Attractions Management Issue 4 2013

Home , Bertazzon, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Condor (ride), Disney Research, Drayton Manor Theme Park, HUSS Park Attractions

Attractionswww.attractionsmanagement.com

VOL 18 Q4 2013

Attractionswww.attractionsmanagement.com

VOL 18 Q4 2013

Branding vs ON THE COVER Originality LIFE What intellectual property will draw your guests in? THROUGH

Statue of Liberty A LENS

Back in business after How Google Glass Hurricane Sandy could improve your visitor experience

DISNEYLAND PARIS

COO Joe Schott reveals what's next for the park

THE LATEST

3D/4D/5D Multimedia & AV Theme parks and rides Waterpark rides COVER IMAGE: GOOGLE GLASS GOOGLE IMAGE: COVER

Read Attractions Management online: www.attractionsmanagement.com/digital follow us on twitter @attractionsmag

A NEW 4D/3D ATTRACTION FILM DIRECTED BY BEN STASSEN AND JEREMIE DEGRUSON

SPRING 2014

INTERNATIONALINTEINTINNTENTEERRNATRNAATIONIONAIOONAOONNAL AMERICASAMAMERMERICASICASASS GoedeleGoedGo deelellee GillisGiGGilGillillilliis JanineJaniJanJJaaaninin nene BakerB akerakakekerer [email protected]@s@@nwavnnwwa e.cocom [email protected]@ner@@nwavewavee.com.ccomco [email protected]@nws@@nw@n@ ave.av com ||nw nwave.comnwaveave.comcom /nWavePicturesDistribution/nW//nnWnWavavePa PiccctturresDsDistributibuutioniio +3232 2-347-63-192-3-343447-637-67 -19- +1 818-565-1101818-51 56565-165- 10101

Advance ticketing ON THE COVER: P44, Google Glass retty much every sit and wait each day to see READER SERVICES leisure time activ- if enough customers show Subscriptions ity we undertake up to enable them to pay Denise Gildea +44 (0)1462 471930 P involves booking the bills – it’s a hand to Circulation manager in advance – it’s a fun- mouth existence which is Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 damental principle of the absurd when such incred- operation of restaurants ible technology is available EDITORIAL TEAM and hotels, theatres, health to ramp up a whole load Managing editor clubs and sports events. It of great alternatives (see Kathleen Whyman +44 (0)1462 471918 enables yield optimisation, ticketing feature on p87). Editor staff allocation, crowd con- More sophisticated opera- +44 (0)1462 431385 Liz Terry trol and budgeting and it limits fraud. tors have always offered memberships NEWSDESK In an increasing number of cases, it – I spent practically every weekend at Chris Dodd +44 (0)1462 471902 also involves payment in advance – thea- Legoland on a membership ticket when Aoife Dowling +44 (0)1462 471938 tres and sports events have always done my children were little – but this is the Tom Anstey +44 (0)1462 471922 this: book a ticket for a show today and exception rather than the rule and the ADVERTISING TEAM you might pay in advance for a perfor- majority of gate money is taken on the mance which is a couple of years away. day (or not, if the weather turns nasty). Publisher Julie Badrick +44 (0)1462 471919 This means that the treasury function Speaking at the Annual National within these businesses is a major part Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC) Advertising sales of their cash fl ow and makes a signifi - in London recently, chair Ken Robinson John Challinor +44 (0)1202 742968 cant contribution to operating profi ts. said the industry must grasp the oppor- Jan Williams +44 (0)1462 471909 And other leisure operations are fol- tunity and implement advance payments Attractions recruitment lowing suit – there are now spas that and memberships. Not doing so is hold- Sarah Gibbs +44 (0)1462 471914 take advance payments and hairdress- ing us back and preventing us from Advertising production ers and restaurants which take credit deploying yield management and also +44 (0)1462 431385 Ed Gallagher card details on booking and make a no- from engaging properly with customers. WEB TEAM show charge if you don’t turn up. Memberships and advance payments Internet It’s fair they do – they’re selling time involve operators taking full customer Michael Paramore +44 (0)1462 471926 and time’s perishable: it’s a matter of self contact details and once we have these, Dean Fox +44 (0)1462 471900 preservation in a era when people are a transformation can occur in our rela- Tim Nash +44 (0)1462 471917 increasingly in a ‘last minute’ mindset. tionship: we know who our customers Emma Harris +44 (0)1462 471921 Membership has to be the ultimate are and can properly engage with them. attractions-kit.net goal of any business in this industry, as Long ago, when the industry was part product search engine it spreads payments, gains commitment of the black economy, operators preferred Kate Corney +44 (0)1462 471927 and loyalty from customers and gets paid, to take cash, but those days are gone and DESIGN even if they choose not to use it. it’s time attractions got on board the 21st Attractions are the last bastion of the century way of doing things. Andy Bundy +44 (0)1462 471924 ‘pay on the gate’ approach and it’s time FINANCE for this to change. Too many operators Liz Terry, editor, twitter: @elizterry Denise Gildea +44 (0)1462 471930 Rebekah Scott +44 (0)1462 471930 THE LEISURE MEDIA COMPANY PUBLISHES

The Leisure Media Company Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1DJ UK Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 Fax: +44 (0)1462 433909 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT IS THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SUPPORTED BY e-mail: [email protected] www.attractionsmanagement.com

AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 7 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT PHOTO: GLASS GOOGLE PHOTO: K DALEY/NPS

Q p40 The Statue of Liberty reopens Q p30 First Abba museum opens in Stockholm Q p44 A look at augmented reality

Q p26 Joe Schott, COO of Disneyland Paris Q p48 Secret Cinema is among the attractions incorporating smart devices into the experience

ISSUE 4 2013 30 Museums: 44 Augmented reality: World class collections Reality check 07 Editor’s letter We celebrate the diversity of museums Blair Parkin debates if Google Glass 12 Theme park news that have opened globally this year and similar augmented reality devices 13 SATE report are a technology fad or here to stay 34 Zoos and aquariums: 14 Waterpark news A roaring trade 48 Interactivity: 16 Attractions news Stephen Fuller explains the economic Heads up 18 Science centre news benefits that zoos and aquariums provide Thinkwell’s Craig Hanna ponders 20 Zoo news the issues of incorporating visitors’ 22 Museum and gallery news 36 Science centres: smart devices into your attraction 24 Heritage news New dynamic Julie Moskalyk, Dynamic Earth’s newly 52 Theme parks: 26 Proﬁ le: appointed director, reveals her plans Up and coming Joe Schott for the Canadian earth sciences centre We look at the eagerly anticipated theme The COO of Disneyland Paris talks about parks and rides planned for next year the park’s new immersive Ratatouille 40 Occupational hazard: dark ride, which is slated to open in 2014, Weathering the storm 56 Social media: and how the park has evolved from an A year after Hurricane Sandy: how Face value American theme park to a European one Liberty and Ellis Island were restored. Expand your social reach with technology

8 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 4 2013

Q p80 Multimedia and AV experiences include a scary trip inside a mine at Hobs Pit Q p56 The latest trends in social media

Q p66 What’s new for the waterparks? Q p72 Dragons are just one of the creatures being brought to life by 4D technology

60 Show preview: 80 Multimedia and AV: Digital magazine: IAAPA 2013 Simulate to stimulate See Attractions Management online: attractionsmanagement.com/digital The suppliers reveal the products and A round-ºup of inspirational projects that projects they’ll be showcasing in Orlando range from romance to outer space News and jobs: For the latest attractions jobs and industry news, visit www.attractionsmanagement.com 66 Waterparks: 87 Ticketing: or sign up for the weekly ezine Sliding scale Entry points www.attractionsmanagement.com/ezine The world’s largest slide is among the How the latest systems can help increase new waterpark offers on the market visitor spend and encourage repeat visits Attractions-kit.net Find suppliers 24/7 using Attractions Management’s dedicated search 72 3D/4D/5D 90 Show preview: engine: www.attractions-kit.net Shared vision EAG 2014 Subscribe: Dinosaurs and dragons are being A look at next year’s entertainment show Be a part of the bigger picture and brought to life with 4D subscribe to Attractions Management. 92 Show review: To sign up, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 76 Intellectual property: European Attractions Show or visit www.leisuresubs.com The name game Lesley Morisetti sums up the show Web gallery: BRC’s Christian Lachel discusses the For suppliers of products and pros and cons of originality versus 93 Web gallery services in the worldwide attractions branding when theming new products A source of attractions services industry, turn to page 93

AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 9

Theme park

175-year-old theme park US$104m theme park for Oman shuts down in Hungary A 175-year-old theme park in Budapest, Sayyid Fatik bin Fahr al Said Hungary has been forced to close down companies (FBF) and the due to the country’s economic problems. Arab Malaysia Development Vidampark closed on 30 September, with Company (AMDC) have only the attractions that are considered to signed an agreement to be of national heritage being saved from develop Oman’s largest ever the scrap heap. indoor theme park at a cost The park’s rollercoaster, which was the of OMR40m (US$104m, longest wooden rollercoaster that is still €76m, £64.2m). operating in Europe, is one of the rides The 25,000sq ft (2,322sq m) that will be saved. Majarat Oman is expected In recent years, the park has fallen into to be completed by the first disrepair, with the number of visitors drop- quarter of 2016 and will ping from a peak of 2.7 million in the 1970s feature a waterpark, enter- to around 250,000 people annually. tainment facilities, retail Details: http://lei.sr?a=x7Y7W facilities, restaurants, a cin- The park will comprise of four zones, which include Alien Colony ema, conference facilities and a selection of rides. attraction will also have live The Australia-based The park will com- performances and shows. Sanderson group is the design prise four zones including “We’re aiming to attract and build consultant for the Alien Colony, Fuzzie’s 350,000 domestic visitors project, which has already World, Space Station and and 150,000 foreign visitors been given approval by Neptune Waterpark. Expected annually,” said Syed Asad Ali, Oman’s Ministry of Tourism. to create 300 jobs, the new managing partner of AMDC. Details: http://lei.sr?a=f6t5i

Jackie Chan theme park planned for Beijing

A theme park dedicated to Plans have been in the works since 2004 Chinese superstar Jackie Chan is to be built in Beijing, South Korea starts work China, according to reports on robot theme park by Chinese state media. The Jackie Chan World Work has started on a robot theme Park, or JC World, also con- park in South Korea following a firmed by Chan on his Weibo groundbreaking ceremony. feed, is being built in the sub- Construction was supposed to start in urb of Yizhuang, on former 2009, but plans were delayed and it seemed hunting ground once used by as though the park in Incheon would never the Chinese elite. become a reality. Though no opening date That’s changed, however, with a breaking has been announced, it is of ground ceremony signifying the start of thought the park will include construction on the W670.4bn (£388.8m, five themed areas and dif- US$624.3m, €459.5m) development. ferent exhibition centres The 0.75sq km (0.29sq mile) attraction displaying items collected Jackie Chan’s cultural icon status will be celebrate with a park in China will have exhibitions and rides, in addi- by the Hong Kong-born tion to a waterpark, shopping area, hotel actor, including four antique will house a gallery of film increase its status as a leading and R&D centre. Chinese wooden buildings. costumes, as well as other tourism destination in the Not only will the park function as an The park is expected to artefacts documenting Chan’s country. entertainment venue, but it will also be be free for visitors, with decade-spanning film career. China’s attractions indus- used to test new products and teach stu- the exception of a few tick- The museum will also feature try is growing rapidly, with dents with a post-grad robotics school and eted attractions that will a four-storey Italian restau- Disney opening a resort in a robotics institute. be charged for. rant and movie studio. Shanghai in 2015 and Steven The project has been backed by the both Further south in Shanghai, The Jackie Chan Museum Spielberg’s Dreamworks plan- central and local government, as well as the world’s first Jackie Chan is part of the Chinese gov- ning a resort titled the Dream private developers. The public interest facil- museum is set to open later ernment’s wider plans to Centre also for Shanghai, ities are scheduled to open in 2015, while this year along the city’s redevelop Shanghai’s Suzhou which will feature cinemas, the park’s full opening will come in 2016. Suzhou River. The 10,000sq riverbank area, as China’s shops, restaurants and hotels. Details:http://lei.sr?a=a8z7o m (107,639 sq ft) facility most populous city aims to Details: http://lei.sr?a=x8c5N

12 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Conference report

Adam Bezark challenged all speakers to begin their The NextGen bonus session included student videos Mk Haley told students about her career with presentation with their industry initiation story and SCAD’s Collaborative Learning Center program Disney Research, which started in 1994

‘What’s next?’ was this year’s theme, with a look at the future of developments and creative professionals. Lynn Willrich reports on the ﬁndings

SATE 2013, the Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) annual conference, took place on the 2nd and 3rd October at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Georgia, USA (see top team feature in AM Q3 13). This year’s theme ‘What’s Next?’ addressed where different areas of the industry are head- Keynote speaker Don Marinelli gave a speech called The Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic of the 21st century ing in development terms and who will take over from the current generation – hence the Bezark went on to say: “Immersion draws Al Cross, PGAV Destinations, chaired the venue choice and the invitation for creative us in; animation makes us believe; but stories Architecture session, while M K Haley from students to take part, which they did, with are what makes us remember.” He introduced Disney Research hosted the Technology seg- abounding enthusiasm. four inspiring speakers: Marc Caro from ment. This included a practical session by Paul Each year the conference is split into four the Chicago Tribune who spoke about how Kent and Chris Conte of Electrosonic, who subjects: storytelling; architecture; technology; storytelling in print is moving to the internet, showed the differences created by using a range and experience, giving the acronym SATE. or is it…?; Chris Huntley, vice president of of lighting types on the same object. Write Brothers Inc, gave a psychological expla- The Experience session was hosted by Phil STORYTELLING nation of why stories are important and why Hettema, of The Hettema Group, with speak- Adam Bezark (The Bezark Company) hosted they actually work; Asa Kalama, from the R&D ers Liz Gazzano and Roger Gould from Pixar. the storytelling segment, asking: “Where are department of Disney, explained how Disney They gave an enjoyable insight into the making stories today and where are they going?” He tells stories using technology, tools and tech- of Cars, the Disney Pixar movie, and Cars Land made the point that everyone has a story and niques; and David Misch thought we should in Disney California Adventure Park. went on to ask every speaker to tell their own get more comedy into themed entertainment. For me, SATE’s best element was the story, which they did. Delegates heard amusing participation of the SCAD students. Their anecdotes and insights into how many in the KEYNOTE SPEECH enthusiasm lent a unique perspective to the industry began their passion for their work. This Keynote speaker Don Marinelli, founder of conference and gave us the confidence that included an amusing story from TEA President, Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment the future of the industry’s in safe hands. O Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions: “I ini- Technology Centre, gave an insight into his tially got a job in the Canada’s Wonderland opinion of what’s next. In his speech, called Lynn Willrich, director costume department because I was the only ‘SATE: the Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic of D J Willrich Ltd one tall enough to reach the shelves. Finally the 21st Century’, he said: "This 21st century [email protected] they asked if I could sew, and my response was digital generation is morphing into a different +44 (0) 1590 612603 ‘Yes – isn’t that why you hired me?’” species of humanity. And I like what I see." www.djwillrich.co.uk

AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 13 Waterpark

Themes and trends Legoland waterpark in Malaysia at waterparks Legoland has opened its fi rst ALEATHA EZRA waterpark in Asia, with the Malaysian attraction becom- The World ing the largest Legoland Waterpark Waterpark in the world. Association Th e opening of the park, receives calls on a which includes more than 20 weekly basis from unique water-based rides, is media contacts, part of the transformation most of whom are looking for infor- of Legoland Malaysia into a mation on industry trends and what resort, with the opening of makes waterparks so appealing. a new hotel next year set to Th e answer to the latter is: people make the attraction the largest visit waterparks because they’re fun. family destination resort in Th e rides are cool and people love South East Asia. the feeling of rushing down a slide Located in the rapidly Th e waterpark contains more than 20 unique water-based rides or bobbing up and down on a wave. developing Iskandar region, Yet, when we dive a little deeper, the park also features 70 bricks before fl oating down John Jakobsen, managing we can see that some trends are hav- Lego models and is the only a lazy river, while the Joker director of Legoland Parks ing more impact on the success of Legoland park in the world Soaker is a fun, interactive for Merlin Entertainments. where visitors can enjoy play structure, which allows “We’re also very pleased the waterpark on its own children to aim water cannons to see that the opening of Ride manufacturers as a stand-alone attraction, at each other. Legoland Malaysia has been or in combination with the “It’s incredibly exciting to a catalyst to encourage other have grown adept at original Legoland Malaysia be celebrating the expansion high quality leisure busi- combining several theme park. of Legoland Malaysia and the nesses to the area and share Some of the park’s most opening of the waterpark is a our partners’ exciting vision great experiences exciting concepts include the major milestone in the trans- for southern Malaysia to into a single ride Build-A-Raft River attraction formation of Legoland into a become a hub for interna- where children can customise resort – the perfect location tional entertainment. their own raft with Lego soft for a family short break,” said Details: http://lei.sr?a=s6L6C

waterparks on a global scale. Corry Cloward, president of Cloward H20, recently spoke about the impact Male-only waterpark opens in Afghanistan that ride innovations, such as water coasters, wall rides and hybrids, Residents in the battle-hard- have had on the marketplace. “Ride ened capital of Afghanistan manufacturers have grown adept at have been treated with a new combining several great experiences US$5m (€3.6m, £3m) water- into a single ride. And guests love park in the heart of Kabul. them,” he said. The new facility, which In addition to pushing the over- includes six water slides, a all thrill element, manufacturers wave pool, whirlpool, sauna have also integrated “skill develop- and restaurant is a male-only ment activities” into their designs. only facility, with the excep- According to Cloward: “Th ese activ- tion of young girls under the ities increase the duration of stay in age of 10. a park, as guests seek to improve In 2014, foreign combat their times or performance. And troops are set to leave the longer stays translate to increased war-torn country, leaving in-park sales.” Finally, Cloward con- some nervous about future sidered the trend toward energy and ventures. At present, armed Th e park has opened despite an unsure future when troops leave in 2014 water conservation and how both guards will search visitors can broaden the appeal of water- upon entry to the waterpark. “For us 2014, doesn’t mean businesses is that if we don’t parks to the mass market and deliver “When we decided to build anything,” he went on to say. invest because of concerns dollars to the bottom line. this place, we knew that the “We have provided jobs for about 2014, we will remain troops would be leaving in 70 people and we have pro- backward. Every Afghan has Aleatha Ezra, director of park member 2014,” said one of the park’s vided a good environment to work individually to pro- development, World Waterpark Associations managers, Mahmod Najafi for our young generation. mote this country.” speaking to Reuters. My message to other Afghan Details: http://lei.sr?a=Z2a7S

14 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Carnival Sunshine Cruise Terme Olimia - SLOVENIA HIGHLIGHTS 2013

Avonturenpark - NETHERLANDS

Exciting

MSC Preziosa Cruise

Aqua Fantasy, Izmir - TURKEY Odessa Waterpark - UKRAINE

Interactive

Santorini Water Fantasy - THAILAND

Themed

Watercube, Tianjin - CHINA

Crystal Sun Set, Antalya - TURKEY

Visual Impact

Chimelong Waterpark - CHINA

www.polin.com.tr Attractions

Anticipation builds for Merlin conﬁrms IPO for London Avatarland to open in 2017 Two years after announcing the film,Avatar , Merlin Entertainments, the will be brought to life at Disney’s Animal second largest visitor attrac- Kingdom. Lightstorm Entertainment, tion operator in the world, has the creators of the film and Walt Disney announced that it will float 20 Imagineering are working on new ways of per cent of the company on taking immersive environments and inter- the London Stock Exchange. activity to the next level. The company, whose Slated to open in 2017, guests will be operations include Alton able to wander through the land of float- Towers theme park in the UK ing mountains, enter the bioluminescent and the Madame Tussauds rainforests and fly across Pandora on the and Legoland brands, is cur- wings of creatures. rently inviting retail investors Walt Disney Imagineering’s lead to take part in the listing. designer, Joe Rohde, promises the attrac- The primary offering will tion will have the lyrical beauty of the film be around £200m (€234m, and that it will be a “transformational expe- US$324m) for at least 20 per Chief executive Nick Varney is confident about the company’s future rience that you will remember for the rest cent of its shares, to be used to of your life”. reduce net debt – which stood owns 75 per cent of the Lego profits and bright prospects for “A world with this imaginative is just under £1.3bn (€1.5bn, group and its trademarks, said the future. impossible to do unless you think up new US$2.1bn) at end of last year that they intend to remain a “We have successfully fol- technology, new art, new styles and new – and pay for costs. long-term strategic investor in lowed a clear and proven materials,” he says. Around 10-15 per cent of the company. strategy to build a high- Details: http://lei.sr?a=P9v6c the offering is due to go to Nick Varney, chief execu- growth international family smaller shareholders, with a tive of Merlin, said: “Merlin entertainment business, built minimum application size of Entertainments comes to on strong brands and a port- £1,000 (US$1,620, €1,172). the market with a con- folio of attractions balanced The team at Danish invest- sistent record of strong by geographies.” ment company Kirkbi, which growth in both revenues and Details: http://lei.sr?a=z7V3q

Co-founders of Drayton Manor pass away

The co-founders of Drayton Fans will be able to sing with Freddie Mercury Manor Theme Park, Midlands, UK, have died, just 4D experience lets you weeks apart from each other. play with music icons George Bryan died peace- fully at home on 20 September A new 40,000sq ft (3,716sq m) museum aged 92. His wife Vera passed in London, UK, will offer visitors the away aged 96 on 16 October chance to perform on stage with some of at Good Hope Hospital in the biggest musical icons, living and dead, Sutton Coldfield. including Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, Vera and George Bryan Jimi Hendrix and Morrissey. first arrived at the site near The Music Hall of Fame – set to open Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK next year in Camden’s Stables Market – will on 16th October 1949. have a 4D attraction featuring the same George bought the 80 acre technology used at California’s Coachella site for £12,000 (US$19,000, Festival in 2012, which saw the holographic €14,000) and the attraction Co-founders of Drayton Manor Theme Park, George and Vera Bryan reincarnation of rapper Tupac Shakur, who first opened for business a performed on-stage with Snoop Dogg and year later in 1950. Community Health Council spokesperson for the theme Dr Dre. Using hologram technology, the For decades, the couple and services to tourism. park saying “she dedicated illusion will be created by beaming high worked side by side “trans- The spokesperson said that her life to Drayton Manor definition video images into a mirrored forming the small attraction “George Bryan inspired all and her family”. glass box to create a 3D space and give the into a major national tourism people he met, with his pas- George and Vera’s son, appearance of a 3D object or person. destination”. sion and humility”. Colin, is now managing direc- The new attraction will also feature a In 2004, George was Vera, a mother-of-three, tor of Drayton Manor, which walk of fame running from Mornington awarded the OBE for hos- grandmother and great- has grown over the years to Crescent to Chalk Farm. pital services, for his work grandmother, was hailed as cover more than 280 acres. Details: http://lei.sr?a=K5Z0d as the chairman of a local an ‘inspiration to all’, with a Details: http://lei.sr?a=y6K2s

16 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 It’s cool. It’s great. It’s fun. Be part of it.

Products Tours Presentations

Seminars Forums Workshops

Join more than 380 exhibitors to experience the newest products in the leisure industry and meet more than 8.000 industry colleagues from all over the world at the largest EAS in history! EAS 2014 is all about industry trends, attractions, the latest technology, networking, and meeting colleagues. For more information please visit www.IAAPA.org/EAS Science Centre

Digesting EU food issues India to build 18 science centres in science centres India’s National Council for MARIA ZOLONTONOSA Science Museums (NCSM) has announced plans for 18 Over the past more science centres, taking decade, most EU the total in the country to 66. member states have Work on five centres has identified food and already started, with an health as key prior- expected completion date of ities. This is because 2017, while the remaining cen- more people are becoming obese, tres will be built between 2017 and diet-related chronic illnesses, and 2021. such as diabetes and cardiovascu- The first five centres to lar diseases, are also growing. But, be completed includes com- despite major public awareness plexes at Kerala, Karnataka, efforts, citizens still aren’t making Uttarakhand, Tripura and the right choices when it comes to Andhra Pradesh. The National Science Centre in New Delhi, India food. Enter the Inprofood project – The others which will be an initiative funded by the EU, which developments to be built In addition, Guwahati India, where the ideas of stu- is bringing research, industry and between 2017-2021 includes will have a science city and dents and researchers can be civil society together to figure out locations in Karnataka, Kumaon will receive a centre converted into products and how to solve Europe’s food-related Pradesh, Rajasthan, focusing on biodiversity and process. The hubs are aimed health challenges. Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar climate change. at getting students and youth Science centres and museums Haveli, Odisha, Jammu, The NCSM will also be directly involved with inno- are an important part of Inprofood Kashmir, Dharasalama and launching an innovation hub vation at a young age. because they’re able to reach audi- Haryana. into five major centres of Details: http://lei.sr?a=j9z4E ences in ways that academe and industry can’t – for example, through direct conversation. Czech Republic to unveil 3D planetarium Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums, has Work on the Czech Republic’s created a PlayDecide discussion first 3D planetarium has been game meant for visitors between completed at the Techmania the ages of 14 and 21 to talk about Science Centre in Plzen, tough food issues like eating disor- with an opening date of 4 ders, food waste, sustainable eating November. and personal accountability for food The planetarium, which choices. The over-arching question cost CZK150m (£4.95m, posed by the game is who is respon- US$7.98m, €5.8m) to build sible for rising obesity in Europe and includes two large domes who must correct the problem: gov- for education, a laboratory, ernment or consumer? workshops and clubs, and is Seventeen science centres in 11 housed inside the heritage- countries evenly spread throughout listed ASAP Skoda cafeteria, Europe (including Israel) are hosting which was built in 1917. the game, which has been trans- “We have rebuilt a dilap- The building underwent a major transformation and now houses two domes lated into local languages. Results idated building into a and ideas coming from these games planetarium where visitors The 3D planetarium will 14-metre dome. An interactive will be compiled and submitted to can have the opportunity offer 2D and 3D screenings display will also be included the EU when Inprofood finishes to learn about physics and of geographic and astronomic with 27 exhibits to educate on in November 2014. Interestingly, astronomy in a fun way,” said films. NASA-approved films cosmic phenomenons.. many science centres who answered Jiri Vlasak of Techmania. will be screened inside the Details: http://lei.sr?a=x6K5n Ecsite’s call to run these discussion games indicated that food and diet issues are already a growing concern Two new major science museums for China in their exhibitions. For more information and proj- The Ontario Science Centre affiliation confirmed in the and also in the establish- ect findings see www.inprofood.eu. and Science North have formation of the Ontario ment of the Ontario Science formerly announced a part- Science Centre, Science North Centre, Science North and Maria Zolotonosa, nership with two major and the China Science and the Shanghai Science and project manager, Ecsite science museums in China. Technology Museum, located Technology Museum, located The partnership sees an in Chaoyang District, Beijing in Pudong New District.

18 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013

Zoo & Aquarium

AZA Support AZA announces award winners Conservation Mission The Zoos and Aquariums JENNIFER FIELDS Association (AZA) has announced its honours and AZA-accredited award winners for conserva- zoos and aquari- tion, innovation and design ums, known for feats, at its yearly conference their role in ani- in Kansas City, US. mal conservation, The Saint Louis Zoo’s also strive to con- Sea Lion Sound exhibi- serve natural resources utilised in tion, designed by PGAV their business operations. Destinations, won the award Th ese actions include reductions of Signifi cant Achievement in in water and energy use, waste Exhibit Design. reduction and recycling and the This is the second time green energy installations. In fact, the zoo has been handed the green practices provide a direct ben- award, having won it back Th is is the second time the Saint Louis Zoo has won the design award efi t to animals and habitat, lessening in the 1970s for its Big Cat the threats facing wildlife today, Country exhibition. Other winners included honours in the Angela including pollution, invasive spe- Sea Lion Sound is a Pacifi c the Knoxville Zoological Peterson Excellence in cies and climate change. Northwest-inspired exhibit Gardens for its Madagascar Diversity Award for its that showcases the first Spider Tortoise eff ort, which Cultivating Conservation 35ft (11m)-long fin-footed was awarded the Edward H. Communities. AZA-accredited zoos marine mammal tunnel in Bean Award, with the gardens Th e Wildlife Conservation North America. It allows signifi cantly contributing to Society/Bronx Zoo and and aquariums are guests to walk beneath and the conservation of the tor- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium working hard to protect through the animals’ habitat, toise species. were both recognised in the as they swim and play The Chicago Zoological education section. wildlife and habitats for around them. Society was awarded top Details: http://lei.sr?a=q8p4d future generations Work starts on £30m Chester Zoo project To help the 223 AZA-accredited facilities develop and implement Construction work has begun sustainable practices that support on the £30m (US$48.4m, the missions of their facilities, the €35.1m) Islands project at Association of Zoos and Aquariums Chester Zoo in Cheshire fol- (AZA) published The Zoo & lowing a launch ceremony. Aquarium Green Guide: Suggestions Set to open in 2015, Islands for Beginning or Expanding a will fill a previously unoc- Sustainability Program in 2011. cupied area of the zoo and Th is autumn, this popular resource will feature fl ora and fauna has been expanded into a two-vol- from the Philippines, Papua ume set, which can be viewed at New Guinea, Bali, Sumatra, www.aza.org/sustainable-practices/. Sumba and Sulawesi. Together, these AZA Green There will also be an Guides will help zoos and aquar- Indonesian jungle house, ium publicly demonstrate their one of the largest indoor zoo commitment to resource conserva- exhibits in the UK, which will tion and engage guests in personal house orangutans, macaques action to be a part of the solution for and the sunda gavial croco- Th e jungle house will be one of the largest indoor zoo exhibits in the UK wildlife and resource conservation. dile – an endangered species AZA-accredited zoos and aquari- with only 2,500 mature indi- Laing O’Rourke was awarded would “transform the zoo ums continue to work hard to protect viduals in existence. the build following a nation- so it can become one of the wildlife and wild habitat, both for the The jungle house, which wide tender process. biggest in Europe”. animals and the environment and for will be known as Monsoon Chester Zoo director To mark the start of con- future generations to enjoy. Forest, will feature raised general Mark Pilgrim said struction work, the Duke of walkways, underwater view- that the new jungle house Westminster, president of the Jennifer Fields, communications ings and free fl ight areas in a would be “the largest of zoo, was in attendance for the coordinator, AZA sub-tropical climate. its kind in the UK”, while ground breaking ceremony. Engineering company also stating that the project Details: http://lei.sr?a=g4z7K

20 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 VEKOMA RIDES HAS IT ALL!

COME AND VISIT US AT IAAPA 2013 ORLANDO, NOVEMBER 19 - 22, ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER, ORLANDO FLORIDA, USA, BOOTH # 5133

FAMILY THRILL INDOOR ATTRACTIONS COASTERS COASTERS COASTERS & SPECIALTIES

SPLASH SUSPENDED CUSTOM DESIGNED I-RIDE PANORAMIC PARTY LOOPING COASTER INDOOR FAMILY COASTER FLIGHT SIMULATOR

‘Watch out ‘More ‘A great addition for your ‘An experience you or get wet!’ thrills!’ FEC or Shopping Mall!’ will not forget!’

SCHAAPWEG 18 6063 BA VLODROP THE NETHERLANDS TEL +31 (0) 475-409222 FAX +31 (0) 475-402115

WWW.VEKOMA.COM Museum & Gallery

Ellis Island museum reopens

Ellis Island Immigration Museum reopened its doors to the public on 28 October 2013 for the first time since Hurricane Sandy submerged the island last year. The museum is expected The Sackler has 900m of exhibition space to remain a work in progress until the spring of 2014. Serpentine Sackler Gallery However, visitors have been by Zaha Hadid Architects welcomed back to once again explore the halls of the immi- The Serpentine Sackler Gallery, a £14.5m gration centre where at least arts and gallery space designed by Zaha 12 million people began their Hadid Architects, has opened in London. lives in America. The Sackler is Hadid’s first permanent Some of the exhibitions After last year’s hurricane, Ellis Island was submerged under water structure to be created in central London open include the Great Hall, and features 900m (3,000ft) of exhibition where immigrants were museum’s integral electrical, “I can think of no bet- space, a restaurant and room for socialis- inspected, as well as Journeys: communications, heating and ter way to celebrate Lady ing. The building is seven minutes’ walk Peopling of America 1550- cooling systems. Liberty’s 127th birthday than from the main Serpentine Gallery. 1890, which documents The reintroduction of the to welcome visitors back to Located in Kensington Gardens – in an the state of immigration in museum comes after the the place where those ‘hud- 1805 gunpowder store formerly known America prior to the oper- successful reopening of the dled masses yearning to as The Magazine – the gallery honours ation of the Ellis Island Statue of Liberty on 4 July, breathe free’ first came to our Dr Mortimer and Dame Theresa Sackler, Immigration Centre. following work from both shores.” Ellis Island was the whose foundation made the project Despite the museum being the National Park Service, The former federal immigration possible through the largest single gift open to the public, repair Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island processing station in the US, received by the Serpentine in its 43 years works will still continue on an Foundation and Save Ellis which processed more than 12 of existence. entirely new electrical system Island, with all having strived million immigrants between The project has been ongoing since 2010, and an air conditioning sys- to enhance and improve oper- 1892 and 1954. In 1965, a pres- when the Serpentine won the tender from tem for climate control to help ations in the area. idential proclamation added The Royal Parks to bring the Grade II listed preserve the museum’s docu- “We’re delighted to be the island to the National building into public use for the first time. ments and artefacts. able to share Ellis Island’s Park Service as part of the Hadid is also responsible for the New When the hurricane hit uniquely American story Statue of Liberty National National Stadium of Japan that will be the last year, the whole island was with the world once more,” Monument. (See p40 for more centrepiece of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. submerged under water, with said Superintendent David details on the recovery work.) Details: http://lei.sr?a=j6k1Z the storm surge destroying the Luchsinger. Details: http://lei.sr?a=k5f8N

From the start of our company in 1910 we have been reputation of designing and producing exceptional quality, Hypsos is a global design and specialised in effective 3D communications that positively managed and delivered with care. We have a global fabrication company with 200+ influence the attitudes of our clients’ audiences. Today we perspective that brings new insights to both local and professionals working from are an international company creating content based multinational projects. We take advantage of the efficiency offices in 5 different countries. exhibitions, world expo pavilions and visitor attractions. and flexibility of worldwide connections but we make sure the importance of a personal presence is never lost. As we have grown, we have taken on more of the unusual, the never-done-before, and have successfully built our Please visit www.hypsos.com or call us at +31 346 35 75 00. london / amsterdam / moscow / dubai / hong kong AUDIO | VIDEO | SCREENS | LIGHTING | SHOW CONTROL | SFX

AV TECHNOLOGY FOR: > DOMES > FLYING THEATRES > DARK RIDES > SFX COASTERS® > 4D THEATRES > CIRCUMOTION® > TRAM RIDES

... BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN REALITY AND FICTION Heritage

World Monuments Watch 2014

Venice, Italy and the entire country of Syria are among the cultural heritage sites at risk from the forces of nature and the impact of social, polit- ical, and economic change. The World Monuments Fund (WMF) have announced the 2014 World Monuments Watch, which features 67 sites in 41 countries and territories Less ‘at risk’ listed buildings dating from prehistory to the twentieth century. in England, says survey It includes: the famous – Venice, Italy; the little- The annual ‘at-risk’ survey by English known – Pokfulam Village, Heritage has found 7,500 listed build- Hong Kong (SAR), China; Venice, Italy is one of the sites listed as ‘at risk’ in the 2014 Watch List ings or sites deemed to be imperilled by the urban – Yangon Historic neglect or decay – a decrease of 131 from the Center, Myanmar; and the has issued its watch list every – and countless others like previous year. remote – Gran Pajatén, in two years since its launch them – recount our human The heritage body also announced plans Peru; the ancient – Ancient back in 1996. history and highlight our to recruit an army of volunteers to help Irrigated Terraces of Battir, The list was assembled by a achievements. survey England’s 345,000 Grade II-listed in the Occupied Palestinian panel of experts in archeology, “It takes vigilance to keep buildings and prevent damage being done Territories; and the modern architecture, art history and them active in the world; yet to buildings every year. – the Jefferson National preservation. it is often the case that the The first surveys are expected to take Expansion Memorial, in St. The WMF has outlined very places that provide rich place this autumn, with volunteers being Louis, Missouri. opportunities for local character and texture to our offered training via English heritage and The 2014 list reflects a num- communities to work together lives need more assistance and other organisations. ber of distinct preservation with the larger preservation attention than they are given.” Meanwhile, archaeologists have warned challenges, including con- community, government Since 1996, WMF has con- that budget cuts to the heritage sector in flict and catastrophe, lack of organisations and corporate tributed US$90m (€65m, the UK could leave future generations fac- resources, development pres- sponsors to help ensure £55.5m), while US$200m ing a lost legacy of heritage – abandoned to sures (urban, rural, tourism), their future. (€145m ,£123m) has been allo- “short termism” and “financial expediency”. and loss of cultural traditions. WMF president Bonnie cated by other entities. Details: http://lei.sr?a=A7h2L The New York-based group Burnham said: “ These sites Details: http://lei.sr?a=H4t8M

24 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013

PROFILE JOE SCHOTT With €440m to invest over the next ﬁ ve years, the future plans for Disneyland Paris couldn’t be more exciting, as COO Joe Schott reveals

Kathleen Whyman, managing editor, Attractions Management

oe Schott is a happy man – with As part of the group’s long-term com- just cause. As chief operating mitment to investing in high-quality J offi cer of Disneyland Paris, with guest experiences, it’s projects such as responsibility for the quality of Ratatouille that will bring work and rev- the guest experience, he was very enue to the area, which is the plan that involved with last year’s 20th anniver- they signed up to, back in the 1980s. sary celebrations. The success of these The original agreed upon structure saw a record 16 million visitors to the between the French government and Walt theme parks and the new evening show Disney Company’s development team Disney Dreams! won several awards, was not just to bring Disney to Paris, but including IAAPA’s Brass Ring. It has now to develop a world-renowned centre for become one of the highest guest rated tourism to create a strong vector for the shows at Disneyland Paris, with a 93 per social and economic development of the cent satisfaction rating. Eastern Paris Region. “That has, without Despite this, he and the rest of the a doubt, been the case,” confi rms Schott. management team aren’t being compla- “The city centre that’s right next to cent. Having had a tricky start when the Disneyland Paris continues to grow and Schott’s Disney career began in 1981 park opened in 1992, they’ve learned has one of the top visited malls in France that adapting, evolving and investing – if not in Europe. And 55,000 people is the way forward. And with €440m Guests will be taken into the world of are in work thanks to direct, indirect and (US$606m, £375.5m) set aside for main- the Oscar-winning Disney/Pixar movie induced jobs throughout France. This tenance and development over the next Ratatouille, which tells the tale of Remy amazing, economic boost has happened fi ve years, there’s no shortage of plans. – a talented Parisian rat who dreams because of our resort.” First up is the ride Ratatouille, which of becoming a renowned French chef. This public-private partnership will opens next year. This is the park’s larg- Disney storytelling and state-of-the-art lead Disneyland Paris, and its group Euro est expression of that all important trend technology will come together in this Disney, to continue development on its – an interactive, immersive experience. romantic, larger-than-life, experience. territory, with projects such as Villages

(Above left) meet and greet with Mickey Mouse; (right) one of Disney’s most popular princesses, Rapunzel, with a young visitor

26 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Last year’s 20th anniversary celebrations saw a record 16 million people visit Disneyland Paris

“55,000 PEOPLE ARE IN WORK THANKS TO DIRECT, ABOUT JOE SCHOTT INDIRECT AND INDUCED JOBS. THIS AMAZING What are your hobbies? ECONOMIC BOOST HAPPENED BECAUSE OF OUR RESORT” I enjoy playing golf. I’d love to play at St Andrews in Scotland. Also, spending time with my sons is really Nature. “It’s a joint-venture with Pierre et One example of what Disney’s doing important because I know that’ll Vacances, an independent French com- is moving from paper documents to change when they transition out. pany [that owns Center Parcs in Europe]. handheld devices when carrying out We’ll start construction in the next year preventative maintenance steps. This What’s your favourite food? or so,” says Schott. “It’s going to be an electronically logs the time, place and Wherever I go, I try to find Mexican. amazing experience based on the Center date a check was performed. As well as Parcs format, but in a very Disney way.” providing a detailed tracking of what’s What drives you? being done to meet ride legislation The pursuit of excellence. FILM EQUITY requirements, it also enables them to Smaller, but still important, plans for the predict issues before they become prob- What’s your favourite film? park involve taking advantage of Disney’s lems. A campaign called Disney’s Wild I enjoy animation and have a deep film base. “The industry’s becoming very about Safety gives children advice about affinity for old animated films from adept at getting equity that matters to how they can keep themselves safe. the Disney library and out of Japan. the guest,” says Schott. “We already have Schott’s passionate about safety and equity, which continues to grow stronger works with SNELAC and IAAPA to help How would you describe yourself? with the acquisition of Marvel and Lucas strengthen standards. “We’re heavily sup- I want to be known as having brought Films, so have to build on those, first in portive from a Disney standpoint, but out the talent in those around me, entertainment, then long-term in attrac- try not to be dominant. We want to be a rather than contributing individually. tion experiences.” collaborative member of the association, As well as being on top of the light- rather than the big dog,” he says. How would others describe you? hearted side of the business, such as the I use humour to get results and fact that Rapunzel’s dress outsells all PROGRESS make sure people aren’t always so others, Schott’s also involved in serious Disney’s reluctance to dominate is ech- serious. There’s probably no other elements, including safety. The European oed in Schott’s entire demeanour. He’s business in the world where you Attractions Show was held in Paris in modest about his achievements, play- can have an hour-long conversation September and he took advantage of ing down his 32-year progress within about whether Buzz Lightyear would its location and his role as part of the the company, which started in 1981 with walk or fly in a particular situation. European Advisory Committee for IAAPA a weekend job at Walt Disney World You have to laugh about that. to host a safety conference. Resort while he was at High School in

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 27 PROFILE

Schott says Disney’s adaptation in France has made it the top European theme park

Orlando. “My progression isn’t unique to “YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAVE THE ANSWER. YOU HAVE me, it happens regularly throughout our organisation. At Disneyland Paris, 80 per TO GET FEEDBACK FROM THE PEOPLE WHO DECIDE IF cent of the managers and senior managers have been promoted from within the YOUR BUSINESS IS SUCCESSFUL – YOUR GUESTS” company,” he says. Schott’s own promotions have seen him in the roles of vice president and into how that’s going to make individu- unique about each place from an adapta- executive managing director of Walt als feel. We offer our guide maps in seven tion standpoint,” he says. “You can’t go Disney Attractions Japan, where he over- languages and many of our cast speak into a situation believing you have the saw the 25th anniversary celebrations, several languages. Even the breakfast answer. You have to get feedback from and director of park operations at Walt buffet can’t be traditionally French. For the people who will decide if your busi- Disney World. He was also involved in the example, it has to have bacon for the ness is successful – your guests and cast.” openings of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Brits. That organisation is quite complex.” Living in France has also shown Schott Disney’s California Adventure and Catering to such a broad audience, the importance of a healthy life / work Disneyland Paris. In 1992 he was opening while ensuring the French accepted the balance. “In the US, we live our lives task force leader, responsible for Main park as their own, was the initial chal- around the ofﬁce,” he says. “Japan was Street attractions. When he returned in lenge. The Florida Resort couldn’t just even more extreme – it was six days a 2009, it was as head of operations. be picked up and deposited in Paris, as week. That’s not how the French look it had been in Tokyo, which the team at the world, which gives you an appre- CASTING ROLE learned the hard way. ciation of the quality of life and taking This job includes making sure that of the “We didn’t open to a warm reception time to enjoy it and makes you a more 15,000 cast members (Disney’s name in France,” recalls Schott. “Many of the thoughtful and balanced team leader. for its staff), those who work with guests things we had to change were based on “I don’t spend all my time outside the are delivering. “My role is focused on culture relevancy within the location. For ofﬁce looking for new ideas,” he points the quality of the experience and mak- example, the decision not to have alco- out. “But, instead of working 80 hours a ing sure that for the 16 million guests we hol in the park followed a US paradigm week, it’s more like 60 hours now, includ- had last year, we maintain the quality of about conduct within the park. However, ing visits in the parks regularly, which is the organisation, the operation and the in France, wine as part of a meal is very a much healthier approach for me.” management of the resort. This includes common, so we developed our offer. Schott isn’t the only advert for being seven hotels, two theme parks and the “That’s a good example of recognising healthier – the park is too. “Today, 21 Disney Village,” he says. when changing direction has to be met years after opening, Disneyland Paris is a “Fifty-two per cent of our guests are with the right kind of implementation or powerhouse,” he says proudly. “We’re the from Paris, the rest from other countries your guests aren’t going to be happy – number one tourist destination in Europe in Europe. So you can’t focus on one and they’re a vocal crowd.” because our adaptation has made us rel- group or one language in the shows and Getting to know what works in differ- evant to all those different audiences. operation. We have to do things much ent countries and cultures is part of the “It’s a European theme park now, not an more visually and put a lot of thought appeal for Schott. “It’s taught me what’s American theme park.” O

28 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 The Nature Research Center at the OUR North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Photo: batwin + robin productions

Our technology solutions have captivated and entertained audiences around the world for over 45 years. We specialise in interpreting your design ideas and carefully selecting the technologies that complement your story.

Complete Audio Visual Solutions

Technical Design Consulting Systems Integration Service & Maintenance Global Reach Booth #2058

+44.1322.222211 | [email protected] | electrosonic.com MUSEUMS For the full article please see the Attractions Management Handbook 2013/2014 www.attractionshandbook.com WORLD CLASS COLLECTIONS

Pop idols, science, nature and culture are all celebrated in a range of museums that have opened around the world this year

Helen Patenall, journalist

The new museum is home to hundreds of Abba artefacts ABBA THE MUSEUM SWEDEN

Abba The Museum – the first visi- symbolising the start of the members’ one of Abba’s legendary stage costumes, tor attraction to be dedicated entirely careers in the 1960s. singing at the famous Polar Studio and to the Swedish pop band – opened at The exhibition moves on to Brighton entering the stage with the band. Djurgården in Stockholm in May. in 1974, the song writing cottage on the The four band members – Agnetha, Backed by Abba founder Björn Ulvaeus, island of Viggsö, Stig Anderson’s office, Benny, Björn and Frida – lead visitors the museum offers visitors an interactive Owe Sandström’s tailor studio, arenas through the facility by telling their own journey through the band’s history and around the world, Björn and Agnetha’s personal Abba stories on an audioguide, features hundreds of Abba artefacts. kitchen and the legendary Polar studio. which was developed in collaboration The museum journey kicks off with a During the museum journey, visitors with Catherine Johnson, who wrote film showing Abba’s history by Swedish can experience what it would be like Mamma Mia! The exhibition curator is film and music video director Jonas to be the fifth member of Abba using the band’s ex-stylist Ingmarie Halling. Åkerlund in a 180-degree cinema, which interactive exhibitions. Guests can also leads on to Gamleby Folkets Park – see what they would look like dressed in www.abbathemuseum.com

30 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 2 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Visitors are greeted by a spectacular entrance hall and an Asian pavilion is also part of the new additions

RIJKSMUSEUM

HOLLAND

Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum reopened in April after a 10-year refurbishment. Now 80 galleries and 8,000 objects tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history. The much vaunted facelift was masterminded by Seville architect Cruz y Ortiz and the galleries were designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who worked on the Louvre. The renovation is a combination of 19th century grandeur with modern design. The original architecture was fully recon- structed in a number of key spaces. Spanning four ﬂoors, Rijksmuseum recounts Dutch history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Artists featured include Rembrandt and Frans Hals. A spectacular entrance hall and an Asian pavilion are among the new additions and many new artefacts are now on show, including art, photos, jewel- lery, fashion and silver. More than 75,000 tickets were booked online in advance of the ofﬁcial opening ceremony, conducted by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in one of her last public appearances before her abdication.

www.rijksmuseum.nl

AM 3 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 31 MUSEUMS

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES USA

The first stage of a US$135m the centre of the museum, (€103.7m, £88.4m) over- which features a 63ft (19.2m) haul of the Natural History specimen of a whale. Museum (NHM), Los Angeles, New permanent exhibitions was completed in June. include the Age of Mammals Renovation and restora- and the Dinosaur Hall, as well tion of the original 1913 as the 1,300sq m (14,000sq Beaux Arts building located in ft) Becoming Los Angeles, Exposition Park near down- which tells the stories of cul- town LA has cost US$91m tural and ecological shifts in (€70m, £60m) to date. the development of the city NHM now features 3.5-acre and surrounding region. The new glass entrance features a 63ft specimen of a whale Nature Gardens displaying In December, Travelling the outdoor exhibits; the Nature Silk Road: Ancient Pathway Lab where visitors can partici- to the Modern World – the Los Angeles-based CO The NHM of Los Angeles pate in science activities and first exhibit in the renovated Architects collaborated was the city’s first dedicated learn more about the local galleries for temporary exhi- with NHM and engineering museum and has amassed southern California wildlife; bitions – will take visitors on firm Cordell to design the more than 35 million objects and the Otis Booth Pavilion a caravan journey filled with museum’s new gardens and since opening in 1913. – a new glass entrance and crafts, spices, ideas and cul- remodel the galleries and Otis public gathering place at tures from around the world. Booth Pavilion. www.nhm.org

The modern structure is sympathetic to Tasmanian heritage

TASMANIAN MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY TASMANIA

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery programmes, education programmes and heritage buildings on one side and a new (TMAG) reopened in Hobart in March fol- new spaces to showcase more of TMAG’s building housing a cafe and programme- lowing a AUS$30m (US$27.9m, €21.4m, state collection. delivery facility on the other. TMAG’s £18.25m) redevelopment project. Architectural ﬁrm Francis-Jones treasured heritage buildings, including The new facility encompasses more Morehen Thorp focused on designing a the Bond Store and Commissariat Store, than twice TMAG’s previous display contemporary structure sympathetic to are preserved beneath an enclosed court- space, including a dedicated facility for the heritage and character of the site and yard. The outdoor civic space, previously travelling exhibitions that will enable waterfront setting. hidden beneath the fringes of TMAG’s TMAG to host international exhibitions The new visitor entrance highlights the historic site, is also now showcased. of a standard never before seen in historic Watergate as a central feature Tasmania. It also offers expanded public of the courtyard space, surrounded by www.tmag.tas.gov.au

32 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 3 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 The museum is covered in reﬂective polished steel

CHINA WOOD SCULPTURE MUSEUM CHINA

Beijing-based Mad Architects were Mad describes the building as “bring- urban setting, the China Wood Sculpture behind the completed China Wood ing out an expression and abstraction Museum aims to serve as a new interpre- Sculpture Museum located in Harbin, of nature to an otherwise quotidian sur- tation of nature. China. The 200m (656ft)-long building is rounding”. The architects blurred the Designed in collaboration with The sheathed in metal and surrounded by a boundaries between solid and liquid Architectural Design and Research densely populated Chinese-style neigh- throughout the 13,000sq m (140,000sq Institute of Harbin Institute of Technology bourhood and residential complexes. ft) building to reference the local natural and Gehry Technologies, the building is It was constructed with the aim of add- scenery and landscape. covered in polished steel plates, mirror- ing cultural and surreal essence to the The museum mainly houses local wood ing the surroundings. The breaking and surrounding urban context. The museum sculptures as well as paintings depicting twisting motion of the skylights splits the takes the form of a twisted strip of steel, the ice and snow of the regional scenery. surface and allows in light from the low- punctuated with curved windows. In the context of the large-scale modern hanging sun of northern China.

The new MuCEM will also function as a cultural venue

MUSEUM OF EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN CIVILISATIONS FRANCE

After more than a decade of Developed in partnership by architect Rudy Ricciotti. The museum will also planning and preparation, the with the State, the city of The Fort-Saint-Jean, which function as a cultural venue new Mediterranean civili- Marseille, the General Council also covers the same area, showcasing permanent and sations museum (MuCEM) of Bouches-du-Rhone and the is located within the walls temporary exhibitions and opened to the public in June. Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur, of a 12th century historic events like films, concerts, The €191m (US$248m, the facility is split over three monument. The Centre for shows and Mediterranean £162m) project is the world’s buildings, covering an area of Conservations and Resources, cooking workshops. The first museum dedicated to 40,000sq m (430,556sq ft). which covers an area of museum opened as part of Mediterranean civilisations The J4, which covers 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft) is Marseille’s 2013 stint as the and culture, and the first 15,000sq m (161,458sq ft), near the Saint-Charles railway European capital of culture.O standalone French national is built on the former J4 station and was designed by museum outside of Paris. port pier and was designed architect Corinne Vezzoni. www.mucem.org

AM 2 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 33 ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS A ROARING TRADE

he annual operating and capital certainly grow the total economic impact outlays of zoos and aquariums Zoos and aquariums of the zoos and aquariums even more. accredited by the Association Another source of important revenue of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) generate important in the community surrounding AZA- T provides important economic revenue for their local accredited zoos and aquariums is the benefits within local and state off-site spending of zoo and aquarium economies. It also generates impor- community and the guests that occurs in combination tant economic benefits nationally and entire country. Stephen with their visits. While not all zoo and internationally. These economic benefits aquarium guests combine their visit with include growing gross domestic product S Fuller explains how other commercial activities, research has (GDP), creating wages for workers at shown that some do and that this spend- the institutions and supporting jobs ing can be significant, particularly when throughout the economy, as the initial totalling $3.5bn (€2.6bn, £2.2bn), plus it stems from out-of-town tourists. spending by zoos and aquariums is re- an additional $1.1bn (€809.2m, £683m) The number of people that visited AZA- spent and re-cycled. in capital improvements – an amount accredited zoos and aquariums in 2012 likely to vary by year. Not included in the was 181.9 million globally – 169.4 million SPECULATE TO ACCUMULATE analysis were the significant spending of those people visited an accredited zoo AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in outlays of concessionaires that provide or aquarium in the US. The visit-related, the US spent $4.6bn (€3.4bn, £2.8bn) in retail and food services on grounds at off-site spending of those zoo and aquar- 2012 alone. This spending was divided these facilities. Including the operat- ium visitors in the US has been estimated between annual operations expenditures ing expenses of these businesses would at $2.4bn (€1.8bn, £1.5bn).

Smithsonian’s National Zoo hosts fun and educational events and celebrations PHOTO: MEHGAN MURPHY, SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO NATIONAL SMITHSONIAN'S MURPHY, MEHGAN PHOTO:

34 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 PHOTO: MARK VAN BERGH, SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO Summary of Economic Impacts Generated By AZA-Accredited The beneﬁts of zoos and aquariums Zoos and Aquariums, 2012 (In billions of 2012 dollars) include new income and jobs that contribute broadly to the economy Direct Total Personal Jobs Sources outlays output(1) earnings(2) supported(3)

Total U.S. $6.948 $19.842 $6.378 193,986

ECONOMIC BENEFITS AZA Members 4.578 13.206 4.447 132,015 Therefore, the economic benefit of AZA- Visitors 2.370 6.636 1.961 61,971 accredited zoos and aquariums and their visitors in 2012 can be highlighted as: International $0.491 $1.146 $0.352 10,772 Direct expenditures by US AZA- Canadian 0.116 0.265 0.082 2,674 accredited zoos and aquariums of $4.6bn (€3.4bn, £2.8bn) contributed a total of Other* 0.375 0.881 0.270 8,098 $13.2bn (€9.7bn, £8.2bn) to the United Total Impacts $7.439 $20.988 $6.730 204,758 States’ GDP. This is based on the use of a widely accepted aggregate output multi - Source: Association of Zoos and Aquariums; GMU Center for Regional Analysis. Notes: (1) total value of goods and plier of 2.88; services generated directly and indirectly as a result of annual expenditures by zoos and aquariums and their visitors Direct spending generated $4.4bn in the US in 2012; (2) additional earnings generated within the U.S.; (3) additional new jobs supported nationwide by (€3.2bn, £2.7bn) in wages and salaries the spending and re-spending of direct expenditures. *Four of six non-Canadian zoos reporting. for US workers and supported 132,015 jobs in the United States; Before-and-after visitor spending, esti- expenditures totaling $490.7m (€360.8m, guests have benefits that far exceed the mated to total $2.4bn (€1.8bn, £1.5bn), £304.6m) in 2012. This spending added value of the initial investments. added an additional $6.6bn (€4.85bn, an estimated $1.1bn (€809.2m, £683m) These benefits constitute an impor- £4bn) to GDP, generated $2bn (€1.5bn, in aggregate benefits to the economies of tant source of new income and jobs that £1.2bn) in wages and supported 61,971 these international members’ countries, contribute broadly across the economy jobs nationwide. generated $352m (€259m, £218.5m) in locally and at the state, national and Total contribution of AZA-accredited new wages to workers residing locally international levels. O zoos and aquariums to the US economy (in addition to direct payroll outlays) in 2012 was $19.8bn (€14.6bn, £12.3bn), and supported 10,772 jobs across their Stephen S Fuller, PhD generating personal earnings totaling respective national economies. Faculty chair and university $6.4bn (€4.7bn, £3.9bn) and supporting These analyses have confirmed that the professor, and director at 193,986 jobs. Eight of AZA’s 10 interna- economic impacts of annual spending by George Mason University tional member organisations reported AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and +1 703 993 3186 direct annual operating and capital the visit-related, off-site spending by their http://policy-cra.gmu.edu

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 35 SCIENCE CENTRES Kathleen Whyman, managing editor, Attractions Management NEW DYNAMIC

Dynamic Earth celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the appointment of a new senior manager. Julie Moskalyk reveals her plans for the earth sciences centre

WHAT IS DYNAMIC EARTH? Dynamic Earth is one of the family of Dynamic Earth is built by a crater attractions owned and operated by created by a meteorite hitting Earth Science North. Science North is an agency of the province of Ontario, which is part of the government of Canada – worked at Science North in the summer. Julie Moskalyk has big plans for the site the agency of tourism, culture and sport. When I graduated, age 21, I was hired as We’re one of two science centres in our a full time staff scientist. attractions. Science North is a general I’ve worn many different hats, from ABOUT SCIENCE NORTH science centre and Dynamic Earth leading our education department, to AND DYNAMIC EARTH focuses on earth sciences – primarily overseeing exhibit floors, to our outreach geology and mining. initiatives and programmes. Eight years Sudbury is a very unusual geological ago, I moved to leading our international Science North is an agency of landscape. About 1.85 billion years ago, a sales team, then, in July, I became senior the province of Ontario, which is huge meteorite hit the Earth and created manager of Dynamic Earth. part of the government of Canada the Sudbury Basin, which is visible from – the agency of tourism, culture space. The structure is home to some of WHAT DOES YOUR NEW and sport. It maintains the sec- the richest nickel mines in the world and ROLE INVOLVE? ond- and eighth-largest science we still operate and mine nickel exten- I lead the science centre in achieving centres in Canada: Science North, sively in this region. its strategic goals and mission, which featuring an Imax theatre, digital Dynamic Earth is built on the outer includes attendance, revenue, visitor planetarium, butterfly gallery and edge of that meteorite crater and has a experience, new exhibits, development Special Exhibits Hall; and Dynamic model underground mine tour experience, and renewal – the whole gambit of Earth, an earth sciences centre, which lasts 45 minutes. activities that happen here. which is home of the Big Nickel. There are large goals in this way, but As well as the two science cen- WHAT’S YOUR CAREER HISTORY? there’s also the day-to-day core operation. tres in Sudbury, Science North I moved to the Sudbury region when Our visitors deserve a fabulous experi- also oversees an award-winning I was 15. My dad was a colonel in the ence and I’m often out on the exhibition large format film production army and this was just another location floor communicating science with them. unit and an exhibit sales and that we were posted to. I volunteered at Recently, I was here at 3am because we service unit, which develops cus- Science North because I was passionate had a family sleepover and were sharing tom and ready-made exhibits for about science. Within a few months I was the load and I was lucky enough to get sale or lease to science centres, hired as a student science demonstrator. the early morning shift. museums and other cultural I worked at weekends and on holidays It’s the classic director’s role of lead- institutions all over the world. throughout high school and when I went ing strategic initiatives and the nitty gritty to university in Ottawa to study biology, I daily operation, which is fun too.

36 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 WHY DID THE JOB APPEAL TO YOU? WHAT WILL THE NEW EXHIBITS BE? My background is science and science The centre has invested in a $5m One of the important areas for us to communication and getting people turned renewal plan that will include new focus on is communicating what modern on to science. I’ve done this my whole life special effect underground exhibits mining is all about and how different it and get a lot of energy from it. is from even 20 years ago. It’s all about Eight years ago, I stepped away com- exciting use of technology to make min- pletely from our science programme and going to change our underground expe- ing safer and more efficient. There are communication to leading the business rience to focus even more on modern many misconceptions from the public, development of the work that we do for mining and technology, add exhibits and which we need to correct. other science centres and museums. I make changes to our galleries and open We’d also like an exhibition about the loved that job and had the pleasure of a 200sq m (2,153sq ft) special effects diamond industry in Canada. This has travelling to hundreds of museums and theatre. I envisage some kind of 3D effect been a developing mining sector in the science centres, but I missed teaching in the middle of the theatre that really last decades and we now have the high- and being on the ground with visitors. showcases the meteorite hitting the earth est quality diamonds in the world coming This was the perfect opportunity to come and creating the Sudbury Basin. out of Canada. There’s a diamond mine back to leading a science communication My other plan is to build up our five-hours north of here and diamond operation at the level I was working at. Halloween celebrations. Dark tourism, cutting facilities in Sudbury so we want which can mean a range of things, includ- to communicate that. We have other WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS ing a Halloween family experience, is ideas, which we’ll confirm soon. FOR DYNAMIC EARTH? growing. It’s huge in North America and Part of the reason our family of is one of the biggest areas of tourism WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? attractions continues to have the high that’s developing in Asia. We’ve always Securing the funding to do everything we performance that we’ve enjoyed for celebrated Halloween because we have want to do is the challenge. There’s no almost 30 years is the changes we’ve this perfect underground model mine, limit to our ideas – the limit is the budget. made. We’re constantly adding, revamp- which we rename as the Tunnel of Terror. We anticipate having continued support ing and updating our visitor experience. For the two weeks of the holiday, we from the mining sector and special gov- We have a $5m (€3.7m, £3.1m) run Halloween workshops, presentations ernment grants and programmes that will renewal planned for Dynamic Earth that and experiences. We’re looking to grow help us to tap into funding. will open in 2015, which will include that experience. October’s a slow month Schedule is also a challenge. We want adding an outdoor geology science park for us, so we need something new to the next phase to open in March 2015, onto our 14-hectare site. We’re also attract a different audience. which isn’t that far away.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 37 SCIENCE CENTRES

Science North took over the Big Nickel Mine site in 1984 Visitors to Dynamic Earth can experience fun mining exhibits

Our primary audience for the last 30 years has been young families. As we now have a signiﬁcantly ageing population, we’re shifting our offer

In terms of the attraction, just like tors. When you marry people who really ity is often linked to mining activities every other themed attraction, museum, know their science together with great globally. One of the trends is the deep science centre, zoo, aquarium, we’re all communication skills then you have this connection with industry and understand- competing for those leisure dollars. We’re incredible resource. Our staff is our big- ing what they’re doing, what their future’s in a good position because we’re an gest investment. We deploy the biggest holding and being able to effectively education facility and an entertainment portion of our operating funds to our staff communicate that to our visitors. facility so visitors get great value. But and their development. competing with others is a challenge. Secondly, it’s the type of exhibits that DO YOU THINK SCIENCE NORTH Another issue, which is an opportu- we have. Visitors don’t read a piece of WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND? nity and a challenge, is that Sudbury’s signage, press a button and then read Absolutely – we have more space on that dynamics are changing. Our primary about what happened. We’re a deeply property. When we opened 30 years ago, audience for the last 30 years has been interactive, hands-on, engaging science we were 80 per cent government funded. young families. As we now have a signifi- centre. With our staff, visitors use actual Now we’re 65 per cent self-generated and cantly ageing population, we’re shifting tools and do real science with our exhib- 35 per cent government. Being able to our offer in programme, special events its and learn that way. self-generate revenue is always top of our and visitor experience to appeal even entrepreneurial minds. more to adults and the older audience. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AND I can see Science North continuing TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY? to grow and expand and possibly add WHAT IS THE BIG NICKEL? One of the trends, and I think we’ve seen another attraction in the future. We’re The summer of 2014 is the 50th anni- it in all attractions in the last five years, very interested in the waterpark industry. versary of the Big Nickel – a gigantic is the addition of multimedia experiences There isn’t an indoor waterpark within a five-cent coin. Dynamic Earth used to be – 4D theatre, special effects and motion- three-hour radius and it’s a whole other called The Big Nickel Mine, which was based theatres. These have all been dynamic for us. It’d have to be indoors, opened by a local businessman named added to augment the technology experi- as it’s cold for six months of the year. Ted Szilva. He created the Big Nickel and ence in our facilities, lengthen the stay the model mine tour experience. and, in some venues, add revenue with a WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Science North opened in 1984 and took separate ticket. I’m 44-years-old. I’ve spent the bulk of over the Big Nickel Mine. Ten years ago Also, many new science centres and my life at Science North and I’ve loved it. it transformed it into an earth sciences museums are adding a living eco system There’s a lot of support from our CEO and centre with galleries, an HD theatre, gift element. We’ve always had live animals COO to come up with cool, exciting ideas store and F&B, as well as the under- at Science North, but many new cen- for our visitors and make them happen. ground experience. We’ll have a huge tres include an aquarium or live animal That’s kept me excited for all these years. party on July 22nd with fireworks and component. There’s now even more of a I love the community, I live in this hopefully the Canadian band Nickleback blurring of the lines between museums, beautiful Canadian wilderness and work will play. We’ll also host a new exhibit science centres, zoos and aquariums, for an attraction that I love. I see myself about currency called In The Money. which I find very interesting. staying and leading new projects and ini- Another trend for the type of science tiatives at a senior executive level for the WHAT IS DYNAMIC EARTH’S USP? centre Dynamic Earth is is that we’re very next 10 or 15 years. Who knows what’ll Firstly, it’s our fabulous staff – they’re tightly tied to industry. We’re an earth happen after that. As we say at Dynamic scientists who are great communica- sciences centre, and earth sciences activ- Earth, change is always in motion. O

38 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 [email protected] www.forrec.com @forrecdesigns OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD Kathleen Whyman, managing editor, Attractions Management PHOTO: K DALEY / NPS

WEATHERING THE STORM

What happened? Hurricane Sandy was On October 29, 2012, floodwaters from Hurricane Sandy covered 75 per cent the second-costliest of Liberty Island and almost all of Ellis Island, flooding basements of all build- hurricane in US history. ings with the exception of the Statue and Dave Luchsinger, Statue Monument. Winds and flooding from the storm destroyed most of the infrastruc- of Liberty and Ellis ture on both islands including electric, water, sewer, HVAC systems, phone Island superintendent, systems, security systems and radio describes how he and equipment. The visitor security screening facilities at Battery Park and Liberty his team dealt with the State Park were destroyed. The main pas- devastation left behind senger pier and work/emergency pier on Liberty Island were severely damaged, as PHOTO: FLICKR/SANDYRESPONSENPS PHOTO: were the perimeter walkway and railings.

40 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 “It was sickening to see the damage because

we’d just completed several projects and

the park was starting to look fantastic”

Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 41 OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD PHOTOS: K DALEY / NPS

Storms destroyed most of the infrastructure on Liberty Island (top left) and Ellis Island (bottom left). Superintendant Dave Luchsinger (right)

Where were you when Sandy hit? and the Washington office – we’re part completely destroyed and were con- I’d had both islands evacuated and my of the National Park Service under the demned, so had to be ripped down. wife and I were at her mother’s house in US government department of the inte- We also had to build two new docks at central Jersey. The hurricane hit in full rior – so they could get resources to help Liberty Island. One’s complete and the force, but we didn’t have the flood tides us. An incident command team came out other’s underway and will be finished that Liberty Island did. a few days later to help us clean up. We before the end of the year. The following morning, after the storm, mobilised the staff we could get to come my team and I headed over to the island. up here and started picking things up. What improvements did you make? That was when I realised how bad it was. Most of our systems were from the eight- My duty station prior to this was What was your action plan? ies restoration on Liberty Island and the in Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina. The first part was clean up. Everything nineties restoration of Ellis Island. So the Having seen the devastation there, this was destroyed, so we had to rip it out. equipment wasn’t state of the art. We’ve wasn’t surprising to me. No one expected Putting it back where it was didn’t make not only placed most of our equipment the storm surge to be the way it was, but sense, as if it happened again, we’d be in better areas, but it’s also better tech- we couldn’t have been more prepared. back in the same position. As a result, nology and brand new. We’ve also used we’ve elevated many of our systems materials that can be cleaned out quickly How did you feel? – HVAC, electrical, water and sewer – to if they’re flooded, so we can be opera- It was sickening to see the damage second storeys and higher ground, so we tional much quicker. because we’d just competed several pro- could get operational pretty quick if this The walkways used to be very thin, jects and the park was starting to look happens again. brick pavers. Now they’re interlocking, fantastic. Then this happened and there encased, much wider pavers. was so much devastation. It was very sad. What was the work required? Our security system at Battery Park One of the moving things was head- We had the clean up and several trees was destroyed, so we’ve replaced it with ing from Ellis Island over to Liberty had to be cut up and taken away. We’re new machines – and a lot more of them. Island and seeing the flag still flying and on two islands so had to bring equipment They’re quicker and the facility is larger the statue standing tall and proud and and take dumpsters off by barge. We now, so there are minimal to no wait unscathed. That was uplifting. replaced all the walkways and the HVAC, times for visitors to get ferries to come electrical, water and sewer systems. over to the island. The visitor experience What happened next? Much of our furniture was destroyed. and flow is much nicer. We’re now a lot We had a ton of clean up to do. I also Windows and doors were blown out. more efficient thanks to the new equip- submitted a report to my regional office Some of our offices on Ellis Island were ment and bigger and better facilities.

42 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 PHOTO: K DALEY / NPS

A press conference on Ellis Island after Hurricane Sandy. Clean up and reconstruction for both Liberty and Ellis Island cost $77m

“We have temporary electric – we’re using some old radiators that

used to heat the building when it was an immigration station”

How did you raise the funds? When did you reopen? How much was lost in earnings? The project has cost $77m (€56.6m, The Statue of Liberty Crown and Liberty Between the storm hitting on Oct 29th £47.4m). The Federal Government Island opened on July 4th. Ellis Island 2012 and 1st June 2013, we lost more Congress passed a Hurricane Sandy relief Immigration Museum reopened on than $6m (€4.4m, £3.7m) in revenue. I bill that allowed us to get the money to October 28th. The museum will remain a don’t have the fi gures for June yet, prior take care of the stuff that’s damaged. work in progress until next spring at the to our July 4th opening of the Statue of We’re using the park’s own budget plus earliest. Repairs to the water and sewage Liberty Crown and Liberty Island. its concession franchise fees to pay for systems have taken place and we have It wasn’t a good time for anyone. But the changes we’re making. temporary electric – we’re using some we had a very good summer season, old radiators that used to heat the build- albeit that we weren’t open on Ellis What were the challenges? ing when it was an immigration station. A Island, which cut into what we’d all be The biggest challenge was coming new system will be installed soon. getting in revenues. We had an increase to work every day, seeing what had Most of our collection of millions of in visitation this summer, despite the fact happened and not having what you’d nor- documents and artefacts is stored in a only half of the park is open, which is a mally have equipment- and comfort-wise climate-controlled facility in Maryland good sign. We’re running at about fi ve per to make it better. We were working out of until we get a new HVAC system – it’s cent more visitors than usual. our cars, as there were no offi ces, heat, extremely complicated as it goes through air conditioning or electricity. a historic building. We need to fi gure out What advice can you offer? Getting hold of generators, equipment, how to put in a system that’s as sustain- The thing you should concern yourself tools, materials and suppliers was hard, able as possible without damaging the with fi rst is the safety of staff. as the entire area was destroyed and the fabric of the building. We can’t just put Also, it’s always good to take a fresh demand for these was so great – and still the HVAC system up on the second or look at what you have and try to take is. Some of us brought in our own tools third fl oor, as we’d be taking away critical into account sea level rise and storms to get things going because we’d lost all public space and would have to redirect and make your sites as sustainable and the site tools too. all the duct work. resilient as you can. O

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 43 TECHNOLOGY

n the world of visitor attractions, the term from which augmented reality gains its name – virtual reality – hasn’t had a good track REALITY CHECK I record. Remember DisneyQuest of the 1990s? Huge computers, large displays, lots of interaction promise, but in just a couple of years, this multi-mil- Will augmented reality revolutionise the way we lion dollar investment seemed like a retro 1950s low budget sci-fi movie. navigate, perceive and encounter the real world The term virtual reality is now mostly confi ned to the world of computer games or is it a technology trend that will be gone as and internet mass player games, but soon as it has arrived? Blair Parkin finds out it’s been around much longer than most realise, originally coined in 1938 by French author Antonin Artaud to describe the immersive reality of well staged fed back from sensors in the AR device interaction between the user and remote theatre. He described the ability to or associated mobile device. To make the participants or storage of information transport the audience to another more technology wearable, all the major com- on social media websites, and probably existential place as “la réalité virtuelle”. puting power is remote in the cloud. much else besides. It’s a classic exam- With the term rooted in the experi- The cloud is best understood as ple of a technology invented to enable, ence economy of the early 20th century, a powerful communication network but as yet no one’s really sure the full perhaps 75 years later the term will prove connecting you and your display device extent of things it can and will enable and to have merit and be more relevant to to huge computers in data centres ultimately how that will be monetised. the staging of events and experiences in operated by companies such as Amazon Google Glass is in its trial phase, attractions worldwide? and Google. On these computers, thrown open to several thousand people information you seek is processed and to try it out and develop applications. The THE TECHNOLOGY delivered back almost instantaneously. trials prior to the 2014 consumer launch Augmented reality (AR) can best be are known as the Explorer phase – rather described as an individual perception of VISIONARIES ironic given that that’s also the name the real world being overlaid with infor- AR is a technology term that is soon to of Microsoft’s web browser – with the mation delivered visually as computer become popularised by the tech giants community of testers having rather geek- graphics, sound and interactively via shaping our communications and interac- ily become known as Glassholes. touch or haptic feedback – a combina- tions – Google, Apple and start-ups such The development’s being led by Sergey tion of virtual and real. One development as Oculus VR and Atheer Labs. Brin, co-founder of Google. The device on engineer recently described it as “an Google in particular has grabbed the trial is a two-way communications tech- automotive repair manual delivered headlines with the beta test phase of nology in the form of a pair of designer directly to your brain as you’re lying its Google Glass technology. The head- spectacles with only one lens. It recovers under the car repairing it”. worn device feeds visual information and transmits information via the mobile The technology is dependent on to the peripheral vision area of one eye data networks to computer servers that accurate positioning of where the user is, and allows the overlay of information apply huge amounts of commuting power by a combination of GPS and WiFi loca- delivered via the web over the real world to provide instant information to the user. tion fi nding linked with information on encountered by the user. Doubling up as Also part of another trend, wearable orientation, acceleration and direction a phone and a video camera, it allows computing, Google Glass is set to create a new perspective on how we use a mobile device and how information and service providers can deliver content Oculus Rift – to users not actively searching for it; a new device instead, passively allowing information to for the games be overlaid onto their daily activities. industry – is worn over the HEADS UP eyes for an AR is potentially set to challenge one immersive of the biggest weaknesses and social experience pariahs that’s come with the mobile device so far. From Blackberrys and iPhones to computer tablets, the mobile is driving the increasing “heads down” nature of human behaviour. Whether it’s walking down the street, sitting in a bar or even around the dinner table, more and more people can be observed

44 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 TECHNOLOGY

Google Glass is a two-way communication technology in the form of a pair of designer spectacles TECHNOLOGY

immersed in social and other interactions, everything from the food and beverage staring down at, tapping into a screen. Augmented reality computer games offer to the ride, exhibit, show and every- The advent of mass consumer AR are expected to be a huge consumer thing in between. They could capture the devices may just change that. Imagine hit when they launch in 2014 whole day, navigate the park and com- a world where you wear your phone; it ment in real-time about the experience. delivers maps, information and other Operators should start thinking about details to you as you look up at some- be played and perceived, potentially what they want to offer via this medium, thing. Though fraught with privacy issues, opening up new areas to augment real beyond themed programme content. this way of searching by using the real world experiences with virtual reality The trick’s going to be ensuring that word as the trigger and the context has computer games. The trials of this tech- the physical attraction is available as a enormous potential. Take a photo by nology have really had an impact on the 3D digital map like Streetview, and to voice command and share it over the games development community and it’s post and deliver information in physical web to colleagues, friends and family. expected to be a massive consumer hit. space that can trigger virtual information. Navigate to a new place, ﬁnd a restaurant This technology is set to challenge Imagine a specials board in the restau- in a strange city – all without heads down, many conventions from social interac- rant that has nothing written on it, just typing and tapping to search. tions to privacy and security. Putting that a graphical symbol. When you look at it, The number of AR devices in devel- to one side, it seems likely that the tech- the specials of the day with all the asso- opment in California is staggering and nology will become both pervasive and ciated information is delivered directly to with similar developments happening potentially ubiquitous. Almost everyone the user. To leverage this future technol- worldwide, it’s likely we’re going to see a visiting an attraction has an online com- ogy to engage the visitor and provide new class of mobile device and interac- puter on them on which they can search information to aid navigation, reduce tion emerge. Imagine a phone, mobile the web, leave feedback about their visit wasted time and potentially increase computer, camera and voice-controlled on sites such as TripAdvisor and use the spend, then another important factor will web search, all rolled into your glasses. device as a ticket and even as a payment be to have a good network infrastructure, method. So how could this new breed of including a well designed geo-location GAME ON consumer AR devices impact the leisure supporting WiFi network. Where the web search world has Glass, and attractions market? The trend is coming and young brains the computer games industry has the will harness it, so how will your attraction Oculus Rift, a device that’s worn over COOL FACTOR leverage it? The place to start is to the eyes and is fully immersive. It tracks Well, ﬁrstly, while the technology’s rated study the technology, engage with it and movement and direction and displays as cool, producers and storytellers are begin to grasp the enormous range of a stereoscopic 3D image to the viewer bound to try weaving it into their offer, as possibilities it represents. O while playing a computer game. No key- a new way of delivering experience and board, no mouse, just natural human encountering the attraction. This, like all Blair Parkin interactions and movement to navigate technology-based experiences, is likely to managing director, through the virtual world. This device be ephemeral and a passing fad. Visual Acuity also becomes available to consum- More important is the longer-term [email protected] ers sometime in 2014 and is set to impact of these devices to leverage a +44 (0) 8700 77 50 40 change the way computer games can new kind of visitor-driven interaction with www.visual-acuity.com

46 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Kiddie Kart Gamma LeisurePOS ACCOUNTS MEMBERSHIP

gamma dataware VISIT US AT Complete business solutions BOOTH 3625 Modular integrated management information systems for visitor Major attractions, museums, Rides heritage sites and ADMISSIONS RETAIL CATERING BOOKINGS theme parks The CompanyCarousel Gamma Dataware Limited Gamma LeisurePOS provides visitor attractions of all types and sizes with a complete end-to-end operational management system from admissions to back office reporting, analysis and accounting. The system’s modular approach allows operators to implement any combination of modules to meet their specific requirements. While the integration between modules ensures that operators can easily produce cross departmental reports such as visitor spend analysis.

Bumper LeisurePOS modules include: Cars Admissions and Ticketing Bookings and Event Management Membership Retail and Catering Point of Sale Stock Control Purchase Order Processing Mail Order Gift Aid Integrated Chip and PIN Web Interfaces Gamma Dataware Ltd Accounting and Payroll Wright Business Centre Reporting and Back Office Management 1 Lonmay Road Glasgow LeisurePOS options include: G33 4EL = #,4(.(55$0'4(/16(+$0'+(.' !70,65 Telephone: +44 (0)141 773 6273 = ",&-(65$.(5$0'&1..(&6,10-,15-5 $: = (/1*4$2+,&'$6$&$2674( +44 (0)141 773 6283 = !+,2$0' )141))5,6(5$.(5 E-mail: = 19(%64$05$&6,10)((5 [email protected] = "+($64(1:)),&(5$.(5 Bertazzon 3B srl, 31020 Sernaglia (Treviso) Italy Phone +39.0438.966291 Fax +39.0438.966165 E-Mail:[email protected] [email protected] www.gammadata.com Venetian Carousels

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 47 INTERACTIVITY

iding through It’s a Small Should operators compete like repeatability) component to these World at Disneyland (or attractions that never existed before. almost any other attrac- with smart devices, Video games led to mobile phones, tion) is different today than make them a part of the which begat smart devices. It’s not Rit used to be. Look around as unusual to see theme park visitors you ride. How many glowing experience or distract completely bypassing massive multiple faces do you see? Not faces aglow from inversion coasters, colourful parades or the joy they’re experiencing from riding visitors from using them? night-time spectaculars because, head a beloved classic attraction, but because Thinkwell’s Craig Hanna bowed, they’re more compelled to check they’re tapping on their smartphones. in on Facebook about riding the coaster, Make no mistake, the audience has ponders the issue seeing the parade or watching the ﬁ re- changed. And it’s imperative that park works than actually experiencing them. and attraction operators change as the The key thing to consider is this: it’s needs, demands and the way people not a passing phase or fad. The tech- use parks change. Even as visitors make GAME CHANGER nology may change from a handheld their way through park gates into lands More than a decade ago, attraction device to one you wear on your wrist, like of make-believe, they still engage in designers felt the pressure of compet- Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, or on your face the outside world constantly, maintaining with rising expectations that came like Google’s upcoming Glass (see p44), ing their connection to family, friends out of consumers playing video games. but this change is here to stay. and co-workers with email, Facebook, They began to offer interactive attractions, Operators can ignore this with an atti- Twitter, Instagram, Vine and everything such as Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters tude of, “they’ve paid, so why should I else that vies for their attention on that and Men in Black: Alien Attack. Guests care?” or they can embrace the tech- supercomputer nestled in their handbags, could engage a dark ride by shooting at nology by offering innovative new backpacks and pockets. targets, adding a play (and videogame- experiences that grab guests’ attention.

The Star Tours experience has been reinvigorated in recent years to incorporate a range of 3D adventures and storylines for visitors

48 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Disney’s Sorcerer’s of the Magic Hershey’s Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D allows the audience to vote on how Kingdom engages younger visitors in the story proceeds, with a choice of more than 100 different variations their own separate adventure

With more than 45 installations worldwide, Desperados combines video game interactivity with 4D-style attractions. Visitors can enjoy an experience that is part shooting gallery, part video game and part immersive media attraction

MULTIPLE ENDINGS adventure throughout the park to interact ing in-queue trivia games that are played There are many attractions and experi- with magical video displays embed- via mobile device and large video screens ences that have embraced the technology. ded in shop windows, which use optical to keep guests engaged. And other These include the groundbreaking Star recognition to allow young visitors to attractions are using gesture-based tech- Tours that ﬁ rst introduced motion simula- interact with the story and “battle” vil- nologies to give guests a chance to play tion to many in 1987. It was reinvigorated lains when choosing the right card to play. team games in holding areas. as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Desperados has 45 installations world- in 2011 with 3D and randomly branching wide and combines interactivity found SMART TACTICS storylines, so riders experience something in video games with 4D-style attractions All of these examples attempt to engage different with each ride. and a modicum of motion simulation. Its visitors in new ways, while trying to pry Hershey’s Great Chocolate Factory fun interactive attractions are part shoot- their eyes and ﬁ ngers away from their Mystery in 4D, at Hershey’s Chocolate ing gallery, part video game and part smartphones. Does the quality of the World in Pennsylvania, is a 3D movie immersive media attraction. guest experience suffer when everyone’s experience that offers visitors the chance These are just the start in terms of posting to their favourite social media to vote on how the media proceeds, offer- bringing interactivity into attractions. site and uploading photos to share with ing more than 100 variations. Walt Disney Some operators are offering RFID brace- family members far away? Does it suffer World features Sorcerers of the Magic lets that allow guests to check in and more when operators try to placate that Kingdom, an interactive overlay to the like on Facebook by tapping their wrists social interaction with new technologies? park that utilises storytelling and spe- to readers as they queue for that water These questions aren’t going to get cial spell cards. Children are sent on an slide or roller coaster. Parks are provid- answered anytime soon, but operators

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 49 INTERACTIVITY

Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More retells the story of Macbeth in a ﬁve-storey warehouse in New York and has been a huge sellout hit

A generation of theme park goers have been raised with a mobile device in their hand. Content creation and interactivity is a way of life to them

need to connect with visitors by augment- questions are: do they want to partici- not to speak, moving at will from room to ing the experiences they already offer pate in their experience with their mobile room as performers sing, fight, scream, with additional, compelling enhancements device or without?; Do they want con- dance and occasionally take members on those ubiquitous bits of technology trol of the story or do they want to be of the audience by the hand into private their customers hold in their hands. amazed and immersed? one-on-one scenes. The whole experi- The Pew Internet Project’s 2013 report American film critic, journalist and ence unfolds over three hours. Running to states that 72 per cent of all adults in the screenwriter Roger Ebert once said: sellout crowds since 2011, the production US use social networking. While the high- “Six thousand years ago, sitting around is a phenomenon. est penetration is in the youngest age a campfire, a storyteller could have And what about Secret Cinema? The bracket of 18- to 29-year-olds at a whop- stopped at any time and asked his audi- group puts on immersive, environmental ping 89 per cent usage, even the oldest ence how they wanted the story to come recreations of films, inviting spectators age bracket of 65+ has a usage range out. But he didn’t because that would to be part of the action, before the event of 43 per cent. In February 2005, only have ruined the story.” culminates in an immersive screening of nine per cent of 18- to 29-year-olds used There’s so much interactivity going on the selected film. Recently the group has social networking sites and only one per in our lives – do we really need more staged events around London based on cent of the over-65s used them. when all we’re trying to do is escape? Do Alien, Blade Runner, One Flew Over the Altogether, 40 per cent of cell phone multiple-choice experiences result in con- Cuckoo’s Nest and Brazil. owners use social networking sites on fusion rather than engagement? Could These experiences combine theme park their phone. (The Pew Internet Project interactivity mean something other than immersion and special effects with the- dove into the notion of creation versus a technology-based solution? atrical production values, environmental curation in 2012, so this data is a year storytelling and a high level of audience old. Even a year ago, an incredible 46 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION interaction and participation. per cent of all adult internet users posted Consider UK-based theatre troupe Halloween haunts have always been original photos or videos online.) A gen- Punchdrunk and their mega-hit theatri- keen to offer a similar experience, so eration of theme park goers have been cal experience Sleep No More. Set on pioneering haunted maze leader Knott’s raised with a mobile device in their five floors of a warehouse in the trendy Berry Farm went one step further in 2012 hands. Content creation and interactivity New York City meatpacking district, more by offering an up charge, completely aren’t an option to them, but a way of life. than 100,000sq ft (9,300sq m) and 100 interactive and highly personalised expe- rooms have been completely dressed for rience called Trapped. Groups of six CONTROL ISSUE a truly interactive retelling of Macbeth. are locked in a filthy restroom and are When a visitor plºnks down their hard- Audiences participate, donning simple required to solve clues and find a key (in earned cash to enjoy their day, the big white masquerade masks and instructed a stinking, soiled toilet) to lead them to

50 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Secret Cinema’s immersive recreations of ﬁ lms allow visitors to be part of the action. Past ﬁ lm events include Dirty Dancing, Saturday Night Fever and Brazil

the next stage of the adventure. If one visitor by name and offer her a special In the meantime, as people become person opts out, the entire group has button to wear for her special day. more immersed in their own technologies to abort the mission, adding peer pres- This system could be rolled into all and social media, operators of theme sure to the psychology of the activity. It sorts of other experiences: audio-ani- parks, cultural experiences and attrac- doesn’t really get much more interactive matronics could call people by their tions are going to have to fi nd new ways than that. name within attractions, dark rides could to engage, commune and communicate interact with riders in different ways with the paying public. MAGIC TOUCH based on how many times they’d ridden Finding the right balance of story- But the future might well lie in Walt and drink dispensers could refi ll fast food telling, interactivity, technology, choice Disney World’s own MyMagicBand, cups with a guests’ favourite beverage and immersion will result in a level of an opt-in bracelet that, at its sim- without touching a button. engagement that will truly offer visitors a plest, replaces cash and credit cards Of course, all this technology roll- glimpse at the future. O or hotel keycard folio debit systems out and interactive reader devices cost with a touch-to-pay solution. But that’s major money. Disney is spending close to just the tip of the technological iceberg. $1bn across all its parks to achieve this Craig Hanna MyMagicBand’s built-in near-fi eld com- unprecedented level of interactivity. And Chief Creative Offi cer, munication (NFC) technology allows park it’s not all guaranteed success. Only time Thinkwell employees to know a guest’s name and will tell if visitors respond and Disney’s [email protected] birth date, so Cinderella (via an earpiece coffers fi ll from the ease of use and +1 818.333.3444 or hidden data display) can greet the added benefi ts of MyMagicBand. www.thinkwellgroup.com

AM 2 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 51 THEME PARKS Jennifer Harbottle, journalist UP & COMING

With the brand new theme park season open for business, we take a look at what’s new for 2014

his has been a busy year DUBAI’S WORLDS OF for the attractions industry. ADVENTURES TO OPEN Projects that had previously stalled – particularly those in The Worlds of Adventure theme park T the UAE – are moving into the in Dubai will open in mid to late 2014, fi nal phases of completion and according to developer IMG Group. The will open to the public in 2014. Asia theme park, which will be located in continues to show strong growth, with Dubailand’s much-delayed City of Arabia, announcements of both big and small will consist of four zones – the Marvel parks for next year and ride manufac- Universe, the Cartoon Network zone, the turers in both the US and Europe are Lost Valley zone and the IMG entertain- predicting a solid year ahead. ment zone. It will also include a 12-screen It hasn’t all been good though. Finding cinema and external F&B and retail areas. affordable land that can justify huge capi- The 140,000sq m (1.5m sq ft) theme park Children’s tal investment is still the major barrier will feature children’s favourites Ben 10 superhero Ben for many attractions’ investors and even and Marvel superhero Iron Man. 10 will feature some big theme park stalwarts are facing the diffi cult decision to shut poor per- INTO THE ABYSS forming parks in major cities that should, on paper, be a fi nancial gold mine. Perth-based Adventure World will open its brand new Aus$12m (US$11.4m, €8.4m, The start of a new investment cycle £7.1m) roller coaster in November 2013. Abyss is the single largest investment at builds fresh hope however, whether a Adventure World since it launched in 1982 and features a 10 storey-high vertical lift, a site is in its umpteenth season or its 100ft (30.5m) vertical drop and giant turns and twists. The 630m (2,000ft) Gerstlauer fi rst, and new product brings excitement custom built coaster also features four daylight inversions and a secret dark ride sec- and renewed impetus for operators in an tion, as well as a zero-g-roll, rollover loop, cobra roll and inline loop. The theme is a industry that thrives on getting bigger, spooky underworld with towering Guardians, massive upturned trees with exposed better, faster and more thrilling. roots and an intimidating themed arch entrance to create a feeling of impending doom.

The Abyss rollercoaster is themed around a spooky underworld

52 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 At Universal Studios, humanoid robots now interact with visitors

TRANSFORMING COSTUME CHARACTERS

Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced robotic, voice technology enabling walk-about characters to its park, which interact and speak with its theme park guests. As an extension of its thrill ride Transformers: The Ride – 3D, the humanoid robots Megatron and Optimus Prime can now engage in conversations with guests in both the tone and personality of their characters. PHOTO: FLICKR/SAPIAMAIA

SOMETHING COOKING AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

A new dark ride based on the Ratatouille movie will open at Disneyland Film studio Cinecittà will house the park Paris next year. Ratatouille: L’Aventure FILM STUDIO TO OPEN PARK Totalement Toquée de Rémy will use track- Cinecittà World, the cinema-inspired less ride vehicles and theme park being built near Rome, Italy, 3D to ‘shrink’ guests is to open in the ﬁrst half of next year. and submerge them The US$700m (€517m, £43.7m) park in the madness of a will combine art and cinema to create a Parisian kitchen. (See tourist attraction with theme park rides interview with COO aimed at families and children. In sub- Joe Schott on p26.) sequent phases, the park will also house The new ride ‘shrinks’ guests into a mad Paris kitchen shops, restaurants and ﬁlm sets.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 53 TECHNOLOGYTHEME PARKS

A £39m park planned for Russia will offer historical reenactments

ALL SYSTEMS GO CREATING HISTORY IN MOSCOW

Work has started on Robot Land theme Suburban landowner and property devel- park in the coastal city of Incheon, South oper RDI has announced plans to build Korea. The park’s developer, Robotland a historical theme park in Moscow in Co has broken ground on the US$600m 2014. The Russian theme park will be a (€444m, £376m) project, which will showcase for costumed historical reen- include a robot-inspired theme park, actments, similar to the French theme robotics school and accommodation. The park Puy du Fou. park is scheduled to open in 2016. Russian developer RDI, has allocated RUB2bn (US$60.3m, €45.5m, £39m) and The new park in China cost £2.18m 1sq km (0.38sq m) of land for the project, WELCOME HOMER which could be built within the next fi ve THE OFFICIAL ANGRY BIRDS Universal Orlando Resort in Florida years. The theme park will also include has opened its new themed environ- The fi rst offi cial Angry Birds theme a 150-room hotel, ethnography museum, ment based on TV show The Simpsons. park in China opened in October historical village with guest houses and Springfi eld features all of Homer and in Haining, East China’s Zhejiang an amphitheatre and will be able to cater family’s favourite haunts, including province. Although there have been to around 40,000 visitors once it’s open. Shelbyville by the Sea and Duff Brewery. many unlicensed imitations in As well as The Simpsons Ride, the newly- China, this is the only offi cial Rovio DEEP ROOTED themed area includes iconic eateries Entertainment Angry Birds theme and an outdoor attraction based on the park outside of Finland, where Plans are underway in Dubai in the UAE show’s evil alien duo, Kang & Kodos. Rovio Entertainment is based. to build a themed destination based on Attractions include a 4D theatre, the Quran. The Dubai Municipality says an interactive square for guests to the new Holy Quran Park, which will be play versions of the popular Angry based on the central religious text of Birds game and also a parkour Islam, will open in September 2014. zone aimed at teens. The 20m The 60-hectare US$7.3m (€5.5m, yuan (US$3.25m, €2.54m, £2.18m) (£4.7m) attraction will showcase “the park is just 150km (93 miles) away miracles of the Quran” and is said to from mainland China’s fi rst Disney include an outdoor theatre, children’s Resort in Shanghai, which is due to play area and a series of Islamic gardens open in 2015. featuring many of the plants and trees The park area features Homer’s haunts mentioned in the text of the Quran.

54 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Six Flags parks around the US have many new attractions for 2014

FLAGS FLYING

Six Flags has a host of new attractions for the 2014 season. Six Flags America will introduce a New Orleans-themed Mardi Gras section to its Baltimore park along with two new rides; Ragin’ Cajun, a four- passenger train, fast-track roller News reporter or dentist? Kids can ‘try coaster and a family-friendly, flying out’ new skills at Kidzania in Mumbai ride called French Quarter Flyers. At Montreal’s La Ronde, high-flying, Europa visitors will meet the Minimoys inverted spinning ride The Demon will debut next year. ARTHUR’S SEAT At Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, a drop ride called Visitors to Germany’s Europa-Park will Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom is new, be able to get up close and personal which at 415ft (126m) will take the with the world according to Luc Besson honour of tallest drop tower in the in April 2014. The French director of the world when it opens next year. The Arthur and the Invisibles trilogy is work- ride will replace the park’s classic ing alongside Mack Rides to create a new JOB DONE wooden coaster Rolling Thunder. family attraction based on the films at India’s first KidZania has opened this At Six Flags Magic Mountain, the family-run park. month in Mumbai. Backed by Bollywood California, Bugs Bunny World – the Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom is a superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the 75,000sq children’s area of the park – will 3,500 m (11,480ft) attraction built under ft (7,000sq m) attraction is operating undergo a makeover, with the addi- a 15m (49ft)-dome, featuring the secret under a licensing deal with KidZania tion of a new children’s coaster and world of tiny beings called Minimoys. Mexico. KidZania Mumbai, located in family-friendly show in the Carrot Visitors will experience seven kingdoms, Ghatkopar, is the 13th KidZania franchise Club Theater. Six Flags Over Texas including a 550m (1,800ft)-long flight worldwide. ImagiNation Edutainment is also expanding its children’s area through an underground universe. A dark India, the India franchisee, plans to open for the new season, with new rides ride is part of the attraction, as well as other KidZania sites in cities across India, and an interactive play area. a free-fall tower and carousel ride, built including Delhi and Bangalore. within Grimm’s enchanted forest.O

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 55 SOCIAL MEDIA

FACE VALUE

Expand your social reach and drive awareness with technology

ocial media has long One of the issues that drives this fi nd a successful e-shop that doesn’t been criticised for its mentality is the way in which brands allow product reviews, social shares limited reach. Ironic, use social media – with a primary focus or likes. But why has one industry when you think that on engagement. This isn’t to say that embraced this tactic, while others fail over a billion people engagement is an unworthy objec- to maximise its benefi t? The answer to now use Facebook. tive. It’s just that many social channels that is simple – technology. But the number of provide an equally important function – While a website can so easily be inte- likes, shares and social proof. Regardless of the data that grated with social channels, businesses comments that a supports it, common sense tells us that that sell experiences fi nd technology piece of content receives on a Facebook we’re far more likely to trust a brand, a far more challenging and expensive page is often a proportionately smaller buy a product or visit an attraction if it’s barrier. For the attractions industry, this number when compared with the eye- recommended by a friend. couldn’t be more true. balls on a traditional TV ad or the E-commerce brands have long cot- However, this position also allows for circulation of a national newspaper. toned on to this reality, and it’s rare to a much more exciting opportunity – to

Facedeals use state-of-the-art facial recognition software to reward regular customers and visitors with special deals

56 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 (Above and left) the BOS Ice Tea team trialed its product on the streets by tweeting a hashtag that activated a vending machine and dispensed a free drink

Using live Twitter activations, BOS succesfully brought the social space into the real world

bridge the gap between the real world In essence, this is the next step in Think about this. If a Facebook user and social media. If carried out in the Facebook check-ins. visiting your attraction sees a big digi- right manner, social channels can begin Facebook check-ins is a powerful tal screen at the entrance, welcoming to drive reach far beyond the expecta- mechanism for businesses to deliver those individuals who’ve checked-in, tions of a normal campaign and can discounts to loyal customers, yet few the incentive to appear on the screen ensure higher engagement levels at the businesses have realised it. Try it your- is more than likely worth the simple moment it matters most. self. A search for deals in your local action. It’s easy, it’s fun, and there is Let’s take a look at some of the area will bring back a limited num- next to no barrier to entry. technologies available in today’s ever- ber of results. More often than not, the How does your business benefit? innovative social space. incentives for a check-in aren’t nearly Social proof and reach. Suddenly, the enticing enough for us to take the time. number of check-ins at your venue FACEDEALS This introduces a concept that real life increases. Visitors’ friends see the Facedeals uses state-of-the-art facial and social integration can benefit from. check-in on Facebook, no doubt interact recognition software to reward regular Typically, for a user to engage with with it, and most likely seriously con- customers with deals. When walking brands on a social platform, it must sider visiting themselves. into a venue with Facedeals, a camera either be highly convenient or, better For just a limited up front investment, picks up the person’s facial features, yet, incentivised. you’ll be able to reach out to a seri- initially taken from photos on Facebook, When physically at an attraction, one ous number of people in what really is and sends them a message with a deal, minute of fame is more than likely a the best form of advertising – that of often related to their profile interests. good enough reason to check-in. personal recommendation.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 57 SOCIAL MEDIA

LIVE TWITTER ACTIVATIONS Touch two Pokens together and While not one specifi c technology, a number of brands have taken advantage you can share contact details, of a very simple technique. By sending a tweet with a specifi c handle included, exchange social profiles, or individuals can activate any number of real life technologies. Take a simple link up to a brand’s social vending machine. With the right application of technology and an Internet platforms, all in a few seconds connection, sending a simple tweet can prompt a vending machine to dispense a drink or snack. BOS Ice Tea is a South those unable to taste it for themselves. motes longevity, by creating an online African brand that has done just that, While an obvious gimmick, BOS suc- community around an event, enabling sampling their products on the streets cessfully brought the social space into participants to connect with their new of Cape Town via a simple hashtag. the real world. contacts and explore the information Their goal was simple. They knew that collected on a custom branded online if people tried their product, they would POKEN interface created for your event. likely want to repurchase. The vending Pokens are simple USB devices that You can also use the Poken Game machine was eye catching and drew the use near fi eld communication (NFC) to Pack to create interactive competi- crowds, but with Twitter as the activa- allow a variety of social actions. Touch tions and motivate participants to take tion tool, amplifi cation became easy, two Pokens together, and you can share specifi c actions in alignment with your spreading the name of the brand to contact details, exchange social profi les event objectives. or link up to a brand’s social platforms, As with most of these gadgets, all in the space of a few seconds. Pokens provide a form of analytics to Touch two Pokens With such a simple device, event visi- help measure success. You have access together to share tors can immediately become fans of a to the number of contact exchanges contact details brand and meet new people. It also pro- made between participants and the exact amount of digital materials collected at your event.

INSTACUBE Originally funded by Kickstarter, the Instacube is a digital photo frame that pulls photos from any hashtag or user name from Instagram. While far from a game changer for brands, it does highlight just how simple the display of social photos can be. Consider this in a larger context, a panel of screens rotating between pictures of customers on the day they visit an event or attraction. Customers are suddenly given a reason to include your unique hashtag in their social stream. Their friends will be exposed to photos of your venue and the hashtag itself could begin trending. While the novelty factor will draw the crowds, the biggest beneﬁ t to any brand is, of course, reach.

FIND THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY So how do brands embrace technology and leverage social channels to extend reach? All of the technologies mentioned utilise two primary tactics. Firstly, they successfully bring social media into the real world. A common mistake made by brands is the assumption that consumers see a difference between the

PHOTO: FLICKR/ANNE HELMOND FLICKR/ANNE PHOTO: two. In reality, social media is part of their world and its use is simply another With Poken, visitors can instantly become a brand fan and meet new people way to communicate.

58 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Instacube: An attraction could display a screen of rotating images of customers on the day they visit the site

Secondly, each device gives the end Instacube is a digital photo user an incentive to use their social channels in a particular way. This is frame that pulls hashtags and extremely important as it not only encourages use, but a use is dictated by user names from Instagram the brand’s aims. And, if developed in the right manner, can extend reach and awareness on a significant level. Facebook users only see what’s most can we begin to see the big numbers We all live in a digitally enabled world, relevant to them, based on how they traditional advertisers love to talk about. where the lines between on and offline engage with friends or brands. As a To deliver a cohesive social strategy are becoming increasingly blurred. By result, users will see far more interac- using real world technology, put your- proactively trying to blur them com- tions with a brand through the people self in your customers’ shoes. What pletely, brands don’t need to rely on they engage with daily, over original would encourage them to interact on customers finding their social channel posts made by the brand itself. With their chosen channels? How can this be and liking, sharing or engaging with people sharing their own pictures and leveraged and what are the technologies their content. Until they have an explicit check-ins, but ensuring that your brand you need to make it a reality? reason to, most customers will happily is associated to it, we don’t need to Fundamentally, if you apply the rule, focus on the brands they have more rely on a continuous feed of unique and ‘keep it easy, keep it fun’, you will find frequent contact with. For an attractions interesting social content. As brands, we that social media can go far beyond the business, there must be no barrier. can achieve the ultimate desire of user- impact of more traditional channels.O By leveraging social check-ins, likes generated content. and shares through technology, you Secondly, and to the first objective Richard Palmer ensure that your customers will share raised in this article, technology drives strategy director, Quirk their visit with friends. On Facebook reach. It amplifies what your customers Email [email protected] specifically, this has two enormous are already doing online and aligns it Phone +44 (0)20 7099 8849 benefits. Firstly, EdgeRank ensures with your brand’s objectives. Only then www.quirklondon.com

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 59 SHOW PREVIEW Kath Hudson, journalist IAAPA 2013

The annual attractions expo takes place in Orlando from 18-22 November. We talk to some of the exhibitors to see what new attractions and technology will be on show

The Condor ride is being upgraded

Huss Park Attractions

Huss is introducing the new ride concept, the Explorer. Guests are seated in a 12m diameter, circular gondola which gives unrestricted views of a surround screen. A seamless 360° multi- projector ﬁlm format delivers immersive, high deﬁnition content, unique to each installation. A wide range of environments can be created: beneath the sea; in MotionDome draws on technology from the military and science industries space; or some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. The content HoloVis, Barco and projectiondesign can also be created as CGI, live action or a composition of both. HoloVis will be showcasing of HoloVis, Stuart Hetherington, says: The second generation Condor MotionDome, which is an immersive, “We wanted to utilise the expertise we is also being re-introduced with interactive 2D and 3D platform. have in other sectors, such as high a new improved ride design. The The team at Holovis has worked end military simulation and training, ride involves a number of two-per- with visualisation experts Barco and real time visualisation from the tech- son gondolas swinging, rotating projectiondesign, to create the expe- nology industry and true immersion and reaching a height of 26m rience in which audiences are fully from the science sector, to take story- (85ft). Two Condor contracts have surrounded by 180° projection. MD telling to the next level.” been concluded with Chinese clients for a delivery next year.

WhiteWater

WhiteWater has recently completed the ﬁrst installation of the Boomerango™ and Manta™ in August, at Nagashima Resort, Japan. Combining the thrills of two rides, the journey begins with the classic sensation of rafting, leading into a screaming, velocity-building drop that launches riders up the Boomerango wall, making them feel as though they’re “going vertical”, then weightless, while getting a bird’s eye view of what’s coming next. With barely time to catch their breath, they’re racing across a ﬂat section, propelling them into the rushing waters of the Manta. Riders experience a velocity-building drop

60 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 IAAPA 2013

Jack Rouse

Jack Rouse completed work on the new improved Crayola Experience in Easton, PA, in May this year. Spanning four ﬂoors, it has 21 new attractions to allow kids to explore art, technology and their creativity, such as creating your own clear barrel marker and fashioning their own crayon label. Clara Rice, director digital engagement at Jack Rouse, predicts people will be talking about new technology, protecting international property and the state of the economic recovery at this year’s show. The Crayola Experience has 21 new attractions where kids can explore art and technology

IPlayCo offers games and branding

International Play Co

IPlayCo will be featuring its turn- key services including playground branding, games and events development systems. Products include themed play, dramatic play, sports attractions, interactive components, Riders meet their superheroes in ‘Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D’ on the Gold Coast Tuff Stuff areas and climbing walls. The company offers multiple Sally product design/build solutions, as well as operations, marketing and Sally will be profiling two major interactive physical sets, scenery and customer service systems to help interactive, multi media-based dark animatronics, together with numerous clients build a business model. rides. Justice League: Alien Invasion special effects. Kathleen Kuryliw, marketing 3D – which is in situ at Warner Bros The second is Zombie Apocalypse. coordinator at IPlayCo, says show Movie World on Australia ‘s Gold Blending realistic, reactive 3D media attendees will be looking at how Coast – is the first-ever dark ride to with physical sets, animatronics and to compete with other FECs and feature Superman, Batman, Super SPFX, this 18,000sq ft (1,672sq m) theme parks for the entertainment Woman and the other Justice League ride takes guests on a true horror dollar in an uncertain economy. members. It features the first use of adventure, where motion base vehicles New ways to draw in customers interactive 3D screens, blended with tilt, turn and brake to add to the thrills. and keep the venue fresh will be important to all of the operators.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 61 SHOW PREVIEW IAAPA 2013

Cruden spent time with the Dutch military to get its powerboat simulation just right

Propel Technology

Motion simulation company Cruden interceptor vessels and security boats Defender is a new fi ltration product will be launching its new powerboat to get the motion right. simulator. This is the fi rst Cruden On the stand, guests will be able to Neptune Benson simulator to offer interaction for three drive a dual engine P1 powerboat or guests at once. The guest to the right a fast interceptor military vessel boat Neptune-Benson will be profi ling of the driver controls the throttle; the in the open cockpit Hexatech 3CTR the Defender® aquatic fi ltration person on the left is the navigator. (three-seater) simulator. system and the Defender Assero® Depending on customer requirement, Cruden also offers a race car simu- aquatic fi ltration system, which the simulator can be switched to race lator, but the power boat simulator is remove over 99.9 per cent of car mode. Cruden has spent hours available at a lower cost, because it Crypto in a single pass and can with the Dutch military on its fast only requires two DOF, instead of six. remove particles down to one micron or less. Defender® is proven to save money on water and waste; fuel and chemicals; footprint, elec- The Hettema Group tricity and equipment maintenance. To date more than 1,000 Defender® Ride designers and producers, The fi lters have been installed in more Hettema Group, recently completed instal- than 16 countries. lation of an interactive, game-based dark “Waterparks are getting larger ride in Lotte World, Dragons Wild Shooting, and using more water and power to along with a number of other exhibitors: run the growing attractions. If you Garner Holt, Lexington, TechMD, ETF, don’t optimise your equipment in the Alterface and Pure Imaginations. back room, your money is wasted “We’re all looking forward to seeing and these costs will only increase what’s new on the show fl oor, as well as over time,” says Jill Bibby, Neptune- connecting with old friends and partners,” Benson’s head of marketing. Hettema’s latest install is at Lotte World says the Hettema Group’s Lisa Welsch.

Omniticket

OmniTicket Network will be focusing on its mobiles solutions, including its iPhone app, new mobile optimised websites and RFID stored value solutions, which enable the use of RFID enabled wristbands and tickets throughout an attraction to pay for admission, products, food and beverage. The company will also be showing its Interactive Turnstile Transformer, which transforms turnstiles, counters or desktops into a dynamic access control solution, with a range of options on offer including a barcode scanner, magnetic swipe reader and a biometric reader.

62 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013

SHOW PREVIEW IAAPA 2013

Picsolve

Picsolve will be demonstrating its award-winning product range, including Ride Photography & Video, Waterpark Photography and immersive Green Screen Technology, as well as showcasing the digital product suite for the ﬁ rst time. Guests will have the opportunity to demo the new Picsolve mobile app and experience the GSX digital solution, enabling clients to provide customers with fully integrated and seamless purchasing. Since winning Best New Product at the 2012 IAAPA Brass Rings Awards, Picsolve has Picsolve has launched GSX to video at launched GSX to Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The video at Warner Bros Making of Harry Potter. The product pipe- Studio Tour in the UK line includes many more planned GSX to video installations with several key global partners and industry leaders.

The Juice

After a successful soft launch at the EAS show, The Juice will be offi - cially launching the new Mapped Dark Ride, which combines 3D/4D fi lm, theming, special effects, sound and lighting and can be easily transformed from a Halloween ride to a Christmas or a summer ride at the fl ick of a switch. “This system enables clients to work within their own client demographic according to their audience on the day or to take advantage of special events without additional expense,” says Pauline Quayle, The Juice’s director. New branded fi lms available for next season’s rides will also be unveiled.

Alterface’s new dark ride can easily be rethemed and added to for greater longevity

Alterface

Alterface will be showcasing its com- react to the shooting. Lights and pact interactive dark ride concept, sounds reinforce the story. Retheming GameRide. It has four 3D screens in and new content can be easily added 3D and two interactive theming zones, to add to the longevity of the ride and which use exclusive solution, mix- improve the ROI. ing interactivity and video projection African Magic is the fi lm being mapping on the scenery. shown, which takes players on safari Life size interactive theming from through the jungle with exotic animals, the ride will be on display, with the a tribal village and the savannah, with real guns and real décor. During the a fi nal fi ght against ivory looters in an experience, props come to life and elephant cemetery. O Theming is changed by fl icking a switch

64 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 IAAPA Best New Product & Impact Award WWA Innovation Award

www.watertoys.com [email protected] 1 866 833 8580 | 905 649 5047 JOIN US AT IAAPA ! BOOTH # 3800

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 65 WATERPARKS Kathleen Whyman, managing editor, Attractions Management

SLIDING SCALE

SLIDES WITHIN SLIDES AND THE WORLD’S LARGEST WATERSLIDE

ARE AMONG THE LATEST RIDES MAKING A SPLASH

Humungaslide is a high speed coaster

Cartoon Network Amazone completes Humungaslide

Cartoon Network Amazone – Thailand’s first internationally branded waterpark – is on track to open in the first half of 2014 with the completion of Humungaslide in September. The high-speed water coaster is based on the popular Ben 10 Aquaventure has ‘slides within slides’ alien, Humungousaur and is part of The Omniverse, one of 10 themed zones at Cartoon Network Amazone, each offering an array of water coasters. WhiteWater provides world’s largest waterslide to Dubai Riders in two rafts race each other in circular slides, speeding through twists and turns before being dropped 8m Atlantis The Palm, the Aquaventure At Aquaventure, six-person rafts (26ft) into the clutches of Humungousaur. Waterpark in Dubai expanded its offer plunge riders into the dark, serpentine The Omniverse zone has six high-speed in September with the addition of a depths of the tunnel raft ride to expe- water coasters, as high as 23m (75ft). six-waterslide complex. With a 40m rience twists and turns with intense The world’s first Cartoon Network (131ft) tower, the complex features vertical banking to 4.6m (15ft) and waterpark spans 35 rai (14 acres) and is a number of world firsts including speeds of up to 35kph. located in coastal Bang Saray, Thailand. two AquaTubes™, which fly through The ride is 23m (75ft)-high and Liakat Dhanji, chair and CEO of Amazon the world’s largest 9m (30ft)-diame- 182m (597)-long and is available as a Falls Co Ltd, the developer of the water- ter waterslide – the Anaconda™. It’s three-, four- or six-person raft ride. It’s park, says: “Cartoon Network is the hailed as the first dual suspended designed to be easily combined with number one kids’ channel in Asia Pacific. body slides within a slide experience WhiteWater’s other attractions for a Fans are going to get to experience all its (called flume-thru-flume technology). larger experience. incredible series and characters in ways they never dreamed.”

66 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Kongo Expedition takes in ﬂ ooded caves, tropical villages and waterfalls

Called Kwai River, it takes the theming from the iconic World War Two film Bridge Over the River Kwai, starring Alec Guinness, and each of the boats is named after a character from the film

Interlink’s super fl ume Calypso opens goes to Finland African river adventure Interlink’s super fl ume log fl ume ride opened at PowerPark in Härmä, Finland in Billed as Canada’s largest water- July. Called Kwai River, it takes its them- park, Calypso Theme Waterpark ing from the iconic World War Two fi lm has opened a new CA$7m (£4.3m, Bridge Over the River Kwai, starring Alec €5.1m, US$6.8m) attraction called Guinness, and each of the boats/logs is Kongo Expedition. The river ride named after a character from the fi lm. is 400m (1,312 ft)-long and takes The super fl ume features two lifts and 15 minutes to complete. It includes two drops, one of 7m (23ft) and another fl ooded caves, tropical villages, of 14m (46ft), with an overall circuit waterfalls and a family wavepool length of 400m (1,300ft). The ride has and splash zone. Created in-house, nine, six-seater boats, providing an hourly Kongo Expedition is Calypso’s fi rst capacity of 600 passengers and a themed lazyriver with inner tubes. station building with a 12m (39ft)-long Calypso opened in 2010 at a cost section for loading and unloading. of more than C$50m (£31m, €36m, The ride is situated in a new area of The fl ume handles 600 riders per hour US$48m), east of the capital city, the park and has been integrated into Ottawa. The park covers 100 acres an existing bridge structure, hence the (40 hectares) and has more than theming, something that provided an used throughout the ride and an existing 35 waterslides, 100 water games additional challenge to the Interlink bridge structure is both a major theming and the country’s largest wave pool. design team. The soundtrack from the backdrop and the access to a new Thai Bridge Over the River Kwai movie is restaurant at the park.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 67 WATERPARKS

Zamperla updates the tea cup ride

Watermania is one of the latest additions to Zamperla’s product range. It takes the form of a duelling tea cup ride on water with a standard confi guration of six, four- seater cups providing a total capacity of 24 passengers and a theoretical hourly capacity of 480. Each rider is seated in front of a water blaster, which allows them to shoot water at fellow riders. As the whole ride rotates around a central axis, each cup also rotates, alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise, making the ‘bat- Each rider sits in front of a tle’ between the cups more fun. Loading water gun so they can aim and unloading of the cups is carried out at riders in other tea cups from outside the pool thanks to a control system that ensures the ride stops in the same position after each ride. As well as the standard format, ride is very compact, with the diameter of Coney Island in New York, USA and the Watermania’s also available in a double the single version, including surrounding fi rst single model opened at Splashdown confi guration – two standard rides next to fencing, being 13m (42.6ft) while the dou- Beach in Fishkill, also in New York. each other – offering a total of 48 seats ble version is 25m x 13m (82ft x 42.5ft). Two more single models are bound for and an hourly capacity of 960 riders. The A double version opened this year at Turkey and Indonesia in the near future.

Watermania takes the form of a duelling tea cup ride on water. As the ride rotates, each cup also rotates alternately clockwise and anti-clockwise, making the ‘battle’ between the cups more fun

The Typhoon Tunnel is for thrill seekers

Arihant launches thrilling slide rides

Visitors to Portugal’s Aqualand can now enjoy Arihant’s new Typhoon Tunnel and Open Float Slide. Aimed at adrenalin seekers, riders sit either alone or in pairs on an infl ated tube or fl oat. The 54in (137cm) width of the tunnel Empex’s water toys for under-12s offer the themes of tropical, circus and pirates ensures a thrilling sway as they speed round the turns. Child’s play from Empex Aquacircus is an interactive circus of The Typhoon Tunnel is 15.8m water events, water toys and climb and (52ft)-high, 113m (371ft)–long and Empex Watertoys’ series of water toys slide play features. Aquapirata is a pirate carries around 590 people per hour. for under-12s now includes Aquatropica, themed climb and slide play structure The fl oat slide is 17.4m (57ft)-high, Aquacircus, Aquapirata and Aquaracers. and Aquaracers are a series of interactive 189m (620ft)-long and has the Aquatropica is tropical themed, with racing cars, placed on a racecourse, with capacity for 480 people per hour. O palm leaves, fl owers, birds and animals. race themed water toys.

68 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 AIR RACE t .it .it a.it rla perl mpemp zam @za a@z rla@ erla per m mp a za l: z ail: mai

WATERMANIA -m e-m e 0 00 00 40 4 8 98 998 4 99 44 44 444 0444 998400 e-mail: [email protected] 0 044 9 39 39 +39 : + e: ne: +39 ne: +39 one hon Pho Ph y aly aly taly Ita - I z za za - Italy Pho za - za n en cen Vic V Vicen a pa Spa

S Spa a la erla per mpe amp Z Zam Za o nio oni nto Antonio Zamperla Antonio Ant An A

MOTOCOASTER

AM 3 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 www.zamperla.comRead Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 21

3D/4D/5D Kathleen Whyman, managing director, Attractions Management SHARED VISION

Dinosaurs, dragons and a trip beneath the ocean are among the exciting 4D offers new to the market

Triotech’s interactive dark ride design explores underwater world

Triotech is designing and manufacturing an interactive dark ride for Wondermountain’s Dragon at Canada’s Wonderland. Featuring 200m (656ft) of interactive wall, the project will combine a rollercoaster with an interactive dark ride and will begin outside the park’s iconic mountain, then travel under the mountain. Effects will include wind, light, movement and real-time interactivity. Triotech has also scripted, developed and produced 3D movie Mystery Visitors go back in time and then fast forward to the future and use lasers to ﬁnd artefacts Shipwreck for its interactive cinema. Visitors go back in time and navigate artefacts with laser pointers. Using a For institutions with an educational a 19th century vessel that sinks in a remotely operated vehicle, they also mission, the ﬁve interactive chapters storm. Forwarding to present day, visitors experience marine life as the submarine each have an informative element and a explore the shipwreck and expose ancient navigates toward the sunken vessel. fun dimension, with individual scoring.

Electrosonic helps cultural centre make digital switchover

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Imax theatre, which was more than 20 MDI 40x74ft (12x23m) projection screen. Laie, Hawaii, celebrated its 50th anni- years old, and offers an enhanced guest “Converting to digital 4K projection versary with an upgrade of its theatre, experience both inside and out. offers numerous advantages over the which now features AV support from Electrosonic installed a new digital AV former Imax 15/70 film system,” says Electrosonic. A new digital 4D theatre system, including a Christie 4K projector, Electrosonic project manager Guy Fronte. replaces the centre’s aging film-based 7thSense 4K media server and Strong/ “The cost of maintaining the film-based system – the price of lamps for the 15,000-watt projector, the maintenance agreement and fees for shipping and replacing films – was significant. The Christie digital system is economical and efficient. It has no significant operational costs other than lamp replacement and doesn’t require a projectionist.” Electrosonic also provided a new 7.1 surround sound system (five screen speakers, two theatrical subwoofers and 11 surround speakers) featuring JBL Cinema Series speakers and QSC amplifi- ers. An assistive-listening headset system allows simultaneous playback of the sig- The centre’s new easy-to-operate digital screen replaces a 20-year-old IMAX screen nature film’s narration in eight languages.

72 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 The animation aims to reﬂect accepted scientiﬁc data on dinosaur behaviour

Red Star brings dinosaurs back to life in 3D and 4D

The Lost World is Red Star’s latest 3D/4D During the 11-minute film, audiences The film is for theme parks, museums production and is distributed exclusively feel velociraptors rush past their feet, and science centres. Red Star’s creative by nWave Pictures Distribution. a T-Rex’s powerful breath as it roars in director Ben Smith says: “The main In the film, stressed businessman Bob their face and the earth shake under a challenge was depicting the dinosaurs heads to a remote island to get away braciosaurus’ colossal feet and feel. The realistically. Although this is an animated from it all. Little does he know, the island 3D element creates the illusion that the film, we knew that institutional venues isn’t quite as deserted as he thought dinosaurs are coming out of the screen would want a film that shows dinosaurs and crazy adventurer Professor Lizzie while 4D effects include water splashes, in a scientifically accurate light. We’ve is the least of his worries – the island is vibration, wind blasts, seat drop, lighting, based their appearance and behaviour on populated by prehistoric dinosaurs. leg tickle and 5D motion cues. what’s considered scientifically correct.”

Holovis creates fully immersive dome at India’s ﬁrst theme park

Holovis worked with Adlabs Imagica, India’s ﬁrst theme park, to create a transformative sensory experience for the cinematic show Prince of the Dark Waters. This is an animated love story designed by 3D animation and visual The dome is a 24m, fully hemispheric structure, delivering an all-round sensory experience effects specialist Prana Studios, set in a hemispheric dome that fully immerses to draw the audience into the storyline ist camera-based auto-alignment and the audience in the 360° projection and before they engage with the visual spec- dome calibration technology is perma- surround audio and brings the characters tacular that waits inside. nently installed into the dome theatre to life through compelling story telling. Once inside, the audience is immersed to generate the required geometric Holovis designed and installed a turn- in the story which takes them on a virtual distortion, blending and colour matching, key dome solution for the experience dive into the ocean. Mermaids and under- all applied in real-time from the playback – the country’s ﬁrst full dome system with sea creatures surround them from all server cluster for a seamless 360° image. a 24m (79ft) fully hemispheric structure. sides on the 3,100sq ft (288sq m) screen. The experience uses a specially Before entering the dome solution, This effect is created using six designed Holovis 5.1 dome and surround visitors watch a pre-show animation precision placed Christie DS+10k audio solution with special acoustic treat- displayed on a projection screen that projectors using the Holovis Optirig ment applied to the dome’s cylindrical features comic-book style animation projector alignment systems. A special- wall to ensure immersive surround sound.

Trans-force’s aqua ride takes visitors on a glass-bottomed journey

Using professional aircraft and helicop- the 16-seat vessel uses images projected Aquarius is equipped with joysticks for ter simulator technology, Trans-force’s onto a 210° spherical screen to show visitors to control the craft and its weap- Aquarius takes visitors on a wrap-around what’s happening in front and below. ons with, take photos and answer quiz visual experience in a Glass Bottom As well as a 3D stereo visualisation questions. Trans-Force also offers a full Ship. Similar to a transparent cockpit, and a vibration system beneath the seats, library of educational programmes.

Vuitnow app transforms within which it can overlay historical GPS technology is embedded in the app visitor experience with information, voiceovers and layers of so visitors can pinpoint where they are data, such as existing site versus how it layered effects would have looked in any given period. GPS technology is embedded in the app, This technology can be used to support so at any point visitors can ask “Where Using a 3D tool called Vuitnow, Wagstaffs the on-site visitor experience, whether am I?” and plan a route around the exhibi- Design has developed experiential apps scanning a piece of furniture to offer fur- tion and fi nd the nearest café or facilities. which have the potential to transform the ther information about a specifi c piece, Wagstaffs has started building apps to visitor experience. or a virtual tour of a entire attraction, support heritage sites, the fi rst being for The company can create a realistic surpassing the traditional audio tour with Lake Innes in New South Wales on behalf environment of any building or site, something befi tting this digital age. of the Australian Government. O

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Does an attraction need a well known brand to entice visitors in or is there still room for originality? Christian Lachel offers some advice

e’re seeing it more and and all of it was crafted to align with the to the guest. Story world IP has a strong more in the press and ambitious thematic storytelling of his and dedicated fan base while appealing trade papers: Disney buys still-magical park. Disneyland was, liter- to all visitors. Mega IPs include Star Wars, Lucasﬁlms (Star Wars) for ally, Disney’s Land. Harry Potter, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, W a record US$4bn (€3bn, But Disney is Disney, right? The great Star Trek and Avatar. £2.5bn); new movie-based exception? No. Most of the world’s most These IPs will be animating the public theme park announced in Dubai; Hello successful attractions launched and suc- imagination for decades to come. But you Kitty expands overseas with new park in ceeded without buying outside IPs – they can’t afford them. Instead, studio licens- mainland China. created their own. Just look at Universal, ing execs are offering park owners lesser What’s all the buzz about? Why is there Merlin, Knott’s Berry Farm, Europa- movie or character based properties. an ever-growing uptick of parks and Park, Alton Towers, Everland, Puy du Fou, These are less compelling and could well attractions leveraging existing intellectual Ocean Park, Liseberg, Eftling and Ripley’s be forgotten a few years from now. And property (IP)? Is this a good strategy? (It Believe It or Not. they can still be pretty expensive. may have something to do with the suc- So what is the mid-sized or smaller When calculating the value of an IP, cess of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, start-up attraction to do? What do you do focus on its future value, not its current which has caffeinated the Orlando if you have an existing park that needs value. Make sure the projected life of Park and will soon be drawing fans in refreshment? Sometimes IP is the right the IP matches the projected economic Hollywood and Osaka, Japan.) answer, sometimes not. Here are some life of the investment. Real estate and So, how do you judge the value of principles to help clarify your thinking. IPs sometimes amortise at very different licensing known IP versus generating rates. Story world IPs have longevity and something original? Conventional wis- The only IP worth buying is the make sense. Others may not. dom is that IP gives you bang for your one you probably can’t afford. buck. You’re able to leverage someone The IP you really want is the one priced Nostalgic characters can create else’s brand or “an established creative beyond your reach because it encom- powerful emotional connections. product”, to draw customers to your passes a vast universe of connected Nostalgia is a powerful tool that connects attraction. But does it work for everyone? stories, settings and characters. We call older generations to newer ones. Certain When Disneyland opened in July 1955 this story world IP. This kind of IP has the IPs can have this affect. Nickelodeon, it featured a lot of IP, but it all belonged depth, breadth and narrative ambition Thomas the Tank Engine, Sesame Street, to, and had been created by, Walt Disney to offer an ever-expanding story world Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty span genera-

76 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Harry Potter is an evergreen IP – his appeal will last for generations to come

With three more BANKERS, BACKERS AND INVESTORS MAY BE Avatar ﬁlms to come, Disney’s REASSURED BY THE INVOLVEMENT OF A WELL-KNOWN Avatarland is a good IP investment IP AND BE MORE LIKELY TO LOAN OR INVEST

tions. Often the shows are still playing in the tv show, but will this translate to your The other problem is in the overall the market. The parents remember the park? How can you invite your guests investment calculation. In some cases, joy they had with the brand, as their kids to become participants in your story? the licensing costs of the IP offset the discover it for themselves. Guests have entered your ‘world’. Who do gains made in admission price, attend- What’s the key? The best nostalgic they want to be? What IP approach best ance and additional spend in the park. and popular character-based IPs have delivers on these needs and wants? But it might not give you the gains you an engine of transmedia marketing sup- were hoping for – does the licensing cost port, which ensures the IP stays relevant Beat the Clock balance with the upside? and new. This includes a network of new Our experience is that licensing an inter- It’s way too easy to fall into the “Logo media offerings, advertising, events and national IP can have a positive impact, and Paint” approach – freshening an old attractions. If you can afford these types similar to installing a new iron ride. Even attraction with a bright new IP logo and of IP, they may be worth the investment. if unrelated to the over-all brand of your some paint. More often than not, the park, a good international IP will most short term gains you make are off-set by There’s a difference between likely give you a one- to two-year attend- the licensing costs. Once the initial bump an IP and an attraction. ance bump and some additional revenues wears off, you’re stuck with the fees with- The license only gives you an IP (char- based on promotional value and newness. out the added impact. Always default acters, a title, a logo, a story). Who will Conventional IP also bolsters banking back to the most important question you turn that IP into an attraction, a ride or a credibility. Bankers, backers and inves- can ask: Does this help me create the show? What will that cost? Compare the tors often don’t trust their ability to story world I imagined for my visitors? costs, tasks and risks of the investment judge an un-built and un-produced crea- with other alternatives, such as develop- tive idea. They may be reassured by the What makes my attraction special? ing something that you’ll own outright. involvement of a well-known international The long-term play for park owners and IP and, therefore, be more likely to loan developers is acquiring or creating con- The most valuable walk-around or invest in your park. tent that distinguishes your park from character in your park is your guest. The problem is that when you go down others. The ultimate purpose of original Will the IP in question allow guests to this path, you mount a treadmill with no content is to transform your park into its enter a special world they love to be in? off switch. You’ve got to keep generating own story world. Examples of this are: The IP may have created extraordinary new IP-based attractions every year or Puy du Fou – France’s second-most-vis- narrative experiences in the movie or on two to appeal to ﬁckle customers. ited theme park is a series of astonishing

(Left) Legoland didn’t just create its own IP –Legoland is the IP; (right) Hello Kitty is a perfect ﬁt for Malaysia and China

action-packed shows featuring What makes this a smart hundreds of actors, horsemen, WHEN YOU ADVERTISE, WILL YOU move is that filmmaker James swordsmen and volunteers. Cameron – modern master of Everything about this park is BE PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS the story world blockbuster original, from the ambition of its film – has committed to Avatar creators to the program to the OF SOMETHING YOU OWN OR 2, Avatar 3, and Avatar 4. These content and production of the films will deepen and broaden See AM Q1 shows themselves. ( SOMETHING SOMEONE ELSE OWNS? the story world and create new 12 for a review of the park.) opportunities for guests to enter Europa-Park – the largest this enchanted world. theme park in Germany and the second “Bugs Bunny didn’t become famous by largest park in Europe, after Disneyland trying to be like Mickey Mouse.” Be relevant to the local culture. Paris. Europa-Park has 100 attractions Ask yourself: To build my brand, what If you’re going to license IP, pay atten- and shows, with 11 roller coasters and story does my attraction want to tell? tion to your local culture. Ocean Park is 13 European themed areas – and not Does this IP make my park’s IP stronger in Hong Kong where the locals like squid a single conventional IP. Everything at or more confused? What helps me tell legs. So Ocean Park serves squid legs this very successful park is unique to my story? Does this support the special and their guests love them for it. Europa-Park. However, that’s changing. In identity of my park and deepen its narra- Serving the local culture could mean the hope of reaching the French market, tive values? selecting an international IP that the Europa-Park’s creating an indoor themed Eftling, Puy du Fou, Ocean Park, and local culture loves. For example, Captain area inspired by the universe of Arthur others create original content and prove America wouldn’t make sense in and the Invisibles from famous French that this is the wisest long-term invest- Malaysia, but Hello Kitty does. filmmaker Luc Besson. This looks like ment, if done right. Original content is Or, to serve the local culture, you might a story world attraction that aligns with evergreen. Each piece supports and com- want to “go local.” Instead of interna- Europa-Park’s themes. plements the other pieces. tional IPs, look at the local IPs that Legoland – yes, a strong IP, but they audiences already love. They might be have it and no one else can get it. Make sure it has legs. inexpensive to acquire and have more Another way of approaching the same What’s the commitment of the studio or relevancy with your target audience and idea is to ask: when you advertise your brand toward the IP you’re considering? market. Or they might be in the public new attraction, will you be promoting Is there a second, third or fourth film in domain and yours for the taking. Use public awareness of something you own the works? Is there a transmedia world of the IP money you save to create a really or something someone else owns? marketing and air-time supporting it? great attraction. Look for IP that has significant support Who are we? from the studio or brand and continues to What’s old, is new again. Does this IP make you more like your- have relevancy in your market. If there’s Henry David Thoreau famously said, self? Or more like everyone else? no support, no relevancy or if the IP is “Don’t tell me what is new. Tell me what You really want to make your brand tired, then it’s probably best to skip this is never old.” The BBC’s reinvented stronger by adding attractions that approach and find or create something Sherlock Holmes for the 21st century, deeply resonate with, and build on, who else that does. even as Robert Downey Jr was re- you are and what’s unique about you. Disney’s about to create an Avatar inventing him as a 19th century action In the words of film director Brad Bird: Land inside its Animal Kingdom Park. hero. The theatrical producing company

78 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Puy du Fou in France created its own IP with a series of action shows involving hundreds of actors, horsemen and volunteers

PunchDrunk reinvented Shakespeare’s – courageous, daring, smart, loyal, impet- Macbeth as an immersive, site-speciﬁc, uous, vulnerable and, ultimately, powerful. interactive work of theatre. The presenta- And they must be powerful enough tion method is innovative, but the story to defeat the forces of evil and death, works because of Shakespeare’s explo- just like those evergreen heroes Luke ration of evergreen narrative themes Skywalker, Harry Potter and Spiderman. – good versus evil, how the lust for power corrupts the soul and the role of fate in Final Thought

the human adventure. FLICKR/MICHAEL MCDONOUGH PHOTO: Steve Jobs refused to do market The best IPs are great, soul-stirring research for Apple products. He said: stories. Les Miserables was published Squid legs are a favourite snack in “People don’t know what they want until 151 years ago and just recently produced Hong Kong, so Ocean Park made you show it to them.” a smash Broadway musical and movie sure to include them on the menu One of the main benefits of IP is also blockbuster. Your next IP may be someone of its drawbacks – it’s a known thing just waiting for you and hiding in quantity that can be market tested. This plain sight. And – like Les Miserables – it scores of fans. This is the perfect defini- means that there’s no surprise, no delight might not cost you a penny. tion of a successful theme park. So, if you and no shock of the new. want to generate original content for your Story worlds are unique IP that can Dare to be original. park and turn it into a story world, begin provide surprise and delight because of “Millions of men have lived to fight, build by asking the kinds of questions that their deep, rich mythology – but only the palaces and boundaries, shape destinies these tried-and-tested creators ask: Disneys and Universals of the world can and societies; but the compelling force of afford the hundreds of millions of dollars all times has been the force of original- What are the core narrative it takes to license them. ity and creation profoundly affecting the values of your park? The answer for everyone else – Eftling, roots of human spirit.” Disneyland is a place where you leave Puy du Fou, Europa-Park, Ocean Park, Ansel Adams said this. Believe it. Your the common world behind and enter a probably your park – is to create original park is a story world. Your guests are rich world of fantasy and imagination. content without external IP. The great adventurers. The biggest wow you can Knott’s Berry Farm is a place where original content parks prove that this is give them is a memorable, original, life- families create memories by having the wisest long-term investment, if done affirming journey. story-based experiences (including hav- right. Original content is evergreen. Each At BRC, we’ve studied the great mod- ing a chicken dinner) together. piece supports and complements the ern creators of rich, dynamic, electrifying At Puy du Fou, the people of France other pieces. Piece by piece, you build a story worlds – George Lucas, James celebrate their heritage as warriors, story world your guests will love. O Cameron, Walt Disney, JK Rowling, Hayao adventurers and explorers. Miyazaki, the Pixar folks, Jim Henson, Eftling is an enchanted place where Christian Lachel Steven Spielberg, Gene Roddenberry and guests can live fairy tale adventures. Vice president and senior Stan Lee and his compatriots at Marvel. creative director, BRC What do they all have in common? Guests have entered your world. Imagination Arts They each create a deep, rich, wondrous Who do they want to be? [email protected] story world based on the hopes, fears Look again at that list of heroic values +1 818.841.8084 and beloved wishes and dreams of their for icons of modern mythical storytelling www.brcweb.com

Hobs Pit is a dark ride themed on a scary mine and has a 12A certiﬁcate SIMULATE TOTE STIMULA ROMANCE, THRILLS, FLYING, SPACE EXPLORATION AND DAVID BOWIE ARE AMONG THE SUBJECTS INSPIRING AV AND MULTIMEDIA INSTALLATIONS

Julie Cramer, journalist

HOBS PIT

Digital media distributor Pixels has recently adapted 12 BrightSign solid state digital signage players at the Hobs Pit theme park ride at Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, UK. The players are designed to control the special effects as well as play back HD video. The Hobs Pit attraction, which was created by award-winning illusionist Sean Alexander with the help of Hollywood Using BrightScript, Pixels programmed special effects artist Rob Ostir, was Hobs Pit was created by illusionist the BrightSign players to replay HD video launched this summer and transports Sean Alexander and uses holographs in response to triggers from sensors in visitors to a scary, abandoned mine. and other effects to scare visitors the ride, and to control pneumatic valves It combines a dark ride and walk and rams, lighting and motors for the spe- through section with a host of visual and cial effects. Control was achieved through voice effects matched to scenes in HD on ence relies on split-second co-ordination. the GPIO port on the players, avoiding the LCD screens, as well as holograms and Each effect has to happen at exactly the need for expensive control systems. physical effects like rattling doors, clos- right moment, and when it starts, the The £500,000 ride, one of only two in ing hatches and moving corpses. video playback, holographic projection the UK rated 12A by the British Board Sean Alexander says: “Making an and physical effects need to be totally in of Film Classiﬁcation, is part of a £3.5m attraction like this work for the audi- synch – otherwise the impact is lost.” investment by owners, Looping Group.

80 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 EXHIBITION DESIGN EVENT COMMUNICATIONS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FOLLET FRANK BY PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNICATIONS, EVENT EXHIBITION DESIGN

Urbanisation and Climate URBAN FUTURES change, the films (all commis- The Urban Futures sioned by Event) blend still exhibit covers 10 zones, images, film clips, graphics, with some unique The multimedia Urban Futures activities and areas of interest sound and lighting to create multimedia visitor exhibit at Siemens’ Crystal saved. They can then access an experience that balances experiences in each visitor attraction (see Leisure a record of their experi- drama and statistics. After Management Q1 13, p62) in ments in the Future Life zone this, visitors can wander London’s Docklands was con- at end of the experience. round the exhibit in any order. role of a person checking ID ceived and delivered by Event The journey starts with a Understanding Cities is a badges against live faces, to Communications, with hard- powerful multimedia dis- bespoke interactive exhibit see if their facial recogni- ware installed by Electrosonic. play in a glowing, egg-like based on real data used tion can better a computer. The exhibition, which is structure on the mezzanine, by city managers at New One of the most exciting dedicated to urban sustain- entitled Forces of Change. York’s Regional Planning elements of the exhibition is ability, uses interactive media Inside the egg, visitors Authority (RPA). It uses real the Tesla coil, which encour- in 10 zones to challenge experience an immersive time information and snap- ages visitors to think about and reinvent the way peo- image and sound environ- shot monitoring to paint a energy supply by matching ple think about city living. ment that appears to hang picture of how cities work. their physical movements Visitors receive a Crystal in space, with images float- In the safe and sound zone, to electricity demand. When key RFID card at reception ing on the walls and floor. one of the most popular inter- demand is high, intense phys- that enables them to ‘log in’ Under the themes of actives is the Access Control ical movement is required to displays and have their Demographic Change, test, putting visitors in the to trigger the Tesla coil.

EMIRATES AVIATION EXPERIENCE

As specialists in interactive technologies for branded envi- The Emirates attraction ronments, Engage Production covers a 300 sq m site has created some cutting- in Greenwich, and is edge digital installations said to be the first of for the Emirates Aviation its kind in the world Experience in London. The company was commis- sioned by projects managers, ware and provided the camera The Pulse Group, to design an and boom for the Airbus aircraft turnaround simulation A380 nose cone attraction, game and head-up the crea- where visitors can take a pho- tive direction and coding of tograph of themselves sitting the finished simulation. in the cockpit. account, depending on the thrust, lift and air pressure The game is played on three Each user wears an RFID user’s preference. affect flight. 42in multi-touch displays tag and taps this on the Other software written by Engage also provided a (MultiTaction MT420 from reader to trigger the live pre- Engage is used in the flight holographic display (with MultiTouch Ltd), taking the view on the touch-screen. The attraction’s virtual wind content provided by a PC that user through all of the stages user then takes the photo- tunnel application, which drives a Samsung screen) to of an Airbus A380 turnaround. graph, which is subsequently demonstrates how influences vividly depict an Airbus A380 Engage also wrote the soft- sent to a Facebook or email such as airflow, weight, drag, in full flight.

AM 4 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 81 MULTIMEDIA AND AV ATLANTIS

Two major interactive display systems at the new Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction have been delivered by AV technology experts MultiTouch. The exhibit at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex in Florida, pays tribute to Atlantis, the last shuttle to enter space, and provides guests with more than 60 interactive touchscreen experiences and high-tech simula- The International Space Station wall tors. The $100m, 90,000 sq ft space is includes interactive 3D models, as designed to engage visitors with an out- well as live feeds from space of-this-world experience. The new International Space Station (ISS) wall is an interactive display wall their house, by entering their postcode. comprised of seven 55in MultiTaction MultiTaction Cells were also used in the Cells. To tell the ISS story, the wall Shuttle Transportation System Timeline, offers a look into the past and provides integrated into one tilted table that a real-time snapshot of the present. The engages guests with fun facts and graph- wall includes interactive 3D models and ics about the 30-year shuttle program. shows the assembly process of the space The timeline features key dates and station, while animations depict a ‘day in milestones, mission highlights, ‘edge of the life’ of an ISS crew member. your seat’ moments, as well as facts on Visitors can also experience scientiﬁ c the crews, expeditions, payloads, space- experiments and expeditions, receive walks, experiments, launches, landings live feeds from space and ﬁ nd out when and astronomy. The system is designed the space station will be passing over to handle hundreds of concurrent visitors.

MEET US PROLIGHT+SOUND LDI SHOW AT THESE SHANGHAI LAS VEGAS

SHOWS82 Read Attractions ManagementHALL:W5, online attractionsmanagement.com/digital BOOTH:B32 BOOTH:1751AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 DAVID BOWIE IS

The ‘David Bowie is’ multimedia exhibi- dressed in costumes from the archive tion that featured at The Victoria and Around 300 objects from the David and showed footage of the artist’s live Albert museum, London, earlier this Bowie archive were displayed using performances, recreating the impact of year drew on 300 objects from the art- high-tech, multimedia techniques the musician throughout his career. ist’s archive, and was one of the most Watchout™ was also used to show vari- successful and complex shows to have ous performances of Bowie’s 1977 song featured at the UK museum. Watchout™ software enables the orches- Heroes in retroﬁ tted displays. Systems Dataton’s award-winning Watchout™ tration of stills, animations, graphics, integrator, Sysco AV, conﬁ gured the technology was used to power the multi- video, sound and live feeds across multi- museum’s existing inventory of technol- image display and presentation software ple display areas. Technology is scalable ogy for ‘David Bowie is’. in two areas of the galleries, including a and available on the Windows platform. The exhibition is now touring interna- 7m (23ft)-high video wall display and tv For ‘David Bowie is’, video projec- tionally and started at the Art Gallery of displays throughout the exhibition. The tions were juxtaposed with mannequins Ontario, Canada in September 2013. Image courtesy [email protected]

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS EXPONATEC RUSSIA COLOGNE BOOTH:301AM 2 2013 ©cybertrek 2013 ReadBOOTH:CO61 Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital 83 LIGHTING AND SOUND PHOTOS: STUDIO KLV

ROMANTICUM

Romanticum, which opened in June in Iosono’s audio processor renders play- Koblenz, is a new visitor experience for The exhibition, designed by studio klv, back for the 64 speakers used in the Germany’s Rhine Valley. Visitors can uses the latest sound technology to exhibition. All rooms are equipped with embark on a journey through the region’s recreate the Rhine experience hidden ceiling speakers, guaranteeing a history, culture and arts, with the state- realistic sound experience. of-the-art technology supplied by Iosono “The challenge was to create a spatial 3D bringing tales of the river and legends Next to the video displays and interac- and emotional sound concept that goes to life. tive touchpoints, the visitor experience is hand in hand with the visual information The exhibition covers 800sq m rounded off by a special sound concept the visitors are taking in. With Iosono’s (8,600sq ft) and is divided into sev- created by scenographers Taucher Sound audio processing and positioning tech- eral areas, letting visitors enjoy a virtual Environments. The goal was to recreate nology we were able to create a detailed voyage by ship, explore the deck of a the environment of a romantic boat trip – and authentic sound space,” says Aleesa steamboat and experience the salon and with seagulls crying, church bells ringing Savtchenko, creative director and CEO of the storage rooms. or a sudden cloudburst on deck. Taucher Sound Environments.

THE REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE

To mark its recent 10th anni- When the guide walks Group (which runs The Real versary as a visitor attraction, into the room they press a The new, atmospheric Mary King’s Close attraction), The Real Mary King’s Close in hidden switch, and after a installation brings Mary Richard Briggs, says: “We’d Edinburgh introduced a new timed delay their guided King to life for the ﬁrst already been using BrightSign interactive AV exhibit into its tour is ‘interrupted’ by the time at the Close media players for an exhibit collection earlier this year. talking paintings. These paint- at our chocolate attraction in When visitors now walk into ings comprise three white York [York’s Chocolate Story], the Gallery Room, the static canvasses and three Gobo The show reel is on a loop so we knew what good work- paintings that once hung on projectors. They display an and once it plays through horses they were and how the walls have been magi- authentic static image of each character’s piece, it easy they were for the staff cally brought to life, thanks three character portraits until reverts back to the static at the attractions to use. For to BrightSign media play- the switch is activated, and projection of the characters, relatively little cost, we’ve ers installed by Saville Audio then the characters start to ready to be triggered again. been able to create a new and Visual, as well as creative interact with each other in an Head of technical devel- exciting attraction using this input from Heehaw Digital. audiovisual sequence. opment for the Continuum simple technology.” O

84 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 Senior Manager European Operations The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), www.IAAPA.org, is seeking a Sr. Manager, European Operations. Ticketing and access control systems The Sr. Manager, European Operations will have overall responsibility for IAAPA Europe brand and membership marketing for acquire new and retain existing members. The Sr. Manager will be responsible for the many products and services provided to members in Europe, including but not limited to the educational program at Euro Attractions Show (EAS) and other smaller regional events, webinars, as well as the communication vehicles promoting IAAPA and IAAPA Europe. The Sr. Manager will also be responsible for other EAS activities including registration, seminar planning and overall support. On-site venue management Increase distribution options The successful candidate will need to travel in Europe and solutions with overview sell more tickets should be profi cient in English and other European languages. Decrease wait time User friendly point- The IAAPA Europe offi ce is located in Brussels, Belgium so the promote client satisfaction successful candidate must be a European citizen, have the right of sale stations Automate sales and fulfi lment to work within the EU, and have 5-7 years of work experience Built-in marketing tools at a management level in marketing or business management. reduce labour expenses Experience within the attractions industry is preferred. Comprehensive event Implement marketing campaigns Interested candidates can submit their cover letter, CV, and management domestic & international markets salary requirements to: Susan Mosedale, Executive Vice Automated, reliable access Expand pre-sales opportunities President, IAAPA, [email protected]. control & parking solutions enjoy shorter on-site ticket lines Questions about the position should be directed to Susan Mosedale, Executive Vice President, IAAPA, +1 703-836-4800 ext. 766 (United States) or Karen Staley, www.omniticket.com VP, European Operations, +32 2 609 54 45 (Belgium) Closing Date for Applications: November 25, 2013 ITALY SINGAPORE UK USA

Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park, Alberta Canada

Raining magic into museums across the world Experience the thrills and chills of DJ Willrich Ltd’s latest installation at Fort Edmonton Park in Canada. Featuring snow, ice and the latest in audio visual technology, it tells the story of Edmonton through the ages in a way that captures the imagination and awakens the senses.

DJ WILLRICH LTD Beufre Farm Bucklers Hard Road Beaulieu Hampshire SO42 7XA T: 44 (0) 1590 612603 E: [email protected] W: www.djwillrich.co.uk

TICKETING ENTRY POINTS

Understand your customers better, encourage repeat business and increase visitor spend. The ticketing experts explain how their systems can help achieve this

Kath Hudson, journalist

Andy Povey Gateway UK Operations director

“If I had to give you two headlines for the ticketing industry, I’d say the mobile has killed the kiosk and CRM, which can give marketing teams access to the information captured by the ticketing systems. The buzz in the industry at the moment is about mobile sites. We launched our mobile webstore two years ago and now have 17 customers signed up, 10 of which are live. Mobile sites have so many advantages over kiosks – operators don’t have to buy hardware to sit outside an attraction, which improves the aesthetics and is New ticketing and CRM systems allow operators to market to visitors prior to arrival more cost effective. Feedback from the Harry Potter Studio Tour shows that people are Peter Ferguson In response to this, we’re building booking during the evenings, using Gamma Dataware the ability to capture demographic their iPads. This proves that this Managing director information at admission, with a technology is driving up admis- barcode on the ticket. This ticket is sions by providing a call to action “Our systems are devel- scanned each time the visitor spends and allowing a speedy purchase. oped by listening to clients money, which is a non-intrusive way Mobiles can be effectively used and potential clients. A of fi nding out who they are and what for loyalty schemes. It’s hard to large element of our their behaviour is. encourage people to keep their current focus is on driv- Attractions are also interested in ticket with them to scan in restau- ing up revenue and looking at how our loyalty schemes and fi nding ways rants and shops, but they always software can help attractions do that. of driving repeat business, either by have their mobile phone, so attrac- The key thing that we’ve been work- creating memberships or offering dis- tions can swipe a barcode to use ing on in the last 12 months is how to counts to incentivise people to return. to analyse customer behaviour. drive up visitor spend. We’ve done lots of work on our Our new product, hot off the Operators want to fi nd out what members’ CRM system, so we’re cap- press, is our CRM/ticketing system, areas visitors are spending in and turing more information than before Gateway Insight. We’re working profi ling visitors, for example to see and analysing it to allow better report- with Microsoft Dynamics, which if different nationalities have typi- ing for marketing teams. More sites allows anything the customer does cal spending habits. This information are catching onto the concept of fast on the system to be available on allows marketing departments to tar- tracking visitors by sending barcodes CRM. It’s to manage both data get campaigns, fi ne tune offers and to their mobile devices – and so mar- and customers and give marketing use the best channels to reach them. keting to them prior to their visit.” teams access to data in real time.”

More and more tickets are being purchased via mobile devices

Blenheim: Memberships are key

Andrew Mellor Vennersys Operations and development manager

“Membership systems are an area that David Goldman trend and allow attractions’ operators attractions operators Ideal Software Solutions to increase profi ts by targeting mobile are becoming increas- Founder and president customers. The E-Ticketing platform ingly interested in. In enables parks to offer customers a response to this, we’ve worked “Buying tickets through completely cashless experience via on a number of membership mobile devices and smart phone technology. issues: back offi ce membership focusing on customers’ The debit card and mobile-based wizard, which allows the immedi- purchasing habits in order Season Pass and E-Ticketing allow ate creation and printing of cards; to become more profi table park-goers to purchase season passes advanced membership creation at are two major trends currently evident and single-day tickets online or via point of sale, including photo cap- in the ticketing industry. smart phone and use either a print- ture and card printing; the ability Consumer purchases made by able ticket or a mobile ticket stored on for the consumer to upload a photo mobile devices topped $25bn in the a smart phone for access to the park. when buying membership online; US alone in 2012, and that number Customers can then add cash value and membership renewal online, will continue to grow each year. to their season passes and tickets via with the capability to prompt the We’ve created the Season Pass smart phone and use them to make customer to consider upgrading and E-Ticketing to tap into the mobile purchases at any POS in the park.” their membership. These developments were driven by client feedback, specifi cally Melinda Arvin screen to provide staff with the informa- Blenheim Palace, which migrated Omniticket Network tion needed to greet and assist guests. more than 300,000 annual pass Director sales & marketing We’re currently working with a theme members into its existing VENPoS park in Asia to integrate an RFID reader system at the start of the 2013 “Our latest innovation is and a magnetic reader into the ITT for season. Memberships can be the Interactive Turnstile the 2014 season. linked to promotions to encourage Transformer (ITT), which Another evolving area this year has additional secondary spend. we created to transform the been online, with a higher level of The system has been very effec- traditional turnstile into an interaction between theme parks and tive for Blenheim Palace, as its opportunity to engage guests, rather than guests. This begins with an online pres- membership system is a mission- an obstacle which guests need to get ence which allows the guest to design critical system. More than 120,000 through before the fun could begin. their visit before they’ve left home, with annual pass holders are recruited Building on our expertise in the mar- the creation of an online account which each year and, together with their ket, and with feedback from key clients, tracks ticket and purchases, reserves subsequent visits, they form more we designed a product which transforms events and suggests new activities. than half of the annual visits. almost any turnstile, counter or desktop This deeper online relationship can be The biggest issue in ticketing into an interactive access control solution. enhanced during the park visit, through at the moment, from an opera- The ITT can be customised, based on the use of a mobile app, which can allow tor’s point of view, is encouraging each park’s requirements and can contain visitors to update orders, add tickets and secondary spend and increasing a selection of components, including a shows, or fi nd useful information about spend per visitor. We’ll see further guest facing LCD touchscreen, an opera- wait times, rides or show times. adoption of mobile technologies tor facing LCD touchscreen, a 2D barcode After the visit, the guest can continue and M-commerce, with opera- scanner, a magnetic swipe reader, an their experience with a link to view online tors using mobile PoS or PDAs for RFID sensor and a biometric reader. photos from their trip, or an easy option queue busting or fast track entry. Dollywood installed the ITT this sea- to renew passes for their next visit. New The biggest consumer trend is son and selected a guest facing LCD parks, such as Wet’n’Wild Sydney, sched- using smartphones and tablets for screen to display its themed graphics, uled to open later this year, will use this advance purchases and interacting user-defi ned messages and a series of approach to enhance guest experiences with the attraction on site through animated, interactive welcome screens. and open up opportunities for the park to social media and apps.” The park also has an operator-facing build positive guest relationships.” O

88 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 THE AMUSEMENT & LEISURE SHOW

DON’T MISS IT! JANUARY 2014

Supported by 21-23 JANUARY 2014 ExCeL London Exhibition Centre www.eagexpo.com

scan me T: +44 (0)1582 767 254 E: [email protected]

Presented by B A C T A Representing the British Amusement Industry SHOW PREVIEW

Organiser Karen Cooke talks us through EAG 2014 and we preview some of the products visitors will be able to see

The Peppa Pig range has expanded KAREN COOKE Organiser, EAG International Kiddy Rides Kiddy Rides, a trading division of What is Northern Leisure Group, is a UK inde- EAG 2014? pendent manufacturer, operator and EAG International supplier of children’s coin operated is a trading and rides. At EAG, the company will be networking event showing a number of rides includ- for the amuse- ing its Peppa Pig range, which it’s ments and family increasing with a Peppa Pig carousel. leisure sectors. The new Transformers will debut Kiddy Rides is also launching a Held at ExCel in ride from its latest license, Poppy London on 21- 23 Cat, with interactive movement and January 2014, Sega Amusements lead characters from the book series buyers, operators and other profes- Making its blockbuster European and children’s TV show. All Kiddy sionals can experience the latest debut will be Sega’s Transformers Rides products are made in the UK. products and services from 180 com- Human Alliance, an action adven- panies. EAG 2013 welcomed 5,411 ture game which see’s players saving attendees from 59 countries and the world from the evil Decepticons we’re expecting even more next year. and will be available in 55in theatre Astrosystems Ltd and 42in deluxe cabinets. Visitors to Astrosystems Ltd is What’s new this year? Sega’s booth will get to play Plants the European/ We’ve just launched a redesigned vs Zombies™ The Last Stand, a UK regional website and EAGLive, an up-to- video redemption game offi ce of Astrosys the-minute information service based on the award- International Ltd, encompassing email bulletins and winning video game which special- a portal on our website to release Plants vs Zombies™. ises in the design, product information. EAGLive, pow- Sega’s prod- manufacture and ered by Coin-op Community, uses uct portfolio now distribution of cur- Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. also encompasses rency handling redemption, novelty, products, under What will people will pushers, cranes, sports the Microcoin The currency be talking about? games, vending, and Global machines suit Analysing the previous trading year shooting gal- Bill Acceptors varied markets and the prospects for 2014, the lat- leries, kiddie (GBA) brands. est product releases and government rides and 6D Both the Microcoin and GBA vali- fi scal and legislative policies. motion dators are well established products, Also, trends such as taxation, the theatres. with a strong presence in markets Triennial Review, and public and across the world. The versatility of private sector investment in coastal the solutions ensures a wide range towns will be covered in seminars of industries are supported, with the and through the trade associations Visitors can meet Sega’s zombies amusement sector perfectly suited and other meetings. to the multitude of benefi ts provided.

90 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 World of Rides World of Rides will be showcasing its new battery operated models. The coin-operated and pollution-free battery rides are designed to be reliable and proﬁ table and include parent and child twin seats. Customers include operators of seaside resorts, visitor attractions, holiday parks, piers, FECs, zoos, bowling alleys, play centres and farm parks. Cars have parent-child twin seats

Photobooth I-Go is highly portable

Digital Centre Photobooth developer Digital Centre will be showcasing its new Photobooth I-Go – the most portable in its range. The I-Go is divided in three parts allowing it to be Antrim Carpets use English wool transported in a standard vehicle. The screens and photo strips are customisable, making it perfect for Antrim different types of celebrations. Established in 1989, Antrim Carpets Digital Centre also offers a pho- designs, manufactures and installs tobooth with two printers to serve bespoke high grade Axminster car- 1,200 customers, two dollar bill peting specifi cally for the leisure acceptors, a credit card reader, and hospitality sector in the UK and Smartphone payment ability and the Northern Europe. Contracts man- highest technology in photobooths, ager Robbie Taylor says: “We have Kalkomat will unveil a new machine such as the QR-Photo Technology, our own in-house designers and our Secure Share, and social networks. carpets are woven on our own fully Kalkomat The company also has an interac- computerised looms to the custom- In operation in the amusement tive photo booth with the capacity to er’s exact requirements. We use only coin-op machines market since accommodate 50 people. English wool and produce in extra 1997, today Kalkomat offers a wide wide contract widths in fi ve qualities range of strength testers, especially to match varying traffi c levels. As boxing machines (15 models). The far as colours and designs are con- company focuses most on quality, PDS Design cerned, the choice is limited only by attractiveness of the games and ser- Solutions Limited the customer’s imagination.” vice. Kalkomat will be premiering an PDS Design Solutions Limited will entirely new machine at EAG 2014. be displaying its range of 12Vdc LED strip lights. Supplied on 5m reels, these can be cut to size with single colours with different brightness or Teddy Mountain RGB colour changing strips. These Teddy Mountain is a worldwide, wholesale product are popular for use within crane provider in the ‘Make your own teddy bear’ stuffi ng operated games, as the speed and industry. The concept is simple: children choose an colour pattern can be controlled. unstuffed toy animal and get it fi lled using a child- PDS’s high brightness cool white safe stuffi ng machine or by hand. They make a wish LEDs are popular for coin pushers, for their new special friend, say the Teddy Mountain as they can replace older style fl uo- promise and get a birth certifi cate. They can custom- rescent yellow tubes, modernises the ise their teddy bear with clothing and accessories, Tailor your own super-teddy equipment and reducing heat. such as shoes, sunglasses or sporting gear. O

EAS offers valuable networking opportunities. The 2013 event started with a spectacular evening at a fairground museum EUROPEAN ATTRACTIONS SHOW

Lesley Morisetti reports on the trends and issues that were discussed at EAS 2013

AS 2013 had 390 markets. With the excep- level of interaction with the animals, exhibitors – a record tion of Puy du Fou, who don’t including the opportunity to open your E number – and was participate in discount pro- bedroom curtain in the morning and attended by an esti- motions, the other parks felt come face to face with a white wolf or to mated 8,500 attraction that discount vouchers have eat your breakfast watched over by tigers. industry professionals. become so ingrained in our Not surprisingly, the cost of the lodges While not yet on the scale cultures that theme parks was high (including providing glass which of the Orlando IAAPA show, have to participate in pro- is strong enough to safely view the ani- there are a number of good reasons for motions – particularly those in markets mals through) but the lodges have been attending EAS. The show provides a rare where competitors are discounting. sold out and the park reported that most opportunity to arrange meetings with a Another trend related to potential shifts weekends in 2014 are already booked up. large number of people in a short space in consumer behaviour in visiting theme of time, network and learn from the parks. Recent Mintel research in the US EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES industry at the seminars during the show. was quoted, showing that the proportion The Paris show set a new standard for of teenagers who consider themselves as the opening reception with a stunning INDUSTRY TRENDS regular theme park goers has fallen from evening at the Musee des Arts Forains The CEO talk, led by Reinoud 76 per cent to 67 per cent in recent years. (Museum of Fairground Arts), attended van Essendelft of Leisure & by 1,200 delegates. The museum houses Culture Consultants and featuring Bart RESORT DEVELOPMENT an amazing collection of fairground de Boer of Efteling, Miikka Seppala of Another seminar considered the opportu- rides and attractions dating from 1850 Tampereen Sarkanniemi Oy, Amanda nity for lodging and resort development onwards, all restored and brought back Thompson of Blackpool Pleasure Beach at attractions. Statistics show this is a to life by the owner, Jean Paul Favand, an and Nicolas de Villiers of Puy du Fou, growth area, with smaller, niche appeal actor and antiques dealer. All in all, EAS included a debate about the extent to accommodation offers being added to the 2013 was an excellent show. O which the industry is recession proof. themed hotel offers at major parks. While the industry was reported to The Zoo de la Fleche’s recent develop- Lesley Morisetti have performed well so far, there was ment of safari lodges was particularly Morisetti Associates some concern about the length of the fascinating. The lodges are set within the +44 (0) 7780 700953 economic downturn and the impact of themed zones of the zoo and integrated www.MorisettiAssociates.com this on the price sensitivity of some into the enclosures, providing a unique [email protected]

92 Read Attractions Management online attractionsmanagement.com/digital AM 4 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013 To Advertise call Julie on +44 (0)1462 471919 WEB GALLERY or email [email protected]

BERTAZZON FORREC Manufacturers of unique Specialists in the creation of merry-go-rounds, high quality entertainment and leisure bumper-cars and go-karts environments worldwide

T +39 0438 966291 E [email protected] T +1 416 696 8686 www.bertazzon.com www.forrec.com

JORA VISION GAMMA DATAWARE LTD Breathtaking experiences, Modular integrated management gamma dataware Complete business solutions environments and attractions information systems for visitor attractions, for the European and Asian leisure industry museums, heritage sites and theme parks

T +31 (0)714 026747 E [email protected] T +44 (0)141 773 6273 E [email protected] www.joravision.com www.gammadata.com

D J WILLRICH LTD GATEWAY TICKETING SYSTEMS An audio visual multimedia Sales, service and support integrated system company for point-of-sale and ticketing systems worldwide

T +44 (0)1590 612 603 T +1 610 987 4000 www.djwillrich.com www.gatewayticketing.com

EAG INTERNATIONAL HUSS PARK ATTRACTIONS A complete show for the Development, manufacture amusements, leisure, parks and sale of amusement rides THE COMPLETE AMUSEMENT AND LEISURE SHOW and attractions sectors 22-24 January 2013 for amusement parks

T +44 (0)1582 767 254 T +49 421 4990 00 www.eagexpo.com www.hussrides.com

EAS KRAFTWERK Euro Attractions Show 2013. One of the leading Register now for Europe’s premier FRPSDQLHVLQWKH¿HOGRI event for the attractions industry pro-AV system integration

T: +32 2609 54 45 T +43 07242 69269 www.iaapa.org/eas www.kraftwerk.at

EMPEX WATERTOYS MERLIN SOFTWARE An innovator of unique Business management interactive aquatic systems and admissions solutions for the playgrounds and spray parks retail, charity and visitor attraction sectors

T +1 866 833 8580 T: +44 (0) 1226 321213 www.watertoys.com www.merlinsoft.co.uk To Advertise call Julie on +44 (0)1462 471919 WEB GALLERY or email [email protected]

N WAVE SKY SKAN Fully integrated digital studio Design and installation of handling all aspects of 3D fulldome planetariums and cinema production and distribution visualization theaters

T +322 347 6319 E [email protected] T: +1 603-880-8500 www.nwave.com www.skyskan.com

OMNITICKET NETWORK TRIO TECH Specialists in providing A leading manufacturer of ticketing distribution multi-sensory interactive attractions for the entertainment industry

T +44 (0)1782 714 300 T +1 514 354 8999 E [email protected] www.omniticket.com www.trio-tech.com

POLIN WATERPARKS VEKOMA Global leader in design, engineering, Design and manufacture of family manufacturing and installation coasters, thrill and mega coasters of waterslides and waterparks and family attractions

T +90 262 656 64 67 T +31 475 409 222 www.polin.com.tr www.vekoma.com

QUIRK WHITEWATER WEST Full service digital The global leader in marketing agency waterpark design, engineering, manufacturing and installation t +44 (0)20 70998849 T +1 (604) 273-1068 E [email protected] www.quirklondon.com www.whitewaterwest.com

RAINBOW PRODUCTIONS WORLD OF RIDES Mascot manufacturer & Manufactures and distributors RI¿FLDOVXSSOLHURIIDPRXV of battery go-karts, bumper children’s characters for events boats, bumper cars and much more!

T +44 (0)20 8254 5300 E [email protected] T +44 (0)191 492 0999 E [email protected] www.rainbowproductions.co.uk www.worldofrides.com

SIMWORX ANTONIO ZAMPERLA SPA 3D & 4D effects The Amusement theatres, motion theatres, simulation attractions Rides Company R DQGWKHSURYLVLRQRI' '¿OPFRQWHQW

T +44 (0)1384 295733 E [email protected] T +39 0444 998400 E [email protected] www.simworx.co.uk www.zamperla.com R M A T F O I O

I N N I

O N V O A I T T I A O R N P I I N S

MORE REVENUE If you want to increase sales and earned income, look no further than the resources available to you at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013.

Explore the trade show ﬂoor for in- Discover tips and techniques for Expand your professional network, novative products designed to add improving efﬁciencies as you learn and uncover revenue-boosting value and streamline operations. from other professionals at more trends from industry colleagues than 80 education sessions. from around the world.

IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2013

www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo/AM

Conference:ÛEgnÛ~ ¦Û~Û ÝÛ Trade Show: Nov. 19–22, 2013

@IAAPAHQ FjYf_]Û:gmflqÛ:gfn]flagfÛ:]fl]jÛ ÝÛ FjdYf\gÛ=dgja\YÛLJ8 Redefining Family Adventure

Another WhiteWater Innovation AquaCourse TM An Exhilarating Aquatic Course of Ropes, Towers and Bridges Get Inspired at www.AquaCourse.com