’s 35 rides and attractions steepest and fastest water coaster, were still awaiting commissioning after opening. standing 24-metres tall and reaching The 2012 season was due to begin on March 31. speeds of up to 75kmh. With most ride availability issues now sorted out and The attraction features a turning, more than a month’s extra opening in the calendar vertical lift and a spectacular drop that compared to 2011, the park’s operators anticipate a coasts above the park’s existing more realistic – but still ambitious – 1.3 million Gerstlauer Bobsled coaster. Each ride will last three and a half minutes from guests, rising to 1.8 million by 2014. start to finish, as the six-abreast boat travel along a 240-metre path. Hourly According to local press reports, developer Alfa capacity is 400 passengers. Apologies for the poor quality of this picture but Park now plans to invest an additional €80 million in we thought readers would appreciate a sneak peak ahead of a larger feature the park and its infrastructure including the creation at a future date. of two themed hotels.

16 APRIL 2012

Park News www.parkworld-online.com

TEA conference for Disneyland Paris How do you create successful and engaging guest experiences? Find out from parks, museum exhibits, live events or corporate brand lands, the clients, the the masters of their trade at this September’s SATE (Storytelling/Architecture/ creative team and, most importantly, the guests and visitors are often highly Technology/Experience) conference at Disneyland Paris. diverse in culture and background. Speakers and delegates will explore and Organised by the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), SATE 2012 follows illuminate key issues related to working in the diverse global market, both in the separate events last year in North America and Europe, and promises a stellar conference sessions and many networking opportunities. international line-up of speakers. Charing the three-day event will be industry SATE 2012 will take place from September 19 to 21 at the Newport Bay visionaries Yves Pépin (ex-ECA2) and Joe Rohde (). Hotel, Disneyland Paris. The deadline for sessions proposals has now passed, The theme for the conference is “Cultural Diversity in Creating Successful but more details on the event, travel information etc, can be found at Guest Experiences: Obstacle or Opportunity?” Whether dealing with theme teaconnect.org. Hippo in ProSlide 2012 British park Windsor Around 60 new ProSlide attractions will open figures this year around the world, including large new Hippo Leisure Products has launched an installations in China, Russia and the United pass away interactive play platform at Windsor Leisure Arab Emirates. Centre in the United Kingdom. The structure Launching as part of the new Equarius Jimmy Jones, who comprises of three multi-level platforms with a waterpark at Resorts World Sentosa in managed England’s Great combination of high, low, bright and innovative Singapore will be the Canadian company’s first Yarmouth Pleasure Beach for water features and a 6-metre long slide with two HydroMagnetic Hornet, a two-person waterslide many years, has passed away parallel paths. coaster, while a duelling version is planned for at the age of 73. “The driving force behind the investment was the new Happy Valley park in Wuhan, China. Jimmy came from a fairground background, to create a feature with a large capacity that was The latter project, which will become the fifth having worked on his parent's fun in Bristol inclusive to all abilities,” notes leisure centre park in the Happy Valley chain, will feature a from an early age. He took control of the park manager Jes Spencer. “Everyone is drawn to the package of 10 ProSlide attractions including a on the East coast of England in 1975 following water TornadoWave, Tornado60, Behemoth Bowl, the death of his father-in-law Albert Botton and movement, double SuperLoop 60, double FreeFall, 8-lane had previously helped the Botton family at bright colours Racer, KidZone, Tantrum Alley and a Olympia in London. and interactive “Mach” complex comprising a double Pipeline, In October 1992 the various Botton Bros elements. The Topsy-Turvy and CannonBowl. companies were brought together to form the throughput of At the new White Sphere waterpark in Pleasure & Leisure Corporation and Jimmy bathers on a Krasnodar, Russia, ProSlide is supplying a Jones relinquished the role of Pleasure Beach busy Saturday BulletBowl, double SuperLoop 60, and double managing director to his son Albert, who runs is greater than Freefall, Topsy-Turvey, Pipeline and RideHouse. the park to this day. our two The much anticipated Yas Waterworld at Yas A passionate football fan, Jimmy also served existing flume Island in Abu Dhabi, sister attraction to FerrarI as a director and vice-chairman of Norwich City slides and the World, will feature a ProSlide HydroMagnetic Football Club during its glory days in the 1980s. new platform and HydroMagnetic , in He died on March 27 at The Heart Hospital in exceeds our addition to a number of slides by WhiteWater. London and leaves a widow Jane, son Albert, expectations.” For the full list of ProSlide installations for daughter Elizabeth and six grandchildren. Features 2012 read this article online at bit.ly/HdIhLt. Former Dreamland (), Rotunda include a high () and Pleasure Park owner mast complete with tipping bucket, four hand- Jerome L Albert Jimmy Godden passed away on the same day, operated Squirtems, a spray rail and several aged 66. interactive play panels. The design enables 1937–2012 The entrepreneur, who established a wide Windsor Leisure Centre to expand the structure in portfolio of amusement arcades and other future with more interactive elements to keep it The founder of Coney Island’s businesses in the Kent area, served as chairman of fresh and exciting. amusement park has the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and passed away. Jerome L (Jerry) Attractions (BALPPA) from 2000-2002 but closed Albert died on March 15 at the his parks soon after. Since then fans of the age of 74 from complications Dreamland, which Godden acquired from resulting from Parkinson’s Bembon Bros in the winter of 1995/6, have Disease. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, campaigned to reopen it as a smaller nostalgia- Carol, son Bradley, daughter-in-law Amy, grandson focused operation. Tosh and several nieces and nephews. Diagnosed with cancer some years ago, he was Jerry, along with his father Dewey, founded Astroland receiving weekly treatments of chemotherapy at in 1961. The New York City attraction revived and the Royal Marsden Hospital in London until his maintained Coney Island’s amusement area after the death. Jimmy is survived by his wife Rochelle and closing of the in 1964. Jerry brought sons Jeremy and Jordan, as well eldest son in a number of rides that had never been seen in James from a previous marriage. Coney Island, including the Astro Tower.

18 APRIL 2012

Product News www.parkworld-online.com GOLDGOLD MEDALMEDAL

The revolutionary Auto Shutoff feature that changed small poppers is now available in kits for up to a 14 oz. kettle size, including the durable, workhorses Citation and Pop-A-Lot Poppers. (Its standard on the #2656 Ultra 60 Special, #1866 Ultra P-60, and the #2552LS PopMaxx Value Line Popper.) Operators can rest assured knowing their machine will automatically turn off after 15 minutes of idle time, and it re-sets each time a batch of fresh corn is popped. Additional benefits of the Auto Shutoff kits include reduced energy costs, extended kettle life, simple to operate and no experience necessary. For more information contact Gold Medal Products Co. today at 800-543-0862!

Emergency phones – vital for communication in any theme park Storacall TeleAcoustics range of emergency telephones and cabinets are an integral part of any theme parks crisis management plan enabling visitors to contact manage- ment immediately in the event of an incident. Provides extra safety cover if no staff are nearby or the incident takes place in a tunnel or location where radios do not work. The cabinets are rotationally moulded in medium density polyethylene; the RM cabinet is robust and resilient to impact and the special environment phones are also robust and weather resistant. Sales +44 (0)1242 578815 or [email protected] for product dimensions visit www.teleacoustics.co.uk

Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com

Sky Fly Flying Ninjago at Legoland Deutschland is one of three Sky Fly rides Gerstlauer has installed for the 2012 season. Another is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota. The ride, pictured here, is the first of its kind in the United States and puts the adventure in guests’ hands. Nickelodeon Universe has also debuted Dutchman’s Deck Anchor Drop, a pair of intertwined stainless steel spiral tube slides by Wiegand, anchored to the park’s Flying Dutchman Ghostly Flying Ninjago Legoland Deutschland reaches for the sky

A Gerstlauer Sky Fly is the anchor attraction of a Just in time for Legoland Deutschland’s birthday on new land at Legoland Deutschland, opened to May 17, visitors to the park’s Miniland area will be mark the German park’s 10th anniversary able to discover six scenes based around Lego’s new Ninjago toy range, the inspiration for Flying Ninjago. anufactured just 25km away at the Built from thousands of Lego bricks, the new exhibits MGerstlauer factory in Munsterhausen, Flying will be available exclusively at this park for the Ninjago debuted on March 24. The duration of the season. atraction is located within the new Little Asia area of Further events including a martial arts show and the park and, in common with several other Legoland acts from the Chinese State Circus will get guests in Gangplank rope course. attractions, features an interactive element to put the Ninjago spirit throughout the anniversary season, A third Sky Fly is set to open riders in control. while a life-size Lego model of the dark warrior Darth soon at Nigoland in Attached to the end of a giant slanting arm are 12 Maul will be added to the Star Wars section of Dolancourt, France, called Air singe-seat gondolas. Once the brakes are released, Miniland, There is also due to be a new addition to Meeting. According to the park, “Gerstlauer was chosen passenger can operate levers on wings either side of Legoland Atlantis by Sea Life, Tiefsee Abenteur (Deep because it is a manufacturer of their seat to change the orientation of the gondola. Sea Adventure). high quality that has interesting Standing 22-metres high, this is surely a ride for Located in Günzburg, Bavaria, Legoland skills on this type of machine.“ the park’s older adventurers, however it is up to Deutschland entertained a record 1.2 million guests The German company first them whether they have a white-knuckle ride in 2011. The 10th anniversary season continues until used this style of interactive performing barrel rolls as they go or simply enjoy November 4. winged gondola in 2008 on the scenic flight. Comfortable shoulder restraints with Götterflug tower ride now at fail-safe hydraulic cylinders keep riders in their seats legoland.de Belantis in Leipzig. safely. gerstlauer-rides.de

22 APRIL 2012

Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com WOODEN WONDER Europa-Park’s first woodie

Iceland is now complete. ne of two coasters within the Icelandic themed season, during which the Mack family has made its Whilst the real country Oarea of this popular Black Forest venue, biggest ever capital investment – €60 million – and it is attempts to recover from WODAN – Timburcoaster rounds out a staking its reputation on a pile of timber. Actually, it’s a financial crisis and brace section of the park that opened in 2009 with the pretty safe bet. Wooden coaster construction (and itself for the next volcanic launch of Blue Fire Megacoaster. The mammoth 1.6- therefore maintenance) has come on significantly in eruption, visitors to hectare construction from Great Coasters International recent years, Wodan is a perfect complement to the Germany’s largest (GCI) is Europa-Park’s 11th rollercoaster, and arguably park’s existing rides and attractions, and guest amusement park can enjoy a one of its most awesome to date. Yet it is the first to be satisfaction seems certain. rollercoaster ride of a built of wood. Over 1km long (1,050 metres), the ride features a more literal and “My grandfather [Europa-Park co-founder Franz 40-metre, 52º first drop and a succession of heart- enjoyable kind Mack] was always against adding a wooden coaster,” pounding sequences as it races up, over and between recalls chief operating officer (COO) and Wodan two existing coasters – Blue Fire and Atlantica project manager Michael Mack. “He said wood is too SuperSplash. During the 3 minute and 25 second ride technical and difficult to maintain, and whoever goes sequence, passengers reach speeds of up to 100km/h with it is the one who will have to live with it.” and experience maximal vertical acceleration of 3.5G. So, here we at the start of Europa-Park’s 38th Yet, insists Michael Mack, it is still a family-friendly ride.

Intense & Fast “This isn’t a bumpy, shaky kind of coaster,” he tells us. “It’s a great ride with all the speed and excitement of a wooden coaster – very intense and fast – but still it is a smooth experience.” The park’s COO should know. Even before Wodan’s official launch on March 28 he had ridden it, “20 to 25 times. My favourite part is once you leave the lift because it begins quite rapidly and continues without a stop. I would say it’s one of the most challenging rides, in a good way, that we have in the park. My dad [Europa-Park managing director and current IAAPA chairman Roland Mack] is loving it too, so I think it really is suitable for all ages.” To ride Wodan, guests need to be a minimum of 1.2-metres tall and 6 years-old, a lower restriction than Pictured at the grand opening of Wodan on March 28 are (left to right) Europa-Maus, Ernst Heller, some wooden coasters. Lap bars hold passengers firmly circus priest and friend of the Mack family; Clair Hain, Great Coasters International; Roland, in place without the need for seat belts. Marianne, Miriam, Michael, Jürgen and Mauritia Mack; Ekaterina Petrakova and Thomas Mack The modified GCI Millennium Flyer trains are one of

24 APRIL 2012 Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com

several areas in which , the family’s long searching for a distribution partner in Europe, and we Father of Balder established manufacturing business, has given direct decided to do it together with Dirk Engelhardt in Europa-Park’s first wooden input into the ride. This, admits Michael, is another Hannover,” explains Mack. “After that GCI sold rides coaster was going to be called reason why it’s taken Europa-Park so long to add a to Power Park in Finland, Freizeitpark Plohn in Thor, until the Mack family woodie. Germany, and Toverland and Efteling in the realised they might have “We try to use Mack rides and attractions within our Netherlands. So we had some nice coasters to try out, problems registering the name park wherever possible,” he says. “The wooden coaster and this made it easier for me to convince the family.” given the recent Disney/Marvel was actually one of original products from our company The layout for Wodan was finalised by GCI in film. in 1921, but we gave it up in the late ‘60s because we Germany together with engineers from Waldkirch, who Instead the ride takes its name had so many showmen buying our rides and it was also worked on the stress calculations and supplied the from a legendary Germanic god. According to Norse more practical for them to travel steel than wood.” ride’s control system, the same as that used on Blue mythology, Wodan was the Europa-Park opened in 1975, so the love affair with Fire. Wood for the ride was sourced primarily from father of the Icelandic god steel was inevitable. Of those 11 coasters now German forests, and construction was carried out with Balder. It’s an even more fitting operating at the park, only one other was sourced from assistance from the same team responsible for erecting title given that Balder is also the an external company, Bolliger & Mabillard’s Silver Star, many of Mack Rides’ own coasters. name of the much-loved woodie which opened in 2002. As revered as it is throughout Michael Mack reveals that one particular section of at Liseberg in Gothenburg, the industry, the Swiss supplier is hardly known for its the ride came about as the result of a friendly game of Sweden – an in-joke not lost on track record with wood. Neither it nor Mack Rides look bowls between GCI and Mack’s engineers. “They were either park. likely to start any time soon. looking at the layout and couldn’t find the solution for Europa-Park has made a lot one curve; should it be left or right banked? Jeff Pike effort in bringing this back-story to life within the Iceland area of Back To Mack’s Roots [GCI vice-president of sales and design] thought it the park, and Wodan features a “I think the market is full at the moment with two should bank to the left. I believe he won the bowling, richly themed station (as per American companies and two in Europe offering so it is now left banked!” concept art above) and queuing wooden coasters,” notes Michael Mack, who is also a Construction on site went relatively smoothly over a area that make standing in line director of the family manufacturing firm in Waldkirch. nine-month period. The biggest challenge was lthat little bit more tolerable. “But I like the idea that with this ride the Mack family is building around the two neighbouring coasters, but as going back to its roots.” Mack built both these rides, plenty of know-how was Signing up with Great Coasters was a relatively on hand. The finished product dramatically changes simple decision given the US company’s existing the profile of the park in an area close to the four relationship with Mack Rides: “Back in 2000 they were (soon five) Europa-Park Resort hotels, yet the Mack

Wodan’s fits perfectly into the Iceland themed area of the park

APRIL 2012 25 Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com

family did not encounter many major obstacles when it GCI sold came to securing planning permission. As a concession to locals in what is rather rural “rides to neighbourhood, urethane wheels were used by GCI Power Park in for the first time to reduce train noise. In tests using steel wheels, the ride ran eight seconds faster, but only Finland, a select group of GCI and Mack employees ever got Freizeitpark to experience it at such lightening speed! Each of three trains seats 24 people, providing Plohn in hourly capacity for 1,250 passengers. Gobbling up Germany, and those sorts of numbers will be easy for a park that welcomed well over 4 million guests in 2011. Toverland and “It depends on the weather of course,” says Mack, Efteling in the “but we certainly want to reach the same figures this year, if not exceed them by 200,000.” Netherlands. Over 200 additional hotel rooms will be available So we had for Europa-Park guests this season with the opening of the new Bell Rock hotel in July. The 4-star superior some nice property will feature a New England – rather than coasters to European – theme. “Actually the name comes from a Scottish try out, and lighthouse, so there is a kind of European influence,” this made it explains Mack, “but we think New England is a good theme and symbolises a new era of theming for the easier for me hotels, but certainly not the park. Everyone is asking to convince why we put in an American theme, and we joke that is because my dad has become chairman of IAAPA!” the family Two continents for the price of one? Sounds like a Michael Mack deal! ” europapark.com

This plan shows Wodan’s interaction with Blue Fire (left) and Atlantica SuperSplash (top right)

26 APRIL 2012

Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com HIGH FIVE! MVR salutes OCT

The brief from OCT was a aced with this challenge, Martin & Vleminckx Set to open any day now, the new ride is one of simple one according to FRides – the Canadian company that sold and the headline attractions at the fifth park in the Happy Chuck Bingham, partner at built Dragon Wings – asked The Gravity Group Valley chain from leading Chinese park and Martin & Vleminckx Rides to design something that had never been done recreation provider OCT. It follows the introduction in (MVR): “Design a racing before and Chad Miller of the American firm obliged 2009 of Fireball, China’s first wooden coaster (also coaster that is unusual and with the “High Five.” This signature feature sees the by MVR/Gravity Group), at Happy Valley Shanghai. will be the number one two coaster tracks meeting one another at a 90º Dragon Wings, meanwhile, is the country’s first wood coaster in China and angle, allowing riders in opposing trains to salute duelling wooden coaster. As well as the High Five Asia, if not the world” one another as they pass. High five indeed! sequence, it also features many crossovers sections,

The signature High Five element

Building the Dragon Due to be signed off by Martin & Vleminckx on March 29, Dragon Wings was constructed over a 10-month period, which ran relatively smoothly. “The labour and equipment supplied in China is surprisingly qualified,” notes MVR director Chuck Bingham. “The only issue is keeping people as the contractors have many projects and demands, so often workers get moved around.” Park World can’t wait to see this amazing ride open!

APRIL 2012 29 Ride Profile www.parkworld-online.com

We certainly have “delivered the number one in China and one of the top woodies in the world, which will be hard to beat for some time! Chuck Bingham, MVR

especially around the station area. Each track is over 1km in length at 1,143 and 1,193m respectively and each of the parallel chain lifts is 32m long. The ride comes equipped with four Philadelphia Toboggan Company trains (two per track) and the experience ” lasts around 60 seconds from the top of lift to the brakes. “Having ridden the ride I can tell you it is very fast and very smooth!” enthuses Bingham. “We certainly have delivered the number one in China and one of the top woodies in the world, which will be hard to beat for some time!” Fabrication and shipping has already started for a third MVR/Gravity Group wooden coaster for Happy Valley Tianjin. Located roughly 120km from Beijing, the city can be reached by high speed train in just 30 minutes from the Chinese capital. The ride in question will be of a similar out-and-back configuration as Fireball in Shanghai and is set to open when the park debuts in spring of next year. martin-vleminckx.com

30 APRIL 2012

Park Profile

Nestled among North Carolina’s , Tweetsie Tweetsie Railroad Railroad in Blowing Rock has been creating North Carolina’s Wild West Adventure memories and offering family-friendly Wild West adventures since 1957. Paul Ruben visits the American state’s first theme park

onsisting of five themed areas spread over 30 Justice Prevails Cacres (12.1 hectares) Tweestie Railroad features Tweetsie’s Wild West Adventure – the park’s train ride 12 amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo, live cum live show – is a trip back in time, complete with shows and a signature train ride that loops around cowboys, train robbers and marauding renegades the park’s 200 undeveloped acres. stirring up trouble: “Our train show is pretty much the Guests enter onto Main Street, then can wander to same as it has always been," says Robbins, “a mixture explore Tweetsie Junction, The Hacienda, Country of excitement, action and comedy. It's a spoof of all Fair and Miner’s Mountain. Many choose to hop the popular characters from the Old West. Nobody aboard the train for a scenic three-mile ride through gets hurt, and justice always prevails.” the mountains. They can also spend the day walking The name “Tweetsie” was given to the railroad by the streets of a turn-of-the-century town, learning local folks who became accustomed to the shrill about the lives of cowboys, Indians and craftsmen of “tweet, tweet” train whistles that echoed through the the past, or take a scenic chair lift ride to Miner's hills. The name stuck, and the train was known as Mountain and pan for gold. Tweetsie ever since. “Tweetsie Railroad is old-fashioned and low-tech,” In an era of large, corporate-owned theme parks, promises the park’s president and CEO, Chris family-owned Tweetsie Railroad continues to thrive. Robbins. “But it is also clean, accessible to kids, “We don’t try to compete with the large theme uncrowded, highly interactive and just plain fun. It is parks,” admits Robbins. “We have a market niche Tweetsie rides designed primarily for families with young children. that we’ve perfected over 55 seasons of operation. We build an immersive world for kids, where they can Tweetsie’s dedicated staff understands our mission, The park’s almost all-American selection of rides and attractions use their imaginations to become a Wild West and constantly looks for ways to improve our includes the following: character and enjoy attractions designed just for operations. We are seeing our second, third and •Drop Tower (Moser Rides) them.” even fourth generation of visitors.” • (Dartron) •Tornado (Wisdom) • (Allan Herschell) •Tilt-a-Whirl (Sellner) •Ferris Wheel (Eli Bridge) •Tweetsie Twister (Eli Bridge ) •Chairlift (Goforth Industries) •Turnpike Cruiser (Streco Manufacturing) •Mouse Mine (Tweetsie Railroad) •Kiddie Boats (Allan Herschell) •Planes & Helicopters (Allan Herschell) •Locomotives (Baldwin Locomotive Works) Chris Robbins, president and CEO of Tweetsie Railroad A general view of the amusement area

32 APRIL 2012 Park Profile www.parkworld-online.com

The park’s primary catchment area is the Carolinas, but Florida is also a major market too. In a typical season the park hosts 200,000 to 250,000 guests over approximately 135 operating days. The location in the scenic, cool Blue Ridge Mountains makes it a popular summer destination. “Our competition includes other family attractions, of course; but the biggest competitors are organised sports that take so much of families’ free time and disposable income,” notes Robbins. “Other competition includes the encroaching school schedule, ‘staycations,’ and the vast multitude of entertainment products that vie for the attention of today’s Americans.”

Live Entertainment Tweetsie’s live daily entertainment includes Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue, Hopper and Porter’s Musical Celebration, Miner’s Mountain Magic, K-9’s in Flight Theme Park Pioneers Dogs, Tweetsie’s Country Clogging Jamboree The chairlift is a popular feature of and the Grammy award-winning performers Riders In Grover, working together with his brother Harry (Chris’ the park The Sky. Regular Thomas & Friends days are held on father) and Spencer Robbins, were viewed as pioneers the railroad, featuring the blue train and his smiling and visionaries in tourism and resort development, and face, and in 2011 special events also included the July Spencer is still active today in one of the family's resort 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, Cool Summer Nights, real estate businesses, Ghost Train Halloween Festival and a visit from Barney In 1961, Grover built another train ride together the Dinosaur. A new evening programme of with a Civil War themed park called Rebel Railroad in entertainment will debut this season. the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Tweetsie Railroad has historical significance, since the Renamed Goldrush Junction in 1966, it was sold to theme park was descended from a railroad that served the Cleveland Browns football team in 1970. In 1976, the Boone-Blowing Rock area. The East Tennessee and the attraction was sold again to Jack and Pete Railroad (ET&WNC) ceased Herschend of Branson, Missouri, who redeveloped it narrow gauge operations in 1950, but its only surviving as a theme park, Tennessee. In steam engine was bought six years later by local 1986, country music star became part entrepreneur Grover Robbins (Chris Robbins’ uncle). A owner with the Herschends, and the theme park was 3-mile loop of track was constructed for the train to run renamed Dollywood. The rest is history, although this on and on July 4, 1957, the locomotive made its first was not the only park created by the Robbins brothers. public trip over the line. In 1970 they created a theme park called Land of Oz Tweetsie Railroad became a popular tourist on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, which operated Our attraction, and evolved into one of the USA’s first theme for 10 years. parks. A western town and saloon were built around the Tweetwise Railroad reopens for the 2012 season on “competition original depot area, and a train robbery and Indian April 13. Robbins reveals what the future holds for includes other attack show added to the train ride. In 1962, a chairlift Tweetsie Railroad. “We have plans to expand the park and amusement ride area was constructed on the into new sections, add new family rides and enhance family mountain inside the rail loop, and over the decades the and improve some of our older park attractions. We attractions, of park has been expanded. Tweetsie Railroad also will never be a large park, but the pursuit of perfecting operates a repair shop, where a skilled crew preserves our product will never end.” course; but a lost art as they repair and restore steam locomotives the biggest for other theme parks and museums. tweetsie.com competitors are organised sports that take so much of families’ free time and disposable income Chris Robbins Wild West Adventure is full of excitement, action and comedy The park’s front gate ” APRIL 2012 33 Waterpark Profile www.parkworld-online.com

From Magic Planet to Ski Dubai, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) has made a name for itself in the Middle East Wahooo! by integrating strong family attractions into its Bahrain’s rooftop waterpark shopping malls. Shama Uchil explains how a rooftop waterpark has driven footfall to Bahrain City Centre

t Majid Al Futtaim (majidalfuttaim.com) we rides for children and adults, so that everyone can Ahave seen from previous experience how well enjoy them. received unique and distinct leisure offerings The design team wanted an Indian Ocean theme. can be at our shopping malls, take for example the With vinyl-printed scenes throughout the park, a world renowned Ski Dubai at the Mall of Emirates. For schooner moored alongside the wave pool and a Bahrain it was decided that a waterpark would be wave pool beach area with granite styled rock work, best suited and offer superb facilities to both the we believe the theme has been successfully achieved; people of Bahrain and other visitors from across the in fact our designer says it looked just as he had GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Wahooo! imagined it on paper. Waterpark opened at Bahrain City Centre in Manama The challenges of building the waterpark on the top Family fun at in October 2009. floor of the mall were significant. Not only from a 30°C Speaking to waterpark industry experts, such as logistical point of view, as we are 20 metres off the Aqua Leisure International, we made sure that we had ground on the fifth floor of the mall car park, but also A line-up including a Master Blaster water coaster, Flowrider, the best mix of rides available in the 15,000 square in terms of physical weight. The design of the park Sidewinder, mat racer, tube metre space. We have a mixture of high and low thrill including water storage tanks, ride structures and pool slides, rain fortress, lazy river, wave pool and tots’ pool provides Wahooo! with arguably the region’s most up to date mix of water attractions. With just 800,000 people living on the island of Bahrain, the waterpark must pull from several other surrounding territories. Around 50% of its guests are Bahrainis, followed by 20-25% from Saudi Arabia and the remainder from countries including Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. As we reveal in our main article, the concept of swimming indoors is still a foreign one to many local families; in fact there are very few public swimming pools generally. As such, Wahooo! promotes “guaranteed 30ºC all year round” – an enticing offer in either summer or winter.

34 APRIL 2012 Waterpark Profile www.parkworld-online.com

design, all had be calculated and positioned correctly. In water volume alone we hold over 2,500 tonnes Arab Spring …just metres above the car park! one year on As the only indoor/outdoor waterpark attached to a Located just 500 metres from shopping mall, Wahooo! is quite distinctive in its Pearl Roundabout in the Bahraini offering. We believe that we are and more than capital of Manama, the Bahrain simply a waterpark; we are more of a leisure City Centre shopping mall was destination and one would be hard pressed to find a close to the civil unrest this time similar attraction with our range of rides and last year during “Arab Spring.” activities. As such, it was only right that a We cater to everyone; local Bahraini residents, family destination such as weekend visitors and international tourists. Around Wahooo! Waterpark was closed to the public on a number of 70% of our visitors are repeat customers, which also occasions. include corporate and school visits. “The safety of our staff and Our biggest challenge, and one that we continue guests is of the utmost to address, is how to educate the local market to the importance to us,” says concept of indoor swimming. We have tried to make spokesperson Shama Uchil. “All swimming available for all, regardless of age or precautions were taken, cultural beliefs, with such programmes as our STA including open lines of Swimming lessons ladies only nights. communication with the mall It is important to constantly raise the bar, so we management team who were in proactively listen to our guests and are constantly constant contact with the authorities.” looking at new ways to improve our park. Majid Al Fortunately, the park has since Futtaim is always looking to introduce unique leisure resumed a six-day operating offers at it malls, but whether this will include another schedule (closed on Sundays), waterpark remains to be seen. continuing to offer for a range of fun and entertaining Shama Uchil is marketing manager of Wahooo! activities for all. Waterpark Bahrain. wahooo.com.bh

APRIL 2012 35 Attraction Profile www.parkworld-online.com

Hollywood KISS by Monster Mini Golf Drive-In Golf BELOW: Hollywood Drive-In Golf

Two mini golf courses have opened recently at opposite ends of the United States, each offering a uniquely themed experience Pitch ’n’ Butt Rock Mini golf fans at England’s Adventure Island amusement park ditched the plus fours and chunky chequered sweaters last ’n’ Hole month to help set a new world record. The cheekily named “Pitch Mini golf with attitude! and Butt” event on March 25 saw 30 people strip off at Southend-on-Sea and play a KISS by Monster Mini Golf on Paradise Road, Adventure Golf Design and round of the park’s 18-hole Adventure Golf. In doing so the Las Vegas, is a new attraction dedicated to Gene Development and integrates set a new record for “Most Simmons’ tongue-in-cheek rock group. The 18-hole several famous film franchises. Naked People to play a course features an animated Kiss mascot and The Haunting of Ghostly Miniature Golf Course in one monster props, plus a hard-rocking soundtrack. Greens features such well-known hour” and raised £3,000 for the Players putt to the sounds of a live DJ playing characters as Dracula, Wolfman, Prostate Cancer Charity. continuous Kiss music, and can also enjoy trivia, Frankenstein’s Monster and the One player, 28-year-old contests and prizes. A gift shop offers Kiss by Monster Bride of Frankenstein, while the Emma Burton, reported, “I work Mini Golf memorabilia and souvenirs, while Kiss Invaders from Planet Putt course as a life model for art classes, so themed event rooms are available for various events. is dedicated to the “little green I have no problem with people The attraction also features its own wedding chapel men” science fiction films of the seeing me naked. It is just a bit of fun for a good cause, plus so wannabe rock stars can tie the knot in style. 1950s. there were loads of people Operating seven days a week, the flagship One of several elaborate doing it with me. I prefer raising attraction in Vegas is one of around 30 Monster Mini mini golf experiences in the money in events like this Golf sites across North America. The course was Orlando area, it is the only because I don’t think I’m fit opened on March 15 by Simmons and fellow Kiss place where players can enjoy enough to run a marathon!” founder member Paul Stanley, with current band teeing off through the open The publicity stunt was not the members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer also in mouth of a giant space worm or in the basement first time Adventure Island guests attendance. laboratory of a haunted house. The cost is $13.99 have taken off their clothes to per game on each course, but discounts are raise money and get in the Over in Central Florida, Hollywood Drive-In available for those playing both courses or for record books. In August 2010, Golf 102 people jumped on board has opened at Universal Orlando. Located Universal Pass holders. the park’s Green Dragon within the Universal CityWalk entertainment district, coaster au natural. the dual course (2 x 18 holes) has been designed by monsterminigolf.com/kiss adventureisland.co.uk Universal's Creative team in partnership with hollywooddriveingolf.com

KISS by Monster Mini Golf Hollywood Drive-In Golf. That’s not Lady Gaga is it?

36 APRIL 2012

Hotel Profile www.parkworld-online.com

A Pirate-themed room BELOW RIGHT The Bricks Restaurant

Legoland Resorts Although the original Legoland in Billund, Denmark, boasts its Legoland Hotel own on-site hotel with direct access to the park, the new Bed and brick-fast in Windsor property in Windsor is the first purpose-built and fully-themed Legoland Hotel. As reported in the March issue of Park World, Meals – Next year, families will also guests visiting Legoland Windsor near London can including brick- be able to stay the night at enjoy “the ultimate sleepover” with the opening last shaped potatoes – Legoland California when the park in Carlsbad opens the month of the Legoland Hotel. Here’s a glimpse of can be enjoyed USA’s first Lego themed hotel, what lies inside inside the Bricks with a second planned at a Restaurant, where later date at Legoland Florida t the entrance to the hotel, close to the park’s costumed Lego in Winter Haven. A hotel is main gate, is a clock tower featuring a 6- characters put in also part of the plan for the A metre smoke-breathing dragon. Featured in regular new Legoland Malaysia near the lobby is a floor to ceiling toy box mobile and a appearances. Singapore, opening towards reception wall made from 6,000 Lego figures. Parents can then the end of this year. The property features 150 themed rooms appointed retire, with or without In each of these cases, the to standard, premium and corporate standard, the kids, to the arrival of the hotel signals the rebranding of the parks as typically equipped with one double bed and bunk Skyline Bar, where “resorts,” a process which beds for the kids. Guests can select from one of three family-friendly began at Legoland California themes based around popular Lego toy ranges, entertainment is in 2008 with the addition of namely Kingdom, Adventure and Pirate. provided. A Lego shop is also on hand. Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium. Each rooms comes equipped with its own box of Two days’ direct access and early bird entry to the Given many Lego fans’ Lego for children to play with during their stay and park is available for hotel residents, with a one night devotion to the little plastic spread throughout the hotel are 1,600 individual stay for two adults and two children starting from bricks, an overnight stay Lego models. A small Pirate’s Splash Pool £247 ($392/€299). represents a dream come complements the various water play attractions in the true. main park. legoland.co.uk/hotel

6,000 Lego figures are featured in the reception The exterior of the hotel

38 APRIL 2012 Product News www.parkworld-online.com

NEW THRILL RIDES “XLR8”

Extreme acceleration • high speed experience

1.5 hours set up • 16 persons capacity Inversion

Inversion

12 persons capacity • 79 ft. height high put through • also available as park model Park Products

Products and services for parks and attractions

HEN HOUSE HOEDOWN MULTICOUNT IP BY DANIELS WOOD LAND BY VOLUMATIC American treehouse, theming and shooting gallery specialist Daniels Wood Land has a new product offering loads of gun-slinging entertainment and excitement within a compact footprint. Hen House Hoedown is a mini shooting gallery measuring only 5ft 6in (1.7m) wide by 8ft (2.5m) deep, complete with two gun stations, a powerful control system and quality sound. The game is themed as an outhouse that has been taken over by pesky chickens. Packed inside are 11 fun targets, which include an egg laying chicken, a train horn, dancing chickens, fly-up cans and a quick- shot challenge. danielswoodland.com

STREET FURNITURE BY SANTA & COLE The British playground equipment supplier Timberplay has entered a partnership with the Spanish street furniture This new machine improves the speed and reliability specialist Santa & Cole. of cash counting – both notes and coins – for retail The company’s thoughtfully and entertainment businesses. designed products are believed The battery-powered device uses a count-by-weight to enhance a range of external scale to perform counting tasks quickly and environments, with all materials accurately, removing the element of human error and chosen in order to have a need for recounts. Totals and cashier identification minimum negative impact on data for up to 50 registers are stored in its memory, the environment. and the attached printer can print a time and date Santa & Cole has invested stamped receipt for increased employee heavily in developing products that deliver reduce operational costs. For example, accountability. the firm’s widespread use of LED technology promises significant savings long-term The scale’s rechargeable batteries operate for 12 running costs of street and pedestrian lighting. hours on a single overnight charge. An integrated USB port allows easy upload of counted totals to a santacole.com PC spreadsheet. timberplay.com volumatic.com MOBILE ZIPLINE BY SPECTRUM SPORTS This new attraction is the first commercially available smooth, carefully controlled action. This replaces the portable zip line. Access is via a 0.75m-wide old method of stopping zip line riders by hand and (30-inch) staircase and takes participants to a height solves one of the most potentially dangerous aspects of 8.3m (28ft). At the top, riders enter the launch of any zip line, the stop, whilst also returning the barrel, which protects them from fall exposure until trolley to the top. they are safely connected to the zip line. When Set up of the attraction is easy. A 12 volt hydraulic ready to go, the operator opens a rotating safety lift system stands the tower in place at the touch of a gate and the rider is then able to take the ‘leap button, the zip lines are secured and an inflatable of faith.’ wall is positioned at the lower end. Total set-up time At the opposite end, patent pending Auto-Retract is half an hour. brake technology slows the last part of the ride in a “The new Mobile Zip Line has taken the events

and attractions industry by storm,” boasts Phil Pickersgill of Innovative Leisure, which is distributing the product exclusively in Europe. “I know it’s going to be a hugely popular attraction at venues and events of all kinds and the first one supplied by ourselves will be in operation in the UK in March.” innovativeleisure.co.uk

40 APRIL 2011 Calendar www.parkworld-online.com

ShowGuide Exhibitions and networking for amusement professionals

• April 17 to 19 DEAL 2012 Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE +971 4 3435777 [email protected] themeparksdubai.com

• May 2 to 7 Hauntcon Monroeville Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA +1 877 467 5786 [email protected] hauntcon.com

• May 10 Scarecon Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, UK +44 7712 440361 [email protected] scarecon.co.uk

• May 14 to 16 AALARA Conference Crowne Plaza, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia +61 7 3807 3508 [email protected] aalara.com.au

• June 5 & 6 WWA 1st Asian Symposium Hong Kong, China SAR +1 913 599 0300 [email protected] waterparks.org

• June 6 to 8 Asian Attractions Expo Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, China SAR +852 3796 2568 [email protected] iaapa.org/expos

• June 28 Vision XS Leisure Operators’ Conference Latimer House, Buckinghamshire, UK +44 1235 420327 [email protected] visionxs.co.uk

• September 19 to 21 SATE 2012 Newport Bay Club Hotel, Disneyland Paris, France +1 818 843 8497 [email protected] teaconnect.org

More events at www.parkworld-online.com WebWeb GuideGuide Online resources for the amusement industry

B UMPER C ARS M AZES R IDES T HEMING AND D ESIGN

MAZES www.candsrides.biz www.amazenmazes.com www.prestonbarbieri.com www.jaravision.com C ASHLESS S YSTEMS PARENT & CHILD B ATTERY R IDES www.wiegandslide.com T HEMING AND D ESIGN

www.embedcard.com www.worldofrides.com www.pax.ru www.sarner.com C OIN H ANDLING P EOPLE M OVERS E QUIPMENT T RADE A SSOCIATIONS

www.ridesandfun.com www.cumminsallison.co.uk www.dottotrains.com www.alesuk.org

ARK IDES D R T ICKETING www.sbfrides.com

www.sallycorp.com www.severn-lamb.com P LANNING & DESIGN www.technicalpark.com www.accesso.com E XHIBITIONS

www.gatewayticketing.com www.hauntcom.com www.forrec.com www.mack-rides.com

FAMILY/CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT CENTRES www.kcc.be www.nationalticket.com www.intaminworldwide.com P LAY S TRUCTURES www.whitehutchinson.com www.omniticket.com

H IGHWAY 66 COIN V ISITOR V IDEO S YSTEM O PERATED S CALED D OWN www.iplayco.com B OWLING S OLUTIONS www.vekoma.com R EVIEWS AND I NFORMATION S HOWS www.tapemyday.com www.amusement.qubicaamf.com W ATER R IDES R IDES I NTERACTIVE P ROJECT www.falconshow.com D ISPLAY 4 D ATTRACTIONS & S IMULATORS www.Interlink-lg.com

www.eyeclick.com W ATER R IDES & PARKS www.simworx.co.uk

I NTERACTIVE R IDES S NOW & ICE www.proslide.com

www.gerstlauer-rides.com www.vanegdom.nl www.trio-tech.com www.snow.biz

L EISURE E NGINEERING www.mondialrides.com S PECIALIST P RINTING www.whitewaterwest.com

www.garmendale.co.uk www.tschu-tschu.de www.syndicateprinters.com www.wiegand-maelzer.de

APRIL 2012 42