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IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 recap TM & ©2017 , Inc. SEE SECTION B

January 2017 | Vol. 20 • Issue 10 www.amusementtoday.com Mark Moore Memorial Fundraiser tops $322,490 National Museum plans new building honoring Moore; industry donations ongoing The Mark Moore Memorial Fundraiser kicked off Nov. 17, at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 with a $100,000 donation from Uremet, the company founded by the late Mark Moore. On hand to receive the generous donation were several board members of the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives (NRCMA), along with representatives from Uremet and Moore's family. The fundraising campaign — still ongo- ing — has since welcomed additional donations, bringing in $322,490 total as of press time. NRCMA is proposing to double the size of its current archive facility. 4SEE STORY/HOW TO DONATE, PAGE 46 2017 MARKS START OF SAFETY SEMINARS AT: Pam Sherborne time," said AIMS Executive Director Karen [email protected] Oertley regarding the increase in sessions on active shooters and terrorism. NORTH AMERICA — As 2017 gets un- AIMS International is a non-profit organi- derway, so do the various annual seminars zation dedicated to industry safety. It consists focusing on safety, maintenance, certification of manufacturers, suppliers, organizations and education. and individuals that have an interest in sup- Here is a preview of five upcoming key plying products or services to the amusement seminars: industry. In early December, Oertley said seminar AIMS Safety Seminar registration was ahead of last year during the Orlando, Fla. same time period. Holly Coston is the AIMS Jan. 8-13, 2017 seminar manager and Karen Strahl is the cer- Holly Coston (left), AIMS The 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar will offer tification manager. Classes are taught by vol- International seminar man- a variety of new topics during its annual run unteers. ager, and Karen Oertley, set for Jan. 8-13, at the Doubletree by Hilton at The 2016 seminar hosted about 350 at- AIMS executive director, Sea-World, Orlando, Fla. tendees. promoted the upcoming Some of the new areas to be covered in- The annual AIMS International Safety AIMS Safety Seminar during clude security, active shooter, terrorism, total Seminar is a comprehensive safety-training IAAPA Attractions Expo. productive maintenance programs, ASTM experience for individuals responsible for the The seminar is set for Janu- standards and guest behaviors, as well as care and safety of the amusement industry's ary 8-13 at the Doubletree classes specific to ride accessibility, climbing guests. by Hilton Hotel Orlando at walls, family entertainment centers and more. Attendees build tailored course curricula SeaWorld in . "I guess it is a sad commentary of our AT/PAM SHERBORNE 4See SEMINARS, page 4 Dated material. material. Dated

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 NEWSTALK MAILBAG FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint River Country or Wet 'n Wild? To the editor, Read the great article on Wet 'n Wild and George Mallay. Taking nothing away from him – as he was definitely a genius and trendsetter – but Wet 'n Wild was not technically the first “” or even “themed water park” – I believe Disney's River Country (opened in June of 1976) was the first “combination of water slides, pools, and related water- based experiences” making it the first true “water park” as we define them today. I was working in show design at W.E.D. Imagineering (the forerunner of Disney Imagineering) during that time and remember the teams coming back from Orlando with pictures of “the ol’ swimming hole” and other features. Fred Joerger headed up the rock sculpting team and did a great job. While water parks have advanced a great deal since then, that first prototype was a pretty nice family experience and I think anyone who visited has fond memories. I’m pretty sure that River Country probably helped motivate, or to reinforce, George’s idea that a “collection of water themed experiences” would work, and he was certainly the first guy outside of Disney to create a stand-alone venture. Wet 'n Wild, on the heels of River Country, started an entirely new industry. Hats off to him, and to the Imagineering INDUSTRY OPINION: Dean Lamanna, [email protected] team before him, for creating this entirely new kind of family entertainment park. Maintaining public trust in the wake of tragedy Gary Goddard As evidenced by the record-breaking par- the only proper course of action….” Goddard Group Founder, Chairman, CEO ticipation at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 in Or- The raft-flipping disaster at Dream- lando this past November, the business of fun just world, Australia’s largest theme park, also North Hollywood, Calif. wrapped one of its most technologically expansive has brought the eventual dismantling of the [email protected] and successful years. 30-year-old ride, plus the promise of a per- But shadowing the celebratory mood and manent memorial to the victims. The park Editor's note: This has been the ongoing debate among sense of industry pride were two high-profile park remained closed until Dec. 10 as a rigor- historians as to who should be credited with the first water tragedies that occurred in the weeks leading up to ous, multi-tier safety review of its rides was park and it may never be settled. Somewhere along the way the event. The deaths of a 10-year-old boy on the Lamanna undertaken by independent consultants and it seems the industry scholars labeled George Millay as the Verrückt waterslide at Schlitterbahn Kansas City in Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 'father of the water park industry' for his innovative design Kansas last August and four adults on the which has since tightened amusement inspections state- in creating Wet 'n Wild which took River Country one step Rapids raft ride at Dreamworld in Coomera, Queensland, wide. Reports from the entities conducting audits will be further by adding the wave pool and much more. Even Tim Australia, in late October sent shock waves globally. shared publicly after they are filed. O'Brien wrote in his book The Wave Maker: "George walked Amid the public’s sorrow and anger, these accidents With the U.S. and Australian investigations appear- away from the company he created (SeaWorld) and took out were met with difficult — yet necessary — decision-mak- ing to lean toward flawed design or mechanical / main- his frustration by inventing an entirely new attraction form, the ing by the properties involved as well as a sharpening tenance failure, as opposed to rider misbehavior or op- world's first interactive water park" —GS focus on amusement ride safety. erator error, and with public reaction being intense, ride In a Nov. 22 press release, Schlitterbahn expressed decommissioning — for these parks, under these circum- Letter Policy both heartbreak and a renewed commitment to safety stances — is the right thing to do. They understand that Letters should be no longer than 200 words and must have a full while pledging full cooperation with the Verrückt inves- continued patron loyalty and public trust requires nothing name, company name and valid phone number and email address. tigation, which was still underway as Amusement Today less. Letters may be edited for style to AP Stylebook Guidelines. Letters went to press. The public’s ongoing faith in our industry also de- may be sent: “Once the investigation is concluded and we are mands that manufacturers, operators and safety or- Email: [email protected] given permission by the court, Verrückt will be decommis- ganizations (including those noted in this, AT’s annual Mail: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005 sioned — closed permanently — and the slide removed safety-focused issue) make these accidents case studies from the tower,” the statement read. “In our opinion, it is — ensuring similar tragedies cannot happen again.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Social Media & Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna Desktop Edition Production per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] Website Maintenance 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial [email protected] Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Association Memberships Trademarked 2017 by Amusement Today Inc., AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/ all rights reserved. Advertising B. Derek Shaw • (717) 650-8330 iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, PACE, TTIA, WWA Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 [email protected] Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] 76005-5427, USA Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Industry Affiliated Charities Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, [email protected] Give Kids the World Village, Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Special Projects & Editorial Morgan's Wonderland, Phone: (817) 460-7220 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x2 Monthly Contributors National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Harold Hudson, Web Sites: www.AmusementToday.com, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Janice Witherow January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 MINUTE DRILL 2 COMPILED: Janice Witherow Stefanie Rogers, Ukrop's Dress Express Stefanie Rogers began her career in the hospitality The wildfires raged in the Great Smoky Mountains until industry when she gradu- heavy rains helped extinguish them in late November. ated from the University COURTESY CHATTANOOGA FIRE DEPARTMENT of Massachusetts with a degree in hotel, restaurant Dollywood, major attractions and travel administration. She was introduced to the spared by Tennessee wildfires amusement industry in 2009 Disaster kills 14, destroys over 2,500 structures when her journey brought AT: B. Derek Shaw • [email protected] her to Midlothian, Va.-based GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The worst forest fire in this state in a century Ukrop’s Dress Express, has claimed 14 lives, injured more than 145 people and destroyed more than where she designs creative 2,500 homes and businesses. and durable custom uniform Two teenage juveniles have been charged with aggravated arson in programs for amusement connection with the fire, which reportedly began the day before Thanksgiv- and water parks. When Stefanie Rogers (front right) is with her Ukrop's Dress ing in the higher elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Stefanie is not working, she Express colleagues at their Coats 4 Kids event. Coats 4 Nov. 28, with high winds hitting Sevier County and scattering embers, the enjoys spending time with Kids is Ukrop's non-profit organization that donates coats fire quickly grew into a complex of blazes threatening local communities. her husband and three chil- the company manufactures to Richmond, Va., elementary As of early December, 10,000-plus acres inside the national park had burned and another 6,000 acres outside its boundaries were charred. Gatlin- dren, reading, cooking and school children. COURTESY UKROP'S DRESS EXPRESS burg, Pigeon Forge and several other towns comprising the adjacent tourist traveling. The last time I screamed really loud was… area — which draws 11 million people annually — were among the most impacted. Title... Walking through one of the attractions at the Halloween Haunt. Thousands of residents and tourists were forced to flee the conflagra- National Sales Manager. tion. In hard-hit Gatlinburg, barricades were finally removed and traffic be- My favorite footwear is… gan flowing freely again on Dec. 9. Number of years in the industry... My UGGs. Despite news footage and images of enormous flames searing nearby Seven. hillsides, Dollywood and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge My kitchen could be described as… Best thing about the were spared, as were Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg and Therapeutic. several other of the area’s major attractions and lodges. industry... An update on local amusement operations: Definitely, the people. The My commute to work is… Ober Gatlinburg – The ski area and adventure park, including its industry is totally focused on Just 12 minutes. We recently moved into a new Wildlife Encounter and Ski Mountain Coaster, were unscathed, although families, fun and safety. Ev- building and I love my new commute. houses along the entry road were reduced to ashes. eryone I’ve met is very service Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster — Per its Facebook page, the attraction oriented, with a “Let’s get this When it comes to television, I would even was “completely unaffected.” done” attitude. watch re-runs of… Rogers Goats on the Roof — The Pigeon Forge family attraction’s namesake “Seinfeld.” domestic animals and alpine coaster were fine. “It came pretty close,” said Favorite amusement ride... co-owner Matthew Ayers. That’s tough to narrow down. I have many, but my You have a home-improvement project … do you Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster — Fire came within 400 feet of the newest favorites are at and fix it yourself or hire someone to do it for you? coaster, but neither it nor its entrance building were damaged. Said co-own- at SeaWorld Orlando. I went through a fix-it-myself phase, so now I er Jessica Seitz: “We were very lucky. No one got hurt.” know to hire someone else to do it. Dollywood — While all of its major facilities were untouched, the com- If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, pany reported that a dozen of its more remote guest cabins were damaged I would be… The coolest thing about life in Virginia is… or destroyed. Working in another service-related field. There is so much to do. Civic leaders and merchants urged tourists to return. “Many of our city’s 6,000 residents, as well as those of our friends and Biggest challenge facing our industry... It’s Super Bowl time… do you watch for the family in Gatlinburg, are dependent on the tourism industry for jobs to care Staffing: attracting and retaining the right talent. game or the commercials? for themselves and their families,” said Leon Downey, executive director of Neither. I’d prefer to be cooking the finger tourism for Pigeon Forge. “As our communities move forward, our indus- The thing I like most about amusement/water foods. park season is… try has an obligation to our residents and employees to encourage visitation Feeling like a kid again. My dream vacation is to… to the area and sustain our businesses." Country music icon, theme park owner and local native Dolly Parton Visit my brother and his family. He is spending held a star-studded, three-hour telethon Dec. 13 in Nashville to raise money Favorite Mexican food… the year in New Zealand. Guacamole! for her newly established My People Fund. Parton created the fund to pro- vide $1,000 a month for six months to those families who lost their primary If I could see any room in the White House, it On a free evening, I would rather be… home due to the wildfires. The fund so far has raised over $9 million dollars. would be… Hanging out with my three kids and my husband. “I’m truly honored that these artists are giving their time and energy The kitchen. My oldest son just got his driver’s license. We are to help us raise money for everyone affected by the wildfires,” Parton said. “I’ve got so many great friends in the industry, and I’m so proud that they all together less frequently than ever, and I ap- The dinner I make most often is… preciate the time we do spend together. were ready to step up and help me help my people in the Smoky Mountains Fried chicken and homemade mac and cheese. through this telethon and the My People Fund.” My husband does most of the weekday cooking, My neighbors probably think I am… “We hope this serves as the first step to rebuilding for the families of though, and when I cook on the weekends I like Working three jobs. the Sevier County community,” said Craig Ross, president of The Dolly- to try new recipes. Sometimes I win, sometimes wood Company. “We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone Krispy Kremes or Dunkin’ Donuts? we order pizza. affected.” I grew up just north of Boston, so definitely David Dotson, president of the Dollywood Foundation, added: “The The book I am reading right now is… Dunkin’ Donuts! My People Fund ... [is] climbing, but we know that substantially more dona- Probably something from a detective or mystery tions will be required to meet the need.” It’s January! My favorite winter activity is… series. For a videotaped personal appeal by Parton, as well as additional in- Reading a book in front of the fire. formation on her fund and making donations to it, visit the foundation’s Favorite time of the day… website. It’s more about what I’m doing and who I’m with. • dollywoodfoundation.org 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017

SAFETY SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION MARKET PLACE SEMINARS Continued from page 1 that best suit their needs and the needs of their employers. Class scheduling can be chal- lenging for students because they are able to sign up for about 200 classes during the week. "It is a full 40-hour week for participants," Oertley said. "There are between 10 and 15 classes going on every hour." Safety information is car- The 30th Annual NAARSO ried home and shared with Safety Forum is set to run colleagues and co-workers this year Jan. 29-Feb. 3 back on the job. at the Sheraton Orlando. Attendees also build Pictured above are (from long-lasting relationships left, standing) John Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture with instructors and their Dodson, former NAARSO counterparts across the globe. president and co-chair of SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C. This networking opportunity the Education Committee; enables the exchange of infor- 106 Burnham Intervale Road Leonard Cavalier, NAARSO Contoocook, N.H. 03229 mation between people per- executive director; and Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447 forming the same functions at Jonathan Brooks, current distant locations. NAARSO president. Seated •Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways The AIMS Safety Seminar is Tom Sheehan, attorney. •Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides has both sit-down and hands- AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON Opening Session Reception •New ride control systems and modifications on classes. are set for Sunday, Jan. 29. The organization offers ride and device safety. It of- Classes run Monday, Jan. •Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee certification in four areas: fers annual safety forums that 30, and Tuesday, Jan. 31, and (603) 746-4446 ride inspector certification, provide classroom education are broken up into groups: Parts and Service Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton maintenance certification, op- and inspection and opera- Primary, Secondary and Op- erations technician certifica- tions certification. erational. A participant's path tion, and aquatics operations The 2017 event is set for for these two days is deter- technician. There are a num- Jan. 29-Feb. 3 at the Sheraton mined by previous training ber of levels offered under Orlando. experience and/or years in each program. One added feature this the industry. Certification in these year is the opportunity for General Primary Curricu- areas is useful for securing attendees to visit two amuse- lum covers basic inspection additional business oppor- ment facilities, Fun Spot points and techniques as well tunities and jurisdictional ac- America, Kissimmee, Fla., as basic electric, hydraulics, creditation as well as for per- where the seminar's hands- and other related subjects. sonal development. on portion will be held, and Those interested in this track AIMS testing will be held Resort will not need to make any on Jan. 13, 3:15-5:15 p.m. All for an exclusive tour. Both other class selections for the classes run through Jan. 13 at of these activities are set for first two days. These partici- 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. pants, however, will need to The NAARSO certifica- select their own electives for NAARSO Safety Fourm tion program is recognized Thursday's schedule. Maitland, Fla. and used by approximately General Secondary Cur- Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2017 18 states or provinces (in- riculum includes a Monday With 2017 being its 30th cluding , Canada, and and Tuesday schedule of elec- anniversary, there may be a Singapore) as an identifier tive classes covering different few more bells and whistles of individuals authorized to topics that focus on inspec- at this year's NAARSO (Na- provide jurisdictional or third tion of specific types of- de tional Association of Amuse- party inspections. The annual vices, codes and standards, ment Ride Safety Officials) forum traditionally draws employee safety, and other Safety Forum, but the event's about 300. topics not related to basic ride focus remains the same. The association provides inspections. "We always want to four levels of Inspection Cer- The Operational Curricu- make sure our classes are in- tification and two levels of lum includes both Primary novative and exciting," said Operations Certification. and Advanced Operations NAARSO's Connie Patton One of the Inspection classes. This curriculum is during the 2016 IAAPA Expo. Certification levels includes targeted for those who wish "Our industry is constantly Limited Specialty, which ad- to further their operational evolving so we need to con- dresses the rental side of the knowledge. Exams for both stantly update the classes we industry such as inflatable operations levels are set for offer." devices, rock walls, trackless Thursday, Feb. 1. Keep our industry strong! NAARSO is a non-profit trains, bungee jumps and oth- Set for Friday, Feb. 2, is a Buy products and services from these suppliers. association dedicated to the er rental devices. advancement of amusement Orientation and the 4See SEMINARS, page 6 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION

IRT/iROC Buena Park, Calif. Feb. 7-10, 2017 The International Ride Training (IRT) International Ride Operator Certification School (iROC), has been set for Feb. 7-10 at Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif. iROC is a four-day ride operator -the-trainer cer- tification course. The focus of the program is how to teach SEMINARS and train ride operators on Continued from page 4 the critical components of a tions set. safe operation. •Operations and Main- study review in the morning IRT has developed 10 tenance will help students as well as Challenge Courses critical components/duties see the benefits of teamwork and Water Park Manufac- that a ride operator must con- with maintenance while see- turer Classes. Testing for all duct during each ride cycle. ing both sides of operations levels of the inspection certi- The instructors learn how to and maintenance as it relates fications will take place that teach these safety and ser- to the common goal of safety. afternoon. vice procedures, and how to •Training Materials De- A banquet will follow the ensure they are performed velopment will help students testing Friday evening. to a required and expected design and create state-of- Patton said the 2018 Safe- standard of performance. At- the-art training materials, and ty Forum will be held at Dixie tendees receive a certificate how to write SOPs that are Landin' & Blue Bayou parks, of completion and instructor truly user friendly and meets Baton Rouge, La. certification if they pass the required industry standards. required criteria. •Training for Guest SAFETY Owners Meeting IRT announced in No- Service and Efficiency will MARKET PLACE and Safety Symposium vember that iROC instructors provide ideas and training Orlando, Fla. can earn credit hours from techniques for enhancing the Feb. 1 & 2, 2017 these programs that can be important critical compo- Skycoaster operators used towards IAAPA's Certi- nent of rider engagement and worldwide will meet Feb. 1 fication Program. guest service, in addition to Gull Wing Industries and 2, at Fun Spot America iROC attendees are sharing ideas on increasing Working with the Carnival parks in Kissimmee, Fla., and taught creative teaching tech- line speeds and ride efficien- Industry since 1989 Orlando, Fla., to attend work- niques in order to create posi- cies. Contact us at: www.gull-wing.com shops that focus on acclimat- tive consistent habits. In addi- •ADA 101 will take the ing operations teams with the tion, trainers are taught how class through the basic re- ins and outs of operating this to teach the ride operators on quirements under the ADA attraction. being prepared for the unique law as it stands for ride oper- Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw The event will feature and challenging situations ations. This includes the “Dos Quiet Power–Tractor or Trailer Mounted a series of hands-on work- they may face while keeping and Do Nots” to consider. shops, ranging from flight safety as the foremost task •Sherlock Holmes’ Root suite and cable inspections to while working. Cause Safety will help ride hydraulic winch and landing iROC's "Learn It! Link It! operations management learn 309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 unit maintenance procedures. Live It!" teaching style helps to look at root cause issues to Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 GFlex 400 Amp Fun Spot has the two tall- ensure that trainers are able find real solutions to opera- est in the world. to convey the history and tional issues. The Kissimmee park has been background of why certain •Experiential Learning home to the world's tallest procedures are done; how to will showcase energetic and installation since 1997. At teach the task in unique ways creative ideas on how to teach 300 feet tall, this iconic thrill so that a ride operator can un- so the trainees (learners) are ride is a well-recognized local derstand the process and how learning while experiencing landmark. The Orlando prop- to ensure the operator will be the task being taught. erty is home to a 250-foot- successful daily in their role. Classes begin on Tuesday, tall lattice arch design that The iROC School, with Feb. 7, for all new students. debuted as part of the park's this year's theme of "Full On Wednesday evening, at- major expansion in 2013. Steam Ahead!," has many tendees will have hands-on Skycoaster is entering new classes and teaching re- training using the rides at the second year of a two-year sources. They include: Knott's Berry Farm as props. 25th anniversary celebration, •Audit Class: “Do You Not only will hands-on which saw a new anniversary See What I See?” provides training be a part of iROC, logo created with customized the nuts and bolts of auditing but attendees seeking an in- patches sewn onto all flight for successful procedures and structor certification will be suites, both newly placed into performance. videotaped conducting a service and those returned •Supervisory Account- "teach back segment" so that from their annual inspection. ability will help leaders set they can actually see and re- For more information, and teach specific expecta- view their training style. Keep our amusement park industry strong! call Mark Rosenzweig at tions regarding operator safe- Cindee Huddy and Patty Buy products and services from these suppliers. (410) 643-9300. ty and how to hold the team accountable to the expecta- 4See SEMINARS, page 8 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar draws near ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2017 AIMS Safety Sem- Klaus, Mike Martin, Andy McNeeley, John Riggle- Alberts Co., ASTM, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, inar will kick the year off with a bang on Jan. 8 in man, Michelle Reuter, Jeffrey Savelesky, Barry Leisure Labs LLC, Millennium Elastomers, Rockwell Orlando, Fla., when more than 350 students and 120 Schaible, Tracy Shedd and Randy Vakiener. The Automation; and Tapeswitch Corporation. instructors make the DoubleTree Hotel their home for education committee works throughout the year to five days of classes, networking and certification test- improve and update our classes in order to stay cur- Are you an AIMS member? ing. rent and topical as well as to offer the basics on safety We all share the commitment to educate and As a non-profit organization, AIMS is dedicat- education for maintenance, ride inspection, opera- promote safety throughout the amusement industry... ed to improving safety in the amusement industry tions and aquatics. undeniably a priority for each of us in this wonderful through leadership in education. Our reputation for industry. Please help us in our mission to expand our the excellent quality of our seminar program is due A BIG thank-you to our reach in safety education and certification and pro- to our volunteer instructors — more than 120 industry 2017 Safety Seminar sponsors! mote safety in the industry with a membership in AIMS professionals who share their expertise with our stu- On behalf of the AIMS board of directors and the International. The annual AIMS International member dents in over 400 class hours during the week. This entire amusement industry, we are especially grateful meeting will be held Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dou- commitment to safety education and training in the for those companies who support the work and mis- bleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. All members amusement industry is priceless. We cannot begin to sion of AIMS International as sponsors of the Safety are invited to attend. Your membership helps further thank our instructors enough for the hours spent in Seminar. our efforts to promote safety in the amusement in- preparation to bring students the latest, most up-to- Our 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar sponsors at press dustry. Please visit our website for a description of our the-minute information on safety issues and standards time include: Mobaro Park, LJM & Associates, membership categories and to become a member. today. Amusement Today, - The Amusement En- We are also eternally grateful to those who volun- gineers, Coulter Associates and IAAPA. Feedback requested! teer their time and expertise in assembling this out- As well as: Allied Specialty Insurance, Chance Planning for the 2018 AIMS Safety Seminar will standing group of instructors and shape our seminar Rides, OABA, Premier Rides, ProSlide Technology, begin almost immediately after the 2017 Safety Semi- curriculum — the AIMS Education committee. Led Inc., Ride Entertainment Group of Companies, Maui nar ends on Jan. 13. Please send your ideas and sug- by Chairman Bob Conway and AIMS Safety Semi- Partners, Rides-4-U, S&S Worldwide, Walt Disney gestions for classes and other improvements to info@ nar Manager, Holly Coston, the 2017 Safety Seminar Imagineering, WhiteWater and . aimsintl.org. We want to hear from you! Education Committee includes: Jeff Alberts, Timo We also acklowedge the contributions of: R. S. —Karen Oertley

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Mummy crew celebrates gold Universal Orlando's Operations and Technical Services team at Revenge of SEMINARS the Mummy took time out Continued from page 6 Northwestern of their busy schedule to Showmen's Club show off their 2016 Golden Beazley are partners in Cre- Safety Seminar Ticket Award for Best In- ative Operational Concepts, Portland, Oregon door Coaster. a hospitality and safety con- Feb. 12-18, 2017 COURTESY ADAM KINGSLEY, sulting company that pres- This year's Northwest- UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ents this seminar. ern Showmen’s Club Safety Seminar has been set for Feb. 12-18 at Oaks Amusement Park and Funtastic Rides Inc. winter quarters, both located in Portland. Hopes are that the 2017 seminar will be even more successful than last year's when more than 200 industry professionals participated. John Hinde was quoted saying after last year's semi- nar that the only aspect of the event that needed to be ex- panded upon is space at Oaks Amusement Park. But, he felt that was a good challenge, and one that could definitely be fixed. The Northwestern Show- men’s Club (NWSC) is a non- profit organization consisting of members from the amuse- ment, entertainment, , and festival industry. The club's safety seminar was established 36 years ago to provide a venue to pro- mote continued education for the carnival industry and to provide an annual classroom setting for raising the level of safety within the amusement industry by amusement in- dustry professionals. All of the planning, pro- duction, and education that goes into this seminar is done by volunteers from the North- western Showmen's Club. Attendees build tailored course curricula that best suit their needs. They also build long-lasting relationships with instructors and their counterparts, encouraging the exchange of information between people performing the same functions within the carnival industry. Last year there were 35 NAARSO tests administered during the NWSC seminar, as were 25 Carnival Tech tests (the NWSC-sponsored test), and six AIMS certification tests. There were 45 attend- ees who participated in the CPR/First Air/Defibrillator courses. January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION

Seen through the camera lens Not your average walk in the park

Avery Wheelock, a safety inspector for LJM & Associates in Gibsonton, Fla., is seen here performing an annual third party audit of equipment for Ocean Park in Hong Kong, China. The coaster that Wheelock is inspecting is The Dragon, a 1984 product of . It stands 67 feet tall, is 2,694 feet long and features three inversions. COURTESY LJM & ASSOCIATES Prevention is the key at Wet 'n Wild Orlando

Employees at Wet 'n Wild Orlando were reminded that "Prevention is the Key" to park safety. Here, two poster samples in the employee back areas remind staff to make the park's last splash the safest on record. AT/GARY SLADE Wonderland Park goes windsailing

Wonderland Park in Amarillo, Texas, is working to beat the Texas summer heat. Last season, the park began in- stalling a series of eight to 12-foot tall wind sails to pro- vide additional shade to its guests on the north end of the ride midway. The sails, triangular in shape, have been installed in four vibrant colors on 10-inch steel poles. AT/GARY SLADE January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Industry safety suppliers display innovations during 2016 IAAPA Expo

AT: Pam Sherborne tions, which were to go into [email protected] effect at the start of 2017. Because of this, they have ORLANDO, Fla. — With been working on a water- the industry's increasing focus based foam system. on safety, suppliers of safety "It's giving us another products stood out among tool," Alberts said. "The price many others at IAAPA Attrac- won't change and the durabil- tions Expo 2016, held Nov. 15- ity and maintenance will be 18 at the Orange County Con- the same, probably even a little vention Center. better." Whether it be suppliers of Alberts also said the com- electrical equipment or manu- pany has expanded their fiber- facturers of ride restraints or glass shop. wheels, the specifications are "Our business has been the same — to make the indus- pretty much status quo over Dale Hershberger of Audio Innovators displayed his new try as safe as possible. the last year or so, but we are wireless music system during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016. The following are some really excited about 2017 and of the exhibitors representing 2018," he said. "The industry Hershberger, company presi- cal safety and automation of safety products at this year's is strong and it is only getting dent. amusement rides with expe- convention. stronger." It also aids in centralizing rience in the development of During IAAPA Attractions alerts. He said he already has safety functions. The company Expo 2016, Seth Alberts of Ralph S. Alberts Co. Audio Innovators units being used by both car- operates in the sector of design Ralph S. Alberts Company, Montoursville, Pa. Riverview, Fla. nivals and amusement parks. and construction of electrical told AT about the new wa- This multifaceted custom Audio Innovators, a sup- The company also offers a unit cabinet and electronic equip- ter-based foam system the molding company has been plier of electronic equipment, made for pre-recorded ride ment. company has been working working on a new foam sys- displayed its wireless music spiels. Sales Manager Marco on for a more environmen- tem. Seth Alberts, vice presi- system for outdoor amuse- Savegnago said the company tally friendly product. dent and grandson of com- ments during the show. Auxel is just now breaking into the pany founder Ralph Alberts, "It centralizes music selec- Arcugnano, Italy U.S. market, having worked ALL PHOTOS said the EPA is setting new en- tion and eliminates any type of Auxel is a global con- extensively in the Middle East AT/PAM SHERBORNE vironmentally friendly regula- improper play lists," said Dale sulting company for electri- 4See PRODUCTS, page 13 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION PRODUCTS panels. Continued from page 12 KumbaK, The and Europe applying their Amusement Engineers Manfred Huber, CEO, technology solutions in ride Weert, The Netherlands sales, projects, of Chairkit, testing, inspections, repairs KumbaK specializes in up- showcased the company's and services. grading existing rides and at- conveyor systems for the It's new Unixom system tractions. amusement industry uses artificial vision systems KumbaK's Timo Klaus during IAAPA Attractions for fault recognition and calcu- showed AT one of the com- Expo 2016. lation of metric measurements pany's newer innovations in for the coordination of anthro- restraint systems. The restraint pomorphic robots. 4See PRODUCTS, page 14 Chairkit North America, Inc. West Linn, Ore. Manfred Huber, CEO, sales, projects, of Chairkit, was on hand showing off his com- pany's chairlift system that was originally developed to guarantee trouble-free loading of chairlifts for winter sports enthusiasts. Over the years, the compa- ny began providing that same system to trolleys, trains, trams, roller coasters, dark rides and other components in amusement parks. Huber said they are cur- rently working on two projects in China and projects in Aus- tralia and the Middle East.

Gull Wing Industries Alta, Iowa Gull Wing Industries was showing off its new Silencer power distribution equip- ment, and exhibiting a power trailer on the trade show floor. Gull Wing offers standard portable lightweight models as well as custom-fabricated unit enclosures, cabinets and UL508A industrial control

Marco Savegnago (left) and Marco Zamperla, both with Auxel Automation and Safe- ty, spoke with AT about their company and new products. 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION

PRODUCTS restrained. in alpine winter sports only, the Continued from page 13 The company offers a wide product's quick benefits and range of technical services and possible uses became apparent system can be retrofitted onto products to amusement and for company executives, said existing rides. According to theme parks and to companies the company's Georg Dobler. Klaus, the has the capability to involved in the development SunKid now has shipped show ride operators whether and manufacture of new at- three conveyor belts to be used or not all riders are securely tractions. in the amusement industry. Along with the production of conveyors, the company also has introduced a new ride to the industry. Called the Sun- Dancer, the cabin has the abil- ity to rotate around its center as well as swivel outwards. Dobler said the movements and can be controlled by the rider. The larger the circu- Maclan's Meaghan Wallace and Edib Zivalj, an engineer with lation speed, the farther out the the company, were having a busy IAAPA show. Wallace said cabin swivels. they have been very excited about their new partnership with Individual themes or even and have expanded their shipping and receiving. a multimedia setup are avail- able, Dobler said.

ing off its clear coats for use Maclan Corporation in water as well as its 1-Shot Lakeland, Fla. paint, a durable paint that ad- Meaghan Wallace, sales heres to most surfaces and is KumbaK's Timo Klaus dem- Gull Wing Industries show- and marketing representative, great to use for signage. onstrates his company's ride cased its portable electrical said they were excited about Calvin Rollyson, sales restraints that can be retro- trailer during IAAPA Attrac- the new partnership her com- manager, said they are able to fitted onto existing rides. tions Expo 2016. pany has formed with Vekoma match over 980,000 colors. Rides Parts & Services BV. Matthews Paint has been a The company, which man- leading manufacturer of acrylic ufactures roller coaster wheels polyurethane sign paint for the and parts for amusement in- architectural signage indus- dustry customers all over the try. Unlike many coatings that U.S. and across the globe, now evolved from house or auto- is the U.S. authorized wheel motive paint, Matthews Paint vendor for Vekoma. is formulated from the start to Calvin Rollyson (left) and Maclan has spent 2016 cel- satisfy the extreme demands of Jake Helmondollar speak ebrating 40 years in operation. architectural, commercial and with AT about its paint line The company not only manu- outdoor applications. while Jack Mullins (far right) factures new components but a Jacksonville, Fla., artist, also can refurbish used, worn- SunKid GmbH demonstrates the sketch- out wheels many times over. Imst, Austria ing properties on the 1-Shot SunKid has introduced a paint Matthews distributes. Matthews Paint portable conveyor for outdoor Delaware, Ohio use to the amusement industry. Matthews Paint was show- Originally intended for use U-S Safety Trolley, a division of Universal Electric Corporation Canonsburg, Pa. The company's Larry Doyle and Rachel Wilkin were showing off U-S Safety Trolley's unique electrical con- ductor bars for the amusement industry. "They are unique because there are no electrical joints," Doyle said. The bars lock together, al- lowing for continuous copper conduction. These continuous, joint-free, electrical conductors eliminate the weakest part of any electrical system: the joints. Georg Dobler of SunKid stands beside the company's new Doyle said they can pro- SunDancer vehicle. The company, which is known for its al- vide bars of any length, and pine sky conveyor belts, has introduced itself into the amuse- that the bars can be factory- ment industry with its conveyor system and the SunDancer vehicle. 4See PRODUCTS, page 15 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION PRODUCTS ASTM develops first standard Continued from page 14 for water park conveyor belts shaped for curves, loops or whatever is needed. WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM Internation- al’s committee on amusement rides and devices (F24) has WeatherBug developed the first standard specifically for conveyors used Germantown, Md. in water parks. The new standard is soon to be published as Stuart Hershan, enter- F3158, Practice for Water Slide Conveyors for Rafts, Tubes, prise solutions specialist, told and Guests. AT that his company now has The focus of the new standard is on the safety of con- 10,000 surface observation sys- veyors used for transportation on water-related amusement tems across the U.S., with each rides. recording 27 weather data “This practice was written to provide guidance to points. manufacturers and regulators on the design, manufac- The company offers cus- ture, and construction of conveyors,” says ASTM mem- tomized alerts for golf courses, Rachel Wilkin, marketing representative for, U-S Safety ber Harlan Bryant, district engineer, Hyland Hills Park fairs, parks and other outdoor Trolley, described the company's conveyor system made and Recreation District, who is the task group chair venues and events. with its unique electrical no-joint bars. and technical lead for the development of F3158. “The WeatherBug boasts that practice will also help owners understand the expected it has the largest weather net- operation and maintenance requirements of conveyors work of real-time weather in used in water parks.” the U.S. ASTM welcomes participation in the development of Stuart Hershon , its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN. solutions specialist with WeatherBug, spoke Next ASTM meeting scheduled about the 10,000 surface ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and De- observation systems that vices next meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 1-4, 2017, the company now has across in New Orleans, La. the U.S. WeatherBug brings For additional meeting information, contact: Harlan real-time weather with Bryant, (303) 589-5389, [email protected] or Kateri- customized alerts to golf na Koperna, ASTM, (610) 832- 9728, [email protected]. courses, fairs and parks, among other outdoor venues and events. 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Amusement ride safety: covering all the bases of installation AT: Harold Hudson PART 3 IN A SERIES: On-site assembly Special to Amusement Today INSTALLATION When assembling an amusement ride, the “stuff” Having established six that holds the parts together main areas cost and how long it will take — like nuts, bolts, washers, of ride safe- to design, manufacture and in- clips and sometimes welding ty and the stall all need to be answered, — is vitally important. (Be sure amusement and plans drawn up. your ride purchase agreement industry’s The contract or purchase specifies “no field welding”; responsibil- order should specify that a welding is much easier to con- ity to address complete drawing package be trol in a factory environment.) them persis- Hudson included. This package should If the ride system requires tently, the include final drawings or spec- that anchor bolts be embedded third installment of our safety ification sheets for: in the foundation, special at- series will focus on installation •components tention must be given to their — as shown in the following •assemblies location and orientation before list: •foundation location and concrete is poured. Inaccu- •Design/Engineering loads rately placed anchor bolts will •Fabrication •assembly, disassembly require major modification to •Installation and installation instructions realign, or will make assembly •Operations •Site Acceptance Test of the structure difficult. •Maintenance (SAT), which should be re- A good practice is to have •Riders viewed and approved long one surveyor lay out the an- before installation chor bolts and a different sur- Installation basics •operations and mainte- veyor check the accuracy. Oversights, omissions or nance manuals The assembly drawing mistakes during ride instal- •as-built illustration (if and documentation should lation can lead to immediate any change was made during list, in finite detail, the proper or latent failures. This means fabrication, installation or bolt, nut and washer, as well safety diligence should begin testing) as grade, for each connection. The apex of Drage at the earliest stage possible. Given the genesis of an Bolts may be Grade-5, Grade-8 Kongen at Denmark's Planning the installation installation plan at the time of or special; if metric, Grade-8.2, Djurs Sommerland is lifted of a new ride or attraction purchase, dirt can be moved Grade 10.2 or special. In ad- into place (above). The typically begins before the once drawings for foundation dition, ASTM A325 and A490 suspended coaster is from purchase is made. Questions location and loads are received. are structural bolts used in the and will open about where the ride will fit, Upon delivery of the ride or U.S. for structural connections. later this spring. A 1989 how it will impact/enhance device to the site, it should be These are like graded bolts but file photo (right) captures guest flow, how much it will checked for any damage; if have slightly different designs, workers installing the final damage is discovered, contact including larger heads and dif- track section on Flashback, the insurance carrier and the ferent threaded lengths. a Vekoma Boomerang manufacturer to have the ride Torqueing a nut/bolt is a coaster at repaired to like-new condition. convenient way of assuring Over Texas. The foundation work, proper clamping force when COURTESY DJURS which is critical to proper two or more parts are held SOMMERLAND; AT FILE ride/attraction function and together. Using a calibrated safety, should be performed torque wrench is the most by an appropriately qualified common method of achieving calibration cannot be consis- involve a combination of all engineer. In most areas of the proper torque and, as a result, tently held. three methods, depending on world, this would be a regis- clamping force — but it is not After torqueing, hard- the customer’s desires and the tered professional engineer. the only way. Others are: ware is typically marked with size and scope of the project. Actual ride installation re- •turn-of-nut method a paint stripe across the nut To ensure worker safety, quires multiple work groups •tension control bolts end of the bolt/nut combina- some projects merit a dedicat- or functions, including: demo- (requires special bolts and tion. This is an easy way of ed, on-site safety person who lition and site prep; founda- equipment) indicating that a bolt has been does nothing but observe and tion installation; development •direct tension indicat- torqued that also facilitates correct workplace activity. A and installation of ancillary ing (dimpled washers that later inspections (e.g., to see if job site can/will be messy, but facilities; assembly and instal- collapse at predetermined the nut and bolt have changed tools and materials should al- lation of the ride or attraction clamping force) relative positions). ways be organized and prop- onsite; installation and testing •calibrated wrench meth- Only bolts, nuts and wash- erly stored. A critical part of any new of mechanical/electrical sys- od (torque wrench) ers specified by the engineer/ Each area of the installa- ride installation is the exact tem; SAT and training. Most important is that the designer should be used. Any tion can affect the safety and detail engineers provide for These functions are ac- proper hardware be used in time a bolt is replaced, it must reliability of the ride or at- getting the foundation work complished with a combina- the proper location and then be exactly the same as the orig- traction. Every step should in- correct before ride erection tion of workers, such as labor- torqued properly. All of this inal. clude another set of eyes and can begin. This 1980 file ers, iron workers, mechanics should be spelled out in the in- The entire installation may a checklist to make certain photo shows the precision and electricians. The crafts in- stallation instructions and doc- be accomplished by your in- everything is completed prop- detail for the hundreds of volved may vary from region umentation. Torque wrenches house staff performing all the erly. The checklist should be piers that make up the foun- to region, but the goal is the should be calibrated/certified work, hiring individual con- carefully reviewed, approved dations for the Judge Roy same: assembly of the ride ac- daily or more often if signifi- tractors for each area of the and filed for possible future Scream wooden coaster at curately and professionally. cant variations are noted — installation or hiring a general Six Flags Over Texas. AT FILE and perhaps even replaced if contractor. Installation may 4See INSTALLATION, page 17 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION INSTALLATION 13th annual World Aquatic Continued from page 16 Health Conference is largest yet reference. A ride always will re- NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Education was a key focus at the quire some problem-solving, 13th annual World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), adjustments and tuning. This hosted by the National Swimming Pool Foundation process can take days, weeks (NSPF) at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in October. or months — depending on WAHC is a leading global aquatic research forum tai- the ride’s complexity and the lored for people involved in all aspects of aquatics, aquatic diligence of the manufacturer facilities, and the pool and spa industry — including ser- during design, fabrication and vice providers, consultants, water parks, manufacturers, factory testing. academia, associations, builders, community organizations, distributors, hotels, government agencies, health/medical Testing and training sectors, retail, government and media. Although the ride or at- “The WAHC is one of the most educational conferences When a nut/bolt has been torqued for the final time, work- traction may be working well we have,” said Troy McGinty, global product manager of ers will mark each one with a paint stripe across the nut end at this point, the installation Hayward Commercial Products, a returning sponsor. “The of the bolt/nut combination as seen here on the B&M-built is not finished until the SAT people that attend this conference have passion; they care Diamondback steel coaster at Kings Island. The painted is completed and the staff is tremendously about what they do. The attendees, speakers stripe assists facilities in their ride inspection programs. and sponsors all participate so much in WAHC because the trained. AT FILE The SAT should be per- type of people here have so many great topics on which to formed by the manufacturer After SAT, it is prudent hours. speak, along with the research behind their presentations.” along with your staff and to log a certain number of If the ride or attraction is With more than 400 attendees, the October 2016 gath- should include “load test” in operating hours prior to pub- complex, with multiple ve- ering was the largest for this event on record. Returning accordance with ASTM F2291 lic opening/operation with hicles and demanding opera- attendees, first-time participants, sponsors and speakers all or other pertinent standards. guests. This run time should tion, it may be beneficial to learned new information that will help benefit themselves Sometimes the local staff may be conducted as close to actual do a soft opening. This can as well as their careers and the industry. perform the SAT without as- operating conditions as pos- take different forms, depend- Said Thomas Lachocki, PhD, CEO of NSPF: “The sci- sistance from the manufac- sible, in accordance with op- ing on the park, the ride and ence presented helps us draw conclusions and actions that turer, particularly on smaller, erating procedures and with guest demands. Typically, it shape the future.” less complicated rides and at- fully loaded ride vehicles. means opening the ride or at- The next WAHC will take place in Denver, Colo., in Oc- tractions. Some parks insist on a dry traction to the public for a few tober. Visit the www.thewahc.org for details. The preapproved SAT run time of 100 hours, but the hours per day prior to its offi- procedure should be compre- number can vary depending cial grand opening. This gives The World Aquatic Health hensive — providing function on the ride type. In any case, the staff a chance to gain actual Conference in Nashville, testing of all safety features sufficient run time should be experience with the ride and Tenn., last fall attracted a and every possible combina- clocked in order to determine its passengers’ general behav- record-setting number of tion of events. The approved that the ride is operating prop- ior and reactions — bringing attendees. SAT procedure should be fol- erly and safely. greater observation and antici- COURTESY NATIONAL lowed and test results should A major failure or major pation to operational aware- SWIMMING POOL be documented. downtime would require that ness, and therefore improving FOUNDATION Today’s rides and attrac- the dry run be restarted at 0 safety. tions are designed to minimize the possibility of human error, i.e., operator error. Make sure this is the case. The control system and operator interface/control panel(s) should be ergonomi- cally designed and laid out in such a way that the wrong button won’t be pushed at the wrong time. The SAT should include “What if…?” tests to make sure everything is safe and that accidental or incor- rect button pushing can be avoided. Training of operations and maintenance staff should be conducted by the ride manu- facturer following a formal training outline; however, if the ride is simple or like other rides in the park, training may be handled in-house using the manufacturer's guidelines. Having operations staff assist with testing, SAT and dry run time is a good way for them to get hands-on experi- ence while assisting the start- up technicians. 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Event draws attendees from as far as Singapore 10th annual PACE ride safety classes, training held in Erie, Pa. AT: B. Derek Shaw Waldameer Park & Water [email protected] World. There were 74 attend- ees. ERIE, Pa. — For four days Among the many focus each fall, the areas covered at the 24-hour Amusement Parks Associa- level were ride evacuations, tion (PAPA) and the Penn- restraint system inspections, sylvania State Showmen’s codes and standards, hazard Association (PSSA) combine identification, padding and resources to organize the protective coatings, drive belt Parks and Carnival Education failure, electrical inspections, Seminar (PACE). seat belts and straps, opera- Coordinated by Lisa Bar- I and Class II ride inspector tions auditing, incident mem- NAARSO Certified Inspector Jack Silar of Midway Manage- tlebaugh, currently president training for Pennsylvania Cer- os, small and midsize coasters, ment (left) helped coordinate the event’s training compo- of PSSA, and Gary Chubb, tified Inspectors and NAAR- go-karts, SBF/Visa Rides, in- nent, while Joe Filoramo, supervisor of the Pennsylvania De- PAPA board member and SO Certified Ride Inspectors, flatable attractions and a Penn- partment of Agriculture’s Amusement Ride Safety Division, ride safety seminar coordina- along with re-certification. sylvania ride safety update. gave a presentation on codes and standards. tor, the program is presented The 10th and most recent Topics covered during the AT/B. DEREK SHAW by the National Association PACE event, headquartered at additional eight hours of train- of Amusement Ride Safety the Clarion Hotel and Bel-Aire ing included steel coasters, Sellner Tilt-A-Whirl and a Bill On the traveling show Officials (NAARSO), which Conference Center in Erie, Pa., dark rides and haunted hous- Tracy Whacky Shack (dark side, attendees represented provides instructors. It offers Oct. 24-27, included a day of es, go-kart controls, managing ride). AEB Amusements, Bartle- either 24 or 32 hours of Class hands-on training at nearby aggressive behavior, midway “The PACE Seminar is baugh Amusements, Majes- safety and maintenance role in something I have been going tic Midways, Otto’s Amuse- operations. to for a long time,” Gorman Randall Arndt, an inspec- ments, C&L Shows and The hands-on training said. “This year, for the first tor with the Pennsylva- Sechrist Amusements. Also that supplements classroom time, it was in Erie, which is nia Department of Ag- attending were representatives instruction is a unique feature wonderful. We were very glad riculture’s Amusement from Hueycakes and LAM — and for many attendees, a that we could host this hands- Ride Safety Division, Enterprises of Pennsylvania, highlight — of the seminar. At on training session at Walda- identifies an inspection Ober Gatlinburg of Tennessee the most recent event, Walda- meer.” point on the Chance and the Maine State Fire Mar- meer Park General Manager “I just hope people were Grand at Wal- shal’s Office (Maine’s govern- Steve Gorman and his staff able to get out of it what they dameer Park as seminar ing agency for ride safety). provided a ride technician or wanted to. The whole pur- attendees look on. Casey Consulting Ser- AT/B. DEREK SHAW operator to answer questions pose… is to learn when you vices traveled all the way from and offer information at eight come to something like this Singapore to participate. rides that were part of the and also meet new people and The PACE Seminar was training. network and be able to share previously known as the Pa. The rides were a Zamperla what they’ve learned about a Ride Safety Seminar (1985- Flying Swings, a Chance Ferris certain ride so that we can all 2006). In 2007, Phil Slaggert, a Wheel, a Chance Sea Dragon, grow.” private ride safety consultant, a Zamperla Big Rigs (Convoy Six Pennsylvania parks began running two additional Ride), a Chance Grand Car- participated in this year’s seminars annually under the ousel, an ARM , a seminar: , Wal- Pa. Ride Safety Seminar name. dameer, , Del- Knoebels Amusement Grosso’s, Idlewild and Dutch Resort is the site for next Octo- Wonderland. The Erie Zoo- ber’s PACE Seminar training. logical Society, Erie’s Splash See the seminar’s website for indoor water park and additional event details and iPlay America of Freehold, updates. N.J., also were present. •paceseminar.com

Shawn West, a ride mechanic with Waldameer Park, shows seminar attendee Jacob Inners of Majestic Midways the un- derside of a Whacky Shack car. AT/B. DEREK SHAW January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION

CALENDAR New ASTM standard supports safety of surfing attractions AIMS International WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — A new ASTM standard to help determine the safety of the system 2017 Safety Seminar International standard will help designers and man- being considered. January 8-13, 2017 ufacturers develop and build safe attractions that The new standard provides manufacturing Doubletree by Hilton simulate surfing. The new standard (soon to be pub- guidelines, including structural design requirements, at SeaWorld Orlando lished as F3133, Practice for the Classification, -De identification markings, and design responsibilities. Orlando, Fla. sign, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of According to Myrman, regulatory agencies might Standing Wave Systems) was developed by ASTM’s also use the standard as an enforcement tool while (714) 425-5747 F24 committee on amusement rides and devices. laboratories will find it helpful for benchmark test- www.aimsinlt.org ASTM member Marshall Myrman is the leader ing. • of Flow Rider Inc., part of WhiteWater West Indus- ASTM welcomes participation in the develop- NAARSO tries. Myrman says that companies such as water ment of its standards. Become a member at www. 2017 Safety Fourm parks that buy stationary wave systems will use the astm.org/JOIN. Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2017 Sheraton Orlando North Maitland, Fla. Hands on ride training to be held at Fun Spot Action Park (813) 661-2779 www.naarso.com • Skycoaster Owners Meeting and Safety Symposium February 1 & 2, 2017 Fun Spot America Orlando, Fla. Hands on training to be held at Fun Spot Mark Rosenzweig, Ride Entertainment Group (410) 643-9300 • IRT/iROC Safety Training School February 7-10, 2017 Knott's Berry Farm Hotel at Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. Hands on ride training to be held at Knott's Berry Farm (615) 5458109 [email protected] • IISF Trade Show February 7-11, 2017 Riverview, Fla. (813)677-9377 www.gibtown showmensclub.com • Northwestern Showman's Club Safety Seminar February 12-18, 2017 3407 S.E. 108th Ave. Portland, Ore. 97266 (503) 761-0989 or (772) 485-5112 Class training at Oaks Amusement Park and Funtastic Rides, Inc. Winter Quarters • AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo 2017 March 14-16, 2017 Dallas Convention Center Dallas, Texas (708) 226-1300 www.amusementexpo.org 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Program had more than 130 class offerings Nearly 200 attend 23rd semiannual Pa. Ride Safety Seminar AT: B. Derek Shaw and knowledge as the indus- [email protected] try embraces new and ever- more-thrilling technology. HARRISBURG, Pa. — “Last year alone, there Twice annually, the Penn- we will never reach a point were more than 11 million sylvania Division of Ag- where we no longer engage visitors to [Pennsylvania’s] riculture, Ride Safety in refresher courses, new parks who took an estimated Department, trains and tests trainings or open dialogue. 55 million rides on equip- hundreds of amusement ride Continuous learning is im- ment, while more than 5.2 inspectors from Pennsylva- perative to minimizing acci- million visitors attended nia and 12 other states. dents and negative impacts.” the state’s 109 fairs and mil- During the most re- Last fall’s seminar cov- lions more attend carnivals,” cent Pennsylvania Amuse- ered Class 1 Inspector, Class Redding said. “At the end of ment Ride Safety Seminar 2 Inspector, Independent In- the day, it’s about keeping (PARSS), held Nov. 1-3, 193 spector, Inflatable Ride Safe- riders in Pennsylvania safe, personnel from various ty, Haunted Attractions and and that’s where you come amusement operations re- Extreme Sports training lev- in. You keep Pennsylvanians The three leaders in the Pennsylvania Ride Safety program ceived safety training con- els. Specific classes included safe by giving them secure (from left): Walt Remmert, Bureau of Ride & Measurement ducted by the Pennsylvania Welding Safety, Risk Man- yet thrilling experiences on Standards director; Joe Filoramo, supervisor, Amusement Division of Agriculture Bu- agement at Special Events, the 10,000 rides across the Ride Safety Division, and Department of Agriculture Secretary reau of Rides and Measure- NDT, Pneumatics, Seatbelts state — ranging from one Russell Redding. Ride safety falls under the jurisdiction of ments Standards. and Webbing Restraint Sys- of our nationally renowned the Department of Agriculture in the Commonwealth of According to Walt Rem- tems, Hydraulics, Out-of- roller coasters to a merry-go- Pennsylvania. mert, director of the bureau, Production Rides, Wooden round at the county .” COURTESY PENNSYLVANIA DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE PARSS is a “unique” certifi- Coaster Inspections, Emer- Beyond mechanical, cation program for amuse- gency Planning and Exami- maintenance and procedural cerned the agency and its in- continuing education and ment ride oversight that is nation of Incidents. issues, one of the PARSS ses- volvement in the industry. It the ability to have people at- recognized in many states Seminar participants sions dealt with the topics of included the types of inves- tend continuing education, across the country. chose the specialty courses suspicious activity report- tigations it conducts, which the program can’t continue “We have 1,200 to 1,400 that were the most benefi- ing, use of social media and may be incident-specific or and prosper.” private inspectors who cial for their career path, job active shooters. cover a certain model ride/ Added Remmert of the are certified and licensed description, abilities and The Pennsylvania State attraction. The agency has collaboration between his through our program,” Rem- employer benefit. Testing Police made a presenta- conducted recalls of portable bureau and private trainers, mert said. “Part of what is is provided for Class 1 and tion on the Pennsylvania amusement rides and is- such as amusement safety required to continue their li- 2 Ride Inspectors, General Criminal Intelligence Center sued safety bulletins. (CPSC expert Phil Slaggert: “We censure is continuing educa- Qualified Inspectors and (PaCIC). This 24-hour-a-day does not regulate fixed-site couldn’t do it without the tion… the category of licen- Specialized Inspectors. The “fusion” center,” created in amusement park rides — professional involvement sure these individuals have testing is independent of the 2003, is a collaborative ef- only portable and traveling of… private entities that depends on how many hours Pennsylvania Department of fort by numerous state agen- amusements.) provide the additional con- of continuing education they Agriculture; however, it is cies. It provides resources, “It’s not enough to test tinuing education that’s the have to have in a three-year sanctioned by the agency. information and expertise to somebody and attest to their lynchpin of our inspection.” period to maintain their af- All 51 instructors for the maximize the ability to de- professional ability — they Secretary Redding ob- filiation and renew their li- three-day training were vol- tect, prevent, investigate and have to grow with the indus- served that the creation of cense.” unteers hailing from around respond to criminal and ter- try,” said Remmert. “Amuse- PARSS through public-pri- “Participants in this sem- the U.S. — representing a rorism activity. PaCIC works ment rides change with the vate partnerships is what inar will log more than 4,500 wide spectrum of specialties with local municipalities, integration of video games has made it a model for hours of continuing educa- that impact the amusement townships and counties for a in rides, inflatables… if we other states to follow. “When tion,” explained Department industry. unified front. rely on status quo or what you set the standard for oth- of Agriculture Secretary In his keynote address, A presentation by the we did yesterday, we’re not ers, you know something is Russell Redding. “While we Secretary Redding noted the U.S. Consumer Product Safe- going to meet the new chal- working — and that is an ac- have an impeccable record, importance of safety training ty Commission (CPSC) con- lenges and needs. Without complishment in which we should all take pride,” he said. The Pennsylvania De- partment of Agriculture has inspected and registered amusement rides under the Amusement Ride Safety Act since 1984 and regularly par- ticipates in education and outreach seminars that in- clude classes and hands-on demonstrations. The next PARSS is scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 2 in Harrisburg. See the program’s website for event details and addi- Seminar attendees participated in a general program ses- One day of the three-day training schedule showing some of tional areas of instruction. sion being led by Joe Filoramo, supervisor, Amusement Ride the 131 course offerings participants could select from. •paridesafety.com Safety Division. AT/B. DEREK SHAW AT/B. DEREK SHAW January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION ASTM F24 honors Brian D. King WEST. CONSHOHOCK- the International Associa- EN, Pa., — ASTM Inter- tion of Amusement Parks ASTM's F24 Chairman national’s Committee on and Attractions, Amusement Ben Sheldon (left) recently Amusement Rides and De- Industry Manufacturers and presented Brian King of vices (F24) has presented Suppliers International, Recreation Engineering, Inc. its top annual award — the American Welding Soci- with the ASTM Award of Award of Merit — to Brian ety, National Association Merit, the committee's top D. King of Recreation En- of Amusement Ride Safety annual award. gineering, Inc. in Prescott, Officials, and the American COURTESY JAN KING Ariz., The prestigious award, Society of Mechanical Engi- which includes the accom- neers. panying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards. The committee honored King for his dedicated lead- ership in the development of ASTM standards that have resulted in improved levels of global amusement ride safety and for his untiring efforts in promoting world- wide use of safety and per- formance standards. He has been a member of ASTM since 1992. Committee F24 previously awarded King the Dr. Richard H. Brown Me- morial Exceptional Service Award and the Award of Ap- preciation in 2007. King is the president and professional engineer of Rec- reation Engineering, Inc. He has been with the organiza- tion since 1994, having previ- ously served as the director of laboratory sciences with Triodyne, Inc. In addition to ASTM, King has been a member of AccuWeather offers weather support STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — More than 1.5 billion people and businesses worldwide now rely on AccuWeather to help them plan their lives, protect their businesses, and get more from their day. AccuWeather provides hour-by-hour and minute-by- minute forecasts with superior accuracy with customized con- tent and engaging video pre- sentations available through smart phones, tablets, free wired and mobile Internet sites via AccuWeather.com, Accu- Weather apps, connected TVs, wearables, smart homes, and connected cars, as well as radio, television, newspapers, and the AccuWeather Network cable channel. Parks and facilities wish- ing to upgrade their in-park weather monitoring can visit: accuweather.com. 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & EDUCATION Overseeing 21 U.S. facilities all in a day’s work It’s ‘Safety 1st’ for ’s maintenance director AT: Dean Lamanna The largest share of my time effort to stay informed on the [email protected] is devoted to our ongoing ef- smaller, less notable incidents forts to improve safety for our as well. NEWPORT BEACH, Ca- guests and employees. We have We’re in frequent commu- lif. — Some jobs, by their very an amazing group of safety nication with our counterparts nature, carry more duties than professionals at our facilities. in other organizations across the others. In conjunction with our risk country and around the world. As corporate director of tion design, lean manufacturing management group, we review There’s something to be learned maintenance, construction and total productive mainte- information from the parks on from every incident — no mat- and safety for Newport Beach, nance, as well as maintenance a daily basis. We use this infor- ter how small or large. Calif.-based Palace Entertain- management for companies mation to identify trends and Which conferences and ment, Jeffrey Savelesky has a such as Coca-Cola, Kaiser Alu- opportunities for improvement, seminars do you attend each range of responsibility that is minum, Kenworth and Chrys- and to verify results from past year, and how do you find them remarkably manifold — encom- ler. initiatives. helpful? passing the supervision of more Savelesky lives in Temecula, The rest of my time is di- We attend a variety of safe- than 100 maintenance and safe- Calif., with his wife, Jolene, two vided between providing guid- ty seminars and conferences ty employees in 21 amusement dogs and an ever-growing col- ance and resources to our main- Jeffrey Savelesky, corporate through the year. Notably, each facilities across the U.S. And it is lection of pinball machines and tenance teams and oversight of director of maintenance, year we send representatives founded on two decades of ex- park memorabilia. He paused our ongoing capital construc- construction and safety for from our parks, along with staff perience. during a typically challenging tion projects. Since safety is an Palace Entertainment, su- from our corporate office, to the Savelesky, who studied work week to share his thoughts integral part of everything we pervises a department with AIMS Safety Seminar in Orlan- electronics engineering and on the subject of industry safety do, it is a part of every discus- more than 100 employees. do. At the same time, we have a computer sciences at DeVry with Amusement Today. sion, every email, every interac- COURTESY large contingent of people who University in , Ariz., Where were you raised, tion and every decision. PALACE ENTERTAINMENT attend training with [Winder- started his career in the amuse- and what sparked your interest Palace has diverse proper- mere, Fla.-based international ment industry in 1995 as a in the amusement industry? ties — including theme parks, our water parks. aquatic safety and risk manage- maintenance technician at Sil- I grew up in Spokane, water parks, wildlife attrac- How do you meet and ful- ment consultants] Ellis & Asso- verwood Theme Park in Athol, Wash., which was host of the tions and family entertain- fill the varying safety codes ciates. Idaho. 1974 World’s Fair. My grand- ment centers (FECs). Does this and regulations from state to Is park security part of In 1997, he was recruited by mother bought us passes and require a lot of “gear-shifting” state? your purview, and if so, has Premier Parks to form the ride we would go each day after she on your part? Most states in which we Palace made any recent adjust- maintenance department at Ma- got off work. Our diverse portfolio adds operate follow ASTM F24 stan- ments? rine World Africa USA in Valle- I was a very young child at some level of complexity to the dards. For the state-specific Park security does fall with- jo, Calif., where the non-animal the time and more than likely a job. With that diversity comes standards and regulations that in the scope of my responsibili- attractions were a ball crawl and handful with all the sights and a variety of insights from our fall outside the scope of ASTM, ties. As our world changes, so, a kiddie train. Over the next two sounds of a world’s fair to take staff. Our water park safety and we have adopted the most strin- too, do we. Along with our part- years, Savelesky hired a staff of in. My reward each night as we maintenance people see things gent regulations we are subject ner organizations, such as local more than 20 and oversaw the left, if I had behaved, was a stop from a slightly different per- to in a particular jurisdiction police and fire departments, we installation of nearly $50 million at the midway for a few rides. spective than the staff at our and made those our standard are continually reviewing and worth of rides and attractions This is one of my earliest memo- theme parks. It’s through shar- for all facilities. adjusting our security proto- — transforming the property ries — and one that to this day ing these different insights and I believe that standardiza- cols. Like many other facets of into what is known today as Six brings a smile to my face. viewpoints that we’re able to tion is something that benefits our industry, security requires a Flags Discovery Kingdom. In later years, I was always develop best practices with a all our facilities and makes it constant focus — and we make Savelesky subsequently fascinated by amusements. I depth and breadth that would easier to roll out policy updates every effort to stay agile in our worked with Iwerks Entertain- would watch for hours as they otherwise be impossible to and program improvements. approach and response. ment, Manu- set up the rides at the local fair achieve. We are fortunate to operate in a What do you feel sets your facturing and Dynamic At- or carnival. For example, we have re- number of states with outstand- company apart from others in tractions on projects globally What’s a typical day like ceived feedback from go-kart ing ride and attraction safety terms of safety management? — landing at Palace Entertain- for you in overseeing your de- operators at our FECs that has programs. California and Penn- Palace Entertainment has ment, a subsidiary of Madrid, partment at Palace Entertain- impacted standard operating sylvania are two, in particular, done a great job of developing Spain-based , ment? procedures at our theme parks. where we feel a real sense of a safety culture throughout the an international entertainment As is the case with most po- And equipment upgrades we’ve partnership with the state ride organization. Each and every operator, in June 2015. sitions in our industry, there’s performed at our animal parks safety officials. employee makes a “Safety 1st” In January 2016, Savelesky seldom a “typical” day. That’s have paved the way for similar In any given year, there are pledge as part of their employ- brought 32 employees from Pal- part of what makes working in upgrades at our water parks. several ride accidents — some ment. In part, this pledge en- ace’s corporate headquarters, this industry so rewarding. My From a technical side, there garnering significant media at- courages and empowers all water parks and theme parks to day generally starts at 6:30 a.m., are obvious differences between tention. Does Palace conduct employees to be vigilant in the annual AIMS Safety Semi- when I head out on my two- our various facility types that a safety review after a high- their observations and efforts to nar in Orlando, Fla. Within two hour commute to our corporate do require some gear-shifting profile accident outside of the maintain a safe environment for months he became a member of office. That gives me a chance when moving from one project company? all employees and guests within the AIMS education committee, to catch up on calls — hands- or technical issue to another. Palace Entertainment, be- our facilities. and last July he joined the orga- free, of course! — with our East That said, the ability to utilize ing part of Parques Reunidos, It is the unwavering and ev- nization’s board of directors. Coast parks. Once I reach the expertise from one type of facil- is part of a worldwide organi- er-present commitment to safe- In addition to AIMS, Save- office, I spend 30 minutes or so ity to address an issue at anoth- zation. My European counter- ty from each and every employ- lesky is a member of ASTM catching up on industry news, er gives us a unique advantage. part and I closely monitor the ee — combined with the efforts International’s Committee world events and weather that For example, we can apply the industry and evaluate each in- of our corporate team, which F24 and an active champion of may impact our operation. block safety knowledge from cident for lessons and opportu- strives to provide the tools and safety both inside and outside From there it is on to the busi- our theme parks — ensuring nities to improve safety within resources necessary to support the amusement industry. He has ness of the day. that no two ride vehicles can oc- our group and the industry as our “Safety 1st” culture — that provided consulting services in My first and foremost focus cupy the same space on a track a whole. Beyond the headline- makes Palace stand out. disciplines including automa- is the safety of our 21 facilities. at a time — to the water slides in grabbing incidents, we make an •palaceentertainment.com January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 INTERNATIONAL

 Djurs Sommerland adding Intamin coaster — See Page 24 Legoland and Bollywood Parks debut at

AT: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

DUBAI, U.A.E. — The huge development that is Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) opened two of its theme parks within the space of two weeks at the end of October and early November, with and Bollywood Parks Dubai mak- Dubai Parks and Resorts fea- ing their much-anticipated tures three theme parks, a debuts. waterpark, Riverland Dubai, The first of the venues a themed retail and dining to open was the Legoland destination, and the Lapita park, which also incorporates Hotel, a Polynesian themed Legoland Waterpark, along resort. with another of the DPR’s at- COURTESY DUBAI PARKS tractions, Riverland Dubai, a AND RESORTS uniquely themed retail and tion. Siegfried Boerst, general dining destination at the manager of Legoland Dubai, heart of the location which officially opened the region’s As well as some of the more familiar Legoland areas and attractions, Legoland Dubai also connects the entire destina- first Legoland theme park, incorporates Legoland Waterpark. COURTESY LEGOLAND DUBAI along with Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments and Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of DXB Entertainments, owner of Dubai Parks and Resorts. Boerst commented: “We are excited to celebrate this historic day with friends of Legoland Dubai as we offi- cially open the region’s first theme park aimed at families with children aged two to 12. We are committed to offering memorable experiences and we look forward to welcom- ing families from the region and international guests to experience days filled with adventure and fun.” Legoland Dubai is the ul- timate world of Lego adven- Employees at DXB Entertain- tures for families with young ments, owner of Dubai Parks children. It features over 40 and Resorts, join in with the interactive rides, shows and celebrations to mark the of- attractions and 15,000 Lego ficial opening of Bollywood model structures made from Parks Dubai. over 60 million Lego bricks. COURTESY BOLLYWOOD The opening of Bollywood Parks Dubai was held two weeks after the opening of Legoland PARKS DUBAI 4See DUBAI, page 24 Dubai. COURTESY BOLLYWOOD PARKS DUBAI 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 DUBAI Continued from page 23 Djurs Sommerland adding Intamin coaster AT: Andrew Mellor themed area Bondegårdsland The park features six themed [email protected] with 10 rides (2015) as well as lands — Lego City, Adven- the new ride Søulken (2016), ture, Kingdoms, Imagination, NIMTOFTE, Denmark — also assisting in the 2017 ex- Factory and Miniland — each The Danish park Djurs Som- pansion. unique in their design, enter- merland is investing approxi- “The coaster is aimed at tainment and playful learn- mately €12 million (U.S. $12.7 the family segment with an ing experiences. million, DKK 89.3 million) in expected height restriction of The opening of Bolly- a major new suspended roller 120 cm,” explained Managing wood Parks Dubai was held coaster for the 2017 season. Director and CEO Henrik B. just two weeks after the Lego- Supplied by Intamin, Nielsen. “As with Juvelen it land opening. The venue is a who also built the park’s Pi- will be a family thrill ride with first-of-its-kind theme park raten and Juvelen coasters, high speed and high forces. that showcases rides and at- the ride will be the park’s big- The coaster will be the first tractions based on some of gest single investment ever ride in a new Asian themed Bollywood’s biggest block- and the largest single invest- part of the park which will busters and opened with a ment in a Danish amusement be built over the next three to ceremony that included vari- park. It will also be Europe’s four years.” ous live entertainment shows fastest and longest family The new ride will be the performed by the Bollywood suspended coaster and will 27th ride addition since Djurs artists and dancers. feature a combination of ele- Djurs Sommerland’s new Sommerland built Denmark’s Speaking at the open- ments (yet to be disclosed) family suspended coaster biggest roller coaster, Piraten, ing, Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, that will make it a unique at- will be the first ride in a new in 2008. During this period said: “Following the success- traction. Asian themed area more than €53 million (U.S. ful opening and commence- With a maximum height of the park. $56 million, DKK 394.3 mil- ment of operations at Lego- of 30 meters (98.5 feet), Drage COURTESY lion) have been invested land Dubai and Riverland Kongen (Dragon King) as it DJURS SOMMERLAND in new rides and improve- Dubai, we are very excited will be known will take visi- ments in the park and visi- and eager to witness our tors to a speed of up to 85 kmh tor numbers have increased guests’ reactions when they (53 mph) along its 825 meters will experience up to 4G and feet) within a new, extensive from 487,000 guests in 2007 to experience Bollywood Parks (2,707 foot) long track. Utiliz- the expected minimum height themed area of the park with 801,000 in 2015. Dubai. Today we celebrate ing two 14-passenger trains, for passengers will be 120 cm. Dutch design and theming Drage Kongen is sched- the opening of the first Bol- hourly capacity is set to be ap- The coaster will be con- specialist Jora Entertain- uled for completion when the lywood inspired theme park proximately 750 and the ride structed on a site of 10,000 ment, who participated in the park opens for the new sea- in the world and we’re con- duration two minutes. Riders square meters (107,639 square concept development of the son in May. fident that it will appeal to a large segment of fans due to its popularity in the region.” ‘The Vikings are coming’ in new Stockholm attraction Bollywood Parks Dubai will recreate the Bollywood ETF Ride Systems, experience through themed attractions and rides spread P&P Projects across five zones — Bolly- producing dark ride wood Boulevard, Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, Royal AT: Andrew Mellor The Life of Vikings Mu- [email protected] Plaza and Bollywood Film seum, Vikingaliv in Swedish, Studios. Visitors will experi- also includes an exhibition that ence action, story-telling and STOCKHOLM, Sweden — gives a description of a time dance sequences inspired by A new attraction based on the when there were neither king- popular films. age of the Vikings and featur- doms nor parliaments ruling Bollywood Parks Dubai’s ing a dark ride as its main ele- the society. Here, visitors will flagship offering is the 850- ment is set to open this spring learn about the role of children seat Rajmahal Theatre that in the Swedish capital of Stock- and women, how people lived, will be home to a separately holm. how they cultivated crops, ticketed Broadway-style, Bol- Life of Vikings is an ad- what they ate, as well as how lywood -themes show. Dur- venture and a journey through they travelled to rob, steal and ing the day, the park will of- one of history’s most mythical sell women as slaves. Stockholm’s new Vikingaliv will be an adventure and journey fer up to 20 live shows across time periods. On 2,000 square The engineering, produc- through one of history’s most mythical time periods. five stages – Rock On!!, meters (21,528 square feet) in tion and installation of all the COURTESY VIKINGALIV Crossroads, Mumbai Ex- Wasahamnen on Djurgården, show sets are being carried out press, Rangmanch and Stars between the Vasa Museum and by Dutch company P&P Proj- tion the operator will make a The story of on Steps. The park will also Gröna Lund amusement park, ects, while ETF Ride Systems language selection for the rid- the Vikings offer six themed restaurants a dramatized tale of the Viking is responsible for the dark ride ers depending on their require- is very often that capture India’s popular Age, anno 963, is being created. system, which in this case will ment, with a choice of seven asked for culinary offerings and eight The main attraction is Rag- be one of the company’s track- languages being used in the by tourists. retail outlets stocking quint- nfrid’s Saga, told by the old Vi- less Multi Mover systems. vehicles. And from essential filmy fare. king woman Ragnfrid. During The ride will feature 16 The project is led by an next summer The third of the initial an 11-minute dark ride-journey rotating Multi Mover vehicles experienced team that has es- they will be Larson theme parks at DPR, the inside the exhibition hall, visi- and will take visitors on a 140 tablished similar ventures in able to experience a unique at- movie based Motiongate tors will travel through an inti- meter (459 foot) long track. The Djurgården and the rest of traction in the center of Stock- Dubai, was scheduled to mate, historically rooted tale of vehicles will be equipped with Sweden and CEO Ulf Larsson holm.” open in December, while Six life in the Viking Age, at home a high quality on-board sound said: “This is the first drama- Vikingaliv is expected to Flags Dubai is expected to on the farm and around the system fully synchronized to tized museum that also in- attraction between 350,000 and open on the site in late 2019. world. the show sets, while at the sta- cludes a dark ride in Sweden. 400,000 visitors per annum. January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25

WATER PARKS & RESORTS  Association 2016 Wave Review winners announced — Page 28 At Waldameer Park for 2017 Water World continuing water park expansion with third phase

AT: Jeffrey Seifert popular adult rides such as [email protected] the dueling Kidz Twister and a Kidz Bowl. ERIE, Pa. — Waldameer The attraction has mul- & Water World has an- tiple levels and eight-foot nounced that the third phase wide hexagonal decks. The of its planned water park ex- structure is topped with a pansion will be a historical- 40-gallon dumping feature themed “Battle of Lake Erie” in the shape of a sailing ship water play structure. that will periodically douse The custom-designed guests in the center of the ProSlide Ridehouse 500 will structure. be highlighted by more than Off to one side, and 102 water features and of- away from the dumping fea- fer visitors history lessons ture, is a well-defined area as they splash their way for younger kids with three through the attraction. Walk- gentle slides — a twin racing ways throughout the struc- slide, and a covered slide. ture will feature historical This section has its own locations and references to smaller tipping bucket with the Battle of Lake Erie and a gentler downpour. The the city of Erie’s role in the Battle of Lake Erie is expect- War of 1812. ed to debut at the beginning Commonly known as the New for the 2017 season, Waldameer Park is continuing its third-phase expansion of its Wa- of the 2017 season in May. War of 1812, the conflict be- ter World water park. The highlight attraction will be Battle of Lake Erie, a historical-themed Along with the new tween the United States and ProSlide Ridehouse 500 water play structure. COURTESY WALDAMEER PARK playhouse, Water World is Great Britain and its British- adding more cabanas for governed North American modore Perry’s victory was The new attraction con- Lake Erie water play struc- daily rental, more lounge colonies lasted until Feb- a turning point in the war, tinues the expansion started ture, which will be located chairs and additional lock- ruary 17, 1815. The Battle placing the Northwest Ter- in 2015 with the addition of between the wave pool and ers. of Lake Erie was primarily ritory under control of the a giant, 500,000-gallon wave the Kidz Zone, will have fort- The ride park at Walda- fought off the coast of Ohio, United States. pool designed to accommo- themed devices suitable for meer will receive an expan- but the ships were launched “It’s really going to be a date up to 1,000 people. The the entire family. Along with sion of its catering prepara- from the naval base at Pr- historical lesson for all of the following year, Kidz Zone its 102 interactive water fea- tion facility and significant esque-Isle, just down the kids that come in,” said Paul was added with attractions tures, the structure will offer tune-up maintenance to both road from the current loca- Nelson, CEO of the Walda- geared toward children six seven slides including pint- the Comet and Ravine Flyer tion of Waldameer. Com- meer & Water World. and younger. The Battle of size versions of ProSlide’s II wooden coaster structures. Schlitterbahn Kansas City to remove Verrückt KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following the permanently – and the slide removed from tragic death of a young boy at its Kan- the tower. In our opinion, it is the only sas City water park, Schlitterbahn has proper course of action following this trag- announced that the attraction will be re- edy. moved. "We will, at some point in the future, The following statement is from the announce what will be built in its place. Henry family and Schlitterbahn Waterparks "We continue to fully cooperate with and Resorts regarding Verrückt in Kansas investigative teams and work with the fami- City: lies, their attorneys and our staff impacted "All of us at Schlitterbahn have been by this accident. As we move forward, we heartbroken over the tragedy that occurred assure everyone who works for us and the on Verrückt. In our 50 years of providing community: we remain wholly committed an environment for families and friends to to our Kansas City park and the original gather, we’ve never experienced this kind vision of Schlitterbahn – providing a great of devastating event. The safety of our staff place to work and an environment for fami- and our guests is our top priority. We are lies and friends to gather together." parents and grandparents ourselves and Opened in 2014, Schlitterbahn Kansas many of us have ridden Verrückt with our City Water Park’s Verrückt was certified by own children and grandchildren over the Guinness World Records as the world’s tall- years it operated. est waterslide. The 168-foot-tall ride fea- Verrückt as seen at Schlitterbahn Kansas City. The ride is "Once the investigation is concluded tured multi-passenger rafts that dropped being decommissioned following the death of a young boy and we are given permission by the court, down a 17-story drop, before being blast- on the record-setting ride. AT/TIM BALDWIN Verrückt will be decommissioned – closed ed up a 50-foot speed hill. 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017

World Waterpark Association NEWSSPLASH 2016 Wave Review COMPILED: Jeffery L. Seifert winners announced [email protected]

NEW ORLEANS, La. — During the recently concluded On Dec. 1, 2016, the San Antonio-based day. Although many splash park managers World Waterpark Association annual Symposium & Trade HEB Grocery Company known for its HEB state they do this already, there is no law re- Show, the 2016 class of Wave Review award winners were grocery stores throughout Texas, donated quiring them to do so. Western Australian offi- announced. They are: $2 million to Morgan's Wonderland to help cials are hoping to have a new safety standards cover the costs of Morgan's Inspiration Island, amendment concerning splash parks added to Key (listed in this order): an ultra-accessible splash park scheduled to the Public Health Act before the start of the Up to 100,000 attendance winners open later this year. 2017 season. 100,000 to 250,000 attendance winners Morgan's Wonderland opened in 2010 to • 250,000 & up attendance winners allow people with special needs to have fun in Brean Splash Waterpark & Gym in Som- a park specifically designed for children and erset, Great Britain, has won three prestigious Billboard: adults with special needs. awards at the U.K. Poll and Spa Scene Awards. Castaway Cove Waterpark, Wichita Falls, Texas "We think the work that Morgan's Won- The facility was named Venue of the Year and Alley Waterpark, Corpus Christi, Texas derland does to serve a population that brings received the gold award for Holiday Park Pool Vana Nava Hua Hin, Hua Hin, Thailand joy to a lot of children in the city of San Anto- of the year and Water Leisure Operator of the nio is completely worthy of a $2 million gift Year. Brean Splash Waterpark & Gym features Brochure: from HEB, so we're just happy that we're able an outdoor seasonal water park, an indoor wa- Splash Zone Waterpark, Wildwood, N.J. to do it," said Julie Bedingfield an HEB rep- ter park that is open year round, along with a Breakwater Beach Waterpark, Seaside Heights, N.J. resentative. lap pool, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, cafe, Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights, Colo. • Starbucks coffee shop and a gift shop. Direct Mail: Atlantis may be surfacing in Hawaii. Last The U.K. Pool & Spa Awards showcase Zoom Flume Waterpark, East Durham, N.Y. November, Kerzner International Manage- the very best of the companies involved in the Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. ment Services Hawaii was formed as a new provision of water leisure in Great Britain. This Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix, Phoenix, Ariz. business in the state. Kerzner International past year, awards were given in 26 different was founded by business magnate Sol Ker- categories. The competition is open to the en- Email Campaign: zer and was the developer of Atlantis, The tire water leisure industry including swimming Castaway Cove Waterpark, Wichita Falls, Texas Palm Resort in Dubai. Pacific Business Jour- pool designers, installers, leisure operators, Magic Waters Waterpark, Cherry Valley, Ill. nal is speculating that Kerzner plans to build a swim spa and hot tub manufacturers as well Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville, Pa. similar Atlantis resort on a 24-acre oceanfront as wholesalers and retailers. This is the eighth parcel of land in West Oahu near the existing year the contest has been held. Poster: Disney Resort, Aulani. • Splash Zone Waterpark, Wildwood, N.J. The Atlantis Hawaii Resort is similar to In November, the parks department in Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. other Atlantis properties, it likely will include Butte, Mont., released, drawings of the new Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights, Colo. a large, elaborate, heavily themed water park. aquatic facility to replace the aging Stod- • den Pool. In June 2016, voters of Silver Bow Print Media: Deep River Water Park in Crown Point, County approved a $7.2 million bond to pay Splash Zone Waterpark, Wildwood, N.J. Ind., is adding a six-lane ProSlide KrakenRac- for most of the construction of the $8.7 mil- Mountain Creek Waterpark, Vernon, N.J. er for the 2017 season. Dubbed Kraken, the lion project. The remaining $1.5 million will Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai, U.A.E. 40-foot-tall slide begins with twisted tunnel be provided by private and public funding. A tube slides intertwined with each other, then 12-member committee which includes county Promotion: halfway through, riders align next to each officials, an architect, engineer and community Summit Family Aquatic Center, Summit, N.J. other for a side-by-side race to the finish line. representatives has been working with SMA Magic Waters Waterpark, Cherry Valley, Ill. It is the first major addition to the water park Architects of Helena, Mont. and Counsilman- , West Palm Beach, Fla. since 2005. Hunsaker of St. Louis, Mo. The park will also add a Deep River Aerial The conceptual designs show a four-lane Radio Commercial: Adventure Park that will feature bridges, tun- lap pool, two waterslide towers, a splash play Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark, Greenville, Texas, nels ladders, and 10 ziplines ranging from 300 area with interactive water features and a Hurricane Alley Waterpark, Corpus Christi, Texas (TIE) to 900 feet in length. The waterslide and aerial winding lazy river. The water park will be close Mountain Creek Waterpark, Vernon, N.J. (TIE) park additions are being funded by the Lake to the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Galveston Island, Texas County Parks Department which took out currently under construction. Social Media Campaign: $12 million in bonds for various projects. The carousel project has been a labor of CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort, Orlando, Fla. • love for more than a 20 years as members of Hurricane Alley Waterpark, Corpus Christi, Texas Splash pads and water splash parks are the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel Group Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, Texas popping up all over the world. Because these learned to carve horses to replace the original facilities are not pools or water parks, many Columbia Gardens Merry-Go-Round that was TV Commercial: are not regulated. A water quality issue at the destroyed in a fire in 1973. To date 32 horses Splash Zone Waterpark, Wildwood, N.J. Elizabeth Quay Park in Western Australia have been carved, and the group has acquired Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. forced the closure of the facility twice in the a carousel platform, organ and a variety of oth- Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. heat of the summer when the filtration system er items. Construction of the carousel building was overwhelmed by high temperatures and at Stodden Park started in September 2015 Website: the number of people using the splash pad. A with all of the labor being donated. Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark, Hudson Oaks, Texas bacterial infection left a five-year-old girl par- Stodden Park is also slated for refurbish- Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark, Canton, Texas tially blind after playing at the splash park. ment thanks to a $2.5 million donation from Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels, Texas Now the West Australian government is the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. seeking to change the Public Health Act to Demolition of the original pool and bath- YouTube Campaign: require that splash parks and public fountains house was completed in November and con- CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort, Orlando, Fla. be regulated the same as public swimming struction is expected to start this spring. Plans Mountain Creek Waterpark, Vernon, N.J. pools. Such regulations would require opera- call for the water park to open in the spring or Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai, U.A.E. tors to maintain chemical and pH levels and summer of 2018. test the water multiple times throughout the January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS , Kingdom announce new for 2017 projects — Page 32 / Fairs — Pages 39-41 Casino Pier goes big for 2017 with new pier and rides AT: Tim Baldwin golf course, nine new rides [email protected] and expanded the go kart Casino Pier in Seaside track.” Heights, N.J., is installing this SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. For 2017, Casino Pier has Euro-Fighter 320 — The images following Hur- embarked on a major expan- roller coaster for 2017, re- ricane Sandy, which struck on sion to reposition the pier as placing the Star Jet coaster October 29, 2012 were hor- a primary destination. Two which was lost to Hurricane rifying. None more so than new rides will debut this year. Sandy in 2012. COURTESY GERSTLAUER pictures of the Star Jet roller In addition, a brand new pier coaster tossed into the Atlan- will extend the existing one at tic following the collapse of the north end. a pier. It was an image that For the thrill-seekers, a haunted America and sum- new roller coaster manufac- marized the devastation to tured by Gerstlauer will re- the New Jersey coast. side on the new pier. Masto- Over the past four sea- ris said Casino Pier has yet to sons, Casino Pier — as well as name the ride. Any potential all of the Jersey shore — has moniker could emphasize the worked hard to rebuild, not ride’s pulse-pounding first only their property, but the drop. Following a 72-foot tourist clientele that keeps vertical lift, the initial drop this famous coastline turning is taken at 97 degrees, giving profits. daredevils a dramatic dive “Casino Pier was devas- back toward the shoreline. tated significantly from Hur- “The ride will be Gerst- ricane Sandy in 2012. Our lauer’s first Euro-Fighter 320 team has worked extremely model,” says Adam Sandy of be second to none.” based on the footprint we had will be a 131-foot tall Fer- hard to rebuild and expand Ride Entertainment, which Two eight-passenger cars to utilize and we wanted to ris Wheel manufactured by since then,” said Maria Mas- represents Gerstlauer in will be equipped with lap work with a proven manufac- . Gondolas will toris, marketing manager. North America. “What will bar restraints without over- turer,” Mastoris said. “Ger- offer visitors more tranquil That following summer we make it unique is the awe- the-shoulder harnesses. This stlauer has been putting in views of the Atlantic Ocean opened with a brand new some beachside location. The adds to the comfort to the ex- great coasters in parks across in comparison to the roller pier and new rides and at- view as the coaster crests the perience as will the magnetic the globe for many years. The coaster. Passengers will rise tractions. Since 2013, we have vertical lift and riders look off brake system and ergonomic Euro-Fighter will be a great high above the surf in six- added two new slides and into the Atlantic before flying bucket seats. heir to its predecessor (Star passenger gondolas offering a wave pool to Breakwater down to the new deck with “We wanted to be able Jet).” Beach, a 36-hole miniature that amazing first drop will to give the most excitement Adjacent to the coaster 4See CASINO PIER, page 32 Chance Rides supplies Unicoaster for Galaxyland in West Mall WICHITA, Kan. — Zero The Unicoaster is a rider- travels around the undulating Gravity, a Unicoaster model controlled experience that al- circular track. by Chance Rides, debuted lows riders to customize the Zero Gravity is decked out Dec. 1 at Galaxyland, located vehicle motion — from mild to with 15,360 RGB LED lights in the in wild — with a joystick. Press- provided by EWorks Pro of , Canada. ing the joystick forward makes Winter Park, Fla. Each indi- A Chance Rides Unicoaster, the vehicle spin forward, while vidual light can produce up to named Zero Gravity, pulling the joystick backward 32 different colors — a display recently opened at creates a corresponding roll. that is enhanced as the lights Galaxyland inside Canada's Keeping the joystick steady are reflected by the ride’s West Edmonton Mall. or untouched lets a calmer ex- chrome-finish center hub and COURTESY CHANCE RIDES perience unfold as the vehicle sweep. 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 Dutch Wonderland to open S&S family inverted coaster in 2017 AT: B. Derek Shaw FAST FACTS [email protected] Name/Park LANCASTER, Pa. — Kids Merlin’s Mayhem/ may want to skip the play- Dutch Wonderland ground swing set when a new Lancaster, Pa. roller coaster debuts at Dutch Type Wonderland this summer. Family inverted coaster The 48-acre, modestly scaled amusement park in the Height/Speed/Length heart of Pennsylvania Dutch 67 feet/33 mph/ Country is building a family- 1,000+ feet friendly called Merlin’s Mayhem. Duration/Hourly Capacity The first ride of its of its type 70 seconds/500 pph from S&S- This artist's rendering shows the general layout of Merlin's Mayhem. Above right, S&S CEO Special Features of North Logan, Utah, Merlin’s Tim Timco (above right) shows off the Dutch Wonderland vehicle at the 2016 IAAPA Attrac- Reversing horseshoe first Mayhem takes its name from the tions Expo. COURTESY DUTCH WONDERLAND; AT/TIM BALDWIN drop; 90-degree wave turn; park’s resident magician, Mer- 12 directional changes lin, the friendly sorcerer. Riders ing horseshoe first drop and a peal to younger children, tweens Stammel noted that the will join Merlin on a high-flying 90-degreee wave turn. There are and adults, too. We wanted the project’s initial $7.5 million cost Vehicle adventure in search of his drag- 12 directional changes in all. ride to be accessible to as many includes upgrades surrounding One 20-passenger train on friend, Mayhem, who has The coaster’s custom them- of our guests as possible.” the coaster. disappeared into the park. ing starts in the queue area and The coaster’s minimum “There are many compo- Color Scheme “The addition of this coast- continues into the station and height requirement is 39 inches. nents — including theming, Cobalt blue train and er reinforces our commitment to onto the track via on-board au- Naming the ride was a com- renovations to in-park retail and support structure; the families that visit the park,” dio. S&S showcased the coast- bined effort of numerous park games locations, a new food and gold track said Rick Stammel, general er’s train and its advanced tech- staff. Explained Stammel: “Our beverage stand, and a realloca- Height Requirement manager of Dutch Wonderland. nology at IAAPA Attractions maintenance director, Jim Bowe, tion of midway and landscaping 39 inches “We are honored to partner with Expo 2016 in Orlando. first came up with the name. It spaces,” he said. S&S to make it a reality!” “This ride was selected in wasn’t until our director of ride Merlin’s Mayhem has been Manufacturer Twenty passengers at a part due to guest feedback re- operations, Megan Riehl, came designed to fit a central, two- S&S Worldwide, time will experience side-to- questing another roller coaster up with the idea that Mayhem acre space at Dutch Wonder- North Logan, Utah side soaring and high-banking and to help round out our ride was Merlin’s pet dragon did it land previously occupied by the elements on the ride as the train offerings at Dutch Wonder- all come together. Other team miniature auto ride, Cost/Opening dodges its support structure. land,” Stammel said. “We be- members helped pull the story- which has been relocated to the $7.5 million/Summer 2017 Highlights include a revers- lieve Merlin's Mayhem will ap- line together.” north side of the park. CASINO PIER announces new rides for 2017 Continued from page 31

Larson Giant Loop, water park; beefed-up air con- ways been the same: to add vistas of the beach, board- new PTC train lead ditioning in restrooms and new attractions for every age walk and surrounding area, dining areas; upgraded tech- and thrill level, provide out- as well as the ocean waves. off season additions nology to expedite season pass standing guest service in a safe “Casino Pier has been processing and in-park pur- and friendly environment, and fantastic to work with and LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On chases; three additional ticket offer prices the average family we have enjoyed being part the heels of a very successful windows to speed entry into can afford.” of their rebuilding process 2016 season, Kentucky King- the park; and, for convenience, Hart went on to add, “We following the hurricane,” dom announced its new at- an additional entrance to the take our role as a leader in the Sandy told Amusement Today. tractions and additions for Hurricane Bay water park. Commonwealth’s tourism in- “Our team has a lot of Jersey 2017. Leading the list is Eye Ed Hart, president and dustry very seriously. With the roots: my father was from of the Storm, a 24-passenger, CEO of Kentucky Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of out- the state and went to Sea- 73-foot tall Giant Loop from commented, “Last year, we of-state visitors now coming side as a child in the 1950s; as well as completed our initial three- to Kentucky Kingdom each Bill Wright, who heads our the addition of two children’s year development plan and year, the park not only helps installation team, grew up rides yet to be announced. attendance rose to approxi- fill local hotel rooms, but also nearby; and Mark Rosenz- The park is also upgrad- mately 800,000, representing a helps boost attendance at oth- weig, who runs Skycoaster, ing its classic wooden coaster, Among the highlights for 60 percent increase over atten- er attractions, both locally and 2017 at Kentucky Kingdom lived in New Jersey for years. Thunder Run, which will re- dance at the time the previous throughout the state.” For us, it is thrilling to play ceive a new Philadelphia To- will be Eye of the Storm, a park closed [in 2009]. With “In addition,” Hart said, Giant Loop from Larson In- a very small role in the park boggan Coasters, Inc. train as tremendous support from my “for many of our more than and city’s recovery. Gerstlau- well as track modifications at ternational. partners (Ed Glasscock, Bruce 1,000 seasonal team members, COURTESY er is also honored that Casino a cost of more than half a mil- Lunsford, and the Al J. Schnei- a summer job at Kentucky KENTUCKY KINGDOM Pier chose them to work with lion dollars. Bill Hargrave, der Company), we’ve spent a Kingdom is their first real job. on a project of this size. It is the park’s vice president of and faster ride.” total of $54 million over the We are dedicated to providing extremely humbling.” construction, remarked, “This Other improvements in- past three years. That’s $10 them the best possible training “Expanding the pier and new train replaces the origi- clude the installation of more million more than the amount and mentoring. This not only putting the coaster and Fer- nal Thunder Run train first shade structures in the water we committed to spend. Now helps them perform well in ris wheel on it will be a way put into service in 1990. With park and at ride queue lines; we are ready for round two their duties here at the park, to complete the long pro- its advanced technology, the additional lockers; a greater — a second three-year devel- but also gives them a solid cess of recovery and be able new train, together with the number of tables, chairs, and opment plan, with the goal of foundation for whatever ca- to start new memories for track improvements, will give benches throughout the park; achieving at least one million reer path they may ultimately guests on our properties,” coaster enthusiasts a smoother more lounge chairs for the visits. Our approach has al- choose.” added Mastoris. January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 New ride, waterslides among 2017 highlights Knott’s Berry Farm to harvest variety of fun in spring, summer AT: Dean Lamanna fresh storylines daily. [email protected] Summer also brings the all-new Boardwalk Barbe- BUENA PARK, Calif. — cue restaurant, located in Not resting on an extensive, the Boardwalk area of the expensive run of legacy attrac- park near the steel tion renovations and property launch coaster. The fast-casu- upgrades during 2016, Knott’s al dining location will offer Berry Farm and its adjacent various BBQ favorites includ- water park, Knott’s Soak City, ing smoked pork ribs, tri-tip have new rides, slides and ex- and rotisserie chicken, as well panded entertainment on tap as a selection of sandwiches, for 2017. side dishes and craft beers. A Theme park guests are new covered seating area will in for a combination thrills, have a stage for live entertain- interactive fun and mouth- ment. watering treats this season Just east of Knott’s Berry — all getting off to a whirl- Farm across Beach Boulevard, ing start with a new attraction Knott’s Soak City is being ex- called Sol Spin, set to open in panded. the Fiesta Village section this Orange County’s larg- spring. est water park will unveil A ride model two waterslide towers: Shore Knott's 2017 season will be from Netherlands-based Mon- Break, at over seven stories highlighted by the new Sol dial, Sol Spin will carry 36 tall, will offer several differ- Spin, a Mondial Top Scan riders higher than six stories ent experiences — including ride, as well as its spring while rotating them in all di- four translucent high-speed Boysenberry Festival (be- rections on six spinning arms. slides with a floor-dropping low) and Ghost Town Alive! The ride will occupy a large Aqua-Launch chamber; and (right). COURTESY KNOTT'S circular space originally occu- The Wedge, an open-air fam- pied in 2011 by the 301-foot- ily raft ride that is taking the tall WindSeeker, location of the current Pacific another Mondial product, Spin. Up to six guests at a which was relocated to anoth- time will descend down the er Cedar Fair park, Worlds of latter waterslide, navigating Fun in Kansas City, Mo. twists and turns and surprise Mondial is represented in drops. North America by Bob Dean, Scan is one of those few rides historic fruit-farming roots — Town section’s 75th anniver- The new slides at Knott’s Leisure Labs LLC, who told that is amazing to both ride will be expanded to 23 days. sary last summer, Knott’s de- Soak City are being supplied AT: "Cedar Fair has years of and watch. This is going to The annual event has become buted the one-of-a-kind inter- by WhiteWater West Indus- experience with the Mondial add a lot of visual impact and increasingly popular for its active experience Ghost Town tries, Ltd. Updated cabanas, Top Scan at Canada's Won- positive energy to this area of showcasing of boysenberry- Alive! The experience will shaded seating areas and a derland, so they know what a the park." flavored dishes and drinks return next summer with new remodeled Longboard’s Grill popular thrill ride it is. This is Also this spring, the amid festive purple décor and characters and even wilder will round out the water why Knott’s chose the higher Knott’s Boysenberry Festival live entertainment. Old West fun — complete park’s improvements. capacity 36 seat option. Top — celebrating the property’s To celebrate its Ghost with cowboys, bandits and • knotts.com Universal Parks & Resorts and Nintendo to bring themed environments to parks Parks in Japan, Orlando and Hollywood to get new areas

KYOTO, Japan, ORLANDO, Fla. and HOL- Guests will feel as if they are playing inside LYWOOD, Calif. — The creative visionaries their favorite games — this time in real life. behind Nintendo's legendary worlds and char- There will be something for everyone, re- acters are working together with the creative gardless of their age or gaming experience teams behind Universal's blockbuster theme level. park attractions. Planning and creative work on these areas Their goal: to bring the characters, action is well underway; they will open separately and adventure of Nintendo video games to life over the next several years. within three Universal theme parks. And to The new themed areas come as the result of do so in new and innovative ways that capture a global partnership between Universal Parks what makes them so special. All of the adven- & Resorts and Nintendo — two icons of the ture, fun and whimsy guests can experience entertainment world. Universal theme parks through a screen will now be all around them create incredibly popular family entertainment — in breathtakingly authentic ways. experiences for millions of people based on Nintendo-themed areas are coming to Uni- compelling characters, stories and innovative versal Studios Japan, Universal Orlando Resort technology. Nintendo creates remarkable and Universal Parks & Resorts and Nintendo will bring the fun of and Universal Studios Hollywood. imaginative games filled with captivating sto- Nintendo games to life with expansive, highly themed envi- These will be expansive, immersive and ries and beloved characters. ronments to three Universal theme parks around the globe. interactive. They will be highly themed and Each Universal theme park will announce Guests will enter a world of excitement where it will feels as authentic environments filled with multiple at- details in the near future of its specific Ninten- if they are playing inside their favorite Nintendo games. tractions, shops and restaurants. do areas. COURTESY UNIVERSAL PARKS & RESORTS January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 IRM brokers relocated rides to provide new fun for small parks

National Roller a bit larger. It stands about 14 feet high and the Dipsy Coaster Museum Doodle was only seven feet. receives coaster I think it will be a great piece for us.” equipment donation Ironically, Sam Shurgott, AT: Tim Baldwin who oversees Sales and Con- [email protected] sulting for IRM, met Joyland’s founder, Jimmy Dean, nearly WILDWOOD, N.J. — 26 years to the day at an auc- While major theme parks tion at White Swan Park out- have the ability to add large side of Pittsburgh where that new capital on a more fre- park’s Galaxi coaster was pur- IRM sold Joyland Park a previously owned Wisdom Drag- quent basis, America’s small- chased and became the big on Coaster from Santa's Village Azoosment Park (right) for er parks make additions more draw at the Lubbock park. 2017. On hand at the IAAPA Expo for the contact signing gradually. “We have known the were (l to r): IRM's Tony Rossi and Sam Shurgott; Joyland's International Rides Man- Dean family for many years Kristi and David Dean, Billy Cheek and Kurtis Boekenhauer, agement (IRM) has been pro- and are extremely happy to Santa's Village Azoosment Park. viding sales and consulting provide them with an up- AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON (ABOVE); COURTESY IRM services to parks around the dated American-made coaster world since 1978. Located in that will fit nicely within their traveled to Indiana to be the ern sun during the summer Wildwood, N.J., the compa- family park,” said Shurgott. premier attraction at Fun Spot months. The park has also ny’s current focus is in work- Santa’s Village has pur- in Angola, running from 1991 removed the staircases to the ing with family-owned parks chased a new Super Cyclone to 2008 when the park closed elevated platforms for use on with ride sales and installa- from Intermark/Ital Interna- its gates. There, it was called future projects at . tion, master planning projects tional for the 2017 season. Cur- Afterburner. “Working with such a and revenue concepts. rently under construction, the “Afterburner has stood beautiful themed park like David and Kristi Dean new coaster will stand nearly guard during the relocation Frontier City and their team of Joyland Amusement Park 33 feet tall and will travel over of all the remaining rides to including the general man- in Lubbock, Texas, had been 1,148 feet of track. Three trains new homes across the United ager, Stephen Ball, has been a searching for a new fam- of two cars will seat eight pas- States,” said Shurgott. real pleasure,” said Shurgott. ily coaster to replace an aging sengers per circuit. The next relocation of this “Keeping Dimaond Back run- children’s coaster at the park. ride will be to Frontier City in ning for many years can allow refurbishment might find a Known today as Dipsy Doo- Preservation Oklahoma City, Okla. Of note, a new generation of riders to new home as well. A coaster dle, the small coaster had been In an interesting move of the park already owns an Ar- enjoy a classic ride.” track section and control pan- with the park for some time. preserving roller coaster histo- row that was "While it was the end of els from Afterburner will be Built by Miler Manufacturing, ry, IRM also finalized another originally erected at Six Flags the life for the legendary Af- moved to Plainview, Texas to the ride features an oval lay- deal at the IAAPA trade show Great Adventure as the lower terburner Arrow launched the storage facility of the Na- out with a series of fun dips. which allows the soul of Ar- half of the twin Lightning loop coaster at Fun Spot, this tional Roller Coaster Museum “The Dipsy Doodle row’s first shuttle loop coaster Loops. That purchase took purchase allows Frontier City and Archives. served Joyland well,” said to live on. Manufactured and place in 1993 and the ride was to sustain our Diamondback “International Rides owner David Dean. “Even built in 1977, Arrow’s original rechristened Diamond Back. Arrow coaster for another Management is committed before Joyland, it served McK- shuttle loop coasters were the The purpose of this ac- generation, General Manager to helping family-owned and enzie Park. I believe it was a first to wow audiences with quisition is to keep Diamond Stephen Ball told Amusement regional parks in any way 1957 model. It was an exciting forward and backward direc- Back operating reliably. After- Today. “We are also proud we can,” said Shurgott. “We little coaster, but I believe it tions of travel while navigat- burner’s Arrow train, launch to donate parts of the After- have been focusing our ef- had run its life.” ing a loop. mechanisms, updated con- burner to the National Roller forts in the Southwest region At the recent IAAPA Expo Once built at the now-de- trol system and several fixed Coaster Museum so the ride where there are a number of this past November, a deal was funct Circus World in Haines components will be utilized can live on as a tribute to the great parks that offer numer- finalized by IRM to relocate a City, Fla., it operated as Fly- to keep the ride running sev- long-lived Afterburner coast- ous rides and attractions for Wisdom Dragon Coaster from ing Daredevil, Double-O and eral more years in the future. er and for the historical value guests of all ages. We hope to its previous home of Santa’s (under the park’s rename of Afterburner’s station roof and of the grow our business with all of Village Azoosment Park in ) Zoo- canopy will also provide ad- Launched Loop coaster." them as their business grows Dundee, Ill. Manufactured in merang. From there, the ride ditional benefits in the South- Parts not needed in the as well.” 2000, the coaster has had two homes in Illinois. For the past six years, it called Santa’s Vil- lage home. Prior to that, the coaster operated at a facility called Go Bonkers Now. “We needed something new,” said Dean. “We looked at our kiddie end, and [the Dipsy Doodle] was kind of on the list as needing a replace- ment. It was also a noisy coast- IRM sold Frontier City parts from the Fun Spot Afterburner er which was intimidating to (right) for use in keeping their Arrow Shuttle loop coaster younger kids. We believe the running for many more years. Seen closing the deal at the Dragon Coaster with the ny- AT booth at the IAAPA Expo are (above, l to r), Gary Slade, lon wheels and the dragon Amusement Today; Sam Shurgott, IRM; Stephen Ball, Fron- character on the front will be tier City; and Carole Sanderson, NRCMA. IRM and Frontier a more appealing ride. In ad- City are donating track and control panels from the ride to dition, the Dragon Coaster is the NRCMA. COURTESY IRM January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Reithoffer Shows inks new contract with Panhandle-South Plains Fair LUBBOCK, Texas — Re- FAIRS the Southwest, the Panhandle ithoffer Shows, Inc. of Gibson- South Plains Fair draws ap- ton, Fla., and the Panhandle- the west of Lubbock. proximately 200,000 people South Plains Fair have signed “Not only did we fit in annually. a three-year agreement nam- the route, but the quality of Reithoffer Shows has an ing Reithoffer the carnival for the show is one of the best arsenal of about 100 rides and 2017, 2018 and 2019. in America,” he said. “This runs as many as four units Herb Higgs, fair general will be a big hit with our cus- on the road during peak fair manager, said management tomers. They’re going to ride times. was looking for a midway rides they’ve never seen be- The company also em- change in an effort to offer fair fore.” ploys new technologies in- guests more spectacular rides. Richard Reithoffer also is cluding electronic ticketing. “The stars were aligned,” looking forward to the new Reithoffer said he expects to Higgs said. date. bring in about 40 rides at Lub- The opportunity arose “We are very pleased and bock, including two thrilling when Higgs learned Reithof- honored the fair selected our roller coasters — the Indy 500, Reithoffer Shows will play the Panhandle-South Plains Fair, fer was the carnival of record show," he said. "We will pro- manufactured by , and Lubbock, Texas, for the first time in 2017 after having signed at the New Mexico State Fair, vide the fair with some of the Galaxy, by SDC. a three-year contract. The carnival plans to provide at least which ends just several days most spectacular rides any- The 2017 Panhandle- 40 rides to the fair including this SDC-manufactured Galaxy prior to the opening of Lub- where.” South Plains Fair will be held coaster. The Panhandle-South Plains Fair is set for Sept. 22-30. bock, and is just 350 miles to One of the larger fairs in September 22-30. COURTESY REITHOFFER SHOWS

CARNIVALlights IAFE and SLA 2016 annual COMPILED: Pam Sherborne [email protected] events deemed successful The Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton, Calif., will run 20 full days in 2017. The fair will open on a Friday, June 16, in- Events held in stead of a Wednesday and then run Wednesday through Sun- Las Vegas at day for the first two full weeks, being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then, it will remain open every day of the final week Paris and Bally's until July 4. AT: Pam Sherborne “We are really pleased to be able to offer our community [email protected] more days and nights of great summer fun,” said Jerome Ho- ban, the fair’s CEO. “Plus, there are some exciting big-name LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Mem- sell-out event. Cindy Henning, concerts and new attractions coming. For anyone who loves bers of the fair and carnival SLA secretary/executive direc- the fair, it might just be the best summer ever." industry as well as associate tor, said there were 56 exhibi- • members of both industries, tors on hand. Darryl Diamond, a 4-H program coordinator for Mon- gather to learn, network, and "That was a 17 percent roe County, Monroe, Mich., for the past two years, has been shop at the International Asso- increase over last year," Hen- named the new manager of the Monroe County Fair to suc- ciation of Fairs and Expositions ning said. "We had about 1,200 ceed the retiring Warren Siebarth. (IAFE) Annual Convention Marla Calico, attendees over the two-day Diamond was one of four candidates for the full-time posi- and at the Showmen's League IAFE CEO and president show. We had a lot of positive tion. He will begin his new duties Jan. 1. of America (SLA) Exhibitors feedback this year and our ex- • Lounge Trade Show. Those indicators, other hibitors were very happy with Stephen Pierce, general manager of the Solano County The IAFE event was held than the sold-out trade show, the attendance. Fairgrounds, Vallejo, Calif., announced last month he will re- Nov. 27-Dec. 1 at the Paris Ho- include registration figures and "We heard a lot of business sign due to family concerns, effective Jan. 13, 2017. tel. The SLA event was held exhibitors' assessment, neither was being conducted at the The announcement was made at a board of directors meet- Nov. 28 and 29, at the Bally's of which were obtainable at show," she said. ing of the Solano County Fair Association. The announcement Hotel. press time. However, Calico The 2017 officers were -in was met with an outpouring of surprise and sadness from the Brief recaps of each event said pre-registration was higher stalled at the annual member board and staff. follow. than it had been in three years. meeting Monday, Nov. 28. The Fair Association board of directors hoped to continue The exhibitors' assess- Incoming officers are as the success of the current management by hiring within the IAFE ments will come in the form of follows: existing fair staff. Hopes were to do that at the end of last Annual Convention surveys conducted by a third- President: month, but that information wasn't available at AT press time. Marla Calico, IAFE presi- party company hired by IAFE. Debbie Powers • dent and CEO, said in mid- Calico said she wasn't sure First Vice President: A nationwide search for the new general manager of the December that final attendance when those surveys would be Guy Leavitt Rockingham County Fair, Harrisonburg, Va., led to the hiring figures for the 2016 annual available. Second Vice President: of Williamsburg, W.Va., native Pam Edwards. Edwards took event hadn't been determined, Responses so far received Andy Schoendiest over January 1. but the feeling was that it was a from attendees of both the Third Vice President: Edwards replaces Jeff Ishee, who decided to leave and very good event this year. trade show and the education- Mary Chris Smith return to broadcasting. "We sold out our trade al portion had been very favor- Treasurer: • show," she said. "How much able. There were 145 different John Hanschen In a meeting last month, the fair board of the San Diego better can you get?" sessions available this year. Secretary: County Fair, Del Mar, Calif., approved the demolition of the There is space for about 400 The 2017 convention is set Cindy Henning Don Diego clock tower, an icon that has stood over the central booths. for Nov. 26-29, at the Paris Ho- "We were very proud to midway of the fairgrounds for 63 years. "We won't be able to release tel. In 2018, the event is set to induct Father John and Patty Problems from termite infestation, a leaky roof, and non- move to San Antonio, Texas. functioning bathrooms have put the tower in bad disrepair. any attendance figures until we Sullivan to this year's Hall of They voted to tear it down and create space for fair vendors. can get our final badge count," Honor," Henning said. "Both The project is expected to be finished by the 2017 fair set Calico said. "But, looking over SLA Exhibitors Lounge have contributed so much to for June 2-July 4. indicators, I feel everything Trade Show the industry and particularly went great." The SLA event also had a to the SLA." 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 MIDWAY MARKET PLACE

The 2016 OABA Circle of Excellence recipients at the IAFE Awards Gala. COURTESY OABA OABA Circle of Excellence recipients recognized LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Outdoor Amuse- overall public perception of their business. ment Business Association (OABA) recognized Those recognized were: a group of its members during the Internation- •Carnival Recipients: Mike and Connie al Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Featherston, GoldStar Amusements; Guy and Awards Gala, held Wednesday, Nov. 30, in Las Charlene Leavitt, Ray Cammack Shows; James Vegas. E. Strates, James E. Strates Shows. The Awards Gala was a part of the IAFE •Concessionaires and Attractions Recipi- Annual Convention, which ran Nov. 27-Dec. 1, ents: Patrick Sheridan, Alamo Amusements; 2016. Gary Armstrong, Armstrong Concessions; The OABA group had recently received Carmel Dyer, Australian Foods; Jim and Nancy P.O. Box 238 that association's coveted Circle of Excellence Bishop, Bishop Amusement Rides; Tony Cas- recognition for the years 2016 through 2020. sata, Cassata Concessions; David Cavallaro, Merino, CO. 80741 This program brings into play the funda- Cavallaro Concessions; Nathan Janousek, Fun mental principles of the OABA’s Foundation Biz Concessions; Fred Pittroff, Giant Slide; 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 for the Future program, which is a strategic Joyce Hutchins, JoyRides Inc.; and Mike and vision and an ambitious set of industry goals, Connie Featherston, Lee's Concessions. [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com with the purpose to educate and produce Others include: Chris and Jody Lopez, Lo- change. pez Concessions; Michael and Kristin Ousey; As members of the OABA’s Circle of Ex- Mad Hatter Concessions; Bill and Deborah cellence, these companies have improved the Morton, Morton Concessions; Ron and Kim business climate and guest satisfaction for Netterfield, Netterfields Popcorn and Lemon- their fairs, festivals and other event sponsors, ade; and Dominic and Kim Palmieri, Odyssey while enhancing the public’s perception of the Foods. mobile amusement industry. Also, Brad Ribar, Ribco Enterprises; Brad Through independent, third-party audits Schroder, Schroder Concessions; Nick Pelino, and criteria established by the OABA’s Excel- Showtime Rides; Bryan Creason, Sixth Genera- lence Committee, these members scored high- tion Rides; Jeremy Solem, Solem Concessions; lyFrederiksen and exceeded 1/7x3 generally b/w 3/14/02 accepted 11:22 industry AM PageMike 1 Demas, State Fair Services; Rob and practices and standards in their midway pre- Tassie Jundt, T.J.'s Ice Cream; Ben and Joy Pick- sentation, operations, concessions, human ett, Trinity Concessions; and Michael Wood, resources, and other criteria, to improve the Wood Entertainment.

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BUSINESS, SAFETY & CLASSIFIED Obituaries — Page 44 / MarketWatch — Page 45 / NRCMA News — Page 46 / CLASSIFIEDS — Page 47 NEAAPA unveils new association logo during IAAPA SACO, Maine — The New England Association to ski resorts, to skating centers, to arcades, to mobile of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) amusements, and more. unveiled a new association logo at its booth during NEAAPA's Ed Hodgdon told AT: "Our new tag- IAAPA attractions Expo 2016 in Orlando, Fla. line, Advocacy + Information + Networking, are the The new design came out of the association three pillars that NEAAPA is built upon. The associ- board of director's most-recent strategic plan. The ation works with our members to identify state legis- board felt that as the industry continues to evolve lation that will affect the industry, using resources to beyond amusement parks, the logo needed to be up- make sure that the entire industry is well represent- dated. ed. The association is always working to educate our The previous iteration had the association's full the entertainment industry, the board believed that members through targeted seminars and workshops name, New England Association of Amusement the logo needed to reflect that and it was time to throughout the year on a variety of topics. Our net- Parks and Attractions, encircling NEAAPA with the make a change in its design. working events, both in the region and at the IAAPA states in the background. In order to better describe NEAAPA's membership ranges from large Attractions Expo in Orlando, are not to be missed as its mission and reach out to emerging segments of amusement and water parks, to natural attractions, members connect and share knowledge." ARM drop tower going virtual for festival Outfitted ride mittee called ARM's ride tall portable drop tower its "Wow" factor for the fan should be on location in to be featured event. It will take riders on Houston by mid-Jaunary. an excursion through space Riders will don virtual real- at Super Bowl to Mars and back again. ity goggles for the adventure, Host Committee's Using virtual reality and which will last just over two actual NASA footage from minutes. Fan Festival Mars, guests will take off Gill said HD Interactive, AT: Pam Sherborne to the Red Planet and expe- a Tampa-based software de- [email protected] rience some of its mysteries. velopment company, is the Following, they will re-enter virtual reality company con- WINTERSVILLE, Ohio the earth's atmosphere as the tracted with Ideas Orlando. — ARM Rides is kicking off ride drops. Following, they The audio portion of the vir- 2017 in a very big super way will complete their ride on tual reality experience will be or, even more specifically, an the virtual 50-yard-line of synced via WiFi to an audio out-of-this-world way. NRG Stadium. system mounted on the pas- ARM's drop tower is "I was contacted by Ideas senger vehicle. to be the centerpiece of the Orlando (a media and ex- "Ideas, HD Interactive Houston Super Bowl Host perience design company, and members of the Houston Committee's Fan Festival, a based in Orlando, Fla.) seek- Super Bowl Committee will From Jan. 27 to Feb. public free event being held ing one of our portable drop be visiting our facility for 5, visitors to the Super Jan. 27 and run through Feb. towers as the main feature in fine-tuning and testing of the Bowl Host Committee's 5. the Super Bowl Live festival," virtual reality experience," Fan Festival in Houston's The Houston Super Bowl said ARM's Mike Gill. "This Gill said, in December. Discovery Green Park will Host Committee unveiled its project became a perfect fit Gill said that plans are to have the opportunity to plans last November. The 10- for us as we are able to offer bring the tower back to the ride this virtual reality drop day festival features music, manufacturing of a new cus- ARM plant in Wintersville tower ride from Ohio-based food, games and attractions tomized attraction and con- to re-theme it and place it for ARM (right). Tampa-based in downtown Houston's Dis- tract the operation of the ride sale at the completion of the HD Interactive and Ideas covery Green Park. with Bates Brothers Amuse- festival. Orlando are providing the Among other specif- ment Company." "It may be offered for sale virtual portion (above) for ics given at the time of an- Named appropriately to include the virtual reality the Journey to Mars nouncement, the host com- Journey to Mars, the 90-foot- experience," he said. ride experience. COURTESY ARM

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BUSINESS, SAFETY & CLASSIFIED 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 OBITUARIES Apex Parks Group CEO Al Weber, Jr., dies unexpectedly at 64 Guy Drouin, Calypso Waterpark ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Al Though the company is griev- Weber, Jr., the founder, presi- ing this devastating loss, Al’s founder dies at 68 dent and CEO of Apex Parks vision for Apex was clear and LIMOGES, Ont., Canada Group, died suddenly on fully embraced by our team. — Guy Drouin, 68, the Que- Nov. 8 while vacationing with With our collective efforts, we bec City-based his wife in the British Virgin are determined to realize it.” entrepreneur Islands. He was 64. Added Zachem: “We are who brought Weber’s colleagues re- confident the management Calypso leased the news online the team at Apex will continue Theme Wa- following day, mourning his to follow Al’s blueprints for terpark to Li- loss publicly. success and build upon the moges, passed “Al was a respected lead- company’s great collection of away on Nov. Drouin er and a great friend to all parks.” 28. who knew him,” said Tyler Jim Seay of Premier Drouin’s foray into theme Zachem, Apex’s chairman of Rides, a longtime friend of parks began in 1972 when he the board. “He was the vision- Weber, told AT: “The many bought a toboggan hill owned ary who built Apex over the successes that Al achieved by his father in Valcartier, out- last few years through merger early in his career meant he side Quebec City. He, then, and acquisition. We are sad- Whether it was Boomers never had to work. He only added groomed ski trails, skat- dened by this monumental in Irvine, Calif. (above), or worked because he was so ing rinks and an inner tubing loss and extend our deepest SpeedZone Los Angeles incredibly passionate about hill to create a sprawling, win- sympathies to his wife, Bon- (below) as an executive our industry that he truly ter-themed resort. nie, and their families.” — or Coney Island in loved every day he was part Calypso opened in 2010 in Married a little more than Cincinnati, Ohio, as a of the magic. Al was a driven Limoges, about 30 minutes east a year at the time of his death, 16-year-old ride operator — entrepreneur, corporate CEO, of Ottawa. The 100-acre resort Al Weber and Bonnie Sher- amusement industry icon Al creative inventor and beloved is Canada’s largest waterpark. man Weber, who is president Weber, Jr., loved his parks. mentor all wrapped into one Drouin didn’t live to see of COURTESY APEX PARKS amazing person. His loss tru- completion of his latest ven- in Valencia, Calif., had made GROUP (ABOVE AND LEFT); ly hurts.” ture, Bora Park, a massive their home in Ventura, Calif. AT/DEAN LAMANNA Weber most recently $70-million indoor water park Prior to forming Apex, joined the board of directors in Valcartier, which opened on Weber was COO of Six Flags of the International Asso- Dec. 3, just five days after his Entertainment Corporation ciation of Amusement Parks death. and previously had been CEO and Attractions (IAAPA). Drouin is survived by his of Palace Entertainment. Just before his passing, he had wife, Parise, and three sons: Earlier, he served as presi- been announced as the asso- Mathieu, Simon and Jérôme dent and CEO of Paramount ciation’s second vice chair- Drouin. Parks. man — a position that would He began his career at age have led to his installation as Betty Toomer 16 as a seasonal ride operator, IAAPA chairman in 2019. and then became a ride super- “We have lost a visionary, dies at 87 in Texas visor at Coney Island amuse- an advocate and a friend,” BEDFORD, Texas — Betty ment park in his hometown said Paul Noland, president Toomer, the wife of legendary of Cincinnati, Ohio. When and CEO of IAAPA. “Al was coaster designer locally based Taft Broadcast- the embodiment of every- Ron Toomer, ing bought Coney Island and thing that is great about this passed away in relocated its attractions to cre- business, and his impact on Bedford, Texas, ate Kings Island theme park our industry will live on for on Dec. 3. She in 1972, the company retained generations to come. On be- was 87. Weber as a full-time employ- half of IAAPA, our board of Although ee. directors, staff and member- not officially Toomer He never left the amuse- ship, we send our deepest part of Arrow ment industry. different: I love to see young, erations, began acquiring condolences to Al’s wife, Bon- Development or Arrow Dynam- “Al was well-liked and smart people develop their properties that experienced nie, and his family and indus- ics, Betty always appreciated the respected by everyone in this careers and to give them an managers could grow by fo- try friends, especially his col- love that industry members and business, from ride operators opportunity to do that. cusing on family fun, close to leagues at Apex.” enthusiasts passed along to the to other CEOs,” said Doug “Leadership is more home. Formally established In a statement to com- rest of the family. Her husband was responsible for designing and Honey, chief financial officer about listening than speak- in September 2014, the pri- pany employees, John Duf- building 93 roller coasters around of Apex. “He often said his ing, and sometimes with the vately held company has fey, president and CEO of the world — many of them nota- right question, you grow and amassed more than a dozen goal was to create a strong Six Flags, said: “Al was in- ble for breaking records or being culture where people could they grow. Creating a healthy, smaller parks and family en- strumental in the turnaround the first-of-their-kind. Ron and grow to be successful indus- safe company culture — one tertainment centers across the of our company, leading Six Betty were married for 54 years try leaders. And he meant it.” that is open, collaborative U.S., including one that par- Flags in its difficult period -af when he passed away in 2011. “Early on, the guest ser- and strategic — pays off in so ticularly excited Weber: Indi- ter emergence from bankrupt- They are survived by four chil- vice part of the work was many ways. Hopefully, I’ve ana Beach Boardwalk Resort cy. He has been in the theme dren and nine grandchildren. very rewarding,” Weber him- been able to do that each time. in Monticello, Ind. park industry for more than A funeral service was held self told Amusement Today for Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based “Al was a true friend 45 years and was not only Dec. 17 at Martin United Meth- a February 2016 company Apex Parks Group started and a great mentor,” Borman well-respected, but deeply odist Church in Bedford. Memo- profile. “I liked seeing people forming about four years ago said. “He was always pas- loved. Our industry has lost rial donations may be made to happy. Having moved out of — when Weber and Gregg sionate about this industry one of its beloved titans. He the Tarrant County (Texas) Food the field and into corporate, Borman, currently Apex’s and instilled his enthusiasm will truly be missed.” Bank, Meals on Wheels or the Hu- it’s the same thing but it’s also senior vice president of op- in everyone he encountered. —Dean Lamanna mane Society. January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH Parques Reunidos, create partnership MADRID, Spain and SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Parques Re- COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW unidos and Lionsgate have reached a strategic agreement to de- 12/12/16 52-Week 52-Week velop Lionsgate-branded leisure centers in high-traffic shopping The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 29.29 30.92 22.31 areas. These leisure centers will bring to life some of Lionsgate's top film and television properties, such as The Hunger Games, the Merlin Entertainments Group/ Saw franchise, Now You See Me, Orange is the New Black, and MERL LSE 425.90 494.90 316.79 Legoland Nashville. The development of leisure centers in shopping malls and Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 62.02 63.40 48.45 high-traffic shopping areas represents one of the main growth strategies of Parques Reunidos. The company is currently nego- Corp./ CMCSA NASDAQ 69.00 70.69 52.34 tiating the development of a total of 20 centers over the coming NBCUniversal Media years, in addition to the five agreements already signed with the DIS NYSE 104.06 114.48 86.25 Thader (Murcia), Dolce Vita Tejo (Lisbon), intu Lake- side (London) and the two at Madrid Xanadú that will be ready to Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 1.36 1.77 0.95 open the following months. Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Parques Reunidos, said: “This agree- Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1032.00 1568.00 979.00 ment enables us to continue growing by using one of the stron- gest tools for international expansion, leisure centers in shopping Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.81 1.95 1.40 malls and high-traffic shopping areas, and we are doing this hand in hand with Lionsgate, one of the most successful film and televi- Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 8.05 9.00 6.62 sion production companies in the world.”

MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 29.19 30.62 16.18 Growth accelerates at Main Event DALLAS, Texas — Dallas-based Main Event Entertainment, Parques Reunidos Servicios a fast-growing bowling-anchored restaurant and entertainment ES:PQR MCE 14.30 15.53 11.99 Centrales S.A. brand in America, is bringing its latest experience design to new communities across the U.S. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 18.68 21.84 11.77 Beginning this past November and continuing through mid- 2017, Main Event will be opening eight new locations now under Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 58.44 62.69 45.24 construction throughout the country. Four of those locations rep- resent new geographic markets for the company. Pointe Orlando, Skyocean International 00593HK SEHK 10.00 11.32 7.95 Fla., opened in mid-November, showcases the brand’s newest de- sign prototype including VPlay Reality, the first multi-player virtual Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 452.00 499.50 350.00 reality experience in the U.S. The rest of the centers will likewise feature elements of the cutting-edge prototype that elevates the Village Roadshow VRL ASX 4.43 7.5 4.22 brand’s unique Eat. Bowl. Play. experience to an entirely new level. Other locations under construction include Suwanee, Ga.; STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN Indianapolis, Ind.; Humble, Tex.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Gilbert, Ariz.; CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED Kansas City, Kan. and Knoxville, Tenn. The Orlando grand opening Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, ushers in the 30th Main Event in the United States and by mid- New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock 2017, the company projects to have 37 centers open across the Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal country. “Main Event is growing at a rapid pace and we are on track to DIESEL PRICES open a center a month over the next eight months,” said Charlie Region As of Change from Keegan, president and CEO of Main Event Entertainment. “That (U.S.) 12/12/16 1 year ago represents a record number of center openings and enables us to East Coast $2.520 +$0.155 introduce our brand to four new markets. This is an extremely ex- Midwest $2.446 +$0.152 citing time to be at Main Event, as we not only expand within our core markets, but branch out to new areas where guests have yet Gulf Coast $2.371 +$0.159 to experience our brand.” Mountain $2.447 +$0.072 West Coast $2.690 +$0.259 In brief... California $2.837 +$0.0187 •CINCINNATI, Ohio — Dennis Speigel, president of Interna- tional Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS) announced that Vic Nolt- CURRENCY ing, former longtime president of Cincinnati-based Coney Island, On 12/12/16 $1 USD = Inc. has agreed to join ITPS as senior associate. In this capacity, 0.9404 EURO Nolting will be involved in many facets of the firm’s feasibility, de- 0.7896 GBP (British Pound) sign, operations planning, and on-site training and management 115.21 JPY (Japanese Yen) programs. Speigel said, “Vic Nolting is a ‘sequoia’ of the leisure 1.0115 CHF (Swiss Franc) attractions industry. He knows the industry from top to bottom. 1.3341 AUD (Australian Dollar) He has worked his way through the industry, learning all aspects 1.3133 CAD (Canadian Dollar) of leisure planning development and management, with a strong track record of successes.” 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017

ThisM spaceuseu is provided as a courtesym of AmusementProgress Today, as a corporate partner of the NationalR Rollerep Coasterort Museum & Archives. THIS MONTH Mark Moore Memorial Fundraiser IN HISTORY continues to bring in donations Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum COMPILED: Richard Munch After his tragic death, Moore’s family and his company Uremet, ensure his legacy with fundraiser and unprecedented Roller Coaster Museum expansion JANUARY PLAINVIEW, Texas — After nary building plans. No time •1910: The L.A. Thompson Company settled two damage the tragic death of National table for opening has been set suits out of court in a Portland, Ore. case involving two men Roller Coaster Museum and as fundraising is still underway. who had been hurt in an Aug. 12, 1909 accident at Coun- Archives (NRCMA) founding cil Crest Park, just outside the city. The settlements, con- board member Mark Moore About the NRCMA nected to the earlier incident, involved the detachment of this past July, his family and The NRCMA is an unaf- the front wheels of the Scenic Railway during a ride, caus- business wanted to ensure his filiated, 501 (c)(3) non-profit ing the two men to be thrown about 20 feet. Both survived legacy while maintaining the organization dedicated to with only bruises but still brought suit for a total of $7,635 efforts of the National Roller the protection and preserva- in damages. The two parties settled for the company’s offer Coaster Museum in which he tion of historic roller coasters of $1,150 on Jan. 4. strongly supported. and amusement park artifacts

Moore was a true amuse- Mark Moore and memorabilia to document •1913: In late January, a California man, C.W. Jordan, reap- ment industry pioneer. In during the show. and archive the history of the peared at his home after wondering the country for nearly 1982 he founded Uremet, To date the fundrais- amusement park industry in three years. Ironically he was believed to have taken his an industry leading urethane ing campaign has raised a dynamic environment while life by hanging himself from a roller coaster at a seaside wheel manufacturer where he $322,490.00 to further the providing the most complete park near Los Angeles, Calif. in April, 1912. His wife had remained as president. Moore goal to endow an expansion repository of information and already collected a $2,000 insurance claim after identifying brought his business acumen of the NRCMA’s Plainview, documents regarding the his body, although she had not seen her husband in those and a strong, innovative vision Texas archive facility. amusements industry. three years. Oddly, several other persons who knew Jordan to the NRCMA board over his With the Mark Moore Me- To donate to the NRCMA to also agreed with his wife’s earlier identification. The actual eight years as a member of morial fundraiser, the NRCMA aid in the protection and preser- park where the death occurred was never identified. Nor the organization dedicated to is proposing to double the vation of historic roller coasters was the hung man! preserving and protecting the size of its current archive facil- and amusement park artifacts,

legacy of the amusement park ity and to create a showroom mail to: •1928: Frank Darling would be named manager of the new industry. for public access to select ar- National Roller Coaster Mu- park in Rye, N.Y., to be called . The former presi- A fundraiser started dur- tifacts within the Museum’s seum & Archives dent and general manager of the L.A. Thompson Scenic ing the International Amuse- collection. Plans are to open Jeff Novotny, treasurer, Railway Company worked tirelessly on the project bringing ment Parks and Attractions the new wing to the public, P.O. Box 5424, in Fred Church to help him with attractions and rides. The 2016 Attractions Expo in as the first true test as a mu- Arlington, Texas 76005 management announcement, on Jan. 26, came after Dar- Orlando in November was seum facility. The expansion • ling had already severed ties with the Thompson Company, sponsored by Uremet and the will be named for Moore and Purchase at Amazon: se- signaling the end of the once-lucrative company, which had Moore family, and continues will quantify his success in the lect AMAZONSMILE and 0.5 lost its founder almost a decade earlier. Darling, who just to bring in generous dona- industry and his support of the percent of your purchase will finished his stint as president of the National Association of tions. Uremet presented the NRCMA. be donated to the NRCMA. Amusement Parks, would manage the new park until 1933 NRCMA with the first dona- An architect is already • when questions regarding park financing and political pos- tion — a $100,000.00 check working on proposed prelimi- rollercoastermuseum.org turing forced him out of the position. January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 CLASSIFIEDS This space is provided as a courtesy of Amusement Today, as a corporate partner of the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives. AUCTION FOR SALE FOR SALE NEW JERSEY SHORE AMUSEMENT PARK

Family-owned & operated for 32 years!

Check out the latest premium new and used rides at: A premium attraction with: facebook.com/internationalridesmanagement •19 rides or call (609) 425-1220 to receive a current list. •large family Casino Arcade with OPPORTUNITY FOR SALE FOR SALE thousands of prizes •18 boardwalk games 1957 Miler •Food Court Kiddie Coaster •Victorian Ice Cream Parlor 5 car train • 71 feet long •Employee housing 35 feet wide • 7 feet tall Lift chain 2 years old Turn-key operation Axels 5 years old and fully-certified, 5 year old Urethane paint experienced staff. Moser Flipping Action Arm P/M.....$99,000 Seeking Park model, Chance Century Wheel P/M.....$199,000 but easily portable Assistant Director of Maintenance, Chance Pharoahs Fury T/M..... $550,000 Please call Water Park Manager, Wisdom T/M...... $139,000 Very fun kiddie coaster Len Soled at Rides-4-U & Maintenance Technicians Tivoli T/M...... $399,000 $31,000 for further details! 2010 ARM Vertigo T/M...... 400,000 (908) 526-8009 Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky is seeking ARM Happy Viking T/M...... $89,000 Contact: David Dean an Assistant Director of Maintenance, a Water Park Kolinski Slide T/M...... $39,000 Joyland Amusement Park (806) 763-2719, #13 Manager, as well as Maintenance Technicians to join Zamperla Tea Cup T/M...... $49,000 [email protected] our operations team. Beech Bend Park is family owned 2016 KMG Freak Out T/M.... $725,000 and features more than 3 dozen rides, Splash Lagoon Zamperla T/M.....$299,000 waterpark and a full service campground situated Zamperla Shocker T/M...... $250,000 between Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky. Expo Wheel T/M...... $299,000

Beech Bend Park offers: Call Len or John - Salary commensurate with experience, education & training. (908) 526-8009 - Full medical and dental insurance. FAX: (908) 526-4535 - 401(k) with company matching features - Paid vacation and annual bonus OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY See more about the positions and the company at beechbend.com/employment. Contact: Charlotte Gonzalez, General Manager or Dallas Jones, President at 270-781-7634. Please email resume to [email protected] Maintenance Mechanic with with subject line “Employment.” electrical experience needed at Joyland Amusement Park in Lubbock, Texas. FOR SALE Will help maintain and repair rides and related equipment. Millwright- 7 BEAUTIFUL CAROUSEL HORSES type experience preferred. Ability to follow written and oral direc- Wood • Large glass eyes • Hair • Tail tions. Ability to work heights and follow safety guidelines. Experi- All Restored ence with lighting systems, 3-phase electrical knowledge and ability to $1,000 each trouble shoot electrical controls. Bob Kissel Pay will depend on experience. 8253 E. Lee Hill Rd. • Madison, IN 47250 Send resume via email to: (812) 839-3255 [email protected]. EOE 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 INSIDE: 2B-5B: Rides, coasters offer up thrills 6B-7B: Portable equipment sellers busy 7B: Photo printing solutions on display 8B: Design industry unveils projects 9B-11B: Water parks offer up concepts 10B-11B: A look at Expo in photos 12B: IAAPA elects officers, board 12B: IAAPA 2016 Hall of Fame unveiled TM & ©2017 Amusement Today, Inc. 12B: IAAPA Service awards presented January 2017 | Vol. 20 • Issue 10 SECTION B Record 35,100 total attendance reported IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 demonstrates a strong industry AT: Tim Baldwin Event, the trade show opened [email protected] for its four-day run. Business was brisk. ORLANDO, Fla. — To many “We brought our new Sky attendees, the lights and noise Warp concept to the show, and are all quite familiar, but with we felt it really brought some- each annual trade show there thing to the market,” said Chris are still fresh ideas and new Gray of Skyline Attractions. products to keep driving the “This was my 20th trade show, amusement business forward. and I’ve never been spun around The 2016 IAAPA Attractions like this year. It was a great Expo set a record attendance. An show. The high visual impact of all-time high of 35,100 attendees our new ride really attracted a also enjoyed the largest trade lot of attention. For being a small show floor in the event’s 98-year company, it was really exciting.” history — 578,460 square feet. Love it or hate it, virtual More than 22,600 were buyers. reality was a dominant trend. New products and services were Even if it wasn’t being utilized on display from 1,136 compa- on a new ride or attraction, ven- nies. dors were showing their newest Prior to the trade show floor concepts via VR. It’s presence on opening, the traditional Kick-Off the trade show floor was unmis- Event welcomed a full house. takable. Those not able to get in were Exhibitors held a record 36 provided viewing opportunities press conferences that show- Crowds were poised to flood the IAAPA Attractions Expo show floor.AT/TIM BALDWIN in a satellite simulcast area. This cased new technologies, innova- always-popular event helped set tive concepts or unveiled new opened Nov. 15–18, giving a full been fantastic this week,” said “IAAPA Attractions Expo the tone and demonstrate the attractions. week of learning opportunities. Denise Beckson, director of op- 2016 demonstrated the health energy for the week ahead. Key “IAAPA has the means to In all, 99 education experiences erations and human resources, of our industry is continuing to 2016 attractions were featured get the press to you — it's a ser- had 11,850 participants. Often, Morey’s Piers, during the show. grow around the world," com- throughout many segments. vice to all members,” said Phil rooms filled to capacity and it re- “We've had great participation mented Greg Hale, chief safety During the Kick-Off Event, Wilson, executive vice president quired that some attendees had in sessions. I hope attendees officer, Walt Disney Parks and Liseberg announced Busch Gar- of Extreme Engineering. “They to be turned away. take away things they're able Resorts. dens Tampa Bay as the recipient have a phenomenal team that “We always hope to create to implement in their business, "What an amazing week and of the 2016 Applause Award. does it, and the results are great. an environment in which people to have an experience here that year. This record-setting show Accolades also went to two liv- Two years in a row, the press want to continue the conversa- matters." caps off a record year for IAAPA ing legends, Roland Mack, co- conferences we've held were tions started by speaker presen- "This show was unprec- Expos around the world," said founder of Europa-Park, and massive. IAAPA drove press to tations or roundtable discus- edented,” said Hank Salemi, Paul Noland, IAAPA president industry journalist Tim O’Brien, the booth and you're not going sions, so it was gratifying to see park president, Six Flags Great and CEO. as both were inducted into the to get that in every industry." the amount of information shar- America. “It was a record show The 2017 dates for the IAAPA Hall of Fame. O’Brien Another key component ing among attendees in between in terms of square footage and IAAPA Attractions Expo will was the first journalist and the to the week is the educational sessions and throughout the attendance, and from what I hear be Nov. 13–17. Booth space for 100th inductee into the Hall of program. Educational seminars week,” said Colleen Mangone, talking to some of our members, the trade show floor has already Fame. began on Monday, Nov. 14, a media relations director, IAAPA. it was a great show from a sales been reserved by more than 250 Following the Kick-Off day before the trade show floor "Education seminars have perspective, as well.” companies. 35.1 IAAPA Attractions Expo 10-year attendance* 30.5 32.9 29 26.5 26.5 25 25.8 24 23.8 14.6 15.3 15.8 18.2 19.4 21.2 22.6 Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers • • • • • • • 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Orlando Orlando Las Vegas Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando

FACTS FAST *in thousands (AT Research) 2B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 Ride and coaster manufacturers look toward a successful 2017 AT: Tim Baldwin we had the ride, so it was a good 2017 on Fremont Street in Las [email protected] IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 combination,” he said. “And Vegas, Nev. “Zombies are hot,” now we can offer it as turnkey.” laughed Martin. “We’re thrilled ORLANDO, Fla. — Wheth- What excited both companies to be working with AMC.” er it be new ideas or new proj- was the fact that their version Currently, virtual reality is ects already established, the had a distinctive flair for the big in the industry. However, 2016 IAAPA Attractions Expo dramatic as the ride mechanism “VR is already an isolating solo was testimony to a healthy in- turns and swoops into the media experience,” said Chris Robert- dustry; many companies were based film instead of the tradi- son, innovation technical direc- extremely pleased with the proj- tional simple rise. tor for Dreamcraft Attractions. ects they had booked for 2017 Triotech had a lot to an- “We were identifying a social and beyond. nounce at the show. The com- dimension for a key element for Martin & Vleminckx Rides pany’s new flying theater is shared VR experience. When (MVR) was continuing its suc- dubbed The Flyer. Configura- we started imagining the pos- cess in China. Chuck Bingham tions of 20, 42 or 60 seats allow sibilities of a theme park as the reported they were just starting for customizable attractions stage…we can add motion, we their seventh coaster for Fan- suited to the needs of the park can have SFX and all the them- tawild and 11th in China over- or attraction. Seat-based motion ing and a preshow that lends to all. “People keep saying ‘China allows every guest to experience that immersion. The real key ele- is going to dry up soon’ and Chuck Bingham (left) and Pierre Cloutier, Martin & Vleminckx the same pitch, dive and sway ments are: embodiment — when I just don’t see it that way,” he Rides stated that the market in China is still powerfully compared to platforms where you look down at your body in told Amusement Today. “It’s got strong. AT/TIM BALDWIN only the ends receive the great- most VR experiences, there is a long way to go. Fantawild still est movement. nothing there, so embodiment has more parks planned. Now I think I could have sold 10 of three curved screens that sur- “We studied what’s out should make you feel like you the second-tier cities are look- them,” said Skyline Attraction’s round the audience. While the there,” said Christian Martin, are in the virtual world, you ing to add parks.” He laughed, Chris Gray. Evan Souliere ex- film is projected, effects such as vice-president of marketing. should see yourself; and the so- “And a second-tier city in China plained, “The big thrill in a com- motion, smells and sounds come “We realize we’re not the first cial aspect — you not only see is bigger than New York City. pact space is a real selling point. from all directions. Eventually company to come to that seg- yourself, but you see the ava- And there are a lot of those.” The footprint needed is only 120 the screens separate to reveal ment. What’s unique? 3D, the tars of your friends and family MVR just finished work on feet by 30 feet. We’re simultane- show sets that can feature live wider range of motion, and and see what they’re doing. You a wooden coaster in Xiamen ously refining the design of the action and special effects. something a little more edgy speak to each other.” Sensors which will open in April. The ride system and preparing for Dynamic Attractions had than what you will see. It’s also eliminate any need for special company has also brought on imminent fabrication of the first a record-setting year in 2016 a scalable solution. Most of the clothing or markers or special Eckart Schulz who will repre- Skywarp. We look forward to opening 10 attractions on four flying theaters on the market to- equipment. “The more technol- sent both MVR and Simtec in building on this momentum.” continents, twice as many than day are massive, both in terms of ogy you ask your guests to put Europe. “He has a real history As evidenced by the trade its previous best year. space and investment. We want on really detracts from the expe- in the business and he knows show floor, theaters are big Brogent Technologies, Inc. to be in that niche, that is not rience,” Robertson adds. everyone in Europe. We look to news. Numerous companies was enjoying a busy show. Tim necessarily smaller, it’s the size Dreamcraft has partnered him to bring and develop a real were touting several variations. Chen, sales and marketing di- that you want. It’s important to with Cavu Designwerks. Da- presence in Europe.” Marissa Huntsman, project rector, beamed at the grandeur the operator.” ryl White, president, said, “Our Skyline Attractions and coordinator for Dynamic At- of the new installation going Triotech is still heavily in- background is in traditional ride its model of the company’s tractions, was excited about the into Europa-Park. “They are so volved in their dark ride portfo- hardware and media-based at- new Skywarp concept became company’s Brass Ring for Best well respected and it is such a lio as well. Heide Park in Germa- tractions such as flying theaters a photo spot at the show gath- New Product Concept. “It is for beautiful park, for Brogent, it is ny will be debuting Ghostbusters and dark rides. We saw there ering attention from the press the Dynamic Motion Theater. a milestone for our company,” 5D, which features the popular was a need for a powered coast- and show attendees alike. The It’s really versatile because it can he told AT. “You couldn’t ask for movie franchise IP. Vehicles er that also has media effects twisted figure-eight style track have a small or big footprint. It a better reference.” The new Fly called Ecto-1 take passengers with it. We developed a pow- has riders heading in both di- can be used for theme parks, but Over Europe attraction will use eight at a time armed to attack ered suspended coaster where rections, as well as “dueling” as also has a great advantage for a double system. The two the- and capture the slimy ghosts. vehicles can rotate around and the two trains twist and dive to- science centers and museums, aters will work toward an hour- Also, a walkthrough attraction, go fast or slow through scenes. ward each other. It’s the product too. We’ve had a lot of excite- ly capacity of 1,400 people an Fear the Walking Dead: The Ex- to watch…in a big way. “If I had ment from clients at our booth.” hour. Mack Media will be doing perience, will open summer of 4See RIDES, page 3B one up and running somewhere, The rotating theater utilizes the film content for the project. It will be the largest investment for a single attraction for the park. Brogent has three projects open- ing in Europe: an undisclosed project in Spain, Europa-Park, and a standalone in Amsterdam. “This is Holland” will be the theme there. Mondial World of Rides has produced the Top Scan ride since the 1990s. A variation of that established ride will play significantly in a Flying Theater. This comes about with a part- nership with Simworx. Theo van Zwieten, sales manager for Mondial says the collaboration was a natural fit. “Sometimes Skyline Attraction’s Skywarp, with its many selling points, you sense there is a need for co- received much attention with this working model. operation and I think we both Dynamic Attractions won a Brass Ring Award for its new AT/TIM BALDWIN sensed they had all the rest and Dynamic Motion Theater. AT/TIM BALDWIN January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3B RIDES IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 Rides. “Moser Rides had an ex- Continued from page 2B ceptional 2016 show with non- stop booth traffic and back-to- “We are excited about two back meetings with customers,” projects coming along for 20th Guglielmi stated. “We pre-sold Century Fox in Malaysia — one the 10-meter, 12-seat revolving a themed roller coaster and the tower on display at the show to other a carousel. You’ll be ex- PNE/Playland Park, Vancouver, tremely impressed with the art- Canada. Moser is continuously istry. We have a flying theater updating and improving their for Macrolink, an installation in product. This year the tower China. In spring you will be ex- on display featured a new LED cited who our clients are for the RGB light package and several VR attraction. It is a major film other technical improvements. IP and everyone on the planet Moser has multiple ride installa- should know what it is.” tions scheduled for 2017 in both Intamin exhibited its mod- China and the Middle East, with el of the round theater, but the several new contracts under ne- company is known for a wide gotiation now.” range of products. Sascha Czi- Dark rides continue to be a bulka, executive vice president, popular draw. told AT: “We have quite a sig- Intamin unveiled the new "rescue" vehicle for SeaWorld San “It’s really a dream come Antonio's forthcoming steel coaster. AT/TIM BALDWIN Sally Corp.’s Five Nights at nificant number of water rides in true,” said John Wood of Sally Freddy’s display spooked the works right now — flumes, Corp., speaking toward Six many an attendee. rapids, spillwaters, towboat it’s based on a track. It’s driven Kentucky Kingdom announced Flags investing into the fifth, AT/TIM BALDWIN rides., even a water coaster. That by powered rail, but guests still one of Larson’s famous Giant sixth and seventh versions of pleases us. If you look back 20 control the experience. We’ve Loops, which will be called Eye their popular upgraded speed and capabili- years, people associated Inta- sold and delivered four units of the Storm. dark ride. Six Flags Magic ties. “It’s a lot for its price point min with water rides; today it is this year. There’s been a strong Creating a striking presence Mountain is committing to an in the market.” Matt Kent, head roller coasters.” In addition, the interest in this, as well as the Hy- on the show floor was Techni- extended version compared of creative services, added, “Just portfolio of rides will include per GTX and a family coaster,” cal Park and the new Skydiving to the other six. “Basically [Six the power of this vehicle is top the company’s second Sky Jump Jenkins said. and PTC 360. One of the four-seat para- Flags] said, ‘If you have X more of the line. The cabin shape and drop tower (a 250-foot version Huntington trains were also gliding gondolas was exhibited. amount of dollars, what could paint job is customizable.” at Gröna Lund). Coasters on the sought out. The dark ride ve- The rotating flying ride could be you do?’ And we discussed it At Alterface Projects, Tom horizon that could be discussed hicle for SeaWorld San Diego enjoyed simply as that, but Tech- and discussed it for a very long Gass, managing partner, com- include a near 100-foot family was the second of the SeaWorld/ nical Park is excited to offer the time. So we took the opportu- mented toward the unique oc- suspended coaster at Djurs Som- Busch Gardens reveals. 360-degree augmented reality, nity to tell the backstory or pre- casion of a company giving merland, a Mega-lite coaster in Jeff Novotny, president just one of the myriad companies story better.” awards to its clients. “That came China, a 10-inversion coaster in of Larson International, said, using VR Gear to accentuate a Sally Corp. has also gained about via our Belgian associates. Russia, and a jet ski-styled coast- “The show has been very strong. ride. Here, the company is using the rights to do a ride based on Our main office said we are 15 er at SeaWorld San Antonio. We’ve got a real nice balance real footage, not computer-creat- Five Nights at Freddy’s, one of years old, and we want to give Angus Jenkins of Chance between clients within the U.S. ed images. The company’s hope the hottest and creepiest IPs on out Pioneer Awards to clients Rides was quite pleased with and outside the country.” When is that it can create a synergy be- the planet. The animated figure who gave us our first ‘step outs’ the show. “We’ve not only had asked if people were looking tween the park and the area’s at- on the show floor aisle peered to each degree of what we’re do- a lot of meetings, but real meet- for 2018 projects or something tributes to promote tourism. from behind a curtain and sur- ing.” At a reception, Alterface ings; not the tire-kickers. Our for the 2017 season, Novotny “What a show! Gosetto prised — or freaked out — many gave out five awards. “We’re all Uni-Coaster 2.0 is getting a lot replied, “Some of each and be- S.r.l. finalized a contract for a a passerby. about our clients. We wanted to of attention. It’s not circular; yond.” Following the show, two-level, dark ride system with The Oceaneering Entertain- give back. It’s our pleasure to do suspended seats for Adven- ment Systems booth was grab- what we do.” tureland in Long Island,” said bing attention with a whirling, A demonstration of what Gina Guglielmi, North Ameri- tilting dark ride vehicle. Nick the company does took place in can sales manager for Gosetto. Englert, program manager, The ride will feature 10 vehicles called it the Evo 6, saying it has 4See RIDES, page 4B seating two to three people each, 626 feet of track, animated tricks inside the dark ride and on the outside with a haunted mansion themed façade. This will be Gos- etto’s first park model dark ride installation in the U.S. “We are thrilled with this opportunity to work with the team on this new dark ride sys- tem and customizing the ride to appeal to the park’s younger vis- The Unicoaster itors,” Guglielmi said. The ride 2.0 is the new- will be delivered in early 2018. est concept Gosetto also finalized a contract from Chance during the show for a new two- Rides and story, trailer model fun house for promises to a family owned carnival opera- be a big seller tion in Mexico. Delivery will be based on early late 2017. Gosetto is represented in the U.S. by Intermark Ride interests. Technical Park showed off its beautifully illuminated wheel Group (IRG). AT/TIM BALDWIN each evening as attendees exited the show floor. IRG also represents Moser AT/TIM BALDWIN 4B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 RIDES IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 signed projects. When AT asked where vehicles are at all times Continued from page 3B what the primary interest was at within centimeters. It has 1.2 Gs the show, Maximilian Roeser, of acceleration — sustained.” an indoor theater on the show marketing, said, “Keeping cus- Boney also pointed out the ad- floor, from tutorials to game- tomers patient. We are so full, vantage of the park having the play. Alterface has found suc- but we don’t want to disappoint. ability to make desired changes cess along with Sally and Ocea- Big steel coasters are really driv- after the ride has already opened neering with Six Flags’ line of ing everything right now.” The as the coaster is not designed Justice League attractions with Extreme Spinning Coaster was by the limitations of gravity. three more opening in 2017. Two featured at the booth this year Because of quick dispatches, he new Kingdom Quest attractions on the show floor. “We know feels a capacity of 1,400 an hour opened for Legoland Discovery parks run out of space, so having could be obtainable. Centers in 2016 bringing the to- a spinning coaster and launched S&S-Sansei Technolo- tal to 15 around the world. coaster on an inverting track in gies was pleased with the 39- When asked to talk about a compact space was something inch height requirement for the company’s numerous clients we wanted to offer. But we can the coaster car reveal on Dutch they represent, Adam Sandy do custom layouts.” Wonderland’s new suspended and Mark Rosenzweig of Ride also likes the concept of the family coaster (see page 32). Ja- Entertainment Group agreed dual station with one side offer- son Mons, executive vice presi- that it was their busiest show ing spinning vehicles, the other dent, said, “The simplicity of the ever. For Gerstlauer, new coast- sporting stationary vehicles vehicle makes the project excit- ers include: an infinity coaster to The model of Lagotronics’ interactive dark ride/theater dis- giving riders a choice. “It’s two ing…it’s a nice, clean vehicle; Slagharen (The Netherlands), played at the Ride Entertainment booth demonstrated a things; those people who might it’s going to be easy for the park a family coaster to Parc Asterix great use of space. AT/TIM BALDWIN be afraid of the spinning action to maintain. Our engineers did (France) and a Eurofighter 320 at could still ride,” said Roser. a really good job designing this Casino Pier (see page 31). “For Motiongate Dubai will also coaster with kids and families in 2018 we have American Dream be using the powered suspended mind. The whole intention was with two coasters from Gerst- coaster-style dark ride system to make this ride a signature lauer,” said Sandy. For , that Europa-Park debuted with part of the park that’s going to Dollywood will open a 200-foot Arthur: In the Minimoys King- make lifetime patrons.” Four drop tower. “This will be the dom. The IP being used in Dubai new 4-D free spin coasters are first in North America. Funtime is . going in around the world for has taken what should be com- “This is actually a huge 2017, three for Six Flags parks in mon sense and done them very development in the coaster the U.S. well — impressive LED pack- market,” said Steve Boney of “Towers are still alive and ages and all the mechanics are Maurer Rides GmbH, speaking kicking. A number of years ago, at the bottom of the tower in- toward the two-seater motorcy- we thought maybe towers had stead of the top. The portable cle-style attraction. “The Spike run their course, but there has versions can be erected without is a departure from most coast- been a resurgence in China and a crane,” said Sandy. Three Star ers you’ve seen in the past. In- now in America (Hersheypark). Flyers will be going in to Elitch stead of using the hill, here you They really help a park define its Gardens, Six Flags America and have a 100-horsepower motor skyline,” said Mons. Valleyfair. Lagotronics Projects on the vehicle. The big innova- Tom Rebbie of Philadel- B.V. rehabs include Lake Com- The coaster car revealed by Great Coasters International tion is compound curves, so it phia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. punce’s overhaul of the Ghost showed one of the repurposed trains from Tampa now go- doesn’t have to be a straight line. was caught off guard at the Hunt. “For Skycoaster, we’ve ing on InvadR in Williamsburg. AT/TIM BALDWIN You don’t need the [lift] hill any- show. “We’re very busy from taken the annual safety seminar more. You can lay out the track last year and again this year with out of the classroom and made it platform setup. Using equip- quick, snappy curves.” AT prod- any way you want. The rider can repeat customers and a couple more of a hands-on experience. ment from Lagotronics, the at- ded if he could reveal What’s in drive the coaster at the speed new ones have come to us. Then Moving it into the field is really a traction would have guests enter the Shed? (KI’s tagline for the they want. There is a minimum yesterday out of the woodwork, win-win-win,” said Rosenzweig. the attraction and rotate in inter- new Woodie). Hain laughed, “I speed and maximum speed. This we had someone come to us and “It’s a win for the park in terms vals with interactive gaming on don’t know. I am curious myself. allows the park to now have say they wanted to retire two of publicity, it’s good for Sky- screens in each room, offering a I have no idea.” the interactive aspect of driv- old Morgan trains and get two coaster and then the attendees new dark ride experience in a Mack Rides GmbH & Co. ing, complete control of where get to perform these procedures limited space. KG is enjoying a full roster of the track is, precise indexing of 4See RIDES, page 5B instead of memorizing from a Clair Hain of Great Coast- book. Without prompting, we ers International is looking had people calling saying it was forward to the installation of the best seminar we ever had. InvadR to Busch Gardens Wil- “From the Operations end liamsburg. “The area it’s going of Ride Entertainment, we have to be placed and intertwining been awarded the contract to with other rides over the train take over operations at an FEC tracks…it’s going to be a great in Staten Island. Tens of thou- area.” Interestingly, GCII exhib- sands of cars drive by every ited the trains for the new coast- day. It’s a great location,” said er, each train having its own styl- Rosenzweig. “It currently has a ized theme. The new coaster will go-kart track, mini-golf, batting repurpose refurbished trains cages and a pavilion where we from Gwazi, the wooden coaster are going to go in and add rides at sister park Busch Gardens and attractions.” Tampa Bay. One of GCII’s other A new concept at the Ride main projects is Mystic Timbers Entertainment booth was il- at Kings Island. “I think it is lustrated with a model that Prowler taken to the next level. showed a merging of the dark If I can say… it has more ‘bob- Mack Rides promoted a new concept of a compact Launched Spinning Coaster as displayed ride concept and the rotating sledding’ around the track… in this model. AT/TIM BALDWIN January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5B RIDES IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 able to different programs.” Continued from page 4B Jeff Wilson, CEO of Ex- treme Engineering, explained new trains from us,” he said that increasing the capacity on midweek at the Expo, although the company’s award-winning the client couldn’t be disclosed. Cloud Coaster — which com- “We’re building a new train for bined a zipline experience with Kentucky Kingdom and we’re a roller coaster experience — building a new train for Kijima was not an issue structurally. Park in Japan. They have other The goal of the tandem cart sys- trains to eventually replace, so tem introduced at the show was this could move into next year to create an experience partici- and the year following.” pants can enjoy together. Wilson Vekoma Rides Manufac- envisioned numerous uses for turing B.V., as always, has a the newer version of the Cloud full lineup of upcoming instal- Coaster: “A butterfly aviary lations. New coasters for the has 75-foot ceilings and an 80- 2017 season include a custom- by-80 footprint. This would be designed family coaster at Re- In addition to coasters, Vekoma featured its Sky Shuttle ob- a great treetop tour. You could spublica Mall in the Ukraine, servation platform. AT/TIM BALDWIN have it placed on a beach along Logan Checketts, Soaring a family boomerang coaster at the boardwalk where they are Eagle, showed IAAPA trade Happy Valley Chongquing, a not using the space and have a show attendees the compa- mine train and custom designed great tour of the beach. And yet ny's new single-tower multi- launch coaster at Vinpearl Thu we have other people who want ple-ride attraction. Thiem in Vietnam, and a sus- to go fast as hell. You can bank AT/PAM SHERBORNE pended looping coaster at Sun- (around the curves) and feel like air and have complete expo- land in Vietnam. Installations you’re flying and the seat does sure. It’s like strapping Velcro for 2018 are also released for Fu- all the adjustments. Our average on the back of someone and let- ruviksparken, Sweden, which costs are $1,500 per linear foot ting them fly. It shoots straight will be Vekoma’s eighth family delivered to the site. up and down. Passengers are boomerang in just a few short Logan Checketts, Soaring restrained like our zipline sys- years; and a launched coaster Eagle, said his company has a tem with a three-point strap re- for Evergrande in China. new attraction for 2017. It is a straint to hold you in.” Reintrodued for the show single tower able to handle mul- The Battle for Cedar Point was the Sky Shuttle, an island- tiple rides. The company will was a new interactive augment- like observation tower that can Zierer introduced a new dark ride system that sported sev- open the first one in April in ed reality project for Holovis hold 110 passengers and rise to eral features. AT/TIM BALDWIN Branson, Mo. Attractions in 2016. Emily Bur- 50 meters, offering an hourly ca- "There will be a Saddle rows, public relations for Holo- pacity of 1,500. coasters as well. Prizenpark in park industry. “It’s challenging Sling on one side and a Daring vis, told AT: “In the past, we’ve Zierer has a full roster for France is receiving a Force Two for me, because we can’t say a Drop on the other," Checketts brought our Dome interactive 2017. Marina Ernst-Weiderer, coaster, and a new park in Poland whole lot,” said Sara Ingram of said. "The Saddle Sling also is 360 experience, but this year we marketing and sales, reported (Kownaty Park) has purchsed a Premier Rides. “It’s shrouded new. It takes about eight months are featuring how augmented numerous projects including: a Force Two coaster in addition to in secrecy, but it will be the next to build one." reality can be a park-wide solu- 19-meter track Kontiki to a Ger- three other Zierer rides. step for something like… a Har- Soaring Eagle was pro- tion. We just won a Brass Ring man park, Freizeitpark Steinau “We introduced a new dark ry Potter movie, but I can’t really moting a dual Thrill Tower that for the app we developed with a. d. Straße; a single-unit nine- ride system for the show this tell you anything further. It’s for combined a traditional drop Cedar Point, and we call that an gondola Jet Skis for Holiday year,” said Ernst-Weiderer. “The 2018 and I was hoping we could ride with Soaring Eagle’s new- extended experience. How we Park in Germany; Double 9 Jet track and vehicle system can be share more.” est Saddle Sling. Logan Check- connect everything in the whole Skis for a park in China; and two animated with various modules, Zamperla celebrated 50 etts said, “A dual thrill tower park into one experience. It con- rides for a park in Turkey: Jet Skis such as pitch and roll, 360-de- years with a cake and cham- can range from 90 feet to 200 nects through to a story and and a Force Two family coaster. gree rotation, or a scissor lift pagne press announcement. In feet-plus. The drop ride can there’s a purpose to what you’re Other parks are receiving Zierer table which moves the vehicle to addition to the huge lineup go- have a seating configuration doing. It eliminates queue line different levels. To suit the story- ing into one park (see the story of four, six or eight. The saddle boredom because it is no longer line, the system can also be sup- on OWA in the February issue of sling is Stan Checkett's latest passive space, it is interactive plemented with interactive ef- AT), the company has numerous and greatest invention. It’s like space. What’s the wider, bigger fects such wind, fog, audio, score installations around the world having people fly through the picture?” display or special lighting.” from their wide catalog ranging Premier Rides, in addition from children’s rides to roller to partnering with The Produc- coasters. ers Group on Extraordinary One new concept involved Voyages (see page 8B), also has adding VR to the recently-in- numerous coasters in the works. troduced Windstarz ride. Mike The II model contin- Coleman told AT: “Since 2013 ues to be a big hit. While a few we’ve been investigating the are in process, two have been use of virtual reality on rides — confirmed for 2017 in Europe mainly our flat rides. We’re using and Asia, with another on deck two systems. One is the Oculus for the U.S. in 2018. The compa- Rift based system which is a little ny teased a massive new project more immersive and has more in conjunction with The Wanda hardware; and you have the Group, stating the first-of-its- plug-and-play option with the kind attraction will set a new Samsung Gear VR. It’s two dif- PTCI's Janine Rebbie- standard for technical innova- ferent experiences; Oculus sends Matscherz shows off a new tion and will be one of the most you through a steam punk world modernistic-style front piece cutting-edge attractions ever earning points along the way Zamperla showcased its car for the new OWA for a PTCI train. to be introduced to the theme and the Samsung is more adapt- AT/TIM BALDWIN park in Alabama. AT/TIM BALDWIN 6B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 Portable ride and attractions suppliers find show floor busy AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected] IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. — Por- play were the new Water Gun last several years. She feels table ride and attractions Fun Pixel Play, an attendant- the industry is getting stron- manufacturers and suppliers free game; Football Chal- ger with the large attendance were pleased with IAAPA lenge; Plink Drop portable at the trade show a very good Attractions Expo 2016 held game; and a new version of indicator. Nov. 15-18 at the Orange the company's water game. County Convention Center. Majestic Manufacturing Inc. Here are comments from Chestnut Identity Majestic's Chris Kudler just some of those exhibitors. Apparel Inc. said his company was in- Jon Chestnut said his troducing a new ride called Battech Enterprises company has expanded their the Back Spin roller coaster. Albert Frieden has sold custom wicking shirts. There will be two versions two of Battech's new Black "We have pretty much offered: a 45-foot-by-65-foot, Widow ride in the last year. gone back to the basics," one trailer portable ride; and The concept of the ride was Chestnut said, during the a 45-foot-by-85-foot, two- debuted at the 2016 Interna- IAAPA event. "We are just trailer version. tional Independent Show- back to making sure every- Kudler said during the men's Association (IISA) one is getting into a modern IAAPA trade show that the trade show in Gibsonton, Fla. shirt at a basic affordable smaller version was about 80 "There has been a lot of price." percent done. He expected it interest here at the show," to be done by the end of De- Frieden said during the IAA- cember. PA Expo. Patty Sullivan has been The cars have two for- He also has been busy very pleased with the re- ward and two backwards- with his Zero Gravity, Cliff sponse to her company's facing seats. There is a spin- Hanger, Down Draft, Hog touch screen operation com- ning motion as the cars go Rally and slides. ponent. up the first hill, but after that "We have sold a number first hill, the cars spin freely. Bob's Space Racers of these to our customers Bob's Space Racers' new Bob's Space Racers de- to retrofit onto their rides," Rides-4-U Inc. Water Gun Fun Pixel Game buted Jersey Wheels this Sullivan said."It has cut the Len Soled called the new (top) won an award for Best year during the IAAPA show. training time down to two SBF/Visa Group Wave Rider New Product at the 2016 Both the three-wheel and days from five days." a home run ride. It was set IAAPA Expo. The company four-wheel versions were ex- The company also is up and operating almost con- also debuted its new Jersey hibited. working on two more wheels tinuously during the IAAPA Wheels game (left) and this Glenda Cook said the for the Scheels All Sports re- Attractions Expo. water race game (above). game is 100 percent skill tail stores, one for 2017 and "We sold the one at the AT/PAM SHERBORNE based. another for 2018. show to The Island in Pigeon "We are taking orders Forge, Tenn.," Soled said. "We now and will start shipping Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing sold several more right there at the end of February," Cook Hitch-Hiker's Holly at the show. said. Swartz said business has "We also sold three spin- Other new rides on dis- been very steady over the ning coasters at the show, including a triple spiral spin- ning coaster to Santa's Vil- lage, Ont., Canada," he said. Also sold during the IAAPA event were: a new S&S Worldwide Inc. Frog Hopper to Skelly's Amuse- ments; an S&S Worldwide Inc. mini set up outdoors to Quassy Amuse- ment Park; and an SBF/ Visa Group Drop n' Twist to Windy City Amusements. "We have a contract from Main Street Amusements for a new SBF/Visa Group 360," Soled said. "We had a lot of interest on all our prod- uct line at the show."

Wisdom Rides Inc. The Wisdom Rides Inc. IAAPA booth stayed busy an- swering questions about its new ride, the Y-Factor. Victor Chris Kudler (left) and his father, Vince Kudler, Majestic Man- Wisdom said after the show Albert Frieden, Battech Enterprises, was excited to exhibit ufacturing, stand beside a car model from the company's his new ride. He has sold two in the past year. new Back Spin roller coaster. AT/PAM SHERBORNE 4See PORTABLE, page 7B AT/PAM SHERBORNE January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7B

DNP Showcases photo printing IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 solutions for attractions industry

ORLANDO, Fla. — At IAAPA 2016, DNP zanne Seagle. “It is compact and easy to op- Imagingcomm America Corporation show- erate for any retail customer or staff member. cased its award-winning digital photo printing We also offer a three-year advance/exchange solutions that provide custom photo souvenirs warranty. If it fails, we send you another one at many of the world’s most renowned amuse- before you send your original back.” ment parks and attractions. Featuring its award-winning DS620A Among its latest product introductions dis- printer, a unique two-printer stack setup played at IAAPA 2016, DNP featured its new for high volume functionality was also dis- DS-RX1HS dye-sublimation photo printer that played. A single DS620A printer outputting 4 is ideal for ride photo systems, photo booth ap- inch by 6 inch prints was stacked on top of plications, and other attractions where custom- another DS620A printer outputting 6 inch by ized souvenirs are desired. The DS-RX1HS im- 8 inch prints. The combo can produce up to proves print speeds by as much as 20 percent. 400 prints per hour. Seagle offered, “As the DNP also showcased its new world’s most compact professional-grade SnapLab+SL620A photo printing kiosk system photo printer, the DS620A is a highly profit- Suzanne Seagle of DNP Imaging eagerly demonstrated the for retail applications at amusement parks and able solution for amusement and attractions award-winning dye-sublimation photo printers offered by other attractions. “That’s our all-in-one solu- professionals that want to provide instant DNP, including the SnapLab+SL620A kiosk. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON tion,” stated DNP’s director of marketing, Su- custom photo souvenirs.”

PORTABLE and has two arms. When the Continued from page 6B ride starts, the arms raise at the same time, then spin. they still had a way to go to Each pod at the end of the get the prototype ready, but arms also has a spinning mo- hopes were to have it at the tion. The raised arms spin in IISA show in Gibsonton, Fla., a 65-foot diameter. next month. "We have one sold so far," The ride has a capacity of he said. "I will be really hap- 24 passengers and loads all py if we are able to complete at once. It stands 40 feet high it and get it to Gibsonton."

Eli Bridge Company's Patty Sullivan (right) along with Susan Headen, had a very busy IAAPA trade show last November. AT/PAM SHERBORNE Len Soled (second from right) of Rides-4-U, described this new Wave Rider attraction, manu- factured by SBF/Visa Group, as a "home run." AT/PAM SHERBORNE

Lisa Dominique, owner of Sippers by Design, always has something new at the IAAPA Attractions Expo. This year was no exception and Dominique, along with some of her staff, Holly Swartz (far left) of Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing Co., was on hand at the 2016 IAAPA trade stayed very busy. Seen with her are Kevin Ravelo, left, and show. Here, she spends some time with the Benner family, Christina Benner, her daughter, Diego Villarreal. AT/PAM SHERBORNE Alycia, and husband, Kerry Benner, Penn Valley Shows. AT/PAM SHERBORNE 8B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 Designers busy with new concepts and projects AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 ORLANDO, Fla. — As the IAAPA Attrac- well. The park will be seasonal, the hotel and tions Expo was commencing, The Producers aquarium will be year round.” Group was awaiting their latest project to Just prior to the trade show, Kennedy open within a week of the trade show: The Space Center opened Heroes & Legends. Debangg Stunt Spectacular, a stunt show at The new attraction designed by Falcon’s Cre- Bollywood Parks in Dubai. Actors, pyrotech- ative Group opened on Veterans Day, Nov. nics, gunplay and stunts are integrated into 11. Cutting-edge technology, interactive el- a show produced by the firm, as well as the ements and engaging exhibits are combined technical management. “Step Up All In” is together to introduce visitors to the heroes of a live show based on the Lionsgate movies the NASA space program in a new building which is appearing at parks also throughout whose architectural design features a 30-by- Dubai. 40-foot bas-relief sculpture of the seven Mer- A fresh idea at the show was Extraor- cury astronauts. The attraction features a dinary Voyages Adventure Dining, which 360-degree discovery bay, a 4-D multisensory would be standalone dining experiences experience and an interactive exhibit that where patrons would travel to imaginative allows guests to visualize artifacts in a way Phil Royle of Legoland New York and Cale Heit of Forrec lands during their meal. “The concept is an never before possible by using holograms discuss the characteristics of the new resort. AT/TIM BALDWIN immersive dining experience on a motion and augmented reality. simulator,” said Judd Nissen, senior project iTec Entertainment‘s past year was just manager. “Of course, the first thing you think coming off the success of Skull Island: Reign of is ‘Why would I want to eat when I’m be- of Kong at Universal Orlando. iTec worked ing thrown around?’ but it is really more like with Universal to bring the King Kong story a dining car on a train. We decided to partner to life by coordinating and orchestrating a with Jim Seay of Premier Rides for the ride number of independent technologies to cre- vehicle.” The experience features some excit- ate an immersive, multi-dimensional guest ing scenes between courses, but with food experience. The company worked on other present, it is more calm scenery. Original projects in 2016 that are slated to open in plans have experiences lasting 60 minutes for 2017, some of which could not be discussed. lunch and 90 minutes for dinner. The “loca- Several of those 2017 projects will be taking tion” of where the voyage takes patrons is the place in China and southeast Asia, as well as decided-upon destination they choose at a Dubai. Mark Plogstedt of iTec said, “For us, Victorian-era station, which, like a real train, it’s a lot of activity in China and the rest of the depends upon what time you board. Visitors area of Asia, particularly Thailand and Viet- Astronaut Jon McBride (center) is joined by representatives board a “go anywhere” vehicle called The nam. A lot of interesting stuff. They’re good of Kennedy Space Center and Falcon’s Creative Group to cut Centurion, which seats 80 people, with all folks with good business plans. Not always a symbolic ribbon for the new Heroes & Legends attraction. tables having a window view. Customized el- just traditional theme parks, also.” Just prior AT/TIM BALDWIN ements can be incorporated to each window to the Expo, groundbreaking took place on a for special occasions. new theme park in Hanoi, Vietnam. Kim Quy A new Legoland park in the U.S. is be- (Vietnamese for Golden Turtle) was designed ing prepped to open in 2019. Cale Heit, ex- by iTec for Sun Group, a major real estate ecutive vice president for Forrec, designers developer. Highlights of the 250-acre project of the new park, told AT, “Usually we start include a major themed entertainment com- with Legoland from the very inception, so plex featuring interactive attractions along when they are looking at sites, we explore with the most current immersive, virtual and and see how the park fits on the site.” With augmented reality experiences. Retail, dining 500 acres available for the forested areas of and entertainment districts will be included, the upcoming New York park, “It is a beauti- along with an observation wheel and the ful forest; it almost frames the park in a green Kim Quy cultural village which will provide environment. There are hills to create beau- an exciting home for working artisans and tiful vistas, in contrast to a flat park where craftsmen from the Hanoi region of Vietnam. you can see forever.” The hills, while being Gary Goddard of the Goddard Group an obvious advantage, will also provide For- says most of the company’s projects are rec with their challenges as well, making the opening in 2017. However, the company has new property distinctive and a signature completed an innovative show called The En- property. counter for a limited run on Broadway that “We’ve really been looking for a north- can eventually tour. “There’s Polar Ocean eastern park for a Legoland for the last five World in Shanghai, The World of Poseidon is years,” added Phil Royle of Legoland New under construction in China, and the Bund York. “We announced the location this past Movie Studio Tour project where we are rec- July and construction is to start early next reating pre-World War II Shanghai Bund,” year for an opening of spring 2019. We are said Goddard. “They have a bunch of stand- having much of the loved attractions from ing movie sets — they have an almost full- our parks around the world, but have some size Forbidden City, an 18th-century Chinese new favorites as well such as the new Nin- village, and now they’ll have The Bund — jago ride. We’ve worked with Forrec with and it also has a studio tour and attractions. several of our parks, we have a longstand- The company is also working on a Cirque du ing relation with Forrec. They’ve been help- Soleil park in Mexico to eventually open in Todd Nissen of The Producers Group shows the model of ing us for many years. Within three years of 2019. More projects are also slated for China Extraordinary Voyages Adventure Dining which involves a opening, we’ll have a SeaLife Aquarium as and Indonesia. partnership with Premier Rides. AT/TIM BALDWIN January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9B Water park industry capitalizes on making fun experiences AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected] IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 ORLANDO, Florida — The water attractions industry con- tinues to apply creativity and the latest technology to offer new and exciting experiences to the ever-growing number of guests who flock to water parks and aquatic facilities throughout the world. Park owners know that every experience matters when a guest chooses to spend their hard-earned money at one of their aquatic facilities, so select- ing the right combination of attractions to appeal to a wide variety of guests is paramount. WhiteWater's new Mat Blaster combines the thrill of a mat Fortunately, there are a num- with the uphill blasts of a water coaster. SplashTacular's Slipsteam slide is ridden while standing. ber of excellent suppliers from COURTESY WHITEWATER COURTESY SPLASHTACULAR which to choose and they con- tinue to provide increasing combined it with the engaging by only ramping up motor available. attraction — class B (product ways for customers to have a sensation of a mat ride to create speed when it’s needed to drive According to Philip Hayles, cost less than $2 million). day of good, splashy, safe fun. a brand new attraction. We’re riders uphill. It also reduces the vice president of business devel- ProSlide will be working AT takes a look at some of the giving park guests a complete- wear and tear on the mechanical opment, ProSlide is always at with Six Flags to convert the highlights of what the industry ly new and unique feeling as equipment and is more energy work innovating new rides recently acquired water park in is doing to make sure that those they race up and down hills, efficient because the motor is every year. ProSlide has three Mexico to Six Flags Hurricane “experiences that matter” are headfirst on a mat. There’s no not constantly running at a set new products in store for 2017, Harbor Oaxtepec. “The park has good ones. other ride like it on the mar- speed. The first slide to use this but non-disclosure agreements been closed for four years, so it WhiteWater Attractions ket,” commented Sean Hinton, technology was the award-win- prevented any announcements definitely needs some fit and blasted its way to two Brass Ring WhiteWater’s president, water- ning, record-breaking Massiv during IAE 2016. ProSlide was finish” said Hayles. “Ironically awards for Best New Product parks and attractions division. at Schlitterbahn Galveston proud of the success it has had we actually did a number of the and Technology Applied to Smart Blast is the first spe- Island. Massiv won the 2016 with its new RocketBlast water original slides.” ProSlide will Amusements with Mat Blaster cially designed system to save Golden Ticket Award for Best coaster. RocketBlast positions be providing several new key and Smart Blast. park operators money when New Ride in a Water Park. custom water jets on each side attractions within a very short Mat Blaster combines the operating their Master Blaster also took of the uphill portion of the slide, lead time. The park is expected fun of mat racing with the thrill or Mat Blaster. These Blasters home a Brass Ring award for providing a consistent uphill to open in February. of an uphill water coaster. On are traditionally powered by Best New Product with Space force. Two have already been Another major project for the initial drop, riders plunge advanced water propulsion Race, a waterslide that com- installed with a third slated ProSlide will take place out- headfirst down a 13-foot drop technology to deliver a gravity- bines the ever-popular bowl for White Water Bay, the water side of Toronto. Wild Water into a valley before climb- defying ride experience up the experience with a double chan- park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in Kingdom in Brampton, Ontario, ing two hills that lead into a steep inclines and multiple twists nel, allowing two groups of San Antonio. That installation, is a 30-year old park that was 360-degree Whizzard loop. and turns, which normally con- riders to compete against each combining RocketBlast technol- acquired last year by Premier The first Mat Blaster opened in sumes a considerable amount of other. Polin was also showing ogy with FlyingSaucer elements Parks. Closed in 2016, the entire June at Yinji Xinmi Waterpark, power. Smart Blast technology off its new storm race water- will be the first to feature a park is being renovated and China’s largest water park (see uses variable frequency drives slide. Storm race starts with an lift conveyor and will be the rejuvenated and ProSlide is the AT, Vol 20, Issue 7, October (VFDs) and a proprietary con- enclosed tube chute, continues first RocketBlast water coaster sole source for all the new slides 2016). “WhiteWater has been trol algorithm to dynamically into an open uphill slide area in the United States. ProSlide’s as well as two large RideHouse making the Master Blaster for adjust pump speeds while the where the rafts will climb to the FlyingSaucer 30 slide was waterplay structures. Hayles decades, and now we’ve taken ride is in operation. The new top, lose momentum than slide awarded a second place Brass that iconic ride experience and system saves significant power back down, this time exiting to Ring Award for water park 4See WATER PARK, page 11B a second tube chute. The finale can be a splash pool or run-out. The entire slide wraps around a central stair column and is available as a single slide, or two slides intertwined for dou- ble the capacity plus the added thrill of racing. Polin also introduced Splash Cabin, a gaming attrac- tion with the added feature of water. Guests enter a cabin to shoot water guns against ani- mated opponents on a screen. Those animations have the abil- ity to shoot water back at the players. The opponent with the lowest score receives an extra The Krakatau Aqua Coaster from ProSlide will be the cen- dousing at the end. The cabin on display held two players at terpiece of Universal’s , incorporated into the A model of Polin's Storm Racer waterslide was on display at a time, but larger cabins are park's 200-foot-tall volcano. COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO the company's booth. AT/TIM BALDWIN 10B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 Seen at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016

Marco Begotti (right) re- The massive Valravn car from Cedar Point's The Gravity Group team poses with its intricately carved search and maintenance lured people to the B&M booth. AT/TIM BALDWIN dragon lead coaster car. AT/TIM BALDWIN manager, Remorides, Italy, speaks with Sherif Sadek, general manager, Dreampark — Dreamland Amusement Park, in Egypt, about Remo- rides' OPERA Amusement system, which is a live main- tenance system for theme parks. AT/PAM SHERBORNE

Accesso introduced its new Prism, the company's latest National Ticket Co. has been in business since 1907. The offering in the Accesso LoQueueSM line of virtual queuing company provides a security paper stock and ink to the solutions. CEO Steve Brown unveiled the wearable devices amusement industry. Shown here (from left) are National which allow for a fully integrated smart park − creating an Ticket's Thomas Tessitore, Mark LaCoste, Kyle Wiskow, Lil- engaging and seamless guest experience. ian Barbella and John Conway. AT/PAM SHERBORNE AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON

Gateway Ticketing was on hand for the IAAPA trade show. The 25-year-old-plus company displayed its tick- eting software and services that can touch all areas of a Old friends catching up on facility, from the front gate all the industry news were to cafes and retail shops to AT Publisher Gary Slade (left) back-office operations. and Gerstlauer's Franz Maier. AT/PAM SHERBORNE AT/SAMMY PICCOLA Greg Loewen (right) CEO of Digonex, explains to Greg and Kathy Siggers, Wild Water Adventure Park, Clovis, Calif., how dynamic pricing solutions have worked for the Indianapolis Zoo and how they could work for their facility to help shift attendance to off-peak days, produce Wave Rider by SBF was a popular new ride at the show double-digit growth that fun-seekers ride standing up. in revenue per caps. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON AT/PAM SHERBORNE January 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11B Seen at IAAPA

First-time exhibitors, RES Ride Engineers were represent- Representatives of When I Eric Anderson (left), George Frantzis and Ron Gustafson ed by Technical Director, Roman Rothe, and Managing Work model their "GET SHIfT of Quassy Amusement Park announced the park's newest Director, Willy Walser (right). The company showcased its DONE" t-shirts which turned kiddie attraction, Skippers Clippers. The musical ride was new ride concepts, including the small-footprint coaster heads on the show floor. built by SBF/Visa and supplied via Rides-4-U. Roller Ball. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON

WATER PARK is also making waves, but with for children. The company has Continued from page 9B a very different approach. The a number of inquiries during Wave Ball, a spherical wave gen- IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 expects this to become one of erator, floats in the center of a for 2017 but nothing was able to the leading water parks in the pool and generates safe and con- be disclosed. Arihant expects to country when it reopens in 2017. trolled artificial waves working have a good year with projects in Just when it was thought on the principle of resonance. Europe as well as Southeast Asia. there couldn’t be another The Wave Ball is available in The water park industry variation on the waterslide, multiple sizes and suitable for continues to experience unprec- SplashTacular comes up with pools as small as 350 square edented growth with massive something new. Slipstream is a feet all the way up to 8,500 new indoor and outdoor proj- waterslide that guests ride while square feet. The Wave Ball can ects all over the world. But, standing. The slide offers the WOW Company's Wave Ball can bring new excitement to an be easily added to existing pools smaller venues are also find- sensation of waterskiing with- existing pool. COURTESY WOW COMPANY or planned into a new project. ing the value in adding aquatic- out all the exertion. Riders can Installation can be completed based attractions. City parks, control their speed with the run- the new and exciting attractions able floating obstacle course in as few as two days. All of hotels, RV parks and camp- ning start entrance. The water- the slide manufactures continue is that it can easily be moved the moving parts are contained grounds have discovered that slide is narrow with high sides to churn out. All three have also and reinstalled. A competition within the wave ball so it safe adding water play structures, and has a specially designed branched out to the amusement swimming pool can be trans- for guests to get as close to the splash pads, or just a few water handrail/channel on top of the industry providing floatation formed into a floating obstacle ball as they want — they can slides to existing facilities will high side that stays wet in order collars for river raft rides as well course. When the lap lanes need even climb on top of it. help attract new guests and to provide enough slickness to as bumper car collars. to be cleared, the course can be Arihant Industrial keep existing guests engaged. slide but also provide the bal- Empex Watertoys offers an floated off to the side or com- Corporation of India was kept Water parks have proven to be ance needed for the rider to impressive collection of unique, pletely removed. Seasonal lakes busy in 2016 with projects in fun, safe attractions appealing stay upright. The slide has a colorful and creative water or beach fronts can also disas- Bulgaria, Thailand and Vietnam. to a wide demographic. Large long runout section allowing the play devices. New for 2016 was semble and store the product Bulgaria’s Sunset Park features resorts can be viable vacation guest to simply walk out of the the Aquamar line of marine- during the off season. 18 slides from one massive, cen- destinations and smaller locally- slide after they lose momentum inspired water toys. Whimsical Aquatic Development trally located building that also owned facilities appeal to local and come to a stop. spray structures take on the Group (ADG) was making houses the changing rooms, audiences. Whatever the project, SplashTacular has also been persona of marine fish and waves — literally — with its rental lockers and a rooftop sky- — large or small — the industry fine-tuning and streamlining mammals such as an Aquaorc, three new products. Twin Tides, bar. Smaller pools elsewhere in is showing no signs of slowing some of its existing products to Aquaseal, Aquapus, Aquasquid the unique dual-entry wave the park offer slides specifically down. help bring the overall cost down. and even an Aquazilla sea mon- pool, opened in September Traxx is a body-slide version of ster. Empex Watertoys also net- at Splash Cove in Shawnee, the company’s splash rally slide. ted in the Brass Ring award for Kansas. The new ADG surf pool The original $5 million attraction its exhibition booth in the 500- has guest traversing a wave on was too expensive for most oper- 899 square-foot category. a body board for the length of ators. The new Traxx slide capi- We’ve been hearing and the of a wave pool. The first talizes on that configuration but seeing a lot from German manu- such attraction, Breaker Beach, since it is a body slide it requires facturer Wibit this year and its opened in June 2016 at Water much less fiberglass bringing line of inflatable floating obsta- World in Denver, Colorado. the cost down significantly. The cle/play courses. Founded in Breaker Beach also garnered a 360Rush and Double BowlsEye 1996, Wibit invented the floating first-place brass ring award for are both available in a more com- water park industry and sev- water park attraction — class pact XT version, at a lower price eral of its items were on display A (product cost of $2 million point — under $1 million — than in its booth. These tough PVC or more). Tidal River adds the their larger siblings. products are designed to last in excitement of waves to the ever- Raft and tube suppliers, CPI, a commercial environment and popular river system, transform- Zebec and ZPro continue to sup- are suitable for all kinds of envi- ing the common “lazy river” ply the water park industry with ronments — freshwater, saltwa- into a fast-paced, action-packed the inflatable products and mats ter, and chlorinated water. One river with thrilling waves. Arihant was a major supplier to the new Sunset Aqua Park needed to partake in many of of the advantages of an inflat- WOW Company of Belgium in Bulgaria. COURTESY ARIHANT 12B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2017 IAAPA elects 2017 officers and new board members Disney's Greg Hale operations, and maintenance IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 named 2017 IAAPA professionals who oversee theme park safety and tech- chairman of the board nology advancements. 2017 IAAPA officers New Regional Advisory An active IAAPA volun- The IAAPA board of direc- Committee Chair Directors ORLANDO, Fla — The teer for nearly 20 years, Hale tors also elected the following Europe, Middle East, Afri- International Association of has served two terms on the officers for the organization: ca: Amanda Thompson OBE, Amusement Parks and At- IAAPA Board of Directors and First Vice Chairman: An- managing director, Black- tractions (IAAPA) elected has been a member of the as- dreas Andersen, president pool Pleasure Beach Ltd. and Greg Hale, vice president and sociation's executive and fi- and CEO, Liseberg, Sweden. president, Stageworks World- chief safety officer for Walt nance, government relations, IAAPA President and wide Productions, U.K. Disney Parks and Resorts, as strategic planning, gover- CEO: Paul Noland, IAAPA North America: Bob Wil- the organization's chairman nance, and new technology Treasurer: Charles "Hank" liams, general manager, Cala- of the board for 2017. The in- awards committees. He has Salemi, president, Six Flags way Park, Canada. troduction of the 2017 officers also been a member of the Great America, U.S. took place at the Kickoff Event IAAPA Global Safety Com- New Manufacturer for the association's global mittee including serving as New Facility and Supplier Director conference and trade show, its chairman for several terms. and Life Directors Richard A. Carroll, senior IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 Hale plays a key leadership Fernando Eiroa, CEO, vice president and COO, Jeff in Orlando, Fla. role in the association's ef- Grupo Parques Reunidos, Ellis & Associates Inc., U.S. Greg Hale forts to develop and harmo- Spain. Greg Hale elected nize industry safety standards Ahmad Hussain, CEO, New Past Chairman 2017 IAAPA chairman in 1995 and promoted to vice around the globe, facilitating Global Village, United Arab Director Hale joined Walt Disney president of design, engineer- safety standards meetings Emirates. Rob Norris, president, World in 1988 as manager of ing, and regulatory compli- in more than 16 countries in Paul Norton, general Seabreeze Park, U.S. electrical and electronics engi- ance in 1999. In 2002, he was Asia, Europe, Latin America, manager, Silverwood Theme neering. He assumed respon- promoted to his current role as and the Middle East. Park, U.S. COMING NEXT MONTH: sibility for ride and show engi- vice president and chief safety Hale holds a Bachelor of Ken Whiting, president, IAAPA 2016 neering in 1989. He was named officer for Walt Disney Parks Science degree in electrical en- Whiting's Food Concessions BRASS RING director of facilities and attrac- and Resorts where he leads gineering from the University at Santa Cruz Beach Board- AWARD WINNERS tions regulatory compliance a global team of ride design, of Mississippi. walk, U.S. IAAPA Hall of Fame Service Awards presented during Expo ORLANDO, Fla. — The International As- and respected leader in the amusement park 2016 class announced sociation of Amusement Parks and Attrac- industry, specializing in the area of ride safe- tions (IAAPA) recognized the 2016 IAAPA ty. She is a trusted authority on amusement ORLANDO, Fla. — On Nov. 15, the International Associa- tion of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) inducted its Service Award winners during the GM and ride safety and serves as a board member and two newest members into the 2016 IAAPA Hall of Fame: Owners' Breakfast at IAAPA Attractions Expo official spokesperson of the National Asso- 2016 on Nov. 16 in Orlando, Fla. The awards ciation of Amusement Ride Safety Officials Roland Mack, Europa-Park and Mack Rides honor individuals for their extraordinary con- (NAARSO). Woodburn is an active industry Roland Mack, the eldest son of IAAPA Hall of Famer, Franz tributions to the global attractions industry. volunteer, who uses her experience to teach Mack, was born into the attractions business. After receiving his graduate engineering degree in 1974, Mack co-founded classes at IAAPA Attractions Expo and serves Europa-Park in 1975. In recent years, he has transformed Eu- Lifetime Service Award Winner on IAAPA's ride operations training task ropa-Park into the largest resort destination in Germany by John Wood, ICAE, of , force while also chairing the facility opera- adding five world-class hotels. Through his guidance and vi- Jacksonville, Fla., U.S., received the IAAPA tions subcommittee. sion, the park has become the second largest in Europe and Lifetime Service Award, which recognizes the largest in Germany, attracting more than 5.5 million guests a member individual's consistent and long- Meritorious Service Award Winner per year. Additionally, under his leadership, the family's manu- term achievements serving the association Dorothy Lewis of Xpress Posts, Danbury, facturing company, Mack Rides, has a worldwide reputation and the industry in excess of 20 years. Wood Conn., U.S., earned the IAAPA Meritorious for the quality of its workmanship and high level of innovation. has been an attractions industry professional Service Award, which is presented in recogni- Mack is also a founding member of the German Association of Amusement Parks and he has received numerous awards for more than 36 years. He served two terms tion of a member individual's service to and and honors including the German Tourism Medal and the In- on the IAAPA board of directors, and he has for the association which advances IAAPA's novation Award for the German Tourism Industry. actively served on several of IAAPA's volun- mission to serve the membership by promot- teer committees. Since becoming an IAAPA ing safe operations, global development, pro- Tim O'Brien, Journalist and Photographer member in 1978, Wood has been a long-term fessional growth, and commercial success of Tim O'Brien is a journalist and award-winning photogra- pher who has been instrumental in capturing and preserving supporter of the association's mission and the amusement parks and attractions indus- the history of the global amusement parks and attractions in- was awarded the IAAPA Meritorious Service try. For more than 20 years, Lewis has been dustry for almost four decades. Award in 1994. Wood was inducted into the a leader in the education realm of the attrac- He has written more than a dozen books about some of IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his role in re- tions industry, particularly in relation to fam- the industry's most legendary members, parks, and places. viving dark ride attractions around the world. ily entertainment centers, and her presenta- O'Brien has also published more than 5,000 articles and 3,000 tions at IAAPA Attractions Expo continue to photos featuring the outdoor entertainment industry with a Outstanding Service Award Winner be a staple of the conference program. She focus on amusement parks, rides, and manufacturers. He con- Laura Woodburn, ICAE, of Hersheypark, helped initiate and nurture the very success- tinues to write a regular column for IAAPA's Funworld maga- Hershey, Pa., U.S., received the IAAPA Out- ful IAAPA Rookies and Newcomers program zine and contributes additional stories throughout the year. standing Service Award, which is presented and has been instrumental in the success of For 18 years he served as senior editor of Amusement Busi- ness magazine and the guidance and perspective his stories in recognition of a member individual who the annual IAAPA FEC Summit. Lewis was a provided were respected and appreciated by industry leaders works to foster the spirit of goodwill, profes- volunteer member of the IAAPA FEC Com- worldwide. Since the 1980s, O'Brien has contributed his col- sionalism, and higher levels of performance mittee for five years, serving as committee orful journalistic style to IAAPA, covered industry news, and within the industry regionally, nationally, or chair in 2010. chaired the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee. internationally. Woodburn is a recognized