INSIDE: Cedar Fair’s CEO bullish on Calif.’s Great America See page 51

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May 2016 | Vol. 20 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Immersive land raises the bar for park theming Harry Potter crowns makeover of Universal Studios Hollywood AT: Dean Lamanna capped, costume character- makeshift stage to officiate the [email protected] populated Hogsmeade Village. Wizarding World’s unveiling. The darkly majestic Hog- “Today is a very exciting UNIVERSAL CITY, Ca- warts Castle, set appropriately and historically significant day lif. — For thousands of Harry against an overcast sky, both for us,” Kurzweil said. “This Potter book and movie fans in loomed and beckoned — a incredible event to celebrate Southern California and be- brooding, 200-foot-tall magnet the opening of The Wizarding yond, the arrival of The Wiz- promising not only new ex- World of Harry Potter marks arding World of Harry Potter periences but the coming-true the pinnacle of years of hard at Universal Studios Holly- of so many popular fiction-in- 4See POTTER, page 8 wood (USH) happily ended spired dreams. five years of anticipation. Despite the cloud cover, it Hogwarts Castle — the In fact, many who were was clearly one of the sunni- 200-foot-tall centerpiece lucky to have purchased the est days in the career of Larry of The Wizarding World advance (and sold-out) tickets Kurzweil, president of USH. of Harry Potter — was had camped outside the park’s He could hardly contain his en- aglow with fireworks and entrance in hopes of being the thusiasm as he welcomed Harry lighting effects during its first to set foot inside the new Potter film stars Warwick Davis VIP preview on April 5. Film themed land. So when the Wiz- (Professor Filius Flitwick), Tom composer John Williams arding World’s gates finally Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna conducted the Los Angeles swung wide early on the morn- Lynch (Luna Lovegood), James Philharmonic during ing of April 7, the surge was at and Oliver Phelps (Fred and the ceremony. once physical and emotional as George Weasley), and the Hog- COURTESY UNIVERSAL the crowd flooded faux snow- warts Express conductor onto a STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Kings Dominion opens season with new Mondial thriller Delirium is second of its kind in North America AT: B. Derek Shaw up to 40 guests each time with a 90-second ride [email protected] cycle from start to finish. The ride swings and DOSWELL, Va. — To kick off the 2016 sea- rotates to 120 degrees with a moment of hang son, King’s Dominion added a pendulum type time at the highest ride cycle point. Delirium is flat ride to the delight of its visitors. Delirium painted in a bright orange, red-and-blue. The red is located in the Candy Apple Grove section of and blue theme continues on the queue canopies. the park on a piece of land formerly occupied by The Mondial ride (Revolution as the com- Shockwave, the TOGO stand up roller coaster pany refers to it) was brought in by Leisure Labs, that closed last August after a 29-year run. LLC, the U.S. ride broker for the Netherlands- The 115-foot-tall attraction accommodates based company. Bob Dean, president of Leisure Kings Dominion's 2016 season opener Labs, has a long standing association with the included this new Mondial thriller, Delirium. park and their parent company. “I have been call- The ride is only the second of its kind in ing on Kings Dominion for almost 29 years now, North America. as a rookie in the industry, so a long relationship COURTESY KINGS DOMINION 4See DELIRIUM, page 6 Dated material. material. Dated

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EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint In the news In this issue, Amusement Today presents its annual Park Preview Guide — highlighting various industry projects that will be opening in time for, or during, the 2016 summer season. You’ll find it on pages 10-18. Thanks to staffers Jeffrey Seifert (parks and attractions) and B. Derek Shaw Slade (carnivals), this year’s listing is the biggest ever with 382 entries from around the world. The list includes attractions at 145 North American facilities and 49 traveling shows or cruise ships. Internationally, 188 facilities from Algeria to Wales made the list. As always, this compilation can also be found archived at amusementtoday.com for the next year as a easy reference tool. So, if you find yourself traveling to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Neb., or to Sideland in the Czech Republic, AT has you covered on the attractions that are making news this year. Also making news is AT staffer Dean Lamanna, who has been named the publication’s new Social Media Editor. INDUSTRY OPINION: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] Along with his normal print editorial duties, Dean is ramping Contrasting times in the Middle East up the electronic media postings on AT’s Facebook and It was interesting to hear recently from This is, of course, in sharp contrast Twitter accounts — and the response has been immediate a fellow industry writer about the FEC sector to the developments taking place in and enthusiastic, with large numbers of new followers in the Middle East and how this is shaping Dubai at the moment, specifically with joining our social media pages every day. up at the moment. the unprecedented Dubai Parks and If you have not visited us on Facebook and Twitter lately, As a key part of the continuous, seem- Resorts projects. I don’t think there has you’re missing out on additional, sometimes offbeat news ingly unstoppable development of shopping ever been a situation where a company items and plenty of fun. So please take a few moments malls in countries throughout the region, the has opened three major theme parks — to check in with us online and “Like” us to see AT in your FEC sector has enjoyed enormous growth Mellor as well as a host of other facilities — all newsfeed. Our Facebook and Twitter pages are easily during the past 10 years and more as the at the same time. But this unique occa- accessed through the corresponding icon buttons at combination of retail and entertainment continues sion is not far off with the openings of Legoland to prove extremely popular with the local popula- amusementtoday.com (just under the masthead, right side). Dubai (including a water park), Motiongate Dubai tions and visitors. and Bollywood Dubai all set for October, along Meanwhile, AT graphics whiz John Robinson has been But things have, apparently, slowed somewhat with Riverland Dubai and the Lapita Hotel. implementing changes to AT’s online version of our print in the past 12 months or so, with challenging po- There is talk of additional theme park develop- edition through our newspaper partner, Olive Software. The litical times and the much lower price of oil in par- ment, too, as Dubai looks to capitalize on the sec- development of the AT app is about one month away from ticular impacting on the sector, leading developers tor as a key element in its bid to attract 20 million rolling out to our paid print subscriber base. to be more cautious. Growth is still happening and visitors by the year 2020 — today, the figure is ap- And finally, planning and coordination are well underway new FECs are opening and being planned, but at a proximately 12 million. On the face of it, that would on the 2016 Golden Ticket Awards, scheduled for Sept. 9-11 considerably slower rate than previously. appear to be a challenging prospect but there is at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Look for complete details Investments are still being made by the big no doubt that the initial phase of Dubai Parks and operators but it is no longer mainly in the more on this exciting event to be released near the end of May. Resorts will go a long way to helping attract those traditional territories; other areas and countries are Kudos to these AT team leaders, and to all of our numbers. They are expecting more than five mil- coming into play as operators look to new oppor- lion visitors in the first year, but exactly how many readers, for making Amusement Today your amusement tunities in as yet relatively untapped markets and of these will be visitors to the region remains to be industry NEWS leader! also seek to generally spread their wings. seen. I guess it’s a case of “Watch this space.”

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Social Media & Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna Desktop Edition Production per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are [email protected] $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin Website Maintenance and its related web sites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Stacey Childress Trademarked 2016 by Amusement Today Inc., [email protected] all rights reserved. Advertising B. Derek Shaw • (717) 650-8330 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 [email protected] Association Memberships Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] AIMS International, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/iROC, 76005-5427, USA Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, [email protected] PACE, TTIA, WWA Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Special Projects & Editorial Phone: (817) 460-7220 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x2 Monthly Contributors Industry Affiliated Charities Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Andrew Mellor, Give Kids the World Village, Web Sites: www.AmusementToday.com, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Morgan's Wonderland, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 THIS MONTH MINUTE IN HISTORY Presented by the National Roller Coaster Museum DRILL COMPILED: 2 COMPILED: Janice Witherow Richard Munch Karen Oertley, AIMS International MAY •1911: During the evening of May 6 a fire at Riverview Park, For Karen Oertley, a career Detroit, Michigan initiated heavy losses for the resort. The fire in the amusement industry be- started in the canoe sheds on the Detroit River adjacent to Belle gan in 1978 when she took a job Island, damaging yachts and other vessels as it spread rapidly at Amusement Business where into the interior. A large portion of the park was laid to ruin, in- she would eventually become cluding the Riverview Hotel, the dance pavilion and vaudeville publisher and editor-in-chief of theater. Some parts of the park’s scenic railway were burned, the live entertainment news- as well as other ride structures before firefighters stopped the weekly. Today, Karen applies onslaught. Thousands were in the park and in the theater when her vast industry knowledge, the fire broke out, creating a small panic as the public fled to the experience and relationships to local streets surrounding the park. Word of the fire spread and a her position as executive direc- tor for AIMS International, the great throng came out to watch the flames. The estimated loss non-profit association dedicated Enjoying time together in Vancouver are (at the front): was more $130,000. to improving amusement safety Chuck and Karen Oertley and (back of table), John and through leadership in education. Sherry Wood. •1912: Riverview Park, in Detroit, Michigan, reopened for the She has served on several IAAPA season on May 4. After a limited 1911 season due to the previ- committees, written countless articles on the in- It’s May. My favorite summertime drink is… ous fire, the reconstructed park was publicized as the “Beauti- dustry and has been a featured speaker at various Tanqueray & Tonic can be quite refreshing! ful New Park” which included a new auditorium to replace the industry events. Karen has a love of travel, family theatre and dance pavilion lost a year earlier. To bring more and friends, the outdoors and for her hometown of The song that always puts me in a good mood attention to the rebuilt park, the Riverview Park Company Nashville. Her efficiency and leadership most cer- is… management dedicated the new Auditorium to the people of tainly contribute to her success. Most anything sung by Al Green or Stevie Wonder. Detroit. Constructed of steel, concrete and brick, it covered Title: When I need to decompress I go to… an area of 30,000 square feet and was, at the time, one of the Executive Director. The mountains or the beach. “most pretentious amusement structures in Detroit.” While safe from future fires, it would not survive the political turmoil that Number of years in the industry: The best thing about living in Nashville is… would eventually close all amusement entertainment at the foot I started working at Amusement It’s a great place to come home to. of the Belle Island Bridge in 1927. Business in May of 1978, so Three things on my “to do” list this week are… that would be almost exactly 38 •1923: Arlington Beach Amusement Park, in Arlington, Virgin- Oertley Planning next year’s classes in Orlando for our years. My first IAAPA convention ia, opened on May 30 near Highway Bridge (close to the pres- was in Atlanta, 1978. 2017 Safety Seminar with our Education Commit- tee and Holly Coston AIMS’ Seminar Manager, re- ent 14th Street Bridge), directly across from Washington D.C. Best thing about the industry... membering to check in 24 hours before my South- Construction was rushed up until its opening (it was to originally Everyone who is asked this question says it’s the west flight back to Nashville, and meeting with our open May 19). The location offered the only public bathing people. It is the people, lifelong friendships and board president, Timo Klaus, who is in Orlando this beach in the area, with lighting for night swimming in the Po- shared experiences. Also, whenever you meet week from his home in the Netherlands. tomac River, as well as a dance pavilion, merry-go-round, Ferris someone and tell them what industry you work wheel, and many other features. The park’s only roller coaster in, they always respond with a smile. That about In one word describe Lady Gaga... would be installed in 1924. Arlington Beach Park’s downfall was sums it up. Smart. likely attributed to its location adjacent to a burning dump and two airports, wherein the property was acquired in June 1929 Favorite amusement ride... The magazine I find myself reading most often for airport expansion. Today the park essentially lies at the bot- Back to the Future (RIP). is… The New Yorker. tom of the Yacht Basin, directly in front of the Pentagon. Ironi- If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, cally, a 1923 brochure stated: “In all the world, no view like this.” I would be… The last time I rode a bike was… In some sort of entertainment or hospitality busi- A few weeks ago. •1956: With Disneyland’s tremendous success during its first ness. Coolest animal at the zoo... year of operation, management announced on May 12 that an The sea lions at the Central Park Zoo seem to additional $2 million was earmarked for expansion of its Ana- Biggest challenge facing our industry... heim, California, property to help handle the increased daily at- Safety is the No. 1 priority in the industry, and I have the most fun of all the animals. tendance, then approaching 4 million annually. In June, some think guest behavior is the biggest challenge to The ring on my cell phone is programmed to… of the new rides that would open during the second year were safety. Whatever was preset on the phone. announced, including the Disneyland Skyway, the Rainbow Cav- erns Mine Train Ride, the Indian Village and War Canoes, Sto- The thing I like most about amusement/water Favorite place to people-watch is… park season is… I love watching people and families experiencing rybook Land and Tom Sawyer's Island. In the press release, it In parts of the world where weather dictates sea- all the attractions at an amusement park. stated “In keeping with Walt Disney's policy, the park will con- sonal operation, the opening of a park signifies tinue to expand and refine its operation to offer unparalleled summer, endless possibilities, vacation, and FUN! It is 9 p.m. Where can we typically find you? entertainment to its millions of visitors each year.” Year-round parks get to celebrate all year long. Most weekdays you’ll find me on the couch with the TV on and an iPad on my lap. •1998: A new roller coaster, Roar, opened May 2 at Adven- Favorite pizza topping... ture World (later rebranded as Six Flags America) in Upper I usually go for a good white pizza. The longest I have ever gone without sleep is… Marlboro, Maryland. Designed by Michael Boodley and built At least 24 hours, but a long time ago. I like my The view from my office window is… sleep! under Clair Hain’s supervision, it would be Great Coasters In- Trees and a creek, my front yard. ternational’s second major wood roller coaster and first proj- The first concert I ever went to was… ect for the Six Flags Corporation. The tight action-packed All-time best road trip... The Young Rascals at the old Madison Square twister topped out at 95 feet high, with a curved first drop It’s been a while, but when I was in college eight Garden in New York. of 85 feet, utilizing 3,291 feet of track. As the park’s second of us packed into a van, drove from Illinois to the wood coaster, it had an immediate impact on attendance and Grand Canyon, took a raft trip down the Colo- Favorite outdoor activity... created a tremendous buzz amongst coaster enthusiasts. A rado River, and returned home across Route 66. I Hiking. I’m on the trail with friends almost every think we ran out of gas more than once. weekend. similar version, affectionately called Roar West, opened the following May in Vallejo, California. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 DELIRIUM This is not the first time a don’t realize how much hang Continued from page 1 Mondial ride has been installed time you actually get.” Dean at the Virginia themer. In 2012, added his thoughts as well, exists. The same lengthy rela- WindSeeker, a high flying “The ride is already very large, tionship exists with Cedar Fair swing ride, was added to the and the park staged it beauti- — the park’s parent company. ride line up. fully. Delirium delivers a lot The direct relationship between The only other place to ex- of visual impact, is program- Cedar Fair (Paramount Parks at perience this ride is outside the mable as to seating rotation the time) and Mondial started United States. and swing height and has many years ago with Canada’s “Canada’s Wonderland is proven itself over many years. Wonderland’s purchases of mul- the only other Mondial Revo- Cedar Fair has an eye for qual- tiple Mondial rides,” Dean said. lution in North America,” said ity rides. Many parks would Dean. ”This Cedar Fair park have opted for a less expensive FAST FACTS has four Mondial rides Deliri- and lower quality alternative. Name/Park um (Revolution); Wind Seeker; Cheers to Cedar Fair!,” said Delirium/ Top Scan and Splash Over.” Dean. Kings Dominion Con- “The Doswell, Va. struction opening of started last Delirium Height/Swing November marks our 115 feet structure height; and finished continued riders swing 120 degrees just in time commitment during the 90 second ride for opening to providing day March Sherwood those thrills Jones Capacity/ 25. “It was for the en- Height Restriction a fast process,” said Katelyn tire family to enjoy,” says Pat 40 riders per cycle; Sherwood, public relations and Jones, vice president and gen- approx. 600 pph/54 inches communications manager for eral manager of Kings Domin- Kings Dominion. ion. “Delirium is a unique, ex- Supplier Dean added, “It’s always citing ride unlike any other in Mondial World of Ride, tight at the end, but it went our park and it’s a fantastic ad- Switzerland, represented very smoothly. The staff at dition to Candy Apple Grove.” Kings Dominion is awesome.” Additional upgrades were by Leisure Labs LLC, Fla. Standing an impressive 115 feet and seating 40 riders per Sherwood said response made to that area, including a cycle, Kings Dominion's new Delirium, from Mondial, swings to the new attraction has been renovated restroom complex Opened thrill-seekers 120 degrees up on each side of the center struc- well received. “So far, so good. and the addition of a shaded March 2016 ture during their 90-second ride. COURTESY KINGS DOMINION Everybody loves it. People garden seating area. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 POTTER teractive windows throughout the themed land, can be pur- Continued from page 1 chased. work and the beginning of a •Owl Post — a fully new generation of Universal functioning post office where Studios Hollywood. With over visitors can mail postcards 75 percent completely reimag- and letters with a Wizard- ined, [it] is an entirely new ing World stamp postmarked theme park destination….” from Hogsmeade. The new land is the largest USH improvement within the The gateway to Hogsmeade Magical munchables six-year, $1.6 billion NBCUni- Village (left) leads to a The detail with which the versal Evolution expansion plan world themed to the Wizarding World resonates ex- greenlit by the Los Angeles City smallest detail, including tends to the traditional English Council more than three years its food offerings, such as fare it offers at several themed ago. In addition to the theme the savory Beef, Lamb & eateries, including the rus- park, the plan encompasses new Guinness Stew (above). tic, musty rafter-filled Three studios, offices, retail and hotel COURTESY UNIVERSAL Broomsticks tavern and Hog’s space. STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Head pub. And all of it can be The April 7 ceremony was washed down with the ubiq- the climax of a week-long Wiz- Puddifoot’s, a tearoom serv- uitous Butterbeer, an alcohol- arding World celebration at the ing sweet treats; Tomes and free, butterscotch-flavored park, with Kurzweil having Scrolls, a specialty bookstore; beverage. already hosted a spectacular and the self-explanatory At Three Broomsticks, April 5 evening media and VIP Ceridwen’s Cauldron Shop. which serves breakfast, lunch preview party — complete with Actual retail venues also and dinner, sample entrees in- fireworks, phantasmic projec- abound. Some highlights: clude Bangers & Mash (grilled tion-mapping across Hogwarts •Dervish and Banges — a English sausages with mashed Castle, and live orchestral music general store stocking supplies potatoes and minted peas), conducted by award-winning Among the VIPs attending The Wizarding World of Harry for those attending Hogwarts Shepherd’s Pie (ground beef Hollywood composer John Wil- Potter's April 5 preview were (from left) Larry Kurzweil, School of Witchcraft and Wiz- and vegetables topped with liams with the Los Angeles Phil- president, Universal Studios Hollywood; Kevin Tsujihara, ardry. On display is The Mon- potatoes), Beef, Lamb & Guin- harmonic. chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment; Ron Meyer, ster Book of Monsters, which ness Stew, and Fish & Chips. Filmmaker and longtime vice chairman, NBCUniversal; Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los An- snarls at passersby. For dessert: decadent resident USH creative consul- •Gladrags Wizardwear geles; and Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks treats such as Butterbeer Pot- tant Steven Spielberg joined the — a place for fashionable ap- ted Cream and Sticky Toffee & Resorts. COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD top brass from Universal Parks parel, hats and accessories. Pudding. & Resorts and neighboring War- the stylized production design The ride differs in some Prop replicas from the 2005 The adjoining Hog’s Head ner Bros. Studios to acknowl- of the hit Warner Bros. film se- cosmetic and technical ways film Harry Potter and the Goblet pub features original draught edge the park’s achievement. ries, The Wizarding World of from its predecessors at Uni- of Fire are displayed here. beers and spirits created exclu- The normally competitive stu- Harry Potter is an impeccably versal’s theme parks in Or- •Honeydukes — a shop sively for the land, including dios have worked closely and detailed real-world interpreta- lando, Fla., and Osaka, Japan filled with colorful confec- Hog’s Head Brew, Dragon’s very successfully over the years tion. It is faithful to the visual — most notably, it is the first tions, including Bertie Bott’s Scale, Wizard’s Brew and Fire to bring this and other Harry Pot- landscape and historic British such Harry Potter attraction in Every-Flavour Beans, Caul- Whisky. ter attractions — Warner Bros. sensibilities of the fiction and the U.S. to utilize hyper-real- dron Cakes, Fizzing Whizz- J.K. Rowling herself of- holds the screen rights to the J.K. films, with Hogwarts Castle istic 3D-HD. For this updated bees and Chocolate Frogs. fered an appreciative toast to Rowling book series — to three- serving as its iconic focal point. adaptation, guests sport Quid- •Ollivanders — an in- USH for its brilliant realization dimensional life at Universal’s Upon entering the six- ditch-inspired 3D goggles as teractive experience located of her work. parks stateside and abroad. acre land through an arch- they embark on the journeys within a dusty shop filled “I am delighted to see The Stealing some of the park way, the cobblestone streets of experienced by Harry and his with floor-to-ceiling boxes of Wizarding World of Harry honchos’ spotlight during the Hogsmeade bustle with a vi- friends, spiraling and pivoting wands. Here, the Wandkeeper Potter brought to life in a way preview was Los Angeles May- tality akin to a quaint local vil- 360-degrees along an elevated engages guests in magic as that is so close to what I imag- or Eric Garcetti, who, as a for- lage: merchants hard at work, track. each wand selects its wizard. ined when writing the books,” mer member and president of a train conductor welcoming The Wizarding World also Traditional and interactive the author said. the city council, has championed new arrivals and a pub packed is home to the first outdoor wands, which operate 11 in- •universalstudioshollywood the mammoth expansion and re- with hungry patrons. It’s an roller coaster at USH: Flight invention of USH since before he environment unto itself but for of the Hippogriff. This scenic took his current office in 2013. the invading guests eager to family steel coaster, manufac- “In Los Angeles, tourism is experience it all. tured by Mack Rides of Wald- surging; we’ve set records each Of course, no new land kirch, Germany, skirts Hog- of the last five years and we’re within a theme park would warts Castle and overlooks the just getting started,” Garcetti earn its place without rides. San Fernando Valley. Guests said. “The Wizarding World of The Wizarding World has two enter the attraction through Harry Potter… is monumental custom-designed attractions the Care of Magical Creatures in expanding our city’s global that provide both cutting-edge grounds and Hagrid’s pump- reach. and traditional theme park fun, kin patch, where unearthly “I’m proud to see this game- and each represents a “first.” animal sounds can be heard in changing world-class attraction The signature ride, Harry the distance while approach- open. [The park’s] epic trans- Potter and the Forbidden Jour- ing to the coaster. formation will create new jobs, ney, is housed within the im- Back in Hogsmeade Vil- stimulate hospitality revenues posing Hogwarts Castle. The lage, a variety of eclectic, win- and make our economy stron- multidimensional experience dow shopping-only storefront ger.” features a groundbreaking ro- facades accurately captures botics system that moves four- the craftsmanship and aesthet- Flight of the Hippogriff, a steel family coaster from Mack Wizardry in the details person vehicles in synchroni- ics of the Harry Potter mov- Rides that has been themed right down to its “antiqued” Taking its inspiration not zation with elaborate filmed ies. They include Dogweed footers, is the first outdoor coaster at the movie theme park. only from the best-selling nov- action sequences and visceral and Deathcap, seller of exotic It offers scenic views of Hogwarts Castle and the San Fer- els and beloved characters but special effects. plants and flowers; Madam nando Valley. COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 New race park comes to central Pennsylvania Autobahn franchise extends their footprint to nine AT: B. Derek Shaw cense is good for the equipment back to June, 2013. “The first [email protected] rentals we provide, helmets, track was in Jessop, Mary- LEMOYNE, Pa. — Au- and head socks for those that land, the second track in Jack- tobahn Indoor Speedway, a don’t have their own. If people sonville, Fla., and the rest just suburban Maryland-based do have their own, [it has to be] came along. (The Jacksonville company, opened its first Penn- full-faced and DT certified or location offers two tracks.) sylvania indoor high-speed Snell certified. They still have (We) plan on doubling in size go-kart track in late February. to get the license though. The this year.” Savannah Waye The 54,000-square-foot build- license also gives them online talked about the other tracks, ing has a 48,000-square-foot scoring, where they can go on “We also have more locations European-style racetrack. Ride our website to check out all in White Marsh, Maryland; equipment consists of 24 adult their scores and their points, Memphis, Tennessee; and Bir- plus 10 junior Formula One-in- their times for each race that mingham, Alabama. We are spired vehicles. The adult karts they did and it also gives them also getting ready to open one are capable of reaching speeds monthly e-mail offers. It’s - re up in West Nyack, N.Y., in the of up to 50 mph. The junior ally easy to get. All you have to Autobahn Indoor Speedway Lemoyne, located in the Har- Palisades Mall, another one in karts for ages 8 to 12, can go up do is pay the $6.00. You don’t risburg, Pa., metro area, is run by Savannah Waye, assistant Tucson, Ariz., and another in to 25 mph. Both electric karts have to go through any course. general manager, and Jeff Witmer, general manager. the Manassas Mall in Manas- AT/B. DEREK SHAW are from Italian manufacturer After you buy it, you just have sas, Va., and one in Hadley, OTL Electrokart. to watch a quick two-minute In addition to the track, events, team building events Mass. That one is at a mall as Savannah Waye, assistant video that just goes over all the Jeff Witmer, general manager, and birthday parties.” Auto- well.” general manager, explained rules, safety — those kinds of described a few of the other bahn is open year round, seven Competitors include K-1 details of this racing experi- things.” amenities at the metropolitan days a week, only closing on Speed with 35 locations nation- ence. “The adult races are 14 Waye explained the dif- Harrisburg location. Christmas. wide and Pole Position with 14 laps each and take about 10 ference between Autobahn “We have a large meet- Witmer talked about the locations. minutes to do. The junior rac- Indoor Speedway tracks and ing area. We can do corporate history of the company, going es are 12 laps and take about many competitors’ tracks. “We the same time. We are geared are more family oriented. Most toward racing and being fam- other karting facilities have ex- ily oriented. Our track is re- tras in their facilities; they have ally easy. It is also really fun. restaurants, arcades, bowling This one is really good for the alleys. We are more geared to kids, so it makes it easier for just the racing. We try to make them.” What makes the track sure that that’s the best experi- European style racing is that ence in racing that we can pro- it is a very technical track with vide for the public. We want a good mix of corners for skill to make this a world famous testing. experience.” Autobahn also The most popular racing helps facilitate customers who format at all Autobahn tracks want to join leagues. is the "Arrive and Drive" pro- “At all of our tracks we gram. This allows customers to have different track layouts, so arrive individually or in small none of the layouts are ever the groups and race. Others who same,” Waye said. “If we are visit are looking to be part of here for three years, the track a racing league. Autobahn will could change two or three help facilitate those requests. times, maybe more. There’s Each driver must be li- always something we can censed for the day. Waye ex- change and something we can plained the process. “The li- do better.

The checkered flag means the end of each race. This is the ninth Autobahn the company has opened. The metropolitan Harrisburg facility has a 48,000 square foot European-style racetrack. The 24 adult and 10 junior Formula One-inspired electric karts are from Italian manufacturer OTL Electrokart. Four more Autobahn courses are scheduled to open later this year. AT/B. DEREK SHAW 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

2016 NORTH AMERICA PARK PREVIEW compiled by Jeffrey Seifert

CANADA Colorado British Columbia Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs…Soaring Eagle Daring Drop ride Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke...Brandauer Mountain Coaster Great Wolf Lodge, Colorado Springs…ProSlide Tornado 45, Pipeline, 4-lane Ontario OctopusRacer, SuperLoop with Skybox, Kidz ProRacer and Twister Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan...Skyhawk — Gerstlauer Sky Roller; Flying Eagles — WaterWorld, Hyland Hills…R&R Creative project theming Larson Flying Scooters; VR experience on Thunder Run coaster Connecticut Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington...Wattman Trains Maxi XT Train Lake Compounce, Bristol…Phobia Phear Coaster — Premier Sky Rocket Prince Edward Island Quassy, Middlebury…Reverse Time — SBF-Visa spinning platform ride; Splash Away Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Cavendish...Buccaneer Bay Bullet — Zierer Tivoli Bay — ProSlide 5-slide Kidz complex coaster relocated from Crystal Palace Florida Quebec Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa…Cobra's Curse — Mack Rides spinning coaster Canyon Sainte Anne, Beaupre...Soaring Eagle Zipline Daytona Lagoon, Daytona Beach…Baynum repainting of water slide complex Granby Zoo, Granby...WhiteWater SuperBowl, Body Slides Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando…Rivers of Light — new nighttime show; operating La Ronde, Montréal...Gravitor — Zamperla Air Race; Phoenix — Larson Flying hours extended into evening Scooters; Le Vampire Backward — Backward train on B&M inverted coaster; New Epcot, Orlando…Frozen Ever After — redesign of former Maelstrom flume ride; Soarin' Revolution — VR experience on Goliath coaster Around the World Super Aqua Club, Point-Calumet...ProSlide RocketBlast + Flying Saucer Gulf Breeze Zoo, Gulf Breeze…Chance C.P. Huntington GUATEMALA Legoland Florida, Winter Haven…The Lego Movie 4D - A New Adventure Mundo Petapa, Guatemala City...Zamperla Watermania, Jumping Tower, Windstarz, Rapids Waterpark, West Palm Beach…Brain Drain — ProSlide 2x SuperLoop with SkyBox Merry Go Round SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando…Mako — B&M Hypercoaster MEXICO Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando…Skull Island Reign of Kong — multi-sensory Distrito Federal dark ride; Incredible Hulk Coaster — complete rebuild of B&M multi-element coaster Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City...Justice League Battle for Metropolis — Sally Corp, Georgia Oceaneering and Alterface interactive dark ride Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, Rossville…Twister — Moser Maverick Nuevo León Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell…2 new kids area — DC Super Friends and Bugs Bunny Bosque Magico, Guadalupe...Policías y Ratones — Zamperla spinning mouse World with 12 new attractions including Zamperla Watermania, Jump Around, Sky Quintana Roo Tower; New Revolution — VR experience on Dare Devil Dive coaster Ventura Park, Cancún...Hurricane — relocated steel Zyklon or Galaxi Six Flags Whitewater, Marietta…WhiteWater Whizzard Twist Hawaii UNITED STATES Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe…Speciality Vehicles/Chance Rides Safari Tram Alabama Idaho Alabama Adventure, Bessemer…Zamperla Jump Around, Jumping Star, Mini Teacup Silverwood's Boulder Beach, Athol…Riptide Race — WhiteWater 8L Whizzard Lake City Amusement Park, Guntersville…new park; Cyclone Coaster — Ital International Wahooz Family Fun Zone, Meridian…WhiteWater Ballocity BallPlay attraction Super Cyclon; Orient Express — Wisdom kiddie ride Illinois Spring Valley Beach, Blountsville…ProSlide 3x Twister Magic Waters Master Blaster, Cherry Valley…WhiteWater Master Blaster Arizona Raging Waters Water Park, Yorkville…Wonambi — ProSlide TornadoWave Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, Valentine…Speciality Vehicles/Chance Rides Tramstar LFT Six Flags Great America, Gurnee…Justice League Battle for Metropolis — Sally Corp, Legoland Discovery Center, Tempe…Zamperla Magic Bikes Oceaneering and Alterface interactive dark ride Wildlife World, Litchfield Park…Family Roller Coaster— Chance Rides family coaster; Skokie Water Playground, Skokie…ProSlide Pipeline twister Soaring Eagle Zipline; ARM Vertigo; Larson Flying Scooters Indiana Arkansas Holiday World, Santa Claus…Track work and new elements on The Legend roller coaster Eureka Springs Tram Tours, Eureka Springs…Speciality Vehicles/Chance Rides Tramstar Indiana Beach, Monticello…Refurbishment of Tig'rr coaster including repainting by Fast Lane Entertainment, Lowell…E&F Miler family coaster relocated from Zonkers, Kansas Baynum Painting; Baynum repainting of water slide complex; Rehab, design and California graphics from R&R Creative Boomers, Fountain Valley…R&R Creative rehab and theming Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville…Chance Rides 36' Carousel Boomers, Fresno…R&R Creative rehab and theming Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend…Chance Rides 28' Carousel Boomers, Irvine…R&R Creative rehab and theming Iowa Boomers, Upland…R&R Creative rehab and theming Adventureland, Altoona…The Monster — Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster California's Great America, Santa Clara…Mass Effect — Electronic Arts interactive 4D Bridges Bay Resort, Arnolds Park…Soaring Eagle Zipline holographic theater Kansas Castle Park, Riverside…R&R Creative new ride area theming Dodge City Aquatic Facility, Dodge City…WhiteWater SuperBowl, Inner-Tube slide, Disney California Adventure, Aneheim…Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters — choreographed Boomerango, Body Slides flat ride; Soarin' Around The World Garden City Waterpark, Garden City…WhiteWater SuperBowl, Body Slides, Inner-Tube Slide Disneyland, Aneheim…Star Wars tie ins — multiple retheming of existing rides including O.J. Watson Park, Wichita…Chance C.P. Huntington Train Hyperspace Mountain Power Play KC, Kansas City…Soaring Eagle Zipline Emerald Glen Aquatic Center, Dublin…WhiteWater AquaPlay AP 300, Freefall, Kentucky AquaDrop, body slides, Champagne Bowl, AquaSpray Beech Bend, Bowling Green…Splash Kingdom expansion with ProSlide Cyclone Saucers, Facebook Shuttle Bus, Menlo Park…Speciality Vehicles Metro Trams PipelineWave, 2x Tornado 24; Cannonbowl 40; Spinning Out — SBF spinning coaster Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, Colton…Dragon Roller Coaster — Wisdom Rides Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville…Storm Chaser — RMC steel coaster rebuild of former Dragon Coaster Twisted Twins Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove…New resort/indoor water park ProSlide Tornado 60, Louisianna Mammoth, 4-lane OctopusRacer, SuperLoop with SkyBox, CannonBowl 30, Pipeline, City Park New Orleans, New Orleans…Chance C.P. Huntington coaches RideHouse 360, Kidz slides Maryland Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, San Jose…Zamperla Magic Bikes Six Flags America, Largo…Superman VR experience on Superman Ride of Steel coaster; Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park…Ghostrider — retracking by GCII with new style of WhiteWater AquaPlay RainFortress track; Millennium Flyer trains; rebuild of Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner restaurant Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Largo…WhiteWater AquaPlay Rainfortress Legoland California, Carlsbad…Ninjago the Ride — Triotech and ART Engineering inter- Trimper's Rides, Ocean City…Zamperla Endeavour 24 active gesture recognition dark ride Massachusetts Ravine Waterpark, Paso Rablos…ProSlide TurboMammoth Edaville USA, Carver…Kersplash — E&F Miler water coaster relocated from Washington Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo…Joker — RMC steel coaster rebuild of former State Fair Roar; Pacific Rim 5-D motion simulator Six Flags New England, Agawam…Fireball — Larson Giant Loop; Superman VR experi- Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia…New Revolution — new trains on Schwarzkopf ence on Superman coaster (formerly Bizarro) revolution and New Revolution VR experience Michigan Sunsplash, Roseville…R&R Creative project graphics and theming CJ Barrymore's FEC, Clinton Township…Looping Zyklon ZL42 from Playland's Castaway Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City…Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Cove; Soaring Eagle Zipline dark ride; Flight of the Hippogriff — Mack Rides YoungStar Coaster; Speciality Vehicles Jeepers, Sterling Heights…Python Pit — relocated from Jeepers Auburn Hills, Mich. Classic American Trolley Legoland Discovery Center, Auburn…Zamperla Magic Bikes May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 compiled by Jeffrey Seifert 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

2016 NORTH AMERICA PARK PREVIEW

Minnesota Meridiana Recreation Center, Iowa Colony…WhiteWater AquaPlay Nickelodeon/Mall of America, Bloomington…Chance Revolution 20; Fly over America NRH20, North Richland Hills…WhiteWater Champagne Bowl, Flatline Loop, body slides — Vekoma I-Fly (in Mall) Rock 'N River Family Aquatic Center, Round Rock…WhiteWater AquaPlay Valleyfair, Shakopee…Flying Eagles - Larson Flying Scooters (previsouly in storage) Schlitterbahn Galveston, Galveston…Massiv — WhiteWater Master Blaster water coaster Missouri SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio…Discovery Point — new dophin interaction experience Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City…Speciality Vehicles Eco-Star shuttle Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio…Fireball — Larson Giant Loop; Spinsanity — Larson Mountain Adventure Resort, Branson…ADG Mountain Coaster Tilt-A-Whirl; Hurricane Force — Zamperla Disk'O Coaster; Superman VR experience on Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka…Fireball — Larson Giant Loop; New Revolution — VR experi- Superman Kyrpton Coaster ence on Ninja Coaster Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington…Riddler Revenge — Zamperla Giant Discovery; Worlds of Fun, Kansas City…Planet Snoopy expansion with five new rides including Larson Catwoman Whip — Zamperla Endeavour 48; New Revolution — VR experience on Flying Scooters; Zamperla Jump Around, Kite Flyer, Rio Grande Tooner train, Flying Tigers Shock Wave coaster Nebraska Trader's Village, Houston…Larson Super Shot (fall 2015) Vala's Pumpkin Patch, Gretna…WhiteWater Attractions Foam Factory Typhoon Texas Water Park, Katy…New park with theming from R&R Creative; New Hampshire WhiteWater attractions: Aquasphere+Constrictor, AquaPlay Rainfortress, innertube Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford…Wiegand Alpine Coaster slides, wave pool, AquaDrop, AquaLoop, body slides, Boomerango, Constrictor, New Jersey Rattler, Slideboarding, SuperBowl, 8L Whizzard iPlay America, Freehold…SBF spinning coaster Wonderland, Amarillo...Fiesta Swing — Chance YoYo refurbished, Morgan Balloon ride, Land of Make Believe, Hope…ProSlide SuperLoop with SkyBox Sail Shade structures Playland's Castaway Cove, Ocean City…GaleForce — S&S launched extreme coaster; Utah Wild Waves — E&F Miler steel coaster; Whirlwind — SBF spinning coaster Liberty Park, Salt Lake City…Wattman Trains Mini Express Trains Sahara Sam's Oasis, West Berlin…Indoor water park expansion with ProSlide 2x Virginia Pipeline; family leisure pool Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg…Refurbishment of Das Festhaus with new Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson…Joker — S&S 4-D Free Spin Coaster shows and new restaurant Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Jackson…Caribbean Cove — WhiteWater AquaPlay ; new Kings Dominion, Doswell…Delirium — Mondial Suspended Frisbee beach area with additional 300 lounge chairs Wisconsin Steel Pier, Altantic City…Soaring Eagle Zipline Acuity Insurance Corporate HQ, Sheboygan…Chance Rides Century Wheel The Funplex, Mount Laurel…WhiteWater Body Slides, Champagne Bowl, AquaDrop, AquaPlay New Mexico TRAVELING SHOWS/CRUISE SHIPS Albuquerque BioPark Zoo, Albuquerque…Chance Rides endangered species carousel ABC Rentals…Scat New York All Around Amusements…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride, Tea Cups Coney Island, New York City…Baynum repainting of Cyclone roller coaster Amusements of America…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Darien Lake, Darien Center…RipCurl Racer — ProSlide 6-lane KrackenRacer Amusements of America…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups The Great Escape, Queensbury…Greezed Lightnin' — Larson Giant Loop; New Beauce Carnival…Fredrickson Fun Slide Revolution — VR experience on Steamin' Demon coaster Boos Brothers...Fabbri 55m. Portable Booster Zoom Flume Waterpark, East Durham…ProSlide CannonBowl 30 Brown’s Amusements…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups North Carolina Butler Amusements…KMG Inversion; Chance Rides Zipper rebuild Carowinds, Charlotte…Plants vs Zombies interactive 3d motion-based theater; Carnival Cruise Line Vista…SkyRide Technologies elevated fitness bike. WaterWorks — Polin waterslides Boomerang Bay expansion with WhiteWater 3x Flatline Loop, Constrictor, innertube Cole Shows Amusement Company…Wisdom Himalaya slides and AquaPlay Rainfortress Deggeller Attractions…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Frankie's Fun Park, Raleigh…Zamperla Windstarz Frazier Shows…Wadkins Expo Wheels Expo Wheel Ohio Fundways of Illinois…SBF/Visa Mini Pirate Ship Cedar Point, Sandusky…Valravn — B&M Dive Coaster; Baynum repainting of Top Thrill Dragster Funtastic Shows…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Kings Island, Kings Mills…Tropical Plunge — WhiteWater 3x FlatLine Loop, Cons Funtime Carnival…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups trictor, innertube slides Gold Star Amusements…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Oklahoma Houghton Enterprises…KMG Inversion Frontier City, Oklahoma City…Gunslinger — Zamperla Power Surge Jeremy & Kate Floyd…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Plaza at Wheeler, Oklahoma City…Chance Rides Giant Wheel Jessop Amusements…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Turner Falls Zipine, Davis…Soaring Eagle Zipline Majestic Midways…SBF/Visa Mini Pirate Ship Water-Zoo, Clinton…WhiteWater Slideboarding Mauricio Safie…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride White Water Bay, Oklahoma City…WhiteWater AquaPlay Modern Midways…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups Pennsylvania Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways…KMG Inversion, SBF/Visa Compact Spinning Coaster Dorney Park, Allentown…New PTCI trains for Thunderhawk roller coaster Paradise Shows…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Hershey Lodge, Hershey…ProSlide 2x Twister PBJ Happee Day Shows…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride, Tea Cups Kennywood, West Mifflin…Remodel of Noah's Ark for 80th season Penn Valley Shows… Mardi Gras Two Story Fun House Knoebel's Amusement Resort, Elysburg…Zamperla Galleon Playworld Unlimited…SBF/Visa Mini Pirate Ship Waldameer, Erie…Walley & Wendy's Kidz Zone — ProSlide Kidz Slides Twister, MiniRiver, Poor Jack Amusements…Wadkins Expo Wheels Expo Wheel 2x and 4x ProRacer Powers’ Great American Midways…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride South Carolina Powers’ Great American Midways…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups Frankie's Fun Park, Greenville…Zamperla Discovery 360 Pride Amusements…Owen Trailers, Inc. Dark Ride Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach…WhiteWater 4L Mat racer, Inner-tube Ray Cammack Shows…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride Slide, AquaPlay Rockwell Amusements…Eli Bridge Scrambler South Dakota Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas…Polin 2x Aquatube, 2x Space Shuttle Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone…Rushmore Mountain Coaster — Wiegand Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas…WhiteWater 2x Double FlowRider Mountain Coaster Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas…WhiteWater Double FlowRider Tennessee Russ Kissel…Owen Trailers, Inc. Surf Shack Dollywood, Pigeon Forge…Lightning Rod — RMC launched wooden coaster S&S Amusements…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge…New Wiegand vehicles with magnetic brakes Skelly Amusements…Wadkins Expo Wheels Expo Wheel Top Jump, Pigeon Forge…REG Clip 'n Climb challenge course Skerbeck Entertainment Group…Kolmax Plus Tea Cups, Luna Park Flying Elephants Texas Sonshine Amusements…Luna Park Gondola Wheel Abilene Zoo, Abilene…Wattman Trains Maxi XT Train Spectrum Entertainment…SBF/Visa Groovy Bus Boomers, Houston…R&R Creative rehab and themeing Spectrum Entertainment…Zamperla Rockin’ Tub Grand Texas Big Rivers Water Park, New Caney…New water park with WhiteWater Toby’s Carnival…S&S Sensei Frog Hopper attractions: AquaPlay Rainfortress, Family Raft Ride, Innertube slide, AquaDrop, body Tufano Amusements…Wadkins Expo Wheels Expo Wheel slide, 6L Whizzard Twist, AquaSpray, Freefall Plus, Constrictor+Rattler, Manta, Master Wade Shows…Kolmax Plus Dumbo Ride; Chance Rides Zipper rebuild Blaster+Boomerango, Speed Slide, Slideboarding Wilson Family Shows… Mardi Gras Fun House, Kolmax Plus Tea Cups Joyland Amusement Park, Lubbock...Mini Express — Advantage Rides Mini Himalaya Wonderland Midways…Wadkins Expo Wheels, Expo Wheel Landry's Downtown Aquarium, Houston…Chance C.P. Huntington May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

2016 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW compiled by Jeffrey Seifert

ALGERIA Wanda Group (park name unknown), Harbin, Heilongjiang…New park with Mack Rides Blue Paradis des Zibanes, Biskra…Polin Rafting Slide, Black Hole, Family Rafting Slide, Tsunami, Space Fire coaster and a mouse coaster from an unknown manufacturer; S&S 12-seat Space Shot Boat, Space Hole, Multislide, Compact Slide, Freefall, Aquatube, Multisurf, Freefall, Kamikaze, Wanda Hefei Cultural Tourism Center, Baohe, Hefei…Flip Coaster — multi-element coaster; Tunnel Freefall, body slide, multiple kid’s slides Beijing Shibolai Wacky Worm; Intamin launched mega coaster; Wild Mouse; Lagotronics Inter- AUSTRALIA active 3-D ride with motion base vehicles; S&S 12-seat Space Shot Dreamworld, Queensland…Hot Wheels Sidewinder — rethemed Arrow Coaster formerly known Wanda Hefei Indoor Water Park, Baohe, Hefei…ProSlide Hydromagentic Rocket, Tornado 60, as Cyclone Mammoth, 6-lane KrakenRacer, 2x SuperLoop with SkyBox, Freefall; WhiteWaterAquaPlay; Funfields Water Park, Whittlesea, Victoria…Kraken Racer — ProSlide 4-lane KrakenRacer SuperBowl, Boomerange, Kid’s Slides, Body Slides Prairiewood Leisure Centre, Prairiewood, New South Wales…Polin Tunnel Freefall, Tunnel Body Wayaha Perfect Park, Yuanzhou, Guyuan…Hanging Roller Coaster — Beijing Shibolai suspended Slide, Compact Slide looping coaster The Strand, Townsville…WhiteWater AquaPlay and Aqua Spray Windmill Park, Nanhu, Jiaxing…Roller Coaster — Chang Long family coaster Sea World, Southport, Queensland…Zamperla Family Gravity Coaster, Demolition Derby, Magic Wuhang Zhongshan Park, Jianghan, Wuhan…Boomerang Roller Coaster — Hebei Zhongye multi Bikes, Rocking Tug element coaster AUSTRIA Xiantoa Happy Valley, Xiantao, Hubei…Zhipao double loop/double corkscrew coaster Wiener Prater, Vienna…Olympia Looping — BHS/Schwarzkopf multi element looper operating at Yinj Kaifeng Water World, Henan…WhiteWater Attractions Shoot the Chute Prater for the 250th anniversary Yinj Xinmi Water Park, Zhegzhou…WhiteWater largest single waterpark contract in history BAHRAIN incuding AquaSphere+Manta, Family Raft Ride, AquaSphere+Master Blaster, Abyss 71, Abyss Lost Paradise of Dilmun, Bahrain…Polin Looping Rocket 55, Dueling Master Blasters, Constrictor+SuperBowl, Boomerango+Manta, AquaPlay Giant BANGLADESH Rainfortress, additional slides Blueland Water Park, Dhaka…Polin Rocket Freefall+Kamikaze+Freefall, Kamikaze+Freefall, Wide Zhu Hai Ocean Park, Zhuhai…WhiteWater Attractions Adventure Trail, Contained Play, Toddler Slide, Aquatube, Space Boat, Black Hole+Turbolance Play+AquaSpray BARBADOS COLUMBIA Simpson Motors, Warrens…Wattman Trains Mini Express Train Parque Comfama Copabana, Medllin, Antioquia…WhiteWater AquaCourse BELGIUM Piscilago Parque Recreativo, Villanueva…ProSlide TornadoWave Bobbejaanland, Lichtaart…Mount Mara — VR experience on existing Mount Mara Coaster; COSTA RICA Nightmare Hotel — escape room Parque de Diversiones, La Uruca, San José…Splash Caribe — WhiteWater Attractions Shoot the Chute Plopsa de Panne, Adinkerke-De Panne, West-Vlaanderen…Heide the Ride — GCII wooden coaster CZECH REPUBLIC Walibi Belgium, Wavre, Walloon Brabant…Pulsar — Mack Rides PowerSplash Sideland, Lipno nad Vltavou…Bobovou Dráhu — Wiegand Alpine Coaster BRAZIL DENMARK Beach Park, Aquirez…Vaikuntudo — record-breaking ProSlide Tornado 60 Djurs Sommerlan, Nimtoffe…Soulken — Gerstlauer Polyp Flamboyant Mall, Goiania…Wattman Trains Mini Express Train Fårup Sommerland, Saltum…New themed hotel Parque Downtown, Rio De Janeiro…Radar Play indoor coaster (relocated) Legoland Billand, Billund…Ninjago the Ride — Triotech and ART Engineering interactive gesture Sirlene Aqua Paradise, Barao de Cacais…WhiteWater AquaSpray, Constrictor, Multi-lane Mat recognition dark ride racer, SuperBowl, wave equipment Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen…Fatamorgana — Huss Park Attractions Condor 2GH BULGARIA Tivoli Friheden, Århus, Jylland…Bee Swarm — SBF spinning coaster Duni Royal Aquapark, Sozopol…Polin Black Hole+Rafting Slide+Flying Boats, Multislide, Kamika- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC zee Body Slide, Aquatube, compact slide combinations Karisma Hotels, Punta Cana…WhiteWater AquaPlay and Aqua Spray CHILE ENGLAND Fantasilandia, Santiago…Tren Minero — Vekoma Mine Train relocated from Ratanga Junction Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire…Galactica — VR experience on Air flying coaster; Food Loop restaurant (November 2015) Big Sheep, Bideford, Devon…Big One — Zierer custom Tivoli relocated from New MetroLand CHINA Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool…Wattman Trains Maxi XT Train Chimelong Paradise, Guangzhou, Guangdong…Zamperla U-Drive, Demolition Derby, Magic Chessington World of Adventures, Chessington…Lagotronics Products upgrade of existing Bikes, Air Race, Rocking Tug Tomb Blaster dark ride Discoveryland, Dalian, Liaoning…Zamperla Thunderbolt Coaster Funland Amusement Park, Hayling Island, Hampshire…Runaway Mine Train — L&T Systems Wild Disneyland Hong Kong, Hong Kong…Iron Man Experience — combination walkthrough and simulator Mouse relocated from Gulliver’s Warrington Dragon Elephant Water Park, Nanning, Guangxi…WhiteWater Boomerango, Abyss, 8L Whiz- Legoland Windsor, Windsor, Berkshire…The Lego Movie 4D - A New Adventure zard, 2x AquaLoop, Rattler, SuperBowl, InnerTube slides, Dueling Master Blasters, 3x Speed Old MacDonald’s Farm, Brentwood, Essex…Doggy Dog — SBF MX48 family coaster Slides, 4-person inline tube slides, AquaSpary, AquaPlay Giant RainFortress, Kid’s slides Olympia Park, London…ArcelorMittal Orbit — Wiegand tunnel slide from top of tower — lon- Fantawild (Nanning), Nanning, Guangxi…Vekoma Boomerang gest in the world Great Mall of China, Sanha, Langfang, Hebei…Premier Rides Sky Rocket II coaster; Vekoma Dive Paulton’s Park, Romsey, Hampshire…Flight of the Pterosaur — Vekoma Suspended Family Pretzel Coaster; Vekoma Motorbike Coaster Coaster; Raptor — Vekoma Family Boomerang; Dinosaur Tour Company — Jeep ride; Alive! Guian Wonderland Happy World, Fuzhou…WhiteWater AquaPlay, AquaSpray, AquaCourse, Raft Dinosaur Encounter Battle, No Boundaries The Sands, North Yorkshire, Scaroborough…ProSlide Tornado 24+BehemothBowl, 40, Tornado Happy Valley Wuhan, Wuhan, Hebei…Zierer Jet Ski 18, Pipeline, 2x TurboTwister Happy World, Jiangyou, Mianyang…Fourth Ring Roller Coaster — multi-element looping coast- Thorpe Park, Chertsey, Surrey…Derren Brown’s Ghost Train — darkride with visual effects er; Hanging Roller Coaster — inverted coaster EGYPT Hot Go Dreamworld, Fushun, Liaoning…B&M Wing Coaster; Preston & Barbieri racing coaster; Dahabiya Radisson Blu Resort, Sharm el Seikh…Polin 2x Black Hole, Turbolance, Space Boat, WhiteWater Attractions No Boundaries Rafting Slide, Body Slide, Aqautube, Freefall, 2x Twister, multliple kid’s slides Huashan Mountain, Huayin…Wiegand Alpine Coaster Jaz Mirabel Club Resort, Sharm el Seikh…Polin 2x Black Hole, Turbolance, Family Rafting Slide, Joypolis, Putuo, Shanghai…Music Coaster — Golden Horse spinning coaster Uphill Flying Boat, Tunnel Freefall, Freefall, Kamikaze, Wave Slide, Rafting Slide, 2x Flying Boat, Lewa Adventure, Jingyang, Xianyang…Flash — Mack Rides multi-element coaster 2x Space Boat, Aquatube, Body slide, mutliple kid’s slides Liuzhou OCT Cultural and Scientific Experience, Yfeng, Liuzhou…Roller Coaster — manufac- Rahma Sharm Resort, Nabq Bay, South Sinai…Polin Freefall, Multislide, Flying Boats, 2x compact turer unknown slide; mushroom Mega Fun Water Park, Anji…Polin King Cobra, multiple kid’s slides FRANCE Oriental Heritage (Xiamen), Tong’an, Xiamen…Jungle Trailblazer — Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Disneyland Paris, Marne la Vallée, Ile-de-France…Big Thunder Mountain — renovation and new Group wooden coaster; Galaxy Express — Vekoma Family Suspended Coaster Vekoma trains Oriental Heritage (Zhejiang), Cixi, Ningbo…Jungle Trailblazer — Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Futuroscope, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou…La Forge aux Étoiles — Aquatic and pyrotechnic show cre- Group wooden coaster; Night Rescue — Golden Horse indoor coaster; Stress Express — Veko- ated by Cirque du Soleil ma Boomerang Kid Parc, Gujan Mestras, Aquitaine…Boulet de Canon — roller coaster Phoenix Park Land, Tengzhou, Zaozhuang…Family Roller Coaster — Jungle Mouse; Five Ring Le Fleury, Wavrechain-sous-Faulx…Spinning cars roller coaster Roller Coaster Le Pal, Dompierre Sur Besbre, Auvergne,…Zierer Wave Swinger Popsea at Joyfulland, Shaoxing Mirror Lake…New park with ProSlide Tornado 60, TornadoWave, Mer de Sable, Emmenonville, Picardie…Bandidos — SBF spinning coaster CannonBowl 40, Turbo Pipeline, TurboMammoth, Mammoth River, Water Kingdom, more Nigloland, Dolancourt, Champagne-Ardenne…Donjon de l’Extreme — Funtime 100m. Freefall Quisby New Century Grand Hotel, Hainan…Polin Uphill Flying Boats, Black Hole, Navigatour, Tower; La tour des Petits Fantomes — Zierer Family Freefall Sphere, Space Boat Combo, Black Hole+Turbolance, Black Hole+Rafting Slide, Compact Slide, OK Corral, Cuges-les-Pins…Zierer Wave Swinger Wide Slide, Kid’s Freefall Parc Astérix, Plailly, Picardie…Discobélix — Zamperla Disk’O Shanghai Disneyland, Pudong, Shanghai…New park with hotel resort; multiple rides including Puy Du Fou, Les Espresses…Le Dernier Panache — Ultra HD show on 100m screen Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — family coaster; Tron Lightcycles Power Run — roller coaster Walibi Rhône-Alpes, Les Avenières, Rhône-Alpes…Timber — Gravity Group wooden coaster Sun Tzu Cultural Park, Guangrao, Dongying…Catapult — S&S - Sansei air-launched coaster; FINLAND Mine Car — Golden Horse roller coaster; S&S Double Tower Särkänniemi Amusement Park, Tampere…Zamperla Discovery Revolution 360 Tieling La Viva Water Park, Tieling, Liaoning…New water park with ProSlide Tornado 60+Tor- GERMANY nado 24, Tornado 18, CannonBowl 40, SuperLoop with Skybox, FreeFall Bayern Park, Reisbach, Bavaria…Dell der Adler — Gerstlauer Sky Fly Wanda City, Binhu, Wuxi…B&M Wing Coaster; Intamin Accelerator Coaster Eifelpark, Gondorf, Rhineland-Palatinate…Metallbau Emmeln tractor ride Wanda City Theme Park, Xinjian, Nanchang…Giant Caterpillar — family coaster; Havoc in Heav- Europa-Park, Rust…Ireland — New children’s area with Mack Rides kiddie coaster; Zierer Kontiki; en Palace — Intamin Hypercoaster; Soaring Dragon & Dancing Phoenix — Beijing Shibaolai indoor playground; VR experience on Pegasus coaster; Zierer Freefall multi-element looping coaster; Viper — GCII wooden coaster; spinning mouse coaster; Lago- Fort Fun Abenteuerland, Wasserfall, North Rhine-Westphalia…Fort Fun L.A.B.S expansion with tronics Interactive 3-D dark ride; Zamperla 10-ride package two new rides May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 compiled by Jeffrey Seifert 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

2016 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW

Hansa Park, Sierksdorf, Shleswig-Holstein…Kleine Zar — Preston & Barbieri small coaster PORTUGAL Heide-Park, Solau…Drchenzäman - Die Insel — new themed area with boat ride; Zamperla Giant Slide and Splash, Estombar, Lagoa…ProSlide TornadoWave Sky Chaser RUSSIA Holiday Park, Hassloch, Rhineland-Palatinate…Airshow 71 themed area with Gerstlauer Sky Fly; Kvarsis Indoor Water Park, Novosibirsk…New water park , largest in Russia with WhiteWater Zierer Wave Swinger attractions: Manta, AquaCourse, AquaLoop, AquaSphere, SpaceBowl, Constrictor, AquaPlay, Legoland Deutschland, Günzburg, Bavaria…The Lego Movie 4D - A New Adventure; hotel expansion body and tube slides Movie Park Germany, Bottrop…The Walking Dead Breakout — horror show attraction Sochi Park Adventureland, Sochi, Krasnodar Krai…Zamperla Galleon Phantasialand, Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia…Taron — Intamin multi-launch Blitz Coaster; Raik SINGAPORE — Vekoma Family Boomerang Wild Wild Wet, Singapore…ProSlide BehemothBowl 40+TornadoWave, 4-lane KrakenRacer, Rodel- und Freizeitparadies St. Englmar, Sankt Englmar, Bavaria…Voglwuide Sepp — Zierer FreeFall, TurboTwister, Kidz slides Force coaster utilizing natural terrain SLOVAKIA Skyline Park, Bad Wörishofen, Bavaria…Sky Dragster — Maurer motorbike coaster Thermal Kesov, Kesov…Polin Multisurf, Tsunami Slide, Looping Rocket, Space Shuttle, 3x Windigo INDIA SOUTH AFRICA Amaazia Water Park, Surat…Polin Up Looping Rocket, King Cobra, Kamikaze, Freefall+Body Bajo Brand , …Wattman Trains Mini Express Train Slide, Twister Racer, Windigo, Black Hole, Uphill Navigator+Black Hole, Black Hole+Turbolance, Sun City Resort Valley of Waves, Sun City…WhiteWater AquaLoop and Boomerango Space Boat, Tipping Bucket SOUTH KOREA Malpani House Club & Resort, Sangmner…Zamperla Air Race, Z-Force, Vertical Swing, Mega E-World, Daegu Metropolitan City…Zamperla Air Race, Discovery Revolution 360 Disk’O, Flying Carousel, Watermania, Galleon Everland, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do…Thunder Falls — WhiteWater Attractions Super Flume Wet ‘n Joy Water Park, Lonala…New water park with WhiteWater Master Blaster, Rattler, Boo- Habio Park, Seoul…ProSlide CannonBowl 30, PipeLine, Twister merango and AquaPlay Rainfortress, Dual Waves, 4L Mat Racer, Speed Slide, FreeFall Skide Tongdo Fantasia, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do…ProSlide BehemothBowl 40+TornadoWave Wonderla, Hyderabad, Telengana…Termite Coaster — Big Apple / Wacky Worm coaster; Termite SPAIN Train — kiddie powered train; Wonder Splash — water coaster Terra Mitica, Benidorm, Alicante…Funtime Star Flyer; New boutique hotel Wonderla (Bangalore), Bangalore, Kamatka…Vekoma Boomerang relocated from Alabama SWEDEN Splash Adventure Daftlöland, Stromstad…Fabbri Crazy Pots INDONESIA Kneippbyn, Visby, Gotland…SBF/Visa MX49 Cyclon coaster Kid City, Jakarta, West Java…Vekoma Junior Coaster Kolmården, Norrköping, Östergötland…Wildfire — RMC wooden coaster Ocean Park Water Adventure, Tabgerang…ProSlide Tornado 24+Tornado 24, Tornado 18, Pipe- Liseberg, Gothenburg…Aero Spin — Gerstlauer Sky Roller; Bertazzon double decker carousel LineWave, CannonBowl 40 Skara Sommerland, Axvall…ProSlide 3x Twister Smiley World, …Wattman Trains Mini Express Train SWITZERLAND Trans Studio Mini, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan…Vekoma Junior Coaster Mount Gurten, Bern…Wiegand summer toboggan IRAN TAIWAN Eram Amusement Park, Tehran…Funtime Starflyer; Zierer Star Shape E-Da World, Kaohsuing…Fabbri 30m Ferris Wheel IRAQ Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, Yuchr Shiang, Nant’ou…Hafema Rapids Ride Baghdadland, Baghdad…Polin King Cobra, Black Hole+2x Uphill Navigtour, Racer Slide+Space Shang Shun Plaza, Miaoli…WhiteWater Attractions Ropes Course, toddler Play, Clip ‘N’ Climb, Boat+2x Turbolance, Surf Safari, Looping Rocket, Space Hole Bowl, 4x Windigo, Ballocity, Adventure Trail, Sky Tykes and Skyrail Zipline Aquatube+Body Slide, Black Hole+Flying Boats, Rafting Slide+Flying Boats, 2x Kamikaze, 2x Shang Shun World, Miaoli…WhiteWater Attractions play structures Freefall, multiple kids attractions Suzuka Circuit Park, Suzaka, Mie…Zierer family tower IRELAND THAILAND Tayto Park, Ashbourne, Meath…Zamperla 48-seat Endeavour; Power Surge, Windstarz Alpine Coaster, Chiang Mai…Alpine Coaster — Wiegand Alpine Coaster ISRAEL Ramayana Resort, Pattaya…WhiteWater Flume-through-Flume Python, AquaPlay Rainfortress, Luna Park, Tel Aviv…Funtime Starflyer AquaSpray, Double Python, Family Raft ride, Dueling Master Blaster, Boomerango, 4L Whiz- ITALY zard, Freefall Plus, AquaLoop, duel wave pool, lazy river Etnaland, Belpasso…ProSlide BehemothBowl 40+TornadoWave, 2x SuperLoop with SkyBox Santorini Water Fantasy, Perissa…ProSlide Tornado 60 Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Gardo…Kung Fu Panda Master — Fabbri Spinning Mouse; Second TRINIDAD & TOBAGO themed hotel Macoya Waterpark, Chaguaramas…ProSlide RideHouse 250 with 2x Twister; Kidz slides: ProRa- Leolandia, Capriate San Gervasio, Lombardy…Expansion of kids areas with Thomas the Tank cer, MiniRiver, Twister, Tornado 12, Bowl, Twister Engine and Masha the Bear Park name unknown, Chaguaramas…WhiteWater Constrictor, Boomerango, Rattler, SpaceBowl, Mirabilandia, Savio…Far West Valley — new themed area; Zamperla Midi Disk’O Coaster KiteFlyer 6L Mat Racer JAPAN Tunisia Hotel Miramar Djerba, Djerba…Polin Space Hole, Multislide, Kamikaze Tunel, Freefall, Nagashima Spa Land, Nagashima…WhiteWater AquaPlay Giant RainFortress, 8L Mat Racer; New PTCI train Rafting Slide, Black Hole, Turbolance, Black Hole+Flying Boats, multiple kid’s slides Parque Espana-Shima Spain Village, Shima, Mie…Kiddy Montserrat — family roller coaster TURKEY Shibamasa World, Sakai, Fukui…WhiteWater Abyss Ankapark, Ankara…New park with 15 coasters and multiple rides from Levent Lunapark, Intamin, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka…Flying Dinosaur — B&M flying coaster Zamperla, SBF-Visa, Zierer, Beijing Shibaolai, and Interpark Yomiuriland, Tokyo…Spin Runway — Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster Rixos eko Tamali Park, Antalya…JRA associates new park with water park, aquarium, dolphinari- KUWAIT um, hotel and spa; Polin Windigo, Kamikaze, Free fall, Looping Rocket, Magicone, Family Raft- Kuwait Magic, Al Manbulah…Golden Horse spinning coaster ing, Navigatour, Uphill+Rafting+Black Hole, 2x Black Hole, Black Hole+ Rafting, Space Boat, MALAYSIA Space Shuttle multiple kid’s slides. Desaru Water Park, Lotus…ProSlide Tornado 24+Tornado 24 +Tornado 24, Tornado 60, Tornado UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 12, CannonBowl 30, RideHouse 500, Kidz Slides Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi…Flying Aces — Intamin hypercoaster; Mission Ferrari Legoland Malaysia, Nusajaya, Johor…Ninjago the Ride — Triotech and ART Engineering interac- — Dynamic Attractions multi-launch coaster; Vortex — Intamin Shuttle; Benno’s Great Race — tive gesture recognition dark ride interactive dark ride Movie Animation Park Studios, Ipoh, Perak…Asteroid Attack — SBF Spinning Coaster; Mr. Pea- Hub Zero Dubai, Dubai…WhiteWater Attractions Climbing Zone with Ropes Course body & Sherman’s Time Adventure — indoor roller coaster; Casper — Sally Interactive dark ride IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai…Velociraptor Mega Launch Coaster — Mack Rides launched Sunway Lagoon, Subang Jaya, Selangor…Interlink Water Coaster; new Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon looping coaster; Mack Rides spinning coaster; Huss Top Spin with WhiteWater AquaLoop, FlatLine Loop, Boomerango, Innertube Slides, Raft Ride, AquaPlay Legoland Dubai, Dubai…Dragon — Zierer Force Five roller coaster with darkride component; RainFortress, AquaCourse Dragon’s Apprentice — family coaster; Zierer Jet Skis and Duplo Planes MONTENEGRO Motiongate, Dubai…New park. Gerstaluer LSM coaster, bobsled coaster; Mack rides suspended Aquapark Budva, Budva…Polin King Cobra, Looping Rocket dark ride; S&S 16-seat combo tower MOROCCO Sega Republic, Dubai…WhiteWater Attractions ropes course Seafront Promenade, Agadir…Fabbri 40m Ferris Wheel (late 2015) UKRAINE Tamaris Aquaparc, Casblanca, Maroc…ProSlide CannonBowl 40 Levina Mall, Kiev…Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster; Zamperla Air Race, Disk’O, Jumpin’ NETHERLANDS Tower, Windshear Adventurepark Hellendoorm, Hellendoorm, Overjissel…REG upgrade to Discovery Club dark Respublika, Kiev…Maurer Spinning Coaster; Vekoma Junior Coaster ride VIETNAM Drievliet Family Park, The Hague, Zuid-Holland…Zierer kiddie freefall tower Alpine Coaster, Halong Bay…Wiegand Alpine Coaster Duinrell, Wassenaar, Zuid Holland…Gerstlauer Sky Fly Asia Park, Đà Nang…Garuda Valley — Vekoma Junior Coaster; Port of Sky Treasure — Vekoma Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant…Pinokkio — new story land in fairytale forest Mine Train; Premier Rides suspended coaster; Premier Rides Ferris Wheel lift coaster; all Walibi Holland, Biddinghuizen, Flevoland…Lost Gravity — Mack Rides multi-element coaster relocated from Hard Rock Park Wildlands Adventure Zoo, Emmen…Vekoma I-Ride; Mack boat ride Ocean Park, Ha Long, Quang Ninh…B&M multi-element coaster relocated from Hard Rock Park; NORWAY Vekoma Junior Coaster; Vekoma Family Suspended Coaster Tusenfryd, Vinterboro, Oslo…Ragnarok — Hafema rapids ride WALES OMAN Barry Island Pleasure Park, Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan…Sharky & the Pirates — SBF Big Marjarat Oman, Al Sawadi…New 25,000 square-foot indoor water park Apple/Wacky Worm; Go Gator — Wisdom Rides powered coaster POLAND Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend…Crazy Mouse — Reverchon spinning mouse Energylandia, Zator, Malopolskie…Rollercoaster Formula 1 — Vekoma launched multi-element coaster relocated from Bundoran Adventure Park Robland, Leszno…Fabbri 30m Ferris Wheel Snowdonia National Park, Penrhyhdeudraeth…Alpine Coaster UK — Wiegand Alpine Coaster Zatorland, Zator, Malapolski…Dinocoaster — family coaster May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 INTERNATIONAL

 Movie Park Germany adds move live entertainment for 20th anniversary— Page 22 Liseberg reveals record profits for 2015; new attractions planned AT: Andrew Mellor [email protected] GOTHENBERG, Sweden — Following a record profit for the second consecutive year in 2015, Swedish park Liseberg is set to introduce a brand new area containing one of Gothen- berg’s largest playgrounds and incorporating a new double- decker carousel and Victorian garden, all at no extra cost to visitors, in addition to a brand new thrill ride. As part of a total invest- ment for the year of SEK 170 million (U.S. $20.8 million), the new area on Liseberg hill will Left, Italian manufactuer Bertazzon has supplied the new stretch from the AtmosFear double-decker carousel at Liseberg. Above, the Children’s ride in the north to the Flume Paradise play area is incorporated within the new Liseberg ride in the south. Called Lise- Gardens. COURTESY LISEBERG 4See LISEBERG, page 21 Gardaland teams with DreamWorks for new Kung Fu Panda area AT: Andrew Mellor “We are delighted to [email protected] present Kung Fu Panda CASTELNUOVO DEL Academy to our public,” said GARDA, Italy — Gardaland Aldo Maria Vigevani, CEO Resort in northern Italy has of Gardaland Resort, part of secured a deal with animat- The area will feature at- Merlin Entertainments plc. ed movie company Dream- tractions, interactive games “As the first theme park in Works Animation to create and lots of live entertain- Italy, Gardaland develops a brand new, fully themed ment throughout. Young- every year great new proj- area at the park based on the sters will be able to dive into ects to ensure to its guests well-known Kung Fu Panda the land of Po and meet the the best possible experience. IP. charismatic martial arts fan Setting up Kung Fu Panda Set to make its debut this and his friend Tigress. A Academy in our park adds, month Kung Fu Panda Acad- colorful pagoda will act as for 2016, another prime offer emy will be dedicated to fun a stage where the characters to our current portfolio of in- and entertainment for the will perform for audiences of credible and fantastic attrac- whole family and is inspired all ages, while a new family tions.” by the characters from the spinning roller coaster from In addition to the new new Kung Fu Panda 3 movie, Italian company Fabbri will themed area, Gardaland will which opened in Italian cin- offer descents and rotations also open a new sushi res- emas in mid-March follow- to give guests the courage of taurant for the new season, ing its opening in the U.S. in true Dragon Warriors. Using claimed to be unprecedent- January. The new addition to four, six-seater cars it will ed among European theme the park will provide an up- take riders around a Wild parks, offering all ages an ex- close and memorable experi- Mouse style track and to a clusive alternative in theme ence following the footsteps maximum height of just be- park dining. The park is also of the heroes of the Kung low 14 meters (46 feet). Mer- due to debut its new 101- The new Kung Fu Panda Academy area at Gardaland will fea- Fu Panda trilogy created by chandising outlets will also room Gardaland Adventure ture a host of new attractions, including a Fabbri Spinning DreamWorks. be featured. Hotel in June. Coaster. COURTESY GARDALAND 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 International happenings... New book on U.K. roller coasters released ATGLEN, Pa. — Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. has announced the release of Coasting Around the UK: Roller Coasters of the United Kingdom by Peter Andrews. The United Kingdom has been entertaining the public with its amazing selection of parks and roller coasters since the late 19th century. This book features in-depth profiles of 80 roller coasters, from the 7,442-foot-long Ultimate in Lightwater Valley to Thorpe Park’s Stealth, which goes from 0 to 80 mph in 1.9 seconds. A compelling series of pho- tographs, gathered from 38 of Great Britain’s most famous amusement parks, includes many behind-the-scenes per- spectives and rare views that prove these compelling struc- tures are not merely fun rides but also mechanically mag- nificent and, at times, visually stunning machines. Covering the length and breadth of the U.K., this photographic and historic guide takes readers from Brighton up to Glasgow, and from Gwynedd over to Great Yarmouth and provides The flying coaster previously known as Air is now called Galactica. the ultimate adrenaline rush. COURTESY ALTON TOWERS RESORT The book features 397 color photos over 224 pages printed hard cover in a 11 inch by 8 1/2 inch format, Book cost is $34.99. Alton Towers’ flying coaster gets •schifferbooks.com the VR treatment, renamed Galactica Filmmaster Events inks Genoa Aquarium deal AT: GENOA, Italy — Filmmaster Events, with the artistic di- Andrew Mellor is 3.5 G and the height of [email protected] rection of Alfredo Accatino, has been hired to oversee the drop is 20 meters (65.5 feet). renovation process of Genoa Aquarium, during its 25th an- ALTON, England — A The attraction’s maximum niversary, creating a format based on experiencing and en- new experience on a famil- speed is 75 kph (46.5mph) tertainment. iar ride awaits visitors to and ride duration is 189 sec- The agency, which will be working on Rio 2016 Olympic the U.K. park Alton Towers onds. Capacity per train is 28 Ceremonies, has developed the concept called “The aquar- Resort this year, which is the flying coaster with the passengers in seven rows of ium is a ship travelling through the world seas.” The result is claiming a world first in the emotive experience of trav- four lying face down. an enchanting experience focused on edutainment. process. elling through space. Lying “Galactica uses ground- Filmmaster Events has created new interactive installa- Opened in late March, in the prone position, riders breaking technology to give tions, reorganized the sound and light design and the sce- the flying coaster Air, built wear a special VR headset riders a breathtaking and nography and re-named the tanks. It was a great challenge by Bolliger and Mabillard, through which an on-board completely unique roller for one of the most important aquariums of the world, which has been transformed into artificial intelligence guides coaster experience,” said Al- reinvented itself to become one of the top destinations of Galactica, which the park them from the launch pad ton Towers Resort Market- next summer. claims is the world’s first up into “space” to fly and ing Director Gill Riley. U.K. The aquarium underwent several changes. In the Sala roller coaster entirely cus- loop beyond the stars, bank- astronaut Tim Peake cap- Blu, the first room seen by visitors, Filmmaster Events in- tomized for a full virtual re- ing through wormholes and tured the imagination of mil- stalled a spectacular video mapping showing the entire itin- ality experience, transform- speeding across undiscov- lions of Brits last year when erary using a captivating storytelling. Other installations will ing riders into astronauts ered galaxies. he set off on his mission to be present at the Eels tank, the Penguins Area and the Jel- and plunging them into out- The visuals have been the International Space Sta- lyfish tank. er space with a G-force more exactly synchronized to the tion — and now our visitors The hi-tech part of the aquarium will be upgraded with powerful than a real rocket twists, turns and loops of the can become astronauts too. interactive stations, especially developed for the aquarium. launch. coaster to recreate the sen- Our guests will be transport- Filmmaster Events developed the creativity of the new App The ride now offers sation of hurtling through ed into space and we believe which will be launched during the anniversary celebrations. guests an experience that space as riders travel along Galactica showcases the fu- •filmmaster.com combines the physical exer- the 840-meter (2,760 foot) ture for theme parks around tion and adrenaline rush of long track. The total G-force the world — it’s a complete Euro Attractions Show 2016 set for Barcelona game changer!” BRUSSELS, Belgium — In 2016, the International Asso- The coaster was first ciation of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is host- opened in 2002 and is situ- ing its annual Euro Attractions Show (EAS) for the first time ated in the Forbidden Valley in Barcelona. EAS is the largest conference and trade show area of the park. for the attractions industry in the EMEA region and will take In other news from Al- place September 20-22 at the Gran Via Convention Center ton Towers Resort, the park in Barcelona. This three-day event will feature a vibrant trade announced at the end of Feb- show floor filled with the latest products and services and ruary that the Smiler roller more than 20 hours of educational sessions, forums, facil- coaster was to reopen on ity tours, professional development, and networking events. March 19. This follows the The event is expected to attract more than 9,000 industry accident last year in which a professionals from more than 100 countries. EAS is owned by number of riders were badly IAAPA and produced by IAAPA’s EMEA office. injured and the subsequent •IAAPA.org/EAS investigations around this which have now been con- In brief... cluded. Additionally, the •DUBAI, U.A.E. — The 22nd edition of the Dubai En- park has announced that one tertainment Amusement and Leisure Show 2016 (DEAL) is of its longest serving rides, scheduled for April 19-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Riders on the Galactica coaster will ride in the prone posi- The Flume, is to be retired af- •dealmiddleeastshow.com tion with VR headsets for an immersive journey into “outer ter 34 years’ service and will space.” COURTESY ALTON TOWERS RESORT not open for the new season. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 LISEBERG for each wing, with the guest Continued from page 19 controlling the plane to make it rotate sideways around its own axle. berg Gardens, it will feature “The passenger in the Victorian gardens, a walking plane controls their ride and de- path, a garden café, the car- cides what will happen. That’s ousel and a huge children’s what’s so great about Aero- playground. The area covers Spin,” commented Andersen. a total of 6,310 square meters, “The ride is what you make it of which 1,900 square meters – a pleasant trip with a sensa- is made up of plant beds and tional view of Gothenburg, a other greenery. frenzied ride in a tumble drier “The new area is our way or anything in between.” of giving back to the residents AeroSpin carries up to 24 of Gothenburg. Liseberg is passengers in 24 planes and The new AeroSpin ride (above) at Liseberg has been sup- their meeting place above all,” has an hourly capacity of ap- plied by German manufacturer Gerstlauer. Right, the new says park CEO Andreas An- proximately 480. At Liseberg Liseberg Gardens is part of an investment of SEK 170 million dersen. it requires three coupons for a (U.S. $20.8 million) in the park for 2016. COURTESY LISEBERG The area will also incor- ride. porate the new AeroSpin aero- Liseberg Gardens is one of dens have a Victorian feel, and While the more coura- and the Venetian Carousel, an plane ride from Gerstlauer, one the largest sections of the park. a new winding pathway has geous visitors can enjoy Aero- 11-meter diameter, double- of the company’s Sky Roller Also, 6,300 square meters on been built up the hill to make Spin, younger visitors can decker carousel from Bertaz- attractions. This features a 35 Liseberg hill have been con- the climb easier. The new gar- sample Children’s Paradise, zon. The area also includes meter high rotating tower with verted from unused land into den is part of the Gothenburg an exciting, 500-square-meter a new café and a picnic area, 12 arms, each arm holding two well-groomed, inviting gar- Green World project, in which playground with a wide range while the Waltzer, which was planes. The planes have two le- dens. With beautiful plant beds Liseberg is one of the six main of play elements created by already in situ, has been given vers for riders to operate, one and shady greenery the gar- partners. Monstrum ApS of Denmark, a makeover. 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 International briefs Movie Park Germany adds more Sanderson increases share holding in RSG Maps KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Sanderson Group’s CEO live entertainment for 20th anniversary Steve Sanderson and Peter Sanderson have been appointed to the board of Directors of RSG MAPS as part of a corporate AT: Andrew Mellor restructure. [email protected] Sanderson Group has increased its equity shareholding BOTTROP-KIRCHHEL- to 80-plus percent in RSG MAPS Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known LEN, Germany — Movie as Sanderson Project Development (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd). Park Germany is 20 years old RSG MAPS is a 49 percent shareholder in Animation this year and to mark the an- Theme Park Sdn. Bhd, which was established in 2013 as a niversary will be introducing joint venture with PCB Developments Sdn. Bhd. as co-devel- a number of new attractions opers of the RM520 million Movie Animation Park Studios and facilities for 2016. (MAPS), in Ipoh, Malaysia. Well known for its live The MAPS Perak theme park is positioned as Asia’s First shows and entertainment, Animation Theme Park and is expected to entertain 1.4 mil- the latest additions to the lion visitors in its first year of operations with state-of-the-art park’s line-up will include animation based attractions. The Walking Dead Breakout, Animation Theme Park Sdn. Bhd. IP License agreements a new permanent horror at- for MAPS include Animonsta Studios, International Merchan- traction scheduled to open Movie Park Germany CEO Thorsten Backhaus with two park dising Promotion and Services (Smurfs), and DreamWorks during the season. This will ‘residents’ Sid and Diego from the new 4D film at the Roxy Animation. offer guests a one-of-a-kind Cinema — Ice Age: No Time For Nuts. As part of the Sanderson corporate restructure Mr. Steve live experience unique in COURTESY MOVIE PARK GERMANY Sanderson has accepted a position on the Animation Theme Germany based on The Walk- Park board of directors and will be part of the ATP manage- ing Dead. Covering an area “We’re proud to have an- ing with the audience during ment committee to oversee an additional RM 60 million in- of 700 square meters, it will other famous licensed attrac- the show instead of playback vestment in additional entertainment and attractions within feature all the elements of tion and a powerful brand dialogue. There will be more the Theme Park. MAPS opening is now scheduled for De- one of the most popular and in our park. We noticed that car and motorbike stunts from cember 2016. successful U.S. TV series in there was high demand for a new Italian stunt team and •sandersonintl.com the world. Movie Park is col- this kind of (scare) attraction the set has been redesigned. laborating with the AMC and responded to it, reflect- And on the central New York Jim Seay to speak at Asian Attractions Expo channel in the USA and pay ing our strategy of making a Plaza guests can enjoy a new ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The International Association TV channel FOX in Germany day at the park as exciting as dance and song show, We of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recently an- to deliver true-to-the-original possible for both families and Can´t Stop The Beat. nounced Jim Seay as the Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 reproductions of scenes that young people.” “We’re also continuing Leadership Breakfast keynote speaker. Seay is a leading ex- appeared in the TV series, There are also several the concept of offering more pert on amusement ride safety around the world. The break- real actors and state-of-the- new attractions in the park street entertainment this year. fast is Wednesday, June 15, during AAE 2016, which takes art technology so that guests for non-horror fans. The Roxy There are three new street place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Expo can enjoy an authentic and 4D Cinema will be screening shows and a new Nickelode- Centre in Shanghai, China. AAE is the premier international intensive live experience. a new family movie from the on show will be introduced business event for attractions industry professionals in the “Guests visiting the park start of this season, Ice Age: over the course of the sea- Asia-Pacific region, and is owned and produced by IAAPA. this year can look forward to No Time For Nuts, while new son,” Backhaus said. Seay is chair of the IAAPA Global Safety Committee and is a brand new attraction, a new shows are also on offer. A range of other events a member and immediate past chair of ASTM Committee F24 Ice Age 4D movie, new walk- “We’ve changed the will also add to the live enter- on Amusement Rides and Devices. The committee develops ing characters, a great events whole concept of our famous tainment on offer throughout and refines ride safety standards that are used globally. He program, an even bigger stunt show,” said Backhaus. the season, these to include has promoted the use, application, harmonization, and adop- Halloween Horror Fest and The Crazy Cops New York — special one-off events as well tion of ASTM amusement standards around the world, and new shows,” said General The Action Stunt Show now as live music, artists and light has testified before the U.S. Congress about industry safety. Manager Thorsten Backhaus. has a live presenter interact- and laser shows. Seay's background gives him a unique perspective. A Cornell University graduate, he earned a bachelor's degree Innovative Leisure opens high ropes course in mechanical and aerospace engineering and completed OADBY, Leicester, England — The U.K.- meters and 15 meters off the ground. graduate studies at California State University Long Beach. based adventure attractions specialist In- The course can cater for up to 70 partici- He was an aerospace engineer at Hughes Aircraft and then an novative Leisure has announced the official pants per session, with 60 able to enjoy the engineering and maintenance executive at Six Flags Theme opening of a 17-meter-high, four-level ropes main Sky Trail experience at any one time Parks Inc., before joining Premier Rides Inc. in 1995 as execu- adventure course at the Tees Barrage Inter- (minimum height for users being one me- tive vice president of engineering. He was named president national White Water venue in Stockton on ter accompanied by an adult or 1.22 meters of the company the following year. Tees in northeast England. unaccompanied). Additionally, this ‘zip ex- •IAAPA.org/AsianAttractionsExpo Tees Active Leisure, operators of the perience’ installation also features the U.K.’s venue in conjunction with Stockton Borough first Sky Rails, the latest in zip line technol- Draton Manor planning to add more lodging Council, opened the new Sky Trail High ogy. The patented, fully automated zipping FAZELEY, U.K. — Drayton Manor Theme Park is present- Ropes Course, called Airtrail, on February 13. experiences run parallel to the course on lev- ing plans to local authorities for permission to build 40 new This now complements the existing substan- els one and two and allow users to zip from "holiday style lodges" in an effort to expand guest overnight tial offering of adventurous activities avail- one launch pad to the next without discon- stay choices. The park added an on-site hotel in 2011. able and adds an exciting new high ropes fa- necting form the ropes system at any time. In its presentation, the park stated: "Failure to offer new cility for the whole family, incorporating as A traffic light system and mechanical gates accomodation options could lead to Drayton Manor falling it does a junior Sky Tykes course too. And in control the flow of users, while magnetic behind rival attractions. If the park is not able to move for- just its first week of operation, February half- brakes slow “zippers” as they reach the land- ward and offer a greater choice of accommodations we run term, more than 1,500 participants enjoyed ing platforms. the risk of potential customers, unable to find suitable, avail- the attraction — and the views! “We are delighted to have completed the able accommodation at Drayton Manor Park, choosing to go The impressive, 17-meter-high structure highest Sky Trail High Ropes Course in the to an alternative theme park instead." is visible from surrounding roads and is built U.K. and to have installed the very first Sky Drayton Manor's nearest competitor is just 45 on a peninsular in the middle of the River Rail zip experiences in Europe within the minutes away. Tees. The eight-pole, four-level attraction has same installation,” said Innovative Leisure’s more than 40 activity elements between four Managing Director Phil Pickersgill. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 WATER PARKS & RESORTS

 Raging Waves adds ProSlide TornadoWave — Page 26 / World's Largest Swim Lesson date set — Page 28 Wet N Joy Water Park opens in Lonala, India Malpani Group owns the region, including India’s with food from across the park; equipment by first Master Blaster and In- globe; Italia, an Italian res- dia’s largest wave pool which taurant; and of course, Maha- WhiteWater West spans 60,000 square feet. In rashtra Maaza, featuring local AT: Jeffrey Seifert the middle of the impressive Indian delicacies — all strictly [email protected] Dual Wave pool is an enter- vegetarian. Fast food, bev- tainment stage, and surround- erage and frozen confection LONALA, India — Wet ing that is over 12,000 square stands also dot the water park. N Joy Water Park recently feet of beach space. The surg- No alcohol is served, and to- opened to the public, hosting ing ocean-like wave pool is bacco, alcohol and outside a grand opening on March 18, framed with the natural lush food are all prohibited. RFID 2016, entertaining over 2,000 landscapes of Lonavala, creat- cashless wristbands can be specially invited guests for ing a beautiful atmosphere for purchased upon entry, allow- the evening. It is allegedly the playing all day and even into ing all in-park transactions, largest water park in India. the night. The entertainment such as food, clothing, sou- Located in Lonavala, in stage and beach space provide venirs, or locker rentals to be the state of Maharashta, the a distinctive place to host cor- conducted via the wristband. Top to bottom: new water park provides a porate events and private par- “We are happy that our A large AquaPlay nice complement to the mul- ties. Wet N Joy Water Park at Lo- Rainfortress offers fun titude of tourist activities in Other attractions supplied navala has come together so for the whole family. The the area. Maharashtra draws by WhiteWater include a Wave well thanks to WhiteWater. dual wave pool increases tourists from all over the River and an Extreme River Their product design, qual- overall capacity with more world with its natural lakes, known as Xtreme Volcano. ity and project assistance has than 60,000 sq. ft. The historic caves and picturesque Multiple waterslides such as been outstanding. White- colorful combination slide mountains. Lonavala is sur- the Rattler and Boomerango, Water has proved to be the provides thrills for teens, rounded by Green Valley, and a dark tunnel Nightmare slide epitome of professionalism,” tweens and adults in multi- is a popular tourist destina- and a tiki-themed AquaPlay commented Manish Malpani, person rafts. tion with over 300 hotels and RainFortress which covers director, Malpani Group. COURTESY the famous ancient Buddhist 10,000 square feet round out “I am honored to be able WHITEWATER WEST shrines carved into the moun- the attractions list. Malpani to contribute to this land- tains. It is connected by train selected a range of WhiteWa- mark project for India. This and a highway to the nearby ter attractions to provide fun high quality water park will population center of Mumbai. for guests of all ages and lev- bring years of entertainment The beauty of Lonavala is the els, from the adrenaline-junk- to deserving families, making perfect backdrop for the larg- ies looking to be thrilled on memories that will last gener- est water park ever built in the the Freefall and Skyfall body ations,” says Pradeep Sharma, country. slides to parents with young vice president of Business De- Wet N Joy Water Park was children wanting to play to- velopment India for WhiteWa- built by real estate developer gether in the dedicated chil- ter. Malpani Group, which also dren’s area. Another distinc- “We are extremely proud owns the park. Malpani is di- tive attraction is Disko H2O, a to have worked with the Mal- versified with multiple indus- 2,000 square dance floor with pani family to help bring their tries in India including renew- thundering music, lighting ef- vision of Wet N Joy Water able energy, education, health, fects in the floor and a gentle Park to life while continuing finance, hospitality, tourism, rainfall. There’s also an exclu- to support the family in the water parks and amusement sive section just for women. development of future proj- parks. The waterslides, play The attraction adds a whole ects. It’s amazing to think that continuing to provide excep- WhiteWater. structure, wave river and new dimension to “singing in WhiteWater’s first project in tional service and support to Being in a temperate re- wave pool were all supplied the rain.” India was 20 years ago! We are Indian park owners/opera- gion, Wet N Joy Water Park by WhiteWater West of British The water park also fea- thrilled to see the water park tors and their guests,” com- is open every day of the year Columbia. tures a number of food and and attractions industry con- ments Sean Hinton, vice presi- from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Special Wet N Joy Water Park is beverage options including tinuing to grow and thrive in dent and general manager of events and private parties may introducing many firsts to the Ocean Retreat Restaurant India and we look forward to Waterparks & Attractions for be scheduled in the evening. 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Chicago-area water park adds ProSlide TornadoWave Raging Waves to tighten squeeze on funseekers with Wonambi YORKVILLE, Ill. — Raging Waves, self-billed as the largest water park in Illinois, will see a fiendishly serpentine new water- slide slithering onto its grounds by the start of its season May 28. In keeping with the 45-acre park’s Down Under theme, the new attraction is called Wonambi — named after an ancient con- strictor snake native to Australia that squeezed the breath from its prey. The ProSlide TornadoWave waterslide model, which sends a four-person raft through a coiled, high-speed course with near-vertical, zero gravity-producing elements, will be one of just three installed in U.S. water parks and 17 worldwide. Aside from gathering honors both stateside and abroad, the Torna- doWave has been featured on the Travel Channel series Xtreme Waterparks. “Wonambi is one of the most dynamic and thrilling rides that a water park has to offer,” said Randy Witt, co-owner of Raging Waves, noting that the new ride represents the largest addition to the family-owned property since it opened in 2008. “It truly does take your breath away.” Located 45 minutes southwest of Chicago, Raging Waters has drawn some media accolades of its own over the years — with USA Today and Midwest Living magazine naming it a top Illinois summer destination. The park attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year with its rides and amenities, including 20 water- Wonambi, a TornadoWave slides, a wave pool, multiple kiddie areas, private cabanas and a supplied by ProSlide, will quarter-mile-long lazy river. be lying in wait for visitors “Raging Waves is all about family, and we love that families at Raging Waves when the can enjoy the adrenaline rush of Wonambi together in the large park opens Memorial Day rafts,” said Raging Waves co-owner Dawn Witt. “We offer fami- weekend. Construction on lies a safe, clean and affordable water park experience with a lot the new waterslide was well of thrills.” underway in early April. —Dean Lamanna COURTESY RAGING WAVES May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

NEWSSPLASH COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Inflatable water parks seem to be gaining the park. A second twisting slide intertwines in popularity with another opening in Coffs with the bowl ride, also outside the building. Coast State Park in New South Wales, Austra- Inside, guests will find more attractions includ- lia, just for the school holidays. Coffs Harbour ing a waterfall, spray ground and splash pad, City Council entered into a temporary license water play structure with tipping bucket and agreement with Splash WaterParks to anchor a 600-foot lazy river. Hotel guests have been an inflatable water park within the harbor just invited to use the new park since March 20, south of Jetty Beach. After the holidays, the although a grand opening date has not yet city council expressed an interest in creating been set. a long-term attraction with proposals ranging • World’s Largest Swimming from six months to a semi-permanent year- A floating, inflatable water park has round operation. opened at Muriya Jebel Sifah, in the capital Lesson set for June 24, 2016 A long-term operation would require the city of Muscat, Oman. The park, provided by Organizers announce About the approval of additional government agencies Wibit Sports, GmbH of Bocholt, Germany, new 24-hour window including the Department of Primary Indus- features a variety slides, swings, trampolines, World’s Largest tries, and Maritime Services. high and low jumps, climbing towers, balance for the global event Swimming Lesson • beams and monkey bars. The water park is lo- The World’s Largest The city of Edwardsville, Illinois, received cated on the Jebel Sifah Marina and is fully OVERLAND PARK, Kan- Swimming Lesson was cre- a $133,155 grant from Madison County Com- supervised. The Gulf of Oman is warm enough sas — Registration for the 2016 ated as a platform to help munity Development to help the city com- to swim in all year round and can get very World’s Largest Swimming aquatic facilities and the plete its planned Spray and Play Park. With warm in the summer months. Oman, which is Lesson (WLSL) is now open. many different regional, the grant in place, construction is on track for located south of Saudi Arabia and the United This year’s WLSL event will national and international a summer opening. Both parks are being built Arab Emirates, has been taking steps to in- take place over the course of 24 water safety organizations according to Americans for Disabilities Act crease tourism to the country. hours at an estimated 500 loca- work together to commu- (ADA) standards for improved accessibility. • tions in more than 20 different nicate the fundamental im- Along with the spray pad, the park will include New Forest Water Park in Dorset, Eng- countries. The new time for- portance of teaching chil- a fitness track, shade structures, pavilions, land, has expanded its water park offerings mat allows individual host lo- dren to swim. rest rooms, changing rooms, also native-plant on April 28 with the opening of a floating cations to conduct the 30-min- •www.wlsl.org landscaping with a butterfly garden. water park from Wibit Sports. The park was ute lesson anytime of day on • constructed on the site of three former fish- Friday, June 24th. Organizers Australia's Elizabeth Quay Splash Park in ing lakes within view of the famous Corfu Cas- have restructured the program many kids do not receive for- Perth, Western Australia, has become a victim tle. Mechanical digging equipment removed to make it easier for aquatic fa- mal swimming or water safety of its own success. The filtration system built 4,000 tons of silt from the main lake in prepa- cilities to participate. training. into the park was not able to keep the water ration for the park. Aquatic facilities can be a Since its inception, more filtered and clean for the amount of people The park describes the rectangular course part of the global, life-saving than 155,000 children and using it. The park became so popular that it as a big assault course on water, with an ac- event by registering as an offi- adults have participated in was drawing significantly more people than tion tower, slides, trampolines, gladiator rings, cial 2016 WLSL Host Location WLSL lessons generating more had been anticipated. As a result of the in- hurdles and several other course activities. at wlsl.org. than half a billion media im- creased usage coupled with a heat wave, bac- Since the course is modular, the park promises Tragically, drowning re- pressions about the vital im- teria started building up in the water, forcing to switch it up a bit throughout the season. mains the leading cause of un- portance of learning to swim. the city to shut down the popular park twice The aqua park is just one of many features at intended, injury related death The 2015 WLSL event took at the beginning of February. Two weeks later the property which also includes cable wake- for U.S. children ages 1-4, and place on June 18, 2015 and a decision was made to close the park weeks boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding and the second leading cause for included 38,170 participants before the end of the season. The Metropoli- camping. Once the remaining two lakes are children under 14. Drowning from 22 countries. tan Redevelopment Authority has already ap- cleaned up, the park plans to add water Zorb- is an even greater threat in oth- Facilities of all kinds, proved a plan to upgrade the existing filters, ing. With the cooler temperatures in England, er countries around the world. shapes and sizes are encour- install an additional bank of filters and add two guests are invited to bring wetsuits, or they Research shows participation age to join Team WLSL in their ultra-violet light filters. may be rented from the park for £5. in formal swimming lessons mission to spread the message The park was scheduled to be closed at • can reduce the risk of drown- Swimming Lessons Save Lives the end of the season (April in Australia) to Ever since the 2011 closure of the popu- ing by 88 percent among chil- to help prevent childhood install new hand-painted mosaic tiles. That lar Wild Rivers water park in Irvine, California, dren aged one to four, yet drowning. work is progressing as the filtration system is city officials in Irvine and nearby Temecula being upgraded. Everything is expected to be have tried to get the park rebuilt. Wild Rivers in place at the start of the new season later closed after 25 years of operation when the this year. landholder decided to build apartments on WHAT DO YOU SELL FOR • the property. An initial plan to rebuild in Or- The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwa- ange County's Great Park fell through when ter Beach S-Harbourside located on Indian county officials decided the park did not fit in Rocks Beach in Seminole, Florida, has started with their plans. previewing its indoor water park. Plans for the Now it looks like the city of Irvine is step- FUN? water park started more than two yeas ago, ping in. City council members and the Great with slide parts being delivered to the site Park Board of Directors have directed city staff back in 2014. Construction of the water park to pinpoint a place within the Great Park to had to wait until construction of an adjacent accommodate the water park. time share condominium property was com- The move comes following a hearing in pleted as the water park is adjacent to the new which a number of citizens spoke in favor of property. having the park return to improve the quality GET A FREE SAMPLE at Big Squirt! Inc. The water park includes a popular bowl of life for its youth. The park also provided the www.bigsquirt.com/freesample 1741 Torrance Blvd., Ste. D or call 1-888-388-8872 Torrance, CA 90501 ride with most of the slide sitting outside of city at least $500,000 in annual revenue. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS

 Six Flags Over Georgia opens multiple new experiences — Page 34 / Fairs — Pages 42-45 Diggerland unveils attractions for grown-ups

WEST BERLIN, N.J. — Digger- plenty of adults visit without kids and can do,” said Yan Girlya, co-owner of land USA, the New Jersey-based they have a great time so we wanted Diggerland USA. “If you’ve seen these theme park known for letting children to take that one step further with Dig- massive machines in action, they’re re- and parents operate real heavy ma- gerland XL.” ally impressive. This is unrestricted, chinery, is now offering supersized The Diggerland XL experience al- full size equipment!” heavy equipment for adults. The new- lows visitors to select from a combi- Guests operating the machines est, adult-sized addition to the park, nation of three different machines, a will get the chance to do more than Diggerland XL opened April 2 and full-sized wheel loader, excavator or just move dirt and mimic the activi- provides guests who are 18 years and bulldozer in either a 90-minute pack- ties on a construction site, they will Diggerland has opened a older the opportunity to have unre- age or three-hour package. Both pack- also get to play some heavy machin- grown-up set of rides this stricted fun on giant pieces of con- ages include 30 minutes of one-on-one ery games. From excavator basketball season with the debut of Dig- struction equipment. instruction from a heavy machinery to the water wheel loader challenge, gerland XL. Adults have a full- “Since we opened in 2014, we’ve foreman prior to playing on the ma- Diggerland XL combines the experi- sized wheel loader, excavator received hundreds of inquiries asking chines. ence of operating real construction or bulldozer in which to try if our construction theme park is suit- “Diggerland XL is for people who equipment with unique, hands-on fun their drivings skills. able for adults,” said Ilya Girlya, co- want to really experience the big piec- for adults who would otherwise never COURTESY DIGGERLAND owner of Diggerland USA. “We have es of equipment and see what they have this opportunity. Busch Gardens Williamsburg signs deal for 2017 coaster AT: B. Derek Shaw ions on park offerings before. a stable base that also mini- liamsburg. The trains from [email protected] For three years now, our fans mizes the ride maintenance Gwazi will serve as a starting have helped us choose which needed, while the wood su- point for the ride vehicles for WILLIAMSBURG, Va. new kiosks to feature at our perstructure provides the InvadR. Track steel and some — Busch Gardens Williams- popular Food & Wine Festi- classic feel of great wooden hardware elements from burg officials are utilizing the val — this is simply another coaster,” said Larry Giles, Gwazi will also find a new first-ever “crowdsourcing” great opportunity for our fans get the opportunity to con- vice president of engineer- home in the 2017 attraction.” approach with some of the to really feel like they’re part tribute ideas for the queue ing. He continued, “The dy- Visitors should start to details involving InvadR, its of the development process,” experience and also pitch namics of a wooden coaster, see above-ground structure new 74-foot wooden roller explained Dan Dipiazzo, vice their concepts for consumer- combined with the many later this season. “Site clear- coaster opening in the New president of marketing. generated advertising to pro- ways it will interact with the ing is set to start soon, then France area of the park. The Typically, Busch Gardens mote the coaster’s opening. terrain and nearby attrac- ride and building founda- park already sought the pub- public relations representa- The first phase of fan input is tions, will make this a one-of- tions and most excitingly, lic’s input on name selection tives, as most other amuse- complete: the naming of the a-kind thrill.” There will be the coaster framing should and will be further engaging ment parks, releases new roller coaster. InvadR with 52 two trains, 16 seats per train. be coming out of the ground them in ride design element attraction information much percent of the votes, was se- The total ride time is 1:30. in September. We’ll be docu- ideas and marketing assis- closer to the time it will be lected over Viking Raider (32 Giles talked about the menting the whole process,” tance. The coaster will be lo- operational, namely the pre- percent) and Battle Klash (16 Pennsylvania company that said Giles. Fans can follow cated near the Le Scoot log ceding fall or winter. This percent), the other two name was selected to build InvadR. ride development and con- flume and the Busch Gardens earlier announcement allows selections that were voted on “Great Coasters International struction on the park’s web- Railway. However, neither of for on-going guest feedback. by over 12,000 people. All has a rich history of building site. those attractions will be im- “We anticipate asking our Decide the Ride polls will thrilling wooden coasters, InvadR’s ride theme is pacted with extended down fans and guests to help ’De- be announced on the Project which made them a natural about a Viking exploration to time when construction com- cide the Ride’ throughout 2017 website, buschgardens. fit to bring Busch Gardens North America. The settlers mences. Great Coasters In- the development process for com/project2017. Williamsburg’s first wooden in New France are trying to ternational is building the the attraction — potentially With a height require- coaster to life.” He went on protect their outpost. Rid- 2,118-foot-long ride. right up until the ride opens ment of only 46 inches, and to talk about a bit of ride re- ers will be asked to “join the Busch Gardens has used in spring 2017. This could a maximum 48 mph speed, cycling that will take place fight.” The overall theming “crowdsourcing” in the past. include anything from pick- InvadR will be rideable for with InvadR. “Several of the package is still in the devel- “We know that we have a ing certain theming elements more family members. While parks within our company opment phase. passionate and knowledge- to starring in pre-ride video a wooden tracked coaster, the have found ways to repur- When finished, this will able fan base and we’ve or audio segments,” said structure will be steel. “The pose elements of Gwazi, in- be the eighth coaster at the polled our fans for their opin- Dipiazzo. Guests may also steel frame gives the coaster cluding Busch Gardens Wil- Williamsburg property. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Six Flags Over Georgia opens multiple new experiences Two new kids areas venue, previously having what they wanted. We’re go- primitive seating and no ing to surprise a lot of peo- lead the pack for shade, into a newly remod- ple.” park's 50th season eled show space with dining Petriello chimed in, tables for a new nearby eat- laughing, “We didn’t an- AT: Tim Baldwin ery. As people snack while [email protected] nounce anything about Ninja. watching a show or take pic- The park map went online tures at a meet-and-greet, it is and people noticed the new AUSTELL, Ga. — Six now done completely covered colors and it said the ‘All Flags Over Georgia (SFOG) with shade. New Ninja’ and they found opened its gates for its 50th “Bugs Bunny Boomtown it themselves and started season this past March. Con- brings to life the Warner Bros. talking about it. We put up trary to many years where brands in a way that has never one picture of the ride being the new capital expenditures been done before in this part painted blue and it has done arrive later in the spring, the of the country,” said Kaetzel. better than many of our social Atlanta theme park's guests “We’re really bringing life to media posts. It shows us how are enjoying multiple new the center section of the park. Above, Zamperla’s Daffy Duck excited people are about the attractions that are debuting With two new sections com- Bucket Blasters is the area’s new changes we’re making.” throughout the spring. bined with Carousel Hill and centerpiece. Right, JB’s Bar and Sister park Six Flags “When we looked at 2016, with Monster Mansion — all Grill is a new sports bar aimed White Water in Marietta, at offering adults and families we wanted to do something those assets combined — we a shaded place to chill out and north of Atlanta, won’t be for every segment of our au- feel we are offering a -fam catch up on the scores. Below, left out either. Come May, the dience,” said Dale Kaetzel, ily product unmatched in the SFOG’s Dare Devil Dive has water park will debut Wahoo park president. United States.” received a VR coaster addition. Racer, a six-lane head-first From its opening week- Also debuting opening AT/TIM BALDWIN racer from WhiteWater. Its end on March 12, one of two weekend was the VR Coaster vividly colored, intertwined new kids’ areas was complete experience. The park’s Dare slides will be placed right and ready to entertain fami- Devil Dive has been outfit- alongside Interstate 75, giving lies. Bugs Bunny Boomtown ted with the new Samsung/ that park a visual presence is a complete renovation of an Oculus headsets to let riders like never before. “The place- underutilized piece of prop- enter the virtual world of The ment is fantastic,” comment- erty in the heart of the park. New Revolution. Six Flags ed Turner. “People along I-75 What was originally “Spain” Over Georgia is one of nine are going to see this splash of when the park opened five Six Flags parks to feature this color that’s never been there decades ago based upon the system and was the first to before. It should have a little six flags portraying the his- roll it out. bit of a ‘wow’ factor. In the tory of Georgia is now a re- “Guest reaction has been past, some people may have energized area of rides, shade, incredible,” said Gene Petri- never really known there was entertainment and relaxation. ello, communications man- a water park there.” Brand new rides comple- ager. “Words I am hearing are In recent years, SFOG ment rebranded or repur- ‘epic,’ ‘awesome’ and ‘origi- expanded their park with a posed attractions. Three of nal.’ And it really is original. Hurricane Harbor addition. the area’s seven options are It’s in Six Flags’ DNA to be Industry folks who might completely new to the park. innovative, and this cutting have felt this would impact Zamperla is the manufacturer edge technology is an exam- section is the first of its kind surfaces in the two new areas attendance at the water park of Daffy Duck Bucket Blast- ple at its finest.” for that IP. It will debut later and in front of JB’s have been north of Atlanta can be as- ers (Water Mania), the area’s As April approached, the in May and will offer three renovated for aesthetic looks sured to know that figures new centerpiece, as well as park was gearing up for the new rides in addition to a and ease of navigating in and were not affected. “Hurricane Yosemite Sam’s Wacky Wag- opening of its newest restau- re-themed children’s coaster. around the areas. Harbor isn’t necessarily a full ons (Ferris wheel) and Speedy rant, JB’s Sports Bar and Grill. Larson Int. is delivering new Following the Memorial day water park,” added Turn- Gonzalez Speed Boats (Jump With both indoor and out- Flying Scooters being themed Day weekend debut of the er. “People will come in and Around). Looney Tunes Ad- door seating (all shaded) the to Wonder Woman. Zamperla Super Friends area, Six Flags cool off for a few hours and venture Camp, a Hags An- new outlet serves up special- is providing Superman Tower will still have one more dy- then head into the main park eby AB play structure, has ty burgers (including turkey of Power. The drop tower is namic attraction up its sleeve. to do the rides. They comple- been relocated into the area burgers), boneless wings and a kid-sized version at 30 feet Ninja, a multi-looping Ve- ment each other. Our pass from a previous location and other appetizers. Multiple TV tall that features numerous koma roller coaster, is receiv- holders have seen the value has been refurbished to look screens let adults grab their bounces during the ride expe- ing a thorough makeover. The in the combo pass. Some peo- brand new. favorite suds while catching rience. I.E. Park is supplying “new” Ninja will feature nu- ple who live south of Atlanta “When we selected our up on the latest scores. the Batcopters ride. The chil- merous enhancements. New wouldn’t necessarily make new rides, we wanted first Trent Turner, director of dren’s Chance roller coaster trains that sport comfort- the trip up to Marietta each and foremost rides that par- marketing and sales for Six is receiving a makeover to able vest like restraints, re- year, and now they are.” ents could ride with chil- Flags Over Georgia and Six become The Joker Funhouse worked sections of track and The launch of so many dren,” commented Kaetzel. Flags White Water, sees the Coaster. A new food out- a glossy new paint scheme new experiences in one sea- “The new Daffy Duck Bucket sports bar as a great addition. let and games area will also will give new life to this at- son easily has park manage- Blasters is completely interac- “It gives the guests who want accent the area, the latter traction for its 25th season at ment — and guests — excit- tive and has proven to be very to take a little break from the themed to DC character Har- the park. “We felt our guests ed. As Six Flags Over Georgia popular.” He was delighted action of the park a chance to ley Quinn. really deserved an upgrade,” works toward its 50th anni- just in the early weeks of the get a cold drink and catch a Once open, the two family said Kaetzel. “It will fulfill its versary next season, they are season to see so much life in game, which is not something areas will be connected, mak- full potential. It’s going to be doing so on an invigorated an area of the park that had you can do in every park.” ing for a total of 11 attractions an all-new experience. Our surge of energy and enthusi- been pretty much forgotten. Still yet to come is the for kids, the majority of which guests are going to really ap- asm. “Six Flags loves Atlanta, The area also has seen new DC Super Friends area. can be enjoyed with parents. preciate that we listened to and Atlanta loves Six Flags,” renovation of a small show This all-new kids/family Also of note, all the ground them and we are giving them smiled Kaetzel. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Merlin opens its Giant ape stars in new 3D HD ride attraction 100th midway Universal Orlando Resort revives King Kong in high-tech style attraction AT: Dean Lamanna — a soundstage-based, anima- sounds and chanting fill the air Legoland Discovery [email protected] tronics-driven encounter with as the temple’s huge wooden ORLANDO, Fla. — King the beast via an Arrow Dy- doors open, revealing a laby- Center Michigan Kong is readying for his re- namics-manufactured mockup rinth of caves. Suddenly, the newest facility emergence at Universal Orlan- of New York City’s Roosevelt expedition rolls into the midst do Resort. Island Tramway. That original of a raging struggle between DETROIT, Mich. — On The great ape has been ab- park ride experience thrilled gargantuan prehistoric crea- March 24, Merlin Entertain- sent as a major draw at the Cen- (and blew a lot of banana- tures. ments opened its one hun- tral Florida destination since scented breath on) guests dur- King Kong as permanent resi- As the creatures begin to dredth midway attraction: 2002, when Universal Studios ing its 12-year run. dent this summer with Skull threaten the vehicle, King Kong Legoland Discovery Center Florida closed Kongfrontation The resort reestablishes Island: Reign of Kong. This makes his chest-beating, earth- Michigan. considerably higher-tech at- pounding appearance. Midway attractions are traction, located at Universal’s While Kong tosses vicious high quality, branded, indoor Islands of Adventure, com- beasts about in realistic, full- attractions, where guests typi- bines high-definition 3D film- surround 3D, the attraction’s cally spend 1-2 hours, and are making, custom ride vehicles heavy lifting will be done by located in city centers or re- and a variety of multisensory the ride vehicles. The 40-foot- sorts. There are now 100 mid- effects to deliver a more- vis long, 17-ton bus-like carriers way attractions in the Merlin ceral, in-your-face creature employs a sophisticated po- family spread across 21 coun- confrontation. It also promises sitioning system to indepen- tries, with five core chainable to be one of the longest ride dently navigate a rough jungle brands: Sea Life aquariums, experiences ever created for a road. The front and back axles Madame Tussauds wax mu- Universal Studios park. supporting each vehicle’s 45- seums, The Eye observation The storyline will trans- inch wheels can be steered in- wheel attractions, The Dun- port guests on a 1930s expedi- dividually, allowing it to make geons and Legoland Discov- tion to the mysterious island sharp turns and perform other ery Centers. The Midway At- of the attraction’s name, led by maneuvers for a jolting adven- tractions Operating Group a research team called the 8th ture. welcomed over 39 million Wonder Expedition Company. Five different human char- guests in 2015, and represent- Once beyond the campsite, the acters — in the best Universal ed 44 percent of Merlin's rev- terrain grows more menacing Studios theme park tradition — enue. and reveals signs of a native will serve as expedition guides, Legoland Discovery Skull Island: Reign of Kong, opening this summer at Univer- presence — including beating including a loose-cannon cow- Center Michigan is a 32,000 sal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure, features 40-foot- drums and an ancient temple girl who isn’t fazed by danger, square-foot indoor attraction long, 17-ton ride vehicles that negotiate a 3D film-enhanced, replete with a lost shrine. a hardened New York City ex- featuring fun and exciting creature-filled jungle course. Posing with the carrier, which Guests then board a mas- con who is wary of the Skull Is- Lego themed rides, including holds 72 passengers, is one of the attraction’s five in-charac- sive, specially designed expedi- land’s mysteries and a mystical Kingdom Quest and Merlin's ter expedition guides. tion vehicle for deeper penetra- descendent of the local natives. Apprentice, a 4D Cinema that COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT tion into the island. Mysterious •universalorlando.com brings favorite Lego charac- ters to life, numerous themed Permanent attraction based on hit AMC series build and play areas, and the highly anticipated Miniland Prepare to walk with a zombie at Universal Hollywood exhibit that displays beloved AT: Dean Lamanna Larry Kurzweil, president local Detroit landmarks made [email protected] of USH. “We’re taking its from Lego bricks. One of these intensity to the next level landmarks — the iconic "Ren- UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. by collaborating with the Cen" building — took 296 — As if its feverishly awaited show’s award-winning pro- hours to build and is com- opening this month of The duction team to create an prised of 50,172 Lego bricks. Wizarding World of Harry authentic living representa- Legoland Discovery Cen- Potter isn’t enough, Uni- tion of the series.” ter Michigan is the eighth versal Studios Hollywood Charlie Collier, presi- Legoland Discovery Center in (USH) is doubling down on dent of AMC and Sun- North America, and 14th glob- its bid to become the “stalk” danceTV, added: “Along ally. The first Legoland -Dis of the town this summer with with our great partners at covery Center was opened in a new — and permanent— immersive executive producer and director Greg Universal, with whom we’ve shared Berlin, Germany in 2007. experience based on the wildly suc- Nicotero and his special effects compa- a successful three-year partnership in John Jakobsen, chief new cessful AMC cable television series The ny, KNB Efx. Nicotero’s crew, respon- Halloween Horror Nights, it means a openings officer, said: "We Walking Dead. sible for the show’s realistic decaying great deal to us to continue entertain- are thrilled to be announcing The prime-time drama depicts walkers, will construct prosthetics and ing — and frightening — passionate, the opening of Legoland Dis- the struggles of survivors in a post- utilize original molds as well as paint loyal fans of The Walking Dead for years covery Center in Michigan, apocalyptic world overrun by hordes and detail the attraction’s characters. to come.” marking Merlin's 100th Mid- of flesh-hungry zombies. The epony- Sophisticated animatronic walkers The AMC series has been the num- way attraction. Merlin has set mous walk-through attraction, which will contribute to the scares. The at- ber-one show on TV among adults age out ambitious growth plans, has grown out of USH’s collaboration traction will be located within a new, 18-49 for the last four years; now in its including targeting opening with AMC on Walking Dead mazes for custom-built structure just inside the sixth season, it is the most highly rated 40 new Midway attractions the park’s seasonal Halloween Horror theme park’s main entrance. show in cable TV history. The USH at- over the next five years, and Nights event, will step it up in both au- “The Walking Dead is a phenom- traction will carry a notice that it is not the Legoland Discovery Cen- thenticity and intensity. enon that has successfully and consis- recommended for guests under age 13. ter brand will play an integral USH is partnering with the creative tently affected the psyche of viewers •universalstudios role in that." team behind the TV series, including on a global basis since its debut,” said hollywood.com •merlinentertainments.biz May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37

... & Smile lifting flights!

Hair-raising heights ... PO BOX 638 • PLAINVIEW, TEXAS 79072 • (806) 293-1353 • WWW.LARSONINTL.COM 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Major growth spurt for Central Florida resort New attractions, shows and hotel to carry Legoland into 2017 AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Marking the start of an unprec- edented period of growth in its four-and-a-half years of opera- tion, Legoland Florida Resort has announced half a dozen new and upcoming features and attractions. The property additions, either already open or set to debut this month and through the middle of next year, in- clude more on-site accommo- dations, an immersive theme park land with an interactive kids to build and play with col- sidekick, the Book of Monsters, ride, the first-ever expansion orful Duplo bricks in a water- in a battle for control of a rare Arriving on Legoland Florida of the resort’s water park, a filled activity center. book of magic that gives its Resort's raft of "What's 4D theatrical attraction, and The water park’s general owner tremendous power. New?" is Legoland Night an all-new summertime event amenities also are being en- Based on the new Lego Lights (above left), a fire- with fireworks and live enter- hanced — with additional din- series of building sets and the works show presented week- tainment. ing options, increased seating just-launched television show, ends from mid-June through Now open at Legoland capacity and complimentary the 12-minute-plus immer- July. Already open at Lego- Water Park is Creative Cove Wi-Fi in place by summer. sive experience combines 3D land Water Park is Creative featuring Build-A-Boat, where Debuting May 26 is a the- computer animation with 4D Cove featuring Build-A-Boat children can create and race atrical attraction called Lego sensory effects for leap-off-the- (above and right), where kids Lego watercraft through fast- Nexo Knights 4D: The Book of screen realism. can construct and race flowing rivers in a setting in- Creativity. Set in the futuristic Coming next month is Lego watercraft. spired by the popular Lego Kingdom of Knighton, the sto- Legoland Night Lights, a COURTESY LEGOLAND City Coast Guard sets. Nearby, ryline pits five young knights FLORIDA RESORT the Imagination Station allows against the evil Jestro and his 4See LEGOLAND, page 39 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 LEGOLAND Continued from page 38 celebration of summertime fun featuring extended park hours, meet-and-greets with Lego characters, opportunities to build alongside Lego Master Model Builders and a spectac- ular Ninjago fireworks display that will light the night above Lake Eloise with color and mu- sic. The show will be present- ed every Saturday and Sunday from June 18 to July 31. In early 2017, the resort unveils Lego Ninjago World. Inspired by the popular series of Lego building sets and the Coming to Legoland Florida Resort next year are the Lego- long-running TV show Lego land Beach Retreat, offering 166 surf-and-sand-themed family Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, accommodations housed in 83 single-story duplex units, and this themed land invites guests Lego Ninjago The Ride (above), a 3D computer-animated ad- to step into a mystical martial venture with 4D effects. The ride is from Triotech of Montreal, arts kingdom — where they Canada. COURTESY LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT will experience an action-filled adventure called Lego Ninjago dojos — martial arts rooms — Retreat, opening in mid-2017, single-story duplex units con- and educational programs and The Ride. mastering their skills before will offer the appeal of surf, taining a total of 166 separate services for guests with dis- Combining 3D computer teaming up to defeat the vil- sand and sun — along with accommodations that sleep abilities throughout the prop- animation and 4D effects by lain. Points are collected and plenty of Lego brick-inspired up to five. Amenities include erty, Legoland Florida Resort Triotech of Montreal, Canada, scores are displayed when design touches — on the shore a themed pool, a sandy play is offering savings to visitors Lego Ninjago will carry up to each quest is complete. of Lake Dexter, adjacent to the area, a buffet-style restaurant through advance purchase of four guests per vehicle. Riders And finally, a new hotel theme park. and complimentary transpor- admission tickets and multi- will blast animated fireballs, will give visitors added incen- Distinguished by a color- tation to and from the park. tier annual passes. Visit the lightning, shockwaves and ice tive to stay within the prop- ful Lego lighthouse and de- In addition to providing resort’s website for more infor- using nothing more than their erty’s cleverly toy-adorned signed for families, the village- themed accommodations at mation. hands as they travel through confines. The Legoland Beach style resort will feature 83 the existing Legoland Hotel •legoland.com 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 International Amusements announces relationship with ABC Engineering FLOWER MOUND, Texas — In- ABC Engineering AG, which is ing it’s existing cooperation with In- ternational Amusements, Inc., an- preparing to celebrate its 20th anni- tamin to bring this unique attraction nounced that after a successful versary in 2017, has a track record of to life in the Sunshine State. When it agreement throughout 2015 with offering unique attractions in water debuts, it will be the world’s tallest Inc. Intamin of Liechtenstein, its coopera- and amusement parks. Adding these roller coaster.” tion with European companies is now products from ABC to what Inter- thrill ride garnered attention world- The Fabbri family name has been extended to ABC Engineering AG of national Amusements, Inc., already wide as videos of the ride in action part of building, creating, and pro- Switzerland. had to offer seemed like a natural fit. went viral. “It’s a spectacular new viding amusement attractions since Vittorio Fabbri, founder of Inter- “The ABC ride portfolio is a perfect ride, and one we’re eager to now of- 1950. Vittorio Fabbri and Internation- national Amusements, Inc., drives the complement to Intamin's products,” fer to our clients and their guests.” al Amusements, Inc., are striving to company with the experience he’s stated Fabbri. “Their variety of at- All rides offered, whether from ensure that tradition continues and gained after nearly 40 years in the tractions — from water rides to an Intamin or ABC, are fully customiz- that the turnstiles keep moving with amusement industry. “I started out assortment of family rides like the able. “We provide our clients the dynamic new attractions. working through my middle school Maypole or the Swing Glider — allow confidence that they’ll see their big —John Robinson holidays wiring the cables for ride us to offer a much wider array of at- dreams come true.” • electrical systems,” stated Fabbri. tractions to parks throughout North International Amusements, Inc., International “Now, at International Amusements, America.” prides itself on being able to bring Amusements, Inc. Inc., I take the vast knowledge of ABC of Switzerland’s products exciting new projects and products Vittorio Fabbri ride products and the market that have already proved very popular, to the North American amusement 6021 Morris Road, Suite 105 I’ve accumulated over the years and with their brand of thrills and fun industry – such as the much-publi- Flower Mound, Texas 75028 combine it with our prompt custom- featured at popular parks such as cized PolerCoaster set to arrive in (972) 539-3051 er support and a dedication to our Liseburg and Alton Towers. In 2015, Orlando in the near future. “Interna- [email protected] work.” ABC’s introduction of the Tourbillon tional Amusements, Inc., is continu- www.intlamusements.com Popular Von Roll monorail at Dallas Zoo rolls on AT: Pam Sherborne tions and consulting services [email protected] on all forms of portable and permanent amusement de- DALLAS, Texas — Dallas vices. Wagner was founded by Zoo's Von Roll monorail, com- Clyde Wagner and is now led posed of three trains with 13 by Jonathon Brooks, both very cars each, is up and running active members of NAARSO. again after a brief hiatus that Wagner Consulting has lasted since August 2014 Group sent professionals to go and after a $3 million over- through the entire monorail haul. for the zoo officials. What they The monorail, now called found was a train in pretty Wilds of Africa Adventure Sa- good shape, but with outdated fari, had run continuously at controls and electronics. the 106-acre zoo for 25 years. "At that point, we decided It's route took passengers we would keep our monorail through the African exhibit. and renovate it," Dykman said. But, difficulty in finding "We went to the zoo board and parts to maintain the monorail they approved the project." became increasingly challeng- The board of the zoo ap- A $3 million renovation ing leading to several stoppag- proved the almost $3 million to Dallas Zoo's Von Roll es in 2014 when local fire -de project. Monies came from monorail, including three partment rescuers were called Dallas Zoo Management Inc., trains with 13 cars each, is to remove passengers from a non-profit organization that complete and visitors can cars stopped along the route. runs the zoo. The zoo is owned now take a ride through the "It was just time to do by the City of Dallas, but has African exhibit aboard the something else," said Doug, turned over management to Wilds of Africa Adventure Dykman, vice president of fa- Dallas Zoo Management Inc. Safari. The monorail closed cilities and sustainability at With the board's approval, for maintenance challenges the zoo. "So much of the con- Dykman said the zoo retained after 25 years of operation trols, etc., were just outdated." Wagner Consulting through- in August 2014. Renovations The first thing zoo offi- out the project. began the first of 2015 and cials did was go out and look "I would say they took up took about 13 months at purchasing a brand new a quasi management role, con- to complete. monorail. stantly watching over the proj- COURTESY DALLAS ZOO "But, the costs were so ect until it was completed," he high," he said. said. March 25, 2016. Dykman said air conditioning systems com- front. This way visitors see the During this time, zoo offi- The Dallas Zoo also hired the tracks were in fairly good plete. exhibits as they are passing cials looked at a variety of op- Hayward Baker Geotechnical shape except for minor repairs "Even though they are through, but the back of the tions for the monorail: length- Consultants, Las Vegas, Nev., and upgrading to the power. open air, we decided to install house of the zoo, like barns, en it, shorten it, or reduce the for the control system design, Each of the three trains air conditioning because it can are not visible. The air condi- number of trains. and Schwager Davis Inc., San received upgrades to the me- really get hot here during the tioning passes from the back But after discovering the Jose, Calif., as the contractor chanical and electrical systems summer," Dykman said. panels. high costs, zoo officials then and fabricator on record. as well as fresh paint and new In addition, the ride costs "Passengers feel a cool turned to Wagner Consulting The renovations officially graphics. In the first week of $5 per ticket. breeze when they are in the Group, Eden, N.C., a company began in February 2015 and April, Dykman reported that The train cars are enclosed cars," he said. that provides safety inspec- were finished 13 months later, two of the three trains had the in the back and open to the 4See MONORAIL, page 41 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Hersheypark announces new enhancements for a sweet 2016 HERSHEY, Pa. — This •Makin' Whoopie Pies is •Three custom-designed a fun photo opportunity. ing boot-stomping tunes that year, Hersheypark celebrates opening a second location at souvenir cups, featuring Her- New food and beverage serve up stories of love and 109 seasons of making guests The Boardwalk at Hersheyp- shey's Product Characters offerings aren't the only things dreams. Hersheypark Happy and ark and will offer ice cream Hershey Bar, Reese's, and Her- new to Hersheypark this year. The Hersheypark Retail there are many new reasons to sandwiches and smoothies. shey's Kiss will now be sold The Entertainment depart- Department will now offer a smile with new offerings this •Simply Chocolate will throughout the park with dis- ment has two exciting new heat press, located at Char- year. now offer King-Size Shakes, a counts given to guests choos- shows: acter Corner. This heat press For 2016, new culinary 32-ounce indulgence in vari- ing to purchase more than one •Dance, Dance, Dance: gives guests the option to cus- treats include: ous Hershey's flavors; plus souvenir cup. America!, a musical journey tomize their Hersheypark ap- •A new Chickie's & Pete's exciting new Chocolate Bark •A new Gatorade stand is beginning with the park's parel with neon, glitter, and location in Founder's Way in an array of flavors, and now located in The Boardwalk founding roots and continu- glow-in-the-dark letters and with signature burgers and chocolate-dipped favorites at Hersheypark dispensing ing right down Main Street. numbers. salads on the menu. like Twizzlers and bacon. beverages and offering guests •Country Roads, featur- •hersheypark.com MONORAIL Continued from page 40 Dykman expected the third car to be equipped with its air system soon. In addition to these im- provements, the monorail station also was improved with new handrails, decking, sound system and graphics. There also is a small bird ex- hibit visible from the ramp leading to the monorail giving those waiting a nice view. The monorail comes into the sta- tion making a complete stop to load and unload. Exhibits along the mono- rail route have been some- what rethemed, but it is still the African safari area of the park. There are seven habitats now showing off species such as nyala, gerenuk, less kudu, ibex, oryx, eland, vultures, storks, addox, and red river hogs.. While the monorail was undergoing renvoations, the African area had to close and remain that way until the ren- ovations were complete. "That whole loop is about a mile long and the terrain is up and down," he said. "We couldn't come up with a fea- sible foot path for visitors dur- ing the renovation." The monorail ride for visi- tors lasts about 17 to 18 min- utes going 3.5 mph. The trains could run up to five mph but they decided to hold it to the 3.5 mph. Capacity is eight pas- sengers per car with 96 pas- sengers per train. One of the 13 cars per train doesn't carry passengers but instead is the control car. "We ran two trains during the opening weekend," Dyk- man said. "We had a total of 3,000 guests ride then." When the original Wilds of Africa opened, it was the first zoo exhibit in the world to include every major habitat of an entire continent, in this case Africa. 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo draws 2,462,030 AT: Pam Sherborne Crowley also said that the [email protected] lower gas prices made it easier on families to drive a little fur- HOUSTON, Texas — The ther so they could attend the 2016 Houston Livestock Show show. and Rodeo proved once again However, he added: "Low- that Houston and surrounding er gas prices in Houston are a areas love western tradition, if double-edged sword. They total attendance to this year's don't help our oil and gas in- show is an indicator. dustry, but they do give fami- The event drew 2,462,030 lies more disposable income. visitors this year, down just a They can enjoy the fun and tad from the 2,483,193 in 2015. unique agricultural experienc- The total attendance record es, all with improved comfort was set in 2013 when 2,506,238 and security." people attended. In 2014, the Paid rodeo/concert atten- Houston event went from a dance this year was 1,345,983. 21-day run to a 20-day run and That number also is down a drew 2,485,721. little from 2015's record setting The Houston Livestock year of 1,377,477. Show hit the two million mark There was a single-day in 2010 and has stayed that paid rodeo/concert atten- way since. dance record set this year. Show officials attributed That took place on Sunday, the 2016 success to the variety March 13, when 75,508 came of entertainment offered on the out to watch rodeo and listen Above, the 2016 Houston grounds. to a performance by Los Hura- Livestock Show and Rodeo "The Houston Livestock canes Del Norte. drew 2,483,193 visitors this Show and Rodeo offers tre- Ray Cammack Shows year during its 20-day run, mendous value and great brought in 78 rides including March 1-20. Ray Cammack family experiences in any two new ones, the Airmax, Shows provided 78 rides, 55 economy, and the mostly great manufactured by Monte Ham- games, and 38 food stands, weather just encouraged more mond, and Twister, manufac- including the La Grand people to take advantage of tured by Guemieri. The top Wheel, manufactured by everything the show had to five rides were the Sky Ride, Carousel Holland, seen here. offer," said Joel Cowley, presi- manufactured by Seatrek; Left, food is a big draw for dent and CEO, Houston Live- Windstorm, owned by Steve fairgoers and there was a stock Show and Rodeo. Vandervorste and manufac- huge selection offered this "We also gave people af- tured by SDC; Rave Wave, year when the event ran fordable reasons to staycation Cosmot; La Grand Wheel, Car- March 1-20. in Houston: super stars in con- ousel Holland; and G-Force, COURTESY HOUSTON cert, extreme sports action, and KMG. LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO carnival fun," he said. The top games on the mid- way this year included the Mini Basketball, One Ball and Bank a Ball. Ray Cammack Shows’ Chris Lopez said the show had a total of 55 games along with 38 food stands. “We had a very good show this year,” Lopez said. “We were up 7.5 percent overall." Also, on the midway, numbers revealed that 250,000 smoked turkey legs were eaten while 10,000 stuffed Minions and 8,000 plush doughnuts were taken home, making them the top two toys won by fairgoers. The carnival also roasted five acres of corn and four semitrailer loads of Oreos were battered and fried. Food is a heavily-relied-on attraction at the Houston Live- stock Show. There were 100 entries this year to the show's Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, which was held Thursday, March 3. Local media personalities 4See HOUSTON, page 43 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 Large crowds seen at 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival PLANT CITY, Fla. — Of- ficials at the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival were very pleased with this year's run which drew one of the highest attendance figures ever reported for the event. This year's fair, held March 3-13, drew 560,487 vis- itors, up from 517,427 in 2015. "We had a phenomenal run, and we are truly thank- ful," said Paul Davis, general manager of the fair. "We had terrific weather, good crowds, and everyone seemed to be enjoying time with their fam- ilies." Lauren McNair, public relations and media repre- The 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, Fla., March sentative, said weather can 3-13, drew one of its largest attendances ever this year with really make a difference. Frederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02560,487 11:22 attendees. AM Page Belle1 City Amusements provided the mid- "Last year we had a Sat- way with 88 rides. Left, what would a strawberry festival be urday that was rained out," without strawberries likes these? These berries were seen at she said. "This year, we al- the Parkesdale Farms’ booth. most didn't have any rain. It COURTESY FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL did start raining on the last could be found in the Sunny- evening of the fair, about an bell Kiddie Korral. “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN hour and a half before we Some of the major rides “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. closed. this year included Cliffhang- 5212 St. Paul St. "Even though tempera- er, manufactured by Dartron; • Financing and Leasing Available Tampa, Florida 33619 tures were a little warm, Moonraker by SDC; Ring of • Trades Considered • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 mostly in the 80s, people Fire, Larson International; FAX (813) 621-3679 will still come out," she said. Freak Out, KMG; Magnum, • 6 New Slides In Stock • Have 20 Used Rides "They won't if its raining." Mondial; Disk'O, Zamperla; www.funslide.com Among other things, the Techno Power, Tivoli; and Ali • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide visitors were attracted by the Baba, ARM. • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide live music concerts, livestock The Florida Strawberry shows, free entertainment, Festival holds an abundance rides, food, arts and crafts of competitions and contests, among other activities. including livestock, agricul- Belle City Amusements tural, fine arts, exhibits, as Inc., the carnival company well as a fried corn on the cob contracted to provide the fes- eating contest, a spaghetti tival's rides, reported an 18 eating contest, and, of course, percent increase in sales over a strawberry eating contest. the 2015 gross. The 2017 Florida Straw- The carnival brought berry Festival will be held in a total of 88 rides, with March 2-12. 41 of them kiddie rides that —Pam Sherborne HOUSTON The 2016 Rodeo Hous- Continued from page 42 ton Super Series invited the world's top rodeo athletes judged wild treats such as piz- to compete in seven events, za garnished with scorpions March 1 – 19. and popcorn sprinkled with The junior auction totals Sriracha, as well as old-time fa- (unaudited preliminary to- vorites like barbecue potatoes tals that do not include cash and turkey legs. contributions and some pur- "It’s like trying to pick chase commitment amounts) which child you love the most," included Barrow: $2,300,133; three-award winner Kimberly Lamb and Goat: $2,334,850; Revis of Custom Confections Poultry: $1,355,150; School was quoted as saying. "My Art: $1,960,000, and Steer: husband and I are always a $4,400,000 nervous wreck on this day." The Junior Commercial In other news across the Steer Sale totaled $674,815. Rodeo Houston grounds, The Houston Livestock show officials committed Show and Rodeo Champion $2,172,100 to its contestants Wine Auction brought in in 2016, including the Rodeo $1,420,351, while the Ranch- Houston Super Series and Ro- ing & Wildlife Auction totaled deo Houston Super Shootout. $372,835. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

MIDWAY CARNIVALlights MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

The State of New York will pay a John- firms to lead a national search for a new presi- stown company $32.9 million to expand the dent and CEO to succeed Rippetoe. New York State Fair, Syracuse, midway and It was not immediately known how long recreational vehicle camping area at the fair- a national search could take to find a replace- grounds. ment. New York State Comptroller Thomas Di- The decision comes after Rippetoe accept- Napoli announced last month his office ap- ed the position of president of the San Diego proved the construction contract with the Wes- Convention Center in California. Rippetoe's son Group. last day in Louisville was April 1. The work is part of a $60 million renova- The 2016 Kentucky State Fair will be held tion of the fairgrounds that was announced last August 18-28. September by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. • The project includes the demolition of the ag- Members of the Showmen's League of ing grandstand. America participated in St. Patrick's Day cele- DiNapoli's staff also approved a second brations in Chicago, where the SLA's headquar- contract, for $3 million, with C&S Engineers, of ters are located. North Syracuse, to design the new expo center On Friday, March 11, SLA members Dave and equestrian facility at the fairgrounds. Jaros and Patty Grillion put on their chef hats The 2016 New York State Fair is set for Au- and treated everyone to corned beef, cabbage gust 25-September 5. and dessert. • Then, on Saturday, March 12, members Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner wants to went on a trolley ride in the Chicago St. Pat- create a foundation for the Illinois State Fair, rick's Day Parade. The after- party was at the held in Springfield, to help with repairs and up- club Saturday afternoon. keep without adding a burden to taxpayers. • Raymond Poe, Illinois Department of Ag- In a recent newsletter distributed by Re- riculture director, said there was $180 million of ithoffer Shows, show officials stated that they deferred maintenance that needed to be done. are now 85 percent complete in upgrading to Governor Rauner said that by creating a LED lighting on all the rides as they began the foundation for donors of the state fair, it should 2016 season. help with needed repairs to continue highlight- Show officials also were looking forward ing agriculture in Illinois. to debuting its new Pinfari Galaxy Coaster as • well as showing off refurbished rides including The chief executive of the Los Angeles Chance's Yo-Yo; the Starship, manufactured by County Fair Association, Pomona, Calif., is Wisdom; Western Mouse Roller Coaster, Fu- stepping down after reports that he received jami; Pharoh's Fury, Chance; Grand Carousel, a lucrative salary while the group floundered Chance; and Wisdom's Avalanche, which was in debt. rethemed and renamed Surf City. The association announced that Jim Hen- • wood is leaving after 20 years as CEO. Board Although he still works for the Indiana State chairman J. Michael Ortiz will take over until Fair Commission, Indianapolis, Mike Berkery’s a permanent CEO is selected. Henwood said title and job description have changed. Wednesday that's he proud of his tenure, but In February 2014, Berkery started as the he's become a distraction from the associa- general manager for the Indiana Farmers Coli- P.O. Box 238 tion's work. seum. He recently was named as the new chief operating officer for the State Fair Commission. Merino, CO. 80741 The association operates the Fairplex fa- cility in Pomona, which hosts the county fair, As COO, instead of just focusing on the concerts and other programs. coliseum, Berkery will be responsible for all op- 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 Henwood's departure followed a Los An- erations for the Indiana State Fairgrounds and geles Times investigation that found he re- Event Center, the production of the Indiana [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com ceived more than $1 million in compensation State Fair, operation/production of year-round in 2014, when the group reported nearly $3 events, parking and safety and security of the million in losses. fairgrounds. • • A much-needed infusion of financial sup- South Dakota State Fair officials have port for the Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, may hired a company to take care of a gopher prob- be on its way. lem on the fairgrounds in Huron. During a recent regular monthly meeting, Fair Manager Peggy Besch said officials the State Fair Board of Authority heard from have fielded numerous complaints about the Don Brown, state agricultural commissioner, rodents that burrow holes and create tripping on efforts to secure an annualized allotment of hazards. She said getting rid of them will in- $750,000 from the Joint Budget Committee. crease safety for both people and livestock. The funding pitch from the Department • of Agriculture was first presented to the state Brown’s Amusements brought two new budget director in response to a “clear recom- rides to the 2016 Clark County Fair and Ro- mendation from the state auditor.” deo, Logandale, N.V., which ran April 6-10. One • was a brand new KMG Freak Out, making its The search for Clifford "Rip" Rippetoe's debut on the carnival’s midway for this season. replacement at the Kentucky State Fair board The other new ride was a Groovy Bus, manu- has begun. factured by SBF/Visa Group. In addition, Wis- Keep our amusement park industry strong! The fair board approved the issuance of dom's Gravitron was brought back after been Buy products and services from these suppliers. a request for proposals from executive search absent last year due to an overaul. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

BUSINESS, SAFETY & CLASSIFIED  Obituary — Page 50 / MarketWatch — Page 53 / Safety — Pages 54-56 / CLASSIFIED — Page 58 Ride sale conducted by Rides 4-U Pier Park closing after 2016 season, ride auction already started PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — said the landowners are planning to Scrambler, Eli Bridge; Tilt-A-Whirl, Pier Park Amusements of Panama build another type of venue on the Sellner; Tug Boats, SBF/Visa Group; City, Beach, Fla., a part of the Simon property. Fun Slide, Frederiksen Slides; Horse Mall of Pier Park, is having its last "His lease runs out on August 31," & Buggy, Allan Herschell; Kite Flyer, season this year. Soled said. Allan Herschell and a Theel Carousel. All rides will be sold by silent bid fer and the owner will decide whether At that time, Soled and Manosou- "The owner has another property that started at the first of this month, to accept it or to counter offer," Soled sos hope to have all rides sold. They in Daytona Beach, Fla., with a SDC said Len Soled, Rides 4-U Inc., the said. will be moved off the property once Galaxy coaster (named the Sand Blast- company handling the auction. The owner of the park is Stan the season is over. er) that he will include in this sale," "Those wishing to bid on a ride Manosousos. The park is located on Rides up for sale include: Torna- Soled said. can email me or call me, give me an of- land owned by the Simon Mall. Soled do, Wisdom; Sky Tower, Zamperla; —Pam Sherborne Partnership formed with The Humane Society of the U.S. SeaWorld ceases orca breeding and will end shows chainwide AT: Dean Lamanna Society of the United States [email protected] (HSUS). The company is com- mitting to educating its more ORLANDO, Fla. — Just a than 20 million annual visitors few months after its surprise on animal welfare and conser- decision late last year to dis- vation issues through interpre- continue after 2016 the killer tative programs at the parks whale performances at its San and expanded advocacy for Diego flagship park, SeaWorld wild whales, seals and other Entertainment, Inc., has em- marine life. barked on a rapid company- “SeaWorld has introduced wide evolution. more than 400 million guests The theme park operator to orcas, and we are proud of announced that, as of March our part in contributing to the 17, it was ending its orca breed- human understanding of these SeaWorld's new animal ing program. The killer whales animals,” said Joel Manby, welfare initiatives include currently in the company’s SeaWorld president and CEO. replacing marine mammal care will be the last generation “As society’s understanding shows with naturalistic at SeaWorld parks. of orcas continues to change, exhibits and emphasizing the SeaWorld will introduce SeaWorld is changing with company's exemplary wildlife natural orca encounters, rather it… [and] we are fulfilling our rescue work. SeaWorld San than theatrical shows, as part mission of providing visitors Diego's future includes a of its ongoing commitment to to our parks with experiences killer whale habitat, Orca education, marine science re- that matter. Encounter (above), and an search and the rescue of ma- “We are pleased to join aquarium-based submarine rine animals. These programs, with HSUS on the significant ride called Ocean Explorer, the company said in a media issues facing marine mammals while SeaWorld Orlando now release, “will focus on orca and their ocean homes. The offers guests an educational enrichment, exercise and over- work done by zoological fa- look at its Manatee all health.” This shift begins cilities like SeaWorld is critical Rehabilitation area (right). at SeaWorld San Diego next for the protection of animals COURTESY SEAWORLD ENT. year, followed by SeaWorld in the wild, especially marine San Antonio and then Sea- mammals. To that end, Sea- to advocate for an end to the World Orlando in 2019. World has committed $50 mil- commercial killing of whales In addition, SeaWorld an- lion over the next five years to and seals and an end to shark nounced a broad new part- be the world’s leading marine nership with The Humane animal rescue organization, 4See SEAWORLD, page 47 EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. NORTH 61C AERO DRIVE, PARTS CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 AMERICAN INC. EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 Sanrio and Universal Parks SEAWORLD cluding cage-free eggs and threats. Continued from page 46 crate-free pork.” The company launched an The current SeaWorld kill- extraordinary television adver- BUSINESS, SAFETY & CLASSIFIED open new Hello Kitty store finning.” er whale population of 24 — tisement in March explaining HSUS views the partner- including one orca that became both its evolution on the pre- TORRANCE, Calif. — Sanrio, Inc., ship within a larger conserva- pregnant last year — will live sentation of killer whales and the global lifestyle brand best known tion/advocacy context. out their lives at the company’s the potential danger of releas- for beloved pop icon Hello Kitty, “SeaWorld’s commitment park habitats, where they will ing captive orcas to the wild, and Universal Parks & Resorts have to end breeding of orcas is a continue to receive the high- citing the post-ocean release opened the Hello Kitty Shop featuring long-held goal of many ani- est-quality care. Guests will death of Free Willy animal star Hello Kitty and Friends at Universal mal advocacy organizations, be able to observe these orcas Keiko in 2003 as an example. Orlando Resort. and we commend the com- through the new educational SeaWorld’s stock increased The Hello Kitty Shop at Universal pany for making this game- encounters and in viewing ar- nearly 10 percent in the im- Studios Florida marks Sanrio's official changing commitment,” said eas within the existing habitats. mediate wake of the latest an- retail debut and Hello Kitty's first ap- Wayne Pacelle, president and SeaWorld reaffirmed its nouncement. pearance at a theme park in North America. The supercute re- CEO of HSUS. “Today we turn commitment not to collect ma- The company had been tail experience, located along Hollywood Boulevard in the theme a corner, working together to rine mammals from the wild. It under increasing pressure na- park, offers specialty merchandise including stationery, home achieve solutions on a wide has not collected an orca from tionally to end its killer whale goods, apparel, accessories, collectibles and confectionery treats. set of animal issues including the wild in nearly 40 years, and shows and captive breeding The majority of product will be exclusive to the park. Additional sunsetting the use of orcas at the orcas at its parks were ei- program since the 2013 release Sanrio characters will also be featured. existing facilities; maximizing ther born there or have spent of the negative documentary "As Sanrio's first official retail debut at a theme park in North SeaWorld’s focus on rescue, re- almost their entire lives in hu- Blackfish. SeaWorld had seen a America, the Hello Kitty Shop offers a new retail experience for habilitation and advocacy for man care. These orcas, Sea- significant drop in attendance, fans of all ages," said Jill Koch, senior vice president of Brand marine mammals in the wild; World said, could not survive particularly at its San Diego management and marketing at Sanrio, Inc. "Our partnership with and sourcing food for animals in oceans that include envi- park, in the interim. Universal delivers a new touch point for the brand through spe- and customers from humane ronmental concerns such as •seaworld cial products, unique merchandising and a fully branded store and sustainable sources, in- pollution and other man-made entertainment.com experience that incorporates many of our beloved characters." 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Annual trade show moves to Dallas next year Amusement Expo International enjoys another win in Vegas AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Near- ly 2,800 exhibitors, buyers and attendees converged on the 2016 edition of Amusement Expo International, the annual conference and trade show of the coin-op and revenue-gen- erating amusement, music and family entertainment center industry. The event took place March 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Co-sponsored by the Amer- ican Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Gene Brogowski, director of international sales for Innova- Jack Cook, president of Bob's Space Racers of Daytona Beach, Amusement & Music Opera- tive Concepts in Entertainment, Inc., of Clarence, N.Y., dem- Fla., shows off his company’s Master of the Midway carnival tors Association (AMOA), this onstrates the company’s flashy ICE Ball FX Alley Roller — one set. Designed for redemption centers and ideal for parties, year’s expo offered compre- of its most popular arcade games. The high-tech variation on the fairground-in-a-box contains four favorite midway games: hensive industry education and Skee-Ball incorporates multicolor synchronized LED lighting. Cover the Spot, Goblet Toss, Ring Toss and Bottle Up. a convention floor where well over 100 companies presented their products and services. Vendors specializing in coin-op machines, electronics, go-kart equipment, laser games, photo booths, plush / novelties, re- demption equipment / mer- chandise, sports games, tattoos, token dispensers, video games and more participated. The third year in which the expo offered a three-day format — featuring a one-day, two-track education program and two days of exhibits — continued the event’s pattern Mario Haase, representing LaZer Runner, Inc., of Edmonton, Funovation’s Nic Hanzelik, sales manager, North America, of growth. This year, organizers Alberta, Canada, displays the new GEN3 LED Phaser and Fi- and Ryan Borton, director of sales, highlighted the Long- sold more exhibitor booths (385 ber Optic Battle Vest. Hasse extolled the company’s reliable, mont, Colo.-based company’s Laser Maze Challenge. Funo- in all) and saw increased atten- durable electronics and the high capacity and affordability of vation’s cloud-based Laser Link system allows it to monitor dance at the education sessions, its laser tag attraction. Free 24-hour tech support is included and upgrade its attractions for clients worldwide. as well. with Lazer Runner's products. ALL PHOTOS AT/DEAN LAMANNA Amusement Today was among this year’s exhibitors. Other event highlights: and Rocket Amusements, New Schultz, who served as presi- Amusement Co., Blue Ridge, This also marked the expo’s •Wayne E Hesch Schol- Braunfels, Tex. dent of jukebox maker Rock- Ga., was named Operator of fifth year of co-location with arship: This year’s program •AAMA Awards: Ameri- Ola Manufacturing Corp. from the Year. the National Bulk Vendors As- awarded 51 scholarships to col- can Changer Corp., Fort Lau- 1998-2008. •Booth Design Awards: sociation (NBVA), which had lege students in the amount of derdale, Fla. (Supplier of the •NBVA Awards: Brian AMI Entertainment Network, its own pavilion within the $1,000 each. Year); Bay Tek Games, Inc., Pu- Angell of Angell Vending, LLC, Trevose, Pa. (large booth); trade show floor, and its second •AMOA Innovator laski, Wis. (Manufacturer of the Golden, Colo., was named Embed, Carrollton, Tex. (medi- year of co-location with the La- Awards: There were 14 compa- Year); and Betson Enterprises, Most Innovative Operator for um booth); and AstroSystems, ser Tag Museum, which once nies and 24 entries in competi- Carlstadt, N.J. (Distributor of modifying a bulk vending Inc., Las Vegas, Nev. (small again ran its conference and tion. The winners were Apple the Year). The AAMA Lifetime mechanism to accept $1.50. booth). education sessions indepen- Industries, Greenvale, N.Y.; Achievement Award went •Play Meter Magazine Sponsors of this year’s dently. PayRange, Inc., Portland, Ore.; to its former president, John Award: Emily Dunn of Tom’s Gala included Incredible Tech- nologies, Vernon Hills, Ill., and TouchTunes, New York, N.Y. (both platinum level); AMI Entertainment Network, LLC (gold level); Firestone Finan- cial, Needham, Mass. (silver level); and American Vending Sales, Elk Grove Village, Ill. (patron level). In 2017, Amusement Expo International is moving to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dal- las, Texas, March 14-16. Visit the organization’s website for scheduling details and updates. •amusementexpo.org May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 During association’s 103rd Annual Meeting Myron Klayman inducted into NEAAPA Hall Of Fame AT: Ron Gustafson Others honored Special to Amusement Today Association President Ryan DeMaria, Canobie MYSTIC, Conn. — The Lake Park, Salem, N.H., pre- late Myron Klayman, a past sented the following awards president of the New Eng- during the evening gala: land Association of Amuse- President’s Award: Steve ment Parks and Attractions Gioe of Sodexo. (NEAAPA) and manager at Paragon Award: Fun- the former Paragon Park at town Splashtown USA, Nantasket Beach, Hull, Mass., Saco, Maine, for "unequaled was inducted into the NEAA- excellence in graphic promo- PA Hall of Fame during the tion." organization’s 103rd anniver- Pinnacle Award: Chris- sary Annual Meeting. topher Smith, Southwick’s Ninety people were in at- Myron Klayman, former Par- Zoo, Mendon, Mass. The Many took part in the educational seminars during the New tendance for the April 5 busi- agon Park manager inducted award is presented to a stu- England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ness meeting and dinner at into NEAAPA Hall of Fame. dent employee who has dem- (NEAAPA) Annual Meeting in Mystic, Conn. the Mystic Hilton Hotel here. COURTESY NEAAPA onstrated "peak perfection COURTESY NEAAPA For nearly 30 years Myron in guest/customer service." oversaw numerous operations to 1983, and was instrumental NEAAPA also presented him Steve Gioe with panelists For Everyone, moderated by of the seaside resort, which in- in assisting to help rebuild the with a $500 check. Eric Meixler of Canobie Lake Freeman and McGhee. cluded landmark attractions community following the his- Alan E. Ramsay Safety Park, and Charlene Conway A vendor showcase was such as a 1928 Philadelphia toric blizzard of 1978. He was Award: Don Fleck, CLM En- of Carousel Family Fun Cen- moderated by Bryan Carney Toboggan Co. carousel and president of the Hull Lions tertainment Group, Woon- ters, Whitman, Mass.; The of Dippin’ Dots, Derry, N.H. Giant Coaster, also built by Club, was a member of the socket, R.I. The award is pre- State Of Security Within Our Philadelphia Toboggan. Committee for the Preserva- sented to an individual who Industry, moderated by Ja- Donation Operations he was in tion of Hull’s History and an has demonstrated "an unpar- son Freeman of Six Flags More than 30 prizes were charge of included games, active member of both Temple alleled commitment to safety New England, Agawam, up for grabs – courtesy of arcades, souvenir shops, and Beth Shalom and Bnai Brith. in the amusement parks and Mass., and Tom McGhee of Pepsi Beverages Co. and a miniature golf course. He Growing up in Roxbury, attractions industry." Protecting the Homeland In- Firestone Financial – in the was also actively involved in Mass., he graduated from Meritorious Service novations, Pembroke, Mass. annual meeting raffle, in- merchandising as well as the Roxbury Memorial High Award: Joe Montalto, High Also, Anatomy Of A cluding electronic items and park's advertising and pro- School. After high school, he Mountain Enterprises, Ride Incident Investigation, Boston Red Sox tickets. In motional efforts. met his wife Dorothy (Win- White Plains, N.Y. It was also moderated by Erik Beard, addition, member properties He served as NEAAPA keller) and they were married Joe’s birthday during the Wiggin & Dana LLP, Hart- donated tickets and souve- president from 1976-77 as also in 1954. event with NEAAPA recog- ford, Conn.; Active Shooter nirs for an Explore New Eng- held the office of secretary He served in the U.S. nizing the occasion. – How To Defend Yourself, land basket. for the association for several Navy during the Korean War, moderated by Freeman, Mc- The raffle raised a record years. earning a National Defense Educational seminars Ghee and Bill Bannister, also $2,650 and NEAAPA will do- The park closed following Service Medal. More than 50 members from Protecting the Home- nate the proceeds in memory the 1984 season and Myron Myron attended Bos- participated in a variety of land Innovations; PCI (Pay- of Myron Klayman to the became a bank examiner for ton University following his educational seminars dur- ment Card Industry) Com- Paragon Carousel and Mu- the Commonwealth of Massa- military service, where he re- ing the day. They included: pliance moderated by Tina seum. chusetts until his retirement. ceived a bachelor’s degree in Radical Retention Ideas And Walker of First Data, Tampa, NEAAPA’s Annual Sum- He passed away last May in business. The Tough Truth About Turn- Fla.; and S.A.V.E. – Security, mer Meeting will be held July Canton, Mass. over, moderated by Sodexo's Awareness, And Vigilance 26 at Canobie Lake Park.

Helped save carousel A longtime resident of Kings Island, Fischer Homes partner on Care Center Hull, he took personal interest in saving the classic carousel, MASON, Ohio — Kings Island has part- a covered porch while the inside offers rest- which still operates in town to nered with Fischer Homes to offer a new Fam- rooms, electrical outlets, charging stations, Wi- this day and is known as the ily Care Center for parents visiting the 364-acre Fi services, televisions, refrigeration and ice, Paragon Carousel. A plaque amusement and water park. and hot water. honoring his work to save The Family Care Center, built by Fischer “Fischer Homes has listened to the needs of the carousel is displayed at Homes on International Street near the Eiffel families and designed a unique child and par- the ride. He was an avid col- Tower, will fulfill the wants and needs of young ent-friendly space at Kings Island that allows lector of carousel memora- families visiting the park to provide a safe, pri- families to attend to their children in a relaxed bilia throughout his life and vate, comfortable nursing and changing experi- home-like setting,” said Steve Whaley, corpo- donated his entire collection ence with storage areas for personal items and rate marketing manager for Fischer Homes. to the Paragon Carousel and waiting areas for accompanying family mem- Privately held Fischer Homes began opera- Museum. bers. tions in 1980 in Cincinnati, Ohio and is now the The huge roller coaster The Family Care Center, built “Parents with infants and toddlers will find number one builder there. It has successfully was moved to a theme park by Fischer Homes, will greet helpful amenities in our new Family Care Cen- expanded into the Indianapolis, Ind., Colum- near Washington, D.C. and guests this season at Kings ter,” Kings Island’s Vice President and General bus, Ohio and Atlanta, Ga. markets. The com- also continues to operate to- Island. The center is located Manager Greg Scheid said. “It features all the pany has sold more than 20,000 homes and has day. on International Street near comforts and conveniences of home for our built 150-plus new home neighborhoods. These Myron served as chair- the park's signature Eiffel guests.” beautifully designed homes offer choices for man and member of the Hull Tower. The façade of the Family Care Center fea- people in all stages of life. Board of Selectman from 1975 COURTESY KINGS ISLAND tures the unique style of a Fischer Home with •fischerhomes.com 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Boysenberry pie-chomping champ named at Knott’s Berry Farm Winner consumes 14.5 pounds of pie in eight minutes: to set world record BUENA PARK, Calif. — Knott’s Berry Farm’s Calico Stage became a “berry” messy scene March 19 as pie eaters from across the nation com- World boysenberry pie- peted for a $4,000 prize purse eating champ Joey "Jaws" and the title of World Boysen- Chestnut (above) guarded berry Pie-Eating Champion. his title against nine Internationally top- challengers by chowing ranked competitive eater Joey down seven whole pies in a 'Jaws' Chestnut successfully March 19 contest at defended his ownership of the Knott's Berry Farm. title, which he first claimed at COURTESY Knott’s last year. Chestnut set KNOTT'S BERRY FARM a new world record by shovel- ing down 14.5 pounds of pie prize for his gluttonous 9.5 pounds and nine pounds each scarfing down 8.5 pounds Eating — a global organiza- in eight minutes. That bested gamesmanship. Steve Hen- of pie, respectively, were Miki of pie, sharing a $100 prize. tion that has developed and his record of 14 pounds — or dry, with 10.25 pounds of pie Sudo ($600 prize) and Mi- The event, which took oversees the sport of competi- seven whole pies consumed stuffed, took second and a chelle Lesco ($300 prize). place during the park’s 16- tive eating and conducts about — set in 2015. $1,000 prize. Landing in third Rich LeFevre and Justin day Boysenberry Festival, was 80 contests annually. Chestnut nabbed a $2,000 and fourth places by gobbling Mi tied for fifth place with sanctioned by Major League —Dean Lamanna HERCO's Herb Brooks, Jr. dies at 66 PEOPLE WATCH ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. Crayola Experience names new GM Carl Arnett retires from SCBB — Herbert M. Brooks, Jr. 66, of ORLANDO, Fla. — Crayola SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Carl Arnett recently Elizabethtown, Pa., passed away Experience has named former retired from his job as director of Technical Ser- March 26, 2016 in the Hershey Revenue manager David Nor- vices at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk after an (Pa.) Medical Center. ton as its new general manager, eventful 43 years. Carl began his Boardwalk career Brooks worked for Hershey effective immediately. as a Giant Dipper ride operator and sign painter Entertainment and Resorts Co. while studying electronics. Because of his interest (HERCO) for 33 years. He began The position was recently his amusement industry career vacated by Scott Poling, who in new technology, he became a technician for new as an electrician at Hersheypark, came from the brand's head- Norton computerized games coming into the arcades. Hershey, Pa., and then transferred quarters and original location When the park’s audio technician left the company, to Hershey Lake Compounce, in Easton, Pa. Poling has moved to Bloomington, Carl took on that responsibility, transitioning the Bristol, Conn., as assistant gen- Minn., to open the family attraction's new facility at park from tube type amplifiers and tape loops to eral manager, later returning to Herb Brooks, Jr. Mall of America which will open this spring. solid-state amps and digital recorders. When disco Hersheypark. Norton joined the Crayola Experience team was popular, Carl turned the Grove into a disco At the time of his retire- enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in shortly after its grand opening at The Florida Mall palace. Soon after, when electronic cash registers ment in 2010, Brooks was assis- 1968, serving during the Vietnam last summer. Prior to that, Norton spent many became popular, he supported them. He intro- tant general manager at Dutch War at the Korat RTAFB. years with Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder duced the park’s first two-way radio system and Wonderland Amusement Park, Golf was his passion dur- Beach Water Park in Athol, Idaho. He held posi- the park's first closed circuit TV (CCTV) camera, Lancaster, Pa., transferring there ing retirement. He could often be tions ranging from director of operations and di- earning him the title of director for the company's from Hersheypark when HERCO found at Fairview Golf Course in rector of revenue and entertainment, to general new Technical Services department. In the 1980s purchased that facility in 2001. Hershey working in the Pro Shop manager and vice president. Carl found a multi-user computer at a garage sale (HERCO subsequently sold or with his golfing group. Norton earned his degree at North Idaho Col- for $125 and convinced Marketing to use it, it Dutch Wonderland to Palace En- He was a member of Holy lege and has a background in culinary arts, having was the park’s first computer. Carl’s department tertainment in 2010.) Trinity Lutheran Church, Her- once served as a private chef on yachts in countries grew to nearly 20 employees and now oversees While employed by HERCO, shey, where he served as an usher from Singapore to Australia. all technology from rides and games to computer Brooks was instrumental in se- and had served on Church Coun- networks, POS systems, phone systems, key-card lecting the Wildcat, Great Bear cil. Herb will be greatly missed Vortex appoints Guilbeault and Lightning Racer coasters at by many who loved and admired MONTREAL, Qc., Canada access control, a cashless payment card for games Hersheypark, as well as new at- him. — Vortex Aquatic Structures and rides, and an automated ticketing system for tractions at Dutch Wonderland Herb is survived by his wife International, a manufacturer the parking lot. The company celebrated Carl’s re- after the HERCO acquisition of of 34 years, Debra (Miller) Brooks, and world leader in aquatic tirement with lunch, games, and presentations in that park. his daughters, Jennifer and Shelly play landscapes and entertain- Neptune’s Kingdom. "Herb was a hell of a nice Brooks, whom he loved dearly, ment solutions, announced guy, very dedicated to his job of and his sister Ann (Brooks) Dun- that Virginie Guilbeault has entertaining his guests," Dick lop, wife of James of Palmyra, Pa. been appointed vice presi- Guilbeault Knoebel told AT. "He was also A celebration of his life was dent, Business Development, a previous president of PAPA, held on March 30, at the Holy Europe/Middle East. Over the past decade, Guil- serving a two-year term. He will Trinity Lutheran Church. beault had served Vortex in several business de- be missed." Interment with military velopment and marketing functions, playing key Born in Lebanon on June 19, honors was private at the Indi- roles in developing the company’s international 1949, Brooks was the son of the antown Gap National Cemetery, business over the past several years. late Herbert M. Brooks, Sr. and Annville, Pa. In her new position, Guilbeault will coordi- Dorothy (Ebersole) Brooks. He Contributions can be made graduated from Hershey High to the Holy Trinity Lutheran nate with Kevin Spence, VP Business Develop- School Class of 1967. Church in Hershey or to ment, North America, to maintain a strong global Boardwalk CEO Charles Canfield (left) thanks Before his career in the The Leukemia and Lympho- customer focus. Guilbeault reports to Stephen Carl Arnett (right) for his 43 years of service. amusement park industry, Brooks ma Society. Hamelin, president, Vortex International. COURTESY SCBB May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 CEO Matt Ouimet halts rumors, redoubles park commitment Cedar Fair’s president assures: ‘We’re keeping Great America’ AT: Dean Lamanna lease, assured Ouimet, are [email protected] ironclad. The company has “Great America not only needs to the rights to operate amuse- become a great amusement park, SANTA CLARA, Calif. ment and entertainment — Less than a week after businesses on the property but the social center of Santa Clara.” California’s Great America through 2074. (CGA) swung open the gates “Under that lease, we —Matt Ouimet, President & CEO, Cedar Fair to celebrate its 40th anniver- also have the right of first sary season, it welcomed a refusal to purchase the land “I intend to be here until 2074 ence quickly has.” very serious surprise guest: if the land is ever sold,” the to make sure that they live up Cedar Fair must step up Matt Ouimet, president and executive said. “If, when that to their obligations.” its game to maximize CGA’s CEO of Cedar Fair Entertain- land is ready to be sold, it is synergy with the sports sta- ment Company, the theme at a rational price, then we Poised for ‘Great’-ness dium and the impending Matt Ouimet, president and park’s owner. intend to exercise our right of The media speculation community development, ac- CEO of Cedar Fair, held a It wasn’t exactly a drop- first refusal and buy the land. over the future of CGA, knowledged Ouimet. press conference at Cali- in, considering that Cedar If it isn’t at a rational price combined with the park’s “This not only needs to fornia’s Great America on Fair’s home base is in San- in our determination, the inherent potential and the become a great amusement March 30 regarding plans for dusky, Ohio. But Ouimet fact that someone else owns dynamic Silicon Valley envi- park, but the social center the theme park’s future. had a very compelling rea- the land will not affect our ronment, has energized Oui- of Santa Clara,” he said. “It COURTESY CALIFORNIA’S son to make the trip: persis- Walt Disney GREAT AMERICA future plans. And anybody met. The former needs to be the place to be tent regional buzz, fueled by who bought the land would Company executive, who to have fun, not just to ride several media reports, that two-year-old Levi’s Stadium have to first go through us, replaced retiring longtime rides.” Great America — a fixture (home of the San Francisco and then go through the City Cedar Fair CEO Dick Kinzel To that end, Ouimet con- here since 1976 — was facing 49ers NFL football team of Santa Clara, before it could in 2012, has taken some bold veyed that Cedar Fair is seek- an uncertain future with the and site of this year’s Super be anything other than an steps to lead the theme park ing zoning adjustments from eventual sale of the leased Bowl) — and deep-pocketed amusement park.” company to greater levels of Santa Clara that will allow land on which it sits. developers with alternate- While CGA has been an success. the company to exceed cur- An official company use ideas in mind have been established use of the land “Great America is a rent height restrictions (the statement to the contrary circling it for some time for four decades, Cedar Fair unique piece of property, and park’s tallest roller coaster is distributed weeks earlier to The Great America par- more recently took an oppor- I don’t know that we have just over 100 feet, while the local news outlets had failed cel was formerly owned by tunity to solidify the terms of another [park] that is sur- FAA has a 250-foot cap) and to stop the rumors, so the the City of Santa Clara Re- the park’s lease. rounded by as much com- put in larger and different executive felt it was time to development Agency. After “We updated the lease as mercial development,” he types of attractions. In addi- tackle and dispel them di- California’s dissolution of re- part of the deal allowing the said. “It’s also unique in that tion to proposing the expan- rectly. On the morning of development agencies state- 49ers’ stadium to go on our the amount of multi-family sion and rearrangement of March 30 — accompanied by wide in 2012, the land was prior employee parking lot,” housing that is intended to be attractions within its bound- CGA Vice President and Gen- transferred to the Successor Ouimet said. “The update constructed within walking aries, the park has advanced eral Manager Raul Rehn- Agency to the Santa Clara contemplated the fact that distance of the park is several the concept of carving out borg and armed with a large, Redevelopment Agency, maybe someday this lease thousand units. So we have a section for a Downtown color-coded diagram of Great which — under the state’s would be transferred, and if literally tens of thousands Disney-style entertainment America’s proposed long- mandate — will be putting it is, we still want to make of people working — and district. range development plans — it and other former redevel- sure that, again, we have the will have additional tens of Cedar Fair’s future de- he held a press conference in opment holdings up for sale rights and privileges that thousands of people living velopment plans follow front of the park and did just later this year. were [originally] contemplat- — within foot distance of the its substantial, previously- that. The terms and transfer- ed through 2074.” park. That’s not something announced investments in “It was unfair to our em- ability of Cedar Fair’s ground He added with a laugh: that anybody I could refer- CGA for this season, which ployees to have to deal with include the soon-to-open at- the rumor mill, particularly traction Mass Effect: New since I knew that the story Earth 4D Holographic Jour- was essentially the opposite ney and Winterfest, an an- of what was being portrayed nual holiday celebration that out there,” said Ouimet in will extend the park’s operat- an exclusive interview with ing season. Amusement Today following “There’s enormous po- the media event. “I’ve also tential here,” Ouimet said. been in the business long “In order to get to that po- enough to know there are tential, we created a vision people who have an emo- and translated it into a mas- tional attachment to parks ter plan — which we’ve filed like Great America, and I with the City of Santa Clara didn’t want them having to so that it can go through all go through that angst, ei- the entitlement-type process- ther.” es over the next nine to 12 months. Uncommon ground “After we get these ap- How CGA and Cedar provals, we have every in- Fair arrived at this point is a tention to spend tens of mil- matter of California’s chang- lions of dollars making Great ing redevelopment laws and America one of the great- Among Cedar Fair’s proposals for California’s Great America, pending local approvals, are a the Silicon Valley’s booming est amusement parks in the new entertainment district and new and expanded attractions, as presented in this diagram real estate market. The park country.” at the press conference. COURTESY CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA occupies land adjacent to •cagreatamerica.com 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016

BRIEFS Ride Entertainment partners with Clip ‘n Climb VR Arcade meeting STEVENSVILLE, Md. — company, which manufactures Climb products are sold turn- set for May 2-4 Ride Entertainment announced and installs adventure zones key, which means that operators MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., on March 16 that it has begun and full climbing centers com- are handed the center ready to — The inaugural VR Arcade representing Clip ‘n Climb. The prised of multiple climbing ele- operate. Conference has been scheduled ments, was founded in 2006 and Clip ‘n Climb’s North for May 2-4, 2016 in Mountain designed with years of climbing American Sales Manager Susan View, Calif. experience. Anderson said, “We are proud The VR Arcade Conference “We are excited to partner to be the innovator and pioneer has been designed to be the first with Clip ‘n Climb and represent in family climbing. An enor- ever event that addresses the their product to North American mous amount of thought, climb- emerging application of Virtual amusement parks,” said Adam ing expertise and engineering Reality in the out-of-home en- Sandy, Ride Entertainment’s went into each challenge unit tertainment sector. It has already chief Business Development Of- we manufacture. We currently gathered an auspicious lineup of ficer. “Parks continue to come to have 76 locations worldwide speakers and sponsors that will us and request interactive attrac- and have 107 new projects un- present developments in this tions, which is why we wanted derway. The continued growth highly auspicious market sector. to find another partner that can in the U.S. is a perfect fit for with •vrarcadeconference.com offer our customers safe, fun ex- amusement parks, trampoline periences where the guest expe- parks, FEC’s, resorts, and sports SVN Florida selling rience is active, not passive.” complexes or a stand alone fam- Jungle Adventures Clip ‘n Climb sells groups ily climbing centers.” Chris Coates, co-owner of SVN of climbing challenges that par- The Clip ‘n Climb system ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Senior Advisor Ali ticipants climb using the TruBlue has been a hit with owners Top Jump at the Entre-Prises Mushtaq is coordinating the sale auto belay system. Their unique around the world because of its owned and operated Cen- of a Christmas, Fla., property that elements like the Astroball and fast return on investment and ter in Exeter, U.K., gives a contains the Jungle Adventures Climbers enjoy the challenge Stairway to Heaven come from popular with a generation of thumbs up after a successful theme park. The sale includes that this Astroball provides a catalogue of over 30 challenges park-goers looking for a hands- climb. COURTESY REG the real estate, the business itself at the Adventure Ropes and can be mixed and matched on experience. The company’s and the 501(c) nonprofit organi- Course at Jordan’s Furniture to offer each customer the- per latest installation opened at Top 2016 and features 21 climbing zation associated with it. All of in New Haven, Conn. fect collection of attractions Jump Trampoline Park in Pi- lines. This is the largest Clip ‘n the inventory – the alligators, ex- COURTESY REG and climbing routes. All Clip ‘n geon Forge, Tenn. on March 30, Climb in the U.S. to date. otic birds, mammals, and other animals – are also included. The sale price is north of $2 million. HIG Capital completes sale “This is an outstanding op- portunity for someone who of Looping Group to Ergon wants to acquire an existing business and take it to the next PARIS, France — H.I.G. Capital (HIG), a leading global level,” said Mushtaq, whose of- private equity firm, announced on March 23 that it has fice is in Heathrow, Fla. “It’s an completed the sale of Looping Group to the Ergon Capital interesting property, full of pos- Partners III SA investment fund (Ergon). sibilities. If you love animals, The theme park operator was created in 2011 following this is the real estate for you.” HIG’s acquisition of seven amusement parks from Compag- The park property contains nie des Alpes. Since then, the group has further expanded a gift shop and facilities for re- via subsequent build-ups in France and Spain. freshments and food. Looping is currently one of the leading operators of re- •svnflorida.com gional amusement parks in Europe with 11 parks, including seven in France (Planète Sauvage, Mer de Sable, Bagatelle, APSP & NSPF Mini Châteaux, Grand Aquarium de Touraine, Cobac Parc agree to merge and Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo) and four in other Eu- COLORADO SPRINGS, ropean countries (Aquaparc du Bouveret in Switzerland, Colo. — The boards of the As- Hellendoorn in the Netherlands, Pleasurewood Hills in the sociation of Pool & Spa Profes- U.K. and Isla Magica in Spain). sionals (APSP) and National The management team led by Laurent Bruloy will re- Swimming Pool Foundation main at the helm of the company and has reinvested in the (NSPF) met the first week in transaction alongside Ergon. April and agreed in principle Looping Group Managing Director Laurent Bruloy com- to merge the two organizations. mented: “We thank HIG for their contribution to our compa- Both boards believe that the merge will better support the ny’s growth over the past years. Our partnership, founded present and future needs of the on trust and sharing, has been a resounding success and has aquatics industry. played a crucial role in the creation and development of our Rich Garbee, APSP chair- group. We look forward to working with Ergon to further man of the board, and G. Bruce implement our growth strategy.” Dunn, NSPF chairman of the Olivier Boyadjian, managing director of HIG France, board, jointly stated, “The aquat- added: “We are delighted to have worked alongside Loop- ics industry has seen dramatic ing and to have driven its growth over the last five years. changes over the past 10 years. Throughout this time the company, steered by a highly APSP and NSPF each have a skilled management team, has expanded its international distinguished history of service footprint and diversified its offering. This transaction isa to our industry. We are excited success for both management and HIG. We wish Looping to build a vision where we can achieve even more together.” and its teams the best of success in the coming years along- A process is underway to side Ergon. plan and implement this merger —AT Staff of equals. May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH China's Ferrari World announces partners MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari S.p.A., a wholly-owned Italian subsidiary of Ferrari N.V. (NYSE/MTA: RACE), Beijing Automotive COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW 04/13/16 52-Week 52-Week Group Co., Ltd. and BAIC Eternaland Property Co., Ltd. signed on March 17 a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the licens- The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 28.59 43.58 22.31 ing of the design, construction and operation of a new Ferrari theme park to be located in one of the primary cities in Mainland China. Merlin Entertainments Group/ MERL LSE 460.00 473.30 360.93 Legoland Six Flags plans Vietnam parks Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 58.95 60.64 48.45 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Six Flags Entertainment Corpora- tion (NYSE:SIX), announced on March 21 a new strategic partnership Comcast Corp./ CMCSA NASDAQ 61.95 64.99 50.01 with NaVi Entertainment, a private company based in Ho Chi Minh City, NBCUniversal Media Vietnam, to build a theme park and a water park in Vietnam using the Six Flags and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor brand names, respectively. Both The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 99.48 122.08 86.25 are expected to open in the next three to four years. "Our international licensing strategy is gaining momentum and Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1450.00 1568.00 1021.00 provides strong long-term upside for the company above and be- yond the growth opportunity of our North America properties,” Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.68 2.13 1.09 said John Duffey, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment. “We are excited to announce our third international licens- Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 9.73 12.90 8.22 ing partnership and are honored to work with the highly-qualified team at NaVi Entertainment as we continue expanding the Six Flags MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 23.10 24.41 16.18 brand globally,” said John Odum, president of Six Flags Interna- tional Development Co. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 21.65 22.68 16.86 Polyfab USA now American-owned company Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town 000069 SZSE 7.00 14.78 5.88 MANHATTEN BEACH, Calif. — Barry Jamieson, director of Co., Ltd. (OCT) Polyfab Australia, has announced that its Polyfab USA division has Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 59.00 59.92 41.6 been sold to the American management of that division. Jamieson was one of the originators of developing heavy duty knitted HDPE shadecloth more than 25 years ago, established the American divi- Skyocean International 00593HK SEHK 8.44 12.46 7.5 sion in 2008. Polyfab USA enjoys a network of highly professional distributors in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and will be expanding Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 4060.00 4100.00 3304.00 into other markets with its wide range of fabrics, hardware, trim- mings and cleaners for shade sails and shade structures. Village Roadshow VRL ASX 5.15 7.68 5.06 In brief... STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Last year marked a historic milestone for the CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED St. Louis Gateway Arch, as the nation’s tallest man-made monu- ment celebrated the 50th anniversary of its completion. The Gate- Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock way Arch and Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises, embarked on an Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange RFP process for a new ticketing and admission control solution from —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal Gateway Ticketing Systems whichg provided its Galaxy Product Suite to both attractions.•DANIA BEACH, Fla. — A demolition DIESEL PRICES media event was held on the site of the Dania Beach Hurricane Region As of Change from wooden roller coaster on March 16 by Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE: (U.S.) 04/11/16 1 year ago KIM) to acknowledge the history of the former amusement facility East Coast $2.187 - $0.729 and roller coaster. Kimco is replacing the site with Dania Pointe, a 102-acre mixed use development featuring more than one million Midwest $2.082 - $0.551 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Gulf Coast $1.992 - $0.628 •JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure has won ap- Mountain $2.142 - $0.561 proval to cut down nearly 15,000 trees to make way for a 21-mega- West Coast $2.200 - $0.520 watt solar farm. Jackson Township's planning board granted the California $2.437 - $0.634 park's request to move forward with the project that opponents argue will have a devastating effect on the environment. Six Flags CURRENCY attorney Raymond Shea says the theme park scaled back its plan, On 04/13/16 $1 USD = but that was not enough for the opposition. 0.8768 EURO 0.7014 GBP (British Pound) Correction... 108.30 JPY (Japanese Yen) •In our April report on the grand opening of Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, Calif., AT neglected to include ADG (Aquatic 0.9542 CHF (Swiss Franc) Development Group) of Cohoes, N.Y., in the Fast Facts listing of 1.3087 AUD (Australian Dollar) the property's key contractors and suppliers. ADG, in fact, supplied 1.2861 CAD (Canadian Dollar) the wave equipment and Double Flow Rider for the resort project. Amusement Today regrets the error. 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 PTCI buzzing with multiple off-season safety projects HATFIELD, Pa.—While most rebuilt, re-painted and buffed un- amusement parks enjoyed a long SAFETY til it shines like new before being winter’s rest, Tom Rebbie and his shipped back to its home park. determined crew at Philadelphia layout will be outlined in white PTCI’s list of winter overhaul Toboggan Coasters, Inc. were tracer lights. A major highlight projects include: hard at work in eastern Pennsyl- of Thunderhawk’s facelift will •Funtown Splashtown USA: vania making sure many of the be a handsome pair of four-car, 6 two-seat cars for Excalibur; world’s wooden roller coaster three-seat trains PTCI fabricated •Six Flags America: 6 two- trains are in peak condition and to replace the ride’s older rolling seat cars for Roar; ready to roll for the 2016 season. stock of the same configuration. •Six Flags America: 4 three- Two notable parks receiving What sets these new ride vehicles seat for Wild One; brand new PTCI trains this year apart is the fact that both lead cars •Holiday World: 12 two-seat include Japan’s Nagashima Spa- feature open front panels, which is cars for The Voyage; land and Pennsylvania’s Dorney an adaptation of a technique used •Cedar Point: 14 two-seat Park. Spaland’s White Cyclone, a on trains during the wooden roller cars for Mean Streak and 8 three- massive wooden coaster built in coaster’s first Golden Age in the seat cars for Blue Streak; 1994, was in need of replacement early 20th century. The trains also •Clementon Park: 4 two-seat rolling stock. During the past will feature a bold paint scheme, cars for HellCat, and three years, PTCI has built a trio of individual lap bars and 3-D Thun- •Kemah Boardwalk: 6 two- new trains for Spaland. This year, derhawk logos. seat cars for Boardwalk Bullet. the third train comprised of seven In addition to the new trains, Along with the new and re- two-seat cars was completed. Like a large number of operators freshed coaster train projects, the others, it is articulated and turned to PTCI for their annual PTCI has also sold more examples features individual locking lap wooden roller coaster train win- of its revolutionary Amusement Top, two new sets of PTCI trains were recently delivered to Dor- bars. The trains’ paint schemes — ter rehab and overhaul. This in Ride Transfer Accessibility Device ney Park's Thunderhawk wooden coaster and feature new open green, yellow and red respectively itself is a massive undertaking for for the Physically Disabled. Un- — will offer a striking appearance the Pennsylvania team. Once the veiled last fall during the IAAPA car front (above left). The trains were part of improvements as they fly along the ride’s bril- trains arrive, they are inspected Attractions Expo in Orlando, this made to the coaster this offseason. Above right, sales of PTCI's liant white structure. to determine just what degree of new apparatus allows guests to Amusement Ride Transfer Accessibility Device remain brisk. A bit closer to home, Dorney attention each requires. Then, the board a roller coaster train under COURTESY PTCI Park announced last year that it individual cars are broken down their own power. Along with a wooden roller coasters. ing supplier of rolling stock for the planned to refurbish its classic into their most basic components. restraint system that helps keep PTCI’s ongoing dedication world’s wooden roller coasters. Thunderhawk wooden coaster All grease and paint is removed. riders upright, the new device to quality and tradition is a testa- In his customary send off, for the 2016 season. Along with Everything is cleaned and re- was specifically designed by PTCI ment to its longevity. Operating PTCI Owner and President, Tom a fresh, traditional paint scheme, paired while worn parts are re- to allow park guests with certain since 1904, this award-winning Rebbie, stated "We hope everyone the 1924-built coaster’s track placed. Each car is then lovingly mobility issues to safely enjoy company continues to be the lead- has a fun and safe season!" May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Safety first! Karen Oertley structors along with fresh ideas and insight from AIMS Executive Director the Education Committee,” said AIMS Safety (714) 425-5747 Seminar Manager, Holly Coston. “We continually [email protected] work to improve and update our classes as well as offer the basics on safety education for main- ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s that tenance, ride inspection, operations and aquat- time of year! The summer season ics. Stay tuned for news on exciting additions to is nearly upon us and amusement Oertley our curriculum as instructors and classes are con- industry employees are putting in firmed.“ extra hours to prepare for their guests. With safe- The 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar will be held ty as the industry’s number one priority, attention January 8-13, 2017, at the Doubletree by Hilton is focused on the importance and challenges in at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Early registra- keeping people safe from themselves, each other The AIMS board of directors recently met at the tion is now available at last years price of $595. and their surroundings. Continuing safety training Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld in Orlando to Tuition includes class materials, CEUs, a comple- and education is of utmost importance to every begin planning for the 2017 AIMS Safety Semi- tion certificate, the opening reception, two breaks individual working in the amusement industry and nar, Jan. 8-13, 2017 in Orlando. and a full lunch every day. Pre-paid registrants will the AIMS Safety Seminar continues to grow in COURTESY AIMS INTL. have early VIP access to class selection when full response. registration opens in September. The 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar Education Jeff Alberts, Mike Martin, Andy McNeeley, Mi- Rooms at the Doubletree are $99 per night. Committee, made up of individuals representing chelle Reuter, John Riggleman, Jeff Savelesky, Registration and hotel reservations can be made different fields and areas of industry knowledge, Barry Schiable, Tracy Shedd, Randy Vakiener, at www.aimsintl.org where you can also add met in early April to begin planning the curriculum Randy Wilkie, AIMS board president, Timo Klaus, your name to our mailing list for updates and an- for the 2017 AIMS Safety Seminar. Led by Chair- and Executive Director, Karen Oertley. nouncements. For more information on the 2017 man Bob Conway and AIMS Safety Seminar Man- “The 2017 Safety Seminar is off to a fantas- AIMS Safety Seminar, contact Holly Coston at ager, Holly Coston, committee members include tic start thanks to feedback from students and in- [email protected].

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Safety is the #1 Priority in the Amusement Industry! 7 AIMS SAFETY SEMINAR & CertifiCation Program January 8-13, 2017 A IMS INTERNATIONAL orlando, florida ORLANDO doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld

NEW CLASSES ADDED FOR 2017! Register EARLY at 2016’s price: only $595! Supported throughout the industry! Classroom and hands-on learning! CERTIFICATION & TESTING: MAINTENANCE ● OPERATIONS RIDE INSPECTION ● AQUATICS

(714) 425-5747 ● www.aimsintl.org 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 Skynext event continues to seek out creative amusement minds REVIEW: Tim Baldwin EDUCATION Following the Skynext [email protected] event, do you often hear ORLANDO, Fla. — A back from attendees? conversation with Skyline program. Other present- We do get lots of thank Attractions’ Chris Gray can- ers included Jeff Hornick you emails, of course. We not help but be enthusiastic. of SeaWorld Parks & En- also keep a private Facebook Gray’s passion for the indus- tertainment, Jeff Jenson of page open for all attendees try and fondness of the vaca- ITEC, Marissa Blake from and presenters to ask ques- tion mecca of Orlando will TEA and Greg Senner from tions and have amusement hopefully carry forward to Universal, whose trivia con- related chats. attendees of the annual Sky- test seemed to be all the rage. Having done this more next industry event, spon- The event schedule was than once, what have the sored by Skyline. in a word — busy. Breakfast organizers observed and In 2015, the team at Sky- and light lunch was included learned to continue to see it line Attractions organized both days, with one day fea- improve in the years ahead? the event to attract eager turing the renowned IAAPA This year we sent out a young professionals that Expo favorite Honolulu survey to all attendees. We have the drive and the love Hot Dogs. Along with the found that most really think to want to work in the attrac- various presentations and the presenters are all top of tions industry. Participants networking opportunities Jeff Pike of Skyline Attractions addresses Skynext attendees the line. They also want to and presenters pay for their throughout the day, an op- at the company’s facility. COURTESY SKYLINE ATTRACTIONS see some other sides of the own transportation and portunity to visit Fun Spot industry. So next year we lodging, hoping to find that America Friday evening was for organizing this event What are the biggest will be trying to get someone direction and synergy that provided by the park. On come about? highlights of the weekend? from the water park side to will create a career in the Saturday, a surprise hard hat We had started some- Our speakers have al- come and present along with amusement industry. tour around and below Sea- thing like Skynext while we ways been amazing. This some park operational type On March 11 and 12, World Orlando’s new B&M worked at Great Coasters year I believe the Mako con- folks. Skyline Attractions hosted coaster, Mako, was extreme- and we called it FRED X. But struction tour took the cake. eager participants at the ly popular. Following that, really it’s our way to help It is always fun to be able “You know I go back to company’s facility. With 50 attendees enjoyed a recep- young professionals find out to see a coaster under con- when I was that young guy attendees coming from 17 tion at the Orlando Eye and what it is they need to do to struction and actually get to looking to get into the in- states and two countries, the Madame Tussauds. get into the amusement In- touch the track and walk un- dustry and IAAPA was the networking event allowed Amusement Today caught dustry. It also is a great place der it all. best outlet,” Gray added. “I up-and-coming talent to up with Chris Gray follow- for them to network with You’ve had great speak- will never forget when Ron mingle with some of the in- ing the event and talked others like themselves and, ers. How easy was it to Toomer come out of Arrow’s dustry’s key players. with him about the success of course, us. It’s us giving bring people on board to IAAPA booth office and gave “We’ve never lost the of Skynext 2016. back. assist with this concept? me advice on how to get into amusement park ‘bug,’” How do potential at- It always seems like a this amazing industry. It was smiled Gray, referencing the How has the Skynext tendees hear about it? bigger challenge that it real- a short conversation, but it team at Skyline Attractions. event changed this year? We release info on our ly is. Most speakers are very certainly helped guide me to “What we got to see during This was our second an- website and other amuse- excited to speak as soon as my current position in life. Skynext 2016 was every bit nual Skynext. So the first ment industry message they hear the concept. Skynext is sort of like that as exciting for us as it was year we had 30-plus attend- boards. How do the guest speak- short conversation with Ron for the attendees.” ees and six presenters, and What types of people ers approach talking to the Toomer but it lasts for two- Industry presenters in- this year we had more than do you see attending? En- participants? and-a-half days,” he smiled. cluded Mike Haimson of 50 attendees and nine pre- gineers, coaster designers, We ask all presenters to Looking ahead, Gray Dynamic Attractions, who senters. One was a surprise! marketing, artists? tell their story. How they got said, “We’re gonna need a gave an inside look at the de- We had a construction tour We get mostly engineers into the business and got the bigger boat. We almost dou- velopment of the SFX Coast- at the Orlando Eye last year that want to design coast- bug. Then speak about their bled out attendance year- er. Katie Kelly from Walt and so we actually rode it ers. We are looking at com- company’s current projects over-year, and we’re already Disney World connected this year. We are hoping to bining Skynext with TEA’s and what kind of employees looking to bigger venues to with the audience, recount- do the same with Mako next Gib Gab event next year, so they are looking for. After deal with the massive brain- ing her steps that guided her year. We will have to wait that should help us get a few each speaker we allow a few power that comes with so path, as did Mark Stepanian and see. We also have had more marketing and artist minutes for the attendees to many creative minds. We’re from Premier Rides, telling night events at Fun Spot, types as attendees. We be- ask some one-on-one ques- already in talks with several of his own personal journey. Dave & Busters and Ma- lieve that Skynext can grow tions if they are more inter- Orlando companies to help An IAAPA presentation was dame Tussauds. to a few hundred attendees ested in working for that us build that bigger boat in given on the ambassador How did the inspiration in the coming years. particular company. 2017.”

Left, a hard hat tour of Sea- World’s new Mako coaster being built was a popular activity. Right, one of the event’s activities was an eve- ning reception at the Orlando Eye and Madame Tussauds. COURTESY SKYLINE ATTRACTIONS May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 57 58 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2016 CLASSIFIEDS

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Check out the latest premium new and used rides at: facebook.com/internationalridesmanagement FOR SALE - Paratrooper $18,000 INSIDE: or call (609) 425-1220 to receive a current list.

Al Weber, May 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Apex make September 2009 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 market inroads FOR SALE See pages 30-31 FOR SALE www.amusementtoday.com

Denny's Electronics' Jim Allen said in mid-January GALLEON that his company hadn't made final plans for the Gib- one to Butler Amusements town show, but knew they would be exhibiting newer (1985) TM & ©2016 Amusement Today, Inc. and another to Mr. Ed's Mag- Followical Midways,us: at the Gibtown products such as their small, show. roundish turbo lights. Ramon Rosario, ZamCLASSIFIEDS- "We have them in six FOR SALE - Waterslide $10,000 February 2016 | Vol. 19 • Issue 11 perla, said his company has LED and nine LED," Allen Manufacturer: had a very busy year and will said. "We have new control- CLASSIFIEDS www.AmusementToday.com lers to go with them." be glad to be at the Gibson- Allen said business is ton show. Zamperla plans to www.AmusementToday.com 15 new exhibitorsfun have houses. Gina signed Guglielmi, up busy. Zamperla Intermark Ride Group, is turing and Waterloo Tent and exhibit a Balloon Fiesta, the "In the last seven days, representing Gosetto and Tarp. 36-foot-tall ride that debuted Len Soled of Rides 4-U we have added five new 2016 IISF Tradewill be at Showthe show. and Extravaganzaat IAAPA looking Expo. The compa -strong "We will be focusing on products to our plate," he AT: Pam Sherborne said the IISF event has al- ny also will have on display said. [email protected] our dark rides and fun hous- ways been good for him. It an Air Race, aTo kiddie version place The IISF Trade Showan will ad call (817) 460-7220 GIBSONTON, Fla. — Te- es for the carnival business," is sort of a last chance order of the Sky Race ride, and a run 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday, To place an ad call (817) 460-7220 she said. "We also are focus- opportunity for some shows. Happy Swing. resa Rimes, part of the pro- "Sometimes, if they go Bob's Space Racers' Tony Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. duction team responsible for ing on our new portable fam- Available as a Cassata said his company 12. Saturday, Feb. 13, times putting on the International ily spin coaster and Dance ahead and order at this show, will bring a Whopper Water are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Independent Showmen's Party interactive ride." they will get it before the 4th The week also will in- Exhibitors to the trade race game, trailer mounted, Foundation (IISF) Trade of July," Soled said. Of course, that is not al- and a water race game in the clude an array of educational Show and Extravaganza, show run the gamut of prod- Parts Package company's lineup configu- sessions and nightly social could barely find a mo- uctsFOR for the mobile amuseSALE- ways the case. Soled said last eMploYMenT FoR Sale ration. There also will be a events. FoR Sale FoR Sale FoR Sale ment during January as she ment operators, from food year was sort of a stressful Activities on the books in concessioneM companiesploYMen to year because some ride man- TFishing Hole game on dis- FoR Sale FoR Sale SeRVIceS tweaked the scheduling of play at the booth. mid-January included: Super educational sessions, booked novelty, trailer, ride and ufacturers overbooked their "Our business has been for $35,000 production. BowlARM Party and TradeFamily Show Himalaya T/M...... $79,000 vendors for booths during game manufacturing compa- "I like to deliver and I like going very well," Cassata Kick-Off Party, Sunday, Feb. Smokey Mountain the trade show, and helped nies. Some of the ride compa- to deliver on time," he said. "I said. "There just has not been 7; Big Hearted Jerry's Me- Canned Spiel Repeaters with attendance registration. Smokey Mountain morial Golf Tournament, East Coast Beach Location The IISF is the founda- nies include Eli Bridge Co., think I was able to hold onto enough hours in the day to Monday, Feb. 8; Museum Amusements Inc. Wisdom Rides, A.R.M., Bat- to about 99.9 percent of it last take care of all our business. Zamperla Tea Cups T/M...... $49,000 Great for game booths and ride queue tion arm of the International - Building Fund Dinner and tech Enterprises,Amusements Majestic year, but it was Inc. a stressful It looks like the industry is Independent Showmen's As- Jamboree Fundraiser, Feb. Additional work needed Manufacturing and Zam- year." doing well." sociation. The club grounds Soled represents KMG, Berk's Enterprises will 10; Richie's Ragin' Cajun lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departmentsin Gibsonton host the trade perla. New SBF Groovy Bus on used In addition, ride broker SBF/Visa and S&S World- feature more new products Banquet and Ball, Feb. 11; Ca- 12 Rides FOR SALE - Locomotive $3,500 show and most of needsthe activi- Ride Help - In All Departments sino Night Fundraiser for the and weather-tight speaker. Up to four age companies Rides 4-U wide rides. For Gibsonton, than they ever have, said for ride to operate! ties associated with it. Museum, Feb. 12; Memorial Can Ride Superintendent - For Green UnitRimes said, in mid-Jan- and Ital International will be he plans to show SBF/Visa's spokesperson Beth Sanders. 13 Games Some of those new products Service with Mass to Follow, uary, booth andRide attendance Superintendenton hand, both representing Compact- For Spinning Green Coaster, Unit Frederiksen Trailer...... $69,000 [email protected] custom sayings or one self- include six differently de- Feb. 13. registration for this year's companies that provide new Air Show, Drop 'n Twist and Electrician - For Green Unit signed 32-ounce Mini Tanks, Profitable, owner looking to diversify event, set for Feb. 9-13 on rides as well as selling used Groovy Bus. He also will repeatingIndiana custom Location canned spiel. Electrician - For Green Unit Zombie Cups, Tap Towers, club grounds in Gibsonton, rides. have an S&S Worldwide Frog Other exhibiting compa- and a new Family Entertain- For additional appeared to be on par for the Hopper, a ride that continues Hurricane T/M...... $139,000 Contact: ment Package. with existing operations. 2015 event. nies include Bob's Space Rac- to do well in the industry. "We are actually a little Contact: KMG, he said, is backed ers, Dobco Enterprises, Gold $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for information,Brian (Beaver) contact: Bitner bit ahead of last year," Rimes Medal Products, Berk's En- up for two years for new pro- duction, but he will be able to Spinout T/M...... $249,000 and said. "The inside booth spaceBrian terprise, (Beaver)Rhode Island Nov- Bitner elty, Classic Toy Company, deliver two new Inversions, more information or call Anthony at (919) 272-5627 is just about full, maybe five If interested, please contact: FOR SALE or six booths short of that. BJ Toy Company, Chestnut Rick Knoebel "We have 15 new exhibi- (919)Identity Apparel, 272-5627 Hitch- Moser Top Spin T/M...... $299,000 (865) 742-1394 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 tors," she said. "They are only Hiker Manufacturing, Owen Len Soled renting 'onesies'Billy but they areClark Trailers, -Schantz (863) Manufac - 738-1689 MAY new and that is good." Winter [email protected] Quarters Now Open! One of those first-time ex- Rides-4-U, Inc. Winter Quarters Now Open! Zierer Wave Swinger T/M...... hibitors is Gosetto, manufac- help grow your business? (570)(843) 854-1387 362-0022 TFN turer of rides, dark rides and (908) 526-8009 (843) 362-0022 TFN ...... $399,000

Spin out T/M (Huss) ...... $299,000

Dated material. material. Dated

RUSH! SBF/Visa Super Truck T/M...... $29,000 SeRVIceS

LOOPINGLOOPING COASTERCOASTER Eclipse -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000 Mailed Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 25, Jan. Monday, Mailed

PLEASE

NEWSPAPER Twister/ Maverick (Moser) ...... $599,000 POSTMASTER: PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT

FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT. Fabbri Kamikaze T/M...... $239,000

PAID US POSTAGE US Sky Master -ARM T/M ...... $179,000 J&D Carnival Services offering ser-

eQUIpMenT WanTed eQUILaunchSTD pMPRSRT LoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterTed Drop Tower T/M (ARM) ...... $299,000 Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel vices to you for a low, low price. ArrowArrow Dynamics Dynamics all steelsteel with with DropRio Grande Tower -ARM(Zamperla) T/M ...... $399,000 ...... $19,000 $410,000 - Completely rebuilt July SLIDES SLIDES G-ForceG-Force 4, 56’ high xx 635’635’ longlong RioCrazy Grande- Dance Zamperla (Fabbri) ...... $325,000 T/M ...... $19,000 2009. All eight motors and gearboxes We offerYOU the following services: BETCHA! Wanted used 90+ft. slides, Built in1977, 1977, Excellent excellent condition condition in are made to 100% / over 6,000 new •Ride setup portability not needed. Wanted used 90+ft. slides, Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic) ....$224,000 Indiana.Indiana. $200,000$15,000 Chaos -ChanceCall T/MLen ...... $99,000 or John LED lights, new2016 electrical wiring, new •RideFAMILY tear down portability not needed. •Ride painting FUNHOUSES ForFor photos photos and details: ScooterCrazy Bus 1400 T/M -Majestic (Zamperla) T/M ...... $99,000 ...... $109,000 PIC drive. All updates. Ask us how you can tap into over (908) 526-8009 MEDIA PLANNER ROLLER•Ride washing Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, [email protected]@vestil.comFUNHOUSES Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 Crazy BusFAX: -Zamperla (908) T/M 526-4535 ...... $99,000 Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 •Ride repair work mobility not necessary 22 Other Rides Drop Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000 Nowor e-mail [email protected]! •ConcessionCOASTER250 million cleaning potential customers. Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used “Carnival Funhouses”, Tornado -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000 Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 •Concession work mobilityAngola, not Indiananecessary Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 and much, much more. TFN Orient Express -Wisdom ...... $139,000 Manufacturer: Zierer Traffic Jam T/M (SBF) ...... $219,000 TO SIGN UP FOR affinitymm.com/twitterbook Contact Sunny 612 332-5600 TurboOPPORTUNITY Force -Zamperla T/M ...... $199,000 THIS2 Bob FREE Space NEWS Racers SERVICE WeWe will travel travel the the East East Coast. Coast. Our Our Vertical Water Race Games Height: 55 feet TFN 1989 Orbiter T/M ...... $205,000 GO TO WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM office hourshours areare M-FM-F 88 a.m.a.m - 5 p.m., BINGO / BEANO GAMES FOR SALE Americana Carousel 28’ ...... $199,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models GroundSaturday Space: 9 a.m. 215'x170'- noon. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. Traffic Jam -SBF T/M ...... $219,000 PublicationTrack Length: & Ad 1,279Design feet Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM 1. SKEE BALLS CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring - Priced to Sell! StorageDanielle. OrTrack: call our 39 cell feet at 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/M (Fabbri) ...... $149,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMGreat price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design Communications Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Scrambler Tug T/M -Eli (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM(718) 614-0597 2 trains w/ eight 2-passenger cars (978) 375-2542 4. SPORTS ARENAS TV- total& Radio of 16 people each train www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragon 806- (Sellner) Moser ...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM [email protected] 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM WhateverCapacity Your of Project 800 pph Calls For KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 (817) 564-3843 JUN 6. POOL TABLES Experienced MaintenanceAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale: WaterslideTechnician molds from AMUSEMENT TODAY 7. VIDEO GAMES Chain lift system with magnetic For Sale: 1987 Huss Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputable company. Four complete inductionCLASSIFIEDS brakes and pneumatic Call Len or John systems ready for production with Great Condition. Offering full time position for experienced YOURoperated USED release system.RIDE claSSIFIed QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS Call(908) Len 526-8009 or John two additional systems available. Tower rehabbed in 2004. maintenance(908) 526-8009 tech at a growing parkclaSSIFIed in Myrtle Beach, MARKETPLACE P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] deadlIneS Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX:SC. (908)Tech 526-4535will work with a team to perform daily For pricing, please call mid-sizedpark. deadlIneS MAY Len Soled at Rides 4 U Ride is operating and available safety inspections, preventative maintenance, annual AMUSEMENT TODAY’S (908) 526-8009 Classified pages close the 10th of October 1st. maintenance, and ride repair.AMUSEMENT Amusement TODAY’S ride month prior to the issue date. Location - Eastern USA. experience is required. Skill withClassified hydraulic, pages close pneumatic, the 10th of Rates: electrical, drive systems, monthetc. is prior beneficial. to the issue date. • Rates: •Regular classified ad– 99-year-old Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer $20 minimum up to 30 words; organ. Located in USA. Major rehab •Regular classified ad– $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available Send resumes to: [email protected]$20 minimum up to 30 words; •Display classified ad –$50 September 2009. $1 per additional word. per column inch. A 1-point •Display classified ad –$50 Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, rule will appear around ad. per column inch. A 1-point 2 chariots. www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and rule will appear around ad. reverses also are available on Available through International Ride •Company logos, screens and display ads upon request. Management reverses also are available on display ads upon request. Call (609)SUBSCRIBE 920-0252 or (609) TODAY 827-1316 RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEAR STAY INFORMED AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE GAMES FOR SALE LOOPING COASTER MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com 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 May 2016 AMUSEMENT TODAY 59