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SPOTLIGHT: Aquatopia indoor arrives Pages 11-15

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July 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 4 www.amusementtoday.com opens DC Comics-themed dark rides at Texas, Missouri parks Sally, Oceaneering, Alterface and Pure Imagination Studios brought together to create new interactive attractions AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected] Nine days later, a nearly Cyborg, the youngest member identical attraction opened at of the , informs ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags St. Louis. guests that and the On, Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Six "We are excited to partner have teamed up to take Flags Over Texas previewed with the popular DC Comics control of Metropolis. The Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn its newest attraction, Justice characters to bring this level of Justice League is in need of Carter visited DelGrosso's in Tipton, League: Battle for Metropolis, unmatched, interactive thrills volunteers to join the reserve Pa. on Memorial Day. Shown here in front of the park's to the media, contest winners to our guests this season,” said team and help rescue Super historic Herschell-Spillman are from left: Fred and local park enthusiasts. Park President Steve Martin- Girl, The and Green Lan- DelGrosso (one of the owners of DelGrosso’s Amusement This world-class attraction dale. “Justice League: Battle tern who have already been Park); First Lady Rosalynn Carter; President Jimmy Carter combines state of the art mo- for Metropolis is like no oth- captured. Intel suggests they and Carl Crider, Jr., DelGrosso’s park president. tion vehicles, 3-D imaging, er ride we’ve ever built. The are being held at LexCorp's COURTESY DELGROSSO'S targeting technology and ani- technology is second to none headquarters and the plan is matronics to give thrill seek- and guests will be fully im- to break in and rescue them. Former President Jimmy Carter and ers the opportunity to help the mersed in the action from start As Justice League reserve First Lady Rosalynn visit DelGrosso’s Justice League save Metropo- to finish.” team members, riders travel lis. Upon entering the queue, in sleek six-passenger custom TIPTON, Pa. — Former President Jimmy Carter and First designed, motion-based vehi- Lady Rosalynn, along with members of their family, visited cles and engage in a full-sen- DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in Tipton on Memorial Day — sory battle, complete with 4D May 25, 2015. effects of fire, cannon blasts, The President was in the region to spend time over the and explosions all while expe- Memorial Day Weekend at Spruce Creek, one of his favorite riencing hairpin, 360-degree fishing spots. During their stay in nearby Warriors Mark, the turns. couple and their family paid a visit to Tipton, taking in the Riders use interactive la- sights, sounds and flavors of DelGrosso’s Amusement Park. ser blasters and attempt to Owner Fred DelGrosso and his wife Cathy, who have known extinguish the 600 virtual the former President and First Lady for several years, invited and tangible targets featured the Carters to tour their family’s amusement park. throughout the attraction, in- As part of the tour, the Carters enjoyed the Marvelous cluding a life-like villain ani- Mutts Dog Show, took in the beauty of the historic Herschell- matronic, robotic henchmen, Spillman Carousel, and checked out the newest park ride for helicopters, a hologram and 2015, The Rock Star. No trip to the park would be complete an interactive fog screen. The without a stop at La Famiglia Gift Shop and, of course, taste realistic features take the ride testing some of DelGrosso’s famous amusement park food. gaming experience to an un- Fred DelGrosso remarked that, though numerous gov- Six Flags' new Justice League: Battle for Metropolis dark precedented level. ernment officials, including U.S. Senators have visited Del- rides feature both 3-D interactive target imaging and lifelike The Texas ride, with a Grosso’s over the years, the stopover by the Carter family animatronics, as seen here with The Joker, to further engage cycle time of 3 minutes, 20 was the first ever Presidential visit to the park. “We are hon- the riders into the storyline. The rides opened in May at Six seconds, features 17 screens, ored to have Tipton receive such distinguished guest,” he Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis 4See SIX FLAGS, page 4 said. “And it was a lot of fun too.” COURTESY SIX FLAGS Dated material. material. Dated SUBSCRIBE TODAY! NEWSPAPER

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OPINION: Tim Baldwin, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Where credit is due I’m a big fan of attention to detail. When it particularly exudes creativity, I am even more taken by such character. People who know me well know of my art education background. Because of such training, I am quick to notice imaginative touches on new attractions. While most properties can only Baldwin envy the mega-budgets for theming found in parks of the Orlando ilk — and those parks are indeed fortunate — big bucks aren’t always the necessity when it comes to theming. Creativity doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be…well, creative. A case in point is ’s new ScreamPunk District. With a makeover of marvelous proportions on their Colossus wooden coaster (see story, page 22), the entire area received a fresh facelift. Steampunk décor has become somewhat of a popular style in recent years. With Magic Mountain’s floorless B&M coaster, , sitting adjacent to the new , the entire area has received a retro steampunk theme, cleverly titled the ScreamPunk District. Thematic touches are everywhere. During the media preview, I watched one of the park’s INDUSTRY OPINION: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] maintenance personnel add gold and copper touches to pipes spread throughout the loading platform. Copper knob The race is over wheels were added, for no other purpose than to look cool. shocked guests and coast- , the coaster is running the fast- And they do. I had to admit I was whimsically mesmerized er fans on Memorial Day weekend when est and smoothest it has since opening in by the simplicity of using the most basic of items and turning it announced the imminent closing of its 1976. largest wooden , Thunder It’s difficult for me to be objective them into fascinating accents. Road. And they weren’t waiting until the about this decision since Carowinds has Even more so, the area is adorned with all sorts of end of the 2015 season. Instead, the been my home park for most of my life, steampunk gadgets, mostly of which the park would have popular ride would be shut down during and I’ve been enjoying Thunder Road each considered sheer junk. A large washing machine from an old the height of a busy summer, taking its last of its 39 seasons. While wooden coasters wardrobe department is now futuristic cool. An old tractor passengers on July 26. did see a resurgence in popularity during This news is especially puzzling for Rutherford the period when Thunder Road was built, now looks like something straight out of Jules Verne. Pipes a number of reasons. It’s known that a that tide is now beginning to ebb. Some and wheels and gadgets of all kinds have given a long- major expansion of the water park will soon spill wooden coasters are being transformed into steel- neglected part of the park a whole new flavor. It carries on over into a little-used section of the south parking tracked hybrids while others are simply discarded. into a new sandwich shop, the exterior of the area’s theater, lot. But this hardly justifies obliterating one of the It seems the traditional wooden coaster is once and reflects the charm of street performers. Six Flags Magic park’s most beloved attractions. Carowinds’ sister more becoming an endangered species. Thankfully, parks (Canada’s Wonderland and ) wise operators of parks like , Knoebels, Mountain is quick to give credit to Maintenance Director expanded their water parks and BOTH elected to Holiday World, and others recognize the Tim Dofflow for his savvy handiwork. build walkways through structures of neighboring historic value of traditional wooden coasters. These The takeaway from this is a brilliant use of resources. wooden coasters, allowing guest easy access to the few places may hold the future’s last pure examples Virtually every park has a bone yard. So how can a creative new areas. of this classic art form. mind utilize such random leftovers? A thematic prop in a And it’s not as if Thunder Road is in disrepair. In If Carowinds’ owner Cedar ignores vocif- ? A Halloween setting? A clever thematic twist to fact, it’s the exact opposite: the park was in the last erous guest protest over the loss of this ride and stages of an expensive multi-year plan that saw the doesn’t reconsider, Thunder Road will close just a bring new life to an older attraction? The possibilities are majority of the ride’s structure and track completely few months short of its 40th anniversary. The race vast. rebuilt. Aside from a few small hills just before the will be over and there will be no winners.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Tim Baldwin 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] $50.00 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Dean Lamannna • (310) 795-2734 Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 [email protected] Website Maintenance and its related web sites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] Stacey Childress Trademarked 2015 by Amusement Today Inc., Scott Rutherford • (704) 497-4557 [email protected] all rights reserved. Advertising [email protected] Sue Nichols • (615) 662-0252 Association Memberships Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 AIMS International, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/iROC, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, PACE, TTIA, WWA Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Special Projects & Editorial Phone: (817) 460-7220 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 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, B. Derek Shaw, Morgan's Wonderland, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Janice Witherow National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH MINUTE IN HISTORY Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum DRILL COMPILED: Richard Munch 2 COMPILED: Janice Witherow Rich Kaman, Kaman's Art Shoppes, Inc. •1907: Thirty five acres of ’s was laid Rich Kaman is the execu- waste after a major fire decimated on July tive vice president of Ka- 28. The fourth Coney Island fire in 10 years, the great park man’s Art Shoppes, Inc., with its popular amusement zone took the brunt of the dam- the largest amusement age, although almost seven blocks of flimsy buildings and busi- and theme park conces- nesses also suffered major losses. The $1.5 million dollar fire sionaire in the United began in the Cave of the Winds, destroying the scenic railway, States. The company the Razzle Dazzle, the show buildings, the dance pavilion and provides souvenirs such several small hotels. For a time the flames threatened nearby as personalized art and and Dreamland, and scores of smaller places which photos, candy and spe- fringe the water's edge for a mile. Days later, George C. Tilyou cialty midway products would promise a "Grander Than Ever" restoration, which would like face painting, hair come in the guise of a fireproof constructed indoor pavilion the wraps and Henna tat- following summer. toos. Rich is a hands-on owner with a solid back- •1916: The Los Angeles Times reported on July 2 that con- ground in setting up new Rich Kaman with his wife, Tricia. struction of the Great Looff Pier in Santa Monica, California operations. His wealth was being rushed to completion. It had already reached 500 of experience, dedication feet seaward with the first buildings nearing completion. Ar- to his craft and personal Favorite reality TV show: thur Looff had purchased land just south of the 1909 Santa approach to doing business has made him I really don’t watch reality TV! a success in the amusement industry. Rich Monica Municipal Pier and started construction of the first has a love of family and of his home state On my lunch hour, I typically spend amusement pier on north beach, eventually reaching 900 feet of Ohio. time… into the ocean. In addition, construction of the new Blue Streak Actually, I don’t usually take a lunch hour. roller coaster over the ocean began on June 12, under Title: Looff’s supervision. Looff informed the Times that workmen Executive Vice President. Margaritas… on the rocks or frozen? were laboring in shifts driving piles into the floor of the Pacific On the rocks! for the new pier as fast as was humanly possible. Number of years in the industry: Favorite flavor of ice cream: •1954: George A. Hamid, director and past president of the 50 years! Rocky Road. National Association of Amusement Parks Pools and Beach- es would write an article ‘How Safe are our Amusement Parks‘ Best thing about the Kaman The last time I wore a tuxedo was… for the July 18 Washington Post American Weekly. He wrote industry: In 2010 at an awards dinner. that coast-to-coast, park safety was a problem that was wor- By far, the people I get the opportunity to rying many parents. His article would go on to say: “One big work with. McDonald’s or Burger King: bothers many of the parents that I meet. They ask I’d have to say McDonald’s. if the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, where we entertain about Favorite amusement park ride: 2,000,000 customers each year, is safe for my children. I get the Magnum XL-200 roller coaster at Cedar Best buzz word: same question in my offices atWhite City Park in Worcester, Point. I hate buzz words! Massachusetts, and at the New Jersey State Fair. They say, "Mr. Hamid, how safe is my kid in these amusement places?"” If I wasn’t working in the amusement When I want to unwind, I… He responded positively based on statistics comparing parks industry, I would be… Go to a sand bar and have a cold one. to other forms of entertainment. In 1965, Newsweek magazine Supervising in the medical equipment busi- would credit Hamid as one of America’s great entrepreneurs in ness. You live in Ohio — what should everyone outdoor entertainment. know about your home state? Biggest challenge facing our industry: Our lake and islands are a great secret. The government increasing the minimum •1962: It is suggested that early roller coaster riding marathon- wage. Growing up, I wanted to be… ing began as radio station promotions. Two radio disc jockeys A professional baseball player. took 283 consecutive roller coaster rides for charity at Con- The thing I like most about the amuse- neaut Lake Park, near Meadville, Pennsylvania. On the morn- ment park season is… My next vacation will be to ... ing of Saturday July 28, Brian Emory and Dick Lepley began The challenges of opening each and every Hawaii. riding the Blue Streak roller coaster. They rode for 14 hours year. and 15 minutes, collecting over $900 for their charity. Unfor- The one song that often gets stuck in my tunately their attempt for a record in roller coaster rides could Favorite sports team: head is… not match the 303 rides taken in a row by another disc jockey The Cleveland Browns. “Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen. in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Dream car: On Sunday mornings, you can find me… 1966: With Brooklyn, New York’s Steeplechase Park sold by BMW! At church. the George Tilyou's daughter Marie the year before, a devel- opment company proposed a 160-foot high Pleasure Dome Three things on my summer “to do” list Pick one: shooting hoops with LeBron for Coney Island. The multimillion-dollar scheme for the rede- are… James or tossing a football with Johnny velopment of the amusement district with a climate controlled Spend time with my new granddaughter; Manziel? dome was announced in mid-July. The proposed facility would more time at Bay Point Beach (a beautiful Shooting hoops with LeBron, of course! create a year-round recreational center, a convention hall, park- area on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio) ing facilities, new shops and housing. Like most of the more and to visit my daughter in Philadelphia. Worst outdoor chore: elaborate developments in Coney Island, this project never got Cleaning the gutters. further than the newspaper announcement. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

SIX FLAGS opened with the park in 1971. Continued from page 1 Six Flags Mexico debuts Operating since 2002, the including five that are more 12-year-old Scooby ride was ’s ninth StarFlyer than 30 feet wide. Also in- due for a refurbishment or cluded is the world’s first replacement, but parkgoers MEXICO CITY — Six Flags Mexico recently became interactive fog screen com- still voiced their disappoint- home to the ninth unit of Funtime’s popular StarFlyer tower plete with interactive targets. ment with the decision to series when it opened earlier this spring. Sporting Guests shoot at the targets as close the ride. It was also right a bright red, silver and blue color scheme, the SkyScreamer is they approach, then ride right venture that ran through the in the middle of the park’s DC the newest thrill ride at Six Flags Mexico, adding yet another through the screen. Reserve 1998 season. Renamed, Ad- comics section, making it the exciting beacon to the park’s impressive skyline. And top- team members can fire their venture Theater, various mov- perfect location for a Justice ping out at 242 feet, it is now the park’s tallest attraction. lasers up to 20 times per sec- ies had been shown through- League attraction. During the As the first StarFlyer that the Austrian company has built ond, and each laser in the ve- out the years, including some IAAPA expo, Park President south of the border, SkyScreamer marks yet another success- hicle is a different color. When specific to holiday seasons Dave Roemer told AT he was ful project with Six Flags. Hannes Lackner, Funtime’s lead a target is hit, it takes only 5 such as Halloween and Christ- public enemy number one in engineer, said that working with the Six Flags team continues milliseconds for the computer mas. The theater closed at the St. Louis. Hopefully the daz- to be a good experience. “We brought in some of our team to generate an on-screen reac- end of the 2010 season and zling new Justice League will members and they worked with park staff and local contrac- tion. The final sequences have remained idle. In order to ac- have thrill seekers becoming tors. The ride was up and running before their popular Easter team members chasing the commodate the new Justice more accepting of the loss of villains through a virtual loop League ride, an addition was the former Scooby Doo attrac- season and has been a great hit with guests.” then into a tunnel added to the back and side tion. The 32-seat StarFlyer can be seen for miles, especially af- complete with moving . of the building, with portions Six Flags collaborated ter sunset. Thirty three LED spotlights illuminate the tower In the end, the Justice League extending over the retention with the most innovative so it can be seen at night while 32 flashing LEDs under the prevails, the henchman are pond that holds water for minds in the industry to bring seats make the ride appears as a descending UFO. The Sky- captured and team members . this thrilling attraction to life. Screamer has been extremely popular with park-goers and are thanked for their assis- At Six Flags St. Louis, , an industry provides Six Flags Mexico with a new marketing icon. tance before being returned to Justice League replaced an leader in dark rides, designed Maryland-based Ride Entertainment Group (REG) rep- the loading platform. already popular Sally Corpo- the complete experience in- resents Funtime. “We continue to have a great working re- Both rides replaced previ- ration interactive dark ride, cluding story development, lationship with Six Flags and this park in particular,” said ous attractions at their respec- Scooby-Doo! Ghostblasters: scenery and life-like anima- Adam Sandy, REG’s chief business development officer. “In tive parks. In the case of Six The Mystery of the Scary tronics that guests encoun- 2013 we opened a 60-meter Slingshot at the park, and this Flags Over Texas, the building Swamp. That attraction was ter throughout the ride. John year it was the StarFlyer. We can’t wait to see what’s next.” had housed an Iwerks motion the fourth incarnation of the Wood of Sally Corporation simulator that opened in 1995 original Arrow-float through told AT, “We’ve been talking as The Right Stuff: Mach 1 Ad- ride, Injun Joe's Cave, which 4See SIX FLAGS, page 5

Six Flags Mexico recently became home to the ninth unit of Funtime’s popular StarFlyer tower swing ride. Dubbed SkyScreamer, the new tower tops out at 242 feet making it the park’s tall- est attraction. The 32-seat SkyScreamer can be seen for miles, especially after sunset thanks to 33 LED spotlights that illuminate the tower along with 32 flashing LEDs under the seats. COURTESY RIDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

SIX FLAGS freedom vehicles that trans- Continued from page 4 port guests through all the with Six Flags for a number of exciting twists and turns. years about a new dark ride. Oceaneering, founded in 1964, They challenged us years ago is famous for its robotics and to come up with something deep-water exploration ve- that would challenge their hicles. The entertainment di- family market as well as the vision made use of underwa- teenage market and I think we ter robotics technology with hit the ball out of the park.” the original Jaws attraction at At St. Louis, Sally was no Universal Studios in stranger to the location of the 1990. When asked about the project, having designed and ride vehicles for this attrac- built the Scooby Doo ride. The tion, Bill Bunding, director of new ride system, however, business development said, no longer used the old Arrow “This vehicle was developed float-through system, so the specifically for this type of at- channels had to be filled in. traction. It was developed to Wood told AT the channel was help Sally’s storytelling and filled with concrete, and they to lay down the groundwork also had to replace the entire around which all the special electrical system, as some of effects can all work.” those systems went back 44 Following the media pre- Riders on Justice League: years. view, Battle for Metropolis use Pure Imagination Studios, gold season pass holders got interactive laser blasters known for its computer gener- an exclusive sneak peek of the (shown here in both images) ated imagery, created the 3D new ride on May 21 and all in an attempt to extinguish graphics and film. Alterface, season pass holders got ad- the 600 virtual and tangible renowned for its work in site- vanced exclusive ride time on targets featured throughout based interactive game play, May 22. Justice League: Battle the attraction. The dark ride headed up the interactive for Metropolis opened to all features sleek six-passen- gaming elements. park guests on May 23. The St. ger vehicles with onboard Oceaneering Entertain- Louis version had similar me- computers providing instant ment Systems designed the dia and guest preview days, scoring summaries. first-of-its-kind, fully pro- opening to all park guests on COURTESY SIX FLAGS grammable, multi-degree-of- May 30. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 INTERNATIONAL Madame Tussauds London debuts exhibit — Page 8 / Kingdom Resort adds waterplay — Page 9 Red Arrows Skyforce swoops into Blackpool Pleasure Beach

AT: Andrew Mellor knuckle ride takes ‘pilots’ [email protected] on a 360-degree tour of the BLACKPOOL, England skies in a spinning, swirling — The Red Arrows were the experience, much of which stars of the show in May at they control themselves Blackpool Pleasure Beach through the use of a joystick (BPB) alongside the lat- in each hand. They experi- est thrill ride to open at the ence in excess of 3G and after park, the Red Arrows Sky- touching down at the end of force. the "flight" guests can visit The new ride was offi- a dedicated shop featuring cially launched in late May exclusive merchandise and and the opening coincided souvenirs designed for BPB. with a display by the world The £2 million ($3.5 mil- famous Royal Air Force lion) attraction is unique in Aerobatic Team, the Red Ar- the U.K. and represents a rows. Well-known for their unique partnership between amazing air displays, the the Red Arrows and BPB. pride of the Royal Air Force Deputy Managing Director is now represented at BPB of the Pleasure Beach, Nick in a unique partnership in Thompson, said: “Skyforce which riders take control of is a unique ride and a first individual planes to spin, for the U.K. which we are glide and take formation in certain will be a big hit for their very own display. all our guests. The Red Ar- On Skyforce, Blackpool Pleasure Beach's new-for-2015 ride, a variety of actions - including Supplied by German rows give their audiences a formation flying - are possible, making it a true thrillseeker's must-do adventure. Below left, ride manufacturer Gerst- thrill across the globe and riders operate the action of their individual planes through the use of two joysticks at either lauer (the attraction is one we are sure the new ride will side. The ride is a nicely themed version of the popular Sky Flyer. of the company’s Sky Flyer give our guests a big thrill!” COURTESY BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH rides) and fully branded in The Red Arrows are Red Arrows livery, Red Ar- ambassadors for the United rows Skyforce is situated in Kingdom and showcase the the shadow of the Big One excellence of the Royal Air roller coaster. It also fea- Force. The team consists of tures its own "control tower" nine display pilots and 110 where novice pilots will be support staff. Based at RAF prepared for take-off before Scampton in Lincolnshire stepping into their cockpit. and flying Hawk jets, 2014 Standing 72 feet (22 me- was the team’s 50th display ters) high, the 12-seat white season. 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS opens ABC Kids World GOLD COAST, Australia – In a landmark collaboration with Australia’s public broadcaster, Dreamworld opened in June 2015, ABC Kids World. Growing on the successful 10-year partnership with since 2005, Dreamworld has extended the footprint of their world for children to incorporate several new television icons from ABC Kids. Inspired by and designed in collaboration with the popular chil- dren’s brand, ABC Kids World is every child’s fantasy-come-reality where their characters will come to life in an interactive and colorful world of fun, rides and games. ABC Kids World is the only one of its kind in the world, complementing existing Wiggles World attrac- tions with rides, playgrounds and characters from Giggle and Hoot, Play School and Bananas in Pyjamas. Craig Davidson, CEO of Dreamworld said: “Dreamworld is an iconic trusted brand within the Australian community, as is the ABC Kids brand. We offer a great opportunity in this new partnership globally through our strong presence internation- ally both as children’s content and a major tourist destination, Visitors at Mademe Tussauds London's new Star Wars experience can recreate the famous 'I the perfect partnership. am your father' scene with Darth Vader. COURTESY MADAM TUSSAUDS LONDON “With ABC Kids World we are offering even more worlds for families, extending on our success with Wiggles World as well as Dreamworld’s existing attractions of DreamWorks Ex- Madame Tussauds London perience, legendary family and thrill rides, animals, and water slides.” debuts new Star Wars exhibit Robert Patterson, director, ABC Commercial said “We are de- AT: Andrew Mellor ists, colorists, set designers favorite characters in a to- lighted to partner with Australia’s Dreamworld, to be able to bring [email protected] and prop makers more than tally new and exciting way.” the ABC Kids brand to life and extend the experience to the audi- a year to create the experi- A variety of scenes have ence. Our ABC Kids is a much loved brand for almost 30 years and LONDON, England — ence — everyone wanted to been recreated, among them has entertained generations across the country.” Madame Tussauds London make it as authentic as pos- the famous moment when

has opened a major new sible. Darth Vader reveals he is First Shanghai Disney Resort tenants announced attraction in the shape of a “We were given rare ac- Luke Skywalker’s father. SHANGHAI, China — While construction continues on new Star Wars experience. cess to the Star Wars archives The figures alone cost- ap Shanghai Disney Resort, the resort recently announced the Fans of the iconic films at Skywalker Ranch in Cali- proximately £2.5 million names of the first tenants for its shopping, dining and- enter can now get up close and fornia, which was invalu- (U.S. $3.8 million) to create. tainment district, Disneytown. The tenants include well-known personal with all their fa- able, and the artistic team Entry to Star Wars at and trusted local and international brands including renowned vorite characters in 11 at- poured over stills and foot- Madame Tussauds London restaurants Shanghai Min, Crystal Jade, and The Cheesecake mospheric scenes covering age day and night to ensure is included in the admis- Factory operated by Hong Kong Maxim's Group, as well as a galaxy of locations such the likenesses of our wax sion price. A similar but various retail options including stores under I.T. Group, Bape as the swamps of Dagobah, stars are spot on and the sets smaller scale experience Store, and a Lego brand retail store. Other exciting high-profile Jabba the ’s Throne as reminiscent of the actual has also opened at Madame brands including Food Republic, Coconut Paradise, The Din- Room and the flight deck of film scenes as possible. We Tussauds Berlin, featuring ing Room, Hatsune, Blue Frog, Xin Wang Restaurant, Bread- the Millennium Falcon, and hope people will become some of the same Star Wars Talk, Toast Box, and Chow Tai Fook will also be the first of sev- featuring a cast of legendary immersed in the Star Wars characters, but in different eral dozen tenants that will work closely with Shanghai Disney characters recreated as life- story and interact with their specially recreated scenes. Resort to offer world-class shopping and dining options. like wax figures. Shanghai Disney Resort's Disneytown will initially be com- Officially opened in prised of a 46,000 square meter pedestrian-access area and will May, the new experience be located next door to Shanghai , and within walk- represents a significant ing distance from both Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy expansion of the world- Story Hotel. When the resort celebrates its grand opening in famous attraction and has spring of 2016, Disneytown will feature nearly 50 tenants. been created in close col- laboration with Disney and 360 Play FEC announced for Basildon, U.K. Lucas Film. The attention to BASILDON, U.K. — Following the success of its three ex- detail synonymous with all isting venues in Milton Keynes, Stevenage and Leicester in the the wax figures produced U.K., DP Leisure (DPL), operator of the 360 Play children’s by Madame Tussauds over entertainment center brand, has announced that it is to open a the years continues to as- fourth U.K. site later this year, in Basildon, Essex. tound and amaze in the ven- Now firmly established as a leading brand name within the ue’s latest exhibit with fans U.K.’s children’s entertainment center sector, the newest 360 hugely impressed by what Play site will be located at Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park, has been created. Above, the flight deck of the located just a short distance from Basildon town center. The “We are delighted, and I Millennium Falcon with Chew- mixed use site is currently home to a wide variety of other lei- have to confess relieved, by bacca is one of the many Star sure businesses, including Empire Cinema, Hollywood Bowl, fans’ reactions today,” said Wars scenes recreated at Fitness First, Festival Wakeboard Park and a host of restaurants, Madame Tussauds Lon- Madame Tussauds London. and the 360 Play center will add further diversity to the mix. don’s general manager Ben Right, the Tatooine landscape “We are thrilled to announce the planned opening of our Sweet at the opening. “The with C-3PO and R2-D2 are fourth 360 Play centre in the U.K.,” said Managing Director Star Wars films are so loved, recreated for guest Duncan Phillips, “and are delighted to have secured a site on and fans so passionate, it photo opportunities. what is a very popular leisure destination in Basildon with a was a huge responsibility COURTESY MADAM significant catchment area.” to get this right. It has taken TUSSAUDS LONDON over 180 sculptors, hair art- July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 Arihant installs water play system at Kingdom Resort PILANESBERG, South theme, the play system fea- Africa — Arihant Industrial tures multiple slides in differ- Corporation Ltd., India’s larg- ent colors, all originating from est manufacturer and supplier different levels to provide of waterpark equipment, has thrills for both adults and chil- installed a new water based at- dren. All are manufactured us- traction at the Kingdom Resort ing the latest RTM technology. in South Africa. The attraction also of- Situated next to the Pilanes- fers numerous sprinklers, berg National Park, close to rain showers, water jets and some of the most spectacular a huge elephant head tilting landscapes in South Africa, bucket to soak participants and a short distance from the which is proving particularly internationally renowned Sun popular with younger visitors. City complex, Kingdom Resort A combination of attractive, provides a range of accommo- multi-colored structures and dations from hotel style suites slides, the animal characters to four bedroom luxury self- and overall theming provide a catering villas, in addition to a jungle-like atmosphere to the host of entertainment facilities attraction which has proved a such as a children’s play area, hit with guests from the out- adventure golf, hot air balloon set and has attracted visitors rides, a spa, mountain biking from various locations around and numerous sporting activi- the resort, the response from ties. Among the most recently whom has been very positive Among Arihant’s latest added facilities is the new according to Arihant. installations is a six platform Splash Kingdom waterpark The company has deliv- water activity play system which was officially opened ered more than 375 projects at the Kingdom Resort in last December and features, across the globe during the South Africa. The new water among other attractions, a six past 33 years and currently has activity attraction caters to platform water activity play developments installed in 46 all ages. system designed, supplied and countries. COURTESY ARIHANT installed by Arihant. —Andrew Mellor INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION Incorporating a jungle 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 WATER PARKS & RESORTS  Resort adding another gate in 2017, water park — Page 17 Aquatopia indoor water park, hotel arrive at Camelback Resort AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] replied, “About a year ago in features the popular Aqua- a marketing/branding meet- Launch start capsule. TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — ing we were discussing what •Skydive Plummet — “Life is either a great adven- to name what we feel is the High G looping, flattened fig- ture or nothing at all.” Helen world’s finest indoor water ure eight water slide also with Keller once said those words park and based on the Kar- AquaLaunch start capsule. and Camelback Resort is proof trite world adventure theme, •Kartrite’s Quest — this that a tremendous new adven- we thought Aquatopia would multi-level AquaPlay/edu- ture just got underway May 1. fit. It encompasses everything cational station features five That is when the new 453 suite that an indoor water park deck zones of activity and six Camelback Lodge & Aquato- could be…kind of like utopia interactive water slide tracks. pia Indoor Waterpark opened but Aquatopia.” Another first only at Aquato- to the public. This multi-story ultimate pia. This is the biggest indoor indoor water park features 13 • Play Bay — waterpark in the Northeast, slides and seven pools, with Antarctic themed children’s at 125,000 square feet. The ad- a few first time attractions. shallow pool area with sprays, joining eight story, $163 mil- Here’s a brief run-down: geysers and sprinklers. lion water park hotel is the •Bombora FlowRider — •The Lost River — This largest one ever built in a sin- guests ride the waves in this 500-foot long quick current Aquatopia's unique them- gle phase. The complex sits in Australian surf themed Boogie underground river experience ing (above) welcomes the lush mountainside, in the Board experience. is enhanced with lighting, guests upon entering under heart of the Poconos, compli- •The Great Ka-Na-Ga- sounds and water effects end- the 1.5-acre Texlon trans- menting the rest of the Cam- Wa Wavepool – features an icy ing beside a 60 foot waterfall. parent roof (right), where a elback Resort — a resort that arctic expedition motif. •Ally-Oop Lagoon — a bevy of slides (below) and has entertained many of the 22 •Venus Slyde Trap — general swim area with water attractions await. million leisure travelers who this first of its kind, 600 foot basketball. COURTESY AQUATOPIA annually flock to northeast long, enclosed family rafting •Croc-O-Nile Crossing Pennsylvania. tube features three water ex- — allows kids to walk on the “With the opening of periences in one: family raft, heads of crocodiles while try- Camelback Lodge & Aquato- sphere and Manta wall. ing to balance and cross the pia Indoor Waterpark, we now •Storm Chaser — this pools using an overhead cargo offer more year-round adven- uphill Master Blaster water net. ture in one mountain loca- coaster tube slide can accomo- •Mystic Springs — an tion than anywhere else in the date one or two riders. At 756 indoor/outdoor family warm- country,” said Arthur Berry III, feet long it is North America’s water spa with hydrotherapy co-owner of the resort. longest indoor uphill water jets. Theming is central to the coaster. Other amenities in the wa- entire Aquatopia/Camelback •The Himalayan — this ter park include cabana rent- Lodge experience. Kartrite head first mat slide racer fea- als, various food and drink Van Der Berris, a fictitious, tures multiple high concessions, including one yet legendary world explorer drops. swim up version (Flyboy’s La- brings his global journeys to •Outa Space Race — a goon), along with retail oppor- life in both the hotel and wa- high speed (feet first) aqua tunities. ter park. Actually the name tube body slide. The entire water park plays homage to resort co- •Mountain Mayhem — complex was planned, engi- line of Kartrite’s Expeditions, unique design offers a great owners Arthur Berry and Ken a serpentine giant aqua tube neered and built by Aquatic created by ADG and you have deal of natural light — wheth- Ellis. Ellis likens the character two-person slide with splash- Development Group (ADG) the makings of a very credible er day or night. It is sound to a young Indiana Jones and down landing pool. Cohoes, New York. ADG’s water park experience. transparent making for quiet- “the most interesting man in •Constrictor — this two- creative design team worked The water park sits un- er space. Also 75 percent of the the world.” “We wanted more person tube slide is a first of with The Weber Group and derneath a 1.5-acre Texlon ultra violet rays pass through sophistication in the theme, its kind in the Northeastern WhiteWater West, builders transparent roof also supplied allowing healthy plant growth real — not whimsical.” When United States. and suppliers in the waterpark by ADG — the largest install and tan capabilities as well. asked about how the name •Paradise Plunge — this industry. Couple this with the overall in any water park in Depending on the time of Aquatopia was chosen, Ellis high-speed, free fall body slide theming and interesting story North America. The roof’s 4See AQUATOPIA, page 14 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

AQUATOPIA water coaster, the Storm Chas- help keep the area looking Continued from page 11 er, that propels riders up and neat, clean and efficient, tow- down twists and turns akin to ers were constructed with ex- day the area takes on a dif- a cyclone; and the signature tensive staircases that lead to ferent feel — day or night — Venus SlydeTrap, a thrilling various slides. thanks to the special features 6-person raft ride that thrusts “The effort put into the de- of the Texlon roof materials. teams of "expedition mem- velopment of Aquatopia from The temperature throughout bers" through light shows, both WhiteWater and ADG Aquatopia is set to 84 degrees twists and turns, culminating was extremely collaborative,” year round. in a zero gravity plunge. says Geoff Chutter, Presi- Aquatopia offers some of Indoor water parks can dent and CEO of WhiteWater the most unique play experi- be very tricky, according to West. “As we brought inno- ences ever developed, includ- Claye Chamberlin, senior at- vative and exciting products ing Kartrite's Continent Quest, tractions install advisor with to the table, ADG introduced a next-generation interac- WhiteWater West (Richmond, theming and narrative to fur- This developer's rendering shows Aquatopia's clever use of tive play structure created by British Columbia, Canada) ther elevate the play experi- space in its master design. COURTESY AQUATOPIA WhiteWater West, offering an who oversaw the slide instal- ence. Every step of the way, unparalleled number of activi- lation portion of the project. ADG challenged us to take have.” The extra 40,000 square entiator between our property ties with five ride experiences “Building an indoor park is our products to the next level feet of space was created for and the other two.” from the toddler-friendly Kid- always a challenge due to the with unique colors and them- two reasons. Camelback Re- Ellis continued, “As far Lantis to the dizzying heights limited space. This install was ing, adding to the many layers sort strives to offer a guest ex- as Aquatopia itself, it’s not of the Out-N-Back Trek and no different as many of the of an intricate story that will perience second to none. Also, just the size of the water park, Silk Road Runner body slides. other trades were trying to get blow guests away. Aquatopia other Camelbeach Resort but the attention to detail in Also by WhiteWater is Amer- their work done in this tight truly redefines the indoor wa- guests can buy a ticket to enjoy the design that ADG created ica's longest indoor uphill space, said Chamberlin.” To ter park experience and we are all that Aquatopia has to offer. that really brings the theme to proud to be a part of it.” The management of the forefront. The attractions The dream has been in the Camelback Lodge and are second to none and when FAST FACTS the works since 2005 when Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark you’re inside the facility, you Barry and Ellis bought the re- is a partnership between Stand don’t know if you’re indoors Name/Location sort from the previous owner. Rock Hospitality and Camel- or out. The whole experi- Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark/ The two go way back. They back Resort. Stand Rock Hos- ence from the rides to enjoy- Tannersville, Pa. were roommates at Skidmore pitality is comprised of four ing the natural lighting to the Project Cost/Opening College, Saratoga, New York partners with a long history in authentic theming, really sets $163 million/ May 1, 2015 in the early 1980s. They al- the indoor and outdoor water Aquatopia above the rest.” ways thought that having at- park industry. They include Co-owner, Arthur Berry Complex: tractions that could operate Pete Helland Jr., Pat Helland, III also had this to say, “Cam- Hotel: 453 suites with 13 different room options, throughout the year would Tim Lucke and Tim Gantz, all elback Resort has been a place three restaurants and numerous other amenities add to the overall appeal of from the Wisconsin Dells, Wis- for friends and family to gath- Water Park: 13 water slides and seven pools in a the property. As Ken Ellis co- consin area, the “Waterpark er, near and far, for 50 years.” 125,000-square-foot area underneath a owner and also CEO of ADG Capital of the World.” Gantz Berry continued, “Count- 1.5 acre Texlon transparent roof (Aquatic Development Group) was former owner of Noah’s less adults and children have Other: 45,000-square-foot, two-level Arcadia Family said, “Being on both sides of Ark water park. Stand Rock learned to ski here and even Indoor Adventure Center, offering over 100 video, the business I wanted to create Hospitality also operates the more have experienced the interactive and ticket redemption games, ropes courses something truly unique and Wilderness Lodge, Pigeon thrill at Camelbeach Water- and rock climbing for kids and adults, mini-golf, black special.” Forge, Tenn. along with other park during the summer sea- light laser tag, bowling and more Permits for the water park projects to its credit. The hotel son. With the addition of Cam- Ownership/Management Company and hotel were actually se- side of the complex features 16 elback Lodge and the new Co-Owners: Arthur Berry III and Aquatic Development cured in 2008, however with different style suites, three sit- Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Group CEO Ken Ellis, and Stand Rock Hospitality partners the economy, the “timing down restaurants and 20,000 the best is yet to come.” Pete Helland Jr., Pat Helland, Tim Lucke and Tim Gantz was not right”, said Ellis. The feet of meeting, entertainment The completion of the ho- Management: Stand Rock Hospitality next five years were spent on and conference space. tel and water park positions Suppliers tweaking the design. With three major players Camelback as a year round Design: Aquatic Development Group (ADG) Camelback Lodge & in the Poconos (Great Wolf venue for all types of adven- Architect: Architectural Design Consultants (ADCI) Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark Lodge, Kalahari and Aquato- tures — both indoor and out. Construction: Hotel/Horizon Construction; employs 200 part-time and 400 pia), how does Aquatopia Camelback Lodge & Aquato- Water Park/Aquatic Development Group (ADG) full-time staff along with 80 stand out from the competi- pia Indoor Waterpark facility Theme Design and Build: Weber Group Inc management people to insure tion? AT asked Ellis that ques- is stunning and breathtaking Waterslides/Play Structure: WhiteWater West Industries a seamless operation. tion, “Quite honestly, it’s the in its grandeur. Even those Wave Pool/Wave Generator/Flow Rider/Filtration Also part of the complex entire Camelback Resort that words fall short to describe Equipment: Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is the Arcadia Family Indoor stands out. Camelback Lodge this magnificent place that Rafts/Tubes/Mats: Zebec, Inc. Adventure Center. This two and Aquatopia Indoor Water- has been created in the Po- Family Entertainment Center (FEC) Equipment: level 45,000 square foot facil- park is situated at the base of cono Mountains of Pennsyl- Family Entertainment Group; Ropes Course Intl. ity, offers more than 100 video, Camelback Ski Area, a true ski vania. Finally some words Children’s Equipment: Weber Group Inc.; interactive and ticket redemp- in/ski out facility. There’s an from the mythical host, Kar- International; Playtime; Bomar tion games, ropes courses and existing 20-acre outdoor wa- trite Van Der Berris, as seen Furniture: Telescope Casual Furniture rock climbing for kids and terpark, Camelbeach, as well in the hotel lobby, “I (Sir) Kar- Lockers: Best Locker adults, mini-golf, black light as CBK Mountain Adventures trite welcome you to a place Pool and/or Deck Coatings: Concrete Coverings laser tag, bowling and even adventure park along with 40 of wonder, a place of history Pumps: Grundfos CBS (Paco Pumps) an arts and crafts center. The lanes of snow tubing, which is and of endless opportunities Chemical: Sure Water Technologies; Stenner property also features a true the largest snow tubing park for adventure, relaxation and Chemical Controllers: Chemtrol ski-in/ski-out access to trails in the U.S. There are 900,000 dining. A magnificent gem of Transparent Roof System: Aquatic Dev. Group (ADG) and taverns. folks already coming to the a land where we can ski, sled, Food/Equipment: Landmark “I’m pleased with the size Camelback Resort so we feel slide, splash, float, surf, tube, Safety Consultants: Jeff Ellis & Associates of the water park,” said Ellis. our location and our state- board, coast, climb, zip and Uniforms: TrueVision He continued, “We oversized ment: “Countless Adventures, soar while building life long it to the number of rooms we One Resort” truly is the differ- memories together.” July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 Quassy to expand water park; other improvements announced NEWSSPLASH MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — Quassy Amusement & Waterpark COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert will more than double the number of waterslides at Splash Away [email protected] Bay over the next several seasons, park officials announced on June 20. In addition, the park revealed other improvements to Resorts in the leisure industry are becom- 40 miles per hour. Dive Bomber is a remodel take place in the coming years. ing increasingly savvy about the advantages of the park's former speed slide. The lakeside water park adjacent to Quassy Beach will in- of adding water park elements to their facili- • troduce eight new slides, including what will be titled Slide City ties. Even those sitting beach side realize that New this season, , the wa- for younger children, as well as three giant slides with a com- families, in particular, prefer spending time in ter park within Canada's Wonderland in bined length of more than 1,000 feet. the sun playing on aquatic offerings that have Vaughan, will be home to a ProSlide Typhoon, been specifically designed to create a safe and their thrilling new water slide featuring oscil- “We’re excited about further expanding the water park as entertaining environment. The Hotel Globales lating funnels and hairpin turns. The water it has become a venerable part of the guest experience here at Playa Estepona in Malaga, Spain, recently park also introduced Splash Station, a wet and Quassy,” Park President Eric Anderson said of the project. opened a 215,000 square-foot Splash World wild interactive children’s play area. Also, Quassy will be building a new candy shop, beach snack Waterpark designed by For guest comfort, all-new VIP Cabanas building and replacing some rides within the amusement area of of Turkey. Splash World celebrated its grand were introduced for the exclusive poolside the facility. An estimated $6 million will be reinvested into the opening in May 2015. A multi-slide complex, seat next to White Water Bay. The Splash historic lakeside park over the next five years. , Black Hole, two Space Holes and Works experience will be transformed with The new slides will be provided by ProSlide Technology, an Aquatube were installed to appeal to thrill 10-foot by 10 foot private cabanas, accommo- Inc., of Ottawa, , Canada. ProSlide was the vendor for seekers. Many of the slides feature Polin's dating up to six guests. Each cabana includes the existing seven slides at the attraction, which was first intro- Natural Light Effects (NLE) technology to cre- patio table set with four chairs; two chaise duced in 2003 as Saturation Station. ate glowing, colorful designs within the slide lounge chairs, a 32 inch flat screen TV with using natural sunlight. Younger guests will ap- satellite service, a Cabana Welcome Pack- Slide City For 2016 preciate the Slide, Mini Pirate Slide, age – including towels, sunscreen, and other The first phase of the expansion is targeted for opening in Rabbit Slide and Mushroom. Older kids can sundries; a mini-fridge stocked with bottled 2016. The Slide City project will consist of five slides adjacent to have a blast on a B6 water play structure fea- water and Food and Beverage Wait Service the Saturation Station interactive modular water play structure. turing multiple water-play elements including that lets cabana guests purchase food & bev- Two serpentine slides called Kids Twisters, a two-person ProRa- a tipping bucket, net climbs and water can- erages to be delivered to their cabana. cer, Kidz Bowl 14 and a KIDZ MiniRiver will make up the Slide nons. • City area. Four of the slides will end in shallow troughs while Guests not wanting to slide can enjoy the A surfing water park could be in the works the bowl unit will gently send riders along the wall of a circular- other water offerings including a huge wave for Austin, Texas. Little is known about NLand shaped landing prior to exiting. pool, as well as a giant L-shaped pool with a Surf Park, the company behind the project, bar and a more relaxed pool located in the ho- and specific details are sketchy, but Doug Big Slides, Huge Thrills tel's gardens. Coors, a descendent of the founder of Coors The larger slides, projected for opening in 2017, will be lo- Stratos Diamantopoulos, the resort own- Brewing Company, is listed as the founder cated in an area now occupied by picnic tables on the north side er, says, "We are the highest quality resort in and CEO. Although the location has not of the property. Spain, but we want to continually be improv- been disclosed, permits have been filed for ing and always offering our guests the most a 160-acre waterpark near Austin-Bergstrom The largest of the three giant slides will be a TantrumTwist. relaxing, fun experience for their holiday trav- International Airport. NLand says it will make The patented funnel shape flushes riders up the Tantrum walls, els. The water park attractions at Splash World use of technology from Wavegarden of oscillates each tube multiple times and generates the suspended- do exactly that. And guests have already told Spain to produce surfable waves for its park. weightlessness sensation that is unique to ProSlide funnel rides. us that the new slides have truly made their Wavegarden's website and Facebook page After dropping into the funnel, riders are swept up the visits memorable." corroborate NLands' claim by stating that wall to the equator line, which is actually perpendicular to the • Austin, Texas, will be the location of the first ground. The ride creates the illusion of going over the edge WhiteWater West collaborated closely wave park in the United States. Wavegarden is keeping even the craziest thrill enthusiasts returning for more. with The Looping Group to deliver the first currently finishing up its first public wave park Two gigantic Pipeline serpentine slides will round out the three- fusion waterslide to Switzerland. Houla Hoop at Surf Snowdonia in Wales — expected to ride attraction. The new slides will all depart from one platform combines WhiteWater's Constrictor and Rat- open in August. A private demonstration park and conclude in runoff troughs near Saturation Station. tler slides into one unique attraction. in Northern Spain is not open to the public. The project posed a unique design and • Other improvements installation challenge of fitting a large amount Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles, Cali- The existing popcorn concession near the of new fiberglass into a tangle of waterslide fornia, unveiled in May a 140-foot mural paint- will be razed to make way for a new candy shop featuring a flumes. Squeezed tightly among the existing ed by local children on a fence along the edge taffy manufacturing operation from yesteryear. waterslides, the massive and brightly colored of the park. The art piece, created by students “We have purchased a taffy puller (machine) and wrapping Houla Hoop water slide had to be carefully with the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, machine that will not only provide great candy, but are also positioned by WhiteWater’s skilled slidepath depicts sea life and summer fun. entertaining to watch,” said George Frantzis II, a park owner. designers. The team developed a detailed 3D The Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation is “The wrapping machine dates back to around 1915 and has been layout of the site and existing slides in order a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 to completely restored by an industry expert. to design the layout and support structure for enrich the lives of area youth with free classes Guests at Quassy Beach and the water park will be able to the new attraction. in the visual and performing arts in a safe nur- purchase food and beverages at Splash Away Bay Café, a new The Looping Group owns and manages turing environment. lakefront structure slated to be built within the next year or two. eight leisure parks throughout Europe in • In addition to providing food service within the water park area, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the WhiteWater West has landed one of the the café’ will feature rooftop seating on a deck overlooking Lake United Kingdom. largest water park contracts in the industry. • Quassapaug. Ground was broken May 20, 2015, on China's In May, Six Flags White Water, Marietta, Yinji Xinmi Waterpark in Henan. WhiteWater Quassy’s Safety Department will also have a second mainte- Georgia, debuted the tallest slide ever de- was chosen to provide installation, engineer- nance building as part of the park’s upgrades. signed for the park with the opening of Dive ing and design services, and will be the sole “With the addition of numerous new rides and attractions Bomber. The new 10-story attraction, from supplier of equipment. The contract is valued over the past several years it became apparent that our mainte- ProSlide, stands above everything else in the at $34 million. Scheduled to be completed in nance staff needed more room to accomplish its work, especially park and features ProSlide's SkyBox capsule/ 2016, the park will feature a multitude of water in the off-season when much of the equipment is indoors,” An- trap door rider release system. Once the trap slides along with one of WhiteWater's newest derson said of the planned structure. door opens, guests will drop into a nearly 90 attractions — a No Boundaries attraction with “We are also looking at replacing some of our older rides degree tube and reach speeds of more than an adventure trail, ropes course and zip lines. within the amusement area of the park,” he added. SPOTLIGHT:Merlin opens OrlandoPage Eye 50 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17

www.amusementtoday.com COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort will open in 2017. Activate Your Digital Edition Account TODAY! COURTESY UNIVERSAL TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. FREE when you subscribe to

June 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 3 Amusement Today’s print edition!Busch Gardens debuts Tempesto See story, page 22 ✫Visit digital.amusementtoday.comExciting times! ✫Sign-in with your username (email address) Knoebels welcomes ✫ImpulseCreate coaster a 4-digit password See story, page 24-26 Holiday World launches into its future... Having ✫View on any tablet, or smartphone!See story, page 30 a great time! SPOTLIGHT: 2015 Park Preview Pages 6-9

Volcano Bay announced for Universal Orlando TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. Mayl 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Enjoyed the flight! Knott’s Berry Farm Europa-Park opens Carowinds unleases debuts 4-D dark ride ORLANDO, Fla. —Universal Orlando the companys wants to imagine a place that 40th anniversary season Voyage to the Iron Reef AT: Tim Baldwin See story, page 36 [email protected]

RUST, Germany — Call it iPad Resort recently announced that it plans to offers radically innovative, thrilling attrac- a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made it a celebration. On March 28, Roland SPOTLIGHT: Mack, the Mack family, the 2015 mayor (burgermeister) of Rust Park Preview bring to life an entirely new water theme tions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an Pages 6-9 and special guests opened the

park with a ribbon cutting TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. amid a flurry of showering confetti, balloons, and songs May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com park experience. Dubbed Volcano Bay at inspired guest experience that will forever of celebration. The ceremony Europa-Park celebrates four decades included a welcome from co- Carowinds unveils founder Roland Mack that of success with new attractions B&M Fury 325 reflected not only on how the AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] park had changed over four RUST, Germany — Call it decades, but the European a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made Universal Orlando Resort, it will join Univer- change the perception of water parks. It will community as well. Relation- it a celebration. On March 28, Roland ships across borders back in Mack, the Mack family, the 1975 were a far cry from what mayor (burgermeister) of Rust and special guests opened the SPOTLIGHT:SPOTLIGHT: 2015 they are today. It is that in- park with a ribbon-cutting 2015 ParkPark Preview Preview amid a flurry of showering PagesPages 6-9 6-9 vigorated sense of European confetti, balloons, and songs TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. sal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of be set in a highly themed, completely immer- connectivity that has helped of celebration. The ceremony TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. included a welcome from co- Germany’s largest theme park MayMay 2015 2015 | | Vol. Vol. 19 19 • • Issue Issue 2 2 www.amusementtoday.comwww.amusementtoday.com founder Roland Mack that Europa-Park celebrates four decades reflected not only on how the Europa-Park celebrates four decades CarowindsCarowinds unveilsunveils find astounding success. The park had changed over four ofof successsuccess withwith newnew attractionsattractions AT: Tim Baldwin B&M Fury 325 AT: B&M Fury 325 decades, but the European [email protected] Baldwin mayor presented the park [email protected] RUST, Germany — Call it RUST, Germany — Call it community as well. Relation- a birthday, call it an anniversa- a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made with a special gift for its 40th: ships across borders back in ry, but Europa-Park has made it a celebration. it a celebration. On March 28, Roland 1975 were a far cry from what On March 28, Roland Mack, the Mack family, the Mack, the Mack family, the a framed site permit drawing mayor (burgermeister) of Rust they are today. It is that in- mayor (burgermeister) of Rust Adventure and become the resort’s third im- sive environment inspired by postcard-per- and special guests opened the and special guests opened the park with a ribbon-cutting vigorated sense of European park with a ribbon-cutting from when the park opened in amid a flurry of showering The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- amid a flurry of showering connectivity that has helped confetti, balloons, and songs confetti, balloons, and songs of celebration. The ceremony of celebration. The ceremony 1975. Appearing in flash mob Germany’s largest theme park included a welcome from co- ing high definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. included a welcome from co- founder Roland Mack that founder Roland Mack that find astounding success. The reflected not only on how the reflected not only on how the style, costumed entertainers, park had changed over four park had changed over four COURTESY EUROPA-PARK mayor presented the park decades, but the European decades, but the European community as well. Relation- community as well. Relation- with a special gift for its 40th: ships across borders back in as well as staff from the vari- ships across borders back in 1975 were a far cry from what a framed site permit drawing 1975 were a far cry from what they are today. It is that in- they are today. It is that in- vigorated sense of European ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomedBatman into from when the park openedarrives in The Dream Dome showcases the beautyat of Europe in a relax- vigorated sense of European connectivity that has helped connectivity that has helped mersive park. 1975. Appearing in flash mob Germany’s largest theme park fect tropical islands. Germany’s largest theme park ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. find astounding success. The New attractions find astounding success. The park and the resort got the dozens of construction proj- mayor presented the park style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK mayor presented the park with a special gift for its 40th: with a special gift for its 40th: as well as staff from the vari- a framed site permit drawing crowd clapping and energized a framed site permit drawing For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of from when the park opened in The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- from when the park opened in The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into 1975. Appearing in flash mob ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. 1975. Appearing in flash mob ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports,Six “We Flags Fiesta Texas as well as staff from the vari- as well as staff from the vari- ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- Seerunning forward. Germany’sstory, enormous expenditures page of contract 32workers on site dur- largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a place for Amusementthe 2015 season. Today new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Universal’s Volcano Bay will be located was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26 for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26 for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 PARKS, & ATTRACTIONS  's enclosed Maurer coaster debuts — Page 25 / Fairs & Attractions — Pages 34-38 , Dorney Park add , more Kings Island, located Ohio’s Coney Island to Kings in Mason, Ohio, opened for Island in 1972 – was relocated its 44th season on Saturday, to sister park Carowinds in April 18 with a pair of new 2005. family rides, Woodstock Glid- Snoopy’s Space Buggies, ers and Snoopy’s Space Bug- from , is an attrac- gies. tion designed for children to Located within Kings Is- enjoy with their parents or land’s 14-time Golden Tick- grandparents. Six four-seat et Award-winning Planet vehicles bounce up and down Snoopy kids’ area, Wood- while rotating in a circle. The stock Gliders is a classic Fly- new ride is located next door ing Scooter ride supplied by to Woodstock Gliders inside . Utiliz- . ing eight two-person gondo- Along with the two new las suspended by cables from rides, Kings Island is also of- central sweeps, riders use a fering a number of other of movable front rudder to con- additions and upgrades to trol the flight and alter their includ- experience from mild to wild. ing the largest in Kings Island recently kicked Experienced pilots can reach the Tri-State region at 3,650 off its 44th season with a heights of nearly three stories square feet. pair of new family rides, above the midway. Wood- Sixty new family mem- the Woodstock Gliders, stock Gliders brings the Fly- bers joined the park with a Larson International ing Scooter experience back to the opening of one of the re- Flying Scooter, (above) and Kings Island after an 11-year gion’s largest petting farms, Snoopy’s Space Buggies, a absence. The park’s original Snoopy’s Barnyard Friends, Zamperla Jump Around version – a classic Bisch-Roc- opened May 21, just before (above right). Also new at co model that migrated from the Memorial Day weekend. the Ohio park this summer is Snoopy’s Barnyard Friends petting , shown at right.

WOODSTOCK GLIDERS/AT, JOHN ROBINSON; OTHERS COURTESY KINGS ISLAND

Park visitors will have a section of the park across from vorites such as smoked beef chance to meet these gentle, Stinger ( Invertigo), brisket and pulled pork. socialized animals and attend this fun-filled experience is an An all season dining plan a short educational show, updated version of a classic has been introduced for sea- performed four times a day, thrill ride. As with other Fly- son passholders. This pro- learning about alpacas, min- ing Scooters added to Cedar gram will allow guests to re- iature horses, pygmy goats, Fair parks, Cedar Creek Fly- deem lunch and dinner each domestic turkeys, call ducks, ers utilizes eight, two-person time they visit Dorney Park pot belly pigs and other trea- gondolas suspended from a during the 2015 season. Each sured farm animals. central sweep. Riders control meal option will include an In Allentown, Pa., sister the action by utilizing a front entrée and side at participat- Dorney Park added this Larson International Flying Scooter park Dorney Park and Wild- rudder to catch the wind. ing locations throughout the to its ride lineup this season. Themed as Cedar Creek Flyers, Water Kingdom opened its Also new for 2015 is the park including Amore Pizza, the ride is placed near the Stinger roller coaster and adjacent 132nd season with the Cedar addition of Smokehouse Bar- Coasters, Burger Barn and the to the stream that winds its way through the center of the Creek Flyers, a Flying Scooter becue to the current Patio new Smokehouse Barbecue. park. A new Smokehouse Barbecue restuarant was added to ride also from Larson Interna- Pizza location. The new res- —Scott Rutherford the park’s food/dining mix. AT/GARY SLADE tional. Located in the lower taurant will feature BBQ fa- and Jeffrey Seifert Creating Memories & Profi tability

Intermark Ride Group • abc rides switzerland • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains www.intermarkridegroup.com Moser Rides, FreeStyler Wattman Trains abc rides, Flume TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

... & Smile lifting flights!

Hair-raising heights ... PO BOX 638 • PLAINVIEW, TEXAS 79072 • (806) 293-1353 • WWW.LARSONINTL.COM 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 WhiteWater Attractions delivers to Calaway Park Ride is first for company following acquisition of CALGARY, Alberta, new log flume will improve Canada — WhiteWater FAST FACTS the park’s water consump- Attractions recently an- Name/Park tion by retaining 95 percent nounced the opening of its Timber Falls/ of the water used to operate first log flume since acquir- Calaway Park, the ride. ing Hopkins Rides in Au- Calgary, Alberta, Canada Ever since the award- gust 2012. winning park opened its Calaway Park’s Timber Height/Length/Drops doors in 1982, Calaway Park Falls, located in Calgary, 45 feet/1,437 feet/ has built a well-deserved Alberta, takes riders on a 23 feet and 45 feet reputation for excellence journey through three in- by offering the best attrac- teractive themed buildings Ride Time/Boats/Capacity tions and strives to offer af- as they queue up to ride the 4:30/15/800 pph fordable, environmentally Timber Falls Sawmill. Rid- consciences and family-fun ers will feel the rush of two Opened entertainment for over three high velocity drops (23 and May 23, 2015 decades. 45 feet) and a zig-zag river Supplier section as they traverse the WhiteWater Attractions highly themed 1,437-foot WhiteWater Attractions Richmond, B.C., Canada long adventure. Non-riders opened its first log flume can join in the action from themed ride, not only does product since its acquisition the Timber Falls viewing it thrill our guests with high of Hopkins rides in 2012. area where spectators have velocity drops, it interacts The 45 foot tall ride opened access to two explosive wa- with them in the entertain- on May 23 at Calaway Park, ter cannons. Guests also ing, fast moving queue in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. have the opportunity to take line. Timber Falls is a game Featuring a length of 1,437 feet, Timber Falls utilizes their memories home with a changer; it aligns with the 15 boats and is expected to photo from the Timber Falls overall growth plan for the deliver a capacity photo booth. park.” of 800 pph. Calaway Park General Manufactured by White- COURTESY Manager said, “We are ex- Water Attractions with gen- WHITEWATER ATTRACTIONS cited to bring Timber Falls eral construction by Cana- to our guests. Being our first da’s Kostam Design Inc., the

A fearfully fun SPOOKtacular Event ...

2014 PARK HOURS & DATES 2014 PARK HOURSMAY & DATESJUNE APRIL T W T F S T W T F S S M T F S S M 3 4 5 6 7 S M T W 1 2 3 1 2 5 1 2 3 4 11 12 13 14 9 10 8 9 10 ® 4 5 6 7 8 CHATTANOO 8 9 10 11 12 18 19 20 21 GA - TENNESSE 6 7 16 17 15 16 17 FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTSE 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 25 26 27 28 13 14 23 24 22 23 24 6pm to 11pm - October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, & 31! 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 30 31 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 AUGUST SEPTEMBER JULY W T F S W T F S S M T F S S M T 3 4 5 6 S M T W T 1 2 1 2 5 ® 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 7 8 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 17 18 19 20 6 14 15 16 14 15 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23 24 25 26 27 13 21 22 23 21 22 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 20 24 30 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 27 28 29 Rides: 10 am - 10 pm Rides: 10 am - 10 pm Water: 11 am - 7 pm Closed OCTOBER Water: Rides: 10 am - 8 pm Rides: 10 am - 8 pm Water: 11 am - 6 pm W T F S Closed S M T Water: Rides: 12 noon - 8 pm 1 2 3 4 Rides: 12 noon - 8 pm Water: 1 pm - 6 pm Water: Closed 10 11 Rides: 12 noon - 10 pm 5 6 7 8 9 Rides: 6 pm - 11 pm Water: 1 pm - 7 pm Water: Closed 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 Rides: 12 noon - 10 pm CLOSED Water: Closed 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 Rides: 10 am - 5 pm CLOSED to Public 31 Water: Closed 26 27 28 29 30 th at 10 P.m.! isPLay JuLy 3rd & 4 ● giant fireworks d

, irtHday arks irtHday 2 P rice! BB P appyappy UNLIMITED RIDES $31.95 ow Includes gate admission, unlimited rides, 1 L HH & all-access to SoakYa Waterpark! YOUTH/SENIOR RIDE PASS $15.95 (Children ages 1 & 2; adults 55 & older) NOTE: Pricing above is available 5/24 thru 9/1 only! akeake Winnieinnie!! NOTE: Pricing below is available 4/12 thru 5/23 & 9/2 thru 9/28 only! W From I-75 North: akeview dr. Hair-Raising d. then right onto L to r to Loud sPrings LL UNLIMITED RIDES $26.00 Left onto c Includes gate admission & unlimited rides Exit 353, turn From I-75 South: Halloween Fun TICKET PACKAGE $18.00 Exit #1, bear right onto Ringgold Rd. Left at the 6th traffic light onto McBrien Rd. Includes gate admission & 14 ride tickets, all rides are 2-5 tickets each From I-24: For Ghouls & Guests YOUTH/SENIOR RIDE PASS $10.00 partpart (Children ages 1 & 2; adults 55 & older) Take I-24 East to Chattanooga, then I-75 South. Take exit #1 and bear right onto of All Ages! BBee NOTE: Pricing above is available 5/24 thru 9/1 only! Ringgold Rd. Turn left at the 6th traffic light on McBrien Rd. toto PLENTY OF FREE PARKING! roud Lake Winnepesaukah roud All guests under 16 must be accompanied by a guest 16 or PLEASE NOTE: Lake Winnepesaukah’s gate is at the end of McBrien Rd. p over, or they must be a member of a chaperoned group. p www.lakewinnie.com does not issue rainchecks or refunds due to inclement weather. GROUP RATES Special rates are available for group outings with 25 or more riders. park Catering is available for groups of 50 or more. Please call for more amusement innepesaukah eam! information or to make reservations: (706) 866-5681, ext. 242. ake W eam! L P.O. Box 91498 • Chattanooga, TN 37412 www.lakewinnie.com youryour tt

1-877-LAKEWIN (525-3946) ofof •Hours, rates, & dates are subject to change without notice!

NOTICE: www.lakewinnie.com •Outside catering of any type is NOT permitted! •Smoking is permitted in designated areas only! NO REFUNDS. NO RAINCHECKS. 50 1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 Rocky Mountain makeovers continue at Six Flags A Cyclone storms Twisted Colossus changes California path into New England coaster landmark's profile, dynamic AT: B. Derek Shaw a few remarks along with Steve AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] Weigel, COO of Friendly’s Res- [email protected] AGAWAM, Mass. — When taurant, the corporate sponsor VALENCIA, Calif. — Fol- the Cyclone opened at Riverside of Wicked Cyclone for 2015. Also lowing nine furiously paced Park in Agawam, Massachusetts speaking was Kim Gulette, exec- months of modification, rebuild- in 1983 it was one of the most utive director of the America Red ing and testing, during which talked about rides that year. Cross of Western Massachusetts, public interest reached a near-fe- Guests came from all over to ex- another partner with the park. ver pitch, Six Flags Magic Moun- perience this massive, yet com- John Winkler, park presi- tain (SFMM) introduced its latest pact, wooden twister coaster. A dent, also addressed those gath- record-breaking roller coaster, legend was born. ered, “This was a 10-month long Twisted Colossus, on May 23. On May 20 during media process. Even those cold days… The 1978-built wooden rac- day at what is now Six Flags New when we were all huddled up ing coaster formerly known as England, a new legend has been near the fire in our homes, these Colossus — freshly repainted created – the transformation of guys were attached to the struc- and looking more regal than ever the ride by Rocky Mountain Con- ture, making this beautiful day on the edge of the park’s expan- The original Colossus, struction, Hayden, Idaho (RMC) happen for us, and very unself- sive parking lot — has been given designed and built by into a formidable ride for 2015 ishly. I want to thank everyone an elaborate steel retrofitting by International Amusement and beyond. The Wicked Cyclone who had a hand in that tremen- Rocky Mountain Construction Devices and Bernard is the fifth hybrid creation for the dous effort and tremendous work (RMC) with its patented I-Box Brothers Construction in company and the first one on the by a lot of people.” Winkler went Track. The Hayden, Idaho-based 1978, has been thoroughly East Coast. (Twisted Colossus on to say, “It is another amazing company also extensively re- "Twisted" by Rocky Mountain opened the same day at Six Flags feat of engineering. This hybrid profiled and rebuilt the ride and Construction. The 128-foot- Magic Mountain, Valencia, Calif.) technology allows the flexibility linked its two separate tracks into long first drop now is a Nearly 300 media and enthu- of a wooden coaster with the ri- one nearly 5,000-foot-long course. steeper 80 degrees, sending siasts were in attendance to get gidity of a steel frame. It allows The latter engineering feat, the 24-passenger trains at up their first rides on the next gen- you to do amazing things. There an achievement that manages to to 57 mph through wild eration wood/. are so many elements on this ride retain the original coaster’s rac- elements such as the Reed Timmer from Discovery that have never been created in ing sensation while boosting the zero-G roll (left). Channel’s Storm Chasers made 4See CYCLONE, page 24 overall experience to a generous COURTESY SIX FLAGS level of thrill-seeking satiation, MAGIC MOUNTAIN is giving SFMM a new bragging right: world’s longest hybrid roll- outward-angled twists. It sets the the blue track’s train just a few er coaster. ideal tone for a ride that will have feet away. The green-tracked “They say everything old passengers both gasping and train then twists quickly back to becomes new again,” said Bon- laughing by its end. the left and down into a double nie Rabjohn, park president, de- Once at the top of the right, dip before shooting up into the scribing Twisted Colossus as “the or blue-tracked, side of the fa- stunning “Top Gun Stall” ele- most anticipated new ride of the miliar, 121-foot lift, the smooth, ment — an upside-down section year” during the media preview now-more-steeply-inclined of track that provides a lingering on May 20. “We’ve transformed 80-degree first drop — and the ’s eye view of the other train our icon, Colossus… retrofitting copious amount of airtime it fu- as it negotiates its own inversion. it with amazing steel track to els — leaves the Colossus of old This breathless maneuver is fol- bring it into the next generation far behind. The roughness and lowed by some rolling hills and for many thrillseekers to enjoy.” sluggishness that characterized two turns into the brake run. After attendees took a spin the earlier coaster’s latter years is Rabjohn summed it up best: on Twisted Colossus, it appeared dissolved by a diving and steeply “It’s not your daddy’s Colossus.” that most agreed. banked turnaround that leads In actuality, RMC’s founder Wicked Cyclone includes 14 airtime opportunities, including Sporting a new retro-indus- into a few short hills and a grace- and owner, Fred Grubb, and de- this double down drop (above) along with three different trial, steampunk-inspired logo ful zero-G roll before speeding sign engineer Alan Schilke, the inversions (below) all packed into a fairly tight foot print. and complimentary loading sta- over a couple more short hills and former head en- COURTESY tion décor touches that tie it to the twisting back around to the left gineer who made his mark on the rethemed park area now known side of the , which marks industry in 2001 with the concept as the Screampunk District, the the start of the green-tracked, and for SFMM’s fourth-dimension coaster has comfortable new more intensely acrobatic, leg of steel coaster, X, can claim primary trains supplied by RMC outfitted the course. parental responsibility for Twist- with seatbelts and lap bars — a Here, if operational adher- ed Colossus. According to Grubb, nice surprise for Southern Cali- ence to the careful timing worked the park approached RMC about fornians accustomed to shoulder out by RMC is maintained (as it two years ago to discuss ways to restraints on rides with inver- was, for the most part, on media improve its aging woodie. sions. day), the sensations of racing and “It was a matter of Alan com- So what’s it like to be on the dueling are set in motion as two ing up with something unique,” day’s first train out? trains ascend the lift side by side. Grubb told Amusement Today. Twisted Colossus gets off to After the drop, the green “We eventually developed about a cheeky start along the other- track experience cuts loose on three different options, which wise leisurely run to its first lift, the turnaround, executing the were discussed thoroughly with demonstrating the groundbreak- “High Five” element with an Six Flags and the group there. ing versatility of RMC’s track outward-right- banked turn that 4See COLOSSUS, page 24 with a series of short hops and mirrors the inward banking of July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 /I-Box track, an all-steel track and will help the nylon and poly-

CYCLONE replacement system for wooden urethane wheels glide around the Continued from page 22 roller coasters. corners. The coaster is running the roller coaster world.” After he at Six Flags Over Texas (Arling- well, but it should pick up even finished his remarks, Winkler left ton, Texas) was the first installa- more speed near the end of the the crowd with this, “Today’s the tion of this track technology in ride as the year progresses.” day. The lines are short!” 2011. Was Schilke pleased with The queue area theming is Schilke was asked about the results? “Each RMC ride pro- nicely done. It is designed to re- what he was trying to accomplish duced gets smoother as we im- semble equipment a storm chaser with the Wicked Cyclone project. prove. As the ride gets smoother, might use, integrated with TV “I began the proposal to the park the elements can come at you monitors showing weather fore- with trying to revive the original faster, and the designed G-forces casters warning of the impending Cyclone's first drop and turn. A can get pushed higher. What I am cyclone. Other theming conveys lead carpenter that works on the most satisfied with on Wicked the powerful force that Mother ride was viewing the animation Cyclone is how many elements The second g-roll, located near the end of the Wicked Cyclone Nature can leash. of this first proposal and stated we were able to pack in the space, ride, gives passengers a very close to the ground feel. As the queue snakes toward "If that's all you’re going to do and how relentless it can be on a COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND the station, riders get a great with it, we might as well keep it fast run all the way to the end.” view of a good portion of the banked hills, a zero g-roll hill and er lets up and keeps the crowd as it is.” He continued, “We were When asked about work- ride including many of the ele- more short hops. Next up, is the wanting to come back for more. not allowed to make the ride tall- ing with the Six Flags New Eng- ments they are about to experi- “Driver’s Ed” turn (as designer Rocky Mountain Construc- er than the original structure, so land staff, Schilke said, “They ence. The station is decked out Alan Schilke refers to it). This is tion kept the old footings and as this was quite the dilemma. The have been as nice and receptive with posters created to look like a series of three banked turns. much wood as they could and steep 45 degree lift was included as we’ve ever had. I’ll do what- front page storm headlines and Then another first, the double rebuilt the ride with their I-Box in the design to achieve the max ever I can for them.” He relayed coverage from various regional reverse bank air hill comes into steel track while adding elements lift height earlier in the straight. that there are three projects in newspapers over the decades. play. The second g-roll is near the that would not have been possi- Now the new down drop could the works for 2016 and one in This visual along with the opera- end of the ride. A few more quick ble on a traditional wood coaster. be created which could reach all Sweden for 2017. He would not tor’s uniforms keep the theming turns and the ride is hitting the Designed by Alan Schilke, the the way to the ground before en- reveal the parks; however it is be- consistent. brakes, all the while providing ride incorporates many innovate tering the first over-bank turn.” lieved that the work will be at Six Once on board, the lift hill 14 extreme opportunities features. Schilke came up with a The ride is currently running Flags properties. is steeper and faster than a lift for its passengers. design last year that got tweaked with steel under wheels. As Schil- John Winkler is pleased with normally associated with a wood Throughout the ride there is over the past 10 months to make ke explains, “Wicked Cyclone is what he sees with Wicked Cy- coaster. The 78 degree first drop the feeling the train is going to go the ride even more exciting. running a few steel wheels tem- clone. “This brings another super is followed by the first of several one direction, when it actually Schilke, while working at Arrow porarily in order to help knock thrill ride to the property to bal- overbanked turns. After a few goes another. (Three left turns Dynamics, made his mark in the the paint off of the rails quicker, ance the audience — a winning bunny hops it is into the signa- actually feel like, left, right, left.) industry by designing the 4th and smooth the surface of the formula. All four corners (of the ture 200 degree banked stall, This feature adds to the overall Dimension roller coaster, X, (Six underlying steel track.” He con- park) are now high through-put,” then to another overbanked turn, excitement of Wicked Cyclone. Flags Magic Mountain). Schilke tinued, “The 'polishing' of the he said. Winkler continued, “Ev- followed by a double down ele- Innovation and intensity would along with Rocky Mountain Con- track will reduce the amount of eryone needs that I- Box technol- ment. The resulting air time leads best describe Wicked Cyclone, struction founder Fred Grubb gummy paint sticking to the ny- ogy. Six Flags embraced the tech- into the first of two outward the smooth and fast ride that nev- went on to design Iron Horse lon and polyurethane wheels, nology from the start.”

COLOSSUS I-Box track on it is that it greatly magnetic braking system ensures Continued from page 22 reduces maintenance in the fu- passenger safety. ture. Also, it allows us to add new RMC was happy to leave This particular design was what elements to the ride.” some Twisted Colossus tasks to everybody agreed to.” With regard to some of the other professionals: SFMM han- The early part of RMC’s con- giddier acrobatics Twisted Co- dled the control systems, while ceptual process involved riding lossus performs along its course, Baynum Painting of Newport, the old Colossus. Grubb laughed when it was sug- Ky., had up to 25 workers onsite “Typically on a rebuild, gested that his team devises these for three months pressure-wash- Alan and I and our group will extreme coaster moves with a ing the wooden structure and go down to ride and study the fiendish grin. applying about 5,000 gallons of previous coaster, and then fig- “Yeah, that’s true some- Sherwin Williams Extra White ure out what we can and can’t what,” he said. “Alan is a genius premium acrylic paint. do with the existing footprint,” at coming up with new ideas, as Rocky Mountain Construction's signature IBox Track and Describing RMC’s working said Grubb, adding that Twisted well as our team. A goal is that we custom trains, which have spherical bearing hitches, allow relationship with Six Flags as “ex- Colossus was the most complex want everybody to be able to ride Twisted Colossus to perform the "High Five" and two inver- cellent,” Grubb lauded the team of his company’s wooden coaster the ride, and to do that, we have sions among a whopping 18 airtime lifts. effort on Twisted Colossus. “It’s COURTESY SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN projects due to its two-track de- to make it extremely smooth. And almost a partnership, in some sign. that’s what we’ve found with our of the project all of the time with American-made materials and cases, because they’re working The problems with Colossus, rides: everybody can enjoy these both design and build so that you maintaining quality control by on the controls while we’re work- he noted, are common to most experiences even though they are can be prepared to handle the un- doing all its track and train pro- ing on the coaster. We have to wooden coasters. extremely aggressive. The reac- knowns.” duction in-house. mesh rather closely. And they’ve “The existing tracks get re- tion to Twisted Colossus has been One surprise that caught The Twisted Colossus trains been really good to us.” built so many times,” Grubb said. huge.” RMC and SFMM off guard was themselves are marvels of engi- During media day, SFMM’s “Without just putting on a whole Getting to that point has its a construction-sparked fire at the neering — their cars connected Bonnie Rabjohn expressed simi- new wood track, you’re fight- challenges, Grubb acknowledged top of the Colossus lift hill late with spherical bearing hitches lar praise for RMC. “We sincerely ing a battle in which you have — especially on a rebuild project last summer. Grubb said it was a that allow for the coaster’s ser- appreciate everything they put to keep replacing pieces and sec- such at this one. relatively minor setback. pentine undulations and rapid into Twisted Colossus,” she said. tions. Traditional wood tracks get “Just to get everything fig- “We had a little bit of clean- directional changes. The seating’s “Our two companies have really to a point where you’re just fixing ured out, and the time that takes, up to do. We had to cut the comfort is the result of “a tremen- worked hand in hand to make them all the time. is a challenge,” he said. “It’s coaster down further beyond the dous amount of time doing ergo- this new attraction come to frui- “Colossus was always an harder to rebuild than it is to burnt areas and build it back up. nomic testing,” said Grubb, while tion.” iconic ride; it was always a good build new. So we do the best we It probably added about 10 days the redundancy built into RMC’s She added confidently: ride. But fatigue took over. The can to accurately survey an exist- to our work schedule.” “vigorously tested,” harness-free “We’ve hit the mark this time, big advantage to putting the new ing coaster. You have to be on top RMC takes pride in using hydraulic restraint system and hands down.” July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 New Maurer Laff Trakk coaster opens at Hersheypark AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] HERSHEY, Pa. — Laff Trakk — Hersheypark’s lat- est roller coaster opened for the Memorial Day weekend with a media preview May 19. Billed as the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States, the ride them- ing harkens back to the fun houses that graced the park throughout the years. Built by Maurer AG (formerly Maurer S�hne) in München, Bavaria, Germany, the $14 million dollar ride is located between the Whip and Midway tent in the Mid- way America section of the park. Laff Trakk is on ground that formerly housed two kid- die rides – Pony Parade and Granny Bugs. Both have been relocated very close by to a former food concession trailer area. The media event kicked off with remarks from Kathy Burrows, manager of Public Relations, followed by Her- sheypark General Manager Kevin Stumpf. “Laff Trakk is designed so most family mem- bers can ride. We blended the Clockwise from top left: Laff Trakk's building is impressive with its height topping out at 75 feet; once inside, guests are history of Hersheypark with entertained with fun house mirrors in the queue line; now on the 1,400-foot-long coaster, riders spin their way through fun today’s technology. Laff Trakk house-like scenes and numerous coaster elements. COURTESY HERSHEYPARK; QUEUE LINE AT/B. DEREK SHAW is a 21st century version of the fun house.” Stumpf also paid an immersive entertainment story stack of cards and other this design, family aggressive. ements. They worked closely homage to their founder, Mil- design firm specializing in in- colorful carnival motif items. He continued, “This is a true with Hersheypark and Raven ton Hershey, when explain- novative experiences for the Laff Trakk elements along family ride. There is no age Sun Creative on the design, ing this part family coaster, location based entertainment the 1,400 feet of track include limit — the elderly can go developing their concept part dark ride, “His vision is industry. an Immelman turn, multiple too.” work into shop drawings, en- our focus.” The new ride pays Visitors enter the queue high-banked curves (85-de- Louis Alfieri, principal/ gineered for the facility and tribute to previous fun house with a full size vintage Laffin’ gree maximum) along with chief creative officer of- Ra coaster layout. attractions at Hersheypark Sal to greet them. It is on loan numerous camelback air time ven Sun Creative attended LA ProPoint also created over the years (Fun House, from the Allen Theater, An- hills, serpentines and curves. the media event as well. He funhouse mirrors, a fortune- (later called Whoops), Death nville, Pa. and is said to be one The cars start spinning about said, “We had a wonderful teller’s table with crystal ball Valley, (later called Laugh of the last ones manufactured half way through the ride, collaboration. They (Hershey- effects and floating parapher- Land and Funland). in the mid 1960s. From there when entering the circus park) are a great team to work nalia, a palace tunnel, over- Wolfgang Brost, vice the inside portion of the line tent themed area, continu- with. They are dedicated to sized pass-through picture president Sales & Marketing features a series of various ing for the remainder of the their consumer base. The his- frames, fire rings, and giant for Maurer AG was pleased distorted mirrors guests walk ride cycle. Laff Trakk comes tory here adds an element to playing cards. with the results of all the ride by, allowing them to carry on to a stop 70 seconds later us- the attraction. It was fun to All ride area elements companies coming together and have fun in preparation ing magnetic brakes. Because participate with that.” Alfieri were UV painted for a black to create the ride (Hershey- for the upcoming ride. They weight and rider placement is continued, “The team did an light effect, while queue areas park, Raven Sun Creative, LA are all reminiscent of vintage different each time, Laff Trakk amazing job to make sure the were painted for white light. ProPoint and Maurer). “Her- fun houses found at most delivers a different sensory quality was there with a bal- All black light elements were sheypark is a totally profes- amusement parks and trav- experience each ride. No two ance. I hope we get to work installed above, around, and sional park — it was great eling carnivals of yesteryear. rides are exactly alike, further with them again in the fu- through the ride track and pleasure to work with them. The station is very bright and enhancing the guests’ experi- ture.” ride structure by LA ProPoint It went smooth from the first colorful as well. ence. Alfieri was the Creative riggers. day,” he said. Once onboard the indi- The 42-inch height Director at Universal Studios “We are honored to be a Brost said the ride is vidual four seat cars (two requirement makes this an for the Transformers ride critical part of Laff Trakk, Her- based on ' front and two back), riders on ideal ride for most of the prior to the creation of Raven sheypark’s 13th rollercoaster, Crush’s Coaster (a Maurer Laff Trakk take off inside the family, except for the smallest Sun. With Laff Trakk, he said, which takes riders on an un- Spinning Coaster 2000) in re- large room (130 feet long by children. (This is Reese’s, “It is nice to have something forgettable journey through a gard to layout, without the 75 feet high) with plenty of in Hersheypark ride height not media based — not all 21st century fun house,” notes pre-show element. From that black lights and neon colored language.) The back-to-back screen based.” Mark Riddlesperger, founder point forward is where this props. After ascending the 50 seating with single cars is LA ProPoint (based in and president of LA ProPoint. ride is different with the spe- foot lift hill, riders go through the smoothest way to offer a Sun Valley, Ca.) fabricated “With the indoor glow lights cial effects and lighting pro- a clown’s mouth, zany picture spinning element, allowing and installed Laff Trakk’s and installation of iconic fun vided by Raven Sun Creative, frames, “fire and flames,” a all members of the family to painted scenic backdrops and house items, our contribu- Middle Grove, N.Y. They are snake charmer, past a three enjoy this feature. Brost called steel-framed pass-through el- 4See LAFF, page 26 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 LAFF Continued from page 25 tions will ensure that riders enjoy the rollercoaster experi- ence of a lifetime.” At night the exterior light- ing of the Laff Trakk building is striking. The building fea- tures LED lights that project up onto the multiple large panels surrounding the top of the structure. They are oper- LA ProPoint fabricated and installed painted scenic back- ated with a DMX controller, drops and pass-through elements on Laff Trakk. Above, the creating the ability to have the colorful fortuneteller's table wraps around part of the layout, lights change different colors greeting riders as they speed by. and fade in and out. COURTESY LA PROPOINT FAST FACTS Name/Park AMUSEMENT MARKET PLACE Laff Trakk Hersheypark, Hershey, Pa.

Location Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture WHAT DO YOU SELL FOR Midway America section between the Whip SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C. and Midway Tent 106 Burnham Intervale Road Contoocook, N.H. 03229 Manufacturer/Type Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447 FUN? Maurer AG/ Spinning Coaster 2000 •Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways •Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides Supporting Suppliers •New ride control systems and modifications Raven Sun, •Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee Theming Consultant; GET A FREE SAMPLE at Big Squirt! Inc. LA ProPoint, Theming (603) 746-4446 www.bigsquirt.com/freesample 1741 Torrance Blvd., Ste. D Elements Consultant; Parts and Service or call 1-888-388-8872 Torrance, CA 90501 Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton Visual Terrain, Lighting Consultant

Height/Speed/Length 50 feet/40 mph/1,400 feet

Features 360 degree free spinning rotation of each vehicle; Immelman turn; Multiple high-banked P.O. Box 238 curves; Camelback airtime Merino, CO. 80741 hills and curves

Ride Time/Hourly Capacity 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 70 seconds/850 pph [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com Ride Vehicle/Color Scheme Seven, 4 passenger cars seated back to back/ SUBSCRIBE Violet TODAY Structure Color Scheme Black structure and track with black light thematics $ Braking System 50 Combination magnetic PER YEAR and pinch brakes ALL PRINTED ISSUES + FREE DIGITAL FREE DIGITAL EDITIONS ONLY AVAILABLE EDITIONS Height Restriction TO SUBSCRIBERS OF THE PRINTED EDITION 48 inches SUBSCRIBE AT: amusementtoday.com Projected Cost $14 million USD

Keep our amusement park industry strong! Ride Opening Buy products and services from these suppliers. May 22, 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 Newly unveiled Gerstlauer ride emphasizes family fun Rewind Racers coaster appeals to all ages at AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected] somewhere here in the park.” For Ansdell, who con- STANTON, Calif. — If ceived and has managed Ad- roller coaster riding is an un- venture City successfully for derrated family activity, the two decades in an Orange Ansdell clan, which has deep County amusement market roots in this small city on the dominated by the Disney- southwest border of Anaheim, land Resort and Knott’s Berry bumped it to the top of the fun Farm, the unveiling of Rewind must-do list on June 5. Racers was a crowning mo- That’s when Adventure ment. City finally introduced Re- “For our 20th anniversary, wind Racers, an ambitious we wanted to do something project for the three-acre fun really exciting,” he said. “So spot that had been more than we retired our coaster that two years in the making, to the was built in the ’50s, TreeTop media. Members representing Racers [Miler ], four generations of the family which we had here for almost that owns and operates “The 15 years. For a new coaster, we Little Theme Park that’s Big on were looking for something Family Fun” were on hand to unique… [Rewind Racers] is board the first official train out the only family shuttle coaster of the station. in North America.” Immediately prior, Adventure City’s pur- Ansdells of varying ages lined chase of the ride from Ger- Adventure City's new family shuttle coaster from Gerstlauer, Rewind Racers, zips passen- up on the stairway to the man manufacturer Gerstlauer gers through some twisting forward and backward paces. R&R Creative Amusement De- loading platform for a photo Amusement Rides GMBH was signs supplied the ride's colorful theming and loading station video preshow, featuring Max op. “We don’t have enough brokered by Adam Sandy of the Mechanic (above, lower left). steps,” quipped Allan Ansdell, Ride Entertainment Group of AT/DEAN LAMANNA; COURTESY RICK BASTRUP/R&R CREATIVE AMUSEMENT DESIGNS (PRESHOW) Jr., Adventure City’s president, Companies. waving a microphone in Stanton Mayor Al Ethans, Ansdell with a proclamation kid.” front of the crowd. He added one of several local dignitar- of commendation before con- After a few rides on Re- FAST FACTS with a laugh: “They all work ies in attendance, presented ducting the ribbon-cutting wind Racers, Ansdell fam- ceremony. “What the Ansdells ily matriarch Yvonne Ansdell, Name/Park have done for our city, and for whose parents established Rewind Racers/ the neighborhood, is phenom- Hobby City in 1955, shared Adventure City enal,” he told Amusement Today with AT a bit of insight into Stanton, Calif. afterward. “Adventure City is her son Allan’s ambition in Type a good place, a safe place. All adding Adventure City to the Family shuttle coaster my grandkids came here when property in 1994. She recalled they were younger, and now how, at age 18, he insisted to Height/Max. Speed they’re bringing their kids.” her and her husband, Allan 40 feet/28 mph The debut of Rewind Sr., that Hobby City — already Racers also was a full-circle home to a train ride — needed Ride Vehicle milestone for Rick Bastrup, more attractions. One seven-car train co-founder of Anaheim-based “I said, ‘Allan, if you want (14 passengers) R&R Creative Amusement De- to have a feasibility study Height Requirement signs — the original designer done, then we’ll consider 39 inches of Adventure City — which it.’ Which he did, spending provided all the racecar them- $10,000 of his own money. Design/Engineering ing elements and wrote and “For him to get 17 rides Gerstlauer Amusement Stanton City Council Member Rigoberto Ramirez (above, produced the video preshow and attractions on this little Rides GmbH left) and other special guests were invited to ride Rewind for the new coaster. “I used piece of property, he had to re- Münsterhausen, Germany Racers a day before the coaster opened to the public. Rick to come out to [adjacent, An- ally work on it,” she said. “He Cost Bastrup, co-founder of R&R Creative Amusement Designs, sdell family-owned] Hobby absolutely loves it, and we’re Approx. $2.5 million and park president Allan Ansdell, Jr. (above, upper right) City all the time,” he told AT. so proud of him. He’s made it celebrated the project's completion. “The train shop, rock shop and so that the land can stay [in the Opening COURTESY ADAM SANDY/RIDE ENTERTAINMENT stamp shop were some of my family] for more generations.” June 6, 2015 (ABOVE, LEFT AND LOWER RIGHT); AT/DEAN LAMANNA favorite places when I was a •adventurecity.com July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 DVD now available at Knoebels Canada’s Wonderland season highlighted ELYSBURG, Pa. — The amusement in- people being interviewed, is an account of the with entertainment dustry never thought it could be done, again. peaks and valleys of this monumental project. VAUGHAN, Ontario — While only seven of these rides were built in Fueled by the interest of a young Dick Knoe- As Canada’s Wonderland is in depression-era U.S.A., none survived past bel who rode one as a child and the passion full swing, the park is show- 1974. After seven years, three different train of coaster designer John Fetterman, the “new” casing one of its most exten- designs and switching out the final section in classic roller coaster took shape one screw and sive special event line-ups in the wooden trough, the Knoebels Flying Turns board at a time. In addition to interviews with park history. Alongside new opened on October 4, 2013 to rave reviews. Knoebel and Fetterman, other interviews in- attractions in Splash Works, Heralded by many as one of the most signifi- clude: Project Manager Jim Martini, Construc- Typhoon and Splash Station, cant roller coaster Milestones the past 60 years. tion Consultant Leonard Adams, designer the 2015 season is filled with StoryWorksTV was there from the beginning Mike Boodley and others. plenty of family entertain- documenting the ground breaking in late 2006 To obtain a copy e-mail: info@knoebels. ment. through the opening night ceremonies in 2013. com or call: 1-800-ITS4FUN. “Canada’s Wonderland is The 60 minute documentary, told via the —B. Derek Shaw always striving to provide our guests with great entertain- ment value and their best day of summer experience,” said Norm Pirtovshek, Canada’s Wonderland general manager. “For 2015, we are excited to bring our live shows to a new level with an outstanding line- up of special events, and live entertainment, which will be highlighted by our four tour- ing shows in International Showplace.” The new entertainment of- ferings playing at various this summer include: •West Coast Lumberjack Show: Internationally recog- nized for their daredevil skills, these lumberjacks compete in Log Rolling, Tree Climb- ing, Axe Throwing, Chainsaw Carving, and more. •Chinese Acrobats: The Chinese Acrobats showcases amazing displays of contor- tion, flexibility, and control as they push the envelope of hu- man possibility with juggling dexterity and balancing feats. •Ultimate Thrills Circus: The Ultimate Thrills Circus features the Cybertron Motor- cycle, Russian Swing, Aerial Ring, Wheel of Destiny and the insanities of circus clown – Renaldo. •X-Treme Wheels Stunt Show: The CrazeCrew stunt team takes over International Showplace and perform s their world class skills, and in- credible tricks on BMX bikes, skateboards, inline skates, and next-generation pogo sticks.

CLASSIFIEDS Your Used Ride Marketplace! July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 Eight-seat S&S Screamin’ Swing also added Fun Spot America, Gatorland join forces to debut Gator Spot AT: Scott Rutherford pand its impressive ride ar- [email protected] senal with yet another new ORLANDO, Fla. — Ga- attraction, Space Invader. An torland, the Alligator Capital eight-seat Screamin’ Swing of the World and Fun Spot supplied by S&S/Sansei, the America-Orlando recently new ride is a virtual twin of marked the grand opening of the Hot Seat at Fun Spot Kis- Gator Spot, a 15,000-square- simmee. foot reptile oasis. City of Or- “The Space Invader was lando Mayor Buddy Dyer added to our Orlando loca- was on hand for the official tion and was an immediate ribbon-cutting on May 11, hit with our guests,” added 2015. Fun Spot America-Orlando has opened Gator Spot, in conjunction with Gatorland. Fun Spot’s David Hum- COURTESY FUN SPOT The $1 million attraction mer. “We thought it would features more than 100 alliga- into other major tourist des- centers and educational in- America-Orlando Theme do well, we have one at our tors including a rare leucistic tinations, and given the cul- stitutions across the U.S. and Parks. “While Gator Spot is a Kissimmee location, but we “white” alligator, one of only ture of our two businesses logs thousands of hours in great place to learn all about were really surprised at the 12 in the world. In addition, we knew Fun Spot America- school field trips every year. alligators and some of the numbers and how it leaped Gator Spot showcases an ar- Orlando would be a perfect “We are excited to be amazing creatures that call near the top for ridership. ray of exotic birds, snakes, fit,” said Mark McHugh, Ga- working with Gatorland Florida home, being able to It is really an amazing ride lizards, and two gigantic torland’s president & CEO. and the history they bring actually hold a real life alli- and we have been very hap- aquariums filled with baby “We are thrilled with the to Orlando and our indus- gator is huge!” py with the way our guests alligators. Guests may also new attraction and are look- try,” said John Arie Jr., chief Along with Gator Spot, have embraced it.” participate in alligator feed- ing forward to providing yet operating officer, Fun Spot the park also chose to ex- ings and snap photographs another memorable experi- with the resident reptiles. ence visitors to International “Gator Spot is not only Drive can share with their The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft. a welcome addition to In- friends and families.” • ternational Drive — and the In addition to Gator Spot Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered 5212 St. Paul St. only place on I-Drive that and Gatorland’s 110-acre • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags Tampa, Florida 33619 tourists can see 12-foot al- original tourist attraction • 6 New Slides in Stock (813) 628-4545 ligators — this attraction is and wildlife preserve locat- • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide FAX (813) 621-3679 creating jobs. It truly is a fan- ed on South Orange Blossom • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide www.funslide.com tastic partnership between Trail, Gatorland is also cel- two of ’s larg- ebrating a 10-year partner- est privately-owned theme ship with the Gaylord Palms parks, Gatorland and Fun Resort. Gaylord’s “Best of Spot America-Orlando,” Florida” exhibit is home to said City of Orlando Mayor 15 juvenile alligators and 30 Buddy Dyer. native species of turtles. Ga- “For many years, Gator- torland also provides baby land has investigated oppor- alligators and education pro- tunities to expand our brand grams to numerous science

Email: [email protected]

Fun Spot America-Orlando and Florida’s Gatorland recently collaborated and opened Gator Spot, a 15,000-square-foot reptile oasis, on I-Drive. The $1 million attraction features more than 100 alligators including an rare leucistic “white” alligator, one of only 12 in the world. COURTESY FUN SPOT 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 Mack spinning coaster to strike Busch Gardens Tampa in 2016

TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa plans to put a spin on family thrills in 2016 with Cobra’s Curse, a new spinning roller coaster­ to be supplied by Germany’s . It will be the only coast- er of its kind in the world to utilize a vertical elevator-style lift system. To be located in the Egypt area of the park, thrill-seeking explorers will come face-to- face with an 80-foot Cobra icon, trek over the park’s Serengeti Plain and discover the mysteries of an Egyptian archeological excavation. Germany’s Mack Rides will supply a new spinning roller coaster for Busch Gardens Tampa in 2016. Dubbed Cobra’s Curse, Cobra’s Curse will utilize the ride will be the only coaster of its kind in the world to utilize a vertical elevator-style lift system. Sporting an Egyptian eight two-car trains that will theme, Cobra’s Curse will stand 70 feet tall and feature 2,100 feet of track and speeds of 40 mph. Each experience will be each seat eight riders, two unique thanks to the unpredictable spinning action of the ride vehicles, which will be comprised of eight two-car trains. abreast. The vertical elevator COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA lift will raise the trains (locked in a horizontal position) to a dictable spinning action of the with a vertical elevator as op- is just one of the components Cobra’s Curse will be integrat- height of 70 feet before releas- cars. posed to a traditional incline that make this ride the only ed with guest pathways pro- ing them onto the 2,100-foot- AT spoke with Mark Rose, lift. “Busch Gardens is always one of its kind in the world viding a thrilling perspective long course. During their ad- vice president of design and working to create unique and and we know it’s something for onlookers.” venture, guests will be treated engineering for Busch Gar- thrilling experiences, and that guests will be excited to Mack Rides is represent- to speeds of 40 mph with no dens Tampa, about the choos- we have worked with Mack experience. Plus, much like ed in North America by Bob two ride experiences being ing Mack Rides for this project Rides to do just that with Co- you have come to expect from Dean of Florida-based Leisure the same thanks to the unpre- as well as the decision to go bra’s Curse. The vertical lift thrill rides at Busch Gardens, Labs LLC. SeaWorld Orlando will unleash , B&M in 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sea- shops, shark and shipwreck World Orlando will continue theming and educational ex- its climb into the roller coaster periences featuring sharks. major leagues next summer The entire realm is creat- when it introduces Mako, ed to make guests feel they’re a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster underwater, part of the group that will streak along 4,760 of sharks and toothy animals feet of steel track at speeds of that have taken over a ship- 73 mph. Named for one of the wrecked reef. In the plaza, ocean’s fastest known sharks, guests will learn about the Mako will take the record of impact humans are having being Orlando’s tallest, fast- on sharks and why these ani- est and longest roller coaster. mals are critical to the envi- “On Mako, you’ll ex- ronment. Sharks are hunted perience what it’s like to for their fins — considered a be this apex predator, surg- delicacy in certain countries ing through the water at — and thousands are caught top speed and chasing prey accidentally in nets. Several throughout a massive reef,” species of sharks are on the said Brian Morrow, Sea- verge of extinction. World’s attraction creative “It’s this blend of edu- director. “It will be a wild cation and thrills, immers- SeaWorld Orlando will unleash Florida’s first hypercoaster next summer when it introduces mix of fear, thrills and fun.” ing guests in an underwater Mako, above, a non-looping thriller from Bolliger & Mabillard. Below, Mako will serve as Mako will be supplied world, that sets a SeaWorld the centerpiece of an immersive two-acre shark-themed plaza that will also include Shark by Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride apart from others,” said Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops and more. COURTESY SEAWORLD renowned Swiss firm that Morrow. “Our fans will love created SeaWorld’s Manta how Mako complements not just for those on the ride. and as well as Shei- our other rides. Kraken is The full score of Mako can be Kra, Montu and Kumba at big, monstrous and twisty. heard and follows riders out Busch Gardens Tampa. The Manta is massive and glides of the station and up the lift non-looping coaster will be smoothly, taking you on a hill. Custom surround effects characterized by steep drops, flight like a huge ray. Mako is and musical scores fill the over-banked turns and nu- entirely different. It’s stream- realm, changing as the coast- merous instances of airtime. lined and fast, just like a er dives through the area. SeaWorld’s new hyper- mako shark. There’s no wast- At night, specialty lights coaster will be the centerpiece ed motion, it’s all speed and will accent the coaster trains, of an immersive two-acre dives.” realm and track, flickering shark-themed plaza that will Additionally, Mako will and shimmering, simulat- also include Shark Encoun- use a unique sound system to ing fish being scattered by a ter, Sharks Underwater Grill, enhance the experience, and mako on the hunt. July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 El Diablo arrives at Six Flags Great Adventure Ride is one of four Larson Giant Loops delivered in 2015 to Six Flags parks AT: B. Derek Shaw state's history, and inspired [email protected] the theme for our newest JACKSON, N.J. — In May, thrill ride." Fitzgerald com- Six Flags Great Adventure mented on the location of the opened their newest thrill ride ride in the park, "El Diablo is playing on a “devilish” theme. the perfect addition to Plaza El Diablo is a seven story tall del Carnaval, as it appeals to Giant Loop from Larson Inter- both thrill seekers and fami- national, in Plainview, Texas. lies alike. Rides like El Toro The giant, fiery red El and Tango attract a wide au- Diablo looping ride is located dience to this area, which also next to the El Toro wooden provides ample opportunities roller coaster in the Mexican- for dining, shopping and re- themed Plaza del Carnaval laxation from the excitement section of the park. of the world’s largest theme Standing at just under 80 park," Fitzgerald added. feet tall, this freestanding 360 Riders must be at least 48 degree loop features a high inches tall. speed train, with riders sit fac- Other Giant Loops opened ing each other. The train rocks at three other Six Flags prop- back and forth, like a pen- erties this season: The Joker dulum until quickly gaining Chaos Coaster, Six Flags Over momentum. At the apex the Georgia, Austell, Ga.; Bour- For the 2015 season, train momentarily stops up- bon Street Fireball, Six Flags Six Flags Great Adventure side down, reverses direction, America, Largo Md. and Dare- has opened this newest and starts all over again. Rid- devil Chaos Coaster, Six Flags looping thriller, ers experience six inversions Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, El Diablo. The ride was one (three forward rotations, three Ca. of four Giant Loops delivered Editor's note: Six Flags mar- backward rotations) before the to Six Flags parks this season keted all four of these rides in train finally comes to a stop. by Larson International. Park President John 2015 as roller coaster, however COURTESY SIX FLAGS Fitzgerald was asked why AT elected not to acknowledge GREAT ADVENTURE the name El Diablo was se- them as coasters based on the lected. He replied, “The Jersey rides not being listed in the Roller devil has deep roots in our Coaster Database (rcdb.com). Carowinds announces closure of iconic Thunder Road AT: Scott Rutherford The announcement of Thunder Road’s [email protected] demise elicited a massive number of neg- CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a move that ative responses on social media from gen- surprised park guests and roller coaster erations of Carowinds guests as well as enthusiasts alike, Carowinds recently an- coaster fans deriding the park’s decision. nounced that it would be closing Thunder More than 5,000 people signed online pe- Road, a major wooden racing coaster and titions and made Facebook comments in one of the few rides surviving from the favor of keeping the coaster operational. park’s first years. As of press time, it’s unknown if any This is the announcement that ap- of this will sway to rethink peared on Carowinds’ Facebook page: its plans. Such public outcry did man- “After 39 wonderful years and nearly 40 mil- age to save a steel coaster at Six Flags lion scream-filled rides, Thunder Road will Great America in 2002. The Schwarzkopf give its last race on July 26. The ride is be- , ironically built the same year as ing retired to make room for future family-fun Thunder Road, remains in operation to- attractions. Please join us this summer as we day. say good-bye to this iconic coaster.” AT asked Carowinds President Mike When it opened in 1976, Thun- Opened in 1976, Thunder Road’s name Fehnel to comment on Thunder Road’s der Road utilized one-of-a-kind and theme were inspired by a 1958 Robert demise. “There comes a time when we cel- rolling stock from Jetstream, the Mitchum crime-drama film of the same ebrate the history and legacy of our favor- last wooden coaster designed by name. Thunder Road has the unique dis- ite rides. This decision is part of a much John Allen for Chicago’s legend- tinction of being the only wooden coaster bigger picture,” said Fehnl. “Carowinds ary Riverview Park (1904-1967). capable of transporting guests through is in the midst of a multi-year expansion The original trains sported two states – North Carolina and South giving guests the park Carolinians de- thematic elements related to Carolina. serve in a growing Charlotte market. We the 1958 Robert Mitchum film, Since its debut, Thunder Road has have a lot of loyal fans and we listened to which inspired the racing coast- er’s name. Since 1980, Thunder safely carried more than 40 million rid- them. Their feedback told us families are Road has featured several sets ers over 39 seasons. It has consistently re- craving time together in a setting where of four-car trains supplied by mained one of Carowinds’ most popular everyone can create and share memories Philadelphia Coasters. attractions, and one that can handle more that last a lifetime. Our upcoming 2016 COURTESY CAROWINDS; AT/ SCOTT guests per hour than any of the other announcement will allow them to do just RUTHERFORD COLLECTION rides. that.” 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 Surf's Up at Taylor County Fair First new in 15 years purchased by Skinners Amusements AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

WICHITA, Kan. — For the first time in 15 years, a new Chance Zipper is on a midway. Skinners' Amusements took delivery of the new Zip- per on June 5 and, according to Jeff Miller, carnival ride sales manager for Chance, who was on hand to see it open and told AT the response was great. "Everything went very well," Miller said. "This is Zamperla's portable Surf's Up was getting a great re- Phase I of the re-introduction sponse on the midway of Miller Spectacular Shows, seen of the Zipper. The whole light- here at Taylor County Fair, Campbellsville, Ky., which ran ing package is different from Skinners’ Amusements received delivery of a Chance Rides May 29-June 6. This was Miller Spectacular Shows second the older models. This new Zipper on one of their dates in northwest Illinois. The amuse- year at the Taylor County Fair. This was also the carnival's one comes with a fully pro- ment company had wanted a new one, so Chance delivered, second season with the Surf's Up, having purchased it in grammable LED package." the first one that the company has manufactured in 15 years. 2014. Attendance numbers weren't available right after Phase II will entail the re- Seen here in front of the new ride are, from left, Pat and the conclusion of the event, but fair officials said the num- development of the gondola. Doug Skinner, Doug Jr. and Reneta Skinner, and Jeff Miller, bers were on par with 2014. AT/SUE NICHOLS "We are working on mak- sales manager, carnival market, Chance Rides. ing an open car," Miller said. COURTESY JEFF MILLER "We hope to have a model FAIR BRIEFS ready for IAAPA (Internation- the midway. Frienden forms new company, purchases ORI FAST FACTS al Association of Amusement Production of the Zipper Parks and Attractions) this was decreased at Chance when SALEM, Ore. — Albert Frienden, owner, Battech Enter- Ride/Opening/ year." the company shifted a focus to prises, LLC, has formed a new company, Replacement Parts Carnival Owner Phase III, set to be ready more park production. Resource LLC. Once formed, RPR LLC, then purchased all the Zipper/June 5/ in about a year, will feature a "But, we had a customer assets of ORI LLC (formerly Oregon Rides), which now makes Skinners' Amusements modernized drive system. who had to have one," Miller RPR LLC the sole provider of parts and services for Eyerly Other than the lighting said, speaking of the Skinners. Rides, effective May 1. Capacity package of the Skinners' Zip- "It is probably one of those Frienden said they have been busy with the manufactur- 12 total seats can per, however, everything is things that wouldn't have hap- ing of parts for the Eyerly rides. accomodate 2 adults the same as the other mod- pened if not for this customer. "I created a totally separate company for this because it re- or 3 children per seat els still seen in abundance on We are thankful for the Skin- ally needed to be a separate entity," Frienden said, the second midways across the country. ners to bring it back." week of June. "We are really busy right now." Loading It features a vertical spinning Tod Sherbourne, former owner of ORI LLC, has agreed to 2 seats simultaneously and turning motion. The max- work for the new company to help with transitioning. imum height of the ride is 56 Ride Speed/Time feet. Clay County Fair sets attendance record 7.5 rpm/2.5 minutes (max.), The segmented cable sys- GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - Officials with the 2015 Clay 2 minutes (recommended) tem dramatically decreases County Agricultural Fair reported that a new attendance record maintenance time and wheel was set at the 29th fair, which ran March 31-April 9. Other wear. There is an electric cable Attendance was up 3.19 percent for a total of 113,591 56 feet maximum height; drive with soft start and pro- grammed ride cycles. guests. The 2014 attendance was 110,978 visitors. However, the 40 kw maximum power The powered hydraulic new record fell just shy of the fair board’s attendance goal of requirement; electro- leveling jacks simplify setup 115,000. hydraulic, boom drive and it transports easily on a Deggeller Attractions provided the midway with over and electric cable drive single trailer. 40 rides including the Vertigo manufactured by A.R.M., Su- Supplier Miller said even though it per Nova by Mondial, by Huss, Century Wheel by Chance Rides has been 15 years since Chance Chance, Yo Yo by Chance, Cliff Hanger by Battech Enterprises, Wichita, Kansas has manufactured a new Zip- by Larson International, and Zipper by Chance. per, the ride is still a staple on

The new Skinners’ Amuse- ments Zipper is part of Phase I in bringing back the Chance ride. The biggest change to the new Zipper compared to the old version is a new LED lighting pack- age. Engineering is under- way for even more upgrades on future units. COURTESY JEFF MILLER July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

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

Gull Wing Industries He's already introduced the world to some adding a $10 million, 86,000-square-foot expo Working with the Carnival of the most bizarre carnival food creations, like center. Industry since 1989 deep-fried Kool-Aid, deep-fried Oreos and Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto is all Contact us at: the triple decker Krispy Kreme cheeseburger. for the project. He said the new center could be www.gull-wing.com Now, Charlie Boghosian has introduced his used for other events outside of the fair such newest food, the deep-fried Slim-Fast bar. He as sporting events, gun and knife shows, trade introduced his new creation at the 2015 San shows, and educational events. Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw Diego County Fair, Del Mar, Calif., June 5-July He feels that a new center will bring in Quiet Power–Tractor or 5. more people, thus more money for the county. Trailer Mounted Boghosian comes up with different foods But not everyone in the county agrees. An every year. This year, in an effort to top himself, effort by local citizens out knocking on doors he deep-fried a diet bar. In a story by the Huff- for petition signatures want the funding for the ington Post, he said the method adds an esti- center to be voted on by county residents. Op- 309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 mated 500 calories to the 200 calories found in ponents feel a private company should come GFlex 400 Amp Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 a Slim-Fast Chewy Chocolate Bar. in, build the center and take the risks. It's a diet bar breaded in pancake batter The current plan is to break ground right af- and fried, then dusted with powdered sugar ter this year's county fair. But if the "No Expo" and drizzled with chocolate. group gets enough signatures, that would defi- "I was having a fry fest at my house where nitely put a delay to any project. my family and friends bring things they think The fair is scheduled to run Aug. 14-22 this will fry well and I thought I'd deep-fry a Slim- year. Amusements of America will provide the Fast bar because it was a total oxymoron," he midway. was quoted as saying. • The deep-fried Slim-Fast bar isn't Bogho- An idea five years in the making is finally sian's only bizarre creation for this year. Also on becoming a reality Sept. 3-7, 2015, at Michi- the menu is a deep-fried peanut butter pickle, gan International Speedway, Brooklyn. In fact, laced in powdered sugar and chocolate sauce. lead local organizers Phil Morgan and Terry Boghosian says both are selling well, but Bonnell have been working on this idea since the Slim-Fast bar is getting better reviews. the original Michigan State Fair, held at the • state fairgrounds, was last held in 2009. Bonnell The 2015 San Bernardino County Fair, will be the fair general manager. Victorville, Calif., has come to a close and fair The grand vision of the fair focuses on cre- officials were reporting an increase across the ating positive awareness and promoting skilled board over the 2014 event. However, this year trade opportunities, entertain fairgoers under the fair was marred by tragedy. the stars and to provide a unique experience Sabrina Gordon, a 31-year-old Navy vet- with fair rides, games, food and camping. eran from Hesperia, died after falling 28 feet to A beer and wine garden and chance to par- the ground from the FreeDrop USA attraction ticipate in a ride and drive event on NASCAR's Thursday night at the fair. fastest track also will be offered. Details about Gordon’s fall have not been Big Rock Amusements has been hired to released by San Bernardino County sheriff’s in- provide the midway. vestigators or fair officials. "We're excited they chose us and to add Geoff Hinds, San Bernardino County Fair another huge event to MIS," Roger Curtis, CEO/general manager, told a local news agen- MIS president, said at a June news conference. cy that it is difficult to produce fun under dif- "Our goal has been to make MIS a year-round ficult conditions. entertainment destination, and not only does “This tragedy impacts everybody differ- this add to the economic development of the ently,” Hinds said. “Our thoughts and prayers Irish Hills, but to the quality of life." are with the Gordon family.” Booking the event at MIS was huge in the Hinds said preliminary numbers indicated fair's development, Bonnell said at the news that attendance was up about eight percent conference. this year over last. Carnival and food spending "If this fair was in some field, then fine no were also up. big deal," he said. "Being at MIS makes this Now in its 68th year, the San Bernardino a big deal. Even if this fair continues to grow, County Fair runs seven days, however, this year we'll never outgrow this place." was an adjustment to the usual run. • The fair opened Saturday, closed Tues- The South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, day and Wednesday and continued Thursday has partnered with Walgreens drug stores to through Sunday. make it easier for residents to buy fair tickets. The FreeDrop USA attraction was making According to SC State Fair General Man- its debut in California at the fair. It involves par- ager Gary Goodman, the state fair will sell tick- ticipants jumping 20, 28 or 36 feet off a scaf- ets at more than 100 Walgreens stores around folding and onto a large airbag. South Carolina, in the Charlotte region of N.C., • as well as the Augusta, Ga., area stores. The Wilson County Fair, Lebanon, Tenn., The fair will run Oct. 14-25 at the fair- brings in thousands of dollars for the local grounds in Columbia. economy. County leaders said last month that's North American Midway Entertainment why they want to build a new expo center, but will provide the midway for this event. not everyone is on board. • The Wilson County Fair is one of the most Have State Fair or Midway news of inter- Keep our amusement park industry strong! well-attended fairs in the state of Tennessee. est? Email your news items to Pam Sherborne at: [email protected]. Buy products and services from these suppliers. County officials want to make it even bigger by July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 Ohio State Fair balances the old with the new LF Creative Group Ohio State Fair, Oct. 2 – 4, 1850. delivering new talking The site was described as eight Smokey Bear icon to 10 acres with grass slopes, AT: Pam Sherborne trees and numerous [email protected] tents. The grounds were en- closed by a 10-foot-high board COLUMBUS, Ohio — fence. Cattle were tethered to a State fair officials across the railing along the carriage road. U.S. play a delicate balancing Admission to the first fair act. They want to keep the tra- was 20 cents, but exhibitors ditions of their fairs, but they could buy a $1 badge for admis- also know that many fairgo- sion for their families. A visitor ers look forward to something could also buy a $1 badge for new. one gentleman and two ladies. So when fair officials at the Attendance that first year was Ohio State Fair felt it was time estimated at 25,000 to 30,000 to replace their "old" Smokey people, a significant atten- Bear, a 14.5-foot figure of the dance but far from the 916,724 famous fire-prevention bear it drew in 2014. that had been greeting their This overview of the Ohio State Fair midway, which has played the Ohio event since 1993, fairgoers for the last 50 years shows not only the large extent of rides and attractions, but also a line of new trees in the Ohio State Fair today for a "new" Smokey Bear, they middle of the midway. This corridor was created as a part of “Operation Shade” in 2013, a Today the Ohio State Fair knew they had to make it a la- fair initiative to add more shade. New brick pavers were added as part of that initiative as still captures the imagination bor of love and balance. were benches for additional seating. of fairgoers looking to find COURTESY THE OHIO STATE FAIR some days of yore. Yet, thou- FAIR FOCUS sands of dollars are poured 14 feet, and with very similar butter sculpting contests at the was planned for September into the grounds for updates Plus, the $80,250 it was movements, the head moves Ohio State Fair. The subjects 1849, after two years of hold- and upgrades on a regular ba- going to cost for the "new" left to right and up and down. of these contests were not re- ing successful District Fairs. sis. Smokey was a motivation to The arm points, perfect for his stricted to specific things. But an outbreak of Asiatic Recent expenditures in- get it right. signature phrase, "Only you In 1903, the first butter cholera forced the cancellation clude: $8.5 million renovation Smokey Bear was brought can prevent wildfires." And, of cow and calf were featured of those plans. The following to the Gilligan Livestock Com- into the prevention course, the mouth moves. at the fair, sculpted by A. T. year, later dates were set to plex; two new buildings, one service in 1944 by the efforts of "However these move- Shelton & Company, distribu- lessen the risk of cholera. Even to open this year and the other the U.S. Forest Service. Fifteen ments are air driven and can tors of Sunbury Co-Operative so, Darius Lapham, the super- to open in 2016, costing about years after his debut, Smokey be operated with a control pad Creamery butter. New cow intendent of the grounds, died $38.5 million together; and $1 made his home at the Ohio so each movement can be op- and calf sculptures have been of the disease just a few weeks million in paving improve- State Fair. Constructed by the erated 'on call,'" said Alicia created every year since and before the opening date. ments. Ohio Division of Forestry's Shoults, the fair's marketing are housed in the 1900s-built Camp Washington (two In the last two years, seven carpentry shop, he was made and public relations director. Dairy Products Building. miles east of downtown Cin- new ticket booths have been of a variety of materials in- "For example, if someone is The first Ohio State Fair cinnati) was the site of the first added and just prior to the cluding plywood, wire and fi- speaking to him at his left, he 2014 fair, officials contracted berglass. And, he was outfitted can turn his head in that di- for 4,250 feet of new seven- with fabric "fur" and denim, rection, then speak with his eighths wire rope cable for the the latter updated every eight mouth moving, then close his SkyGlider, a permanent fair- to 10 years. mouth. This will be a more owned attraction manufac- In the 1970s, he was updat- realistic experience for fairgo- tured by O.D. Hopkins. ed with three primary move- ers." ment mechanisms controlled The new Smokey Bear has by electric gear motors. All of a hard exterior rather than the these could be powered on and fabric fur. off separately, but once they And, he is ready for the were powered on, they moved 2015 fair, set for July 29-Aug. 9. constantly. His head turned left and Fair dates back to 1846 right. His mouth moved and The Ohio State Fair has a his arms waved. very long history dating back The first thing fair officials to 1846, when the Ohio Legis- did when looking for a "new" lature created the 53-member version of Smokey was to hire Board of Agriculture. In those Ohio company, LF Creative 169 years the fair has built Group, to do the work. LF many traditions. Some of them Creative Group was originally include the All-Ohio State Fair At left is a photo of the Ohio founded as LifeFormations in Band and the All-Ohio Youth State Fair sometime in the Bowling Green, Ky. The com- Choir, founded in 1925 and 1960s showing Goodings pany opened an office in Cin- 1963 respectively. The band Amusements Midway that cinnati in 2013, and officially and choir both have 200 mem- played there for many years. became LF Creative Group. bers from across the state. Above is the O.D. Hopkins The new Smokey Bear was In the early 1900s, the Ohio Sky Glider as seen in the early created very similarly to the State University and the Dairy 1970s. old, about the same basic size, Processors of Ohio sponsored COURTESY OHIO STATE FAIR 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

BUSINESS, SAFETY, & CLASSIFIED  MarketWatch — Page 42 / Obituaries — Page 43 / AIMS News — Page 45 / CLASSIFIED — Page 51 Record rainfalls, storms in Texas impacting outdoor attractions AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

VAN, Texas — Robby Par- ish spent the longest 15 sec- onds of his life on May 10. Just after 8:45 p.m., he crouched in a home closet over his wife and two young children, holding fast to the closet's door knob, while an EF3 , with winds be- tween 135-150 mph, pulled violently against his grip from Above, Splash Kingdom's Marci Blevins is seen here at her broth- the other side. ers home after a Mother's Day tornado rips through Van, Texas. Within seconds, the door, She found this flag in the mud behind the house. At right, the local McDonald's donated Happy Meals and bottled water for just above the knob, began to all of the students from Van, Texas that came to Splash Kingdom crack, as the winds continued (Canton, Texas) for a field trip after the tornado. to pull fiercely and without COURTESY SPLASH KINGDOM compassion. Seconds later, the ceiling of the closet ripped off. "They had a 100 percent "We tried to pull some things Dallas-Fort Worth area. Lub- changed. The Greenville loca- The sounds outside the closet loss," said Johnny Blevins, out of the rubble. We pulled bock reported 12.12 inches, tion won't open until 2016. were both deafening and sin- owner of Splash Kingdom some clothes out, but ended making it the second wettest "That park has pretty ister. water parks and brother-in- up throwing them away the May and Wichita Falls report- much been under water since Then, there was quiet. He law to Parish. "But, they didn't next day. " ed a record 17 inches of rain. February," Blevins said. "We opened the closet door. He have a scratch on them. They Blevins lives with his Amarillo reported its second were further along in the Na- and his family stepped out even found their cat two days family in Canton, Texas, just wettest May with 9.29 inches cogdoches park so we should onto a huge pile of rubble that later. about 15 miles from Van. But, of rain. be able to open there by July just seconds before had been "My wife (Marci Blevins, Blevins said he was raised in Rain records also were 1." their home. They were unin- Parish's sister) and I went over Van and his family home there set in the southeastern Texas His other parks, although jured, but had lost everything. the next day," Blevins said. also was destroyed during regions. Austin and as far opening on time, have lost that tornado. south as Corpus Christi also some operational days. And, Two people were killed in reported May records, with just the threat of bad weather Van that night. Official reports 17.59 inches and 14.32 inches has kept numbers down. state that 43 people were tak- respectively. Over in Lubbock, Texas, en by emergency responders Widespread flooding Joyland Park flooded three to local hospitals and many was reported throughout the times in May, said David more taken by private vehi- month essentially bringing Dean, owner. cles. most of Texas out of a multi- "We had as much as 42 Anywhere between 50 to year drought. to 48 inches of water in some 100 homes in this small Texas So, in June, as the summer areas of the park," Dean said. town were damaged. The el- continued on, Blevins and his "It can get very depressing, ementary and intermediate water and amusement park but it is important that we try schools both received signifi- industry colleagues wondered to remain positive. So, on the cant damages. how the rough May would positive point, the water goes But, to Blevins, his fam- impact their 2015 seasons. down really fast." ily had survived. That was all Blevins owns five Splash Dean and his staff, how- Joyland Park in Lubbock, that mattered. Kingdom water parks, four ever, helped nature along in Texas dealt with three flood Along with the tornado in Texas (Canton, Gainesville, the drying process by using events during the spring. outbreak, the State of Texas Hudson Oaks, and Amarillo) blowers, dryers, air compres- Damaged asphalt is cut out experienced its wettest month and one in Shreveport, La. sors — "a lot of stuff." of a walkway where almost in May. Northern Texas was Plans were to open two more In the first week of June, 28 inches of water rushed particularly hard hit. Monthly in Texas, in Greenville and the park had pretty much through the park. reports showed a record 16.96 Nacogdoches, in 2015. dried out. After the dry out, COURTESY JOYLAND inches of rain dumped on the But, those plans have 4See WEATHER, page 40 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 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 water." WEATHER New rides, attractions position Because of the Stage 5 Continued from page 39 drought in the area last year, however, was to come the the city contracted to have Casino Pier for further growth clean-up, repairs, and testing well water hauled to the park to get the park back open. He to a cost of about $70,000 for 2016 expansion eyed as plans for nearby Funtown Pier debated even had to lay new asphalt the season. AT: Dean Lamanna onto his midway. Castaway Cove did open [email protected] "After the three floods on time this year and with a and us trying to get into the new attraction, an AquaLoop SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. park with heavy equipment by White Water West (see sto- — Having fully reclaimed to get things cleaned up, some ry in August issue). Lemasters its berth as this central New of the asphalt on the midway said on the days the park has Jersey shore resort’s premier buckled," he said. been open, attendance is ex- provider of boardwalk fam- Dean said there is a storm ceeding expectations. ily fun, Casino Pier and its water draining system that The same storms that hit adjacent water park, Break- forms a creek running beside northern Texas also hit south- water Beach, are flushing his park. Over the past year, eastern Oklahoma where a re- any lingering memory of the city began diverting more cord 28 inches were reported. Superstorm Sandy far out to storm water into that creek, Frontier City, Oklahoma sea with an ambitious, mul- which is one reason the park City, Okla., general manag- timillion-dollar slate of sum- flooded so many times. He er Stephen Ball said storms mer improvements. plans to go to city leaders and caused the park to close early Already operating near ask for some type of relief, for three operating days, two the pier’s north entrance is such as a flood wall. His fear of which were Saturdays. the new Shore Shot, a Double is, now that Texas is out of the A new ride, Larson Inter- Shot from S&S- drought, just a few inches of national's Super Loop, was in- Sansei. A was rain could lead to park flood- stalled for this year and when expected to debut shortly. Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Waterpark have added ing. the weather was good, atten- Other new or improved at- new WhiteWater drop and serpentine slides (left) and an While Wichita Falls set dance has been great. tractions that will open over S&S drop tower for 2015. The pier proper will rain records in May, Kent Le- "We are poised to have the course of this season: hold a total of 23 rides by season's end. masters, president and CEO a very good year," Ball •Mountain Miniature COURTESY CASINO PIER of AmusementAquatic Man- said. Golf, a 36-hole, multi-level agement, which manages the Premier Parks, LLC, op- course, will provide a new which would increase the Business owners are city-owned Castaway Cove, erates Frontier City as well setting for club-swinging pier’s current 300-by-350- supporting the pier’s return, said that park didn't experi- as other Texas parks includ- — complete with waterfalls foot dimensions to 500 by claiming its absence for sev- ence any flooding. Yet, some ing Wet'n'Wild Splashtown in and ocean views — at the 350 feet, will accommodate eral summers has created a operational days were lost Houston. Ball said that water corner of Ocean Terrace and a roller coaster and a Ferris negative economic ripple. A due to the rains. park, built on high ground, Sherman Avenue, on the for- wheel in 2016. few residents, on the other "But, the drought in Wich- wasn't flooded and wasn't mer site of the waterpark’s “We’re looking forward hand, have expressed con- ita Falls is over," said Lemas- damaged. Dockside Grill. to our new attractions and cerns about the visual im- ters. "As I understand it, the "They had a lot of rain, •Seaside Speedway Go- bringing more families pact and noise such large at- reservoirs are full. We are not but did have to close a few Kart Track, long a top draw to Seaside Heights,” said tractions would create. hauling any water and we days due to bad weather," at the pier, is being enlarged Mastoris. “Our properties Major has argued don't anticipate hauling any Ball said. with additional twists and now have a great variety through representatives that turns, and it will have a new of things to do and we can- the types of rides he wants Animal Kingdom Avatar land progressing pit location. not wait until they all are to put in are crucial to the •Breakwater Beach operational. We are certain ongoing viability of the pier. Waterpark is adding a new that our guest experiences Funtown Pier had more wave pool called The Har- will be greatly enhanced by than 30 rides when the hur- bor designed by WhiteWater all that we’ve done and will ricane struck. Major said he West Industries and manu- continue to do in the near had secured a permit from factured by Air-Tech with future.” the Coastal Area Facilities Wizard Works. WhiteWater Meanwhile, in neighbor- Review Act to resurrect the also has delivered two new ing Seaside Park, the future pier on its original footprint, slides: Salem’s Scream… Oh of Funtown Pier, which also a project that will cost a re- My Cod, a drop slide, and took a devastating hit from ported $20 million. Some Revere’s Wild Ride, a ser- Superstorm Sandy in 2012 new pilings were put in over pentine slide. A new food that was compounded by a the winter. and beverage location with massive fire in 2013, is - tak In late May, Seaside a seashore town-themed de- ing longer to envision. Park’s planning board ap- sign will be centrally located Initial rebuilding plans proved the offering of beach within the water park. unveiled by owner Bill Ma- buggy rides on the Funtown Maria Mastoris, market- jor earlier this year garnered Pier site. The creative, collaborative process continues on a multi- ing manager for the com- somewhat mixed public re- Presented by NJ ATV year project as Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings to life bined fun spot, told Amuse- action in an informal session Rentals and Ocean County Pandora, based on the filmAvatar. Disney ment Today that Casino Pier held by the Seaside Park Powersports, the attraction, recently welcomed acclaimed director James Cameron to is working with the Depart- Planning Board. Major has which requires passengers offices in Glendale, Calif. for a status report. Disney’s cre- ment of Environmental Pro- been pushing for a variance to wear helmets and goggles ative teams, collaborating with the artists and designers tection, as well as state and to a local height ordinance in addition to seatbelts, is at Lightstorm, are focused on all the land’s iconic elements local authorities, to obtain that would allow him to designed to offer dune-hop- — from the magnificent floating mountains to the interac- approvals for a reported bring up to 10 rides to the ping buggy thrills in stylish tive bioluminescent forest, and even to the soaring ban- $3.5 million expansion over site reaching between 200 vehicles at speeds limited to shees. The Avatar-inspired land will be part of the largest the beach at the north end of and 300 feet. He also wants 20 mph. It was expected to expansion in Disney’s Animal Kingdom history at Walt Dis- the existing pier. If all goes to install a couple dozen open as AT went to press. ney World Resort. COURTESY as planned, the new area, kiddie rides. •casinopiernj.com July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Gold Medal Products Co. appoints Seen high above Greg Miller to role of president Family Kingdom CINCIN- Kroeger relates, “I am Amusement Park in NATI, Ohio — confident that Greg is the right Myrtle Beach, S.C. Gold Medal person to lead the next chap- opened for the season on March 21 with the water Products Co. ter in Gold Medal’s success park opening on May 23. recently an- story. We welcome the fresh Located on Ocean nounced it vision and enthusiasm that Boulevard, in the heart has appointed he brings. It’s an exciting time of Myrtle Beach, the amuse- Greg Miller Miller with lots of opportunities on ment park has 38 rides for as company the horizon and Greg is poised adults and children of all president, effective May 18, to maximize the company’s ages, including thrill rides, 2015. potential.” family rides, kiddie rides After serving 24 years as This will mark only the and go karts. the current president, Dan fourth president in the com- AT/B. DEREK SHAW Kroeger will retire from the pany’s 84-year history. position. However, as the company transitions, Kroeger will continue in his leadership with Gold Medal as CEO and chairman through 2016. Miller comes to Gold Med- al after serving as president of SVP Worldwide, an inter- national leader in the sewing machine industry and parent company of the Singer sewing brand. His prior experience also includes progressively advancing roles of increasing responsibility with the Whirl- pool Corporation. His last po- sition held with Whirlpool was vice president/general man- ager of the North American Refrigeration Business Unit. With an extensive background in manufacturing, sales, mar- keting, product development and general management, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the future of Gold Medal. Miller respectfully pays tribute to Gold Medal’s suc- cess stating, “Dan’s leadership and the strength of the entire team have positioned Gold Medal as the global leader in this industry. It is an honor to join the team where we will not only build for the future but also continue the strong 84-year heritage established by the founders, the Evans’ family.”

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SPOTLIGHT: 2015 Park Preview Pages 6-9

TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. SPOTLIGHT:SPOTLIGHT: 2015 2015 May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. Park Preview TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. Park Preview Pages 6-9 Pages 6-9 Europa-Park celebrates four decades Carowinds unveils MayMay 20152015 || Vol.Vol. 1919 •• IssueIssue 22 Europa-ParkEuropa-Park celebratescelebrates fourfour decadesdecades of success with new attractions www.amusementtoday.comwww.amusementtoday.com B&M Fury 325 ofof successsuccess withwith newnew attractionsattractions AT: Tim Baldwin AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]: Tim Baldwin Carowinds unveils [email protected] [email protected] Carowinds unveils RUST, Germany — Call it RUST, Germany — Call it a birthday,RUST, call Germany it an anniversa — Call -it B&M Fury 325 a birthday, call it an anniversa- B&M Fury 325 a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made itry, a celebration. but Europa-Park has made it a celebration. ry, but Europa-Park has made On March 28, Roland it a celebration. Mack,On the March Mack family,28, Roland the mayorMack, (burgermeister) the Mack family, of Rust the On March 28, Roland andmayor special (burgermeister) guests opened of Rustthe Mack, the Mack family, the parkand specialwith aguests ribbon-cutting opened the DPLGpark D ÁXUU\with RIa VKRZHULQJribbon-cutting mayor (burgermeister) of Rust confetti,DPLG D ÁXUU\balloons, RI VKRZHULQJ and songs and special guests opened the ofconfetti, celebration. balloons, The ceremonyand songs of celebration. The ceremony park with a ribbon-cutting included a welcome from co- founderincluded Roland a welcome Mack from that co- DPLG D ÁXUU\ RI VKRZHULQJ UHÁHFWHGQRWRQO\RQKRZWKHfounder Roland Mack that confetti, balloons, and songs parkUHÁHFWHGQRWRQO\RQKRZWKH had changed over four decades,park had but changed the Europeanover four of celebration. The ceremony communitydecades, butas well.the RelationEuropean- included a welcome from co- shipscommunity across asborders well. Relationback in - 1975ships were across a far borders cry from back what in founder Roland Mack that they1975 are were today. a far cryIt is from that what in- UHÁHFWHGQRWRQO\RQKRZWKH vigoratedthey are sensetoday. ofIt Europeanis that in - vigorated sense of European park had changed over four connectivity that has helped Germany’sconnectivity largest that themehas helped park decades, but the European ÀQGGermany’s DVWRXQGLQJ largest VXFFHVV theme 7KH park ÀQG DVWRXQGLQJ VXFFHVV 7KH community as well. Relation- mayor presented the park withmayor a special presented gift for theits 40th:park ships across borders back in a withframed a special site permit gift for drawing its 40th: froma framed when sitethe parkpermit opened drawing in 1975 were a far cry from what from when the park opened in $SSHDULQJLQÁDVKPRE The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- they are today. 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Germany’s of investments, following the largest theme park was open enormous expenditures of hadcommunications, days with more reports, than 2,000 “We with a special gift for its 40th: largest theme park was open enormous expenditures of for the 2015 season. 2014, the park still had lots of contracthad days workers with more on thansite dur2,000 for the 2015 season. 2014, the park still had lots of a framed site permit drawing Amusement Today was on QHZWKLQJVWRRͿHUDVZHOODV LQJcontract WKH RͿVHDVRQ workers WR on SUHSDUH site dur- QHZWKLQJVWRRͿHUDVZHOODV - hand Amusementto experience Today the excitewas on- enhancements for guest satis- allLQJ the WKH new RͿVHDVRQ additions.” WR SUHSDUH from when the park opened in The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- hand to experience the excite- faction.enhancements Quite surprisingly, for guest satis the - all the new additions.” $SSHDULQJLQÁDVKPRE faction. Quite surprisingly, the New attractions for ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. NewSee EUROPA,attractions page for4 style, costumed entertainers, See EUROPA, page 4 COURTESY EUROPA-PARK See Story page 26 DVZHOODVVWDͿIURPWKHYDUL- See Story– – page 26

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.com 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH DreamEast inks agreement with Palace Ent. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — On May 20, DreamEast Entertain- COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW 06/10/15 52-Week 52-Week ment Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Skyocean International Hold- ings (00593.HK), signed a strategic cooperation agreement The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 42.01 44.43 26.56 with U.S.-based Palace Entertainment. Under the agreement, Merlin Entertainments Group/ Palace Entertainment would supply consulting services and MERL LSE 443.70 443.70 3.277 Legoland strategic suggestions, covering market analysis, project plan- ning and intellectual property rights, for the amusement park Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 58.22 60.64 42.75 and resort projects of DreamEast theme park. The cooperation will be of great importance for the market research and imple- CMCSA NASDAQ 58.23 60.85 49.33 Comcast Corp./ mentation of the DreamEast theme park project, and for facili- NBCUniversal Media tating the realization of the DreamEast objective to "introduce CMCSK NASDAQ 57.76 60.24 49.26 Chinese culture to the world." The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 110.00 113.30 78.54 Palace Entertainment owns and operates 22 amusement parks, water parks, animal parks and family entertainment cen- Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1165.00 1298.00 975.00 ters across the United States. Established in 1998, Palace Enter- tainment was acquired by the Parques Reunidos Group, the Great Wolf Resorts WOLF NASDAQ 17.00 TBD TBD second largest theme park operator in Europe, in 2007. DreamEast, a cultural and entertainment brand of Skyocean Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.83 2.13 1.02 International Holdings was established by Skyocean to com- prehensively enter the cultural industry as a result of research Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 11.35 13.70 10.30 and practice over 12 years. Centering on intellectual properties of Chinese culture, it is devoted to integrating global talents, MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 19.53 27.64 17.25 technologies and advanced management concepts, and the construction of DreamEast Culture Town, a complete cultural SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 20.86 31.20 15.11 industry chain platform running through the creation, exhibition Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town 000069 SZSE 12.14 12.79 4.58 and experience of cultural entertainment. —PR Newswire Co., Ltd. (OCT) Firestone Financial purchased by Berkshire Hills Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 47.48 51.09 31.77 NEEDHAM, Mass. — Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: Skyocean International 00593HK SEHK 9.40 9.88 3.96 BHLB) announced on May 22, the signing of a definitive agree- ment for the acquisition of privately held Firestone Financial Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 3850.00 3944.00 2941.00 Corp. as an operating subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. Based in Needham, Massachusetts, Firestone is a nationwide, long- Village Roadshow VRL ASX 5.98 8.17 5.08 standing commercial specialty finance company serving the amusement, fitness, vending and laundry industries. STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN “We are excited to be joining the Berkshire team,” said CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED Firestone CEO David Cohen. “With Berkshire’s resources be- hind us, we believe we can be a significant contributor to the 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 continued growth and profitability of this organization. With Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange the support of Berkshire Bank, we will be able to offer our —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal thousands of customers additional services to help facilitate DIESEL PRICES their continued growth.” “Firestone is a terrific fit for Berkshire Bank,” stated Berk- Region As of Change from (U.S.) 06/08/15 1 year ago shire CEO Michael Daly. “The strength of the management East Coast $2.980 - $1.003 team and their conservative approach to credit has made them into a solid performing finance company. Our strategic decision Midwest $2.774 - $1.071 to complement our strong asset based lending platform with Gulf Coast $2.783 - $0.986 this specialty finance business, enables us to further diversify our Mountain $2.825 - $1.084 assets while expanding our client offerings. We look forward to West Coast $3.001 - $0.898 adding Firestone’s expertise to our organization and to taking California $3.217 - $0.857 advantage of the synergies available through this acquisition.” CURRENCY On March 31, 2015, Firestone had approximately $190 million in loans outstanding spread across multiple industries and geog- On 06/10/15 $1 USD = raphies. Borrowers are widely dispersed with no state comprising 0.8862 EURO more than 11 percent of the outstanding balance and the largest 0.6519 GBP (British Pound) borrower representing just 1.2 percent of outstandings. 124.37 JPY (Japanese Yen) Firestone has been in business for 50 years and is led by in- 0.9284 CHF (Swiss Franc) dustry veterans David S. Cohen and Scott A. Cooper, both of 1.3010 AUD (Australian Dollar) whom joined the company in the 1980’s. The senior team has 1.2375 CAD (Canadian Dollar) extensive experience in the markets they serve and will con- tinue to run the business post-transaction. July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 Disney Store opens OBITUARIES Storybook Land's co-founder Esther Fricano dies in N.J. in Shanghai, China EGG HARBOR TOWN- icated herself to the business and used her sec- SHIP, New Jersey — Esther Fri- retarial experience to handle all the office work SHANGHAI, China — Disney Store opened the doors cano passed away peacefully on associated with running an amusement park. on May 20 of its flagship store in the popular Lujiazui area of May 13, 2015 in the comfort of She loved dolls. Her collection included Shir- Pudong, Shanghai, China. The landmark store is the largest her home. ley Temple, Barbie and even Kate Middleton. The retail space of any Disney Store in the world featuring 5,000 She was raised in Vineland, business continues to be run hands-on by family square meters of immersive shopping experiences and innova- where she worked on the fam- members, and Fricano welcomed input from her tive product, and also features an outdoor plaza. ily farm with her parents and Fricano children and grandchildren. "We couldn't be more delighted to open our first Disney five siblings. She graduated As an Italian grandmother, Fricano was Store in China, in Shanghai," said Paul Candland, president from Vineland High School in 1940, one semester known for her hospitality and for being an excel- The Walt Disney Company, Asia-Pacific region. "Disney Store early, and near the top of her class. After gradu- lent cook and baker. Friends, family, neighbors, plays a critical role in how millions around the world expe- ation, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper and employees could stop by her home anytime rience our brand and allows kids, young adults and families at Wene Chick Farm, based in Vineland. at all, where she would always offer a cup of to have a uniquely fun and immersive experience while shop- Esther married John Fricano, Sr. in 1945. In tea and cook huge family-style meals. Whether ping for their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars 1955, she co-founded Storybook Land, in Egg it was morning or night, nobody left the house products," he added. Harbor Township, with her husband when their hungry. With an estimated 40 million tourists visiting the Lujiazui children were 2 and 6. They cleared the land Esther was predeceased by her husband of area each year, the Disney Store, with its unique product range and built some attractions with nursery rhyme 63 years, John Sr., her parents John and Jennie and entertaining, immersive and innovative design elements, themes. The two gradually expanded the park DeMarco, and her five siblings: Lewis DeMarco, is set to become a world-class destination and meeting point over the years, adding rides in the 1970s and ex- Rose Spada, Frank DeMarco, Joseph DeMarco, among locals contributing to Shanghai's reputation as a family, panding into more than 20 acres today. Esther and Mildred Crescenzo. business, cultural, entertainment and tourism destination. handled the decorating and furnishing of the She will always be remembered by her two —PR Newswire displays and buildings at Storybook Land. She children: JoAnne and John Jr., and the late Iris would dress up as Mother Goose to greet the Fricano; grandchildren: Jessica and John III; children, or be in the snack bar cooking lunch or nephews and nieces; and all of her friends and Magic Memories scooping ice cream for the park patrons. She ded- employees at Storybook Land. Florida carnival operator Milton Culpepper dies at 83 delivers Down Under TAMPA, Florida — Milton He will be remembered for his upbeat posi- OXENFORD, Australia — “Australian Outback “Hickey” Culpepper, 83, of Tam- tive attitude and his love for “His Club." Hickey is Magic Memories recently an- Spectacular has a very proud pa, Florida, passed away on May survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie W. Culpep- nounced that it has provided history of showcasing the best 11, 2015. per; daughter, Patricia Yhnatko; brother, Charles another innovative guest ex- of Australia through beauti- Hickey was born on August Culpepper; granddaughters Marlo and Meagan perience in partnership with ful design and choreography. 26, 1931 in Wright City, Oklahoma Yhnatko.; and many extended family and friends. Australia's largest theme park Our creative brief was very to the late Tom Culpepper and He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and operator, Village Roadshow simple — reflect this in the Flora Yardley-Culpepper. Hickey Culpepper Flora Culpepper, grandmother Burns; and broth- Theme Parks. design of the photo experi- followed his life’s passion into the ers, Dudley, Hubert, and Tommy Culpepper. The Queenstown, New ence and products,” Magic carnival business where he owned and operated A memorial service was held on Thursday, Zealand-based company Memories Chief Executive Of- an outdoor amusement business. He was a lifetime May 14, 2015, at A Life Tribute Funeral Care- Tam- developed a completely ficer Asia Pacific, Africa and member of the Showmen’s League of America, The pa Chapel. Donations can be made to the COPD overhauled product for the China, Steve Taitoko said. Greater Tampa Showmen’s Association, and the In- Foundation at, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, Australian Outback Spec- —PR Newswire ternational Independent Showmen’s Association. Fla., 33134, so others can breathe better tomorrow. tacular Experience on Aus- tralia’s Gold Coast, to coin- cide with the launch of their High Country Legends dinner show in late 2014. THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST HAVE A NEW NAME. Magic Memories was briefed to create a transition Complete financing for the zone at the entry point to the arena that could showcase the Outdoor Amusement industry since 2000. product from the base of the mountains to the snow-filled High Country above. To ac- complish this they developed an innovative system of five green-screen studios where guests could interact with show hosts and have their photos taken on the way into the arena. These photos are then transformed on to a range of backgrounds, ensuring that Formerly Prairie Financial, Inc. guests are able to come away with a personalized in-depth Paul Muller [email protected] representation of the show. Wade Muller [email protected] Subscribe Today! Mark Walker [email protected] Pam Muller [email protected]

.com 816-581-0033 • 839 NE Woods Chapel Road • Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 www.oafinance.net 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 BUSINESS BRIEFS FAsttrack Peter Schnabel announces new company COMPILED: Scott Rutherford VICTORIA, B.C.—Amusement industry veteran Peter Sch- nabel has launched CAVU Designwerks, a global media based [email protected] attraction provider. Joining him in the venture are Daryl White, president, and Tao Huai, president, Asia, as well as Harold Hud- For the fourth consecutive year, Mor- Discovery Pyramid. The SpongeBob SubPants son, senior advisor. gan’s Wonderland theme park has earned Adventure is a one-of-a-kind interactive expe- At the IAAPA Asia Attractions Expo in Hong Kong, CAVU a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor, rience that allows guests to go on a submarine Designwerks will present the company’s portfolio of next gen- the world’s largest travel web site, for “earn- voyage to explore the world of Bikini Bottom eration media based attractions, which include such products as ing exceptional traveler ratings over the past with the help of their captain, Patrick Star. Visi- Twist ‘n Shoot interactive dark ride, Midnight Express touring year.” This recognition places Morgan’s Won- tors are able to choose their path through the tram simulator and Storm Chaser Multi Axis Dark Ride derland in the top-performing 10 percent of wild and silly deep-sea adventure and have Daryl White is responsible for operations including over- all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor, said real-time conversations with Patrick. The at- sight of the design, development and execution of all attraction Stephen Kaufer, TripAdvisor president and traction takes visitors from digital to real time engineering systems. Tao Huai will be responsible for relation- CEO. To qualify for the award, businesses must through exciting 4D sensory elements which ships with CAVU manufacturers and handle business develop- maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out brings the adventure to life through scents, ment in Asia Hudson, a well known and highly respected tech- of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on bubbles and bouncing beach balls. nical authority, is supporting CAVU with quality assurance and TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on Trip- • safety. Advisor for at least 12 months. Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure “CAVU is taking a fresh look at attraction design, and the • Island crank up the heat this summer with ex- manufacturing process. Our rides will offer our customers ex- A former Holiday World performer who tended hours in the dark and live entertain- finished fourth in this year’sAmerican Idol ment. The thrills come out at night at Busch ceptionally high value,” said Schnabel. “I’ve built a very capable competition visited the park on June 2, 2015 Gardens through August 16 during “Summer team and together we are launching CAVU Designwerks. Long- to meet fans and sign autographs. Rayvon Nights!” The award-winning Kinetix show re- term relationships with the best creative partners and manufac- Owen performed in the park’s Rejoice! show turns with rock-fueled music and acrobatics at turers allow us to offer next generation media-based attractions.” as well as the Legacy acappella group in 2011. 9 p.m. on Gwazi Field, followed by a fireworks •www.cavudw.com Also a songwriter, his “Brand New Day” is fea- show every night. Busch Gardens is open until Boomers! blasts into Houston tured in this year’s EPIC Praise show at Holiday midnight on Fridays and Saturdays throughout HOUSTON, Texas — Boomers! Houston (formerly Moun- World. “Summer Nights!” When the sun goes down, tasia) has opened on June 5 as the first Boomers! location in • the fun continues at Adventure Island through Texas. Guests at new Boomers! Houston will see a refreshed ar- Virginia’s Busch Gardens’ epic 40-year August 8 with “Island Nights!,” which will in- journey is being explored in a specially-com- clude extended park hours, island entertain- cade building that features an expanded café and seating capac- missioned 40-minute documentary — 40 Years ment, larger-than-life sand sculptures and a ity that has more than doubled. There’s also a sports bar-style of Fun: The Story of Busch Gardens — that family-friendly sunset celebration. counter, with stools and multiple televisions. The company has brings together past and current park execu- • applied for a license to serve a selection of beer and wine to adult tives and some of the park’s most enthusiastic Kennywood Park’s , a wood- guests. In the arcade, guests will see new carpeting throughout, fans to talk about their experiences. The piece en coaster built in 1920 by legendary designer a wide selection of a new games and a refreshed look for the explores the park’s humble roots as a hospi- John Miller, marks 95 years of thrilling riders indoor party and meeting room. tality tour and its gradual transformation into this season. To celebrate the birthday of the Al Weber, Jr., CEO of Apex Parks Group, comments, “This a modern theme park with old-world charm. fifth-oldest roller coaster in the world, Kenny- complete renovation of the park will make the new Boomers! a Limited quantities of the commemorative DVD wood fanatic Vic Kleman embarked on 95 con- favorite place for Houstonians to visit for a fun and enjoyable 40 Years of Fun: The Story of Busch Gardens secutive rides of the Jack Rabbit on Sunday, time with family and friends.” will be available for purchase at merchandise May 24. The 82-year-old Kleman’s marathon In addition to the newly remodeled interior, Boomers! is shops throughout the theme park, including ride began at 10:53 a.m. and he completed his also introducing a ticket-free, token-free card system for attrac- The Emporium, Tempesto shop and Das Fes- final ride at 7:17, taking a total of 8:24 to com- tions and games. thaus. plete. Kleman did not get out of his seat once • during his daylong ride. “I feel great!” Kleman Elitch Gardens sold to Denver investor group The Huffington Post recently named said shortly after finishing his run. “I made sure DENVER, Colo. — Elitch Gardens theme and water park Maine’s Funtown Splashtown USA as one to move my throughout the day to keep has been sold by CNL Lifestyle Properties to a Denver investor of the best amusement parks in the United from getting stiff after sitting so long.” group comprised of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Revesco States. Other well-known parks on the list in- • Properties and Second City Real Estate, through its joint entity clude Universal Studios Florida, , Tweetsie Railroad is known by genera- KSE Elitch Gardens/Revesco/Second City, LLLP. The purchase and Hersheypark. “As a family-owned park tions of families for its Wild West adventure. price of the deal was not made public. in New England, we work within our means What many people may be surprised to learn “We are thrilled to be the new owners of Denver’s Elitch to provide a great experience for guests of is that North Carolina’s first theme park has Gardens,” said Revesco Properties CEO Rhys Duggan on be- all ages. This list shows that our brand is be- a long and rich history, which it celebrates half of the group. “This was a rare opportunity to acquire a great coming more known every year,” said Cory each year with Railroad Heritage Weekend. asset in such a thriving city.” Hutchinson, park general manager. Highlights of this year¹s event, which will take Under a new contract, the owners plan to retain Premier • place August 29-30, 2015, include tours of the Parks, LLC as the operator of Elitch Gardens. Premier Parks will DelGrosso’s Amusement Park opened Tweetsie Railroad Train Shop and a special ride continue to oversee the park’s daily operations. Currently, there for its 68th season in May and has plenty on on Tweetsie¹s historic steam locomotives. no planned changes in the existing park staff. tap for guests including a new ride, the ARM • While no specifics were given, KSE Elitch Gardens/Re- Rock Star, along with a new Ring A Bottle game A global culinary journey celebrating 20 vesco/Second City, LLLP is planning multi-million dollar up- in Kid’s Kingdom and new food items (Deep years of the International Food & Wine Fried Oreo’s, Kunzler Jumbo All Beef Hotdogs Festival will tantalize taste buds Sept. 25-Nov. grades to the property in the coming years. and Jalapeño Cheddar Hotdogs, refillable 16, at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2015 Sanrio, Universal adding Hello Kitty retail soda cups). “We are so excited to be kicking festival will welcome celebrity chefs, debut TORRANCE, Calif. — Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best off our 68th Season of family fun,” says Carl new marketplace tastes from around the world known for beloved pop icon Hello Kitty, and Universal Parks Crider Jr., general manager of DelGrosso’s and celebrate guests’ favorite dining tradi- & Resorts have announced their partnership to develop Hello Amusement Park. “Our staff has been hard at tions. Disney chefs and festival programmers Kitty interactive retail experience shops scheduled to open later work for months preparing for the season, and are whipping up plenty of surprises to cel- this year at Universal Orlando Resort and in the future at Uni- we are excited to get the summer fun started.” ebrate the 20th annual event. New wine tast- versal Studios Hollywood. • ings, rockin’ parties and culinary experiences The shops will mark Hello Kitty’s official retail debut at Moody Gardens celebrated Memorial built around the 20-year milestone will bring Day weekend in grand style with the debut together loyal festival fans and first-timers. theme parks in North America and offer specialty merchan- of the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure in the dise including stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories and collectibles. —PR Newswire July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] AIMS names Karen Strahl as 2016 AIMS Safety Seminar update Karen Oertley classes and instructors to add to our curricu- Certification Program Manager AIMS Executive Director lum for 2016.“ Meet Karen Strahl who (714) 425-5747 Safety at amusement parks and other en- has recently been named [email protected] tertainment venues is of utmost importance Certification Program Man- and the challenges to keep people safe from ager at AIMS International. The AIMS Safety Semi- themselves, each other and their surroundings Karen is an industry veteran nar Education Committee continue to evolve. Stay tuned for updates and a long time supporter met in May to plan the course Oertley throughout the summer as instructors and of both AIMS and the Safe- curriculum for the 2016 AIMS classes are confirmed. ty Seminar. In her new role, Safety Seminar to be held, January 10-15 at the If you are planning your budget, seminar she will manage the docu- Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld, Orlando. tuition will remain at $595 for the full week of mentation and registration The 2016 Education committee, led by Chair- classes and includes course materials, CEUs, of all AIMS certifications. man Emmett Peter and AIMS Safety Seminar a completion certificate, our opening recep- Karen lives in Indiana Strahl Manager, Holly Coston, includes: Rick Acha- tion, two breaks and a full lunch every day. The where she is employed rd, Bob Conway, Linda Freeman, Mike Mar- nightly hotel rate is $99. Registration will open as the Safety Manager at Should you have any ques- tin, Mike Neace, Mike Pastor, John Riggle- in early September. Additional fees for test- Holiday World. She and her tions about AIMS certifica- man, Michelle Reuter, Tracy Shedd, Randy ing and certification renewal can be found on husband, Sean, who also tion, testing, CEUs, renew- Vakiener, and Karen Oertley. the AIMS website at www.aimsintl.org where works at Holiday World as als, etc., Karen is the one “We are very excited about the upcom- you can also add your name to our mailing list Maintenance Planner, have who can help you navigate ing Safety Seminar,” said AIMS Safety Seminar for updates and announcements on the 2016 two children. When asked the process. Manager Holly Coston. “We continually work Safety Seminar. For more information on the what she likes to do in her You can contact Karen to improve and update our classes to stay cur- 2016 AIMS Safety Seminar, contact Holly Cos- spare time, Karen said, Strahl, AIMS Certifica- rent and topical as well as to offer the basics ton at [email protected]. “Visit other theme parks, of tion Program manager at on safety education for maintenance, ride in- On behalf of the AIMS Board of Directors course!” Please join us in [email protected]. spection, operations and aquatics. This year’s and staff, have a wonderful FUN filled summer welcoming Karen to AIMS. —Karen Oertley, AIMS committee had great suggestions for new and stay SAFE!

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

Walt Disney’s original theme park parties hearty at 60 Disneyland reveals fun new facets for Diamond Celebration AT: Dean Lamanna Parade, Bob Jani,” said Sayre [email protected] Wiseman, executive producer for Walt Disney Imagineering ANAHEIM, Calif. — Dis- Creative Entertainment. “This neyland has launched its Dia- new parade has wonderful nods mond Celebration with the kind back to the original, but Paint the of fanfare that would have made Night also has a whole new feel, Uncle Walt proud. plus amazing visuals and tech- For six decades, Walt Dis- nology that are sure to wow our ney’s original park, together guests.” with the ever-expanding and •Disneyland Forever Fire- evolving resort area around works — Presented by Honda, it, has explored the frontiers this dazzling pyrotechnics dis- of immersive storytelling and play provides a street-to-sky entertainment technology — audiovisual experience like bringing exciting attractions nothing seen previously at Dis- and inventive entertainment to neyland. Guests are surrounded life for guests from around the by the worlds of timeless Disney world. This yearlong event pres- tales — thanks to the largest in- ents both a nostalgic recap and a stallation of projection mapping boost toward the property’s fu- technology in a Disney park and ture promise. some surprising special effects. The ’s Commemorating the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney's original theme park, Disneyland For- One minute, guests are Diamond Celebration kicked ever, a new fireworks presentation at the Disneyland Resort, uses both pyrotechnics and standing on , and off with a 24-hour party for the projection mapping to illuminate Main Street, U.S.A., and the sky above Sleeping Beauty the next, they could be stamped- general public on May 22 after Castle. PAUL HIFFMEYER/DISNEYLAND RESORT ing across Simba’s Pride Lands two days of media previews. derful World of Disney multime- Walt proclaimed that Disney- to fuel a sense of wonder in Dis- from The Lion King, dancing Three new nighttime spectacu- dia show at Disneyland’s young- land would never be completed neyland Resort guests. with King Louie from The Jungle lars are the primary markers of er, adjacent sister park, Disney as long as there was imagination “It’s great fun to research Book, traveling “Under the Sea” this major anniversary (which California Adventure (DCA). left in the world,” Chapek said. and use technology to create with the Little Mermaid or fly- falls on July 17, to be exact), with “I just have always grown “Time and again we’ve pushed these immersive worlds, know- ing over London with Peter special food and merchandise up with Disney on my brain and the boundaries to fulfill that vi- ing guests will see our classic Pan. The title character of Find- offerings, park décor touches, now that I have kids of my own, sion… [and] demonstrate the stories in mesmerizing new ing Nemo “swims” in the skies character costumes and attrac- it’s super great to be able to show creativity and innovation for ways,” said Steve Davison, ex- above Sleeping Beauty Castle as tion enhancements also carrying them the things that excited me which Disney parks have be- ecutive of parades and spectacu- the is transformed the theme. when I was a kid,” Harris said. come known around the world.” lars for Walt Disney Imagineer- into the fiery peak of Mt. Wan- Among the special guests Contrary to its own matu- ing Creative Entertainment. “It’s nahockaloogie from that film. and Disney executives appear- rity, Disneyland hasn’t lost an Mickey on the march going to bring Disneyland to Two original songs enrich ing before the media were Bob iota of its youthful vigor, empha- The Diamond Celebration life in ways they couldn’t even the fireworks show: the Disney- Iger, chairman and CEO of The sized fellow attendee Bob Cha- continues to raise the creative bar imagine.” land Forever theme “Live the Walt Disney Company, and actor pek, chairman of Walt Disney with a flashy new parade, a new The special anniversary at- Magic” and an inspiring closing Neil Patrick Harris, co-hostswith Parks and Resorts. fireowks show at Disneyland tractions: song, “A Kiss Goodnight,” com- Mickey Mouse of the new World “When he originally un- and a dynamically revamped • — This all- posed by Disney legend Richard of Color — Celebrate! The Won- veiled his dream back in 1955, presentation at new electrical parade, in which M. Sherman and sung by Ash- DCA — all carefully designed Mickey Mouse “paints the night” ley Brown, star of the Broadway with his vivid imagination, is a production of Mary Poppins. luminous musical extravaganza “Walt Disney had a lot of that delivers a flowing river of heart, and ‘A Kiss Goodnight,’ color along Main Street, U.S.A., is for him,” Sherman said. “He’s with an array of Disney char- the one who came up with the acters, floats and more than 1.5 idea of having fireworks at the million LED lights. end of the night. He wanted to Tinker Bell leads the proces- give the folks who were leav- sion, and Cars film star Light- ing after a day at the park a little ning McQueen races in with extra gift, and that was why he his buddy Mack Truck, who at called it a little kiss goodnight…. 54 feet in length, makes a hefty After all these years, people still impression. Anna and Elsa from get a kiss goodnight, so this is Frozen glide through in a shim- very special for me.” Tinker Bell (above) lights mering palace of ice and snow, •World of Color — Cel- the way in Paint the Night, while Cinderella, Rapunzel and ebrate! The Wonderful World Disneyland's Diamond beloved characters from Mon- of Walt Disney — Neil Patrick Celebration successor to its sters, Inc., The Little Mermaid, Harris joins Mickey Mouse on iconic Main Street Electri- Beauty and the Beast and Toy Story a magical water canvas in this cal Parade. The after-dark also make appearances before new version of the popular DCA spectacular features many Mickey and his pals create a nighttime spectacular. Both epic beloved Disney characters, breathtaking finale. and intimate, it brings to life the including Mack from the “I grew up with that parade remarkable history of Walt Dis- movies (left), aglow in Cars and, at the start of my career, I ney and The Happiest Place on 1.5 million LED lights. worked for the original creator Earth with animated imagery, PAUL HIFFMEYER/ DISNEYLAND RESORT of the Main Street Electrical 4See DISNEY, page 47 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47

Along up Main Street, U.S.A., DISNEY with the Disneyland Band and Continued from page 46 Disney characters. The caval- high-definition live-action film, cade concludes with a Diamond fountains, lasers, special effects Sing-Along at Town Square. and a stirring musical score. Also on Main Street, the Dap- Guests take an inspirational per Dans quartet invites guests journey through Walt’s imagi- to join Diamond Sing-Alongs, nation, during which they are while the Straw Hatters band reminded that if they never give will encourage Diamond Dance- up on their dreams, anything is Alongs. possible. At DCA, guests can Since its premiere in 2010, “Dream-Along” with Mickey World of Color has used a Mouse and the Red Car News groundbreaking “stage” of near- Boys, as Mickey shares a new ly one full acre of engineered song about his vision for the superstructure, longer than a Happiest Place on Earth. When football field. Nearly 1,200 pro- the Five & Dime arrive on Bue- grammable fountains and a vast na Vista Street, guests will find underwater grid with more than themselves dancing along with 20,000 points of control send wa- Dime, Goofy and the boys. ter as high as 200 feet — higher Mad T Party has returned World of Color — Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney, hosted by actor Neil than Mickey’s Fun Wheel. to DCA and guests are invited Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse, is a revamped, 60th anniversary version of the popular “There is so much won- down the rabbit hole to experi- outdoor multimedia show that debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2010. SCOTT BRINEGAR/DISNEYLAND RESORT derful humor plus heartfelt ence this nighttime bash inspired moments in the new World of by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonder- cially created for the Diamond Californian Hotel & Spa. Abominable Snowman, now Color,” said Imagineering pro- land movie. The Mad T Party Celebration and served in col- more dynamic and ferocious, ap- ducer Sayre Wiseman. “Guests main stage features a live band orful souvenir anniversary con- Enhancing the classics pears within the Matterhorn in will want to see it again and performing contemporary and tainers. Further amplifying the an- surprising ways — including a again.” classic rock favorites, as well as Lemon-flavored cupcakes niversary fun, attractions across new scene that reveals some lost newly mashed-up Disney tunes. can be found at the Jolly Holiday both parks at the Disneyland treasure the creature has been Diamond dazzle abounds Souvenir, food and bever- Bakery Café on Main Street in Resort — including the Haunted hoarding inside the mountain. Aside from the major shows, age offerings at both parks also Disneyland and orange-flavored Mansion, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Peter Pan’s Flight now the Diamond Celebration can be reflect the big anniversary. ones at the , Fifer and Peter Pan’s Flight and the newly features a reimagined nursery seen and enjoyed in many other Diamond Celebration me- Practical Café on Buena Vista re-themed Peak Airfield scene in which the Darling chil- obvious and subtle ways. mentos encompassing more Street in DCA. — have undergone regular re- dren discover the magic of flight Mickey Mouse, Minnie than 500 merchandise items are A Pomegranate Silver Spar- furbishments and returned with as Tinker Bell flits overhead, Mouse and some of their friends, available, including apparel, ac- kler, topped with lemon-lime added magic. sprinkling them with Pixie Dust. for example, have dressed up for cessories, art, collectibles, home foam and garnished with silver At Disneyland, the Hatbox A moonlit London Town and an the fete in sparkling costumes, décor, jewelry, pins and toys. flakes, is being served at the Ghost, an audio-animatronic all-aglow Never Land have been while the iconic Sleeping Beau- Two “heady” highlights: a Mick- Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. At character that first appeared in given new layers of detail. ty Castle in Disneyland and ey Mouse ear hat and a Minnie DCA’s Lucky Fortune Cookery, the Haunted Mansion for a short Meanwhile, at DCA, Grizzly Carthay Circle Theatre in DCA Mouse headband adorned with a special Lucky Fortune Tea con- period around the time the at- Peak has expanded into the for- now glisten with diamond me- rhinestones. taining mango, pineapple and traction opened in 1969, has mer Flats area with new dallions. Six new “enchanted” Aside from limited-edition passion fruit flavors is the anni- materialized once again. Guests building exteriors, landscape window displays have also been pin sets, collectors will find lim- versary sip of choice. will discover the ghost just be- features and additional touches. created at the Main Street Em- ited-release, crystal-embellished Diamond Celebration bev- fore they descend into the cem- A quick-service food location, porium in Disneyland, and even and designer items erages also are available at Dis- etery, where it performs an eerie Smokejumpers Grill, opened in resort cast members have been from a number of noted brands neyland Resort hotel locations: trick. March, was inspired by the fire- given added gleam with their and artists. a Longboard Lemonade at the The Matterhorn Bobsleds fighters who combat wildfires in Diamond Celebration name On the food and beverage PCH Grill in Disney’s Paradise roller coaster and Peter Pan’s the California forests. Lush pine tags. front, restaurants and food carts Pier Hotel, and a Wild Raspber- Flight have returned with new trees bring cool areas of shade At Disneyland, guests can in Disneyland and DCA are of- ry Rapids Lemonade at White special effects, as well. to the expanded area, making join a daily Diamond March- fering cupcakes and drinks spe- Water Snacks in Disney’s Grand The audio-animatronic guests feel as if they have been transported to California’s High Sierra. Altogether, those who visit the Disneyland Resort during the Diamond Celebration “will be immersed in innovation, en- chanted by wonderful narratives and reminded of the incredible legacy of Walt Disney,” said John Addis, show director for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Cre- ative Entertainment Legendary Disney film actor Dick Van Dyke, who was look- ing forward to seeing the Mary Poppins sequence in the Disney- land Forever fireworks show, concurred. “I wish Walt were The Hatbox Ghost has reappeared in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion for the park's Diamond Celebration; the legendary here [to experience it],” he said. figure briefly materialized around the opening of the attraction in 1969. The Abominable Snowman now makes for a more •Disneyland.com dynamic and ferocious audio-animatronic character inside the classic Matterhorn Bobsleds coaster ride. PAUL HIFFMEYER/DISNEYLAND RESORT 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015 July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

Images of Modern America Kings Dominion celebrates park's history Review: Jeffrey L. Seifert divest the park of the Para- [email protected] mount properties and by the Kings Dominion was start of the 2008 season ev- built as a direct result of the ery ride that had any connec- success of Kings Island, which tion to Paramount had been opened in 1972 just outside of rethemed or unthemed and Cincinnati, Ohio. That park, a given a new name. Cedar project of the Taft Broadcast- Fair added a large B&M floor- ing Company and Top Value less coaster as well as a large Enterprises, which comprised nonlooping mega coaster. The Family Leisure Centers (FLC), latter was in the form of a 305- was built to replace Cincin- foot Giga Coaster, In- nati’s Coney Island which Taft timidator 305. had purchased in 1969 with Chapter six illustrates the the intent to move the park changes Cedar Fair brought to away from the flood plain of park: New paint, restoration the Ohio River. of rides, improved landscap- Kings Island was success- park’s continued popularity ing, and a renewed empha- ful as both a theme park and and growth. In 1976 alone, sis on cleanliness and overall Above, the park's Eiffel Tower was part of a massive $60 as a cross-promotional tool several new rides were add- aesthetics. Cedar Fair incor- million construction project. Below, missing since the 1990s, for Taft’s Hanna-Barbera Pro- ed to help increase capacity. porated the Charles Schultz the singing mushrooms returned for the 40th celebration. ductions division. So much That same year filming for a COURTESY ARCADIA PUBLISHING characters including so, that FLC decided it need- new movie, Rollercoaster, took Snoopy and Charlie Brown. ed another similar venue. A place at the park, and in 1977 The return of the long- site in Doswell, Virginia, was a coaster marathon was held lost, iconic, singing mush- chosen for its close proxim- to help promote the film. 1977 rooms — updated with the ity to the population centers also brought the introduction latest technology and now ac- of Richmond, Norfolk and of a revolutionary new ride, companied by a piano-play- Washington D.C. King Kobra, from German- ing frog endeared many park The Mid-Atlantic themer manufacturer Anton Schwar- enthusiasts, some of whom is the subject of Kings Domin- zkopf. only experienced the original ion, a new Arcadia Modern In 1978 the park began from a brief appearance in Images of America book. This construction of the massive the movie Rollercoaster. Ce- newer format, titled Modern Lost World project, which in- dar Fair also embarked on a Images of America, is printed in cluded the addition of three the most surprising is a pic- closed one by one, with the multi-year rehabilitation of color, with only a handful of rides inside a 170-foot tall fab- ture of Star Trek characters — last — an Arrow flume ride, the park’s historic 1917 PTC vintage black and white pho- ricated mountain. The Land Star Fleet officers, Romulans The Haunted River — closing carousel (PTC No. 44) com- tographs. Scott Rutherford, a of Dooz, a unique Arrow and Klingons, side by side, in 1995. The mountain was pleted in time for the 40th well-known writer, photogra- mine train/dark ride, utilized gracing the park. Paramount transformed into a volcano, celebration. Another famous pher and historian has been a coaster track and a chain lift, brought to the park themes and another launched coaster, landmark, the popular floral staff writer and photographer but slowly descended through from its various movies — the Intamin-built Volcano, clock was completely rebuilt. for Amusement Today since it the mountain like a dark ride. many famous and time-hon- The Blast Coaster, erupted Chapter six closes with anoth- was founded in 1997. Ruth- In late 1983, several senior ored, and some that were no from the top of the mountain. er photo of fireworks behind erford has authored multiple officials from Taft entertain- more than a flash in the pan. The final photo in chapter five the Eiffel Tower, this time books on the subject of amuse- ment purchased the theme Other photos in chapter shows fireworks behind the from new owners Cedar Fair. ment parks. park division forming the five highlight the addition of Eiffel Tower near the end of Images of Modern America The 96-page book is di- Kings Entertainment Com- two more franchise-themed the 2006 season — the last un- Kings Dominion offers a - re vided into six chapters, pro- pany (KECO). Chapter four coasters — Outer Limits der the Paramount era. markable collection of vin- viding a pictorial account of covers the nine years under and The Italian was tage and modern images to the 40-year history of the park KECO leadership. Job: Stunt Track. These two sold to Cedar Fair. Chapter six illustrate the rich history of through the use of 160 stun- By the mid-1980s Gulf LIM launched coasters, both begins with the first of the Ce- this famous Virginia insti- ning images. and Western Industries from , debuted dar Fair years. tution. The book retails for Chapter one features pre- (Gulf+Western), began a re- 10 years apart. Two years af- When the park opened $22.99 and is available at local view and construction photos, structuring process with a ter the opening of Outer Lim- for the 2007 season, the park's bookstores, online retailers or including a view of the Eiffel focus on the entertainment its, Paramount transformed name returned to its original Arcadia Publishing at www. Tower nearing completion — industry. The conglomerate the former Lost World Moun- moniker, Kings Dominion. arcadiapublishing .com, (888) but, painted with red primer, began shedding non enter- tain, its attractions having Cedar Fair decided to quickly 313-2665. not the now-familiar light teal tainment assets and renamed color used at both Kings parks. itself Paramount Communi- Chapter two covers the grand cations. Much as Taft did in opening and first year of the the 1970s, Paramount saw park. Pictures here include an theme parks as an avenue to incredibly long line of guests promote its motion picture on opening day, grand open- empire and acquired KECO in ing festivities, a brand-spank- 1992. When the park opened ing new Rebel Yell along with for the 1993 season it was the old Galaxi roller coaster. called Paramount’s Kings Do- By the end of the first season, minion. more than 1.5 million visitors Paramount brought dra- had passed though the , matic changes to the park, as far exceeding projections. illustrated by the photographs The original Shenandoah log flume (above left) still operates at the park, but the later flume Chapter three covers the in chapter five. Perhaps one of in the Lost World was removed in 1995. COURTESY ARCADIA PUBLISHING July 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 CLASSIFIEDS

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May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com YOUR USED RIDE QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS Call(908) Len 526-8009 or John two additional systems available. claSSIFIed • UsedTower indoors rehabbed in 2004. Europa-Park celebrates four decades Carowinds unveils of success with new attractions B&M Fury 325 MARKETPLACE AT: Tim Baldwin (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIed • Never been setup outside [email protected]: (908) 526-4535 INSIDE: P/M. Excellent ride for RUST, Germany — Call it Please contact [email protected] Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 a birthday, call it an anniversa- deadlIneS ry, but Europa-ParkFAX: has made (908) 526-4535 • Has been in storage for 5 years it a celebration. MAY mid-sizedpark. On March 28, Roland Mack, the Mack family, the deadliPad IneS mayor (burgermeister) of Rust and special guests opened the 2014 Park Preview: Pages 6-9 park with a ribbon-cutting Ride is operating and available amid a flurry of showering www.amusementtoday.com AMUSEMENT TODAY’S 1996 Zamperla 26' confetti, balloons, and songs of celebration. The ceremony included a welcome from co- for FireChaser Express. It is perfect for what we wanted to founder Roland Mack that October 1st. - accomplish. It is a family ride () reflected not only on how the laborated on , - that is exciting; helps tell our AMUSEMENT TODAY’S story of volunteer remen but Classified pages close the 10th of park had changed over four TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. the Herschend creative team - has some surprises!” decades, but the European knew the German ride manu Decked out in a custom- facturer could help them ac community as well. Relation- STORY: Scott Rutherford designed reghter outt, [email protected] complish their goal. Dolly Location - Eastern USA. ships across borders back in wood’s Pete Owens explains ocially opened May 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 2 PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - • Model #6FISSA1996 1975 were a far cry from what why Gerstlauer was selected the ride to media and invited Classified pages close the 10th— During the past 29of years, month prior to the issue date. to provide the ride system guests on March 20, 2014. they are today. It is that in- has steadily for what would become Fire “My new FireChaser Express Dollywood opens FireChaser Express,evolved into a Gerstlauer dining and family coaster vigorated sense of European Chaser Express. “This is the has folks goin’ in all di erent entertainment destination connectivity that has helped second project we have done directions, and that’s going to with sumptuous food options Germany’s largest theme park with Gerstlauer in the last be a lot of fun, but it teaches - • Used indoors and award-winning live an important lesson, too,” said month prior to the issue date. seven years. They understand - Rates: find astounding success. The shows. But it’s also rapidly Parton. “FireChaser Express that we are doing more than becoming a true thrill ride mayor presented the park just creating a ride — we want celebrates our heroes — re park. Home to world-class with a special gift for its 40th: to tell a story and create an ex - ghters — and it reminds the attractions such as the top- AT. “We have perience for families to enjoy,” rest of us that we can all be • a framed site permit drawing rated Thunderhead wooden Owens told heroes if we’ll just step up and • Never been setup outside roller coaster (2004), Mystery from when the park opened in Rates: The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- been very pleased with Mys help others, whether it’s in a •Regular classified ad– Mine (2007) steel coaster/dark 1975. Appearing in flash mob tery Mine, the rst Gerstlauer small way or a big way.” ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. ride and the wing See DOLLYWOOD, page 4 99-year-old Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer style, costumed entertainers, Euroghter built in the U.S. It COURTESY EUROPA-PARK coaster (2012), Dollywood $50/year t the story we were trying to as well as staff from the vari- o ers an evolving arsenal of tell and created the experience ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into high-prole rides. • Has been in storage for 5 years •Regular classified ad– But park ocials wisely we wanted. The same is true $20 minimum up to 30 words; park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- organ. Located in USA. Major rehab recognized that there was crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. Dollywood’s new still a niche to be lled. They for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We knew they needed a ride that ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 FireChaser Express family could provide excitement for $20 minimum up toroller coaster 30 features top- words;both families with children as running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available notch theming around the well as more seasoned visitors 1960's Hampton Kiddie Elephant Ride largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare ride’s station and queue looking for thrills. That may for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” area. During the ride’s seem like a dicult thing to debut, Dolly cheers on Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for do, but Dollywood managed reghters as their water to pull it o with the nesse TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story page 26 - INSIDE: All Printed Issues and September 2009. one has come to expect from – +$1 per additionalbucket brigade word. prepares to April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 •Display classified ad –$50 launch the rst thetrain course. onto the Smoky Mountain themer Food and and its parent company Her Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at ConcessionsCircus Circus • Has been in storage for 10 years STORY: Dean Lamanna COURTESY DOLLYWOOD schend Family Entertain- [email protected] Spotlight :

ment. To accomplish the task LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over Pages 7-14 the last two decades, roller of creating an exciting ride coasters in this desert destina- tion have launched, looped, •Display classified ad –$50 corkscrewed and even coiled www.amusementtoday.com with across-the-board appeal, per column inch. A 1-point languorously atop a tower al- most 1,000 feet up. Dated material. material. Dated including a relatively mod- - As this photo illustrates, FireChaser Express is able to accom-

With at least two such est rider height requirement modate‘’‘Ȭ™›˜ę•Žȱ a wide ›’Žœȱ Š—ȱ rangeŠ—ȱ Ž—- of riders and physical dimensions. The tire theme park adjacent to

RUSH! of just 39 inches, Dollywood Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, train’sone casino individual resort having also ratcheting AT/SCOTT lapbars RUTHERFORD accommodate full-size been dismantled in that time, 1960's Hampton Umbrella Ride SUBSCRIBE TODAY! band together to prevent such once again turned to Gerst adultsThe Adventuredome on down at Circus to small children who’ve reached the 39-inch Circus Hotel & Casino — the NEWSPAPER lauer. The result is FireChaser POSTMASTER: 24, 2015 April Mailed Friday, PLEASE height requirement. per column inch. A 1-point indoor fun park that has sur- Express, a dual-launched fam- vived the local vicissitudes of rule will appear around ad. family entertainment since its

debut as Grand Slam Canyon PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT FREE Digital Editions! (817) 460-7220 ily roller coaster like no other.

Having successfully col- in 1993 — has done something

2 chariots. TX WORTH FT. exceedingly right: providing

›’Žœȱ Š—ȱ ŠĴ›ŠŒ’˜—œȱ ’—ȱ Šȱ Œ•’- PAID www.amusementtoday.com mate-controlled environment

an event – to be ready with connected to a resort known

(Cars & Motorcycles) April 2015POSTAGE US | Vol. 19 • Issue 1 for its kid friendliness for half PRSRT STD PRSRT 2014 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 rule will appear around ad. a century. It took more than six years of planning and decision- •Company logos, screens and making to choose and custom- ’£ŽȱŠȱ—Ž ȱ‘›’••ȱŠĴ›ŠŒ’˜—ȱ‘Šȱ would both compliment the park’s popular Canyon Blaster Tom Nolan, vice president volunteer recruits who have Œ˜›”œŒ›Ž ȱŒ˜ŠœŽ›ȱŠ—ȱęȱ’—˜ȱ of operations for the park, de- the tight, dome-roofed foot- scribed the coaster as “the per • Cars & Motorcycles been in storage print left by the Rim Runner fect addition” to the enclosed ̞–Žȱ›’Žǯ facility’s arsenal of two dozen But on Feb. 18, after sev- ›’ŽœȱŠ—ȱŠĴ›ŠŒ’˜—œǯ - S&S~SanseiEl Loco,Technolo from- •Company logos, screens and eral weeks of extensive test gies, Inc., performs its ȃ•ȱ˜Œ˜ȱ˜ěŽ›œȱ˜ž›ȱžŽœœȱ reverses also are available on Available through International Ride ing and media teasing, El something they have never ex- wild mouse-on-steroids Loco — an acrobatic, inverting perienced before,” Nolan said acrobatics with precision SUBSCRIBE TO wild mouse-style coaster from - and family-friendly com- in a chat with S&S~, Inc., day just outside the coaster’s fort within the dramatic

˜ȱ ˜Š—ǰȱ Š‘ȱ ȯȱ ꗊ••¢ȱ Œžȱ Amusement To- Dated material. material. Dated exit on opening day. “Riders

trained to test their prepared- loose inside The Adventure- confines of The enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns Adventuredome at

˜–Žȱ˜›ȱ’œȱ˜ĜŒ’Š•ȱ˜™Ž—’—ǯ and drops in such close prox Circus Circus. It replaces RUSH! for 10 years AMUSEMENT TODAY imity to our other rides that, the park’s 20-year-old, for an instant, they get the sen l. five-acre Rim Runner

Management ria - ride. Mailed Friday, April 25, 2014 25, April Friday, Mailed 2014 

reverses also are available on ate See EL LOCO, page 4

,

PLEASE m

1 NEWSPAPER POSTMASTER: (817) 460-7220 d 2 - ADVENTUREDOMECOURTESY THE AT display ads upon request. Date

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT TER: CIRCUS CIRCUS

RUSH! riday, March FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT. MAS F SE

ness,” explained Brad Thom- NEWSPAPER

POST

PLEA Mailed SUBSCRIBE TO PAID

US POSTAGE US

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT AMUSEMENT TODAY

Silver Dollar City debuts $8 million Fireman’sTX WORTH FT. Landing section PRSRT STD PRSRT

PAID 2014 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS | September 5-7, 2014 US POSTAGE US

display ads upon request. STD PRSRT (817) 460-7220 Call (609)SUBSCRIBE 920-0252 or (609) TODAY 827-1316 RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKEDas, general manager ofISSUES Silver PER YEAR STAY INFORMED AT CLASSIFIEDS S&S, WhiteWater, Dollar City. “The message YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE For More Information: Zamperla supply carries that everyoneAT can CLASSIFIEDS give Please call Bill at back throughYOUR USED volunteerism RIDE MARKETPLACE SUBSCRIBE AT: GAMES FOR SALE 10 new family rides and MAILcommunityFireman’s THIS FORM Landingspirit.” TO: AMUSEMENT ex- TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA (513) 737-9012 LOOPINGTO COASTER SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.comamusementtoday.com pands into a previously un- SUBSCRIPTION1. SKEE BALLS FORMand attractions Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster developed region of Silver Fireman’s Landing, above, ’s new 2.R CLAW MACHINES AT: Scott Rutherford New Subscription Arrow Dynamics all steel with Dollar City, which substan- $8 million area, offers six family rides along with 3. STACKERS [email protected] R Renewal G-ForceBRANSON, 4, 56’FIRST high AND Mo. LAST x 635’ — NAME Silver long tially increases the park’s at-CREDIT CARD NUMBER four interactive play zones for younger kids. The 4. SPORTS ARENAS R Change of Address Built 1977, Excellent condition in tractions arsenal with six new section opened on March 14, 2015 after exten- 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES DollarIndiana. City has $200,000 a treat in store family rides and four interac- sive planning. Below, two of the area’s Zamperla- COMPANY NAME EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE 6. POOL TABLES USA OUTSIDE USAForfor photos guests thisand seasondetails: as the tive play zones for younger designed rides, Up the Ladder and Dizzy Dogs, 7.R VIDEOOne Year GAMES $50 $70 [email protected] Missouri themer un- kids. These newest additions thrill youngsters. veils an imaginative, all-new R Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS bring the number of ridesNAME and AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) COURTESY SDC QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS section dubbed Fireman’s P.O. Box 5427 R Three Years $130 $190 attractions to over 40 and in- Landing.Offi cially opened to the creasesP.O. rideBox capacity 5427 to over Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Arlington,21,000To Texas per supply hour. 76005-5427 the equipment • R Payment Enclosed public on March 14, 2015, the AMUSEMENT$8 million Fireman’s Landing • (817) 460-7220 COUNTRY for Fireman’s Landing,EMAIL ADDRESS Silver Charge to Credit Card: salutes the spirit and train- (817)Dollar 460-7220 City turned to three of Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) TODAYing activities of community SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL Fax (817) 265-NEWSthe industry’s most FREE(6397) respected • QUESTIONS?volunteer fi refiCALL ghters. AT: Similar 817.460.7220 manufacturersNEWS! – S&S, White-R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION RRSerial# 1161-69 R to a section opened last year • G/M, sand blasted CLASSIFIEDS Water West and Zamperla. We accept: at sister park Dollywood, the Centered around the head- ready for repair and paint Fireman’s Landing storyline We accept: 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAXquarters DEDUCTABLE of Fire DONATION Station No.IN THE 3, AMOUNT BELOW TO creates the atmosphereTHE NATIONAL ofROLLER the COASTER MUSEUMthe new AND rides ARCHIVES. include: MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG PRESERVING MAKE A YES!rides serving as “training” •FireFall, an eight-story $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER adventures for recruits and HISTORY USEDDONATION RIDE$10 $25 $50fi re tower-themedOTHER AMOUNT:Double- $ R communityR heroes – all seek-R Shot rideR (S&S/Sansei). Call John Fanelli MARKETPLACEing to become part of the Sil- •Fire Spotter, which fea- (978) 343-4881 ver DollarSilver City Dollar Fire City Brigade. design- tures whirling balloons for spotting fi re dangers (Zam- ers did their homework when perla). researching the thematic as- •Fire Wagon Frenzy, a pects of Fireman’s Landing. bouncing ride for bucket bri- As it turns out, the histori- gade volunteers (Zamperla). cal signifi cance of the new •Lucky’s Dizzy Dogs, a area is based on the fact that galloping ride on Dalmatians the 1880s town of Marmaros, racing around a fi re hydrant Missouri – once located on 4See FIREMEN’S, page 4 the site of Silver Dollar City – was completely burned to the ground by a blaze more than 100 years ago. “Now fast forward to the fi ctional story for Fireman’s Landing, where the citizens share a desire to

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Dated material. material. Dated

(817) 460-7220

Mailed Wednesday, March 25, 2015 25, March Wednesday, Mailed

PLEASE RUSH! PLEASE

POSTMASTER:

NEWSPAPER

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT

FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT.

PAID US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2015

THUNDERBOLT

THIS SIZE CAN FIT ANY PARK

Total track length 681 m (2234’)

Maximum track height 35 m (115’)

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

Max Vertical +4.3 G’s

Passengers per vehicle 9

Number of inversions 5

260 m (853’)

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