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TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. Schlitterbahn KC opens record height slide — 15 & 16 September 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 6.1 www.amusementtoday.com Rocky Mountain and Six Flags partner in two new runaway hits Six Flags Mexico and Six Flags Great America debut new coaster experiences STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

MEXICO CITY, Mexico and GURNEE, Ill. — In 2011 and 2013, Six Flags partnered with Rocky Mountain Con- struction and Alan Shilke of Ride Centerline to transform two aging monolithic wooden coasters into spectacular hits. Redesigning the Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas and Rat- tler at Fiesta Texas into New Texas Giant and Iron Rattler utilizing I-Box track with a dramatic new layout met with overwhelming approval from their respective audiences. Six Flags Mexico transforms Previously, the high mainte- their aging wooden roller- nance issues along with rider coaster into the highly-suc- dissatisfaction with a rougher cessful Medusa Steel Coaster ride was indicative of a need using Rocky Mountain Con- for change. Long past their struction’s I-Box track. The peak, the mega-woodies saw ride is now faster and features new life instead of a wrecking three barrel rolls, including ball. one right off the lift. At right, This summer, the two Six Flags Great America de- teams paired up again, this buted Goliath. The zero-G stall time doing one I-Box transfor- is one of the longest spans of mation and another new ride upside-down excitement on built from the ground up. any coaster seen before. Both Medusa, a wooden coaster rides opened to rave reviews. built at Six Flags Mexico in COURTESY SIX FLAGS 2000 by Custom Coasters, had served its guests for a relative- Mexico, tells Amusement Today, Fred Grubb, president of curve and does a barrel roll of track. “The structure was in ly short 14 seasons. Becoming “It took 10 months to trans- Rocky Mountain Construc- into the first drop. “It’s an ex- good shape,” says Grubb. “We somewhat aggressive after form our classic wooden coast- tion, is quite taken with the citing, good element,” reports cut it down in parts and added more than a decade, Six Flags er into Medusa Steel Coaster.” first inversion. WhenAT asked Grubb. “We sped the ride up in others.” opted to take the ride into the He beams, “It is a completely what the most dramatic chang- and put airtime in it,” he adds. When AT inquired if it future using the successful for- new experience with a record- es were, Grubb says, “We put “It’s really a convoluted ride.” was a challenge to market the mula it had seen before. Late breaking seven heel-over-head in the inversions, and particu- Medusa Steel Coaster coaster as a brand new ride, in the 2013 season, the woodie maneuvers, including three larly the one off the lift.” In the stands 98 feet tall and hits Baez conveyed the public un- gave its last rides. full barrel rolls where riders past, a fast turn off the lift led speeds of 58 mph. Three zero- derstood the transformation. Roberto Baez, communi- experience the adrenaline of to the first drop. Now, the steel G barrel rolls join four over- “The response to Medusa Steel cations manager for Six Flags zero gravity.” version speeds around that banked turns on the 3,000 feet 4See SIX FLAGS, page 4

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EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint It’s state fair time! The state fair and regional fair scene is in full tilt. Ohio to Minnesota; Iowa to Del Mar; Kansas to Texas, fairs across the country have wrapped up, are just getting underway or are in the final planning stages for their upcom- ing event. With the fairs in mind, Amusement Today Slade found a feature story in American Profile magazine (July 20-26 edition) interesting and worth shar- ing. Titled “5 Things We Love About State Fairs,” the story selected these five, listed in order one through five: 1. Big Tex, State Fair of Texas in Dallas (Sept. 26-Oct. 19) takes the top spot. The 75-gallon-hat wearing, 55-foot- tall cowboy statue is the official greeter of the annual fair. After an electrical fire in 2012 destroyed the 1949-built Big Tex, a taller, heavier and stronger version of the Cowboy made his return to the fair last year. 2. Butter Cow, Iowa State Fair in Des Moines (Aug. 7-17) takes the second spot. Since 1911, 600 pounds of butter are transformed into a perfectly sculpted cow by way of tools mostly found in the common kitchen. The cow sculpture (kept behind glass at 40 degrees) serves as a trib- EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] ute to Iowa’s dairy industry. 3. Classic Coaster, Washington State Fair in Puyallup A change for the better? (Sept. 5-21) comes in at third. Since 1935, the 55-foot tall The amusement park and larly for regular guests. Classic Coaster has been thrilling fairgoers with its com- carnival/fairground (depend- One of the main reasons private owners pact layout, dips and turns. Fun Fact: the coaster, originally ing on where you are from) may decide to sell, and end what in many built of Douglas Fir wood, was carried to the fairgrounds industry has a history dat- cases have been several generations of fam- on horse-drawn wagons and was hoisted into place with a ing back many years and a ily ownership, is the increased competition Model A Ford. key element of the business parks face in the modern era from fellow 4. Pronto Pups, Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul (Aug. throughout this time has been park facilities and the numerous other leisure 21-Sept. 1) claims the fourth spot. Pronto Pups are plump Mellor the family ownership of parks time options people have to choose from hot dogs dressed in crispy cornmeal fried batter and have and families running travelling these days. Competition for the leisure dol- been a fair favorite since 1947. It was the first hot food item enterprises, be they a single ride, a group of lar has never been so strong and it’s become ever presented to fairgoers on a stick. The original recipe attractions or complete events. increasingly harder for the private operator remains unchanged today. Looking at the parks side of the business, to continually invest in major attractions and 5. Giant Cabbage Contest, Alaska State Fair in Palmer in more recent times many have decried the facilities. gradual erosion of the family owned facility Parks may lose that personal touch when (Aug. 21-Sept. 1) rounds out the list of five. Alaska, with its as increasingly larger operators, often with they are taken over by a bigger player but on 24 hours of summertime daylight, boasts fertile ground that attractive offers, have seen the potential for the flip side a new owner will no doubt come grows oversized produce. The giant cabbage contest was greater things and have tempted owners to in with the intention of investing heavily in introduced at the Alaska State Fair in 1941, with a winning sell up. It’s not been about the money in every their latest purchase, which is good news for entry of 23 pounds. In 2012, the fair winner set a Guinness case of course – some private park owners all concerned. Indeed, some parks are totally World Record with a 138-pound cabbage. No word on how have had other very good reasons to want transformed just a few years down the line as the winning cabbage was transported to and from the fair. to dispose of their businesses – but whatever they are given a new lease of life. It’s fair time. Go enjoy a ride on the midway, visit the the reason it’s hard not to think that a change Not everyone likes the idea of family — arts and crafts exhibit, fill up on a corn dog and frosty of ownership from a private family concern owned parks being swallowed up by the big- beverage, play a game and catch a pig race. It’s part of our to part of a corporate group or similar will, ger players, and I sympathize with that way American history, a part that is as strong and healthy as it in some instances at least, change the atmo- of thinking, but sometimes it’s without doubt has ever been. sphere of a venue and how it feels, particu- the right way for a park to go.

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Dean Lamanna Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation [email protected] [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Stacey Childress / Childress Media Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Web & Graphic Design Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, [email protected] [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates (U.S. & International) are: 1 year (14 issues) $50; 2 years (28 issues) $100; 3 years (42 John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. Scott Rutherford [email protected] issues) $150. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please allow up to six Daily E-mail Newsletter Editorial weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. [email protected] [email protected] Bubba Flint Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Tim Baldwin Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved. [email protected] [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Dan Feicht, Ron Gustafson, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, B. Derek Shaw, Janice Witherow 76005-5427. September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH MINUTE IN HISTORY Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum 2 DRILL COMPILED: Richard Munch COMPILED: Janice Witherow Ramon Rosario — Zamperla, Inc. •1896: In Coney Island, New York, the sensational event of the summer was the fiery destruction of the famous Elephantine Colossus (also known When you meet Ramon as the Elephant Hotel), on the evening of September 27. The fire began Rosario, you know you inside the structure, which had been vacant, and also burned down the have met a friend. Witty, Shaw Channel Chute, a roller coaster that circled the mammoth structure dependable, hard-work- (and which used an elevator to bring cars to the top of the structure). The ing and always full of hotel opened in 1885, a 12-story pachyderm with guest rooms that faced life, Ramon has a special the ocean, and featured an observation deck and a cigar store in one leg. way of making people Nearly 150 feet tall, it was considered one of the most prominent features of the Island, and its peculiar outline made it one of the first objects on feel like they have shore visible from ships at sea. James Lafferty, the owner and designer known him for years. He of the hotel, also built the roadside attraction, Lucy the Elephant, which has a true passion for his still stands in Margate City, New Jersey. job as director of sales for Zamperla, Inc., and •1919: Another serious fire threatened Coney Island, New York, on Sep- the amusement indus- tember 28, when flames destroyed most of the wooden constructed Sea try in general. Always Beach Palace on Surf Avenue. Originally opened in July 1879, the famous building was brought to Brooklyn in sections from Philadelphia, where it a favorite presenter at was featured at the Centennial International Exposition of 1876. Primar- Amusement Today’s ily used as the terminal for the New York and Sea Beach Railroad, it would annual Golden Ticket also house exhibits and performances by popular musical acts. By January Awards, Ramon typically 1920, a local syndicate was in the act of demolishing the remaining struc- brings the audience to laughter with his The oddest birthday gift I have ever ture to build the Palace of Joy. The fire also slightly damaged parts of the off-the-cuff approach and “anything goes” received is … adjoining L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway, which was repaired in time for sense of humor. A beer can hard-hat. It saw some use! the 1920 season.

It’s football season … love it or loathe it? •1940: During a September 12, 1940 Rockaway Chamber of Commerce meeting, owners of Rockaway Playland, in Queens County, New York, I’m indifferent unless I am in Green Bay, Title suggested that amusement parks were a dying breed of entertainment, Director of Sales / Super Wisconsin, trying to find a hotel during a caused by a combination of the great depression and the increased use of Galactic Hero. home game. In that specific case, I loathe the private automobile. They also had decided not to provide any exten- it. sive improvements until the public demanded more thrill rides, claiming Number of years in the that people had more choices than ever to visit a city park, beach or swim- industry Coolest animal at the circus ming pool, within the comfort of their own car. They claimed that people 20. Elephants. It is amazing what they are no longer wanted thrills such as those provided by the roller coaster, the capable of. whip, the spinning rides and other typical amusement park concessions. Rosario They would be proven wrong over the next few years, as the world went Best thing about the to war in Europe and on the Pacific, where the amusement park provided industry In 20 years, I will be … some relief during difficult times. Being in the business of making people Hopefully in good shape to enjoy my fam- smile. ily. •1974: Popular Western Pennsylvania radio disc jockey, Jackson Arm- strong, and Kennywood Park employee Bernie Kusibab, rode the Thun- Favorite amusement ride What was your bravest moment? derbolt at Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania for 750 laps, fin- Lots of favorites, but my stand-out ride Asking my wife to marry me. ishing the continuous riding stunt on September 2. Kusibab began the marathon with another DJ, who became ill shortly after the start. Arm- would have to be The Phoenix wooden strong filled in and completed 441 miles and 31 hours on the venerable When I say junk food, you say … roller coaster at Knoebels. Pittsburgh landmark, besting the 728 lap record of four teenagers, who In-N-Out Burger. No pun intended. had ridden the Racer at Kings Island, Mason, Ohio, in June. A year later, If I wasn’t working in the amusement Mike Boodley would grab the record with his 1001 lap ride on Brooklyn’s industry, I would be … Favorite rainy day activity Cyclone, at Coney Island. SAD! Netflix with my wife. •2002: The last wood coaster designed by Custom Coasters Interna- Biggest challenge facing our industry The last movie I saw in the theatre was … tional (CCI) opened on September 28, at Cliff’s Amusement Park in Al- One of the Star Wars movies. buquerque, New Mexico. Named in a contest, the New Mexico Rattler Keeping our target audience engaged featured an 80 foot drop with 2,750 feet of track, including a final dive into while competing with other businesses for a tunnel. Expected to open in late June 2002, CCI was unable to complete the family entertainment dollar. The sport I play most often is … the ride in time due to financial problems. Park owners Gary and Linda Old-fart softball! Hays, who had been planning the project for nearly a decade, began the The thing I like most about amusement/ arduous task of hiring the coaster crew to complete the ride, as well as water park season is … The neatest thing anyone ever told me purchase the trains directly from Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. This Visiting parks and watching people enjoy would have to be … unusual construction process added 3 months to the project. Today, the the fruits of our labor. “Yes!” This was when I asked my wife to popular steel framed ride remains the signature attraction at New Mexi- marry me. co’s only major amusement park. Favorite sandwich BLT … I love bacon! Right now, I would rather be … On a lazy river to beat this heat. P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner It’s September! Where would we find Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 you on Labor Day? My phone rings about this many times a (817) 460-7220 Grilling for my family and then packing for day Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) another week on the road. 50! Find us on Facebook facebook.com/amusementtoday Complete this sentence: Television news The last thing I bought for under $1 was … is … Bazooka gum at a Cracker Barrel some- Biased. where. Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday My all-time best vacation was … I really wish someone would invent … Last summer boating off the coast of Sicily Rogaine that actually works! Subscribe to our YouTube channel with friends. Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone youtube.com/amusementtoday by visting www.mobiletag.com. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 SIX FLAGS change of the original drawing Continued from page 1 of the ride to the completely modified wide-open lift hill. Coaster has been phenom- “We had to come up with this enal,” he says. “Our guests idea and people liked the look appreciate that Medusa Steel of it.” Coaster is a completely new Goliath occupies the plot experience.” Baez points out of land that was previously that Medusa offers the most occupied by Iron Wolf, B&M’s inversions of any hybrid coast- very first coaster built in 1990. er around the world. “The Ironically, the station was built first drop is an inversion!” he even prior with the Z-Force smiles. space diver coaster in the Medusa Steel Coaster is 1980s. With each installation, Rocky Mountain Construc- the station has had additions tion’s first coaster project out- placed into it. With the Goliath side the states. When asked if project, the record-setting sta- this brought forth any chal- tistics still had to be contained Seen above is the sleek, towering structure that provides Goliath with a steep 165-foot lift; lenges, Grubb mentions that into the landlocked space, the world record 85-degree, 180-foot drop; and the upside down span of the zero-G stall. shipping is a bit of an issue, making for a snug fit. It should Goliath features two inversions and three dramatic overbanked turns. At right, riders cheer getting acquainted with dif- be noted that sometimes such for the exhilarating airtime moments incorporated into the 3,100 feet of track. The ride was ferent work habits and the limitations can add to the in- built from the ground up utilizing Topper Track. AT/TIM BALDWIN language barrier are minor tensity of a wonderful thriller. factors, but overall it worked Hank Salemi, park presi- and an upside-down zero-G Dipper and Whizzer, and we well. Baez comments, “Me- dent for Six Flags Great Ameri- stall. Three over-banked turns have people who grew up in dusa Steel Coaster was an ca says, “I give a lot of credit to are incorporated in the non- the Chicago area that say one exciting project and we were Rocky Mountain. We had to fit stop action-packed layout as of those two rides is the first pleased to partner with Rocky a coaster into this very unique well. coaster they ever rode. There Mountain Construction. They space, including straddling an Like Mexico, Goliath uses is an old adage in the industry are the experts in this kind of emergency service road and trains manufactured by Rocky that says kiddie coasters don’t next-generation roller coaster.” our railroad tracks adjacent to Mountain. The restraints in- do much for you. We’re liv- Back in the U.S., Six Flags the ride. When we were look- volve a belt and a lap bar, with ing proof, we had a great year Great America debuted Goli- ing for ideas, Rocky Mountain curved moldings in front of we put in Little Dipper.” And ath in mid-June. This time, it came to us with this opportu- the legs placing the rider in now with the new project, he was not an I-Box transforma- nity. It was a home run.” a “z” position for maximum says, “Goliath comes with tion of a previous coaster. With Goliath has been promot- safety. very unique traits. Not just the the award-winning success of ing the tallest, fastest and Goliath gives Six Flags three world records, but it also Silver Dollar City’s Outlaw steepest superlatives in its ad- Great America bragging rights has two inversions. It is the Six Flags’ Katy Enrique Run in 2013, Ride Centerline vertising. If any one wishes to to four wooden coasters, the first inverting wooden coaster shows off the park’s newest and RMC designed a com- challenge that claim of height, most in the theme park chain. we’ve opened at Great Ameri- battle presented on mer- pletely new ride using a wood such as sister park Six Flags American Eagle brought na- ca. It is just amazing. It’s truly chandise. AT/TIM BALDWIN bed track with a top layer Great Adventure or Six Flags tional fanfare to the park in a thrill-seeker paradise. Our of RMC’s exclusive Topper Fiesta Texas, the measurement 1981 for its massive size. Viper guests love it, coaster enthusi- craving more. Track. Painting the top layer claim comes in the size of the was added to the mix with a asts love it — the response has With two spectacular new a vivid orange gives Goliath a first drop. While standing at Cyclone twister style ride. In been amazing.” additions to the Six Flags line- distinctive, sleek look. Add to 165 feet, the drop streaks be- 2010, enthusiasts everywhere Prior to the opening of Go- up of coasters, Rocky Moun- that a lift structure straddling low ground level, holding the raved at the preservation of liath, the park’s long running tain Construction, Ride Cen- two steel supports and the record at 180 feet. The dra- Kiddieland’s Little Dipper marquee ride has been Rag- terline and Six Flags continue lines between wood and steel matic 85-degree initial plunge nicely placed in the middle of ing Bull, a mega non-looping an attraction batting record of continue to blur. sends riders into the tangled the park. Now Goliath brings B&M steel coaster closer to the 1,000. These undeniable hits “There was not enough mayhem at 72 mph. on a fourth for the avid thrill- front of the park. Now, rather create a grand slam of proven room on the site for a con- Other features include the seeker. quickly to be honest, it would winners. ventional wood structure,” two inversions, one a 180-de- Salemi points out, “We appear a war between the two Salemi remarks, “The says Grubb in reference to the gree roll into an inverted drop have two rides here, Little as to which is the fan favorite Rocky Mountain team was has developed. Katy Enrique, fantastic. We have such a public relations manager, good relationship with those grins, “We have a lot of guests guys. This is the first coaster say they like Goliath better they have built for [Six Flags] than Raging Bull, which is a from scratch. Both Alan and huge statement to make in this Fred were hands on and here park.” Amusingly, T-shirts in on site a great deal, and of the gift shop exit have already course, their local team. The capitalized on this coaster winter we had here — brutal competition. temperatures, brutal snows… Testimony for the suc- those guys were out here in cess of the installation can be inclement weather to get this found on the brake run. The thing done when they got it uproarious cheers and fanfare done. I’m so happy with their are inescapable. Riders near work. They are one of the pre- this AT staffer were exuber- eminent coaster builders out ant with one screaming “Best there right now.” Goliath’s crowd pleasing experience comes from Rocky new ride at Great America!” “We’ve created a great Mountain Construction’s expertise paired with Ride Center- With the trains smoothly slic- working relationship with Six line’s wild layout into one smooth, comfortable and thrilling ing through 3,100 feet of track Flags,” says Grubb, “and we roller coaster. Rocky Mountain provided the trains on both in no time, just as with Outlaw are going to continue to have 2014 Six Flags attractions. AT/DAN FEICHT Run and Iron Rattler, riders are great success with them.” September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

w we ho r is o l is l h

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Reriding coaster history

(208) 772-8181 www.rockymtnconstruction.com

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CONFERENCE: NOV. 17–21, 2014 • TRADE SHOW: NOV. 18–21, 2014 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER • ORLANDO, FLORIDA USA www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 INTERNATIONAL Finland’s Sarkanniemi adds High Voltage thiller from Zamperla — See Page 12 Europa-Park creates a new €25 million themed expansion New Mack ride of the park for those in atten- dance, giving the park good system leads a list cause to look at a year round of attractions impact on any new addition. Secluded back in a for- STORY: Tim Baldwin ested area, a new village is [email protected] discovered after one crosses a bridge over one of the park’s RUST, Germany — In creeks. First impressions are recent years, the world has immediate. This isn’t just seen amazing expansions of a ride, but something com- new themed areas embrac- pletely different. An indoor ing Harry Potter at Univer- village is striking with its liv- sal or Cars Land at Disney ing, growing exterior. Not just parks. Industry-minded folk themed, 500 square meters might feel that only such year- are alive with more than 3,000 round powerhouses can create plants on the façade of the imaginatively detailed lands building. Consisting mainly of to transport people away into bushes, shrubs and a variety such branded media envi- of grasses, Amusement Today On the new Arthur — the ronments. But Europa-Park was on hand in the beginning Ride at Europa-Park, guests has proven that assumption to see the insertion of many of are seated in comfortable wrong. these living organisms earlier four-seat suspended vehicles This summer, the Ger- this season. Of note, one third (left) that can climb, rotate, man theme park has set aside are indeciduous plants giving pause and launch. Above: its traditional thought pro- the facade a green presence The vehicles, in a train of cess of spotlighting European even in winter. Ingeniously, three, glide above the fan- countries in favor of a popu- the upright vertical walls have ciful Minimoys Kingdom that lar movie franchise enjoyed a special irrigation system, is decorated with 50 film throughout Europe. Arthur including an irrigation com- figures and more than 850 — In the Minimoys Kingdom puter which is very ground- poppies, leaves and grasses. is certainly much more than breaking in Germany. The out- COURTESY EUROPA-PARK just a ride; it’s a new land en- side grounds have also been gineered to absolutely dazzle graced with three mulberry named after Arthur sports ment, making re-rides particu- encounter dangers and experi- spectators regardless of age. trees that are more than 200 an amazing new ride system. larly fun. The ride begins with ence launched speeds which The new attraction makes years old. Differing from just about any the storyline being developed add particular excitement. In use of every bit of the €25 mil- If the outside looks im- other dark ride, this new ride via a projection screen where two locations, the train of ve- lion (U.S. $33.8 million) invest- pressive, the inside is even system from Mack Rides uti- passengers get the sense that hicles dart into the daylight ed into it. more so. On a dramatic scale, lizes overhead roller coaster they are shrinking down to tantalizing those queued up Much of the focus with the interior is 45,000 square track with controlled vehicles mere inches, just as the char- below for their turn. One of new attractions at Europa- meters (147,638 square feet) that can climb, rotate, pause acters in the trilogy of Arthur the particularly special high- Park is the extended year com- with a 16 meter (52 foot) dome and launch. All these maneu- movies are. Now in the Mini- lights is the flight inside the ponent. While the park is pri- providing a spacious gran- vers culminate in a grand bit moys world, characters from village over hundreds of peo- marily dormant the first three deur. Theming even extends of storytelling. A continuous- the animated movie come ple below. In addition to the months of the year, Europa- outside of the indoor village moving platform keeps the alive as animatronics talk, animatronics, sound, smells Park enjoys an extremely suc- with external queuing and line moving briskly, accom- move and jump at passengers and lighting make the story cessful Christmas season spot- outdoor sections to the high modating 1,100 – 1,500 pas- as vehicles spiral upward in- vividly alive. Interactive but- lighting winter, as well as year profile Arthur attraction. As sengers an hour. Eventually, side a large tree. With bugs tons on the ride gondolas also round convention business riders fly by, it is even further three cars tethered together set and critters and everyday ob- let riders choose the direction with its Confertainment Cen- enticement for guests to see off and experience the voyage jects now larger than life and in which they will face as they ter and resort hotels. Many what all is new. through seven kingdoms as interacting with guests, the re-enter the honeycomb envi- conventioneers can often book Leading the pack of new one cluster with each gondola ride is sheer entertainment. ronment as they are returning specific attractions or areas attractions, the dark ride getting its own surprise ele- As the story progresses, riders 4See ARTHUR, page 8 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Europa-Park’s Michael Mack shares thoughts on new Arthur attraction RUST, Germa- erate with incredible power; the for theming elements and anima- are closed. It is, however, not our ny — Amusement system supports storytelling in a tronics? intention to have a year round op- Today caught up new dimension. We also work with “Working on a major project eration in the nearer future.” with Michael Mack aromas, lights, projections and, of like Arthur – In the Minimoys King- What key people involved of Europa-Park to course, extensive theming. A truly dom, we obviously needed reliable can you compliment? gather his perspec- unique ride.” partners. Especially as theming is “There are so many I could tive on the new Working with a movie brand, such a crucial part to this attrac- mention, but I think overall it was Arthur — In the it is sort of a first for Europa- tion. It is the most sophisticatedly great team effort. We have never Minimoys Kingdom Mack Park. Was there any hesitation on themed attraction we ever built, I built a larger and more sophisticat- expansion. doing an attraction that was not would say. We worked with com- ed indoor attraction. The ride sys- What is the most exciting based on a European region? panies such as AAB, Heimotion, tem was a prototype and the work thing about the new addition and “No. I met the famous French Kraftwerk, P&P Projects and TAA between Mack Rides and Emis the new ride system? director Luc Besson about five Industries.” Electrics once again was great. “I couldn’t say what the one years ago. When we talked about How does this new expan- You could feel the energy and the most exciting thing about Arthur – his movies and then, especially, sion fit into the resort’s near-year dedication of each and every one. In the Minimoys Kingdom is. It is the Arthur and the Invisibles, I imme- round operation? It was great to see the project de- whole experience, the combination diately felt his passion about the “The tourism and theme park velop, but I am not going to lie – I of detailed theming, the amazing project and I knew that it would be industry is very dependent on am happy that it is now up and run- ride, the food — I could go on. I a perfect match for Europa-Park. weather. It is therefore important ning.” am however particularly proud of The passion and the attention to for theme parks to have a range What length of time was in- the new ride system developed by detail are a very close connection of attractions which are indepen- volved from conceiving the con- Mack Rides. It is our first inverted, between Luc Besson and the Mack dent of weather. It has been an aim cept to finishing the attraction? spinning, powered coaster and family. This is why we had so much of Europa-Park to become more “The first conversations with the possibilities we have there are fun developing and building this weather independent in the last Luc Besson were more than five almost endless. The cars acceler- project, and it also is the key to years and with Arthur – In the Mini- years ago. The planning for the ac- ate and can be spin controlled at the very successful start we have moys Kingdom, we have definitely tual attraction started about four any time on the ride which gives had. We couldn’t have wished for expanded this field. years ago, and the ground-break- a whole new dynamic to the ride. a more positive feedback from our “An indoor attraction, of ing was in November 2012 – where We ride relaxed through a beau- guests.” course, also increases the capac- Luc Besson was, by the way, pres- tiful scene, then encounter a rat, Mack Rides did the ride sys- ity for our winter season, when, ent.” for example, and suddenly accel- tem. Whom did you partner with for example, the water attractions —Tim Baldwin

ARTHUR requirement of four years old), has stated that there can be Continued from page 7 reaching a wide demographic, actual roller coaster portions but there is much more inside to the system as well. Let the to the station. to delight even the smallest ideas begin. Prior to riding, the queue of toddlers. Using forced per- takes guests through some spective, many of the homes amazing theming. Sculpted and habitats of the village are FAST FACTS trees and roots bring in the elevated in the trees. Slides Name/Park atmosphere in rich detail as from upper areas give children Arthur — the Ride/ guests queue indoors, while more overviews of the village, Europa-Park pathways outside let them before slithering down inside take in the action overhead. enormous roots. The slides Ride System It’s all orchestrated wonder- were provided by Atlantics of Mack Rides fully well. Inside the village, Germany. Other rides round theming includes 5,500 cubic out the ride package, as well. Ride Height/Track Length meters (16,400 cubic feet) of A freefall tower, themed with 44.29 feet/1,804 feet artificial rock landscape, 1,200 red poppies, was supplied long, indoor and square meters (3,280 square from Zierer of Germany. A outdoor sections feet) of green facade, more Zamperla Jump Around, than 50 film figures, and more which the park calls the Mül- Maximum Launched Speed than 850 poppies, leaves and Mül Carousel adds even more 19.26 mph grasses. fun. Tots not tall enough for “We have had amazing even these rides will find a Number of Trains feedback. People write us to play area just for them provid- Seven, each seating tell us how great they thought ed by Eibe, another German 12 passengers it was,” says Dominik Seitz, company. Interspersed with press spokesman, corporate all this activity are resting ar- Capacity communications for Europa- eas, food and drink options, 1,100 - 1,500 pph, Park. “You can see people restrooms and shops, making number of trains in Left: this close-up shows coming through the exit of for an all-encompassing new operation varies pph the detail of one of the 50 the ride going straight back area. animatronic figures used into the queue to ride again. While Europa-Park is cel- Supporting Partners throughout the Arthur at- All with huge smiles on their ebrating this tremendous new Ride: Emis Electrics, AAB, traction. Above: the train is faces.” addition to the theme park, Heimotion, Kraftwerk, P&P launched into the daylight The expansion, however, Mack Rides is sure to be sought Projects, and TAA Industries to surprise riders, and tan- doesn’t just stop at this one out for new attractions that in- Minimoys Kingdom Project: talize those waiting in the high-profile attraction. The volve storytelling. In addition Zierer, Zamperla, queue. height requirement for Arthur to the controlled aspect of the Atlantics, Eibe COURTESY EUROPA-PARK is only 39 inches (and an age dark ride experience, Mack September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Speaker line-up promises 20 hours of key education at EAS 2014

STORY: Andrew Mellor once again, with four CEOs [email protected] providing an hour of debate, AMSTERDAM, Nether- discussion, story-telling – and lands — This year’s Euro At- fun. Participants on this occa- tractions Show (EAS) is set sion will be Andreas Andersen to be another record-breaker from Liseberg, Roderick van and in addition to the largest Zuylen from Duinrell Park, trade show floor in the event’s Mascha van Till from Walibi history the conference pro- Holland and Tolga Alisoglu gram running alongside the from Vialand, the shopping, exhibition also promises some entertainment and lifestyle impressive educational op- complex which opened in Tur- portunities and an impressive attractions with visits to Eftel- key in 2013. speaker line-up. ing, Walibi Holland and Dol- The Leadership Breakfast The program kicks off finarium, while on September takes place on the morning with the Institute for Attrac- 23, the program of individual of September 24, with Steve tions Management which will conference sessions begins. Van den Kerkhof, CEO of run September 21-23 and is Among these will be one en- the Plopsa Group and Studio a management development titled Mobile Manager: How to 100 chairman, as the keynote program aimed at managers in use mobile technology in every speaker. His presentation will Attendees at this year’s EAS Leadership Breakfast will hear mid-career. On September 22, part of an attraction, along with look at the history and success from Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO of the Plopsa Group and the IAAPA Safety Institute will another entitled Fun fright and of Studio 100 and its Plopsa Studio 100 Chairman. COURTESY PLOPSA GROUP/STUDIO 100 be held, with safety colleagues festivals: how to develop season theme park division. from around Europe gathering events to increase attendance and The second day of the gies. The fifth annual IAAPA while a post EAS tour will al- to hear more on the develop- revenues. show will also see sessions Europe Water Park Forum will low attendees to visit more key ment of the ISO, EN and more A session on branded on crisis management, what be held on the same day. European attractions. Among harmonization with ASTM goods and using intellectual mature attractions can do to The educational program these will be Phantasialand standards. properties will feature too, renew and refresh their fa- on September 25, the final day in Germany, and Toverland, On the same day, an EAS while the first day of the show cilities, using social media to of the show, will focus on the Burgers Zoo and the Corpus pre-tour will take participants will also see the popular ses- manage guest comments, and family entertainment center Experience science attraction to some of Holland’s premier sion CEO’s Speak repeated employee development strate- and indoor play center sectors, in the Netherlands.

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14227 ADV Vekoma Amusement Today OPM DEF.indd 1 31-07-14 14:19 September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 U.K.-based Simworx has Simworx Angry Birds 4D installed a new Angry Birds 4D Experience at Thorpe flies into Thorpe Park Park Resort, near London, as part of the new Angry Birds WEST MIDLANDS, U.K. are delighted to have been part Land at the park. The the- — Simworx has installed a of what will I’m sure be a very ater incorporates 326 seats new Angry Birds 4D Experi- successful new area at Thorpe and various light and sound ence at Thorpe Park Resort, Park Resort. Angry Birds has a effects, along with a host of near London, as part of the huge following and is popular special effects to immerse new Angry Birds Land at the with a very wide age range; guests in the experience. park. what we’ve created within The new 10-minute, 4D film The new 4D experience the 4D theatre immerses visi- is produced by Los Angeles is part of a partnership deal tors in the experience to create film production company signed by park operator Mer- a really fun attraction. We’re Pure Imagination. lin Entertainments plc and delighted with the end result.” COURTESY SIMWORX Finland-based Rovio Enter- tainment, creator of the Angry Birds franchise, who turned to Simworx to help create the world’s first Angry Birds 4D Experience theater. It forms the unique centerpiece of the new area based on the popu- lar game, which also features suitably themed dodgem cars, a drop tower ride and interac- tive games. Simworx was contracted to develop and supply the new 4D Experience, ensuring that the attraction highlighted the high-impact special effects that visitors enjoy during the new 10-minute, 4D film, pro- duced by Los Angeles film production company Pure Imagination. The theater in- corporates 326 seats and vari- ous light and sound effects, along with a host of special effects to immerse guests in the experience. These include air gusts, water jets, leg tick- lers, bubbles and smoke, in addition to a new, unique to Thorpe Park Resort, “cata- pult” chair movement linked to particular moments in the film. When the Angry Birds are pulled back into a catapult on the film, the viewers’ seats also go back slowly until the birds are fired from the cata- pult. The seats are then pro- pelled forwards very quickly to simulate the catapult firing movement. The vast array of effects Simworx has incorporated into the high-tech theater puts visitors right in the cen- tre of the action as they are taken through a fast-paced adventure as the Angry Birds attempt to get their precious eggs back from King Pig. Simworx worked closely with the Merlin Magic Mak- ing creative team on the proj- ect. The company’s Managing Director Terry Monkton said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Merlin team on such an outstanding project and we 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Finland’s Särkänniemi adds High Voltage thrills STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

TAMPERE, Finland – Following a major devel- opment last year when it introduced the new Doghill themed area, Finland’s Särkänniemi has continued its investment in new attrac- tions in 2014 with the ad- dition of the High Voltage thrill ride. The latest addition to the park’s ride line-up is a mod- el of Italian manufacturer Zamperla’s Power Surge, which since its introduc- rider carriers are positioned The major ride addition tion has proved to be one at the end of each arm and for 2014 at Särkänniemi of the company’s signature spin freely, hence a different in Finland was the High Voltage thriller, a Zam- thrill rides. It features six ride experience each time. perla Power Surge, shown The height restriction for arms which rotate around a at right. Above, the new central hub attached to the riders is 130 centimeters (51 Doghill themed area add- ride’s main arm which rises inches) and it is located on ed to Särkänniemi in 2013 from the loading position to the shore of Lake Näsijärvi is proving a popular addi- a height of 15.6 meters (51 at the park. tion to the park. feet) in a constantly spin- Särkänniemi has also COURTESY SARKANNIEMI ning motion. Up to 24 riders introduced new technology ADVENTURE PARK at any one time twist, flip in its planetarium for 2014 and spin through two motor with the addition of new er that takes passengers to over the world, the area has animals welcome visitors driven rotations and a third Digistar 5 equipment, an the frontiers of space in a been constructed faithfully to step into a 19th century gravity driven rotation, pro- advanced digital Full Dome hybrid ship. in the spirit of the books. world with a touch of mod- viding a different ride expe- theatre system. U.S.-based And the aforementioned Doghill, which covers ern fun. The area has been rience on every ride. Evans & Sutherland have Särkänniemi Doghill, added around 1 hectare (2.4 acres), designed with all sorts of The upper part of the also produced a fast-paced in 2013, has proven to be a is divided into the Town seasonal activities in mind ride goes through a maxi- space adventure film called popular addition to the park. of Doghill, Doghill Farm throughout the year too and mum of 12 revolutions per Cosmic Adventure especially Based on the characters cre- and Pawhill, a small stage at over €5 million (U.S. $6.7 minute with the arms spin- for the park, which starts ated by Mauri Kunnas, a with activity area. Various million), is Särkänniemi’s ning at four revolutions per with an amusement park on Finnish children’s author play areas, beautiful, nearly largest investment of the minute. Two, two-seater the moon with a roller coast- who is also well-known all life-size buildings and real 21st century. Zamperla enjoying another busy year — worldwide STORY: Andrew Mellor Italian manufacturer going to the Mall of Arabia in [email protected] Zamperla is enjoy- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. VICENZA, Italy — Ital- ing another highly Staying in the Europe/ ian manufacturer Zamperla successful year in Scandinavia region, Zamperla continues to enjoy much suc- 2014 with numerous also continues to enjoy success cess with new installations of new ride openings with some of its classic rides, rides in countries throughout throughout Europe one example being the Power the world and the continued and the rest of the Surge that has opened this growth of its already extensive world. This Midi Dis- year at Särkänniemi in Finland product range. covery Revolution is (see separate article), while One of the latest addi- the 30-seat model the company is also seeing tions to the company’s prod- added to Rainbow’s continued success worldwide uct line-up is the Revolution End in New Zealand. for its roller coaster division. version of the well-known COURTESY ZAMPERLA In addition to the well docu- Discovery, which offers a 360 mented Thunderbolt at Coney degree rotation. Four versions Island, other new installa- of the attraction have already tion is also now in operation at bow’s End in Auckland, New Race 6.4 (six arms, four-seater tions have included a custom been sold, including a cus- Etnaland in Italy, while a simi- Zealand. vehicles) at Drayton Manor Twister coaster for the Mall of tom model with 20 seats look- lar model has been installed at The ride of the moment Theme Park in the U.K. and Instanbul and a Gravity Moto ing inwards and a maximum Coney Island in the U.S. Both for Zamperla, however, con- another 6.4 model at Walyga- coaster for the Adventure Mall height of 37 meters (122 feet) for have 16 seats and a maximum tinues to be the Air Race, 32 tor in France. Additionally, an in Sharjah in the U.A.E. Other Firma Steindl, which has been height of 18 meters. A 30-seat versions of which have now Air Race 8.2 (eight arms, two coasters have also been deliv- installed at the Vienna Prater model with a height of 30 me- been sold in less than four seater vehicles) has been de- ered to venues in the U.S., Ja- in Austria. ters, called Stratosfear, is also years. Among the more recent livered to the Mall of Instan- pan, Indonesia and China. A Midi Discovery Revolu- now thrilling visitors to Rain- installations have been an Air bul in Turkey with a 6.2 model September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 Innovative Leisure gives two new locations the Sky Trail treatment UNITED KINGDOM — at once, the Nottingham Sky ble-level Navigator will take Innovative Leisure is pleased Trail is geared to please and visitors far from their comfort to announce it has installed excite thousands of dare-dev- zone and to dizzying heights High Ropes attractions at two ils this summer and beyond. to face its many rope-based new U.K. locations — the Na- The NWSC site has also elements. With the train trav- tional Water Sports Centre in added a Sky Tykes Junior elling directly beneath the Nottingham and North Bay Ropes Course which gives course, the ropes offer great Railway in Scarborough. children from as young as two views of the Peasholme Park. The National Water Sports years old the chance to try out “A two-tier Sky Trail has Center (NWSC) has installed a challenging rope elements been installed at the North Bay double level Navigator course just like the bigger Sky Trail Railway, Scarborough,” said which pits its adventurous course. Utilizing the same be- the attraction’s owner, David clientèle against 36 rope ele- lay system as Sky Trail, the Humphreys. “It has proven ments. Patrons need never feel Sky Tykes users hold their par- to be a hit from the start with at risk as the course’s cutting ent’s hand as they tackle rope our customers, keeping them edge continuous belay system bridges and plank walks. on site for a longer period and ensures maximum safety with On the east coast and helping with other secondary enough freedom to create an set in the Scarborough hills, Innovative Leisure recently installed High Ropes attractions sales. adrenaline fuelled sense of North Bay Railway has been at two new U.K. locations — the National Water Sports Cen- “The team at Innovative danger. Guests can test their a popular local tourist attrac- tre in Nottingham and North Bay Railway in Scarborough. Leisure came up with their nerves across tight rope walks tion for many a decade. The COURTESY INNOVATIVE LEISURE proposals for the site and and cargo nets amongst the park offers a collection of im- helped with gaining planning many elements the course of- maculately maintained mini boating lake and a traditional ous audience with the instal- approval. The build was com- fers. With a throughput of over engines that travel to the other 19th century water chute. lation of its Sky Trail High pleted without issue and the 200 participants per hour, and side of the bay along the Scar- The park is now ready to Ropes course. Not unlike the training given to the new staff a capacity of up to 50 people borough coast, alongside a appeal to a more adventur- Nottingham course, the dou- was first class.”

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AS Amsterdam#8335 www.intaminworldwide.com Booth See us at E September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 WATER PARKS & RESORTS Newest Splash Kingdom’s ground terrain posing challenges in first full season — Page 20 Schlitterbahn Kansas City goes ‘insane’ with record breaking slide STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert sent down the drop, success- open for the 2013 season. Out- Texas testing... [email protected] fully climbing the second hill side of Kansas City, little atten- KANSAS CITY, Kansas and landing into the splash tion was given to the massive — Jeff Henry has long been a pond below. A number of dif- structure until November of pioneer in the waterpark in- ferent weight combinations 2013, when a photo from the dustry. After moving to New were tried, but with the labo- top of the slide was leaked to Braunfels at the age of 11, he rious process of retrieving the Twitter and went viral. Within became fascinated with the raft and getting it back to the 24 hours it had generated over Comal River and learned about top, daylight was coming to a million hits. Talk shows from water flow just by watching end before it was determined coast to coast picked up on the river. He started build- safe enough for a human rider. the news and Schlitterbahn’s ing water rides at age 15 and The next morning Jeff Henry in house video had generated has never stopped. Attending climbed aboard and took the 2.5 million hits. The news at- undergraduate school for just first ride. After several test tracted the attention of the re- one week, he has no formal rides, the goal was achieved. porters at The Travel Channel. training in physics or hydro- He and several of his top The network’s popular show dymanics, instead learning people — most of whom have Extreme Waterparks was enter- everything through trial and been working with Henry 10 ing its third season of covering Kansas City thrilling... error. As Arrow Development to 25 years, or even longer — the wildest, most over-the-top founders, Karl Bacon and Ed were satisfied it would work. and exhilarating waterslides Morgan learned, fluid dynam- Then the entire structure was in the world. What better sub- ics is scalable. What works at disassembled. The secret test- ject than a waterslide that was smaller scales will work the ing ground once again lay quite literally insane? same on larger scales. Henry dormant, waiting for Henry’s In April, Schlitterbahn also discovered this and de- next big idea decided it was finally time vised many of his water attrac- In November 2012 — a to confirm the slide’s record- tions first as models. month before testing had be- breaking height. On April 25, From there it was onto gun, it was with bold confi- populated with dignitaries larger test models — out- dence that Henry announced ranging from USA Today, to doors — large enough for a to the world that Schlitterbahn the Governor of Kansas, and, person to actually ride. What Kansas City would build the of course, officials from Guin- would eventually become a world’s tallest, fastest, most ness World Records, Schlitter- flow rider and master blaster, extreme waterslide — with bahn Kansas City unveiled the were little more than plywood a projected opening date of world’s longest tape measure structures where the idea that summer 2013. Details at the stretched all the way down the water could be propelled up- time were sketchy: the slide slide — 168 feet, 7 inches. hill was initially tested. would combine the breath- The mood from that day The concept for Verrückt began with a one-half size proto- It should be no surprise taking drop of a speed slide likely changed quickly as ini- type (top) at Schlitterbahn’s testing facility in New Braunfels. then that Verrückt, the world’s along with an uphill portion tial runs revealed the drop Above, Verrückt in action at Schlitterbahn Kansas City. Be- tallest waterslide, began life like a master blaster. Statis- and speed hump combination low, the Henry men of Schlitterbahn: sons Gary and Jeff with as a much smaller, very-tem- tics were not released other sent test rafts airborne. The dad Bob in the middle. porary structure at the same than it would eclipse the cur- resultant reprofiling took sev- AT/GARY SLADE; VERRÜCKT COURTESY SCHLITTERBAHN KANSAS CITY secret testing ground where rent record-holder, Insano at eral weeks, pushing back the the flow rider and prototype Beach Park in Fortaleza, Bra- expected opening well into master blaster were first set in zil, which stands 134.5 feet June. The five-story speed hill motion. Amusement Today pub- tall. The ride would be know was raised 11 feet, and the ap- lisher Gary Slade was on hand as Verrückt — German for in- proach from the bottom of the — just as he was back in 1993 sane. first drop was changed from 45 — to see history in the making. Work progressed steadily degrees to 22 degrees. The $1 In December 2012, on a very and quietly through 2013, with million remodel also included temporary structure, a raft the highest part of the struc- additional master blaster wa- was lifted to the top by an ex- ture up by March, but as the ter jets to make certain the raft cavating shovel. Weights were months marched on, it became would make it over the now- loaded, and the first raft was clear the slide was not going to 4See VERRUCKT, page 16 Factory wholesale pricing! • Over 100 designs available! • Made in the USA

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MARKET PLACE taller hill. On June 26, Kansas City news teams spotted test rafts successfully navigating the slide, but a planned me- dia day on June 27, had to be cancelled owing to a problem with the conveyor system that delivers rafts to the top of slide. Finally on Monday, July 7, the years of planning, design- ing, testing and retesting came www.BerkConcessionSupply.com Our Concession to fruition. Jeff Henry and Sales Reps Schlitterbahn senior designer are ready to take your order. John Schooley boarded a raft Call & Place your and took the first ride. order early! Lifeguards, Schlitterbahn staff and even Mayor Mark Holland of Kansas City con- tinued testing the ride on WHAT DO YOU SELL FOR Tuesday. The media was given an opportunity to test their resolve on Wednesday and re- porters from around the globe showed up to give first-hand FUN? reports. The following morning, Thursday, July 10, Verrückt opened to the public. Be- cause of Verrückt’s popularity, Schlitterbahn uses a reserva- GET A FREE SAMPLE at Big Squirt! Inc. tion system to allow visitors to www.bigsquirt.com/freesample 1741 Torrance Blvd., Ste. D or call 1-888-388-8872 Torrance, CA 90501 enjoy the park and then show up at their allotted one-hour time slot. Reservations are typically gone in the first hour, but guests can enter a standby line. Individuals are selected from that line when someone doesn’t show up for their turn or if someone needs an addi- tional rider to fill out their raft. A full raft cannot exceed 550 Schlitterbahn Kansas pounds but must have a mini- City’s new Verrückt holds mum of 400 pounds. All Ver- the Guinness World Re- rückt riders have to be at least cord for the tallest water- 54 inches tall and weigh less slide at 168 feet, 7 inch- than 300 pounds. There is no es. It features a free-fall age requirement, but there is one big requirement — riders first drop of 60 degrees must be willing to climb 264 followed by a 60-foot-tall steps to get to the top. roller coaster-like hill. Rid- The 607-foot-long water ers are secured in three slide starts with a 60-degree, person rafts with shoul- 17-story near free-fall before der straps. swooping back up the 60-foot- COURTESY SCHLITTERBAHN tall roller coaster like hill, KANSAS CITY where riders go from 5 Gs to near weightlessness before tained within the chute. ally see the drop as opposed descending again and finally Guest reaction has been to having to go feet first — al- coming to a stop in a runout overwhelming, with some though some may prefer not area at the end of the slide. guests coming from as far as to see what lies ahead. The breathtaking experi- Alaska to experience this one- Jeff Henry says that as ence from start to finish lasts of-kind slide. The steep drop, a proud Texan, he wanted about 15 to 18 seconds de- speed bump and cool water the world’s tallest slide to pending on how fast the raft is splash, all add up to an ex- be in the United States. “The pushed over the speed hump. perience like none other. Un- world’s largest slide had been Velcro seat belts lash riders to like the typical body speed in Brazil, and we couldn’t the raft, and netting encloses slide, the raft takes all the have that,” said Henry. “I’m the chute to encourage riders friction, not the rider’s back from Texas, it was a matter of Keep our amusement park industry strong! to lean back and to keep ob- skin. Guests have commented pride.” Buy products and services from these suppliers. jects and people safely con- on how great it was to actu- September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17

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18 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING New water park for Jamaica Resort B.NEWS JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERTSPLASH ST. ANN, Jamaica — The island of Jamaica will soon have one EDITORIALEDITORIAL of the Caribbean’s most diverse oceanfront water parks in the en- COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected] tire Caribbean at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort in Run- away Bay. Set to open in December 2014, The Jewel Runaway Bay MEDIAMEDIA PirateLandCREDENTIAL Family Camping Resort in Opening day brought the ISHOF annual Water Park adds another dimension to the all-inclusive resort. CREDENTIAL Myrtle Beach,VALID VALIDS.C. opened a new kid-friendly Paragon Awards recognizing excellence in Encompassing towering waterslides and family raft rides, the splash poolTHROUGH THROUGHin July. The2012 2010pirate ship-themed performance and support of swimming pro- new water park also offers secluded, chic private cabanas and wa- splash pool was added to the Pirate’s Oasis grams to non-competitive deserving individu- terfall coves with a raindrop umbrella feature, known to reduce Waterpark to provide families with a place als. stress with soothing and therapeutic water streams. Located di- that is just for kids. The addition adds more Wally James, a long time leader in the rectly on the beach, The Jewel Runaway Bay Water Park is replete than 5,000GARY SLADEsquare feet of water activities water park industry was recognized for his with a beach entrance featuring in-floor jetting geysers. surroundingPUBLISHER, a sunkenAMUSEMENT 50-foot TODAY pirate ship nearly 35 years of work in support of recre- Jewel Resorts partnered with SplashTacular Waterslides, Features include water mushrooms, waterfalls, ational swimming by Bruce Wigel ISHOF Waterpark Attractions firm and H2O Design to conceptualize dumping buckets, and spacious decks for CEO and Sheila Taormina, an inductee. the park’s kid-friendly features along with touches that appeal parents to relax and enjoy the sun while they In the presentation, Wigel cited Wally’s to parents and individual travelers including natural design ele- watch their children play. many leadership roles and physical support ments and a diverse selection of water features using the latest • for the industry. In his acceptance comments, technology. California’s Gilroy Gardens newest cap- Wally pointed out to the audience that he was Designed for guests of all ages, the 9,000 square foot water ital investment opened in July. This sec- particularly appreciative of the recognition in park will bring more than 232,334 gallons of aquatic fun, excite- ond water play area is the largest capital view of the fact that he is a very weak swim- ment and relaxation to this all-ages Jewel resort in Jamaica. Gen- investment made since 2005 when the park mer who dislikes the water. He commented eral Manager Scott Robbins stated, “This one-of-a-kind water installed Splash Garden, its first water play that more than one-half the population are park is not just for kids or the young at heart, there are features area. Following the philosophy established by similarly skilled and would have little chance for everyone. Families, young children, teen, tweens and multi- Michael Bonfante when the park was found- to experience safe aquatic based recreation generations, everyone loves a water park!” ed in 2001, the new Water Oasis seeks to were it not for the accessibility of water parks. In addition to extreme water rides, lazy leisure rivers and educate along with providing fun. Water Oasis • more, water park guests will have access to an expansive, ocean- encourages kids to learn about water while Travelers now have a brand new way to front 5,000 square-foot sundeck, a raised entertainment stage for playing in it. In addition to getting soaked by get wet and wild in Myrtle Beach’s Grand live music, a full-service dining plaza and bar and grill, as well as giant flowers, kids can pump and direct the Strand, just named the top summer U.S. private club locker rooms with showers. Safety is a top priority in flow of water in the water journeys area and travel destination by TripAdvisor.com, with the design, and the water park is complete with its own first aid get an introduction to the science of hydro- the opening of a brand new $2 million water offices, a full time nurse on staff, and water park staff observation dynamics. Although most kids don’t seem to park at the oceanfront Crown Reef Resort. and lifeguard stations. mind wet clothes all day, the new area also In addition to two new four-story enclosed provides changing stations and lockers. waterslides, including the world’s first hotel • explosion slide, the water park features a kids’ In June, Soak Ya Water Park at Lake waterslide, sub play area with water sprays Winnepesaukah opened for the season with a and bucket dumps, and a sun deck. new attraction. “We’ve added the twists & turns The 20-year-old resort has been undergo- of the Zoom Flume to Soak Ya!” exclaimed ing a major $7.5 million renovation since last Talley Green of Lake Winnepesaukah. “It’s fall. The water park is the final addition. one more way for our guests to splash into “The Explosion is a two-person serpen- summer fun! tine-style ride with many left-to-right turns in The wild Zoom Flume offers a chance for 54-inch enclosed flumes,” said Nik Paas of riders to enjoy solo or with a friend as they ProSlide Technology Inc. “There are tight slip, slide, & get wildly wet through its sur- radius, 360-degree turns where the fiber- prising tunnels! “Soak Ya! is loaded with the glass enlarges and explodes into a 72-inch Crazy River, water slides for all ages, and the diameter to provide a change of speed and fun of Coke Float Cove,” added Green. “The direction and add an all-new experience to thrilling fun of Zoom Flume is a natural fit and the ride.” a welcome addition! The second twister slide, a one-person • body slide, pumps 800 gallons of water per The new Hydro Adventures, in Popular minute. The slides and other new water fea- Bluff, Mo., water park (formerly Bluffs Falls tures will be enclosed during cooler months Waterpark) exceeded standards at a recent and are open aired during the summer months. unannounced safety audit conducted by • nationally recognized water safety consultants The Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Ellis & Associates. The consultants observed Nevada has teamed up with Wet‘n’Wild Las that the lifeguard staff were universally profes- Vegas for a community-focused partnership sional, rescue ready and addressed environ- that encourages park guests to keep skin mental concerns. safety in mind. It was noted that the supervisor staff did A colorful sunscreen kiosk upon entrance a great job of being both visible and available to Wet’n’Wild, offers complimentary SPF 30 to the guard staff, with on deck management sunscreen to visitors for the remainder of the scoring an Exceeds Standards Level. park’s operating season. Additionally, the kiosk Administratively, the team performed to is adorned with skin safety tips for guests to meet all standards. The facility was well main- keep in mind not only during their visit to the tained and all concerns were addressed. park, but in their daily lives. Park-wide audio Water clarity was very good at all attractions. messages play periodically throughout the Bluffs Falls was purchased in April by day, reminding guests to apply sunscreen and United Parks whose senior leadership incu- offering other proactive tips. Two additional des Jack Falfas. Hydro Adventures is United kiosks have also been installed. Parks’ first operating property. The broad-spectrum sunscreen fully pro- • tects skin against potentially harmful UV-A On June 12-15, 2014, the International and UV-B rays, when applied and reapplied Swimming Hall of Fame celebrated its 50th appropriately. The kiosks are designed with anniversary by extending performance awards all ages in mind to urge park visitors to stay and inducting new members to the hall. proactive with skin protection. September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

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Newest Splash Kingdom meeting challenges in first full season Ground terrain seen,” he said. “There are so FAST FACTS many gunite rock structures makes park hard along with the natural rock Suppliers for structures.” to see from I-20 Splash Kingdom Waterpark, There is also an abundance of attractions. There are 14 wa- STORY: Pam Sherborne Hudson Oaks, Texas [email protected] ter slides, including five or six • located in the children’s area, HUDSON OAKS, Texas — All slide equipment, a wave pool and the lazy river. Johnny Blevins’ third Splash Fibrart, Juarez, Mexico The slides came from Fibrart, Kingdom water park posed an (except slides in except for the slides in the chil- unexpected challenge for him children’s theme area) dren’s area that were supplied this year. • by Fun Works. The supplier of The park, which opened Slides in children’s the wave pool equipment was in late July 2013, began its first themed area, Fun Works, Aquatic Development Group. full operational year over Me- Humble, Texas Blevins said the type and morial Day weekend. And, so • number of attractions at the far, things are going well. Wave Pool & Lazy River, Hudson Oaks park are sort of a “But, it also has been pret- Aquatic Development standard starting point for him. ty interesting,” Blevins said. Group (ADG), Cohoes, N.Y. The Canton waterpark, which “This park is not built on a flat will celebrate a 10th anniver- • area where people can see all sary in 2015, has had some ad- Engineering, the tall slide towers from the ditions and now has 18 slides. road.” Brannon Corp., The second Splash King- That site first made con- Tyler, Texas dom was an existing waterpark struction a challenge. The site located in Shreveport, La., that is hilly and rocky. There is a on such a site, however, was Blevins purchased four years 70-foot topographical height not the only challenge Blevins ago. It has about 16 slides. distance from one side of the faced. It posed a marketing Blevins is also standard- park to the other. The path for challenge as well. That became izing his concessions offerings. the lazy river was cut 20 feet very apparent over the course “We develop the menus down into solid rock forming a of this summer. from our corporate office (in canyon. The four-lane mat rac- So, Blevins’ hired a com- Canton),” he said. “We may er slide provides a 40 foot ride pany to come out with eight- have some regional offerings down, but the actual tower is bladed drones, equipped with from time to time.” Splash Kingdom in Husdon Oaks, Texas is enjoying its first only nine feet tall due to how high definition cameras, to get Included in the menu are full season. Shown here, top to bottom are: the themed the natural terrain was utilized. aerial shots, which were used the standard hot dogs and western town entry area; a children’s play area from Fun “When you are in the park- in any future marketing. hamburgers, as well as grilled Works; Slides from Fibrart and more slides with Aquatic De- ing lot, you can see the western That has helped but Blevins chicken, salads and turkey velopment Group wave pool in background. town facade where the ticket said he still has patrons stand- wraps. There is a separate piz- COURTESY SPLASH KINGDOM booths and offices are located,” ing almost next to the lazy river za location. Blevins said. “You can see one and asking, “So, do you have a All three of the parks have of the slide towers as you get lazy river?” a picnic area outside of the closer to the ticket booths.” Yet, all these challenges gates so patrons can bring their But, other than that, the have created what Blevins has own food. park has a tendency to disap- described as a “very cool park.” Blevins said when he pear into its surroundings. “There are more retaining first opened the Canton park The challenge of constructing walls out here than I have ever nine years ago, he really nev- er planned to own multiple parks. He has three now and by FAST FACTS this time next year, he will have three more open and operating. Splash Kingdom waterparks are Two will be brand new parks in owned by Johnny Blevins in Canton, Texas. Greenville, Texas, and Nacog- doches, Texas. The third will be Here is a look at the Splash Kingdom an existing waterpark. Blevins family of waterparks didn’t disclose the name or lo- Existing locations: cation of that park, citing that Splash Kingdom, Canton, Texas, the closing is not scheduled un- first park, opened 2005; til late September. But, he said Splash Kingdom, Shreveport, La., it will be in Texas as well. existing park purchased by Blevins in 2010; He already has purchased Splash Kingdom, Hudson Oaks/Weatherford, Texas, the slides from Fibrart for the opened mid-summer 2013; Greenville park. He hasn’t pur- Future locations: chased for the Nacogdoches Splash Kingdom, Greenville, Texas, park as yet. to open beginning of 2015 season; And, he said he has about Splash Kingdom, Nacogdoches, Texas, six more cities that have con- to open beginning of 2015 season; tacted him about the possibil- Existing Texas waterpark, ity of building a park in their Blevins expects purchase to close in late cities. September and waterpark to reopen Blevins said all of his parks beginning of 2015 season as Splash Kingdom will close after Labor Day. September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014

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GTA Ad June 2014.indd 1 7/15/14 10:54 AM 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 PARKS & CARNIVALS Quassy announces two new rides from Visa/Rides 4U — Page 28 / Carnival news — Pages 32-36 Record-setting Zumanjaro opens at Six Flags Great Adventure STORY: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

JACKSON N.J. — After two failed attempts to open the world’s tallest drop tower, Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, is now open. The first public rid- ers experienced the 415 foot tower fastened to the side of the 456 foot Kingda Ka roller coaster on July 4. This comes after a Memorial Day week- end planned opening and an- other false start two days be- fore America’s birthday, that was just for the media. The lat- est, 41-story, thrill ride is part president. “Zumanjaro is pre- Six Flags Great Adventure of Six Flags Great Adventure’s cisely the type of world-class, now holds the record for 40th anniversary celebration. record-breaking attraction that the tallest (415 feet) and The original drop ride at the our guests have come to ex- fastest (90 miles per hour in park, Stuntman’s Freefall (In- pect from Great Adventure.” less than 10 seconds) drop tamin 1983 – 2006, was only 13 The final track piece was tower in the world. The stories tall by comparison.) erected into place by Sham- Zumanjaro opened to the Seating on the new In- rock Construction, Matawan, public on July 4. tamin floorless ride, consists N.J. in April. Delay number COURTESY SIX FLAGS of three, eight abreast open one (planned Memorial Day GREAT ADVENTURE seat cabins that face toward weekend launch) came due the Golden Kingdom section to the severe weather expe- located atop the 921-foot high of the park. The restraint sys- rienced in the northeast this deck blasts riders 160 feet up- tem is an over-the shoulder past winter coupled with the wards to an elevation of 1,089 harness attached to seat belts extreme ride height making feet claims the title. powered by catch cars that for difficult working condi- Visiting with Amusement slowly ascend the structure in tions. The second delay (July Today about the mammoth at- just under 30 seconds. After media event) was due to per- traction, Kristin Siebeneicher, what seems to be longer than mit approval not being grant- communications director for it really is, the wait at the top, ed from ride inspectors with Six Flags Great Adventure is followed by a quick plum- the New Jersey Department of had this to say, “The response met to earth at 90 miles per Community Affairs’ Carnival- has been tremendous. The hour, in less than 10 seconds. Amusement Ride Safety Unit. vast majority of guests who To put the size of Zuman- Before boarding, Zuman- ride Zumanjaro want to get jaro in perspective, it is higher jaro riders queue along an Af- back on and ride again. There than London’s Big Ben and rican baboon habitat, also new are a small number of guests twice as tall as the Statue of this season. Zumanjaro holds who get off the ride and say Liberty. On a clear day, riders the records for the tallest and it was terrifying and that once can even get a glimpse of the fastest drop tower ride in the was enough!” She continued, City of Brotherly Love’s sky- world, taking the claim from “Most guests agree that the scrapers 52 miles southwest Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom scariest part of the ride is the when perched at the top. at Six Flags Magic Mountain anticipation – the slow climb “Zumanjaro solidifies in Valencia, Calif. The latter to the top (30 seconds) and the Six Flags’ dominance as the ride is the concept on which agonizing four-second wait Northeast’s only destina- Zumanjaro is based. While before the gondola drops. The tion for thrills. It is on every Zumanjaro is the tallest drop actual freefall is so exhilarat- adrenaline junkies’ must-do tower, it is not the highest by ing. From the top, the Earth list,” said John Fitzgerald, Six elevation. The Big Shot (Strato- looks so small. The drop lasts Flags Great Adventure park sphere Tower, Las Vegas, Nev.) 4See SFNJ, page 27 Creating Memories & Profi tability

Intermark Ride Group • abc rides switzerland • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains www.intermarkridegroup.com Moser Rides TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 Revolving Tower 75 Mt. Wattman Trains abc rides, Rapids Ride September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 Tweetsie Railroad kicking off Halloween AMUSEMENT with Ghost Train 25th anniversary MARKET PLACE BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — With summer quickly wan- ing, officials at Tweetsie Rail- GAME TOPS | CONCESSIONS | BALLYS road are preparing to celebrate RIDE TOPS | CUSTOM PRODUCTS | TENTS the 25th anniversary of the theme park’s popular Ghost Train Halloween Festival Beginning Friday and Sat- urday nights, Sept. 26–Nov. 1., daytime visitors can still enjoy all the Wild West adventure they’ve come to expect from Tweetsie, but the park will take a chilling turn when the Providing Superior Outdoor Amusement Fabric & gates open at 7:30 p.m. That’s Frame Products for over 100 years when ghosts and spirits fill 800.322.8368 | www.anchorinc.com the grounds, daring brave guests to take a trip in time to the Great Train Wreck of 1914. Ghost Train passengers Tweetsie Railroad’s 25th anniversary of the Ghost Train fes- will travel back to the scene of tival runs Sept. 26 to Nov. 1. COURTESY TWEETSIE RAILROAD one of the worst (fictional) ac- cidents in railroading history. Tweetsie hauntings include Freaky Forest; The Boneyard Named one of the Top 20 much more than the signature and its 3-D Maze; the disori- Events in the Southeast by the train ride. Guests will also be enting Black Hole; and new- Southeast Tourism Society, the treated to a stroll through the for-2014, ­the Warp Tunnel.

to run simultaneously. Several rides simultaneously in the

SFNJ months ago during the docu- future.” Continued from page 26 mentation review process with When asked what Zu- the N.J. Department of Com- manjaro and Six Flags mean far longer than you would ex- munity Affairs ride inspectors, to New Jersey tourism, New pect – you fall, and are com- they expressed some concerns Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Gua- pletely aware that the Earth is about loose articles possibly dagno had this to say, “Today growing larger and larger very falling from Kingda Ka and strengthens the reputation of rapidly. There’s a nervous an- striking passengers in the legs Six Flags as a trailblazer in ticipation of when the brakes if their legs were extended be- providing innovative, cutting- will slow you down because it yond the gondola area. (The edge entertainment for visitors feels like you’re falling far lon- gondolas were designed with of all ages, all while enhancing ger than you should.” covers, so no items could land its legacy as one of the great- The first few weeks of on the gondola itself – this est theme park experiences operation have resulted in al- concern was beyond the gon- anywhere in the world. We are ternating dispatches between dola area.) The tandem opera- thrilled that such an incredible Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro, tion plan was developed sev- venue is in New Jersey to pro- not concurrently as origi- eral months ago, and executed vide unforgettable memories nally promoted. When asked, during the programming pro- for so many visitors each and Siebeneicher explained, “We cess. It is unknown whether every year.” had intended for both rides we will be able to run both

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Park also adding kiddie bumper cars Quassy going Frantic with new Visa rides for 2015 MIDDLEBURY, Conn. lakeside property. BREAKING NEWS –— A new spectacular ride “We spent a great deal will be screaming into town of time researching our op- ers high above the midway in for the 2015 season at Quassy tions for a new thrill ride and an area near the Grand Car- Amusement & Waterpark this will certainly be an ex- ousel, where the park’s ticket here, park officials an- ceptional addition,” Quassy booth was located until 2008. nounced on Aug. 4. President Eric Anderson said. In addition, the park will be Frantic will provide 360 Being constructed by adding a new kiddie bumper degrees of pure adrenalin VISA International (SBF/Visa car ride for smaller children, rush when it makes its debut Group), Montagnana, Italy, also provided by Visa Inter- in April at the family-owned Frantic will lift and spin rid- national. Called the Twist ’N Swing 360 by the manufacturer, Quassy coined the name Frantic for its newest family thriller, which will have col- orful theming along with a Quassy’s Eric (left) and Sam Anderson look over ride manu- stunning light emitting diode facturing literature at the site of the new Frantic ride to be (LED) lighting package. added at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, Riders are seated on a Conn. Two new rides (from Visa Group through Rides 4U) circular platform, suspended have been purchased for the 2015 season. COURTESY QUASSY on a giant pendulum, with locking over-the-shoulder for the park.” bumper cars. The eight-car restraints securing them in “Frantic is designed ride will be located near the place. to accommodate children Allan Herschell kiddieland The loading platform and adults and may be pro- rides behind the arcade floor retracts and the pen- grammed for three differ- building. dulum starts to gently swing ent ride experiences: 80 or “We’ve answered the back and forth between its 120-degree swing only, or 360 call to provide a bumper car supporting towers. At the degrees. experience for smaller chil- same time, the ring of seats “The operator we vis- dren,” Anderson said of the begins to rotate as the ride ited told us everyone wants purchase. “And the timing reaches greater heights with the full 360-degree ride and was right for us to acquire every pass. As Frantic climbs that’s what we will expect the two-ride package from to 80 degrees, then 120 de- here,” Anderson alluded. Visa.” grees, the G and negative-G “The unique action and thrill Drivers as small as 36 forces generated by the ride of the piece had guests lin- inches tall may get behind increase, as do the screams ing up again and again. That, the wheel on the children’s Frantic is the new from thrilled patrons. too, was another factor in attraction. The maximum spectacular fam- The swinging action con- convincing us this was the height to ride will be 48 inch- ily ride coming to tinues until the ride finally right choice.” es. Quassy Amusement does a series of complete The new ride will be Little drivers & Waterpark for 360-degree, topsy-turvy flips. brightly themed and incor- “We recently had the op- will get their chance porate LED lighting on its the 2015 season. portunity to see and ride one Quassy’s Bumper Cars facade. Rides 4U, North of the first units in the United have been popular with park Visa International is American repre- States,” said Quassy’s George guests for decades. represented in the U.S. by sentative for Visa Frantzis II. “It was all and Next season the younger Len Soled and Rides 4U of presented the new more than we expected. The generation will be able to Somerville, N.J. ride to the park. experience really convinced drive their own set of wheels •www.quassy.com COURTESY QUASSY us this was the right addition in the Collidoscope kiddie •www.sbfrides.com September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

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SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — The nation’s first launched wing coaster will take flight over Holiday World in 2015. Dubbed Thunderbird, Holiday World’s first major steel roller coaster will fea- coaster in the nation – we ture a zero-to-60 miles-per- can’t wait to ride it!” hour launch in 3.5 seconds, Eckert calls Thunder- followed by multiple inver- bird’s manufacturer, Bolliger sions — including a 14-story & Mabillard, the “Cadillac” Immelmann loop, Zero-G of roller coaster [designers], roll, barrel roll, and a 125- known for their safety, qual- foot vertical loop. ity and reliability. We’ve Continuing Holiday dreamed of adding a B&M World’s tradition of send- steel coaster for many years ing roller coasters through and are excited that Thun- its thickly wooded and hilly derbird will be B&M’s first terrain, Thunderbird will at launched coaster.” first soar and loop high in the Thunderbird’s $22 mil- air and then hug the ground, lion price tag is more than surprising riders with rap- twice the amount of any oth- id-fire “near misses” such as er single-ride investment at keyholes, themed elements, Holiday World & Splashin’ Holiday World will introduce the nation’s first other rides, trees, and even Safari in the park’s 68-year launched wing coaster in 2015. Dubbed Thun- the ground. history. derbird, the ride will be supplied by Bolliger & “A wing coaster creates Thunderbird will be lo- Mabillard and will feature a zero-to-60 miles- a feeling of incredible free- cated in the park’s Thanks- per-hour launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by dom – you ride beside the giving section. Construc- multiple inversions — including a 14-story Im- coaster track with nothing tion is already underway melmann loop, Zero-G roll, barrel roll, and a above or below you,” said and may be viewed live on 125-foot vertical loop. At $22 million, the new Holiday World President Holiday World’s Construc- coaster will cost more than twice the amount of Matt Eckert. “Thunderbird tionCam. Thunderbird will any other single-ride investment in the park’s is the first launched wing open next spring. 68-year history. COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Goodtime Amusements owners see ups and downs in 2014 STORY: Pam Sherborne that was much larger than I [email protected] had intended, but after look- ing it over, I felt like it was HELLERTOWN, Pa. — the best thing to do,” she Irv and Marie Good, Good- said. “It is really nice. We time Amusements, have have another family mem- gotten their seasonal route ber that has a pizza trailer, pretty much where they which is booked in with us want it. just about most of the time.” “We always go home at The Goods start their night,” said Marie Good. season in May and end the “We don’t have any trailers. last week of September. Everyone that goes with us They book in other food to work, comes home with trailers and games as the us.” need arises. Based in Hellertown, “It all depends on what Pa., she said the furthest the committee wants,” she they go from their home is said. “Sometimes they do between 40 to 50 miles and their own booking with This is Goodtime Amusements’s Starship 3000, manufactured by Wisdom, set up at a fire- even that can get challeng- this.” man’s carnival last month in Hellertown Pa. AT/SUE NICHOLS ing at times. The 2014 season has been Good said she and her “pretty much up and down” “We are seeing this more Big Time Celebration, Ro- erton, Pa., Aug. 4-89. husband own 20 rides. They depending on the weather. and more,” she said. “I guess seto, Pa., when Amusement The Goods have three have two food trailers, a cot- The spring was rainy, but it the way the economy is to- Today spoke with them. That children who work with ton candy and a funnel cake, seemed it was drying up for day, there are just so many event ran July 22-27. them: Jeff Good, Judd Good, the latter which she runs. the summer. other things out there to do. Then, they were to move and Deb Good. She purchased a new funnel She is seeing a trend be- It does seem we are getting a to the Schuylkill County They didn’t purchase cake last year from Schantz ing set toward more usage smaller piece of the pie.” Fair, Summit Station, Pa., any new equipment for this Manufacturing. of a pay-one-price wrist- The Goods were at the July 28-Aug. 2, then to the season, but are always look- “I ended up getting one band at events. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Carbon County Fair, Palm- ing. Florida State Fair partners with Wade Shows for midway contract AMusement today TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida State Fair Authority announced in late NEW July its board of directors has formal- ly approved Wade Shows as the new D IGITAL EDITION Florida State Fair Midway Manager. The contract began immediately and Wade Shows will provide a new exclusively for print subscribers midway experience for the 2015 Flor-

INSIDE: ida State Fair set Feb. 5-16. Food and Concessions “We are so pleased with this process and excited about the Spotlight : Pages 7-14 TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. possibilities,” said Doyle Carlton, Florida State Fair Authority April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 www.amusementtoday.com Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at Circus Circus chairman of the board. “It is always good to have a fresh set of STORY: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over INSIDE: the last two decades, roller eyes, and Frank Zaitshik of Wade Shows has been here at the coasters in this desert destina- Food and tion have launched, looped, Concessions corkscrewed and even coiled languorously atop a tower al- Spotlight : most 1,000 feet up. iPad Pages 7-14 With at least two such fair, and has so many great ideas to invigorate our midway.” high-profi le rides and an en- tire theme park adjacent to one casino resort having also www.amusementtoday.com been dismantled in that time, The Adventuredome at Circus The Fair Authority’s Midway Evaluation Committee Circus Hotel & Casino — the indoor fun park that has sur- vived the local vicissitudes of family entertainment since its TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. debut as Grand Slam Canyon in 1993 — has done something brought forth the Wade Shows recommendation to the board exceedingly right: providing April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 rides and att ractions in a cli- mate-controlled environment connected to a resort known Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at Circus Circus for its kid friendliness for half STORY: Dean Lamanna after a formal Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) proposal and re- a century. [email protected] It took more than six years LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over of planning and decision- the last two decades, roller coasters in this desert destina- making to choose and custom- Tom Nolan, vice president El Loco, from ize a new thrill att raction that of operations for the park, de- tion have launched, looped, S&S~Sansei Technolo- corkscrewed and even coiled view process. scribed the coaster as “the per- would both compliment the gies, Inc., performs its languorously atop a tower al- park’s popular Canyon Blaster fect addition” to the enclosed most 1,000 feet up. wild mouse-on-steroids With at least two such corkscrew coaster and fi t into facility’s arsenal of two dozen acrobatics with precision high-profile rides and an en- the tight, dome-roofed foot- rides and att ractions. and family-friendly com- “El Loco off ers our guests tire theme park adjacent to print left by the Rim Runner fort within the dramatic one casino resort having also fl ume ride. something they have never ex- confi nes of The been dismantled in that time, Projected benefits of the three-year agreement include But on Feb. 18, after sev- perienced before,” Nolan said Adventuredome at The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino — the eral weeks of extensive test- in a chat with Amusement To- Circus Circus. It replaces ing and media teasing, El day just outside the coaster’s indoor fun park that has sur- the park’s 20-year-old, vived the local vicissitudes of Loco — an acrobatic, inverting exit on opening day. “Riders fi ve-acre Rim Runner family entertainment since its wild mouse-style coaster from enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns Shoot the Chute ride. debut as Grand Slam Canyon in 1993 — has done something increased patron safety, reduction of the fair’s midway over- S&S~Sansei Technologies, Inc., and drops in such close prox- COURTESY THE exceedingly right: providing of Logan, Utah — fi nally cut imity to our other rides that, El Loco, from ADVENTUREDOME AT rides and attractions in a cli- loose inside The Adventure- for an instant, they get the sen- CIRCUS CIRCUS mate-controlled environment TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. S&S~Sansei Technolo- INSIDE: dome for its offi cial opening. See EL LOCO, page 4 + connected to a resort known April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 gies, Inc., performs its Food and for its kid friendliness for half - Tom Nolan, vice president wild mouse-on-steroids Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at CircusConcessions Circus a century. STORY: Dean Lamanna It took more than six years of operations for the park, de- acrobatics with precision [email protected] Spotlight : head and increased revenue, and updated midway brand and

scribed the coaster as “the per and family-friendly com- LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over Pages 7-14 2014 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 of planning and decision- the last two decades, roller fect addition” to the enclosed fort withinconfines the dramatic of The coasters in this desert destina- making to choose and custom- tion have launched, looped, facility’s arsenal of two dozen corkscrewed and even coiled www.amusementtoday.com

Dated material. material. Dated ize a new thrill attraction that Adventuredome at languorously atop a tower al- would both compliment the rides and attractions. most 1,000 feet up. SUBSCRIBE TO “El Loco offers our guests With at least two such park’s popular Canyon Blaster Circus Circus. It replaces high-profile rides and an en- the park’s 20-year-old, tire theme park adjacent to corkscrew coaster and fit into something they have never ex- one casino resort having also Amusement To- five-acre Rim Runner been dismantled in that time,

NEWSPAPER uniformity, all while allowing provisions for the Fair Author- perienced before,” Nolan said The Adventuredome at Circus POSTMASTER: PLEASE RUSH! 21, 2014 March Mailed Friday, AMUSEMENT TODAY the tight, dome-roofed foot- in a chat with Shoot theCOURTESY Chute ride. THE Circus Hotel & Casino — the

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(817) 460-7220 in 1993 — has done something PAID enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns - exceedingly right: providing

eral weeks of extensive test rides and attractions in a cli-

US POSTAGE US and drops in such close prox mate-controlled environment PRSRT STD PRSRT ing and media teasing, El connected to a resort known imity to our other rides that, for its kid friendliness for half Loco — an acrobatic, inverting 2014 aGOLDEN century. TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 ity to have final control. for an instant, they get the sen wild mouse-style coaster from It took more than six years See EL LOCO, page 4 of planning and decision- making to choose and custom- S&S~Sansei Technologies, Inc., ize a new thrill attraction that of Logan, Utah — finally cut would both compliment the park’s popular Canyon Blaster Tom Nolan, vice president loose inside The Adventure- corkscrew coaster and fit into of operations for the park, de- the tight, dome-roofed foot- scribed the coaster as “the per dome for its official opening. print left by the Rim Runner fect addition” to the enclosed flume ride. facility’s arsenal of two dozen But on Feb. 18, after sev- rides and attractions. - S&S~SanseiEl Loco,Technolo from- eral weeks of extensive test gies, Inc., performs its ing and media teasing, El “El Loco offers our guests Carlton said there will be a new design to the midway that something they have never ex- wild mouse-on-steroids Loco — an acrobatic, inverting perienced before,” Nolan said acrobatics with precision SUBSCRIBE TO wild mouse-style coaster from - and family-friendly com- in a chat with S&S~Sansei Technologies, Inc., day just outside the coaster’s fort within the dramatic

of Logan, Utah — finally cut Amusement To- Dated material. material. Dated exit on opening day. “Riders loose inside The Adventure- confines of The enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns Adventuredome at

dome for its official opening. and drops in such close prox Circus Circus. It replaces RUSH! AMUSEMENT TODAY imity to our other rides that, the park’s 20-year-old, for an instant, they get the sen five-acre Rim Runner

- Shoot the Chute ride. terial.

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PAID 2014 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT (817) 460-7220 environment for fairgoers to enjoy. “We feel this move will be positive for all involved,” he said. Access all of the professional NEWS From 1992 through 1997, and again from 2005 through content you expect from Amusement Today 2014, the Florida State Fair operated under an independent midway structure. right on your tablet, phone or laptop! The family-operated Wade Shows has had a long-stand- Plus, it’s Android and iOS compatible! ing relationship with the Florida State Fair. The company has been a part of the fair for 23 years, and has partnered with the Try the Digital Edition FREE today at Fair Authority on charitable events such as “Miles of Smiles” www.amusementtoday.com/digital for underprivileged children. —Pam Sherborne September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 Bartlebaugh Amusements bogged down in rain STORY: Pam Sherborne ing, July 28-Aug. 2 after This is a 70-year-old car- [email protected] the New Castle event, ousel made by Vernon Garbrick. It is owned NEW CASTLE, Pa. then on to Sykesville (Pa.) by Bartlebaugh Amuse- – Rain has dampened AG and Youth Fair, Aug. ments and seen here at the route of Bartlebaugh 4-9, and the Berlin Block the Jefferson County Fair, Amusements this year. Party, Aug. 12-16. The show owns ap- Brookville, Pa., July 14-19. “Every week...,” said Allen Bartlebaugh, show Allen Bartlebaugh, show proximately 50 rides and carries about half that owner, said he has seen a owner, “...we have had lot of rain so far this year. many on each of two units. days of rain every week DavidMemorialAD-amusementtoday.pdfAT/SUE 1NICHOLS 7/22/14 1:46 PM we have been on the road.” Springtime was wetter but the show is still see- ing a lot of the wet stuff. He was in New Castle, Pa., when Amusement Today contacted him at the West- ern Pennsylvania Balloon David H. Smith Quest, which ran July 24- 27. “This past weekend when we were at the Jeffer- 4/25/1956 – 9/21/2004 son Township Fair, Mercer (Pa.), it rained all of July 26 (Sat.) and we had to use winches to pull our equip- ment out of the mud on YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FROM Sunday to move here,” he said. “When we have the OUR LIVES FOR 10 YEARS NOW… weather, it’s okay.” Bartlebaugh said an additional challenge he is having this year is la- bor. He used to hire for- You are an inspiration in our lives everyday. C eign students labor under Your love still burns strong in our hearts. Your the J-1 visa program. But,M he said, that program isY friendship is still touching so many people. no longer available toCM You are the reason we live our lives to the the carnival industry. HeMY fullest potential everyday. hasn’t tried the H-2B visaCY program yet. But, he has You are the reason we are the people we are today, a true reflection of your love for us. CMY heard the problems peo- K You are the reason that your company stands strong and is still a prominent ple are having with that. “Allied” “We have had a big business in the industry. turnover in help this year,” You are the reason your sons Conner William and Daniel Roy are the outstanding he said. “We are having to hire about every other gentleman they are today. week. We hire them and You are the reason they love and cherish their mother; they will always be here, loving I guess the work is just her and watching over her. too much and they quit. There have been a couple You are the reason I am the person I am today, the reason I am able to carry on your of times that I have had to legacy into the future for your beautiful sons. let them go.” Bartlebaugh and his wife, Shelia Bartlebaugh, We love you so much, we miss you everyday play almost exclusively and you will continue to be our bright shining star. in Pennsylvania. They be- gin in late April and close around the first of Octo- Mary Chris, Conner and Danny ber. The show, based in Madisonburg, Pa., was Affiliated with Allied for over 30 years. to move on to The Sheak- leyville (Pa.) Homecom- 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014

CARNIVAL CARNIVALlights MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected]

USA Today released results from a read- advance ticket sales. Gull Wing Industries er’s poll of America’s top quirky landmarks. State Fair organizers were pleased with Working with the Carnival Coming in at first place is the State Fair these new records, noting that a number of Industry since 1989 of Texas’s icon, Big Tex. Second place was challenges were overcome this year. Those awarded to the Longaberger home office challenges included the impacts of the Contact us at: www.gull-wing.com building in Newark, Ohio, which is shaped drought, five days of temperatures in excess like a giant wooden picnic basket, replicat- of 100 degrees, four wild land fires on or ing the company’s primary product. near Cal Expo’s portion of the American Riv- Alliance, Nebraska’s strangely memo- er Parkway, a freeway closure on Wells Fargo Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw rable Carhenge, ranked number three with Kid’s Day due to the fires, record viewership Quiet Power–Tractor or USA Today readers. This quirky stonehenge in California of the World Cup on the State Trailer Mounted replica is built of 38 vintage cars. Fair’s first Sunday, and rain on the state fair’s A full list of the winners follows: second Sunday. • Big Tex, Dallas Butler Amusements provided the mid- • Longaberger Home Office, Newark, way. 309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 Ohio • GFlex 400 Amp Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 • Carhenge, Alliance, Neb. Attendance at this year’s North Dakota • Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, State Fair, Minot, July 18-26, was the sec- Bemidji, Minn. ond highest in the history of the fair, falling • Fremont Troll, Seattle just short of last year’s record. • Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas The fair wrapped up its nine-day run with • Beer Can House, Houston a total of 314,446 patrons, just shy of the • Enchanted Highway, Regent, N.D. 2013 record of 320,485. • Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman, Ala. Murphy Brothers Expositions provided • Peachoid, Gaffney, S.C. the midway. • Next year, the fair will celebrate its 50th Total attendance at the California State anniversary. Staff already is working on some Fair, Sacramento, grew by eight percent this special activities, Marketing Director Jenni- year representing the highest attendance fer Hubrig said. P.O. Box 238 level in six years. More than 750,000 guests • Merino, CO. 80741 came to see The Best of California on dis- The Calgary (Alta.) Stampede, July play during the 17-day event, which ran July 4-13, saw an increase in attendance this year 11-27. For the first time in more than 10 over 2013, while K Days, Edmonton, Alta., 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 years, state fair attendance levels exceeded July 18-27, saw a slight dip compared to 70,000 visitors on four separate days, three 2013. [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com weekend days (7/19, 7/26 and 7/27) and the Total attendance at the 2014 Calgary second Tuesday of the fair (7/22), which was Stampede was 1,263,428. In 2013, it was Wells Fargo Kids Day drawing 75,957 guests. 1,133,050. A record attendance was set in Additionally, the California State Fair 2012 with 1,409,371 fairgoers on the mid- became the most liked fair in the Western way. United States on Facebook with a new fan K Days, formerly the Klondike Days level of 108,196. and Edmonton’s Capital Ex, had a total of Factors being attributed to the huge 740,840 fairgoers this year. Last year’s at- 2014 success include: a combination of ex- tendance was 781,743. A record attendance panded programming and entertainment was set in 2005 with 810,503 fairgoers. that attracted a diverse group of individuals; The dip this year was attributed to a positive social media messages by fairgoers storm that dumped almost three inches of who helped spread their excitement virally; rain on the midway on Friday, July 25. a strategic shift in the marketing campaign Even so, officials were still pleased with Frederiksenthat focused 1/7x3 on the b/w best 3/14/02 of California 11:22 andAM Pagethe turnout.1 the iconic blue ribbon; the addition of pro- North American Midway Entertain- fessional soccer games; and a doubling of ment provided the midway for both events.

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September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 BUSINESS & CLASSIFIEDS AIMS News — Page 39 / MarketWatch — Page 43 / PeopleWatch — Page 45 / CLASSIFIED — Page 47 Twentieth Century Fox, Village Roadshow plan Korea theme park SEOUL, Korea — Governor Hong Joon-pyo, incredibly attractive to both a thriving domestic Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jeffrey Godsick, consumer as well as a quickly growing tourist mar- president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer ket from China, Japan and across Asia,” said Jeffrey Products, and Tim Fisher, CEO of Village Road- Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Con- show Theme Parks, recently announced the sign- sumer Products. “Village Roadshow Theme Parks is ing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) very excited to have the opportunity to work with agreements to plan for Korea’s first international the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government theme park and resort destination, Twentieth Cen- and Twentieth Century Fox on the planning, de- tury Fox World at the Foreign Correspondents’ the studio theme park. sign, development and operation of the theme park. Club of Korea Press Foundation. The proposed “We are signing the agreements and moving With properties like Alien, Ice Age and Planet of the park will be part of a larger development in the Re- forward with plans for our global theme park proj- Apes, we believe this studio theme park will offer public of Korea known as the Ungdong Entertain- ect with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Prod- consumers in Korea and Asia the best theme park ment Complex. ucts to develop a world-leading theme park and experience in the history of the industry,” said Tim Initial plans for Twentieth Century Fox World with Village Roadshow to operate the theme park. Fisher, the CEO of Village Roadshow Theme Parks. Korea include a theme park spanning more than 75 We will make every effort to successfully develop The announcement of the plans to develop acres of land and will be part of a 700-plus-acre lei- this global theme park through close cooperation Twentieth Century Fox World Korea joins a host sure resort and development that will bring to life with Fox and Village Roadshow. Once the theme of groundbreaking location based entertainment a fully immersive entertainment experience featur- park is completed, we expect more than 10 million announcements from Twentieth Century Fox Con- ing some of Fox’s most recognized and beloved film foreign and local tourists will visit and the local sumer Products. Fox Consumer Products recently and television brands. The park will be located in economy will be boosted by creating 30,000 jobs, announced Fox’s first ever theme park, Twentieth the Ungdong Area of Busan-Jinhae Free Economic which is equivalent to attracting 100 manufactur- Century Fox World, set to open in Malaysia in 2016. Zone, Jinhae-gu, Changwon City. Operating part- ing businesses,” said Governor Hong Joon-pyo. The park will feature a fully immersive entertain- ner Village Roadshow joins the group as a design “Korea provides a unique opportunity for an ment experience featuring some of Fox’s most rec- and development consultant, and the manager of international theme park destination that will be ognized and powerful film brands. Grand Texas announces Motorsportz element being added to Sportsplex THE WOODLANDS, Grand Texas. other activities such as the Galland went on to Texas — Grand Texas Motorsportz at Grand youth sports destination say “When you look at the Sports and Entertainment Texas is a complex entailing fields creates synergistic lineup of offerings in the District recently announced almost two miles of track for family activities that are District — a world-class the addition of Motorsportz a combination of super karts incomparable” said Monty theme park and water park, at Grand Texas. that reach speeds of up to Galland CEO of the District. adventure park, event cen- A local company in The 90 miles per hour; test-track The District commis- ter, minor league baseball, Woodlands, Palmetto Rac- operations for sports cars; sioned a study by a nation- destination youth sports ing, is teaming up with high performance driving ally recognized company to fields, retail, dining, hospi- Miller Performance USA lo- schools; as well as more tra- determine the feasibility of tality, RV resort — and now cated in Toole, Utah, to cre- ditional karting and other the youth sports fields and this great new addition of ate the multi-purpose venue motorsports activities. the results showed an an- Motorsportz at Grand Tex- at Grand Texas. “These are The variety of up to four Sports and Entertainment nual attendance in excess of as, it really makes the Dis- the type of competitive rac- tracks will be dedicated to District’s evolving effort 1.5 million within the first trict unique in the world. ing activities that the entire motorsports activities for to bring world class attrac- five years. “The demand for We couldn’t be in a more family will enjoy participat- both public and private use. tions, competition and en- high quality baseball, soft- desirable market and our ing in, and will visit again “This type of family orient- tertainment to the site in the ball, soccer, and other sports location at I-69 (formerly and again” said Tim Craw- ed racing will be very well Houston area, Motorsportz for tournament and travel- Highway 59) and Highway ford owner of Palmetto Rac- received in Houston. We at Grand Texas is an inte- ing youth sports is obvious- 242 is perfect for the needs ing. Crawford took notice of could not be more pleased gral part of the multiplicity ly there and growing. We of the District and all it will a high level of demand for to bring this to the deserv- of offerings coming to the knew the demand was great have to offer. We like to say this variety of motorsports ing people of this great city” District. but were very pleasantly “come for a day, stay for a in the Houston market and said Crawford. “Motorsportz at Grand surprised at what the data week.” the result is Motorsportz at In the Grand Texas Texas, when combined with revealed,” said Galland. EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. 61C AERO DRIVE, BUFFALO, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014

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Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 www.aimsintl.org Email: [email protected] • www.aimsintl.org Start planning now to attend the 2015 AIMS Safety Seminar Holly Coston Eli Bridge Co.; and Art Sellner, Sell- tendees also build long-lasting rela- dustry. The upcoming seminar is of- AIMS International ner Mfg. Co. Inc. got together and tionships with colleagues and instruc- fering: Certified Maintenance Techni- (714) 425-5747 formed the AREA. It was their goal to tors. The instructors are all volunteers cian – Level I and Level II; Certified aims.office@ establish an annual Safety and Main- and are some of the industry’s top Operations Technician - Level I and gmail.com tenance seminar so that all the oper- professionals. Level II; Certified Aquatics Opera- ators and manufacturers could gather Many of the new classes being tions Technician - Level I; Associate ORLANDO, Fla. to learn and work together. offered are for new as well as old dis- Ride Inspector – Level I; Certified — The 43rd annual Coston The annual AIMS Safety Seminar ciplines. Family Entertainment Cen- Ride Inspector - Level II; and Profes- AIMS International is a comprehensive operations, main- ters, Trampoline Courts, Adventure sional Ride Inspector - Level III. Safety Seminar is scheduled for Jan. tenance and safety-training experi- Courses and a Carnival curriculum The Inspector Certification, the 11-16, 2015. The Amusement Indus- ence for individuals responsible for are among the new classes being of- Maintenance Certification, Opera- try Manufacturers and Suppliers the care and safety of the amusement fered. There are several courses that tions Certification and the Aquatics International (AIMS) trade associa- industry’s guests. The seminar offers offer certificates upon completion. Operations Certification programs tion was evolved from the American a diverse curriculum. And, this year, AIMS organizers are always look- are all designed to test the knowl- Recreational Equipment Associa- there will be over 30 new courses. ing for new ideas and new classes to edge of individuals working in the tion (AREA) in February 1994. The These courses are replacing some add to the Safety Seminar. If you are specific field within the amusement organization’s purpose is to provide: of the older ones that have been of- interested in presenting a class at the industry. All have three levels of cer- Dedicated to Continuing Safety in fered. seminar, please contact the AIMS Of- tification except for the Aquatics, the Amusement Industry. Attendees can build a tailored fice at (714) 425-5747 or aims.office@ which has only one. This year marks It was early in the 1960’s, when course curriculum that best suits their gmail.com. the second year that the Level I Watson Brey, Allan Herchell Co.; needs and the needs of their em- The AIMS Safety Seminar has Maintenance, Operations and In- John C. Allen, Philadelphia Tobog- ployers. Safety information is carried both sit-down and hands-on classes. structor examinations will be offered gan Company; Harold Chance, home and shared with colleagues This participation is a requisite for all in Spanish as well. Chance Mfg. Co., Inc.; Lee Sullivan, and co-workers back on the job. At- professionals in the amusement in-

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected] 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 New attractions debut Downtown and off-Strip Long-awaited Las Vegas zip lines fly above Fremont St., Rio

STORY: Dean Lamanna for two and half years under a [email protected] temporary lease and revenue- sharing arrangement with FSI LAS VEGAS, Nev. — After until June of last year. a couple years of development, “Based on that success, we construction, testing and per- felt it would be appropriate to mitting, not to mention mul- design and build a permanent tiple delays, two landmark zip zip line attraction,” said Tom line attractions opened in this Bruny, director of marketing city in advance of summer. for FSI. “There’s a lot of com- SlotZilla, a two-level zip petition for the tourist dollar line anchored at the east end of in Las Vegas. You’ve got to do the Fremont Street Experience things big and do them right, (FSI) in Downtown, partially or you won’t be able to com- opened April 27. Across the pete.” city, just west of Interstate 15 That meant expanding on and The Strip, the VooDoo Zip the capacity of the Flightlinez Line debuted May 25 at the Rio operation, which had four zip All-Suite Hotel & Casino on W. lines that ran halfway along the Flamingo Road. pedestrian street beneath FSI’s While both attractions are four-block-long curved canopy, being marketed as zip lines, which also is the world’s larg- they offer varying ride experi- est video screen. “It wasn’t ences. possible to add more zip lines width-wise, so we came up Downtown’s ‘big jackpot’ with a double-decker system The concept for SlotZilla where there would be four SlotZilla, at the Fremont Street Experience, provides eight zip lines and two different gravi- sprang from a zip line oper- lower and four upper lines,” ty-propelled courses on dual levels launching from a heavily themed 120-foot-tall structure. ated on Fremont Street by Bruny said. AT/DEAN LAMANNA (TOP LEFT); COURTESY SLOTZILLA/FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE Flightlinez, which has a ma- Housing the ride compo- jor outdoor terrain zip line in nents, built in collaboration Bootleg Canyon near Boulder with Zip-Flyer, LLC, required City, southeast of Las Vegas. the construction of a 12-story That company’s attraction ran steel takeoff tower in the mid- dle of Fremont between Las FAST FACTS Vegas Boulevard and 6th Street — about half a block beyond foot length. Name/Location the east entrance to the his- The lower-level zip line, at Slotzilla/Fremont toric thoroughfare’s canopied $20 per person, has done “phe- Street Experience, section. Instead of leaving it nomenally well” since the at- Las Vegas, Nev. an exposed, utilitarian struc- traction’s opening, said Bruny, ture, however, FSI opted to adding: “We think SlotZilla is Type/Opening “costume” it in gaudy Sin City going to be a new icon not only Gravity zip line/ fashion. for downtown, but all of Las April 27, 2014 A giant slot machine Vegas.” adorned with flashing lights Carriage Style and two 37-foot-tall neon High-flying fun Harness (seated and showgirls was deemed the per- off The Strip prone positions) fect thematic fit. “There’s noth- At the Rio resort complex, ing more iconic to Las Vegas the VooDoo Zip Line — named Height than a slot machine,” Bruny after the hip lounge and steak- 114 feet (upper level), said. house that shares the roof space 74 feet (lower level) The multi-million-dollar of the property’s 510-foot-tall SlotZilla delivers a uniquely Masquerade hotel tower — Length urban zip line experience as op- offers an even more unusual 1,700 feet (upper level), posed to the typical rural one. cable-based ride experience. 850 feet (lower level) The lower-level zip line, It carries two passengers both launching from the “coin forward and backward 820 feet Speed tray” 74 feet above the street, in each direction, seated side- 35 mph (upper level), harnesses riders in a tradi- by-side in a ski lift-type car 30 mph (lower level) tional seated position and car- with very low sides and elec- ries them 850 feet — halfway tronically secured seatbelts. Number of Lines/Capacity through FSI — at about 30 Yes, legs dangle freely two years ago. Their brain- shortly thereafter. 8/ mph. The upper level “zoom” nearly 500 feet above the storming gathered steam when Checketts nixed the entre- 80 pph (upper level), line, descending from the slot ground! they attended an IAAPA con- preneurs’ initial idea of run- 120 pph (lower level) machine’s “pay table” 114 feet Attraction co-owners Joe vention in Orlando, where they ning a zip line from the top of above the street (and expected Shortal and Jon Borchetta, met industry innovator Stan the Masquerade tower to the Supplier to be open by Labor Day), will founding partners in Las Ve- Checketts, who was there with ground. But when he saw the Zip-Flyer, LLC, send riders gliding in a prone, gas-based New Capital Ven- his Logan, Utah-based compa- Rio’s second, 20-story Ipane- New York, N.Y. Superman-like position at 35 tures, hit on the idea utilizing ny Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Inc. ma tower across the resort’s mph over FSI’s entire 1,700- the scenic Rio vantage point They invited him to Las Vegas 4See ZIPLINES, page 41 September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Cinecittà World celebrates decades of international cinema Historic Italian film studio opens theme park STORY: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

ROME, Italy — Cinecittà World, the first theme park in Italy dedicated to cinema, was introduced on July 10 after a long gestation and construc- tion period. Located near Cas- Strung between the 50-story tel Romano south of the coun- Masquerade tower and the try’s capital city’s center and Rome’s famous old Cinecittà film studios have inspired the 20-story Ipanema tower at about 16 miles southwest of its new, nearby Cinecittà World theme park. Mack Rides of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Ca- namesake, the historic Cinecit- Waldkirch, Germany, and Intamin of Wollerau, Switzerland, sino, the VooDoo Zip Line — tà film studios — founded in are among the attraction suppliers for the $300 million, 400- from amusement whiz Stan part by Benito Mussolini in acre property, which opened after an extended period of Checketts — is a controlled 1937 as both a propaganda fac- design and development in mid-July. thrill ride experience. tory and a legitimate produc- COURTESY CINECITTÀ WORLD COURTESY tion facility — the park fea- NEW CAPITAL VENTURES tures a mix of rides, film sets and theaters. ZIPLINES the strictest in the country [in Continued from page 40 terms of acquiring permits],” Shortal said. “We also had to sprawling pool area, he knew a get in line behind other projects zip line between the two struc- in the city, including the High tures was feasible. About eight Roller observation wheel and months of design and engineer- SlotZilla.” ing work, plus negotiations With a duration of 80 sec- with the Rio’s owner, Caesars onds and an hourly capacity Entertainment, were followed of about 60, the zip line can Taking its cue from the by a year of construction, test- operate with one or two pas- Universal Studios parks and ing and approvals. sengers up to a total weight of about 10 years in the brain- “Clark County is one of 450 pounds. An attendant will storming and planning, hop onboard with anyone not Cinecittà World was built at comfortable riding solo. a cost of $300 million and oc- FAST FACTS The ride also differs from cupies 400 acres partly on the backlot of Dino Studios, now Name/Location other zip lines in that it uti- owned by Cinecittà and once VooDoo Zip Line/ lizes a motorized cable and is the production home of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, not purely gravity-based. This late film producer Dino De Las Vegas, Nev. allows the vehicle, which de- scends at 30 mph, to deliver a Laurentiis. The park was de- signed by three-time Acad- Type surprise moment. emy Award-winning Italian Motorized zip line The VooDoo Zip Line, which cost $1.1 million, has production designer Dante Ferretti (The Age of Innocence, Opening crossover appeal. “Anyone Gangs of New York), whose eye May 25, 2014 from age eight to 90 could ride it, as long as you’re at least for detail, by all accounts, is in America, The Untouchables, Romeo and Juliet (1968) and evident in every aspect of the the “Spaghetti Westerns” of Gangs of New York (2002). Carriage Style 48 inches tall,” Shortal noted. property — particularly in the Sergio Leone and many more). Visitors enter Cinecittà 2-person seat General admission is $24.99. theming and special effects The park’s attractions World through the jaws of (electronic seatbelts) “A lot of people announce new attractions in Las Vegas, that enhance its dark rides and environments have been the Temple of Moloch, seen (including a motion simula- inspired by or in some way in Cabiria, a silent movie Height/Length but not a lot of them get done,” tor-based experience called themed to the most famous filmed in Turin, Italy, in 1914. 490 feet/ he said. “I’ve been working Dante’s Inferno) and several of the 3,000 films and televi- The imaginative park also in- 820 feet (one direction) with a great all-around team on this project, including Caesars, roller coasters. sion shows made at Cinecittà, cludes an ancient Rome set, a In addition to 20 rides and where production was so in- recreation of 1920s-era Man- Speed which has been a real bless- attractions, Cinecittà World tense by the 1950s that it led to hattan and a corkscrew coast- 30 mph (forward descent), ing.” features eight working film Rome being nicknamed “Hol- er launched out a spaceship. 20 mph (backward ascent) Shortal is confident the VooDoo Zip Line is a valu- sets, four theaters, four themed lywood on the Tiber.” In addi- More than 1.5 million restaurants and live enter- tion to undisputed American guests are expected to visit Number of Lines/Capacity able addition to the Las Vegas tainment. The mood-setting classics like Ben-Hur and the Cinecittà World annually. Ac- 1/60 pph amusement landscape: “It rolls the best features of all the rides soundtrack music throughout famous body of work by Ital- cording to online sources, the park has been provided ian filmmaker Federico Fellini, expansion plans for the park Supplier in this city into one.” by the prolific and award- Cinecittà hosted productions include a nature reserve and a Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Inc., •www.vegasexperience.com/ winning film composer Ennio including Cleopatra (1963), The wellness center. Logan, Utah slotzilla-zip-line •www.voodoozipline.com Morricone (Once Upon a Time Agony and the Ecstasy (1965), •www.cinecittaworld.it 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014

2014 PAPA Summer Meeting held at Dorney Park ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association held its annual Summer Meeting July 14 & 15, 2014 at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. The event was well attended with 75 parks and suppliers making the trip to Allentown. Brian Bossuyt, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark is the current PAPA president and led the meeting. The annual PAPA Golf Tournament was held to raise funds for the PAPA Scholarship Fund. This year’s golf event raised $1,200. Sponsors for this year’s PAPA Summer Meeting included: National Ticket Company, Premier Rides Inc., Dippin Dots, Skee-Ball, S&S Sansei Technology Inc., Amusement Today, Haas & Wilkerson, Midway Stainless Fabrications, Ralph S. Alberts and Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Above, Gary Chubb, Hersheypark and Brad Above, Tim Timco, Sansei Technologies; Nesland, Dorney Park. Dorney Park served as Leanna and Joe Muscato, both with Knoebels the 2014 host facility. Below, Brian Bossuyt, Amusement Resort. Below, Joe James, Haas & Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark and current Wilkerson Insurance; Carl and Nancee Crider, PAPA president with Brian Knoebel, Knoebels DelGrossos’ Amusement Park and Brian Amusement Resort. Bossuyt, Camelbeach Mountain Park.

The annual PAPA Golf Tournament was held to raise funds for the PAPA Scholarship Fund. This year’s event raised $1,200. Presenting the check here to PAPA are from left, Tim Timco, Sansei Technologies; Tom Rebbie, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.; Brian Bossuyt, PAPA president and Camel- beach Mountain Waterpark and Brad Marcy, Dorney Park. AT PHOTOS/SUE NICHOLS September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH Six Flags second quarter revenues up, visits down Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), announced COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW on July 21 record financial performance in the second quarter 2014 8/1/14 52-Week 52-Week as revenue grew $13 million or four percent to $377 million, fueled by higher guest spending. Adjusted EBITDA for the same three-month Apollo Global Management APO NYSE 26.20 36.51 24.06 period was $145 million, a $7 million or five percent increase. Revenue (Great Wolf Resorts) for the first six months of the year was flat to prior year while Adjusted The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 32.42 36.08 21.30 EBITDA increased two percent. In the second quarter, total guest spending per capita grew $4.21 Merlin Entertainments Group/ or 11 percent to $43.73, with admissions revenue per capita increasing MERL LSE 348.90 354.50 3.20 Legoland $2.56 or 11 percent to $25.15 and in-park revenue per capita increas- ing $1.65 or 10 percent to $18.58. Attendance for the second quarter Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 51.67 55.76 41.96 decreased eight percent to 8.2 million guests.

CMCSA NASDAQ 53.39 56.49 41.06 Comcast Corp./ WhiteWater expands with new Shanghai office Due to the explosive growth in Asia-Pacific, in particular China, NBCUniversal Media CMCSK NASDAQ 53.22 56.23 39.73 WhiteWater Shanghai has moved to a larger office to be able to ac- commodate more clients, partners and employees. Along with space for the addition of more WhiteWater employees to the office, it also The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 85.38 87.63 60.41 offers improved client accessibility as well as more meeting spaces for the growing number of client meetings and workshops. Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1106.00 1213.00 716.00 Sean Hinton, WhiteWater’s executive vice president, Asia-Pacific adds, “We are thrilled to have a new space that is reflective of, and Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.16 2.27 1.09 responsive to the growth in this region. We invite all clients and part- ners to visit the new office and get to know our extensive and growing Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 12.80 13.75 11.15 team in Shanghai.” With its expansion, the Shanghai office now becomes the largest of WhiteWater’s 20 sales offices worldwide and the second only to MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 26.26 28.75 16.27 WhiteWater Headquarters in Canada in terms of size. The address for the new Shanghai office is as follows: SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 27.75 37.17 27.39 Jing’an Kerry Center, Tower 1, Room 2804 No. 1515 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town 000069 SZSE 5.68 6.49 4.30 Shanghai, P.R. China, 200040 Co., Ltd. (OCT) Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 38.29 43.19 31.86 Cedar Fair Entertainment debuts FunTV Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN), announced on July 1 that it has created Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 3125.00 3205.00 2880.00 a way to make the wait time for its most popular rides and attractions fun and entertaining this summer with the debut of FunTV. Village Roadshow VRL ASX 7.71 8.44 5.91 Designed to engage, entertain and enhance the overall guest ex- perience, FunTV is broadcast on large outdoor HD screens with full STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN audio in the queue area of more than 120 top thrill and family at- CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED tractions across Cedar Fair’s parks. Taking guests behind the scenes of an amusement park, FunTV offers original programming and other Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, content designed to help them plan their day. Other features include New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock park trivia, news, real-time weather, sports, interactive games and mu- Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange sic videos. —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal “FunTV provides a great avenue for advertisers to reach an in-de- mand audience, delivering more than one billion impressions to teens, DIESEL PRICES adults and families with young children in an ideal environment,” said Cedar Fair Entertainment Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Richard Region As of Change from Zimmerman. (U.S.) 07/28/14 1 year ago Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time War- East Coast $3.910 - $0.021 ner Cable Inc. serves as the exclusive advertising representative for Midwest $3.801 - $0.085 FunTV.FunTV is powered by Reflect Systems, a full-service provider of Gulf Coast $3.767 - $0.078 digital media solutions based in Dallas, Texas, and is a member of the Digital Place-Based Advertising Association (DPAA). Mountain $3.888 - $0.025 West Coast $3.928 - $0.042 Quick Hits... California $4.090 - $0.032 •IAAPA has announced that Ripley Entertainment President Jim CURRENCY Pattison, Jr. will address industry leaders as the keynote speaker dur- ing the GM and Owner’s Breakfast set for Nov. 19 during the annual On 08/04/14 $1 USD = IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Fla. Pattison will share what has 0.7443 EURO enabled Ripley Entertainment to remain successful for nearly a century 0.5942 GBP (British Pound) and is anticipated to surprise the audience in true Ripley fashion. 102.60 JPY (Japanese Yen) •IAAPA has announced that it’s 2015 FEC conference will be held 0.9051 CHF (Swiss Franc) in Dallas, Texas at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront on Feb. 8-10, 2015. Leading FEC professionals will gather to solve challenges, build 1.0730 AUD (Australian Dollar) their networks, compare information, and discuss successful strategies 1.0912 CAD (Canadian Dollar) to increase profits. For more information on FEC Dallas, or to be a sponsor, contact IAAPA’s Brian Skepton at bskepton&IAAPA.com. Through the smiles, the seasons & the miles – Financing everything for the outdoor amusement industry since 2000. Prairie Financial The outdoor amusement Division of Boulevard Bank Paul Muller [email protected] Mark Walker A division of [email protected] Wade Muller blvdbank.com/outdoor-amusement [email protected] 816-554-3863 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Walter Larson, Larson International founder dies at 84 Larson’s Ring of Fire, Super Loops the opportunities he pro- His Ring of Fire and Su- vided my family will never per Loops rides continue became a must have for carnival owners be forgotten. We contin- to help many showmen PLAINVIEW, Texas — he ventured into manu- ue to keep the company provide an entertaining, Walter F. Larson, a native facturing high clearance name, Larson International, exciting and safe midway Texan and lifelong citizen tractors. He possessed a Inc. in honor of Walter and experience for hundreds of of Plainview, passed away unique and uncanny abil- his lifelong achievements.” million riders. The OABA peacefully on July 18, 2014. ity to take what was good Novotny continued, board extends our deepest Walter was born on and improve it. These trac- “One of my fondest memo- sympathy to his family.” Sept. 26, 1930 to Walter W. tors were customized for a ries with Walter was meet- He was preceded in Larson and Anita Jarvis Lar- number of unique applica- ing him at his downtown death by a daughter, Me- son. Upon graduation from tions that included being toy store. This is where he linda. He is survived by his Plainview High School, he used on tomato planta- kept his antique cars and wife of more than 64 years, attended American Flyers tions, harvesting grapes Walter Larson motor coach and we would Sharon Larson; sister Sally pilot training school in Fort and corn de-tasseling. He 1930-2014 have a few drinks and play Hale; daughters, Sarah Lar- Worth. He married his high also manufactured Versa- for business and pleasure. cards or talk about busi- son, Loretta Haynes and school sweetheart Sharon trac highway sweepers. He loved machinery and ness. When my wife would Alice Kofahl; six grand- Turner in 1950. He worked In the early 1970s, how it worked. He was fas- call to see where I was, I children; and eight great- for Claude Hutcherson as a he began manufacturing cinated by motors of all would always respond, I am grandchildren. charter pilot and held spe- amusement rides and is sizes and shape. He spent in ‘liquid conference’ with Graveside services cial fond memories of the best known for the Super endless happy hours listen- Walter and she knew exact- were held July 20 at the medical charter flights he Loops portable carnival ing to music of all genres. ly where I was and what we Plainview Cemetery. Me- flew. ride, known today as The He especially loved gospel were doing.” morial contributions may Later, he opened a Fer- Ring of Fire. He retired music. He truly felt the mu- OABA’s Bob Johnson be made to: St. Mark’s guson tractor dealership from this business in 2007. sic in his heart. remembered Walter Larson Episcopal Church, 710 Jo- in Plainview that became Throughout the years Jeff Novotny, who pur- saying, “We have lost an- liet St., Plainview, Texas known as Larson-Turner he continued to have a chased the company from other wonderful pioneer 79072 or Cal Farley’s Boys Massey-Ferguson. Af- tremendous passion for Walter in 2006 told Amuse- and great engineer in the Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., ter selling the dealership planes, trains and cars. He ment Today, “Walter was amusement industry with Amarillo, Texas 79101 or to to the James Brothers, flew his own private planes always a mentor to me and Walter Larson’s passing. one’s favorite charity.

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PEOPLE WATCH Legoland Florida gains new marketing dir. COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Legoland Florida announced the ad- dition of Rex Jackson as the park’s new marketing director. Jackson [email protected] joins Legoland Florida after spending the last five years as marketing director at Darden Restaurants in Orlando, Fla., bringing his experi- On July 17, the Disneyland Resort marked • ence to the Legoland team. He will lead all marketing, communica- its 59th anniversary by reflecting on a rich heri- The Hertfordshire Studio where all eight tion, advertising and sales efforts of the park, including the unveiling tage of making magic in a celebration held on Harry Potter films were shot in England tripled of the Legoland Hotel in 2015. “We are happy to add someone of Rex’s stature to lead our mar- Main Street, U.S.A. Guests, cast members and its profits to last year with the bulk of the in- keting team here at Legoland Florida,” said Legoland Florida General 59 Disney characters joined together to hear crease generated by its behind-the-scenes boy Manager Adrian Jones. “Rex brings a wealth of experience from his Walt Disney’s opening day speech and to sing wizard tour.The tour, at Leavesden Studios, time at Darden and Procter & Gamble, and we are looking forward to along to a medley of classic Disneyland Resort showcases costumes, props and sets from the him being part of our management team.” songs led by the Dapper Dans of Disneyland. Harry Potter series including a recreation of Disneyland Resort also announced that the up- Hogwarts’ Great Hall. coming 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration • Picsolve announces new appointment LONDON — Picsolve, a leading image capture partner for the will begin spring 2015. The third biggest aquarium on the planet leisure and entertainment industry, has announced its instrumental ap- • is coming together in Kansas City at A. Zahner pointment of Colin Tenwick as non-executive chairman. Jump!Zone of Orange Park, Fla., an- Co. Zahner is designing and building the ex- Tenwick joins Picsolve with a proven and award-winning track re- nounced the opening of a brand new family terior forms and surfaces for the elaborate cord in global technology businesses, after winning the prestigious attraction at their Blanding Boulevard loca- ocean-based aquarium in Fortaleza, Brazil. The “Technology CEO of the Year for a public company” at the UK Tech- tion. The children’s inflatable indoor party and Acquario Ceara, carrying a price tag of $130 nology and Growth Awards and currently serving as Non-Executive play center is now offering children and their million, is set to open in 2015. Zahner’s fabrica- Director at AVG and a Non-Executive Chairman at Addison Lee. Previously Chairman and CEO of Bookatable and most recently parents a glow in the dark combat play arena tion shops are making the aluminum support non-executive chairman at ControlCircle — a leading provider of man- called The Battle Zone. The 4,000-square-foot frame and aluminum skin plates that cover it. aged and cloud-based services to enterprises and online businesses, expansion also adds two private party rooms These pieces will ship south and come togeth- Tenwick’s knowledge and deep understanding of running small and and space for an expanded arcade area. er for the project. large enterprises, coupled with his consistent success in delivering • • turnarounds in technology organizations, will be invaluable in his new Howl-O-Scream 2014 returns to Busch Picsolve, a leading image capture partner role within Picsolve. Gardens Tampa this fall with surprises and un- for the leisure and entertainment industry, has expected terrors around every corner. Busch announced user figures for its digital product Suzo-Happ appoints new sales rep. Gardens’ 300 acres will be overgrown with suite. 400,000 people have registered for Pic- MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — Suzo-Happ announced that Aquiles dark, sinister, adult-targeted fun. Hundreds of solve’s digital portal which has been rolled out Mila de la Roca has joined the company as a sales representative for roaming creatures will swarm the streets, mak- to over 100 attractions worldwide. Picsolve’s Latin America. ing escape nearly impossible. A chilling live cutting-edge digital product suite, the result “We are very excited about the addition of Aquiles and his team,” show along with Florida’s top thrill rides in the of three years investment and development, said James Brendel, CEO of Suzo-Happ. “This new strategic opportu- dark, including North America’s tallest free- allows guests to access images immediately nity will grow and strengthen our market share in Central, North, and standing drop tower Falcon’s Fury will keep and is available in 13 languages and with an South America.” Mila de la Roca, has been in the industry for 15 years, with experi- the screams coming. intuitive native app. ence in the distribution, marketing, sales and support of various com- • • panies like Atronic, Bally, Money Controls and Crane Payment Solu- After opening seven days a week for the Feed the Children is joining forces with tions throughout Latin America. He will market and sell a full range of first time in decades, the Museum of Modern Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, to raise products for the Amusement, Gaming, Vending, Transportation and Art saw attendance rise seven percent last awareness and encourage support among park Retail industries. Mila de la Roca is based out of Miami, Florida and will year, while the number of visitors to the Metro- guests. The partnership between the world’s be supported by his team composed of customer service, engineering politan Museum of Art, both in New York City, largest regional theme park company and the and technical resources. was flat despite a similar change. MoMA start- non-profit hunger relief organization is part of ed opening its doors every day in May 2013, Feed the Children’s renewed vision to create a Frank Desocio new BPAA executive director while the Met began its daily schedule on July world where no child goes to bed hungry. ARLINGTON, Texas — The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of 1, 2013. In announcing the change from six • America (BPAA) announced that Frank DeSocio of Wichita, Kansas, days to seven, executives at each institution Houston Zoo is adding the world’s largest has been named as its new executive director. DeSocio officially as- said they were extending hours to better ac- gorilla exhibit. Construction of the $29 million sumed his new position July 1, 2014. commodate a growing number of visitors. Gorillas of the African Forest exhibit is more The announcement ended a six-month search to fill the vacancy • than halfway done and we got the first peek at during which time BPAA executive officers rotated executive director In celebration of 25 years, Lotte World the progress. The exhibit will give the experi- duties at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. Adventure theme park is holding its special ence of being right in the middle of an African DeSocio, a bowling proprietor from Wichita, Kansas, is currently Let’s Dream nightly parade. The multime- forest. The two acres will soon be home to 10 president of Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), the marketing arm of dia show and parade took approximately two gorillas. bowling. STE is a network of 2,100-plus of the most progressive bowl- ing proprietors throughout the United States, whose mission is to en- years to organize and produce, and the newly • sure that potential partners fit the needs and expectations of bowling launched, highly technical and LED light-filled This fall Halloween Horror Nights at Uni- proprietors on a national and local basis by promoting bowling in a character floats look as though they came versal Studios Hollywood and Universal Or- positive manner. straight out of a child’s dream. lando Resort will introduce a terrifying new • scarezone, The Purge: Anarchy, inspired by Dollywood has had a successful summer Universal Pictures’ new thriller, which scored Around our industry... with the nightly fireworks show.Dolly’s Nights the highest opening for a horror film this •Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J., celebrates the first of Many Colors is on for a second year in the year. The Purge: Anarchy scarezone will greet sea lion pup born at the world’s largest theme park. The healthy male pup named Kona weighed approximately 18 pounds at birth June 25, theme park. Fireworks shoot into the sky to guests with pure unadulterated fear, bring- and now weighs in at 33 pounds at one month of age. Dolly Parton’s music.“We actually sent a team ing to life the turmoil and pandemonium that Kona is the park’s fifth California sea lion. Mother Anoki success- to China to hand pick the patterns that we awaits those vulnerable to masked vigilantes in fully delivered her first pup under the careful observation of the park’s have,” said Dollywood’s Paige Bales. search of new victims. veterinary and animal care teams at Seafari Theater in the park’s Gold- • • en Kingdom section. At four days old, Kona began learning how to The Italian Government has ended the A new Haunted Mansion-themed mer- use his flippers and developed a signature call with his mother. Anoki long-standing practice of allowing E.U. citizens chandise shop is opening this fall in the Magic continues to nurse her pup, and has proven to be an excellent mother. aged over 65 free access to some 225 state- Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. The •The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Burbank, Ca- owned museums, galleries and archaeological shop will be located in the current Yankee lif., announced that its next TEA International Board President will be sites. In Rome, for example, these include the Trader shop. Inspired by Madame Leota, the Steve Birket, PE, of Birket Engineering. Birket officially became TEA Colosseum and Roman Forum, the fascinating new location will carry select items from the President-Elect by a unanimous vote of the board on May 13. archaeological museums of the Museo Nazio- upcoming Haunted Mansion authentic pro- Steve Birket has been active within TEA for more than 10 years, nale Romano circuit and the Borghese Gallery. gram. and part of the leadership since 2006, stepping up in 2010 to the TEA International Board level. 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014 Second Playland book highlights park’s ‘golden years’ STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] In the golden age of amuse- ment parks, almost every major metropolitan area was home to one, if not several of these pop- ular pleasure grounds. Some were small, seedy, and may have lasted only a few years, others lasted for generations and became woven into the fab- ric of the cities in which they re- sided. When their time came to an end, the loss was lamented for years to come. Many former patrons scrambled to collect souvenirs and held on to their precious photographs to help keep the memories alive. Many have inspired books, television Top row, left to right: San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: The Golden Years specials and fan clubs and hold book cover. This aerial view of Playland shows just a portion of the park in a special place in the hearts its heyday. The park extends along the beach to the left and right of this of the locals who frequented photograph. Bottom row, left to right: the Big Dipper was the largest ride them. at the park. Built in 1922 by Arthur Looff, it operated until 1955. Developer Jeremy Erts-Hokin dismantled Playland with little regard to the preservation BOOK REVIEW of artifacts. Inset: an unknown worker (or vagrant) takes a break in a car of the partially-destroyed Alpine Racer, a German-made wild mouse imported For the people of Northern by Mack Duce. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY CRAVEN STREET BOOKS California, that special place was San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach. The area itself dates back to the 1880s as home to one of the first gravity railroad “roller coasters.” It officially be- came Playland at the Beach in 1928 enthralling generations of San Franciscans for more than 40 years before being shuttered in 1972. Released at the end of last year, San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: The Golden Years is a sequel to the 2010 release of San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: The Early Years. Both were writ- ten by San Francisco Historian those golden years, the book erty. In 1939 Leo Whitney re- sell the park but retained man- lighting a specific ride or group James R. Smith who has pro- does provide some historical tired and sold all of his shares agement of the property. of attractions such as the Mer- vided a magisterial history of information on the beginnings to his brother. By 1942 George Developer Robert Frazier ry-Go-Round, funhouse and Playland with the completion of Playland. Whitney owned it all — nearly took ownership of the park but dark rides. Some of the chap- of this second volume. Amusements, food stands 2,300 acres of amusement park lacked the Whitneys’ vision. In ters are again divided with sub Author James R. Smith is a and attractions began to appear and attractions. (By compari- 1968 the Whitney family sold chapters such as specific gags well-respected authority in Cal- on Ocean Beach in the 1880s. son most modern-day amuse- their contact for management within the funhouse, or mini ifornia history. He is a frequent But the area didn’t become a ment park average 200 to 500 of the park to showman Marty chapters of each of the park’s lecturer and discussion leader traditional amusement park acres.) Davis. dark rides. An index at the end at universities, historical societ- until 1921 when it officially In 1954 Walt Disney visited The park started to take on of the books makes it easy to ies, libraries and bookstores. opened as Chutes at the Beach. Playland looking for ideas to a carnival feel, and Davis was search for a specific photo. While The Early Years told At the time there were over 100 incorporate into Disneyland. often described as cheap and Although some of the pho- the story of the beginnings of concessions and nine big rides He left with not only ideas, sleazy, wanting to milk Play- tos are captioned, most are ex- Playland, The Golden Years cov- including the namesake Shoot but George Whitney’s son, land for every dime, but put- plained by a wonderfully-writ- ers the era from 1940 to 1972. the Chutes. George Jr. whom Disney hired ting nothing back into it. ten dialogue contained within Though titled The Golden Years, Two brothers, George and as a full-time ride consultant. The park was no longer the chapter. The photos provide the book also covers the gradu- Leo Whitney opened conces- The younger Whitney, who attractive or appealing and not only a historic account of al decline during the 1960s, the sions at the park in 1923 and in was Disney employee number families drifted away from it. the park but offer a glimpse of park’s closure in 1972, and its 1928 they purchased the park seven, served as the Director Playland faltered and eventu- everyday life in San Francisco subsequent destruction. and renamed it Playland at the of Ride Operations for Disney- ally Frazier and the other stake- at midcentury. The large, soft-cover book Beach. At the time it was still a land from 1954 to 1958. holders sold the park to a de- San Francisco’s Playland is 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches collection of separate conces- When the elder Whitney veloper. Playland at the Beach at the Beach: The Golden Years tall, and its 152 pages are filled sionaires, but by 1929 the Whit- died in 1958, George Jr. took closed on the night of Labor is published by Craven Street with more than 300 rare, black- ney Brothers owned more than over operations of Playland. Day, September 4, 1972, and Books an imprint of Linden and-white and color photo- half the park. The park thrived under his never reopened. Publishing, Inc. of Fresno, Ca- graphs — some never before As Playland thrived leadership even taking on Dis- San Francisco’s Playland at lif. The list price is $22.95 and published. throughout the 1930s the broth- ney-like touches, but in 1964, the Beach: The Golden Years is it is available from bookstores Though concentrating on ers continued buying up prop- the Whitney family decided to divided into 18 chapters high- and online booksellers. September 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 CLASSIFIEDS

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WHITEWATER 10 YEAR INSPECTIONS 3rd party insurance and safety inspec- tions. California QSI inspections. Former CLASSIFIEDSCheck out the latest premium new and used rides at: Disney Safety Manager. Amusement and CLASSIFIEDSwaterparks. www.AmusementToday.comfacebook.com/internationalridesmanagementwww.AmusementToday.com or call (609) 425-1220 to receive a current list. www.safetycertify.com To place an ad call (817)To 460-7220place an ad call (817) 460-7220 (916) 772-2698 eMploYMenT FOReM SALEFoploYMenR Sale T FOR FoSALEFoRR SaleSale FoFoRR SaleSale FoR Sale SeRVIceS Smokey Mountain Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters Amusements Inc. Great for game booths and ride queueSPECIAL! Amusements Inc. needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departments 12 Rides Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit and weather-tight speaker. 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April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 www.amusementtoday.com Spin out T/M (Huss) ...... $299,000 Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at Circus Circus STORY: Dean Lamanna [email protected] SeRVIceS Eclipse -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000 INSIDE: LOOPINGLOOPING COASTERCOASTER ...... $19,000 LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over Twister/ Maverick (Moser) ...... $599,000 the last two decades, roller coasters in this desert destina- Food and tion have launched, looped, Concessions corkscrewed and even coiled languorously atop a tower al- Spotlight : SkyZamperla Master Swing-ARM T/M20 ...... $179,000P/M...... $14,900 most 1,000 feet up. J&D Carnival ServicesiPad offering ser- Pages 7-14 Drop Tower T/M (ARM) ...... $299,000 With at least two such eQUIpMenT WanTed Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster high-profi le rides and an en- eQUILaunchpM LoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterTed tire theme park adjacent to one casino resort having also vices to you for a low, low price. www.amusementtoday.com 1998 TM Chancebeen dismantled in thatGondola time, Wheel The Adventuredome at Circus Arrow Dynamics all steel with DropRioZamperla Grande Tower Fire -ARM(Zamperla) Chief T/M T/M ...... $399,000 ...... $19,000...... $99,000 Circus Hotel & Casino — the Arrow Dynamics all steel with indoor fun park that has sur- oday, Inc. $410,000 - Completelyvived the local vicissitudes of rebuilt July 14 Amusement T SLIDES family entertainment since its TM & ©20 MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA SLIDES debut as Grand Slam Canyon G-ForceG-Force 4, 56’ high xx 635’635’ longlong in 1993 — has done something We offer the following services: RioCrazyS & Grande- S DanceFrog HopperZamperla (Fabbri) ...... $325,000T/M T/M...... $19,000$59,000 2009. All eight motorsexceedingly right: providing and gearboxes April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 rides and att ractions in a cli- YOU BETCHA! Wanted used 90+ft. slides, TO SUBSCRIBE mate-controlled environment Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at Circus Circus connected to a resort known •Ride setup FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com Built in1977, 1977, Excellent excellent condition condition in are made to 100%for its kid friendliness for/ half over 6,000 new STORY: Dean Lamanna portability not needed. a century. [email protected] Wanted used 90+ft. slides, Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic) ....$224,000 It took more than six years LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over ChaosZamperla -Chance Family T/M Coaster ...... $99,000 T/M...... of planning and decision- the last two decades, roller •Ride tear downcoasters in this desert destina- LED lights, newmaking electrical to choose and custom- Tom Nolan, vice presidentwiring, El Loco, from new Indiana. $200,000 of operations for the park, de- tion have launched, looped, Indiana. $75,000 ize a new thrill att raction that S&S~Sansei Technolo- corkscrewed and even coiled would both compliment the scribed the coaster as “the per- SUBSCRIPTION FORM portability not needed. gies, Inc., performs its languorously atop a tower al- park’s popular Canyon Blaster fect addition” to the enclosed most 1,000 feet up. wild mouse-on-steroids •Ride painting With at least two such PIC drive.corkscrew coasterAll and fi t intoupdates. facility’s arsenal of two dozen acrobatics with precision Crazy Bus T/M (Zamperla) ...... $99,000 high-profile rides and an en- the tight, dome-roofed foot- rides and att ractions. FUNHOUSES For photos and details: Scooter 1400 -Majestic T/M ...... $109,000 and family-friendly com- tire theme park adjacent to For photos and details: “El Loco off ers our guests ...... $79,000 print left by the Rim Runner fort within the dramatic Ask us howone casino resort having also you can tap into over fl ume ride. something they have never ex- confi nes of The been dismantled in that time, perienced before,” Nolan said •Ride washing The Adventuredome at Circus But on Feb. 18, after sev- Adventuredome at eral weeks of extensive test- in a chat with Amusement To- Circus Hotel & Casino — the Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, Circus Circus. It replaces indoor fun park that has sur- R [email protected] ing and media teasing, El day just outside the coaster’s New Subscription [email protected] Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 the park’s 20-year-old, vived the local vicissitudes of Loco — an acrobatic, inverting exit on opening day. “Riders fi ve-acre Rim Runner family entertainment since its wild mouse-style coaster from enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns •Ride repair workdebut as Grand Slam Canyon CrazyChance Bus Pharaohs -Zamperla Fury T/M T/M ...... $99,000 Completely Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542Shoot the Chute ride. in 1993 — has done something S&S~Sansei Technologies, Inc., and drops in such close prox- COURTESY THE mobility not necessary exceedingly right: providing of Logan, Utah — fi nally cut imity to our other rides that, El Loco, from 22 Other Rides ADVENTUREDOME AT rides and attractions in a cli- for an instant, they get the sen- TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. loose inside The Adventure- CIRCUS CIRCUS 250 millionmate-controlled environment potential customers. S&S~Sansei Technolo- INSIDE: dome for its offi cial opening. See EL LOCO, page 4 •Concession+ cleaningconnected to a resort known April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 or e-mail [email protected] - gies, Inc., performs its Food and Drop Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000 for its kid friendliness for half Tom Nolan, vice presidentR wild mouse-on-steroids Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at ConcessionsCircus Circus a century. RenewalSTORY: Dean Lamanna FIRST AND LAST NAME CREDIT CARD NUMBER It took more than six years of operations for the park, de- acrobatics with precision dlamanna@amusementtod Spotlight :

Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, Tornado -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000 scribed the coaster as “the per and family-friendly com- LAS VEG ay.c Pages 7-14 www.funspotpark.com Rebuilt...... $695,000 the last two deca om 2014 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 of planning and decision- AS, Nev. — Over fect addition” to the enclosed fort withinconfines the dramatic of The coasters in this desert destina- •Concession workmaking to choose and custom- tion have launched, looped,des, roller facility’s arsenal of two dozen corkscrewed and even coiled www.amusementtoday.com

Dated material. material. Dated ize a new thrill attraction that Adventuredome at languorously atop a tower al- Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 would both compliment the rides and attractions. most 1,000 feet up. SUBSCRIBE TO “El Loco offers our guests With at least two such Circus Circus. It replaces high-profile rides park’s popular Canyon Blaster tire theme park adjacent to Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 the park’s 20-year-old, and mobility not necessary something they have never ex- one casino resort having a corkscrew coaster and fit into an e Amusement To- five-acre Rim Runner been dismantled in that time, n-

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R US wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, in mint condition. OneSTD PRSRT Year(817) 460-7220 $50 $70 TrafficZamperla Jam Truck -SBF StopT/M ...... $219,000 T/M...... $24,000 Publication & Ad Design Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMPrint 1. SKEE BALLS CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or R Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring - Priced to Sell! Danielle. Or call our cell at 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/MCall (Fabbri) Len or ...... $149,000 John AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMGreat price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design R Three Years $130 Communications$190 Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Scrambler(908) Tug T/M -Eli 526-8009 (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM(718) 614-0597 (978) 375-2542 4. SPORTS ARENAS TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragonFAX: 806- (Sellner) (908) Moser 526-4535...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM [email protected] CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAccess all of the professionalWhatever NEWS Your Project Calls For KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 R Payment Enclosed (817) 564-3843 JUN FOR SALE 6. POOL TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale:content Waterslide you moldsexpect from from AmusementAMUSEMENT Today right TODAY on your Paratrooper7. VIDEO GAMES For Sale: 1987 Huss Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputabletablet, company. phone Four or complete laptop! Plus, it’s AndroidCLASSIFIEDS and iOS compatible! $21,000 Call Len or John systems ready for production with COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Great Condition. YOUR USED RIDE IndianaQUARTERTIME Location AMUSEMENTS Call Len or John two additional systems available. Charge to Credit Card: claSSIFIed Tower rehabbed in 2004. (908) 526-8009 [email protected] (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIedNew Subscription Renewal ChangeMARKETPLACE of Address SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] FREE deadlIneS Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX: (908) 526-4535 mid-sizedpark. MAY QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION OTHER RIDES AVAILABLE deadl1 Year ($50)Ine S 2 Years ($100) 3 Years ($150) RR R Ride is operating and available AMUSEMENT TODAY’S [Domestic or International] Classified pages close the 10th of October 1st. AMUSEMENT TODAY’S FOR SALE month prior to the issue date. Location - Eastern USA. Classified pages close the 10th of Reverchon Flume II – Excellent condi- Rates: month prior to the issue date. I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO tion, 8 boats, new liner, •Regular classified ad– • Rates: THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG 99-year-old 5 trailers. $565,000Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer PRESERVING MAKE A YES! $20 minimum up to 30 words; organ. Located in USA. Major rehab FOR SALE •Regular classified ad– ROLLER COASTER $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available Gas J&J Bumper Boats, (10) well $20 minimum up to 30 words; Call EJ Dean 978-375-2542 HISTORY •Display classified ad –$50 September 2009. maintained and clean. Complete new $1 per additional word. DONATION R $10 R $25 R $50 R OTHER AMOUNT: $ per column inch. A 1-point motors in 2010, licensed and inspected •Display classified ad –$50 Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, rule will appear around ad. in 2013. Priced to sell at $750 each per column inch. A 1-point 2 chariots. www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and FOR SALE or complete w/ $1500 of parts for rule will appear around ad. reverses also are available on Paratrooper:Available through $21,000 International Ride $5000.00. Ohio •Company logos, screens and display ads upon request. Troika: $65,000Management (440) 466-8650 reverses also are available on  Calypso: $18,000 [email protected] display ads upon request. HouseCall (609) ofSUBSCRIBE Glass 920-0252 Maze: or $1,000 (609) TODAY 827-1316 RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEAR STAY INFORMED AT CLASSIFIEDS Dual Flume Water Slide: $15,000 AT CLASSIFIEDS  YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE Bayern Curve: $19,000 YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE GAMES FOR SALE LOOPING COASTER MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com Angola, Indiana QUESTIONS? CALL (817) 460-7220  Mail to: Amusement Today, PO Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005 SUBSCRIPTION1. SKEE BALLS FORMLaunch Loop Shuttle Coaster 2.R CLAWNew MACHINES Subscription Arrow Dynamics all steel with R3. RenewalSTACKERS G-Force 4, 56’FIRST high AND LAST x 635’ NAME long CREDIT CARD NUMBER 4. SPORTS ARENAS R Change of Address Built 1977, Excellent condition in 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES Indiana. $200,000 6. POOL TABLES USA OUTSIDE USAFor photosCOMPANY and NAME details: EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE 7.R VIDEOOne Year GAMES $50 $70 [email protected] R Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS P.O. Box 5427 R Three Years $130 $190 P.O. Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 • R Payment Enclosed AMUSEMENT • (817) 460-7220 COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Charge to Credit Card: (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) TODAY SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL Fax (817) 265-NEWS FREE(6397) • QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION RRSerial# 1161-69 R • We accept: G/M, sand blasted CLASSIFIEDS ready for repair and paint We accept: 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO PRESERVING MAKE A YES! THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER USED RIDE HISTORY DONATION R $10 R $25 R $50 R OTHER AMOUNT: $ Call John Fanelli (978) 343-4881 MARKETPLACE 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2014

THUNDERBOLT

THIS SIZE CAN FIT ANY PARK

Total track length 681 m (2234’)

Maximum track height 35 m (115’)

Maximum Speed 25 m/s - 90 km/h - 56 mph

Max Vertical +4.3 G’s

Passengers per vehicle 9

Number of inversions 5

260 m (853’)

15 m (49’) First 9 seats vehicle and new patent pending lap bar restraint. Vicenza - ItalyPhone: 0444 +39 998400 e-mail: [email protected] Antonio Zamperla SpaAntonio www.zamperla.com