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TM www.amusementtoday.com JULY 2013 BONUS SECTION B $25 million investment on 15 acres by Arie family Orlando’s Fun Spot America opens to record numbers STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] ORLANDO, Fla. — A re- freshing ‘David’ vs. ‘Goliath’ powerplay was initiated in cen- tral Florida this spring when Fun Spot America on Interna- tional Drive unveiled its $25 mil- lion expansion that offers area visitors — and local residents — an affordable alternative to the giant theme parks orbiting

the city. In celebration of Fun Spot’s The new $15 million 15th anniversary, a Grand Re- Fun Spot America has a Opening was held on Saturday, collection of thrill rides June 8, 2013. Florida Congress- including, clockwise man Daniel Webster, local offi- from top left: Free- cials and other local celebrities dom Flyer (Chance/ gathered for the ribbon cutting ); White Light- that included free entertain- ning (Great Coasters); ment, food and prize offerings. Underway since September Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson); 2012, the expansion enlarges the Rip Curl (Wisdom) and park from five to 15 acres and in the foreground the features two family roller coast- Double Decker Carou- ers, a , three new sel (Chance) and the thrill rides, a new 45-foot-tall, 250 foot tall Skycoaster multi-level go-cart track along (Skycoaster/Ride Enter- with a new food court, new tick- tainment). et booth, additional parking and AT/GARY SLADE rest rooms. Fun Spot hired 100 new employees for this expan- to go with a bowling alley, an sonal fact-finding experience. sion, and more than 150 people FEC, a theme park or a water- “The IAAPA show was one of were hired by the local general park. We looked around, talked the resources we had but the contractor, H.J. High Construc- with a lot of people in IAAPA beauty of the Golden Tickets tion of Winter Park, Fla. for the and ultimately decided to stay was a smaller presentation that construction of the new park. with the small park atmosphere offers a much more intimate ... like Knoebels. We traveled involvement with the people Fun Spot’s around the country talking to there. We went to several parks When asked about the gen- hundreds of people at about 30 over the last three or four years esis of the current Fun Spot different parks. It was a process, during the Golden Tickets” said expansion, John Arie, Sr., Fun a collaboration with people who Arie. “It was invaluable to do Spot’s owner and CEO, explains were knowledgeable and edu- this and talk to the people run- what led him and his family to cated in the industry. We took a ning these places. I’m really develop this property. “When lot of what we learned and put it looking forward to the Golden we bought the property two and into what we’ve got here.” Tickets event at Santa Cruz this half years ago, we really didn’t Aire also made sure to men- year. We’ve gone to Dollywood, have a master plan on how to ex- tion that attending AT’s Golden and Holiday World was an eye- pand. We had to make the deci- Ticket Awards Ceremonies has opening experience. It was all sion on whether we were going provided him with a more per- 4See AMERICA, page 2B 2B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013 AMERICA Continued from page 1B valuable, the time we spent at those parks.”

Coasters are big draw When Fun Spot embarked on its recent expansion, officials made a wise decision to make sure roller coasters were a major part of the plan. “When I start- ed Fun ‘n Wheels on I-Drive in 1978, I never expected I would be having a 15 acre park with roller coasters just up the street,” said Arie. “But I knew that roller coasters would take our parks to a new level.” And they certainly have. Opened this past June are two The Fun Spot America expansion represents a $25 million family-friendly roller coasters: investment in the Orlando park that is now home to two family White Lightning, an amazing roller coasters, the second tallest Skycoaster ever built and a new wooden coaster designed mix of other family rides. and built by Pennsylvania-based COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA Great Coasters International, Inc. (see story on page 10B), and lizes Vekoma’s comfortable new they have ever met. In fact, he Freedom Flyer, a family sus- restraint system, accommodates mounted a Statue of Liberty on pended coaster. 20 riders per circuit. top of the new and only double The $5 million Freedom On hand for the festivities decker Americana Flyer is the result of a partner- was Charlotte, Vekoma account manufactured to date as soon as ship between and manager, sales & marketing. installation was complete. Vekoma Rides International. The “Hats off for the expansion and “Fun Spot’s new Freedom majority of the coaster, mainly opening festivities at Fun Spot!” Flyer is a perfect fit for the en- the supports, track and controls, said Van Etten. “The Freedom tire family. A suspended fam- were all produced in the U.S. Flyer coaster is the fifth in a row ily coaster that offers the rush by Chance Rides at that manu- of this new design suspended of a much larger coaster, while facturer’s facilities in Wichita, family coaster, following earlier allowing small children and Kansas. The ride’s sleek and successful installations in Mov- the more cautious adults to en- comfortable train came from Ve- iepark Germany; , joy. The hanging seats create a koma. Oklahoma City; Grönalund Swe- smooth ride while creating the Sporting an eye-catching den; Farup in Denmark and now illusion that you truly are fly- blue-and-yellow color scheme, Fun Spot. Parks are delighted ing. This is the first coaster - ex Freedom Flyer was intention- having this coaster in their park perience for most of the younger ally placed over the midway so and guests just love it. Fun Spot children due to reduced height The Schwarzkopf , above, was brought to the park that even spectators are offered is a real family business and they requirements. Now parents from and outfitted with a impressive a thrill as riders soar through have translated this family feel- don’t have to split up the four LED light package from Denny’s Electronics. IRM brokered the coaster’s sinuous twists and ing very well into their park.” and five-year-olds; everyone can the ride deal. Rides 4U located this Miler Sea Seapent from turns just above their heads. Angus Jenkins, North ride! The perfect match for Fun ’s Castaway Cove. After climbing a lift hill American sales for Chance Rides Spot’s client demographic. The AT/GARY SLADE that tops out at 65 feet, Free- extols the suspended coaster’s Freedom Flyer was made in the dom Flyer’s 10-car train begins appeal: “Freedom Flyer is aptly U.S.A. by Chance Rides under its graceful flight, gliding along named as anyone who has met license of Vekoma,” said Jenkins. the 1,296-foot-long course at 34 John Arie would agree ... he is Regarding the new coasters, mph. The single train, which uti- one of the most patriotic people 4See AMERICA, page 4B

Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. To order extra copies of this Bonus Section call (817) 460-7220. The entire contents of this Bonus Section are copyrighted 2013 by Amusement Today, Inc.

Amusement Today would like to thank John Arie, Sr., and the entire staff at Fun Spot America for their help with information used in this section. Bonus Section Staff: Gary Slade, Scott Rutherford, Stacey Childress, Sue Nichols, Dean Lamanna, Terry Lind, Sammy Piccola JULY 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3B

P O BOX 638 • Plainview, Texas 79072 (806) 293-1353 • www.larsonintl.com

Fire Ball

Flying ScootersTM Tilt-A-Whirl TM 4B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013 AMERICA we totally reinforced the first team again to produce the first vendors,” said Arie. “Wisdom FAST FACTS 200 feet of lattice structure; we Tilt-A-Whirl with all LED light- has their own LEDs. The Tilt- Continued from page 2B actually doubled its strength to ing. Fun Spot chose vibrant A-Whirl from Larson and our what it was in Las Vegas. It can colors and designed spectacular refurbished Schwarzkopf En- Name/Park perhaps John Arie Jr., Fun Spot’s Freedom Flyer/ now withstand winds up to 140 graphics.” terprise our both outfitted with Fun Spot America television spokesman and COO, mph.” The other rides brought to LEDs from Denny’s Electronics. Orlando, Fla. said it best of all: “These are Just as with the Skycoaster, Fun Spot as part of the expan- They are all absolutely beautiful two great coasters, both built in it was important for John Arie sion include a new Rip Curl at night.” Type America. You get great airtime and his family to choose Ameri- from Colorado-based Wisdom Arie and his team worked Family Suspended Coaster with the wooden coaster, and (Tallest of it’s kind in the U.S.) ca-made products for the major- Rides. This custom-designed closely with a number of ven- it’s so smooth. The steel coaster ity of their ride package. “Com- Himalaya-style ride features a dors and key suppliers to bring leaves your feet dangling and Height/Length ing out of the recession, we felt surfer theme and is housed in its the Fun Spot project to fruition. 65 feet/1,296 feet you soar over people’s heads as it was our obligation to buy own permanent enclosure. An Chief among these are: Mid- they walk through the park. It’s American as opposed to over- impressive sound system and way Games, a joint venture with Drop/ / cool.” seas. When choosing our rides lighting package make this ride Bob’s Space Racers; American Maximum Banking we tried to keep every thing popular with teenagers. Specialty (insurance provider); 39 feet/34 mph/ Skycoaster, other rides 55 degrees as American as possible. We In a deal brokered by IRM, ColorVision (ride photo pro- offer diverse thrills wanted bright, flashy rides that a Schwarzkopf/ Enter- vider); Core Cashless (point of Height Restriction While the two roller coast- people could enjoy. We already prise was purchased, relocated sale provider); Irvine Ondrey 36 inches with a ers are obvious attention-grab- had a and a Scram- from Six Flags Over Georgia Engineering (wood coaster safe- 48 inch tall rider bers so are the other new attrac- bler. Last year we bought [from and refurbished before finding ty system); Denny’s Electronics tions, which are aimed squarely Chance] the world’s only Amer- a new home at Fun Spot. While (LED light systems) and Gold Train at thrill seeking families. icana-themed double carousel. formerly known as the Wheelie Medal Products (concession One, 10-car train seating First up is the 250-foot-tall 20 riders, supplied by Vekoma “We wanted proven, mid- in Georgia the ride retains its equipment). Rides Skycoaster (world’s second tall- dle-of-the road rides with good original name of Enterprise at its Once all is said and done, International est), which towers above every- capacity and reasonable costs. new home. what John Aire and his dedi- thing at Fun Spot. Supplied by That guided our decisions on For the younger set, Fun cated family have created at Fun Safety Controls Skycoaster, Inc. and Ride Enter- which rides to buy,” said Arie. Spot worked with Rides 4U to Spot is something quite extraor- Chance Rides Mfg. tainment Group, this particular Also new this season at Fun acquire the Sea Serpent, a Miler dinary. This is especially sig- unit first thrilled riders in Las Supplier Spot is the first new Tilt-A-Whirl kiddie coaster that was relocated nificant considering the park’s Chance Rides Inc. (Wichita, Kan.) Vegas at MGM Grand Adven- produced by Larson Interna- from Playland’s Castaway Cove location within one of the most under license with Vekoma Rides tures (1996-2001) before being tional since acquiring the exclu- in Ocean City, N.J. The joins Fun competitive amusement indus- International refurbished and upgraded. sive manufacturing rights from Spot’s arsenal of rides geared for try environments in the world. (Vlodrop, AB, ) “We kept the original green Sellner Manufacturing. The at- the park’s smaller guests. “We provide people with a great lighting that was used at MGM tractive eight-car unit features Lighting up the rides was alternative, both the tourists Cost but we had to strengthen the $5. million the new low-slung carriages and important since the cooler night and the locals,” said Arie. “You arch before it could operate in brilliant illumination. hours can often bring some can come for a ride, or a couple —Source: Fun Spot America/ Florida,” explained John Arie. Larson’s Jeff Novotny com- of the larger crowds out for of hours or all day. People are Chance Rides/Vekoma “Because the wind load rating ments on the new Tilt: “It was an evening at Fun Spot. “We looking for those options, and has changed in the last ten years, great working with the Fun Spot bought LEDs from a number of for value.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO FUN SPOT AMERICA ORLANDO WITH THE SUCCESSFUL OPENING ON JUNE 8, 2013

SCHAAPWEG 18 6063 BA VLODROP THE NETHERLANDS TEL +31 (0)475 409222 FAX +31 (0)475 402115 WWW.VEKOMA.COM

13194 ADV Vekoma AT 254x165 Fun Spot CORR.indd 1 14-06-13 09:49 JULY 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5B 6B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013 Filling Central Florida’s need for mid-range amusements Fun Spot Attractions is a happy medium for owner John Arie, Sr. STORY: Dean Lamanna 15th birthday, included the Special to Amusement Today 2,000-foot-long White Light- ORLANDO, Fla. — John ning, Orlando’s first wooden Arie, Sr., is enjoying the ride coaster, and Freedom Flyer, a of his life. 1,200-foot-long steel suspend- Arie’s Central Florida ed coaster. Along with the company, Fun Spot Attrac- property’s current name — it tions, with free-admission was formerly known as Fun parks in Orlando and Kis- Spot Action Park — new park- simmee, has found a profit- ing and infrastructure are part able niche between the mega- of the package. (A waterpark theme park and the family is being eyed for a recently entertainment center (FEC) in purchased, vacant 10-acre par- family work in every depart- the region’s saturated amuse- cel that is part of the park’s to- ment from human resources ment market. Even while the tal acreage.) to arcade management. economy has seen more rises For Arie, 64, a Rocky An avid flying enthu- and dips than a SkyCoaster — Mountain, N.C., native who siast who also enjoys boat- an attraction that has helped moved to Central Florida in ing and fishing, Arie got the John Arie, Sr., president/owner of Fun Spot Attractions put Arie’s properties on the his teens and first entered the amusement spark when he amusement parks in Orlando and Kissimmee, has just com- map — Fun Spot has enjoyed industry as a $40-a-week go- first boarded the Paratrooper pleted a $25 million expansion of his Orlando operation, Fun growth every year for more kart track employee in 1968, ride at the Central Florida Spot America. He oversees more than 300 employees, who than decade. Fun Spot is very much a fam- in the mid-1960s. “The include many Arie family members. This season, Arie’s now- ily affair: son John is the com- sights, the smells — that ex- AT/GARY SLADE 25-acre Orlando park, Fun pany’s chief operating officer perience burned pleasure into two unique coasters — the icon and has really changed Spot America, is showcas- (and energetic TV pitchman), my mind,” he said. His main wooden out-and-back White the landscape of International ing its $25 million expansion while son Mark is in construc- pleasure these days is creating Lightning, from Great Coast- Drive. along International Drive. The tion and helped build the those memories in his guests, ers International, and the steel From a marketing stand- array of new rides officially in- park. Other members of the and he shared his thoughts on suspended Freedom Fighter point, who are you targeting? troduced on June 8, the park’s immediate and extended Arie doing just that with AT. by Vekoma — to be the head- We already enjoy about liners within our park. 60 percent of our attendance What was the impetus for We also found an used, from locals; we’re very strong tripling the size of your Or- 250-foot SkyCoaster in Las there. lando property? Vegas that was at the MGM We’d like to attract the The opening our eight- Grand Adventures for about teens and tweens, yet still acre park down in Kissimmee, 10 years before being taken keep the families. Family near Universal Studios Flori- down and put in storage for units, school groups — basi- da, which was a phenomenal another seven or eight. It’s be- cally, anybody who comes to business move. It gave us the come our centerpiece visual 4See ARIE, page 7B knowledge and helped create the vision that we could do a lot more in Orlando with more FAST FACTS than the five acres with which we originally started there. A quick look at John Arie’s park career and history: At first, we didn’t know whether we should go more •1969-1975: operated Lil’ 500 Mini Bike Track in to the FEC — with a bowling Maitland, Fla. alley and nighttime entertain- •1975-1976: operated Karts A Go Go in Ocean City, ment that seems to be preva- Md. lent everywhere — or expand •1976-1981: operated Little Wheels Go-Karts in Or- our . We lando, Fla., a single track with a unique “tummy tingler” chose the latter. hill How did you decide on •1979-1988: operated Fun ‘N Wheels amusement your new attractions? park operations in Orlando and Kissimmee, Fla., featur- I spent 2011, the year after ing the world’s first themed action parks with multiple our purchase of the additional tracks and rides acreage, traveling the country •1990-1998: operated Fun Spot Amusement Parks in my own airplane — I have in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Virginia Beach, Va. a Cessna 400 Corvalis 400 — •1996-Present: developed and operates Fun Spot Ac- to 30 or so amusement parks tion Park present location in Orlando, Fla. just off Inter- and riding about 50 roller national Drive, featuring multi-level tracks as its major coasters. I talked to hundreds attraction components plus 13 additional rides of personnel and key people •2004-Present: operates SkyCoaster of Florida, LLC throughout the parks about dba Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee, site of world’s tallest the positives and negatives. Skycoaster at 300 feet I came to the realization •2007: John Arie, Jr. (John’s son) named COO of Fun that, even with all these gi- Spot Attractions gantic, multi-multi-million- •2013: $25 million Orlando location expansion com- dollar coasters, it still seemed pleted in six month, on time and on budget, park re- like middle-of-the-road “fam- named Fun Spot America, site of world’s second tallest ily” attractions were the top Skycoaster at 250 feet money-grossers. Therefore, —Source: Fun Spot America we chose what we felt were JULY 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7B This AT archive photo of sion? us, isn’t it? (laughs) I cut my ARIE John Arie’s Fun ‘N Wheels Very well. We never saw a teeth in go-kart operations, so Continued from page 6B I-Drive location in Orlando decrease; in fact, 2012 was the a good go-kart track would shows his drive to seek out highest-gross, highest-at-prof- be my first choice. Number Central Florida for the major the hottest in family rides it year we ever experienced. two would be roller coast- attractions. being offered. Here is one We’re very pleased and feel ers. Number three would be Tourists in this region typ- of the first models of the tremendously blessed. classic amusement rides, like ically are here for a five-day Riptide, a wet/dry water- Did you encounter any the Himalaya and the Para- vacation, with two additional slide from Bill Crandall’s zoning issues with the Fun trooper. I remember as a kid traveling days. We want to get New Wave Rides. the wet/ Spot America expansion? going to the fair and riding them to give up one of those dry waterslide concept Zoning was not a prob- the Paratrooper, and thinking five days to come visit us. would explode on the scene lem. However, the bureau- it was the best experience in How are you accomplish- in the 1980’s. cratic hurdles were unbeliev- the world — never knowing ing that? AT FILE able. We had to redesign the or envisioning that I would With a business plan that entire project because of an someday own two Paratroop- has worked very well for 15 posite of that. No matter what people easement. And after we paid er rides. years — and that is, offering Our customers also like may think of the ads, they al- $300,000 for all our building What do you find most an inexpensive day out. We interactive rides, like bumper ways seem to remember them. permits and started working, satisfying about working in have free admission and park- boasts and go-karts, which of- Our marketing director, Mark another inspector came by this industry? ing. Mom and Dad don’t have fer a different ride experience Brisson, has done a great job and stopped us because we It’s fun, challenging and to pay when they come in; each time. for us. didn’t have a $50 tree-removal innovative. It’s kind of like the only participants will be pay- You’re known for your What was the total atten- permit. That kind of thing just last American cowboy indus- ing to participate. fun, down-home TV spots dance at your properties last goes on and on, and it’s frus- try, where you’ve got freedom Consistently, we’ve heard featuring Arie family mem- year? trating. to grow and do things. See- it said: “My kids enjoy com- bers. How has this casual pro- Since we have free admis- Has the expansion im- ing people are having fun is a ing here more than Disney motional approach worked sion and free parking, it’s re- pacted ticket prices? big reward, as is helping our or SeaWorld or Universal.” for you amid all the pricey ally hard to get an accurate Yes. We have two unlim- young, entry-level employees And that’s because in real- corporate amusement adver- count. But we do sporadic at- ited-ride pricing levels, adult grow and mature and under- ity, they’re doing more at Fun tising in Orlando? tendance surveys and estimate and child. They’re both gone stand management and moti- Spot America. At the high- We’re locally owned and that we get more than a half a up five dollars — from $35 to vation — and how to make a dollar parks, you wind up go- operated and aren’t interested million people a year in Orlan- $40 for the adult, and $25 to living doing something you ing on two, three, four rides, in doing slick television com- do and more than 700,000 in $30 for the child. Individual like to do. and if you really want to ride mercials. We’re a value prod- Kissimmee. We anticipate that ride prices have not gone up. Most of all, I’m creating more than that, then you have uct and we communicate that total rising to over two million What kinds of rides ap- something to turn over to my to pay for special treatment so in our ads, and we have a next year. peal to you personally? family, and their kids, when I that you can go to the front of laugh at ourselves in the pro- How did your operations It’s too simple to say the retire and die. I’m very thank- the line. (laughs) We’re the op- cess. hold up through the reces- ones that make money for ful for that.

on the addition to your park. CongratulationsThank you for including the Wisdom Rides Inc. Rip Curl in your expansion plans.

Vic, Mai, and Bryan Wisdom and all the Wisdom employees thank you for buying American!

Wisdom Rides Inc. • PO Box 238 Merino , CO 80741 • 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 • wisdomrides.com 8B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013

Industry suppliers turn out for FunSpot America’s opening

Above, Irvine Ondrey sup- plied the computer con- trolled safety system for Fun Spot America’s signature coaster White Lightning. Clockwise from top left and listed l to r: Jack Mendez, Bob’s Space Racers; Len Soled, Rides 4U and Jerry Aldrich, Amuse- Below, riders enjoy the Eli ment Industry Consulting took time for the AT camera. The Great Coasters International team of Jeff Pike, Bob Dean and Bridge and the al- Chris Gray were proud to show off their latest coaster creation. Working together on the Freedom Flyer coaster were ways popular go-karts. Vekoma’s Charlotte Van Etton with husband Ton and Chance’s Angus Jenkins with wife Tisha. Victor Wisdom was happy AT/GARY SLADE; GO-KARTS COURTESY FSA to see the popularity of his new Rip Curl. Bill Kitchen, Skycoaster inventor, said a few words about this history of the Fun Spot ride and its relocation from the MGM Grand Adventures. AT/GARY SLADE GreatCoasters-FunSpot ad.pdf 6/14/13 1:44:02 PM

JULY 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9B 10B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013 Orlando’s first wooden strikes at Fun Spot GCII’s showpiece a number of firsts for GCII, tured rides], to make sure we chiefly among them is the kept the ledger connections White Lightning fact that White Lightning is away from the steel to make the company’s first coaster to it continue to feel like a wood- designed for all feature a steel support struc- en coaster. And that’s what STORY: Scott Rutherford ture. But this is no ordinary we did. We basically built a [email protected] steel scaffolding. Just as they three-foot-tall wooden coaster do with their intricately-fash- on top of all that steel. And it ORLANDO, Fla. — Cen- ioned wooden rides, GCII worked. White Lightning feels tral Florida is renowned for its went to great lengths to ensure the way we expected it to. It theme parks. There’s literally these steel supports were not doesn’t feel ridiculously harsh no place on earth quite like it. only functional but also pleas- like some steel-supported And roller coasters are a major ing to the eye. All the connec- coasters can. If you watch the facet of those properties. How- tions are uniform, which gives connections and the distribu- ever, conspicuously missing the ride an attractive, ordered tional loads, it behaves the from that varied mix of thrill appearance. same way our other rides do. rides has been a wooden roll- While GCII is renowned “We didn’t want to do er coaster. Fun Spot America for producing convoluted it like others have,” added remedied that situation on twister designs, White Light- Pike. “We didn’t want to just June 8, 2013 with the opening ning is their first true out-and- slap a ledger against a piece of White Lightning, a truly back layout. As usual, though, of steel, insert the bolts and amazing new wooden coaster the course is peppered with call it ‘done.’ That’s easier and designed and built by Penn- plenty of their trademark cost-effective but it’s not our sylvania-based Great Coasters twists, turns and unexpected way. Though White Lightning International, Inc. elevation changes including a is our first steel-structured This project represented working mid-ride double-up, ride, it is so far exactly what double-down element. They we expected. We’re proud also incorporated their first of what we’ve built and Fun FAST FACTS true 90-degree banked track Spot guests seem to really like section, which takes place it. And at the end of the day Name/Park atop the far turnaround. that’s what matters.” White Lightning/ Since the 75-foot-tallWhite AT spoke with Fun Spot Fun Spot America Lightning utilizes shorter six- owner John Arie, Sr. about Orlando, Fla. car Millennium Flyer trains his decision to build a wood- (most GCII rides use trains en coaster and why he chose Type twice that length), the design- GCII. “Why a wooden coaster? Wooden out-and-back ers actually had to re-adjust That’s easy,” Arie said with roller coaster built on their formulas and calcula- a knowing grin.” Nobody in steel support structure tions. The result is a fast-paced Orlando has one. And GCII ride that has no slow spots was chosen for three reasons: Height/ Length from chain release to the brake they have impeccable creden- 75 feet/2,032 feet run. The company worked tials in the industry; they’re diligently to make sure this an American company; and Drop/Speed/ action-packed coaster was ex- they have a proven train that Maximum Banking ceedingly smooth, an impres- I just couldn’t deny. I was con- 67.2 feet/45 mph/ sive feat considering the swift cerned that by not going that 90 degrees acrobatics the trains are per- way increased our chances for (53 degrees on first drop) forming. Also new was foam failure. So we chose GCII. pad seating from Ralph S. To keep ride running safe Top to bottom: Fun Spot America’s new White Lightning is Height Restriction Alberts Co., featuring the fun and smooth, GCII worked themed to the American Railroad; riders exit the 90-degree 46 inches Spot logo stamped into the with Irvine Ondrey Engineer- banked back turn; the double-up and down-down was pat- seat back. ing to deliver the ride safety terened after Knoebel’s famed Phoenix; the out-and-back Trains As this was the company’s system. design is unique for GCII and below, two young thrillseekers Two, 6-car first steel-structured project, “We went with a steel enjoy the coaster with hands in the air. Millennium Flyer trains they were determined to make structure mainly because it re- AT/GARY SLADE seating 12 riders each sure it felt like one of their all- quires less maintenance. Plus, wooden coasters. GCII’s Jeff it’s powder-coated white that Safety Controls Pike explained to AT what that will stand out brilliantly for Irvine Ondrey Engineering process entailed. “We fully un- years,” said Aire. “It’s a show Ann Arbor, Michigan derstand how a wooden track piece. Come ride it!” works on the ledger system A showpiece indeed. Supplier that we use. What we didn’t White Lightning is a rollick- Great Coasters know was how wooden track ing wooden coaster experi- International, Inc. and ledgers react to being ence that will hopefully pave Sunbury, Pa. bolted directly to a steel sup- the way for a wave of coast- port. It was too big of a ques- ers short on stature but huge Cost tion to leave unanswered,” in the thrill department. GCII $3.5 million said Pike. “When we were and Fun Spot America have working with GCII co-found- once more proven that wildly —Source: Fun Spot America/ er Mike Boodley, he said that entertaining rides do not have Great Coasters International if we ever got into steel [struc- to be gigantic to be fun. COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA JULY 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11B

Daytona Beach, Florida-based Bob’s Space Racers provided four games of skill to the new FAST FACTS Fun Spot America. During the park’s grand opening, and under a agreement with the park, the Bob’s team was on hand to teach and train the games employees to create maximum Park revenue. Delivered to the park was a Water Race, Ballon Bust and Hot Shot basketball toss. Fun Spot America Delivering soon will be a ring the bell type game. 5551 Del Verde Way, Orlando, Florida 32819 AT/GARY SLADE (407) 363-3867 www.funspotattractions.com

What/Cost New 15-acre park (10-acres undeveloped) located behind the Fun Spot Action Park/$25 million expan- sion

Park Construction Contractor H. J. High Construction, Orlando, Fla.

Admission/Pricing Free parking and free admission/ Unlimited Armbands: $39.95 (54 inches and taller), $29.95 (under 54 inches) Annual Pass: $119.95 Guests may also buy individual ride tickets, costs vary

New Rides White Lightning, Great Coasters International Freedom Flyer, Chance Rides/Vekoma Rides Mfg. Top left, Lenexa, Kansas-based Core Cashless provided Fun Spot America with its front en- Rip Curl, Wisdom Rides try ticketing system and ride wristband scanning system giving the park accurate counts of Tilt-A-Whirl, passengers rode on each ride. Top right, the provides fresh food for visitors in air Used Rides conditioned setting under the 250 foot tall Skycoaster arch. Above left, the Chance/Vekoma Enterprise, Schwarzkopf/Intamin by IRM Freedom Flyer was built over the walkways for more guest interaction. Above right, Larson’s (relocated from Six Flags Over Georgia) Tilt-A-Whirl, Paratrooper and in far background Chance Double Decker Carousel offer more Sea Serpent, Miler Coaster by Rides 4U ride choices for guests. (relocated from Playland’s Castaway Cove) AT/GARY SLADE Skycoaster, Skycoaster Inc. by Ride Entertainment Group (relocated from MGM Grand Adventures) Rides Relocated from Fun Spot Attractions Schwarzkopf Enterprise at Fun Spot America , Fredericksen Double Decker Carrousel, Chance Rides Paratrooper, Hrubetz Scrambler, Eli Bridge Scooby Boo, Fredericksen Commander Go-Kart Track (track length increased from 850 feet to 1,400 feet)

Other Key Suppliers Midway Games, joint venture with Bob’s Space Racers Insurance Provider, American Specialty Shade Structures, Creative Shade Solutions Graphic Design/Signage, Tuten Graphics Park Benches, American Recycled Plastic Security Surveillance, Straight Line Communications Phone System, Emergent Telecommunications Lockers, School Outfitters/Hallowell Ride Photo Provider, ColorVision Point of Sale System, Core Cashless Wood Coaster Safety System, Irvine Ondrey Engineer- ing LED Lights, Denny’s Electronics Concession Equipment, Gold Medal Products Beverage Provider, Pepsi Proud supplier of the Schwarzkopf Enterprise Find us on Facebook at IRM Rides or call (609) 425-1220 —Source: Fun Spot America to receive a current list of available premium used rides 12B AMUSEMENT TODAY JULY 2013