Sesame Place Adds Kid-Friendly Wooden Roller Coaster Thrills

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eptember TM & ©2018 Amusement Today, Inc. S 7 & 8, 2018 www.GoldenTicketAwards.com July 2018 | Vol. 22 • Issue 4 www.amusementtoday.com Noah’s Ark unleashes Sesame Place adds kid-friendly Raja in Wisconsin Dells wooden roller coaster thrills Oscar’s Wacky Taxi offers ‘family fare’ via The Gravity Group

AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] LANGHORNE, Pa. — Sesame Place, the 14-acre children’s theme park outside Philadelphia where Elmo, Grover, Zoe, Rosita, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and other familiar characters reside, now also is home to a “vehicle” driven by Oscar the Grouch. After racing through a figure-8 course, riders face the And despite his dispo- fangs of Raja together. COURTESY NOAH'S ARK sition, it’s likely even Oscar AT: Tim Baldwin est and longest of any in the derives some joy from Oscar’s [email protected] world. We had the space Wacky Taxi, a new family roller that fit it perfectly.” coaster. With wooden track on WISCONSIN DELLS, “The loading plat- a green steel frame, the 40-foot- Wis. — Noah’s Ark, billed form is almost 70 feet off tall, 1,200-long hybrid coast- as America’s Largest Water the ground,” said Mark er from The Gravity Group, Park, has never shied away Whitfield, general manag- LLC, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is from pushing the envelope. er. “The thrill of standing built atop a former parking The renowned water park up on the tower and see- area and represents the single has introduced a number ing most of Wisconsin Dells largest capital investment in of groundbreaking attrac- is stunning. It’s an iconic the park’s history. It officially tions during its 40 years of ride for us, but also an icon opened May 26. Sesame Place, located outside Philadelphia, has welcomed a operation. attraction for Wisconsin The attraction establishes second family roller coaster to the park for its 39th season. “Noah’s Ark has a very Dells.” an immediate welcoming tone AT/B. DEREK SHAW rich history of putting in “As people are on in the queue area, which is some of the tallest and Wisconsin Dells Parkway, noticeably missing the crowd- — the way Oscar would want loading station. fastest and firsts when it the main drive, the face of wrangling corral setup one it. It’s unique and creates a nice “Waiting in line, you are comes to rides,” said Matt the cobra is looking back at would otherwise expect to see. entry presentation to the ride.” going to be in the middle of the Hehl, director of market- them,” said Hehl. “The whole area is sup- Chad Miller, designer action,” Miller said. “On your ing, Noah’s Ark. “Raja is no “Wisconsin Dells leads posed to look like a community engineer with The Gravity left, the train is engaging on the exception to that tradition. the state of Wisconsin in park,” said Jeff Davis, park Group, noted that in addition lift hill and going up. You’ll see It is only the second King tourism. To use a sports vice president of operations. to enhancing the comfort of all the people that are starting Cobra ride in the United “There are no traditional queue waiting guests, the goal of the on the ride. And then to your States and [Raja] is the tall- 4See RAJA, page 6 rails and lines; it’s a winding queue is to increase anticipa- path with trees and lampposts tion as it weaves under the 4See TAXI, page 8

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US POSTAGE US WATER PARKS CLASSIFIEDS PRSRT STD PRSRT Pages 23-28 Page 47 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Amusement Today, Silver Dollar City invite industry to Golden Ticket Awards Attendees encouraged to register for event and reserve hotel now It’s been called the “Networking Event of the Year,” the Academy Awards of the amusement industry… and just a plain-old good time among industry friends. It’s the Golden Ticket Awards! Amusement Today and this year’s host park, Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., extend an invitation and warm welcome to working professionals in the amusement industry — including park owners, operators, managers, ride manufacturers, designers, suppliers and Attendees of the 2018 Golden Ticket Awards will vendors, to join the fun and festivities at the 2018 Golden get up-close and personal with the Silver Dollar Ticket Awards on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 7-8. City's new Time Traveler (above) and Outlaw Attendees are encouraged to register for the event Run (bottom right). The ceremonies will be held at goldenticketawards.com and to make reservations aboard the Showboat Branson Belle (top right). for hotel accommodations at one of the two host hotels: COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY the Hilton Branson Convention Center or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing Hotel. Special dis- ular Christmas event, a don’t-miss culinary class and a counted rates are available at each property by iden- craft experience. All tours require advance registration tifying yourself as a Golden Ticket Awards guest. The and expect to fill up quickly. Receptions, time to explore deadline for hotel reservations is Friday, Aug. 24, or on your own, networking opportunities and the awards until the block of rooms is sold out. Please visit gold- show will round out the agenda. enticketawards.com for detailed information and rates. The Showboat Branson Belle will serve as the loca- In past years, the host hotels have sold out quickly, so tion for the awards show. Attendees will be treated to attendees are asked to make arrangements early. a cruise on Table Rock Lake — with dinner, entertain- are presented to the “Best of the Best” in the amusement The staffs of Amusement Today and Silver Dollar City ment and the presentation of the prestigious awards all industry and are calculated from an international poll are busy planning an unforgettable two days of activities taking place on the water. conducted by Amusement Today. such as behind-the-scenes tours of the park’s ultra-pop- This is the 21st annual Golden Ticket Awards, which —Janice Witherow July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

AT NOTEBOOK: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Celebrating a park legend Hats off to the staff at Castle Park in Riverside, Calif., for properly honoring the memory of a true industry legend on June 13 with the Bud Hurlbut 100th Birthday Celebration. Thanks also to the park’s Cindy Espinoza for letting this publisher take part as Master of Ceremonies for an event that Slade included a ride on the Hurlbut Riverside Express train and appearances by several industry and local dignitaries, including animatronics wizard Garner Holt and Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey. When Bud built 25-acre Castle Park in 1976, there was no finer family entertainment center in the U.S. Like Walt Disney down the road in Anaheim, he paid attention to all the details. From the decorative handrails on the walkways to the design of the miniature golf course holes to the games arrayed in the arcade, Bud looked at everything through the eyes of his guests. And everything within public view had to be 100 percent right. Bud Hurlbut was an innovator, a storyteller and an honest man — one our industry sorely misses. Now if we could INDUSTRY OPINION: Dean Lamanna, [email protected] just help him attain the most important posthumous honor: nomination to the IAAPA Hall of Fame. A bad new movie about the ‘good’ old days • By the time you read this, the The movie seemed to ask: Have The board of directors of the National Roller Coaster new amusement park-set feature com- amusement parks lost their sense of Museum and Archives (NRCMA) reminds the industry that edy Action Point, released and quickly fun because of regulation and litiga- financial donations are still underway for the construction swept from theaters by weak notices tion? My answer: Hardly. Knowledge, of the Mark Moore Memorial Wing at the museum site and ticket sales during the first week industry standards and exciting new of June, may already be slumming in forms of technology mean that “safe- in Plainview, Texas. If your company or park has not yet Pay Per View Land. ty” and “amusement” are not mutually contributed, the museum still needs your help. It’s just as well. Like many of the Lamanna exclusive terms. We’re achieving thrills To make a financial donation, please visit NRCMA at critics, I found the flick mostly laugh- responsibly that far exceed anything rollercoastermuseum.org. Or, if you wish to be contacted by free and cringeworthy on every level. A throw- we could have imagined during the “good” the museum, send an email to [email protected]. back to the popular, anarchic late-1970s / old days. To date, NRCMA has raised $372,000 of an estimated early-1980s summer comedies toplined by We’ve even found ways to pay homage $600,000 goal that will fund the climate-controlled building Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, it stars Johnny to our less-fettered past. For example, a now for the largest and rarest items in the museum’s collection. Knoxville (of Jackass TV prank show infamy) rarely seen attraction often cited as sym- The board thanks Vekoma Rides Mfg. for its recent financial as the owner of a ramshackle, gleefully unsafe bolic of how things used to be, the Swing ‘n’ amusement park who resorts to ever more Gym (or Flying Cages), has found a modern donation and ongoing museum support. Vehicle donations as lawless operational tactics to stay afloat. reworking — sans rider exertion — in the new well as paper and photo collections continue to pour in. Be As a fictional period piece delivered in Over the Top ride at Pennsylvania’s Knoebels sure to follow our “Museum Progress Report” each month flashback style, Action Point seemed out of Amusement Resort (see story, page 18). (see page 37). touch. Perhaps the film could have worked as Whatever pangs of nostalgia our loosely • a direct docudrama about the place to which regulated fun park days of yore may evoke, we A reminder to everyone of our new email address for it is a veiled love note — the original Action are today, for the most part, more mature and submitting news, photos and items for print and digital Park in Vernon, N.J., which amassed numerous much wiser as an industry. And while looking publication consideration: [email protected]. injury reports and nicknames such as “Traction back can be valuable, even amusing, moving Park” during its 1978-96 operational years. forward is the only way to go. And grow. Opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher & Editor Managing Editor Production Manager owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna • (817) 460-7220 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial Monthly Contributors Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Trademarked 2018 by Amusement Today Inc., all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager, Circulation Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x4 Association Memberships Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 x5 [email protected] ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] • (717) 650-8330 PAPA, PACE, TTIA, WWA Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, B. Derek Shaw [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Advertising Industry Affiliated Charities Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 MINUTE DRILL 2 AT: Janice Witherow Jack Bateman, Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

A large fire at Europa-Park on May 26 destroyed the Pirates in Batavia ride and impacted several other attractions. No injuries were reported. COURTESY TWITTER Europa-Park hit by damaging fire

RUST, Germany — Just after and minor injuries but were soon 6 p.m. on May 26, a fire broke released. out at Europa-Park, Germany’s The park opened the follow- largest theme park. News spread ing morning with parts of the globally through social media Scandinavia and Dutch areas channels, prompting the public blocked off. Of the three rides and industry alike to speculate on affected, the Pirates in Batavia ride the consequences and damage. is a total loss, but Koffiekopies (a The park reported that the teacup ride) opened later in the initial investigation indicates the day, and the Fjord-Rafting rapids fire started near the Fjord-Rafting ride was expected to open again rapids attraction, which backs up soon. to a backstage area of the Pirates “We can confirm that the Magic Springs and Crystal Falls General Manager Jack Bateman has spent over 35 years in Batavia attraction. While the Pirates are coming back!” the in the amusement industry. AT/GARY SLADE technical evaluation has not been Mack Family told Amusement Jack Bateman’s career in the amusement concluded, park officials believe Today. “[We have] thought inten- industry has spanned more than 35 years and If I could trade places with anyone for a day, the cause to be related to a tech- sively and with care about the has led to various roles at Six Flags, Great Wolf it would be … Jimmy Buffett! nical defect. complex concept for the new large Resorts and Premier Parks. He is now in the The fire quickly spread and family attraction in the Dutch position of general manager at Magic Springs Least favorite household chore: completely engulfed the Pirates of themed area. We can’t give con- and Crystal Falls Theme Park and Water Park in Cleaning my condo in Hot Springs. Batavia attraction. Fortunately, no crete plans yet, but it is clear that Arkansas, where he enjoys applying his vast expe- guests or employees were harmed. it will be an indoor themed attrac- rience and expertise to contribute to the park’s Wine or beer? A cold Coors Light The park credits 250 fire brigade tion again.” overall success. Jack has a reputation for being staff, the Europa-Park fire depart- The Mack Family has a high-energy guy who is results-oriented and as Do you collect anything? ment, security team, emergency expressed gratitude for the sup- someone who takes a lot of pride in his work. Baseball cards and logoed golf balls. medical technicians and regional port that fans and industry friends police for their professionalism have shown Europa-Park since Title: General Manager. My favorite summer sport is … in bringing the fire under control. the incident. Tim Baldwin Golf, especially in the heat of the day. No one Seven firefighters were treated at — Number of years in the industry: 35 years in their right mind is out there but it does help a hospital for smoke inhalation between Six Flags, Great Wolf Resorts and the pace of play! Premier Parks. Remembering showmen lost The celebrity I would most want to have din- Best thing about the industry: ner with is … Not sure on that one. The conver- to tragedy a century ago The employees and staff I have met over the sation might lead to politics … years at various locations. What's always in the fridge? Nearly everything! Favorite amusement park ride: Texas Cyclone at AstroWorld or any wooden Favorite board game: Monopoly. roller coaster. At the movies … popcorn or candy? Popcorn. If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … Best stress buster: Going for a walk in the park A consultant to the entertainment business. and running various scenarios in my mind on the situation that is causing the stress. Biggest challenge facing our industry: Continuous effort on employee training for safe- Favorite food chain: Pappasitos Tex Mex. ty and guest experience. If an organization has On May 17, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Showmen’s League these two key ingredients the profits will flow to The perfect Sunday is … Being with family. of America (SLA) held a memorial service at Showmen’s the bottom line. Rest, located in Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, Ill. The Favorite clothing: Cool-looking golf shirts. event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the aux- The thing I like most about the amusement iliary, which was formed in the wake of the Hagenbeck- park season: It is summer and winter is over! At karaoke night, I would sing … Wallace Circus train wreck. The June 22, 1918, tragedy 99 bottles of beers on the wall! killed 86, including showpeople who were on their way Favorite flavor of ice cream: to a performance in Hammond, Ind. Shown with the mon- Baskin-Robbins German Chocolate Cake. A movie that made me laugh until I cried: ument are (from left) Jeff Blomsness, North American Blazing Saddles. Midway Entertainment; Bill Johnson of Fantasy Amuse- The first thing I do in the morning is … ments; Guy Leavitt of Ray Cammack Shows, current SLA Make my bed for a sense of accomplishing at I would love for the next big invention to be president; Jimmy Drew of Drew Expositions and Cindy least one thing that day, and read a few scriptures …A way to recycle air conditioner condensation Henning, SLA executive secretary. SLA thanks the many from my bible Hue Eichelberger gave gave me water to store for watering landscaping or even individuals and sponsors who made this historic occasion several years ago. A great way to start the day. use in swimming pools. possible. COURTESY SHOWMEN’S LEAGUE OF AMERICA 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 RAJA Continued from page 1 analogy of when you get a franchise player, we feel we have installed a franchise ride at the park. The visual effects of this ride are second to none,” Whitfield told Amusement Today. The park opted to remove the bumper boats to make room for the new addition. According to park officials, the bumper boats were original to the park in 1979. While they served the park well and Raja is the tallest and longest King Cobra waterslide ever installed. Noah’s Ark has a noted tradition of installing firsts and people enjoyed the attraction, iconic rides. Polin prides itself on the intricate detailing of the waterslide’s theming. COURTESY NOAH'S ARK the guest expectation of new rides and experiences that side racing chutes that take It’s just a great ride for every- entertaining, all at the same park use wood as supports, people can ride together were passengers on a journey of a one.” time. The King Cobra’s most but the new Raja is the park’s strong factors that weighed figure-8 arrangement before “The King Cobra unique attribute is its creati- first all-steel structure. into the decision to retire the plummeting into the King water-slide is extraordinary ve theming. Bold red, black Other ground-breaking bumper boats. Cobra itself. not only in the entertain- and white scales provide an rides in the park’s history The new attraction is 335 “The final drop into the ment it offers, but also in its imposing veneer over the include Black Anaconda, in length. Guests can ride jaws of the Cobra’s mouth overall looks,” said Sohret exterior and interior of the which was America’s longest together in double tubes, but is about 40 feet,” said Hehl. Pakis, marketing manager, slide’s massive appereance.” water coaster when intro- single riders are also permit- “Guests are going to be get- Polin Waterparks. “It is “Theming was a big driv- duced; Scorpion’s Tail was ted. Riders begin in side-by- ting close to 30 mph in speed. gorgeous, exhilarating and er in the decision [to add America’s first looping water- Raja] as well. That really slide and helped usher in the played a role into bringing wave of drop capsule slides; the ride here. It’s a really and Time Warp, America’s modern look,” said Hehl. largest Behemoth bowl ride. The impressive exterior In all, Noah’s Ark has more of the slide has intricately than 50 rides and attractions. detailed scales that convey To date, Polin has the intimidating appearance installed 30 King Cobra of the attraction. The large slides throughout the world. face at the top of the cobra “King Cobra has truly been a finale has large fangs that game-changer. It showcased protrude down toward riders an industry breakthrough in and drip water at the same waterslide design as the ride time. A major component of was the first to have theming the thrill is sliding upward built directly into the attracti- right into the stare of the on,” said Pakis. “The ride has serpent. won numerous awards. We With 40 years of history, are so honored that Noah’s Following a series of twists and turns, the waterslide leads into a steep 40-foot drop. Hehl commented that the Ark has one now.” COURTESY NOAH'S ARK majority of attractions at the •noahsarkwaterpark.com Idlewild Park’s vintage Rollo Coaster rolls out new PTC train LIGONIER, Pa. — Idlewild Park & Soak Zone of the wings, they were necessary to meet the cur- recently commissioned a new train for Philadelphia rent clearance standards.” Toboggan Coasters, Inc. (PTC) for Rollo Coaster, its Great Coasters International of Sunbury, Pa., junior wooden roller coaster. The upgrade is part of a was involved with the track modifications, which multi-phase modernization of the vintage ride, which were similar to annual maintenance work performed was built in 1938. in off-season periods. Work was also done to accom- The new train ditches the old bench-style seating modate the new train, which offers much more flex- for individual-seat cars with dual safety restraints, and ibility negotiating turns. it is accompanied by revised rider height and weight There is only one train currently; however, the requirements. Riders must now be a minimum of 42 park has not ruled out a second one as the coaster inches tall; those under 48 inches must ride with an modernization process continues. adult. In addition, there is a weight restriction of 265 “Idlewild will be consulting with industry experts pounds total weight per row — necessary in view of to further evaluate the structure,” said Croushore, the added weight placed on the coaster structure by adding that the park would explore options that the train itself. may permit a higher weight allowance and eventual Riders are weighed before boarding on a simple removal of the wings. red-light / green-light scale. Actual weights of guests Tom Rebbie, president of PTC, told Amusement are not shown. Today that Rollo Coaster’s test runs went well. “We The bright-orange train also sports side-panel made a few quick changes,” he said. “[Idlewild] didn’t extensions, or wings. “Because the new train was mind us coming by and checking things again.” Idlewild Park recently ordered a new train for its considered a major modification, the rider clearance “It was great to work with Tom and his team,” 1938 junior coaster, Rollo Coaster. The individ- envelope had to be addressed before the ride [could Croushore said. “They went above and beyond every ual-seat cars feature dual safety restraints and be permitted] to operate again,” explained Jeff expectation. It never feels like business with PTC; it’s “wings” to maintain rider clearance on the course. Croushore, Idlewild’s director of marketing. “While like working with an old friend.” COURTESY IDLEWILD people may have differing views on the appearance —B. Derek Shaw July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 TAXI Continued from page 1 right there’s the brake run, so you’ll see all the people that have just finished the ride. “To be able to see the beginning of the ride and the lift and the end of the ride and the brake run from that same vantage point is kind of different for us. Talk about being immersed in a ride!” Equipped with two bright- yellow, 12-passenger trains with the ride’s namesake char- Oscar’s Wacky Taxi offers milder big coaster-style airtime and thrills in a hybrid design of wood and steel. The minimum acter adorning the lead car’s height limit is 40 inches for riders with a supervising companion, meaning some taller three-year-olds may board. “hood,” Oscar’s Wacky Taxi AT/B. DEREK SHAW hits the road with a swift, 20-second ascent to the top of the company completed for to make sure it’s fun for every- Place. The first, Super Grover’s the lift. A tight left turn leads to Quassy Amusement Park in body and not just the little Vapor Trail, a Vekoma junior the first drop, which plunges Middlebury, Conn., and Story kids. Teenagers and all the par- coaster, was built in 1998 and into a pair of rabbit hops taken Land in Glen, N.H. At the ents of these kids are going to is positioned across a plaza at up to 33 mph before duck- request of Sesame Place and have a blast on it. It’s just that from the new ride. “Vapor ing into a tunneled helix. This its corporate owner, SeaWorld kind of ride.” Trail was, in fact, our first is quickly followed by four Parks & Entertainment, for The Gravity Group coor- mechanical ride,” Davis said. additional speed bumps and example, the minimum height dinated with other contractors “That’s what started the whole a banked right turn directly limit is 40 inches for riders on the project in various areas, mechanical ride kind of kick at underneath the lift. A couple with a supervising companion. including signage, landscaping Sesame Place.” more banked turns precede the “Tall three-year-olds and the siding on the storage Other upgrades for the glide into the brake run. and four-year-olds can ride pen. For a three-year-old, it building. “We were involved park’s 39th season include “It’s a super-smooth, fun this ride,” said Miller, add- is quite a ride!” with a lot more aspects than a new dining facility and a ride,” Davis said. ing that the minimum height But even older riders will just [the] coaster installation new family care center. Quiet For The Gravity Group, the requirement for single riders enjoy the coaster, he empha- on this one,” Miller said with rooms, designed as break areas coaster presented some param- is 46 inches. “We’ve made sized. “That’s kind of our sig- a laugh. for autistic children and their eters that were different from some modifications to our nature when it comes to these Oscar’s Wacky Taxi is the parents, also have been added. similar projects, such as those trains to allow that to hap- small rides. We always want second coaster for Sesame •sesameplace.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  Twisted Cyclone touches down at Six Flags Over Georgia — page 14 / Midway Scene — page 20 Icon turns spotlight back on thrills at Blackpool Pleasure Beach $20 million double- launch Mack Rides coaster a U.K. first AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] BLACKPOOL, U.K. — Following several years of focusing on family attractions, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has added a new thriller to its arsenal of classic and cutting-edge rides. Icon — Dare to Ride, described as the U.K.’s first double-launch roller coaster, officially opened to the public May 25. The $20 million steel coaster — the park’s largest single-attraction investment to date — propels passengers at speeds of up to 50 mph both at the start and midway through the two-and-a-half-minute experience. In addition to achieving high speeds while negotiating wild turns and inversions, Icon intertwines with the structures of Reaching heights of more other Blackpool coasters. Representatives of the park and Mack Rides were among those who rode during a media event than 88 feet along its over- in late May. COURTESY BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH banked, inverting, kilometer- plus-long course, Icon darts through or around the structures of Big One, Steeplechase, Big Dipper, Pleasure Beach Express and Grand Prix. It interacts no less than 15 times with the other attractions as it swoops and rockets though misted tunnels. Park publicity likens the ride’s G-force levels to those felt by a Formula 1 race car driver, with acceleration four times that delivered by a Lamborghini Thompson, deputy managing park’s existing rides. Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.) extremely important to enhanc- Gallardo automobile. director. “We couldn’t be more Icon’s three 16-seat trains As part of its marketing ing the overall experience, and Icon offers “a smooth but pleased to see and experience it have a sleek, serpentine, silver- push for the ride, Blackpool has we spent many hours work- exhilarating ride like no other here in the U.K. and to showcase and-copper-colored metallic released a soundtrack contain- ing with The Notable Stranger roller coaster in the world,” another world first at Blackpool design. The ride’s enigmatic ing five Icon-inspired music to develop music which really said Amanda Thompson, Pleasure Beach.” logo incorporates a Japanese tracks — including the themes reflects the personality of the Blackpool’s managing director. Manufactured by Mack symbol representing speed. heard by guests in the ride’s ride,” said Amanda Thompson. “We have been on an incred- Rides at its factory in Waldkirch, The coaster is the fourth queue line and exit — titled “We decided to make it avail- ible journey building this roller Germany, Icon proved an engi- Mack Rides production at Icon: Dare to Ride via iTunes and able for everyone to enjoy.” coaster. Seeing [it] entwining neering feat. Initial site prepara- Blackpool and reflects the ongo- Google Play Store. The goal, she added, is to with some of our most popular tion began in December 2016. ing history of collaboration The soundtrack was creat- keep the coaster’s fans coming rides, it really has been epic.” Subsequently, a team of 50 spent between the Thompson and ed by The Notable Stranger. It back for more. “The launch of Icon is about five months moving its Mack theme park families. (In captures the coaster’s different “Icon promises to set hearts an extremely exciting day for hundreds of tons of gray steel addition to their ride-manufac- stages of action along with its racing,” Thompson said. “It’s our industry, both in the U.K. track and support structure turing business, the latter clan, general excitement. truly an incredible ride.” and beyond,” added Nick carefully into place amid the of course, owns and operates “A ride’s soundtrack is •blackpoolpleasurebeach.com 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 v AMUSEMENT PARK Magic Springs adds major ride, MARKET PLACE creates promotional campaign AT: Pam Sherborne Proudly working with the following [email protected] American-made companies: HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Jack Bateman, general •Premier Rides manager of Magic Springs •Sally Dark Rides Theme and Water Park, calls •Swannee River this 40-year-old fun spot Railroad Co. about 50 miles southwest of •Owen Trailers Little Rock “a hidden gem.” •Philadelphia And this season, Toboggan especially, it’s one with shiny Coasters, Inc. amusement facets. Magic Springs is the Facebook.com/IRMRides only location in Arkansas that offers both a theme park and a water park (the latter is known as Crystal Falls). Situated adjacent to the Brain Drain, a new drop scenic Ouachita National tower from Larson Forest, it has a total of International, provides a 30 rides, waterslides and scenic aerial view of Magic attractions. Springs and the surrounding New this season is Brain Ouachita National Forest. AT/GARY SLADE Drain, a 136-foot drop tower from Larson International. The addition represents a big many people telling us how step toward Bateman’s goal they love the view.” to tap the greater potential of As of January, Bateman Magic Springs, which he set has further improved out to do last July when he visibility for Magic Springs came onboard to oversee the by hiring a Little Rock-based facility for operator Premier advertising and public Parks, LLC. relations firm, Mangan “ W e Holcomb Partners, to help wanted to get the word out. special events take place put in a ride “They are very good… in its state-of-the-art that would a very important part of the Timberwood Amphitheater. stand out,” mix,” he said. “They have The music acts, held on Bateman told come up with a lot of fun Saturdays, are included in Amusement Bateman things. They even created park admission and have Today. “It opened April 7 the logo for the Brain Drain become an important part of with the opening of the park, while we were sitting around the park’s summer season. and we have gotten a great a table in a meeting.” Bateman noted that the park response from all ages.” The company also has two separate types of Brain Drain was introduced the idea of having visitors on concert days, installed on a site that a 1980s music festival that with regular parkgoers provides an aerial panorama Bateman said “worked out arriving in the morning and of the park and its natural great.” On June 9, the park those who plan to stay for surroundings. “Riders on scheduled performances by the music acts arriving later three out of the four sides [of Queensrÿche with Warrant in the afternoon. the tower] have a great view and Great White. “Saturdays are our over the national forest,” The park’s Summer biggest days,” he said. Digital Edition Bateman said. “We have Concert Series and other In the recent off- App season, the park’s Old now No. 2 Logging Company available! log flume and some of its waterslides received fresh paint, and all of the benches were repainted in a variety of colors. In addition, the Arkansas Twister wooden roller coaster underwent some track work. “These are things we do as regular annual maintenance,” Bateman said, indicating that much of the magic promised by the Keep our amusement park industry strong! park’s name still originates Buy products and services from these suppliers. Magic Springs has given various park elements a fresh splash in-house. of color, including benches throughout. AT/GARY SLADE •magicsprings.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Gerstlauer's Tantrum arrives at Darien Lake in upstate New York AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] FAST FACTS

DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. Ride/Park — By the time its 2018 season Tantrum, Darien Lake arrived, it had been 10 long Darien Center, N.Y. years since Darien Lake Theme Park Resort had introduced a Type new roller coaster Euro-Fighter 380 That particular drought Height/Speed/Length ended over Memorial Day 98 feet/52 mph/1246 feet weekend with the operation- Cycle time/Hourly Capacity al introduction of Tantrum, a 1 min., 26 seconds/700 pph vertical-lift Euro-Fighter model from German manufacturer Special Features Gerstlauer. The ride had its offi- 98-foot vertical lift, Tantrum, a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter 380 model, is the first new roller coaster to open at 97-degree first drop, cial grand opening on June 1. Darien Lake in more than a decade and the seventh coaster in the park's attractions lineup. The $5 million project is pretzel inversion It was brokered and installed by Ride Entertainment. COURTESY DARIEN LAKE the second installation of its airtime hop, immelmann turn, type (following the opening of the beyond-vertical drop and is a great value for a 100-foot tall The new attraction was then tilted loop Adrenaline Peak at Oaks Park a train that featured four seats coaster. In addition, the vertical announced to the public. Ride Vehicle in Portland, Ore.) brokered by across, which made it a good lift and beyond-vertical drop Removal of the ride Three, eight passenger trains Stevensville, Md.-based Ride complement to the arsenal of lend themselves to billboard, Tantrum has replaced — Footprint Entertainment this spring. coasters on property. We also print and internet advertising. Thunder Rapids, a 1981 Arrow 230 foot x 66 foot Darien Lake began preparing got some great feedback from All you have to do is show rid- Dynamics log flume — took for the new attraction late last the other properties that have ers going over the top of the lift place last fall. Ground prepara- Height Minimum summer, when it was discuss- this model.” hill and their faces provide a tion continued into early this 48 inches ing its annual capital improve- Adam Sandy, chief busi- fantastic dramatic moment.” year, with concrete work begin- Maximum G-force ment plans. ness development officer for Tantrum also had an effi- ning in February and steel arriv- 4.5 g’s “This model fit the foot- Ride Entertainment, agreed that cient construction timeline that ing and being erected in April print of the area we were look- the coaster was ideally suited to made it doable during the off- and early May. Completion of Ride Manufacturer ing to update, and we knew it the park’s needs. season. According to Loliger, the station house, queue area Gerstlauer Amusement could breathe some new life “It was a combination of applications were sent to the and landscaping followed. Rides GmbH Münsterhausen, Germany into that area of the park,” said the marketability of the attrac- local planning and governing The winter and spring Mary Loliger, Darien Lake’s tion paired with the value,” boards for approval beginning months did present some con- Ride Erectors public relations manager. “It Sandy said. “When compared in October, with final project Ride Entertainment Systems also offered a unique feature — to competitors, the Euro-Fighter go-ahead arriving in November. 4See TANTRUM, page 13 July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 TANTRUM spreading out the roller coasters.” Continued from page 12 The name of the new ride was determined through employ- struction challenges. “It was a ee input. Explained Loliger: “In wet, cold spring across the U.S.,” the fall, some of our full-time Sandy said. “That, coupled with employees were asked to submit some shipping delays, put us a suggestions, which were put into little behind where we wanted a survey for everyone to vote on. to be. But you can’t change the After a few rounds of narrowing weather or the shipping lanes, things down, our name selection so you just do your best to make committee confirmed the winner up for lost time. Once we had — Tantrum!” all of the containers onsite, we The name truly describes had the majority of the ride up the experience. Riders embark Upon entering the main gate, visitors to Darien Lake will in days.” on the 98-foot vertical lift at immediately see the new 98-foot-tall coaster. It is located on Tantrum is located in the a 90-degree angle. After reach- the site formerly occupied by the Thunder Rapids log flume front of the park, just past the ing the apex, the train plum- and adjacent to the Mind Eraser roller coaster. mets into a 97-degree drop and entrance. The ride’s position- COURTESY DARIEN LAKE ing provides a great, anticipa- pretzel inversion. Tantrum then tion-building view of its lift hill snakes through the structure — did a fantastic job managing said. “There has not been a sig- and layout from the parking flying over a bunny hop, nego- Tantrum’s installation. We are nificant coaster installed at this to our great park,” said Chris lot. Mind Eraser (Vekoma SLC) tiating an Immelmann turn and thankful for his efficiency and park in some time, and I think Thorpe, park general manager. is adjacent to the new coast- then finishing with a tilted loop excellent planning to get the everyone is excited about the “With so many unique features, er, along with Potato Works, a at speeds of up to 52 mph. ride up and running. We are new ride. Tantrum will be unique the coaster will be a must-ride newly renovated food stand. Loliger praised the efforts very happy with Tantrum as an for the region and we think that for the summer. And with an “We chose that area because of all those involved with the addition to our park.” Darien Lake’s employees and extended season, guests will get it fit very well in the space,” new ride. “It was great work- Ride Entertainment had an visitors are going to be blown to ride Tantrum, plus our six Loliger said. “It helps breathe ing with Gerstlauer and Ride equally positive experience on away by the experience.” other coasters and our other new life into that area and bal- Entertainment. Bill Wright the project. “Darien Lake has “We are elated to bring the rides, into the fall as well.” ances the park experience by with Ride Manufacturing, Inc., been great to work with,” Sandy newest thrill ride, Tantrum, •darienlake.com 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Rocky Mountain Construction maintains trend with Six Flags Six Flags Over Georgia debuts Twisted Cyclone hybrid coaster AT: Tim Baldwin decision to remarket the ride [email protected] as something new was a logi- cal move. AUSTELL, Ga. — Six “The Cyclone coasters of Flags Over Georgia unveiled the ‘20s were the first rides its newest attraction Memorial with elements that appeared Day Weekend. Twisted outrageous and impossible Cyclone is the latest conver- to navigate to the people of sion of an aging wooden that era,” said Alan Schilke of coaster into a reinvigorated, Ride Centerline, the engineer dynamic new sensation that responsible for the new ride’s the theme park chain has layout. “All RMC coasters found great success in mar- strive to replicate that feeling, keting. Idaho-based Rocky and the reverse cobra roll and Mountain Construction breaking wave turn (elements) (RMC) is the company Six of Twisted Cyclone are sure to Flags has used for such trans- deliver.” formation projects. Using the bulk of the In 2011, sister park Six previous ride’s structure, Flags Over Texas opened the new steel track has wild New Texas Giant to enthusias- and exhilarating maneuvers. tic acclaim, taking Amusement Interestingly, Schilke seems Today’s Golden Ticket for Best to be having fun making the New Ride. This success story approach to the lift almost was followed by Iron Rattler humorous in his most recent at Six Flags Fiesta Texas designs. A wacky, wiggly (2013), Medusa Steel Coaster stretch takes riders to the lift at Six Flags Mexico, Twisted where they then find a dra- Colossus at Six Flags Magic matically steeper first drop (75 Mountain (2015), Wicked degrees) and three inversions The reimagined first drop is now taken at a steeper 75 degrees.COURTESY JOSH HERRINGTON Cyclone at Six Flags New mixed in with the new action- England (2015) and Joker at packed coaster. The height of through the tight site is really ing all the thrills guests are ports. The blue steel rails pay Six Flags Discover Kingdom the ride has increased slightly exciting.” wanting, along with a notice- homage to Georgia Cyclone’s (2016). Cedar Fair has entered to 100 feet. The speed con- The inversions make a ably smooth ride which was palette of blues of when it into this transformation for- tinues to race passengers as statement early in the ride as one of the issues Six Flags opened 28 years ago. mula at two parks this year — 50 mph. Of note, the length the coaster’s first turnaround Over Georgia was wanting to “As always, Six Flags was Kings Dominion and Cedar of track has decreased from following the initial drop overcome with the previous, great to work with,” said Fred Point. This could easily be 2,970 feet when it was built at twists guests through back-to- rougher ride. According to the Grubb, CEO, Rocky Mountain argued to be the biggest roller Georgia Cyclone to 2,400 feet. back barrel rolls while curving park, there are 10 moments of Construction. “The project coaster trend of the new mil- “This is a project that I high in the air. airtime that produce weight- went very smooth and our lennium. especially liked. Georgia “Combining two bar- lessness for riders. track team installed the track Six Flags Over Georgia Cyclone was my first proj- rel rolls in the same turn is Two trains provided by in record time. We are excited opened Georgia Cyclone, a ect with topper track. Now pretty impressive — you have Rocky Mountain are custom- to have another one of our Dinn-Summers wooden coast- Twisted Cyclone comes full cir- the airtime going up and the designed to look like 1960s rides at a Six Flags park.” er, in 1990. Patterned after the cle with I-box treatment,” said airtime going down,” said sports convertibles. Park President Dale famed Cyclone in New York, it Jake Kilcup, COO for Rocky Kilcup. With the transformation Kaetzel is especially pleased was a top-rated wooden coast- Mountain Construction. “It’s Reviews from fans have into a steel-tracked coaster, with the guest reaction. “It is er for some time. With rider- really packing a punch now. been enthusiastic. The air- the wooden structure has been delivering exactly as we envi- ship decreasing and mainte- That kick to the left off the lift time, maneuvers and inver- painted gray to more closely sioned,” he said during the nance costs rising, Six Flags’ hill is a fun feature and going sions appear to be deliver- match additional steel sup- ride’s media day preview. First Huss Explorer attraction destined for Cancun, Mexico BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, ecology and biodiversity. Guests will then enter the GmbH, has announced that the first installation of 70-seat gondola-shaped theater, themed as a subma- its new Explorer film-based attraction will open in rine, for the dive into the deep. Mexico on Cancun’s Riviera Maya next year. It is part “We are thrilled to be able to announce our first of the new Amikoo Resort Destination Theme Park Explorer project and are especially happy that it will currently under construction. be installed in such a significant new development,” Explorer will take visitors on a simulated deep- said Mirko J. Schulze, CEO of Huss. “The attraction sea exploration of the ocean waters around Mexico will provide guests of the Amikoo resort with a truly in a unique motion-based theater. The sensation of immersive and breathtaking experience which will being submerged is created by an enclosed, gondola- take them into another world. I’m confident it will be Deep-sea exploration is the theme of the Huss Ex- shaped platform and a 360-degree screen combining a highly successful element of this new destination.” plorer motion-based theater, set to open with Can- high-definition, large-format film projection and sur- Suitable for all ages, Explorer will be accessible cun’s new Amikoo Resort Destination Theme Park round sound. An extra-dimensional saltwater scent to guests with disabilities and wheelchair users. The in 2019. COURTESY HUSS PARK ATTRACTIONS, GMBH will enhance the experience. basic technology and motion systems are flexible The theater’s descending / ascending movement ture incorporates scenes of a vast underwater world enough to accommodate new media content — is authentic, as the encapsulated platform is lowered featuring coral reefs teeming with marine life. whether based in adventure, science, fantasy or into the circular projection space on a central steel The attraction’s queuing area will engage guests sports — to create a new attraction experience. shaft utilizing Huss Sky Tower technology. The adven- with conservation-angled messages about ocean —Dean Lamanna July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Cedar Fair parks don't go into the 2018 season quietly AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. appreci- ates fine entertainment, something very apparent when the company announces its annual lineup of new attractions.. This season's highlights range from shiny new coasters to thrill rides to kiddie rides, as well as expanded water play, a floral clock and new restaurants. The following is a look at what Cedar Fair parks are offering this season. This round- Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minn., has rolled out at 70-foot-tall Larson International loop (left), while Worlds of Fun in Kansas up doesn't include those parks City, Mo., commissioned Great Coasters International to add a 70-degree banked turn to the park's Timber Wolf coaster. that opened the 2018 season COURTESY VALLEYFAIR, WORLDS OF FUN with brand new coasters which Amusement Today has already yard, where we’ve replaced Kansas City, Mo., located the rounded by a natural-looking well as other enhancements to covered. Those parks are: Ce- existing structures with seven new family ride in its Scandina- midway reminiscent of the improve guest experience. dar Point, Sandusky, Ohio (Steel open-air, timber-framed pavil- vian section of the park. Carolina wilderness. Vengeance, June 2018 issue); ions built by Canadian company In addition to the new ride, The new rides are: Camp Kings Island Kings Dominion, Mason, Ohio, TimberKits," Peacock said. park management hired Great Bus, Trailblazers, Kite Eating Along with annual main- (Twisted Timbers, May); Knott's Coasters International to spear- Tree, Pig Pen's Mud Buggies, tenance projects and grounds Berry Farms, Bueno Park, Calif., Valleyfair head improvements to the Tim- and Woodstock Whirlybirds, all upgrades, this park, located in and California Great America, Delirious, a Larson Inter- ber Wolf wooden roller coaster. manufactured by Zamperla. Mason, Ohio, opened a new res- Santa Clara (RailBlazer, June). national Loop ride, was intro- A new 70-degree banked turn The new climb and play taurant for this season. Canada's Wonderland duced at this Shakopee, Minn., was added and nearly 325 feet area has been named Beagle Located in the Coney Mall This park, located in park for the 2018 season. The of the track was replaced. Scout Acres and is 8,000 square- area of the park, the new Co- Vaughan, Ont., is offering two ride is 70 feet high and coils "Improvements to our feet in size. The Snoopy Bou- ney Bar B Que's architecture new rides this year, as well as an riders upside-down on a seven grounds and adding guest tique and Snack Shack were and theming pay tribute to the expanded and renamed water story, 360-degree freestanding enhancements also were a renovated and renamed to early days of Kings Island and area. structure. It carries 24 riders and big focus for us during the Camp Store and Camp Cook Coney Mall. On the menu are The two rides are the Lum- is capable of completing 10 com- offseason," said Chris Foshee, Out, respectively. smoked ribs, pulled pork, rotis- berjack, manufactured by Zam- plete revolutions in less than a public relations and director of serie chicken and Queen City perla, a swinging pendulum minute. The ride is located in communications. Dorney Park & Sausage with a selection of fresh ride with a 360-degree swing, the Route 76 area and it fits right Among those improve- Wildwater Kingdom side dishes. and Flying Canoes, by Preston in with its purple color scheme, ments were the construction of a The large improvement James Major, a two-time and Barbieri, an interactive lighting, and music. new water fountain and the re- project at this Allentown, Pa., winner of the Food Network's family ride that allows riders to "Delirious is a great addi- introduction of the floral clock. park was the overhaul of the Chopped reality TV cooking control their journey of flight in tion to the retro family road trip About 15 square-miles of black train vehicles for The Thunder- contest and contender on Alton two-person canoes. feel of Route 76,” said Brad Mar- top and asphalt were replaced hawk roller coaster by Phila- Brown's Cutthroat Kitchen, is Grace Peacock, director of cy, general manager, Valleyfair. with concrete. delphia Toboggan Coaters Inc. the new executive chef. communications, said the park's The new ride joins other Free WiFi was added park- (PTC). Both of the Thunder- 20-acre water park was expand- improvements in the Route 76 wide and a new mobile app was hawk's maroon and gold trains Michigan's Adventure ed and renamed Lakeside La- area including new shade struc- created. went to the PTC shop during the After a major overall of goon, from the former Splash tures, improved lighting, and winter and showed back up in the park's water area in 2017, Works. It now features a chil- enhanced seating and gathering Carowinds the spring updated and looking this park, located in Muskegon, dren's wading pool with a zero- locations. When this Charlotte, N.C., brand new. Mich., didn't get a major new degree entry, spray features, park opened for 2018, it sported Thunderhawk was original- ride this year. Annual main- new seating area for parents, Worlds of Fun, a newly renovated kids’ area. ly called Coaster when it opened tenance and upgrading was shade umbrellas and a Timber- Oceans of Fun Formerly known as Planet in 1924. It was designed by Her- done during the off season and framed pavilion. Worlds of Fun opened the Snoopy, the new area, called bert P. Schmeck. a focus was placed on creating "Other park improvements 2018 season with the Nordic Camp Snoopy, features new Park management also new food items to be able to of- include an upgrade in our out- Chaser, a new ride manufac- rides, a climb and play area, made improvements to the food fer menus with a more regional door catering area, The Court- tured by Mack. The park, in and upgraded amenities sur- and beverage infrastructure as flavor.

The children's area at Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., underwent a name change from Planet Snoopy to Camp Snoopy and five new rides were added. They include the Woodstock Whirlybirds (left) and Kite Eating Tree (center), both by Zamperla. The Lumberjack (right) from Zamperla, is one of the two new rides at Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ont. COURTESY CAROWINDS, CANADA’S WONDERLAND July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Family-friendly take on classic Newcastle Quayside in the U.K. The plans, an- Swing ‘n’ Gym opens at Knoebels nounced by World Wheel Company, call for a wheel standing 140 meters high (459 feet) ELYSBURG, Pa.— A new- bruising Swing ‘n’ Gym or Park and dubbed The Whey Aye in celebration of fangled version of an old Flying Cages attractions that its location. It will offer 30-minute rides and is amusement park and carnival were most popular in the expected to accommodate more than 800,000 Post-its visitors in its first year. cage ride has finally gotten 1960s-70s. Knoebels itself into the swing at Knoebels operated one from 1964-86 Plans also include a pedestrian walkway Amusement Resort. in the area where the Pay experience featuring bars, restaurants and Over the Top, a Wave One Price building now a visitor attraction called the Giants of the North Experience. The latter is set to feature Rider model from Italian man- stands. The new ride, which AT: Pam Sherborne cutting-edge virtual / mixed reality and interac- ufacturer SBF-Visa Group, requires no rider exertion, is tive technology as it hails the achievements of officially debuted with the located along Phoenix Lane, [email protected] the region’s famous individuals from a broad start of the park’s season in between Fandango and the range of industries. late April. The ride originally Antique Cars. Fun Spot America, part of a family-owned In addition, there are plans for a family was scheduled to open last SBF-Visa Group’s sale of business dating back to 1969, has opened a entertainment center (FEC) and a multipur- year; however, a late delivery Over the Top was brokered new ride at its Orlando, Fla., location. Called pose play and sports complex. The entire de- and issues with its operating by Len Soled of Somerville, HeadRush 360 and manufactured by SBF-Visa velopment will take 18 to 24 months to build software caused the delay. N.J.-based Rides-4-U. Group, the new ride is part of an overall ex- once planning has been approved. A detailed The 21-foot-tall ride, In other Knoebels news, pansion at the Orlando location. HeadRush planning application relating to the wheel and which secures up to 12 pas- the park sustained minor 360 is 40 feet tall and seats 12 riders. visitor attractions is due to be submitted to sengers at a time in a stand-up damage from some pow- With additional parks in Kissimmee, Fla., Newcastle City Council later this year by World position, revolves vertically erful storms that passed and Fayetteville, Ga., Fun Spot America in the Wheel Company. both clockwise and counter- through in mid-May. About midst of celebrating 20 years in operation at its World Wheel Company has built and op- clockwise — providing nine 20 trees, including one that flagship location in Orlando, which opened in erated giant observation wheels around the revolutions in each direction toppled across a pedestrian 1997. Each of the locations is offering specials world, including installations in Suzhou, China, during a two-and-a-half-min- bridge, were lost, and the and discounts throughout the season. and Tbilisi, Georgia, and it operates more than ute experience. Both the park fencing around a couple of • 20 FECs internationally. and the manufacturer spent rides was knocked down. Jurassic Park — The Ride at Universal Stu- • a good deal of time trying to The resort’s Lake Glory dios Hollywood will close its doors for good Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrated make sure the speed of the Campground was without on Sept. 3 after 22 years. The water thrill ride the 40th anniversary of its iconic Loch Ness ride was constant as it makes power for two days. featuring gigantic animatronic dinosaurs has Monster roller coaster last month. The coaster, each revolution. A park official said there had a great run, according to park officials. It which has thrilled more than 58 million riders In terms of movement, were no injuries, and that the opened in 1996, three years after Steven Spiel- over the years, was honored during five days in Over the Top has been lik- rides and buildings on the berg’s blockbuster film. The cutting-edge at- early June with a variety of in-park deals, such ened to the intensely rid- property suffered no damage. traction showcased new principles of hydraulic as discounts on single-day admissions. Park er-powered, sometimes- —B. Derek Shaw physics, mechanics and robotics from a part- staff also created specials such as Loch Ness nership of scientists, paleontologists and aero- Monster pretzels, doughnuts, Dippin' Dots space engineers. and souvenir cups. Upon its closing, excavation immediately • will begin on Jurassic World Ride, a new thrill Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, N.J., has add- ride based on Universal’s latest installments of ed an attraction to Mariners Pier for the sum- the enduring dinosaur movie franchise. Most mer season: Wild Whizzer, a family spinning details about the attraction are being kept un- coaster manufactured by SBF-Visa Group. The der wraps, but a release stated that it will fea- ride was customized with cars themed as hov- ture "never-before-seen dinosaurs, enhanced er boards, twirling riders through the air of a storytelling, lush scenic design, an entirely new figure-eight track layout. Children 36-48 inches color scheme and uncompromised state-of the tall may ride accompanied by an adult; those art technology." The ride debuts next year. 48 inches tall and taller may ride alone. • The sale of Wild Whizzer to Morey’s Piers Dinosaur lovers also may like to take in a was brokered by Len Soled of Somerville, new brand-new dinosaur attraction, a theme N.J.-based Rides-4-U. park called Field Station: Dinosaurs, located • in Derby, Kan. The park features 44 life-size Serving both new and existing amusement animatronic dinosaurs on 14 acres landscaped businesses in design, theming and attractions, to resemble the environment in the which the Art Attack of Dundee, Fla., has announced dinosaurs roamed. a new lighting technology called Signtech. This park, which opened May 26, is set up Company officials are extolling the new devel- as a scientific expedition. Guests walk around opment, which allows for the construction of the dinosaurs and participate in games and cost-effective signage that is as bright as neon various interactive activities along the way. A and has the energy efficiency as LEDs. There cast of local actors perform dinosaur-themed technology’s applications are unlimited and it shows, sing dinosaur songs and, in some cases, can even be utilized underwater. operate dinosaur puppets throughout the day. • The dinosaurs featured in the park are Gravity Extreme Zone, an indoor adven- ones whose bones have been discovered in ture park in Chandler, Ariz., opened May 22. the U.S. Midwest — specifically from Kansas, It offers guests a 40,000-square-foot entertain- Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico ment center boasting one of the largest indoor and Missouri. ropes courses in the country. Among its other The park also offers Challenge Dome, a recreational elements are a variety of trampo- ropes course, and Jurassic Golf, a mini-golf line attractions, a 30-foot indoor climbing wall course. that can support up to 12 climbers at once, Stirring nostalgia for the old Swing ‘n’ Gym / Flying Cages • and an activity called Stairway to Heaven that attraction, Over the Top, a Wave Rider from SBF-Visa Group, Developers have announced plans to tests participants’ balance as they climb a spi- provides gravity-defying fun without the physical exertion. build Europe’s tallest observation wheel on ral staircase comprised of poles. COURTESY KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 MIDWAY Townsquare sells NAME to North American Fairs AT: B. Derek Shaw ment, which included NAME. am thrilled for Danny to buy MARKET PLACE [email protected] Huston, who previ- NAME back,” he said. “I am ously owned Farmland, getting closer to retirement, GREENWICH, Conn. Ind.-headquartered NAME, but I will remain involved for — Townsquare Media, Inc. is “thrilled” to have re-pur- the foreseeable future. I know recently completed the sale chased it. Danny will take NAME to the of North American Midway “Townsquare Media, Inc., next level and continue to do Entertainment, LLC (NAME), was a great partnership for what we do best — provide one of the largest mobile the past several years and the best, and safest, midways amusement companies in is now reinforcing its ‘Local to our fairs each year.” North America, to North First’ strategy, so it was an NAME entertains approxi- American Fairs, LLC, an enti- opportune time for me to buy mately 16 million people annu- ty owned by Danny Huston. NAME back,” Huston said. ally and supplies midways for The purchase terms were “As the leading provider of 12 of the top 50 fairs in North $23.5 million plus a 15 percent outdoor amusements in North America, including Eastern residual interest in any future America, there is nothing I’m States Exposition, Canadian proceeds of a sale of NAME more proud of than to own this National Exposition, Calgary within the next 10 years. company again. Our manage- Stampede, Indiana State Fair, The transaction was ment team will remain intact Illinois State Fair, K-Days finalized at a huge loss to and our fairs will continue Edmonton, Mississippi State Townsquare, a festival pro- to enjoy our excellent service Fair, Miami-Dade County ducer and owner of numerous and exceptional rides, games Fair and Expo, Kentucky local radio stations and web- and food concessions that we State Fair, South Carolina sites, which purchased NAME have always provided.” State Fair, Tulsa State Fair in 2015 for $75.5 million. In Jeff Blomsness, who was and Arkansas State Fair. 2017, Townsquare announced a partner with Huston when There are more than 200 rides that it was initiating a strategic NAME was formed in 2004, in its inventory. review of its entertainment seg- will not join this venture. “I •namidway.com MIDWAYSCENE AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

The Midland County Fair Board is develop- beautifying the grounds. ing a new master plan for its grounds in Midland, • Mich. The previous master plan, developed in The Jacksonville Spring Fair is a new 1982, has met all objectives. Hosting 110 events 10-day Florida event that debuted in late March. annually, the fair sits on 118 acres holding numer- Southwood Entertainment Group partnered ous buildings offering a total 100,000 square with Amusements of America, provided 30 feet. Top ideas include the creation of a new rides. Four of the 10 days were impacted by rain, equestrian facility under one roof and expanding but organizers are optimistic about doing it again the space in front of the 3,800-seat grandstand in 2019. Southwood, launched last July, provides for concerts and other events. The fair takes event management, production and site opera- place Aug.12-18 with North American Midway tions; it was also involved with the El Paso Spring Entertainment (NAME) providing the rides. Fair and the Ft. Worth Spring Fair in Texas and • the Mid-South Fair in Memphis, Tenn. In mid-May a severe storm packing a sus- • pected tornado wreaked havoc throughout the While music festivals fill dates throughout U.S. Northeast. At the Hudson Valley Fair at the summer, finding rides at them can still Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., be a surprise. At the Boston Calling Music a Chance Skydiver belonging to Powers & Festival during Memorial Day weekend there Thomas Midway Entertainment was toppled by was a 98-foot wheel brought in by Reithoffer gusts of up to 78 mph and sustained damage. Shows. Organizers say attendees could see Numerous ticket booths and fencing also were New Hampshire from the top of it. The wheel knocked down. Fortunately, no one from the was located between the three stages on the show or general public was injured as the midway grounds. Some 22,000 attended the event, which was closed. The fair, which had launched May was held at the Harvard Athletic Complex in 4, did not open the final weekend (May 19-20) Allston, Mass. because of the damage. • • Pennsylvania’s Washington County Over 200 Pinewood Elementary students Agricultural Fair has an old-fashioned way in Timonium, Md., participated in the Fourth to bring in attendees: a trolley. Recently, the Annual Growing Together event at the nearby Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Maryland State Fairgrounds, part of the fair’s provided a $742,000 grant via federal funding Seed, Soil and Students Program. In addition to the fair for an upgrade that will include a big- to sheep shearing and horse barrel racing, ger platform at the trolley stop entrance. During numerous presentation stations during the late the fair, trolleys from the Pennsylvania Trolley May event gave the youngsters information on Museum offer shuttle service from outlying park- corn, hay and straw and how to make pollinator ing lots along with a nostalgic ride on a form of seed balls. The students also transplanted transport that once prevailed in the western part flowers and herbs into recycled plastic milk of the state. This year’s event is Aug. 11-18 with Keep our amusement park industry strong! jugs, helping build a green wall planter rack on Lisko Family Midway Amusements supplying Buy products and services from these suppliers. the fair’s Farm & Garden Building and naturally the rides. July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

MIDWAYSCENE 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018

New Parts Store July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23

WATER PARKS & RECREATION  The Park at OWA opens splash pad — page 24 / Norwegian debuts fun-packed cruise ship — page 26 The Boardwalk at Hersheypark adds mat racer, water coaster ProSlide supplies two attractions, one using existing station house AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

HERSHEY, Pa. — Over Memorial Day weekend, Hersheypark introduced two new water attractions — Whitecap Racer, the longest six-lane waterslide of its kind in the world, and Breakers Edge Water Coaster, with linear induction motor (LIM) technology.

Hersheypark's two new water attractions are intertwined. The Whitecap Racer station can be seen (top right), with the first portion of the Breaker’s Edge Water Coaster shortly after the first drop. COURTESY HERSHEYPARK Boosting the attractions were really finalizing the con- nology, which each rider acti- also are displayed — encour- winter weather in Central total to 16 at The Boardwalk, cepts for the two new attrac- vates when ready to board. aging friendly competition. Pennsylvania this year made an 11-acre water fun area that tions and how they were going Another first for this Sharing the same queue construction a challenge, is included in the amusement to weave in and amongst each waterslide is the addition of area with Whitecap Racer, according to Woodburn. “We park’s admission, the two other.” gamification. “When you tap Breakers Edge Water Coaster had a lot of snow and very additions are located between Whitecap Racer, an your wristband at the reader is a ProSlide Hydromagnetic cold temperatures, which is Shoreline Sprayground and Octopusracer model from at the top of the mat racer, Rocket — a LIM-powered bob- difficult when you are putting the Intercoastal Waterway ProSlide Technology of you get a series of flashes,” sled-style model that has won in lots of fiberglass,” she said. lazy river. One utilizes an Ottawa, Canada, is the first Woodburn explained. “There multiple amusement industry However, Woodburn existing station house that such waterslide to feature a are three oranges, and then awards. noted that the park’s latest remained after the park double tunnel. It descends one green arrow — that tells The 942-foot-long installa- collaboration with ProSlide, removed Roller Soaker, a 2002 from a height of 70 feet and you to start, and that starts the tion features seven conveyors which now has eight water Setpoint USA suspended delivers two 360-degree hori- timer. Once the guest gets to and five saucer elements, all attractions onsite, was “won- roller coaster with interactive zontal loops along a 486-foot- the bottom of the run-out, the adding up to about one min- derful. We’re really excited water elements, in 2014. long, 22-second course. timer stops.” ute of splashy thrills. Traveling for the product they have and “We knew we wanted to At a series of kiosks at Along with a photo taken at up to 20 feet per second, the good relationship we have use the station house for some- the slide’s entrance, riders at the end of race, the win- the ride can accommodate as with them, as well.” thing,” said Laura Woodburn, enter their initials (and e-mail ner among the six lanes has many as 600 guests per hour. Both of the new attractions director of attractions and guest address, if they wish to receive his or her initials displayed on Between the two new are swimsuit-only use and experience for Hersheypark. a free photo of their race along a large, 10-by-24-foot leader- attractions, about 40,000 gal- have a 42-inch height require- “We weren’t quite sure what with their time). A wristband board. Results of the previous lons of water have been added ment. On Breakers Edge, pas- that something would be until is generated with RFID (radio- race, as well as the fastest rac- to the water fun area. sengers who are not at least about two years ago, when we frequency identification) tech- ers of the day and the season, The harsher-than-usual 48 inches tall must ride with a responsible companion. Together with Shoreline Sprayground and Wave Rider, Whitecap Racer and Breakers Edge Water Coaster have longer operating hours than the rest of the water fun area, remaining open until Hersheypark itself closes. “The Boardwalk is a very busy and exciting area for us,” Woodburn said. “We’re so thrilled to be able to offer even more wet fun!” It’s a race to the finish for those on Whitecap racer. The 10-by-24-foot leaderboard for Whitecap racer (right) is on the front •hersheypark.com of Breaker’s Edge Water Coaster station. It tracks current race outcome as well the immediate past one, fastest times that day and fastest times all season. AT/B. DEREK SHAW 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 The Park at OWA opens NEWSSPLASH Wacky Waters splash pad AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert FOLEY, Ala. — Summer has officially begun and there [email protected] is now a new, exciting way to cool down in the southern Ala- On May 26, Quassy Amusement & Wa- slide, from Arihant Water Park Attractions, The Park at OWA bama Gulf Coast region. recently unveiled its terpark held an official grand opening for its will replace the once popular Kraken’s Con- newest, family friendly addition: the Wacky Waters interactive new Category 5 Rapids — Extreme Water- quest ride, which was severely damaged by splash pad. As part of OWA’s 520-acre resort development, The slides. The three gigantic water raft rides from Hurricane Irma last fall. The new four-lane at- Park at OWA is a gated amusement park featuring 22 thrilling ProSlide are the largest single investment in traction, featuring partial tunnels with trans- attractions. Its latest attraction comes just in time for the sum- the park’s history and bring the number of lucent rings, will be a first for mat racer wa- mer sunshine on the Alabama Gulf Coast. waterslides in Quassy’s Splash Away Bay waterslides in Central Florida. Wacky Waters — a 9,500-foot splash pad — opened over terpark to 15. Quassy Beach also opened for “The natural light from the Florida sun Memorial Day weekend. The splash pad’s water-themed ame- the Memorial Day weekend crowd. will beam onto the enclosed slide tunnels for nities include a 20-foot-tall dump bucket, a towering “coconut While Quassy has always had swimming light effects of translucent colored rings with tree” that showers guests with 54 gallons of water per minute, a activities with a beach on Lake Quassapaug, special pattern effects that leave the rider six-foot-tall water dome, and more than 15 different attractions the park's first foray into water park attrac- with the impression they are going through and sprayers to keep guests soaked for hours. For those familiar tions began in 2003 with the introduction of a high-speed time warp tunnel. Upon exiting with The Park at OWA, Wacky Waters sits on the southwest side Saturation Station, an interactive WaterCol- the enclosed slide tunnels, the riders will en- of the 14-acre park close to the children’s attractions. ors water play structure from SCS Interac- ter an open straightway for an exciting race “Our guests spoke about recommended improvements to tive. The first waterslide installation was in to the finish,” says Jim DeBerry, senior man- the amusement park and we listened,” stated Kristin Hellmich, 2006, and since then Quassy has invested ager, North America, for Arihant Water Park OWA director of marketing. “The Wacky Waters splash pad is heavily in water park attractions with major Attractions. one of several new amenities created to help our guests beat the expansions in 2013, then again in 2016. The new pendulum tube ride launches summer heat. If you haven’t visited The Park at OWA lately, • from the same tower as the mat racer. The come on out! You will definitely see a lot of new improvements SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, un- new pendulum slide is similar in shape to a we recently installed to further enhance the guest experience.” doubtedly one of the most environmentally half-pipe and is suitable for riders who are 42 Wacky Waters offers parkgoers a chance to cool off from the conscious theme park operators in the world, inches or taller. summer heat, complete with a cabana-style area for parents to recently completed a solar panel project at • relax. Guests can bring their own towels and sundries, which Aquatica San Diego. The sun will generate On May 23, 2018, Texas Sen. Donna can be stored in onsite lockers. Supplies, such as towels, sun- enough power through the 3,780 solar pan- Campbell and Rep. Kyle Biedermann in con- screen and swim diapers, can also be purchased at a nearby els to provide 80 to 90 percent of the park's junction with the Texas Historical Commis- shop that services the splash pad. Being centrally located in The annual energy use. The elevated solar pansion presented Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Park at OWA, guests can enjoy splashing around for a while els, from Onyx Renewable Partners LP, will Resorts as a Texas Treasure Business Award before drying off just in time to hop over to one of the park's provide 400 shaded parking spots for guests winner. The Texas Treasure Business Award 21 other attractions including the Rollin’ Thunder roller coaster and employees. The renewable energy from program pays tribute to businesses that have that slices through the center of the park. the sun will reduce CO2 emissions by over provided employment opportunities and The splash pad is not the only new addition to The Park 10,000 metric tons over the life of the system support to the state's economy for 50 years at OWA this summer season. A variety of outdoor structures (approximately 20 years), equal to removing or more. and amenities have been added to enhance the guest experi- 124 passenger vehicles off the road. This is Created in 2005 and coordinated important to SeaWorld Parks, as increasing through the Historical Commission, the Tex- ence such as an air-conditioned quick-serve dining area, shaded carbon emissions have been linked to ocean as Treasure Business Award program recog- resting areas throughout the park, misters, fans and even sun- acidification and declining coral reefs. nizes well-established Texas businesses and shades above several of the rides. “We are proud to build upon our history their exceptional historical contributions to The Park at OWA, the gated section of the resort, opened of environmental stewardship,“ said John the state's economic growth and prosperity. its doors last July and is welcoming its first full summer season Reilly, chief operating officer. “This project is Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts is with new attractions, daily family activities, live performances just one of several in the coming years to re- the award-winning, Henry family-owned and six days a week, and more exciting announcements to come. duce our company’s environmental footprint, operated chain of water parks and resorts Downtown OWA, the shopping and dining part of the resort helping fulfill our mission and purpose.” in five cities in Texas and Kansas. Respected that is always free to access, has just added new retailers such as • as a leader in the industry, Schlitterbahn has Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and Parker & Co. — a ladies cloth- When Dollywood's Splash Country been an innovator in everything from watering boutique. in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., opened in May, it slide technology to hospitality. The OWA Resort is built adjacent to the Foley Sports Com- featured several new amenities designed • plex and Tanger Outlets shopping center and was designed to to provide increased guest comfort and ac- Kalahari Resorts broke ground in May offer alternative recreation opportunities for the more than 6.5 cessibility. New lounge chairs were added on its latest resort and convention center million tourists who visit the area annually. Foley is also less throughout the park and guests can rent in Round Rock, Texas. Round Rock, the in- than 12 miles from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Gulf Luxury Loungers in addition to Retreats and ternational home of Dell Technologies, has Shores, Ala. — another popular tourist destination. Canopies for guaranteed shade and comfort become a mega-suburb just north of Austin in between splashing and playing. The wa- with a population base exceeding 120,000. ter park also has made improvements to wait The 350-acre Kalarahi Resort and Con- times including self-serve ticket kiosks and vention Center will be located across from opportunities to save 90 percent of the ride the Dell Diamond triple-A Minor League wait time with new TimeSaver H2O options. Baseball stadium and Old Settlers Park, a Building on the response to the water 570-acre recreational facility. The Kalahari park’s calming area and accessibility tubes, resort will include a 975-room hotel and fea- Dollywood’s Splash Country also added tures ranging from waterslides and restau- aquatic wheel chairs and adult changing rants to a 200,000-square-foot convention tables for families to utilize. Additions like center. As with all Kalahari facilities, the Afri- aquatic wheelchairs can make a big differ- can-themed resort will include a world-class ence for families who have never been able spa, several dining options and, of course, to enjoy water attractions before. a huge indoor and outdoor water park. This • will be Kalarahi's fourth resort, and accord- Daytona Lagoon, Daytona Beach, Fla., ing to Kalarahi, the Round Rock resort will will feature two new slides this summer — a have the company's largest indoor water Families will appreciate the opportunity to cool down at the 54-foot-high mat racer slide and a pendulum park to date. The resort is projected to open new Wacky Waters splash pad. tube waterslide. The new mat racer water- by Fall 2020. COURTESY THE PARK AT OWA July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 NEWSSPLASH 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Norwegian delivers recreational ‘Bliss’ on new cruise ship AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected]

SOUTHAMPTON, England — After Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of its 16th ship, the Norwegian Bliss, in Germany in mid-April, the new vessel departed Southampton on April 21 for a trans- atlantic journey to the U.S., arriving in New York City on May 3. The Bliss eventually made its way south and through the newly expanded Panama Canal to the port of Seattle for its official chris- tening. At 168,028 gross tons, it is Norwegian’s largest vessel and the 10th largest pleasure ship currently in operation worldwide. The Norwegian Bliss offers numerous recreational activities, including a With two expansive observation go-kart track and a water park with waterslides partly suspended over the areas offering passengers uninter- ocean. COURTESY NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE rupted views, the Bliss was designed specifically for the Alaskan cruise allow young children to ride with a is an on-deck water park. The ship’s conservationist Wyland. market. Its two-story, 20,000-square- parent. Aqua Park offers several thrilling In addition to top-flight entertain- foot Haven Observation Lounge A similar track made its debut on slides, including Ocean Loops, which ment, the ship has a number of spe- features massive windows spanning the China-based Norwegian Joy; this drops riders into two loops with cialty restaurants and Norwegian’s the vessel’s entire forward section iteration, about 40 percent bigger, is transparent sections extending over first Starbucks café — a nod to and provide 180-degree panoramic a first for the North American cruise the side of the ship; and Aqua Racer, Seattle, the summertime home port views. market and the largest at sea. which allows riders to race friends of the Bliss. (The ship also cruises the A two-level go-kart course occu- Another attraction that first side by side on tubes for more than Caribbean.) pies the top aft of the ship. Up to 10 appeared on the Joy — an open- 360 feet. “This is one of our most highly electric go-karts can race each other air laser tag course— also has been In keeping with the Alaskan cruise anticipated ships to date… the new- day and night at up to 30 mph along installed on the Bliss. The space- theme, the vessel’s hull is adorned est and most innovative of our young 1,000 feet of track. The electric cars themed game accommodates single with mural-like art that incorporates and modern fleet,” said Andy Stuart, operate silently so as not to disturb players competing with each other in the image of a humpback whale and Norwegian’s president and CEO. other passengers, but speakers near private sessions or group-vs.-group her calf. The work, titled “Cruising “[We] cannot wait for guests to expe- the driver’s headrest deliver authen- open sessions. with the Whales,” was designed by rience all she has to offer.” tic racetrack sounds. Two-person cars Rounding out the amusements the renowned marine life artist and •bliss.ncl.com Innovative Leisure tightens grip on U.K. climbing wall sales AT: Dean Lamanna ing wall unit and 7.3-meter- experience. [email protected] tall mobile climbing wall unit A unique feature of Sky at two of its 29 parks: Seawick Tykes is a walk-through area LEICESTER, England — at Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, and that allows a parent or guard- Adventure attractions sup- New Beach at Dymchurch, ian to walk alongside the child plier Innovative Leisure, Ltd., Kent. while he or she negotiates the has completed several transac- The additions enhance the course’s challenging rope ele- tions with amusement loca- operator’s regular entertainments. tions around the U.K. ment offerings by providing At Hemsby Beach, the “Climbing attractions guests with an exciting and Sky Tykes installation is have become a popular addi- challenging activity — wheth- complemented by an indoor tion in a number of sectors, er participating or watching. traversing wall and an out- including resorts and holiday “The value the walls have door 7.3-meter-tall station- parks,” said Phil Pickersgill, brought to our entertainment ary climbing wall — creating company managing director. program has been immense,” diverse adventure options, “With staycations and mini- said John Flack, head of enter- rain or shine. breaks booming and becom- tainment for Park Holidays Innovative Leisure has ing a popular option for UK. “Bringing climbing almost two decades of experi- many families, there has been walls to our holiday parks ence supplying climbing wall a demand for entertainment has brought new energy and attractions to a wide range that differs from the more excitement. Three generations of venues in the U.K. and familiar mix. of families are now enjoying throughout Europe. “This year, we have seen the new climbing walls.” •innovativeleisure.co.uk resorts invest in adventure Another destination, attractions, with several opt- Richardson’s Hemsby Beach Innovative Leisure’s ing for something that has the Holiday Park in Norfolk, has adventure attractions, height to create a focal point at added several Innovative including its climbing walls, their venue.” Leisure products to its site, are proving popular at Park Holidays UK, the including a Sky Tykes junior amusement venues largest park operator in the low ropes course. This activ- around the U.K. south of England, has invest- ity allows youngsters between COURTESY INNOVATIVE ed in Innovative Leisure’s two and seven-years-old to LEISURE, LTD. 7.3-meter-tall stationary climb- enjoy their first ropes course July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  Women of Influence: Patty Sullivan of Eli Bridge Co. — page 32 / Industry movers — page 34 Six Flags acquires lease rights to five EPR-owned U.S. parks AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] Four more Six Flags-branded GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas parks being — Six Flags Entertainment planned for China Corp. has entered into a pur- GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas chase agreement with affili- — Six Flags Entertainment ates of Premier Parks, LLC, Corp. and its development to acquire the lease rights to partner in China, Beijing- operate five U.S. parks owned based Riverside Investment by Kansas City, Mo.-based bership and season pass base.” Group Co., Ltd. (RIG), are EPR Properties. The parks joining the Six extolling their continued Completion of the trans- Flags stable: growth in that country’s mar- action was expected by the •Wet n’ Wild Splashtown ket with the planned addi- end of June. — the largest water park in Frontier City in Oklahoma City is one of five EPR Properties- tion of four new Six Flag’s The parks in the deal Houston, Texas, with more owned parks for which Six Flags has entered into a deal to branded parks. previously were operated by than 48 acres and a wide selec- lease and operate. COURTESY FRONTIER CITY The projects will raise the Premier Parks. These latest tion of waterslides and attrac- number of Six Flags parks in acquisitions by Six Flags will tions as well as two children’s in tradition, this 60-year-old America at the conclusion of China to 11. expand the company’s port- areas. Oklahoma City park features a the deal. The company said The latest parks will be folio of North American parks •Wet n’ Wild Phoenix Wild West theme and offers a the population reach of the located in Nanjing, capital to 25. — the largest water park diverse lineup of rides, attrac- five additional properties of Jiangsu province and the second largest city in the “[This] represents another in Arizona, featuring 35 acres tions and shows. equates to an additional 20 East China region. Six Flags milestone in our strategic… of high-speed slides and two •White Water Bay — million potential guests with- Nanjing will offer guests a full initiative to seek out park pools, plus a Wet n’ Wild Jr. located near Frontier City, in a 100-mile radius of a Six range of world-class expe- section with kid-friendly ver- this water park is a tropical- Flags theme park. acquisitions that expand our riences with a theme park, “We are thrilled to wel- addressable market,” said Jim sions of some of the park’s themed oasis with more than a water park, an adventure Reid-Anderson, chairman, more thrilling attractions. 25 acres of waterslides, inter- come these outstanding prop- park and Six Flags Kids CEO and president of Six •Darien Lake — a 1,000- active water play areas and erties and employees into our World, featuring scaled- Flags. “These are all fantastic acre resort property near pools. family of parks and look for- down versions of attractions properties that complement Buffalo, N.Y., that includes a Currently the world’s ward to sharing the thrill of in the other parks. our existing portfolio and pro- theme park, water park, camp- largest regional theme park Six Flags with guests of all The first phase of the vide tremendous added value ground, hotel and a 21,000- operator, Six Flags also was ages in these key markets,” multimillion-dollar entertain- and cross-visitation opportu- seat amphitheater; set to become the largest Reid-Anderson said. ment complex is expected to nities for our extensive mem- •Frontier City — steeped water park operator in North •sixflags.com open in 2021. Allied Specialty marks 35 years of insuring amusement industry TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. tainment operators face every Group in 2016, provides a full products and resources that — Allied Specialty Insurance, day. Our personal involvement, suite of insurance products to will benefit our clients as their Inc., an XL Group, Ltd., com- industry knowledge and life- clients. operations change and adapt to pany, is celebrating 35 years of time business relationships are “Through its deep industry new technologies and new or insuring the U.S. outdoor enter- major contributors to our suc- roots, the Allied family knows, emerging business risks.” tainment industry. cess now and to come.” loves and is committed to [this] Through its subsidiaries The company’s 3,000 clients Founded by Paul “Duke” industry,” Smith said, noting and under the XL Catlin brand, include carnivals, concession- Smith and his son, David the company’s uniqueness and XL Group is a global insurance aires, amusement parks, water Smith, in 1983, Allied brings steadfastness. “We have seen and reinsurance company pro- parks, fairs, festivals, fireworks a unique background and inti- other changes in the industry viding property, casualty and events and family entertain- said Mary Chris Smith, chair- mate experience in the carnival over the last three decades. specialty products to industrial, ment centers. man and president of Allied. industry to help current oper- Now, as part of the XL Group commercial and professional “Allied was created and “We all grew up in this industry, ators address their risk man- of companies, we can tap into firms, insurance companies and continues to be operated by chil- and we have a genuine under- agement and insurance needs. a more diverse portfolio of other enterprises. dren of the carnival industry,” standing of the risks that enter- The company, purchased by XL underwriting talent, insurance —Dean Lamanna EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. NORTH 61C AERO DRIVE, PARTS CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 AMERICAN INC. EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Cavu Designwerks, Force Engineering partner in China market

VICTORIA, B.C., Canada — Cavu Designwerks, Inc., has announced a partnership with Leicestershire, England- based Force Engineering, Ltd., to sell linear induction motors (LIMs) in China. The arrangement positions Cavu as the sole distributor of LIMs in the country. LIMs move ride vehicles using only magnetic forces instead of friction systems with large, noisy motors. By eliminating the friction on the drive system, the noise for moving the vehicle is elimi- nated. This characteristic makes LIMs ideal for dark rides and roller coasters locat- Cavu Designwerks and Force Engineering are partnering on linear induction motor-based projects in China, such as this ed indoors, such as inside indoor roller coaster concept for a shopping mall. COURTESY CAVU DESIGNWERKS, INC. shopping malls. “The Chinese market for Alan and Neil Foster, for Inc., Schnabel first introduced power-saving, intelligent LIMs offices in the U.S., China and roller coasters is growing at over 25 years. The business LIMs to the theme park indus- with a new attraction that will South Korea in addition to its a tremendous pace, creating relationship has grown into a try in the mid-1990s — using debut in China in 2019. Canadian headquarters, Cavu an unprecedented demand for trustworthy friendship. [This] the technology to power the Established in England in Designwerks provides attrac- LIM-powered propulsion sys- allows us to bring a qual- Flight of Fear roller coasters 1979, Force Engineering is a tions for a variety of enter- tems,” said longtime indus- ity product to the market at at Kings Island in Mason, global company dedicated to tainment applications. The try innovator Peter Schnabel, an exceptional value / price Ohio, and Kings Dominion the development, design and company specializes in origi- Cavu’s CEO. “I’ve been for- proposition.” in Doswell, Va. production of LIMs and other nal design, engineering and tunate to work with Force As the founder and for- Cavu and Force are intro- electro-magnetic and perma- cutting-edge fabrication. Engineering and the owners, mer owner of Premier Rides, ducing a new generation of nent magnet solutions. With —Dean Lamanna Fun Spot America celebrates 20 years Florida’s new ‘fun central’ ORLANDO. Fla. — Family-owned Fun Spot America threw a company-wide party on June 9 celebrating 20 years in operation at its first Florida park. On that date only, Fun Spot offered guests $20 single all-day passes at all three of its locations — Orlando, Kissimmee and Atlanta, Ga. — to mark the anniversary. But its operators are promoting the party mood all summer long. “We are excited to announce our 20th year in operation in Orlando and celebrate with so many wonderful guests and families that enjoy our attractions,” said John Arie, Jr., CEO Fun Spot America threw a party for guests in of Fun Spot America. “We are a staple of this Orlando on June 9 marking its 20th year of community and hope that many will come out operation at that location. The celebratory On May 17, the International Association of Amusement to celebrate this milestone with us.” mood is being promoted at all three of Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), which is celebrating its Thus far during its anniversary year, Fun the company’s parks through the summer. 100th anniversary this year, broke ground on its new Park America has opened a new spinning COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA 22,000-square-foot global headquarters in Orlando. The pendulum thrill ride, HeadRush 360, from project represents a $14 million investment for IAAPA, SBF-Visa Group, at its Orlando location and The Kissimmee location also has the tallest which has 73 employees worldwide — 47 of whom will have made numerous others improvements SkyCoaster on earth, with Orlando offering be based at the Central Florida location. The building will across its parks. The Orlando and Kissimmee the world’s second-tallest such adventure ride. include dedicated member space with meeting rooms, locations also boast Florida’s only wooden Visit the website below for more information special event capabilities and a lounge, as well as a li- roller coasters, with the Mine Blower coaster in and updates on forthcoming attractions at the brary housing the organization’s archives. Construction is Kissimmee being the only coaster of its type in Fun Spot parks. slated for completion next summer. COURTESY IAAPA the state that turns upside down •fun-spot.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 Universal, Feld Entertainment partner on LBE Interactive 'Trolls' film-themed experience to open in Big Apple AT: Dean Lamanna ed collaboration with Feld Feld Entertainment is a ported through a continuous [email protected] Entertainment,” Nygren leading global producer of live stream of new content on NEW YORK, N.Y. said. “When DreamWorks’ touring family entertainment DreamWorksTV, a top-rated — Universal Brand Trolls premiered in theaters it experiences, with presenta- kids’ entertainment brand Development and Palmetto, captivated audiences world- tions including Monster Jam, on YouTube with viewership Fla.-based Feld Entertainment wide, and, now, DreamWorks Monster Energy Supercross, averaging between one mil- are collaborating on Trolls— The Experience will Disney On Ice, Sesame Street lion and two million daily DreamWorks Trolls — The deliver more of what fans Live!, Marvel Universe Live! views. More information and Experience, an interactive extensions for our IP through love, transporting guests into and, coming in Fall 2019, updates on ticket availability adventure that brings to life live, immersive experiences a vibrant world that is burst- Jurassic World Live. for the LBE are available at the the colorful and musical world around the world, we are ing with color, music and DreamWorks Trolls attraction’s website. of the hit 2016 DreamWorks’ excited about our expand- happiness.” — The Experience is sup- •trollstheexperience.com animated film Trolls. Working closely with the filmmakers, the two entertainment entities will open the inaugural location-based experience (LBE) this fall at 218 W. 57th St., between Broadway and 7th Ave., in a space owned by high-end retail property developer GGP, Inc. It then will tour cities across the U.S. The 12,000-square-foot DreamWorks Trolls LBE is a family-friendly, 90-minute walkthrough adventure featuring tactile experiences and shareable social media moments. Among its highlights is Poppy’s Party Room, which takes visitors on a musical journey with their favorite Troll friends via augmented reality and 3D technology. There also is a visit to the Hair- We-Go Salon and Barbershop, featuring magical mirrors, and a walk amid the flora and fauna of Troll Village. Participants are able to view and collect their photos from throughout their visit and create a keepsake scrap- book. “Building on our growing partnership with Universal Brand Development, we are always exploring new plat- forms for live family entertainment,” said Juliette Feld, COO of Feld Entertainment. “This ground-breaking foray into immersive family experiences is being created at Feld Entertainment Studios, where the latest interactive technology will bring the irreverent humor and vibrant world of Trolls to life in a way fans have never seen, heard or felt before.” Carol Nygren, senior vice president of worldwide entertainment for Universal Brand Development, is equally enthused about the deepening partnership, which will develop and create other large-scale and mobile pop-up immersive experiences. “As we continue to create 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Patty Sullivan CEO, President & Chairman Eli Bridge Co. INFLUENCE Jacksonville, Ill. A view from the top… W.E. Sullivan’s fascination with the Ferris wheel at the 1893 Co- lumbian Exposition in Chicago, Ill., sparked an evolution at Eli Bridge Co., his bridge construction business. Sullivan’s introduction of his own Ferris wheel in 1900 would make his company a major amusement industry player through the 20th century, producing wheels in various sizes and styles and, in 1955, creating the soon-to-be-popular Scrambler ride. Today, Eli Bridge, based in Jacksonville, Ill., is still growing and innovating with several attractions while it continues to turn out its rotating portable and fixed-site classics. As company CEO, president and chairman of the board, Patty Sullivan, W.E.’s great granddaughter, has a steady hand on the wheel. Accomplishments and affiliations… •Master of Business Administration, Western Illinois University, Macomb •Showmen’s League of America Hall of Honor, 2017 •Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Hall of Fame Award, 2018 •OABA Outstanding Service Award (Northwestern Showmen’s Club Safety Seminars) •ASTM International Jimmy Floyd Award •National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials •AIMS International •Jacksonville Symphony Chorale (sang in John Rutter’s Requiem, Carnegie Hall, New York City, 2008) Turning wheels into success JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Patty “After I presented the plan and Sullivan laughed when she used the answered questions candidly,” she adage, “We’ve had to reinvent the said, “the lender and our attorney went rim-drive cable, which offered more “But we sell parts. We can still provide wheel.” But in this case, it is quite out into the hall. When they returned, operator control. parts to wheels that were made in literal. And by her own admission, it they had accepted it. There were some “Now, we actually have electronic 1903, 1907, pre-1920s and so on.” hasn’t always been a laughing matter. custom things they wanted to include. drives where we use a touch screen In 2007, Sullivan created a compa- Eli Bridge Co., which had been One of those was that dad had to hire to move the wheel from one seat to ny called A-1 Metal Fabricating, which in business for nearly 100 years and me back to run the company or they another,” she said. “You know, many does custom fabrication, mostly locally. enjoyed great success manufactur- would just close the doors.” young people today don’t use face “We paint. We weld. We sand- ing rides including the Eli Wheel and Sullivan left the meeting, telling clocks. So, when instructions say to blast. We repair,” she said. “We are in the Scrambler, was in bankruptcy by her father she needed to think. She start at one o’clock and then go to the middle of farm country up here. If 1996. Sullivan took over as president was in a job she loved and her previous seven o’clock, it can be hard for them someone brings something in and asks and CEO of the family business; her experience working for Eli Bridge had to grasp. Now, when they are loading, if we can fix it, we usually can. A lot of father, Lee Sullivan, and brother, Bill not turned out well. they just push 'next' on the screen and this has spread by word of mouth, but Sullivan, had been leading the com- “Dad and I talked for quite a the wheel turns.” we try to keep them working.” pany to that point. while,” she said. “I finally told him Eli Bridge also started manufactur- Customer service is important, she “Dad called me for help 10 days that I would do it as long as I had full ing wheels for Scheels Sporting Goods noted, and getting parts and repairs before a reorganization plan was due,” control, and I wanted enough stock to for indoor use. The company has nine done quickly is paramount. she recalled. “I asked him what the back me up.” in place currently and is working on the Where does Sullivan see Eli Bridge lender wanted, and he said, ‘I don’t The next day, an envelope with 10th; another is under contract. in the next decade? know. We aren’t talking to them.’ I stock certificates showed up at her Eli Bridge has produced the Next “I see us with more new rides said, ‘Dad, they own you. You have to door. Generation Mobile Scrambler, which is out, a brand-new product,” she said. talk to them.’” By January 2003, Eli Bridge was out easier for operators to transport and “We have a couple on middle burners. At the time, Sullivan was working of bankruptcy. The company paid off erect. As far as the larger wheels for Besides that, we need to compete for for Midwest Control Products Corp., the last of its bankruptcy debt in 2013. which the company is known, Sullivan the dollar. We are looking at a lot of headquartered about 75 miles north of During that decade, Sullivan knew said they just sold a trailer-mounted options to try to remain competitive the family business in Bushnell. But she the company had to keep evolving model last year. and still build the types of rides Eli managed to write the reorganization to remain competitive. For their sig- “We don’t have as many new Bridge has built — robustly built, and plan and accompany her father to the nature Ferris wheel, they went from orders for the larger wheels because with longevity.” loan meeting. using the old cable drive wheels to they just don’t wear out,” she said. —Pam Sherborne July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 DelGrosso family receives national PEOPLE Bill Allen has joined St. Louis, Mo.-based Sons of Italy award debit card technology leader Intercard as sales manager for North America. A local native and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Allen has more than 30 years of sales experience in the automotive after- market industry, software and service management. He has extensive knowledge of sales and operations, business development and customer Allen service, and he previously led regional teams for companies including SPX Corp., Alldata and Genuine Parts Co. Cincinnati, Ohio-based Gold Medal Products Co., a leader in food equipment and supplies for the concession industry, has hired Joe Macaluso as vice president of sales for the U.S. and Canada. Macaluso, who has more than 30 years of experience, will be responsible for new business development, key relationship management and sales leadership. He spent most of earlier his career with Weaver Popcorn Company, most recently as senior vice Macaluso The DelGrosso family was presented with the 2018 Sons of Italy Foundation’s National president of sales of the concession division in the U.S. and Canada. Education & Leadership Award on May 24 in Washington, D.C. — the first time the honor Former Topgolf CEO Ken May has been tapped by Dallas- has been bestowed upon an entire family. The DelGrossos own DelGrosso Foods, the old- based Urban Air Adventure Park as executive est major family-owned producer of pasta sauce in the U.S., as well as DelGrosso’s Amuse- chairman. He will lead the family entertainment Park and Laguna Splash water park in Tipton, Pa. They were given the award for their ment center brand’s U.S. operations and stra- commitment to preserving Italian heritage and supporting numerous Italian American or- tegic growth. May, who has led major com- ganizations and events throughout the country. Shown during the presentation (from left) panies including FedEx Kinko’s and Krispy are Alexis Murray, fourth-generation DelGrosso family member; Michael DelGrosso, vice Kreme during a career spanning more than president of global sales and marketing, DelGrosso Foods; Minister Catherine Flumiani of three decades, guided Topgolf through 24 venue the Italian Embassy; and Joe DiTrapani, president, Sons of Italy Foundation. Also shown openings and a quadrupling of its workforce. May with DiTrapani and Michael DelGrosso are actor and Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna Currently, there are 209 Urban Air Adventure Park locations open (center), flanked by Dr. Michael Sofia and Lawrence Peduzzi. or under construction nationwide. COURTESY DELGROSSO FAMILY Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc. (RSA), of Montoursville, Pa. — recognized within the industry for its ride padding products for more International Ride Training adds than half a century — has made strategic additions to its leadership team. Donita R. Rudy team member, business partner joined the company in January as COO, with executive over- NASHVILLE, Tenn. — he was counsel in the firm’s sight of all operations, follow- Rudy Rudy International Ride Training, litigation department with a ing a year of serving as a financial and operations consultant. Rudy LLC (IRT), a leading provider practice focused on product maintains key positions within state agencies and manufacturing of comprehensive ride opera- liability and aviation litigation, associations. Andy Vogelsong, an RSA team member since 2011, has tions safety services training amusement / leisure counsel- been promoted to customer sales and service representative, with and ride operator certifica- ing and litigation, and general primary responsibility for upholding the level of service customers have come to expect from the company. Vogelsong served previously tion, is expanding its team and business litigation. Prior to his in various production and administrative roles in the company’s reach. law career, he spent nearly a foam department. Erik H. Beard has joined decade working with Cedar the company as a managing Fair Entertainment Co. and MediaMation, Inc. (MMI), of Torrance, Calif., a global supplier member / consultant and gen- Universal Orlando Resort in of motion-based and multi-dimensional cinema technology, current- eral counsel. In addition to sup- ride operations management. ly enjoys strategic partnerships with China-based Luxin-Rio (LR), porting IRT’s International Erik H. Beard IRT also announced a new Volfoni S.A.S. (3D systems) and Arts Alliance Media (digital cin- Ride Operator Certification partnership with Hospitality ema software) to provide better-integrated exhibition experiences. The company announced two executive changes intended to rein- (IROC) and auditing pro- cally at front-line employees. Intelligence USA, LLC, an force its industry position: Howard Kiedaisch, international senior grams and directing the com- Having represented clients international hospitality and vice president for LR, has been named CEO, while MMI co-founder pany’s legal needs, Beard, a in a number of cases arising attractions industry consul- Dan Jamele has become chief innovation and technology officer. 25-year industry veteran and from aviation accidents and tancy headed by Anna Danau, an attorney in private practice well-publicized incidents in to offer the IROC program and for the past 13 years, brings a the attractions industry, he is IRT auditing services to clients Celebrating an industry legal eagle wealth of knowledge in risk experienced in crisis prepa- in the Asia-Pacific region. management and compliance ration, incident investigation Based in Vietnam, Danau issues. and post-incident response. has been working with the Beard has advised clients “Erik has taught at our Asian attractions industry in the attractions industry on IROC safety school for the last for several years, helping policy development, ASTM four years and always receives operators to boost ride safety compliance, state legislative accolades for his first-hand and guest service standards, and regulatory issues, and knowledge of ride operations improve training methods Americans with Disabilities and his legal expertise that are and execute world-class ser- Act (ADA) compliance. He is unique to our industry,” said vice. She will play an inte- a nationally-recognized expert Patty Beazley, IRT managing gral role in strengthening and Noted attorney Tom Sheehan (back left) of Cary, Ill.-based in the applicability of ADA to member. “We are excited that expanding IRT’s international The Sheehan Firm, P.C., notched his 63rd birthday May the attractions industry and Erik is now bringing those presence while maintaining its 26. Celebrating with him were (from left) his son, Tom; is the creator of ADA FAQ skills to serve IRT’s clients.” unique training approach and father, Robert; daughter, Stephanie; Julie Miller and Tom’s — a first-of-its-kind train- Beard joins IRT from client commitment. brother, Patrick. COURTESY RYON YEMM, THE SHEEHAN FIRM ing program aimed specifi- Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where —Dean Lamanna July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 MARKET WATCH BUSINESS WATCH

COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW Cedar Fair unitholders reelect three to board 06/14/18 52-Week 52-Week SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. (NYSE: FUN), The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 33.53 37.52 29.57 announced on June 7 that its unitholders reelected Daniel J. Hanra- han, Lauri M. Shanahan and Debra Smithart-Oglesby to the board Merlin Entertainments Group / of directors of its general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc., for MERL LSE 382.80 495.80 317.10 Legoland three-year terms expiring in 2021. The limited partners also confirmed the appointment of Deloitte Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 66.39 72.37 59.66 & Touch, LLP as the company's independent registered public ac- Comcast Corp./NBCUniversal counting firm and approved an advisory vote on the compensation of CMCSA NASDAQ 33.82 44.00 30.43 Media the company's named executive officers. "We are pleased to announce the reelection of Dan, Lauri and The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 108.75 113.19 96.2 Debra," said Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair's president and CEO. "Their leadership, diverse insights and collective knowledge have been Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.40 0.87 0.34 a great asset for Cedar Fair. We look forward to their continued insights and guidance as we remain focused on driving value for our uni- EPR Properties EPR NYSE 63.62 75.55 51.87 tholders in both the short- and long-term." Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 3430.00 3445.00 2232.00 Disneyland Resort offers minimum wage increase Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 2.10 2.30 1.55 ANAHIEM, Calif. — Disneyland Resort has offered one of the most significant wage increases in its history — a 36 percent increase Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 6.70 8.51 6.58 over three years to minimum rates for hourly cast members represented by the Master Services Council. This would put Master Services MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 31.43 38.41 29.53 cast members at $15 per hour by 2020, two years ahead of California’s minimum wage. The offer was made in April as part of the resort’s on- Parques Reunidos Servicios ES:PQR MCE 14.32 17.45 11.69 going contract negotiations with the Master Services Council, which Centrales S.A. represents the company’s two largest labor contracts, and includes ap- Sansei Technologies, Inc. JP:6357 TYO 1735.00 1864.00 827.00 proximately 9,500 hourly cast members. “Disneyland Resort has created 10,000 new jobs in the last de- SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 20.61 21.35 10.42 cade — and that’s just the beginning,” said Josh D’Amaro, president, Disneyland Resort. “Today’s investment in our cast — along with world- Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 72.36 72.58 51.25 class training and development opportunities for both full- and part- time cast members — confirms that working at the Disneyland Resort is DreamEast Group Ltd. HK:0593 SEHK 12.68 15.88 8.46 not only a good opportunity today, but a pathway to growth opportunities and career advancement tomorrow.” Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 656.00 688.00 545.00 Upon ratification, this wage proposal for Master Services cast members will increase the minimum rate by 20 percent, immediate- Village Roadshow AU:VRL ASX 2.40 4.21 2.05 ly moving from the current minimum rate of $11 to a new minimum rate of $13.25. The offer would continue to increase minimum rates to STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED $14.25 in 2019 and $15 in 2020. Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange OCCC begins project mgr. expansion search —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Business Journal recently reported that expansion to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), DIESEL PRICES reported to cost $500 million, has begin the early steps to begin con- Region As of Change from struction. The OCCC is the annual home to the IAAPA Attractions (U.S.) 06/11/18 1 year ago Expo each November. East Coast $3.264 +$0.695 The county owns and operates the OCCC. Orange County is Midwest $3.199 +$0.745 currently undertaking the development of 856,000 square feet of Gulf Coast $3.037 +$0.669 buildout improvements to Phase V of the OCCC, also known as the North/South Building. The preliminary program for the potential im- Mountain $3.344 +$0.700 provements will be distributed between the east and west sides of West Coast $3.489 +$0.808 the North/South building. The eastern side of the facility will con- California $3.990 +$1.084 sist of a 200,000-square-foot, column-free multipurpose venue with CURRENCY associated supporting lobby, concourses, restrooms and service corridors. The western side of the building will consist of a grand On 06/14/18 $1 USD = concourse improvement to include 60,000 square feet of meeting 0.8499 EURO room program, a flexible 80,000-square-foot ballroom, restrooms 0.7484 GBP (British Pound) and service corridors. Each area is designed with an appropriate 110.49 JPY (Japanese Yen) amount of circulation, service, back of house and utility spaces. The 0.9865 CHF (Swiss Franc) project also includes public improvements in and around the project 1.3197 AUD (Australian Dollar) site, including an enhanced streetscape and utilities relocation. Con- 1.3005 CAD (Canadian Dollar) struction is expected to begin in February 2020.

and 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Cineplex expands revamped Playdium concept in Canada AT: Dean Lamanna Construction will begin in attractions for all skill levels entertainment center concept, [email protected] September, with a mid-2019 and the other third will offer a The Rec Room, currently opening planned. range of fresh food and bever- with four locations, the new TORONTO, Canada “We announced the age options. Playdium complexes will — Cineplex, one reinvented Playdium con- The facility also will have leverage the company’s exist- of Canada’s leading entertain- tive for everyday play, casual cept and our first location private rooms for birthday ing entertainment, amusement and media companies, dining and to celebrate spe- in Whitby last October, and parties and special gather- ment gaming, food service, is continuing to expand its cial occasions. we couldn’t be more excited ings. Parents can kick back content creation, digital media revamped Playdium enter- The Brampton location today to share the news about and relax in lounges with and operational capabilities, tainment center concept with will feature a selection of clas- our Brampton location,” views of the games floor. as well as its relationship with a new location in Brampton, sic and new-to-market video said Ellis Jacob, president The original Playdium Scene, Canada’s largest enter- Ont. and redemption games, as and CEO of Cineplex. “It will opened its doors over 20 years tainment rewards program. Converting and reimag- well as virtual reality experi- be a place where young adults ago. Cineplex currently owns Cineplex plans to open ining the space currently ences, bowling, ropes cours- and families can play together and operates a Playdium facil- about 10-15 Playdium loca- occupied by the Cineplex es and laser tag. Movie fans and also enjoy and share a ity in Mississauga, Ontario; tions, plus an additional Odeon Orion Gate Cinemas, will be able to watch films at freshly made meal that is fun the new locations in Whitby 10-15 The Rec Room loca- the 45,000-square-foot com- Playdium, as Cineplex plans to eat.” and Brampton will be more tions, in mid-sized communi- plex is aimed at teens and to incorporate one of the exist- Approximately two- focused on modern, technolo- ties across the country over families seeking an afford- ing auditoriums into the reno- thirds of the complex will gy-enhanced amenities. the coming years. able entertainment alterna- vated and reconfigured space. be dedicated to games and As with Cineplex’s other •cineplex.com

Strike + Reel, a new entertainment center concept offering a mix of Amusements in the outfield bowling, movies and other attractions, is headed for Dallas. COURTESY ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES GROUP, INC.

Entertainment center concept to debut in North Texas in 2019 DALLAS, Texas — Entertainment restaurant. Properties Group, Inc. (EPG), has announced “Our mission is to create fun and memo- that it is bringing Strike + Reel, a new enter- rable experiences for our guests by providing tainment concept, to North Texas. The venue, engaging dining and entertainment destina- to be located at George Bush Tollway and tions,” said Mark Moore, CEO of EPG. “We Holford Road, will open in 2019. have been working on this concept for quite The 90,000-square-foot facility is named for some time, and we are excited to announce the its combination bowling and cinema. In addi- first location here in our North Texas home.” tion to high-tech lanes, it will feature dine-in Founded in 2005, EPG operates family movieFrederiksen auditoriums 1/7x3 withb/w large-format3/14/02 11:22 screens, AM Pageentertainment 1 and dining destinations under luxury recliners and full bar service. It also will several brands, including It’z Family, Food & offer interactive video games and a number Fun and Pinstack. of other attractions, as well as a chef-inspired —Dean Lamanna

“The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com Quad Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller (right), shown • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide with his good friend, Iowa Sen. Roby Smith, has grown • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide his seasonal business beyond baseball with the addition of family amusements — including a Chance Rides Giant Wheel — in the left-field concourse at Modern Woodmen Park stadium. The Davenport, Iowa, Minor League Baseball club is a Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, World Series Champions. Along with the amusements, the club has added the Budweiser Champions Club, a multiuse area for parties, weddings, corporate events and more. Ride ticket sales are donated to local charities. AT/GARY SLADE; COURTESY QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS (STADIUM) July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37

ThisM space useuis provided courtesym of Amusement P Todayrogress, a corporate partner of the National R Roller Coasterep Museumort & Archives. Lake Compounce donates FROM THE ARCHIVES COLLECTION Wildcat roller coaster train

NRCMA was presented a complete train from the Lake Com- pounce Wildcat, in Bristol, Conn. during the Golden Ticket Now part of the National Roller Coaster Museum archives Awards in September 2017. The gracious donation was pre- collection, the John Caruthers collection contains wonder- sented by Jerry Brick, the park's general manager, and made ful images and more than 60 years of research in newspaper, 1917: book and letter files. As a follow up to our June entry, we possible by parent company Palace Entertainment. Shown with a lead car are (from left): Walt Bowser, Gary Slade, Pete present another view of the Giant Coaster at Paragon Park, Nantasket Beach, Mass. from Owens, Carole Sanderson, Chris Gray, Jerry Brick, Adam the recently acquired Caruthers files. Celebrating its 100th season at its second home at Six Sandy and Richard Munch. Flags America, this view shows the original side-friction mammoth in its entirety, photo- NRCMA FILE PHOTO graphed from the far turn. —Richard W. Munch 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  Virtual reality makes Efteling dark ride accessible to disabled guests — page 41 Multi-attraction FEC marks a full year of operation Bigfoot Fun Park weathers daily year-round operations AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

BRANSON, Mo. — Like many cities in the middle part of the country, Branson can experience particularly warm days in the summer and viv- idly cold temperatures during the winter. Despite the ups and downs of a tourist-centric destination, Bigfoot Fun Park has completed a full year of operation and doesn’t look to slow down. The park opened in the spring of 2017. Emma Hamilton, co-owner and general manager, is excited about what the facility has to offer visitors. From conception to opening, the development of Bigfoot Fun Park (originally Bigfoot on the Strip) took about two and a half years. “We tried to bring things that fit into Branson really well, but were also unique to the area,” Hamilton told Super Sling (top left) flings and flips riders seated back-to-back. Both attractions are manufactured by Soaring Eagle. Gravity Amusement Today. “Our most Bomb (top right) drops riders 200 feet with no over-the-shoulder harness. The Monkey Jump is part of the Yeti Fun Zone visual anchor is our 200-foot (bottom left). Alterface supplied the 8Di Action Cinema (bottom right), which features multiple film experiences. tower. It is the tallest [struc- COURTESY BIGFOOT ture] in Branson. Its official name is the Bigfoot Action Stan Checketts, inventor and ter. Both an 18-hole miniature of Wisconsin for the golf would be more traditionally Tower, and it has two exciting owner of Soaring Eagle. “We golf course and maze/activity course, which is handi- seen in the theme park setting. thrill rides on it — the Super always wanted something climb sport an outdoors and capped-accessible. In reference to the Monkey Sling and Gravity Bomb. where you were exposed with wooded feel. The Yeti Fun Zone fea- Jump, I think we are the only The absence of the shoulder your arms and legs hanging “We worked with a local tures climbing towers, tree [place] that has one. We’re the restraint [on the drop tower] out. We came up with the sad- landscaper who really brought houses, a maze and a Monkey only place in the country that makes it unique compared to dle with people seated back it to life,” said Hamilton. “He Jump finale into a big inflated has the same mix that we do. others in the country. You get to back. I was really excited brought in a lot of Ozark cushion. Amazen Mazes was We spent a lot of time con- beautiful views of Branson, about it. It’s really smooth.” native plants. We have a 250- a supplier of the maze panels. ceptually what elements fit and it is a true freefall.” “The tower is super effi- foot long tunnel to transition The structures were built inde- together.” Both rides on the tower cient and super reliable,” said to the back part of our golf pendently under the park’s If weather becomes prob- were supplied by Soaring Hamilton. “As the focal point course. We have hand-painted creative vision. Hamilton is lematic in terms of outdoor Eagle out of Logan, Utah. On of the property, we have it black light murals inside that confident that all age groups activities, the facility has a the Super Sling, riders sit back decked out with 35,000 LED go from the woodlands to the find challenging areas and 4,000-square-foot arcade to back and are shot in the air lights and sound. Every night frozen tundra of the yeti. The playful activities. stocked with the latest games flipping end over end. It was we have free light shows.” back part of the course has a “We’re kind of an interest- and an indoor shooting attrac- the first to debut in the U.S. Bigfoot on the Strip fea- lot of whites and more of a ing hybrid,” said Hamilton. tion from Alterface. Dubbed “I experimented with tures themed activities sur- Tibetan scene.” “We have elements of an FEC the idea 15 years ago,” said rounding the mythic charac- The FEC used Cost and we have elements that 4See BIGFOOT, page 40 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 BIGFOOT AIMS International Safety Award Continued from page 39 nominations deadline is July 9 the 8Di Action Cinema, the themed theater seats 13 play- NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The for forms also can be sent to ers on moving “bikes.” The AIMS International Safety AIMS at [email protected]. guests have a choice of mul- Award is presented annually The AIMS International to an individual or organiza- Safety Award was created in tiple themed storylines — tion demonstrating leadership, 2016 and is presented annu- from cowboys to zombies to a innovation and foresight in ally during the Golden Ticket custom-created Bigfoot story improving safety in the amuse- Awards. The inaugural award — they can enjoy while tak- ment industry. was presented to Harold ing aim and going for top Hudson, a former longtime score. There is wind, sound, engineering executive with Six 3D and more. The arcade Flags Entertainment Corp. and opened with all-new games, a founding member of ASTM and Hamilton reported that F24 Standards Committee, at they have already traded out With safety as the indus- the 2016 Golden Ticket Awards for some newer ones for their General Manager Emma Hamilton sits in one of the whimsi- try’s number-one concern for ceremony at Cedar Point, in second year of operation. cally-themed decorations. AT/TIM BALDWIN guests and employees world- Sandusky, Ohio. In 2017, the The park does not have wide, efforts in improving award was presented to Har set closing hours. Hamilton Summer months see typical staffing, although the FEC is safety are shown in many Kupers of Vekoma Rides says the facility stays open closings around 2 a.m. “We’ve open daily. Staffing stays busy forms, including the design during the ceremony at Lake “until the fun is done.” She sold a round of golf as late as cleaning, working on redemp- and implementation of new Compounce in Bristol, Conn. does acknowledge that the 1:30 a.m.,” she joked. tion prizes and organization products and technology, the AIMS International is a shoulder season does have With winter months tasks while foot traffic is light- development of safety educa- non-profit 501(c)(6) association programs and training, tion dedicated to improving earlier closings, but if cus- changing the tourist season, er. Branson continues to see a and by exemplary leadership amusement industry safety tomers are on property, they Bigfoot Fun Park uses the off- stream of visitors during the in influencing others to pro- through leadership in edu- ensure they have a good time. season as prep time to keep fall with the change of color mote innovation and best prac- cation. AIMS International and boasts a busy Christmas tices in the area of safety. provides training classes and season. Even when kids aren’t Nominations for the 2018 certification programs for ride the core market as in the sum- AIMS Safety Award can be sub- inspectors, operations, aquat- mer, the facility still finds visi- mitted by individuals working ics and maintenance person- tors over a wide age range. within the amusement industry. nel through the annual AIMS The property can continue The winner will be selected by Safety Seminar and at other ride operations until temper- a vote of AIMS International’s venues throughout the year. atures drop below freezing. board of directors, and the The 2019 AIMS Safety Seminar Bigfoot on the Strip plans to award will be presented during will be held in Galveston, keep year-round daily opera- Amusement Today’s presentation Texas, Jan. 13-18, 2019. tions. “Just being realistic of the Golden Ticket Awards at AIMS also serves to inform about what you have to offer Silver Dollar City in Branson, its members on legislative and the people you will be serving Mo., on Saturday, Sept. 8. other issues relating to the during the shoulder season The deadline for nomi- amusement industry. For more should be your expectation,” nations is Friday, July 6. information about the award said Hamilton. Information on the AIMS Safety and about AIMS, and for other Award and official nomina- AIMS-related news, please visit New for the 2018 sea- tion forms can be found on the the website below and see page son, a new attraction, Bigfoot AIMS website at aimsintl.org/ 45 of this issue. Discovery Expedition, uti- aa-safetyaward.asp. Requests •aimsintl.org lizes five 4x4 Safari trucks for 90-minute excursions off Jim Seay (left) property. Each vehicle trans- and Karen ports 28 passengers to Bigfoot Oertley (right) Farms in search of Bigfoot. present the Guests are loaded at the main 2017 AIMS park and taken 15 minutes International north of town to a 430-acre Safety Award farmland. “The cool thing is to Har Kupers that within minutes of leav- during the 2017 ing the property you feel Golden Ticket like you are in the middle Awards. of nowhere,” said Hamilton. AT/DAN FEICHT “You spend about an hour driving through the Ozark scenery; it’s beautiful.” Vermont passes new ride inspection Once onsite, guests inter- act with Scottish Highland regulation law referencing ASTM Cattle. The hairy, long-horned MONPELIER, Vt. — On May 29, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott cattle are docile and can be fed signed bill H.780 into law. Among other industry-related from the trucks. It is where regulations, it requires annual inspection of both fixed and Bigfoot “sightings” are most mobile rides operating in the state. apt to happen. The new law references ASTM standards, making The facility offers various Vermont the sixth New England state to adopt them. packages. Hamilton believes For more information about the regulations, which are the average length of stay to scheduled to take effect July 1, 2019, please review the bill’s Bigfoot Fun Park is three and full text at the website below. a half to four hours. •legislature.vermont.gov •bigfootfunpark.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Efteling utilizes VR to make dark ride accessible to disabled Mix of technologies works to preserve the valuable shared-experience preserves valuable nature of a traditional theme shared experience park attraction. Virtual Droomvlucht connects dis- AT: Dean Lamanna abled visitors with their [email protected] friends on the ride through headphones and micro- KAATSHEUVEL, phones so that they may see, Netherlands — Efteling feel and communicate the theme park, located in same sensations. the south of Holland, has The combination of VR, launched a virtual reality multisensory effects and (VR) version of one of its wireless audio technologies, Specially trained park employees outfit guests for Virtual Droomvlucht, a VR version of the most popular attractions, and the experience it delivers popular dark ride that allows disabled visitors to share the experience with their family and a fantasy dark ride called to disabled guests, represents friends who have boarded the attraction wearing wireless audio equipment. Droomvlucht. The experi- a breakthrough solution that COURTESY EFTELING ence is designed specifically is unique in the industry. for disabled guests. “Until now, VR has Droomvlucht. Her response For technical reasons, often been used for individ- to the VR version of the Droomvlucht was the only ual experiences,” said Fons attraction was enthusiastic. large attraction at Efteling Jurgens, park president and “I’ve been looking for- that could not be enjoyed CEO. “With the use of other ward to the day that I could safely by guests with physi- techniques such as audio experience Droomvlucht cal limitations. The virtu- equipment, we have creat- for 25 years,” Verbunt said. al incarnation of the ride, ed a group experience that “Virtual Droomvlucht really which is set in an enchanted completely stands in line is a complete sensory expe- forest filled with magical with Efteling and the theme rience, thanks to the smell flora, fauna and inhabitants, park’s values.” and wind effects and also the places them comfortably Visitor reaction has been contact with my friends who within the experience adja- very favorable. are on the gondola. cent to the actual attraction Annemarie Verbunt, a “I am so happy to be able through the use of VR and regular Efteling guest, has a to experience this. What a other technologies. disability that made it impos- beautiful attraction!” The replication also sible for her to experience •efteling.com 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018

SAFETY U.S. increases H-2B temporary MARKET PLACE visa availability by 15,000 WASHINGTON, D.C. — businesses it needs to be In the FY 2018 Omnibus, In late May, U.S. Secretary of reformed,” Secretary Nielsen Congress delegated its author- Homeland Security Kirstjen said. “I call on Congress to ity to the Secretary to increase M. Nielsen announced that pass much needed reforms of the number of temporary an additional 15,000 H-2B the program and to expressly nonagricultural worker visas temporary nonagricultural set the number of H-2B visas available to U.S. employers worker visas will be available in statute.” through Sept. 30. In the inter- for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) to The H-2B temporary non- vening time since enactment assist American businesses. agricultural worker program of the FY 2018 Omnibus, the Secretary Nielsen deter- was designed to serve U.S. Secretary consulted with the mined there are not sufficient, businesses unable to find a Secretary of Labor on the qualified, U.S. workers avail- sufficient number of qualified issue and developed this rule. able to perform temporary U.S. workers to perform non- Eligible petitioners for non-agriculture labor to sat- agricultural work of a tem- H-2B visas can file Form I-129, AUXEL SRL ― ITALY – TEL +39 0444.653211 – WWW.AUXELRIDES.COM isfy the needs of businesses porary nature. Congress set Petition for a Nonimmigrant in FY18. This allocation is in the annual H-2B visa cap at Worker. Eligible petitioners addition to the 66,000 visas 66,000. A maximum of 33,000 must submit a supplemen- already issued this year. H-2B visas are available dur- tal attestation on Form ETA Secretary Nielsen made ing the first half of the fis- 9142-B-CAA-2 with their peti- the decision after consult- cal year, and the remainder, tion. ing with Secretary of Labor including any unused H-2B Details on eligibility and Alexander Acosta, members visas from the first half of that filing requirements were to be of Congress and business fiscal year, is available start- available on the Increase in owners. ing April 1 through Sept. 30. H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas “The limitations on H-2B On Feb. 27, U.S. for FY 2018 webpage, which visas were originally meant Citizenship and Immigration is to be published at the link to protect American workers, Services determined that it below when the final tempo- but when we enter a situa- had received sufficient H-2B rary rule is posted for public tion where the program unin- petitions to meet the full FY inspection. tentionally harms American 2018 statutory cap of 66,000. •uscis.gov E.U. General Data Protection Regulation goes into effect EUROPEAN UNION — The new E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was activated on May 25. The regulation is intended to standardize and strengthen data protection rights for citizens of the 28 coun- tries that comprise the European Union. GDPR applies to all companies, regard- less of size, that process personal data with the help of computers and smartphones. It also applies to unions and associations, as they use membership lists, contribution accounts and mailing lists to process personal association, you may, for example, process data. the contact data of the members to inform Some key regulation points: them about the news of the association, send •You must erase a person’s stored data them bills or invite them to general meetings. immediately if he or she so wishes, unless it is The processing of this data is then earmarked. against legal retention requirements. For further purposes, you may process per- •You must share with the person whose sonal data only with the (written) consent of data you have stored where and for what pur- the person concerned. pose you are saving the data and indicate the Companies and associations must be able date on which you use the data. It is therefore to demonstrate compliance with all data pro- advisable to prepare data documentation. tection principles at the request of the GDPR •The data must be up to date and correct supervisory authority. In addition, any per- in terms of content and factual accuracy. The son from whom the company or association person whose data you have stored has a processes data may request access to the right to have their data updated immediately stored data. if outdated. There are other technical and organiza- •You may only collect and process as tional measures that must be undertaken much data as you actually need, and only or considered, and particularly for website store it for the period in which you need the administrators and the language in their data: For example, if a member leaves your privacy policies, GDPR’s impact may extend Keep our amusement park industry strong! association, you must delete his or her data. well beyond the E.U.’s borders. For more •You may only process the data for the information, visit the website below. Buy products and services from these suppliers. purpose for which you collected it. As an •europa.eu July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

IAFE holds 50th annual Management SAFETY Conference in Minnesota; 122 attend MARKETPLACE MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — the South Florida Fair, West The International Association Palm Beach; Elena Hovagimian of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) of the Eastern States held its 50th annual IAFE Exposition (The Big E), West Management Conference at the Springfield, Mass.; Lauri King Hilton Minneapolis April 7-10. of the Big Fresno Fair, Calif.; Hosted by the Minnesota Lori Marshall of the Grand State Fair, the event was attend- National Livestock Exposition, ed by 122 fair leaders from The conference also pro- Horse Show and Rodeo, Daly across the industry. The theme: vided networking and focused City, Calif.; Miranda Muir “Impressions That Last.” topic discussions along with of the Kissimmee Valley Keynote speaker Shawn the awarding of Certified Fair Livestock Show and Osceola Rhodes of Shoshin Consulting Executive (CFE) status to eight County Fair, Fla.; Aaron Owen delivered a presentation individuals. of the Ozark Empire Fair, titled “Changing the Guard: The CFE status recipi- Springfield, Mo.; and Daryl Preparing for Successful ents were Kelly Collins of the Real of the State Fair of Texas, Leadership Transition.” State Fair of West Virginia, Dallas. Rhodes, a war correspondent Lewisburg; Matthew Daly of —B. Derek Shaw commissioned by the U.S. government to study high- performing teams, shared JW Winco offers zinc die-cast flat what he learned about how adjustable tension levers the most successful organiza- tions prepare for transitioning their senior leaders and getting incoming leaders up to speed. Dr. Logan Spector, based at the University of Minnesota and founder of the school’s Driven to Discover Research Facility on the state fairgrounds, shared his work as an epidemiologist. Using the 2017 edition of the fair as a research New Berlin, Wisc.-based JW Winco, Inc., a leading supplier platform, Spector conducted of standard industrial machine components, now offers GN 36 different health-related and 126 and GN 126.1 zinc die-cast flat adjustable tension levers other studies involving some (shown) in steel and stainless steel, with a tapped or plain-bore 18,000 fair attendees of all ages. insert or threaded stud. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous A top-line overview Substances Directive)-compliant flat adjustable levers are of what it takes to host the characterized by their low height. Designed for whenever Super Bowl was presented swiveling in a confined space is required or the lever is to be by Maureen Bausch, CEO clamped in a particular position, the insert or threaded stud is of the Super Bowl LII Host moveably attached to the handle with serrations. Pulling the Committee. Breakout sessions lever disengages the serrations, allowing it to be swiveled to were conducted by host com- the desired clamping position; on “releasing” the handle, the mittee staffers on topics such serrations re-engage automatically via a spring. as social media, security and COURTESY JW WINCO volunteers.

Keep our amusement park industry strong! Buy products and services from these suppliers. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 LaserTag360 addresses needs of laser tag operations AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — After receiving so many of the same questions over and over again from their clients, management of Creative Works, a company that designs laser tag arenas as well as other attractions, decided to create and present an educational event as an aid to a successful and ef- said Danny Gruening, vice ficient laser tag attraction. president of marketing. "The Creative Works, Indianapolis, Ind., which designs laser tag arenas among other attractions, be- Called LaserTag360 and event has evolved quite a bit gan presenting LaserTag360 in 2011 as an educational tool for laser tag facility operators. The first presented in 2011, Cre- over the years. Our team pro- company presents three a year in Indianapolis with the next one coming up Aug. 6-8. The edu- ative Works has presented this vides the bulk of what attend- cational event includes classroom instruction and hands-on sessions. COURTESY CREATIVE WORKS event three times every year ees learn, but we also include since. The events are tradi- professionals from other facets tionally held in February, May of the industry such as food Some of the specific top- theming and building of the existing laser tag operators and August, all in Indianapo- and beverage, group sales and ics discussed during the event, interior of the attraction," Gru- and new operators. The vast lis, where Creative Works is marketing." which lasts two and a half ening said. "While the exterior majority of attendees are as- based. The next LaserTag360 is Gruening attributed the days, include real estate nego- walls of the attraction are be- sociated with family enter- set for Aug. 6-8. increased attendance to the tiations; site design; business ing constructed and electrical tainment centers, whether the "For the last year and company's savviness in mar- plan keys; funding qualifica- is being put in, we are in our venue is a trampoline facility, a half, we have sold out of keting the event as well as to tions; attraction mix; market- factory fabricating all the in- a bowling alley or any other the between 45 and 50 avail- a general increase of interest in ing methods and mediums; side of the arena that fit into type of combination center. able spaces for each event," laser tag. guest management; mainte- that black box." A trend Gruening and nance checklists; social mar- Gruening said they do Creative Works management keting insights; operational recommend to all their clients has been seeing is the increase guidelines; leadership skills; that they attend LaserTag360. among their clients looking for staff training and website keys "We have found that peo- the wow effect. and development. ple get more out of this two "The level of theming has Laser tag arenas were the and a half days than they do increased significantly over first products built by Creative from months of research," he the last five to seven years, Works. They are still construct- said. "The completion of our such as how many props, the ing them today. But over the program gives attendees 16 size of murals, just every- years, the company has added credit hours toward any In- thing," Gruening said. "Mil- more to their line of attractions, ternational Association of lennials have really upped this such as indoor black light min- Amusement Parks and At- as they are a group that value iature golf, escape rooms and tractions certification." experience." virtual reality attractions. LaserTag360 attendances •thewoweffect.com "Our company does all the are split about 50/50 between •lasertag360.com July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45

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] Early registration opens in July! The 2019 AIMS Safety Seminar will be held Jan. OABA (Outdoor Amusement Business day seminar was held in Bogota, Colombia, on May 13-18 in Galveston, Texas, at the Galveston Island Association) offers four scholarships to the AIMS 21-22 prior to ACOLAP’s annual event. In addition to Convention Center at the San Luis Resort. AIMS has Safety Seminar for OABA members who are first-time Franceen and Tim, local instructors included Andres secured a special discounted hotel rate for attendees, Safety Seminar attendees. One of these scholarships Vanegas of Carruseles, Oscar Rodriguez from Mundo $115 per night at the adjacent Galveston Hilton. As is dedicated in memory of June Hardin, owner of Aventura, Sebastian Jaramillo and individuals from those who attended the 2018 seminar know, the set- Wapello Fabrications, who strived for quality, safety Salitre Magico. The seminar was a great success with ting is perfect for the AIMS Safety Seminar, with all and ASTM standards throughout her career. OABA registration at capacity. classes being held in one central area, a great hotel members can contact [email protected] for more infor- in the beautiful San Luis Resort, plenty of nearby mation and AIMS scholarship applications. Upcoming events places to eat and shop, plus the added attraction All AIMS Safety Seminar scholarships cover the The AIMS International Annual Board Meeting of Galveston’s Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn $595 tuition fee, which includes class materials, an will be held on Sept. 6, prior to the 2018 Golden Waterpark nearby. opening reception, all lunches and breaks, and 40 Ticket Awards, presented by Amusement Today, at The seminar is a must attend for both operators hours of continuing education credit. Additional fees Silver Dollar City. We encourage and appreciate and manufacturers and suppliers who need to stay for testing and certification and travel expenses are input on what AIMS can do to support our mission to abreast on the latest trends and topics surrounding not included. improve amusement industry safety through leader- the industry’s #1 priority worldwide — SAFETY. ship in education. Names of all AIMS board of direc- AIMS International news tors can be found on our website. Scholarships are available! In accord with AIMS mission to improve amuse- The AIMS International Safety Award will be Thanks to the generosity of two great industry ment industry safety through leadership in education, presented during the Golden Ticket Awards on Sept. associations, scholarships to the AIMS Safety Seminar AIMS recently partnered with ACOLAP (Asociación 8, aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. The award are available to qualified individuals. Colombiana de Atracciones y Parques de Diversiones) will be presented to an individual or organization that IAAPA (International Association of Amusement to offer a 16-hour AIMS on the Road program on the demonstrates leadership, innovation and foresight in Parks and Attractions) provides five scholarships to Fundamentals of Safety, Operations, Maintenance, improving safety in the amusement industry. the AIMS Safety Seminar in memory of Alan Ramsay and Inspection. Under the direction of AIMS’s who was an avid industry supporter and safety advo- Franceen Gonzales and Tim Viox with assistance from From all of us at AIMS, enjoy your summer and cate. Applications can be found on the AIMS website Rick Achard, and local instructor Andrés Vanegas of stay SAFE! at www.aimsintl.org. Carruseles working on behalf of ACOLAP, the two- Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018 Morey’s Piers hosts rope-rescue training CALENDAR WILDWOOD, N.J. — On 2018 May 9-10, members of the PAPA Summer Meeting, July 17-18 Morey’s Piers maintenance Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, Pa. team, along with the Cape www.paamusementparks.com May County RUST Team • (Regional Urban Search Team) NEAAPA 105th Anniversary Summer Meeting, July 24 Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco, Maine and trainers from Safety & www.neaapa.com or email: [email protected] Survival Training, LLC, con- • ducted rope-rescue simula- Euro Attractions Expo, Sept. 23-27 tions from elevated rides on Conference: Sept. 23-27 • Trade Show: Sept. 25-27 Mariner’s Pier at Schellenger Amsterdam, Netherlands • www.iaapa.org Ave. and the Boardwalk. • Among the rides used International Association of Trampoline Parks in the training was the Sea 6th Annual Conference & Trade Show Serpent, a 1984 Vekoma boo- Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. • www.indoortrampolineparks.org merang coaster. • Maggie Warner, spokes- IAAPA Operators Fourm 2018, Oct. 2-4 woman for Morey’s Piers, Six Flags The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom told Amusement Today that it Lake George, N.Y. is “very beneficial” for the Members of the Morey’s Contact: Liderby Gladden, Manager Global Education IAAPA seaside amusement park com- Piers maintenance team, the www.iaapa.org or email: [email protected] pany to be involved in such • Cape May County Regional training. World Waterpark Assn. Urban Search Team and “Safety is our number-one Oct. 23-26 • Trade Show: Oct. 24 & 25 trainers from Safety & Sur- priority at Morey’s Piers, and Las Vegas, Nev. • (913) 599-0300 • www.waterparks.org vival Training, LLC, gathered • we want to be proactive when at the Sea Serpent roller Parks and Carnivals Education (PACE) it comes to safety,” Warner coaster on Mariners Pier in Amusement Ride Safety Seminar said. “It is important to have Wildwood, N.J., on May 9 Oct. 29-Nov. 1, York, Pa. a great working relationship for rope-rescue simulations. (Classroom training at Wyndham Garden York; with the first responders in A dummy was lowered from hands-on training at Majestic Midways our community, because in the the ride’s structure as part of Winter Quarters, Dover, Pa.) event of an emergency at our the exercise. www.paceseminar.com • park, we will be relying on COURTESY MOREY'S PIERS them for assistance. We want Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar to know that they’ve had the Nov. 6-8, Red Lion Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. proper training and are well skill enhancement and experi- practice real-life rescue tech- Joe Filoramo, (717) 215-4316 • Phil Slaggert, (561) 758-3266 www.paridesafety.com prepared.” ence to an established team of niques in real time. • The hands-on, 16-hour rescue technicians in an envi- The two-day training was IAAPA Attractions Expo, Nov. 12-16 training — led by Chief Daniel ronment reflecting the real- just one of many such events Conference: Nov. 12-16 • Trade Show: Nov. 13-16 Speigel of the Wildwood Fire ity of potential emergencies. in which associates of Morey’s Orlando, Fla. • (703) 836-4800 •www.iaapa.org Dept. (RUST team leader) Those attending the training Piers participate throughout • and Geoff Rogers, COO of had the opportunity to work the year. IAFE Annual Convention Morey’s Piers — provided together, ask questions and —Dean Lamanna Nov. 25-28 • San Antonio, Texas (417) 862-5771 • iafeconvention.com Bissell products keep FEC floors clean, dry, safe 2019 AIMS International 2019 Safety Seminar Jan. 13-18, 2019 San Luis Resort and Hilton Hotel (Classes at Galveston Convention Center) Galveston, Texas • (714) 425-5747 • www.aimsinlt.org • NAARSO 2019 Safety Fourm Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, 2019• Myrtle Beach, S.C. Kings Plantation Hilton, Myrtle Beach Hands-on ride training at Broadway at the Beach (813) 661-2779 • email: [email protected] www.naarso.com • IISF Trade Show Feb. 5-8, 2019 • Riverview, Fla. • (813) 677-9377 www.gibtownshowmensclub.com • IRT/iROC Operations Safety Training School Feb. 5-8, 2019 • Foley, Ala., The Park at OWA (615) 545-8109 • [email protected] Hands-on ride operations training at The Park at OWA Bissell BigGreen Commercial products are designed for heavy-duty cleanup jobs in family • entertainment centers, arcades, theme parks, parking lots and other public places. At AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo 2019 Amusement Expo International 2018 in Las Vegas earlier this year, Tony Perry, a Bissell Conference: March 26, 2019 • Trade Show: March 27 & 28 sales representative, demonstrated the strength of the company’s battery-operated Las Vegas Convention Center, (Hall TBA) Las Vegas, Nev. • (708) 226-1300 indoor-outdoor Power Sweeper, which can pick up larger and wet debris including cans www.amusementexpo.org and plastic bottles. Also noteworthy is Bissell’s fan-equipped, cordless Hurricone floor • dryer, which doubles as a safety cone while drying an area up to 15 feet in diameter. For Have a Calender listing you want to share? more information, visit bissellcommercial.com. AT/DEAN LAMANNA, GARY SLADE Email it to: [email protected] July 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 THIS JUST IN Rethink Leisure to plan Nickelodeon park in China BURBANK, Calif. — Design agency Rethink Leisure & CLASSIFIEDS Entertainment, LLC, an international subsidiary of Dubai- based Al Ahli Holding Group, has been awarded the design and master planning contract for China-based Elite Global AUCTION FOR SALE Group, Ltd.’s Nickelodeon theme park, a major part of the Foshan Cultural and Ecological Coastal Park. Moser Flipping Action Arm P/M.....$99,000 Rethink will provide a full suite of design services for the Chance Century Wheel P/M.....$199,000 $1.85 billion project, including master planning, park design, attraction development and IP selection in coordination with Chance Pharoahs Fury T/M..... $550,000 Elite Global Group and Nickelodeon. Rethink also will work Wisdom Tornado T/M...... $139,000 closely with its partners on an extensive and immersive Tivoli Orbiter T/M...... $399,000 Nickelodeon experience featuring popular television characters 2010 ARM Vertigo T/M...... 400,000 such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer and more. ARM Happy Viking T/M...... $89,000 The 250-acre Nickelodeon-themed project will be a central Kolinski Slide T/M...... $39,000 feature of the 750-acre Foshan Cultural and Ecological Coastal Zamperla Tea Cup T/M...... $49,000 Park, a master-planned environment encompassing cultural, 2016 KMG Freak Out T/M.... $725,000 tourism, sports and science / technology components. Ground- breaking took place last January; completion of the greater Zamperla Power Surge T/M.....$299,000 development is anticipated between 2020 and 2021. Zamperla Shocker T/M...... $250,000 •rethinkle.com Expo Wheel T/M...... $299,000 L.A.’s Magic Castles, China’s Novaex Group partner LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Magic Castles, Inc. (MCI), and Call Len or John China-based Novaex Group have partnered to create a tech- OPPORTUNITY (908) 526-8009 nically cutting-edge magic experience for Chinese audiences, FAX: (908) 526-4535 blending the mystery of the iconic Hollywood institution The www.Rides4U.com Magic Castle with the rich tradition of magic in China. MCI has granted Novaex the exclusive license to use the IP of The Magic Castle in themed entertainment projects, such as indoor and outdoor entertainment centers, hotels and restaurants in the territory of Greater China (including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). The deal marks the first time ever MCI has licensed its brand internationally, with the first Magic Castle-themed proj- CLASSIFIED ADS ect being developed for Novaex’s offline internet community brand “The Circle,” which integrates a five-star hotel resort, rec- Ride Maintenance Management $20 minimum, reation, catering, natural scenery, luxury shopping and immersive entertainment deploying a full range of smart technology Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, a regional theme up to 30 words (including VR, augmented reality, mixed reality, 3D and holo- park in Louisville, Kentucky with 38 rides (including 5 gram projection). roller coasters) and 19 water park attractions, is seeking a ($1 per additional •magiccastle.com Director for our Technical Services Department. word) Qualifications include: Ability to troubleshoot and repair various mechanical systems, ● Soar with the future of flight including pneumatic and hydraulic systems as well as gearboxes, DISPLAY AD: $50 per power transmission components, conveyor systems, and pumps. at Space Center Houston Knowledge of industry standards and procedures. ● column inch At least 10 years of experience as a maintenance tech. in the amusement ● industry. (a 1-point rule will Ability to create and maintain accurate records of work performed. ● Ability to work nights, weekends and holiday periods. appear around ad) ● Ability to pass drug screening. ● Responsibilities include: Due the 10th of the Supervisor a staff of 30, including ride maintenance personnel, ● electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. month prior to Identify and order required parts/materials in a timely manner to ● complete maintenance tasks. issue date Monitor and direct ride maintenance activities (installation, repair, and ● inspection). Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, requirements ● and best practices. Manage staff in a professional, respectful and effective manner. ● Evaluate staff and issue correctives as necessary. Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff per company policies ● Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to date maintenance records. Using motion-sensing technology to manipulate their ● Analyze department budget versus actual performance and adjust ● avatars, visitors at Space Center Houston in Texas can accordingly. transform their bodies into virtual birds. The informative, Implement safety, security, and loss prevention policies to promote ● on-the-fly fun is part of new summer exhibit called ride safety and maximize ride availability. “Above and Beyond,” running through Sept. 9. Presented Benefits include: by Boeing and made possible locally by Coca-Cola, the Excellent pay (commensurate with industry experience). ● exhibit explores the advances in aviation and aerospace Paid health, dental, and vision insurance. ● Paid vacation, personal time off, and sick leave. from the first powered flights to the latest innovations ● Extended holiday break. on Earth and in space. Learn more about Space Center ● Call Sammy Houston and its 400-plus edutainment-angled things to experience at spacecenter.org. Qualified candidates send resume to: (817) 460-7220 COURTESY SPACE CENTER HOUSTON [email protected] 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2018