Attractions Management Issue 1 2018

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HOT TOPIC Tackling EPIC WATERS the plastic Texas waterpark problem lives up to its name BOB WHITE on Village Roadshow’s growth ambitions

BEAR GRYLLS Survivalist launches new Merlin midway

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DISNEY HOSPITALS

Disney has announced a $100m fund to transform childrens’ experience of hospital stays. The ﬁve-year initiative will start in Texas and roll-out worldwide. We love it, but we’d also like to see a dual focus on prevention, to stop kids getting sick in the ﬁrst place

imes when children are in hospital are some of the impact on recovery and wellbeing and we hope a research most upsetting and stressful for everyone involved. project will run alongside this initiative to assess the impact T Now Disney has announced it will create a new of both environmental and psychological interventions on the programme for children’s hospitals to help ease this health of children. That way, lessons can be shared elsewhere, pressure and make the hospital experience less distressing. creating a great legacy for Disney. The $100m initiative is part of Disney’s Team of Heroes American children are among the most stressed and community outreach and philanthropy programme and will medicated on the planet, consuming up to 95 per cent of the start at the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. world’s Ritalin, meaning many are on strong mood-altering Disney has a long association with hospitals going right drugs from a very young age and experiencing low levels of back to Walt, but this new mental and physical wellbeing. programme will be more com- We know that up to 90 per prehensive and wide-ranging. There are many things Disney cent of disease is epigenetic Disney is sending in the can do in its attractions to help and only 10 per cent is genetic Imagineers to create a kid- – so much is preventable. friendly atmosphere and will kids’ wellbeing – number one, We would like to see Disney be using technology to bring improving the food offerings and back up its work in the hospital characters to life. reducing the sale of soft drinks sector with a new focus on RFID will enable patients prevention to stop kids getting to customise their hospital sick in the first place. stay by unlocking special With its reach and influence, elements, so their favourite characters surround them for the company could be a huge force for good in teaching the duration of their time in hospital – enchanted artwork will children self-care through its many channels and touch points. come alive and interactive wall murals will tell Disney stories. In addition, a new focus on wellbeing in its theme parks At the softer end of the experience, children will be able to would help to keep them out of hospital, leaving those choose bed linen and gowns, in-room entertainment and ‘play resources for children for whom disease in unavoidable. carts’ featuring their favourite characters – all with the aim of In addition to educating, there are many things Disney can do reducing fear, relaxing them and raising their spirits. in its attractions – number one, improving the food, with more Finally, in-room, themed pop-up theatres will make just- healthy choices and, dare I say, reducing the sale of soft drinks, released movies available specially for kids and parents. which cause or exacerbate a range of serious diseases. Hospital design is at the forefront of research into ways in Let’s hope this focus by Disney on kids’ health and which the environment can aid healing, shorten hospital stays wellbeing can embrace prevention as well as cure. and speed recovery, so this initiative by Disney is very timely. There’s also clear evidence that mental state has a significant Liz Terry, editor. Twitter: @elizterry

Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 attractionsmanagement.com @attractionsmag [email protected]

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 5 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

Q p12 Great adventures with Bear Grylls Q p58 Ride makers reveal the rollercoasters they’re working on for the new season

Q p62 Inspiring attractions initiatives that reach out to the blind, deaf, ill or alienated Q p36 Australian operator Village Roadshow

05 Editor’s Letter 36 Interview 58 Rides Bob White Launching Coasters 10 People Bob White, COO of Village Roadshow, on Ride makers share some of their Meet the people in the news – from weathering a dip in attendance and keeping key coaster openings this year survival expert Bear Grylls to Hollywood’s his eyes on investment and expansion Chris Hemsworth and the Mayor of Orlando 62 Inclusivity 42 Talking point Open to All 22 Science Centres news Can Attractions Play a Part Kath Hudson reports on some inspiring 23 Visitor Attractions news in the Fight Against Plastic? initiatives to help include people who With the issue of plastic pollution more face physical, social or economic 24 Theme Parks news pressing than ever, we ask whether obstacles to visiting attractions 26 Waterparks news attractions could ban single-use plastics 29 Museums & Galleries news 68 Heritage 30 Heritage news 46 New openings Lofty Ideals 33 Zoos & Aquariums news Opening Doors Westminster Abbey is getting an attic 34 Technology news This year’s hottest global launches conversion of sorts. We found out more

6 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 1 2018

Q p72 We dip our toes into an ‘epic’ waterpark project and meet the team behind the scenes Q p68 Westminster Abbey’s Scott Craddock

Q p90 Imagineers on World of Pandora Q p80 Andreas Andersen takes the reins as IAAPA chair and reveals big plans for Liseberg

72 Waterparks 86 Sponsored brieﬁ ng

Under the Weather Protecting Your PART ONE Meet the team who helped bring Visitor Attraction Epic Waters to fruition – an undercover In part one of a three-part series, Texas waterpark on an epic scale NW Security Group’s Nigel Peers looks at UK government guidance on crowded places 80 Proﬁ le Andreas Andersen 90 Themed design

IAAPA’s new chair Andreas Andersen sat The Story Builders On the cover: Bear Grylls down with Tom Anstey to talk about industry Disney’s Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge growth, sustainability – and queueing and Universal’s Thierry Coup reveal the Subscribe: secrets of their trade – well, some of them! To subscribe, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 or visit www.leisuresubs.com 84 Theme parks Web gallery: Think Big 96 Attractions-kit.net For suppliers of products and Liseberg CEO Andreas Andersen reveals Product Innovation services in the worldwide attractions details of the park’s €200m expansion Suppliers on their latest product launches industry, turn to page 100

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8 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

HEALTH CLUB CLADMAG SPA BUSINESS ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Q Alison Brooks on Q Nicolas Ronco on Q Barbara Den Bak bridging the gap between sleep, cities and Q Village Roadshow’s is taking boutique architects and the public franchising Yelospa Bob White on Australia’s ﬁtness to new heights attractions industry Q Odile Decq on Q India’s greenest Q How should health club women in architecture hotel chain, ITC, Q Survivalist Bear Grylls operators handle the develops its spas teams up with Merlin Q Check out some rise of the mid-market? http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Health%20Club%20Management&codeID=3043&linktype=homepage http://cladglobal.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=CLD&mag=CLADmag&codeID=3041 http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Business&codeID=3037&linktype=homepage http://leisuremedia.com of the world’s most Q Discover Colorado’s Q Epic Waters – making Q Focus on ﬁtness trends gorgeous gyms historic hot spring loop an ‘epic’ splash in Texas

Read all of our latest magazines & back issues online: leisuremedia.com

SPORTS LEISURE SPA OPPORTUNITIES AM2 MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Q Lefay confirms Q Disneyland Paris to Q Dementia-friendly Q Langley spa and second location to undergo €2bn expansion sports facilities fitness deal revealed open in 2019 in Italy Q Atlantis Sanya Q Former footballer Gary Q Sheila McCann Q Details revealed waterpark nears Nevillehttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Sports%20Management&codeID=3025&linktype=homepage on building a new leaveshttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Leisure%20Opportunities&codeID=3044&linktype=homepage Chiva-Som to forhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Opportunities&codeID=3042&linktype=homepage new Six Senses completionhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=AM2&codeID=3045&linktype=homepage in China type of sports university lead Lanserhof UK Kaplankaya after refurb http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3025 http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3044 http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3042 Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3045 First designs released Q Looking at sports Q World-first craft beer Q Major renovation for for South Korea’s stadiums of the future hotel coming to Scotland Limassol spa in Cyprus upcoming Lionsgate park

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 9 PEOPLE

Incto cum excerci enihicit re nonesti Attractions People ncipsunt. PHOTO: JIM RUYMEN / PA RUYMEN JIM PHOTO:

It means a lot to be the ambassador for Australia

Chris Hemsworth actor

ustralia has turned to one of its most beloved film franchises, along with two A of Hollywood’s biggest stars, as part of a multi- million-dollar marketing push to draw visitors from across the world Down Under. First aired during February’s high-profile Super Bowl ad break, the A$36m campaign by government organisation Tourism Australia casts popular actors Chris Hemsworth – who has been working with Tourism Australia since 2016 – and Danny McBride in a mock trailer for a sequel to the hit 1980s’ film Crocodile Dundee. As they travel around Australia, the pair explore pristine beaches, taste Australian wines and dine on the iconic Sydney harbour, with a brief cameo from Crocodile Dundee himself, Paul Hogan. “It means a lot to be the ambassador for Australia,” says Hemsworth in an interview with CNN Travel. “I had the greatest experience growing up, but it wasn’t until I The new campaign stars actors Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride moved away that I really appreciated it.”

10 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The Super Bowl, the most watched TV broadcast in the US, kicked off the A$36m marketing push

The actor, famed for playing Thor in advertising, the spot finished second the Disney/Marvel films, described overall for global digital engagement. his recommendations for places to go, While targeting tourists worldwide, this including Melbourne, Victoria and Uluru. campaign is paying special attention to After living in Los Angeles, Califonria, for the US, a critical market for Australia with several years, he moved back with his wife 780,000 American visitors contributing and children to live near the Gold Coast. A$3.7bn annually to the national economy. “Mostly I just missed Australia. I missed The campaign will likely be a welcome the people. I missed the coastline,” boost to visitor numbers at attractions Hemsworth says. “Our three young kids across the country, with Australia’s Gold spend 95 per cent of their time outdoors Coast theme parks needing a particular on the horses, on the beach, running push as they exit a financial dip stemming through the bush. We’re very, very lucky.” from the Dreamworld accident in 2016. “A favourable exchange rate and US tourists strong aviation capacity leading to highly In addition to the “trailer”, Tourism competitive airfares makes this the Australia built up its social media right time to increase our investment in presence, with teasers featuring the likes [attracting visitors from] the US,” says of famous Australians Margot Robbie, Hugh Australian minister for trade, tourism and Jackman, Russell Crowe and Isla Fisher. investment, Steven Ciobo. The stunt has proved an initial success, “This is the single largest investment with advertising firm Amobee reporting a Tourism Australia has ever made in the 681 per cent increase in digital mentions A poster is part of the materials US market and one which we believe will of Tourism Australia through the second promoting the fictitious movie sequel grow annual spend by American visitors to half of January. In terms of Super Bowl A$6bn by the year 2020,” Ciobo says.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 11 PEOPLE

Bear Grylls Adventure will test the skills, strength and nerve of the most intrepid thrillseeker

Bear Grylls celebrity survivalist

ver thought about a visitor Targeting the burgeoning adventure- “My late father – a friend, commando and attraction where one moment based experiences market, the first £20m climber – is my inspiration. He taught me you’re scuba diving metres Bear Grylls Adventure will be located at to survive and climb. He showed me it was underwater and the next you’re the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre OK to have big dreams and that to fail a few simulating a skydive? (NEC) in the UK, and cover an 8,000sqm times is essential to success.” ECelebrity survivalist Bear Grylls – who’s area. The Merlin Magic Making team is “It was such a logical next step to famous for starring in TV shows where he’s theming the attraction as an immersive bring adventure indoors and to millions of stranded far from anywhere and must make wilderness, made all the more convincing people. The Bear Grylls Adventure will test his way back to civilisation – is partnering by the addition of a real-life Chinook the skills, strength and nerve of the most with Merlin Entertainments on an attraction helicopter, light aircraft, army vehicles and intrepid thrillseeker, and you can hone concept to “bring adventure to millions”. Grylls’ own survival equipment. some of the core mental and physical Bear Grylls Adventure will be split into “I wanted to create a large-scale skills for adventure at our Basecamp.” five zones, each offering a different set attraction so you don’t have to travel the of activities based on high-adrenaline world to get a real taste of adventure,” Dive, fly, climb experiences and inspired by Grylls’ past says Grylls. “The adventure park is all The attraction will be staffed by trained expeditions, such as scaling Everest, based on experiences that have shaped “adrenaline advisors” and split up into five traversing deserts and jungles, and my life, pushed me to my limits and so areas – Dive, Fly, Climb, High Ropes and training as an SAS reservist. often taken me far out of my comfort zone. Basecamp – and it’s going to be hands-on.

12 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Bear Grylls Adventure is inspired by the survivalist’s high-adrenaline experiences, past expeditions and training PHOTOS: MATT ALEXANDER

In the Dive zone, professional divers go. “It’s about helping you fi nd the courage more empowered we become to tackle lead an underwater experience in a and tenacity to conquer your fears.” the big obstacles in our lives.” 886-cubic-metre tank. Guests do not need The High Ropes section sees visitors “This is all about developing that any previous experience and can choose zipline from the Chinook before taking on a ‘never-give-up spirit’. To build courage, between snorkelling or scuba diving, multi-level ropes course, billed as military determination and resourcefulness, we with equipment provided. “Underwater standard and “the toughest in Europe”. have to experience challenges that stretch adventures can be the most exciting. The Lastly, Basecamp is the heart of the us,” he says. “That’s what we do at Bear key is being calm under pressure and attraction, made up of four mental, Grylls Adventure in spades.” prepared for the unexpected,” says Grylls. physical, group and individual challenges Merlin expects to then take the product In the Fly zone, trained experts teach designed to teach the core skills needed overseas in a major rollout and has an skydiving skills inside a giant wind tunnel, for survival in the wild. Look out for an exclusive deal with Bear Grylls Ventures with the chance to experience a freefall escape room and face-your-fears challenge. until 2026, which could be extended as three times as long as an average skydive. new Bear Grylls attractions open worldwide. The Climb zone allows users to choose Global rollout “Bear Grylls is a truly international a route inspired by famous terrains, such Grylls sums up the experience in his own brand,” says Merlin CEO Nick Varney. “As as El Capitain in Yosemite National Park inimitable style: “Courage is about fi nding well as earning recognition in Europe, he is and the bouldering areas of Fontainebleau, a way through the fear, not denying the extremely big in the US and in China, which France. Guests of all abilities can have a fear. The more we do that’s diffi cult, the are the two big markets we’re focusing on.”

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 13 PEOPLE

The joust will be bigger than ever, with knights in armour and the clashing of steel against the backdrop of the medieval village

Stephen Manion manager, Arundel Castle

tephen Manion might have been at Arundel Castle for less than a year, but he’s ready to celebrate the historic location’s 950th birthday. SConstruction on the ﬁrst building at this expansive site, located in West Sussex in southeast England, began in 1068, shortly after William the Conqueror was crowned king. “In a way, we’ve been waiting 950 years for this,” says Manion, “and our plans have been bubbling in the background for some years. It’s my job now to deliver these celebratory events.” And the recent news that the Bayeux Tapestry, which is of the same period, is being loaned by France to the UK coincides happily with Manion’s promotional phase. “Like all these things, if you have an attraction that sits in a historical period and something national is happening, whether it’s related to World War II or the Napoleonic era, or in this case Bayeux, it brings that period of history to the fore and can spark public imagination. In this business, we do like national stories like this and we’ll be following the story as it progresses.” Manion brings experience from his work at National Museums Merseyside, Beamish Open Air Museum and, most recently, as manager of Alnwick Castle, built to defend England from the Scots in the 14th century. At Arundel, he wants to make more of that early history and the landmark’s origins. “A lot of historic houses emphasise the artworks, the furniture, the house itself, but we have this original keep from the Norman

Stephen Manion worked at Alnwick Castle in northern England before joining the team at Arundel

14 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Arundel Castle will have a packed

2018 schedule of 13 historical CLAXTON JULIA PHOTOS: events from the professionals at the Raven Tor Living History Group

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 15 PEOPLE

period and I want to bring the story back to main house and historic keep to woodland these early days of the 11th century and The Jousting and Medieval walks, medieval fishponds, sculpture and ask: why is there a castle here?” Tournament takes place in July and is vegetable gardens – and our stumpery, set against the backdrop of a tented which looks like something out of Jurassic From battlefield to tulip field encampment on the American lawns Park. There’s also the rare sight of a Roman To do this, Manion commissioned some Catholic chapel adjoining an Anglican new permanent exhibitions for the keep church, which tells a story in itself.” and old gatehouse. Set to open on 30th Years of Combat’ reenacts battles from March, they’ll tell the story of Arundel the Stone Age to the Victorian era. The A place made for exploring Castle from the 11th century through to Annual Tulip Festival takes place in April Visitors will also bump into different the English Civil War in the 17th century. A and, perhaps the most anticipated, characters as they roam the grounds – a new welcome zone to introduce visitors to there’s also a six-day ‘Jousting & Medieval medieval scribe or a dancer or performer, the castle and its timeline is also opening. Tournament’ in July, with specially trained for example – who they can interact with. Furthermore, the castle’s series of live horses and armoured competitors. “It’s a place that’s made for exploring. events from the Raven Tor Living History “The joust will be bigger than ever, with There are lots of nooks and crannies, Group – a regular fixture over the past 10 international jousters and a Champion of tracks that meander and unexpected years – will be bigger and better than ever. Champions event. It’s the 10th anniversary views and experiences. People find it quite There will be the ‘Normans and of our jousting, so it will be high profile, with surprising when they come here.” Crusaders’ weekend over Easter, where knights in armour and the clashing of steel Arundel Castle attracts around 180,000 visitors will be whisked back to a 12th against the backdrop of a medieval village. visitors per year, arriving mainly from the century encampment, with combat, “It’s all staged on the lawned area and local area and the southeast of England, falconry displays, archery and more. For throughout the 40 acres of grounds and but also from continental Europe, especially history enthusiasts, the three-day ‘12,000 gardens, where there’s everything from the France. Although Manion would like to reach out to a less-tapped audience to the west and from within London (less than 100km north), he is wary of increasing attendance. “Interestingly, we’re one attraction that’s not in the numbers game,” he says. “Last year, we welcomed 182,000, which was a 4 per cent increase, but the Duke of Norfolk and the Trust [who own the property] are not interested in increasing that figure. We’d all be very happy if it stayed at 170,000 to 180,000 because what we’re really looking at is the quality of the visit. “Having too many visitors at once can spoil the experience, especially indoors. That’s why we’ve been increasing outdoor activities. Visitors often explore the castle and grounds for three or four hours. They feel they’ve spent their time and money well, which means they’ll want to come The Annual Tulip Festival in April will showcase 70,000 tulips throughout the gardens back and they’ll recommend us to others.”

16 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ECSITE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 7-9 JUNE 2018 GENEVA SWITZERLAND

THE EUROPEAN On the programme: experience design, VR, data-based SCIENCE COMMUNICATION marketing, travelling exhibitions, escape rooms, CONFERENCE international collaborations & much more. #ECSITE2018 The conference combines 3 days main conference www.ecsite.eu/annual-conference offering 100 parallel sessions (7-9 June) and 2 days @ecsite pre-conference with 10+ in depth trainings (5-6 June). [email protected] Also look forward to 2 high-level keynotes, 350 speakers, 60 exhibitors, 2 dedicated tinkering and gaming labs, 3 evening social events... PEOPLE

David Pearl is the artistic director of Impropera

It’s a combination of a music concert, comedy show and a Night at the Museum experience

David Pearl artistic director, Impropera

ith an improvising company it’s not about commissioning work and dramaturgy because, well, it’s all Wmade up,” says David Pearl, artistic director at Impropera – an operatic improvisation group he co-founded in 2000. “It’s about developing and sustaining the ensemble over time, creating the conditions where people feel secure to take the kind of risks that improvising opera on the spot entails.” For the past few years, Pearl has been running Muso, where his troupe of singers and musicians delivers an improvised 75-minute performance to a small audience in an intimate museum setting. With tickets costing from £5 to £10, the performance involves the cast taking the audience on an exploration of the museum, telling stories about certain artefacts and treasures from the collection. The players interact with the audience, inviting them to Over the years, Impropera has performed in the UK, Europe and the Middle East share their ideas and ask questions.

18 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Muso combines academia, artifacts and improvisation for a unique and intimate museum late experience

Evocative surroundings to support our work. Our current tour The experimental opera group has “It’s a combination of a music concert, couldn’t be happening without them.” performed at London’s British Museum, comedy show and a Night at the Museum As Pearl says, improvised opera is very Grant Museum of Zoology, and Horniman experience,” Pearl explains, saying that he different from traditional performances Museum, among others. From Impropera’s got the idea for improvisational opera in and so preparation is different too. original set-up, Pearl (tenor), Susan Bisatt a museum from a chance encounter with Usually, the group arrives early to spend and Morag McLaren (sopranos), Anthony University College London (UCL) academic some time at the museum, soak up the Ingle (musician and musical director) Chiara Ambrosio. “She mentioned there atmosphere and chat with the staff. and Peter Furniss (clarinet, recorder were some great hidden collections at and saxophone player) all remain. Niall UCL, including the wonderfully evocative Expressing reactions Ashdown, Louise Crane, Phillip Pellew, Grant Museum of Zoology. It sounded “We always promise we’ll rehearse, but Fiona Finsbury and pianist and ﬂautist intriguing and the rest is ‘natural history’.” usually this degenerates into playing Yshani Perinpanayagam complete the Supported by a grant from UCL Grand around and mistake making – which, group that delivers the Muso events. Challenges and development funding from funnily enough, is perfect preparation Pearl is open to seeking more museum the Arts Council of England, Muso has for improvisation,” he says. “This is a partners, mentioning Dean Veall, an been allowed to blossom, and is halfway balancing act, though, because while you educator at Grant Museum, who has through a run of six shows this year. want to respect the location and connect become the de facto producer and is “UCL saw the work that we were doing with the genius loci, being too prepared helping promote Muso to other potential with the Grant Museum – bringing the can be death for improv. locations. “We didn’t know how this would collections alive, pulling into the university “The audience love that we know as be received – that’s the wonder and terror a range of people who would never little as – or less than – them. Our job is of improv. However, a couple of years into normally go there and involving them in to express the audience’s reactions to the experiment, museums are asking the creative process,” Pearl says. “This objects, not our own, but we do have a for more and audiences are growing. As was very consistent with their own UCL guest academic on hand to correct us and long as they are asking for Muso, we’ll be Culture programme and so they decided tell the audience what it’s really all about.” there, singing museums to life!” O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 19 PEOPLE

Orlando is one of the US’s fastest-growing cities and its most visited destination

Tourism doesn’t just support tourism, it supports everything

Buddy Dyer mayor of Orlando

nvolved in politics for nearly three Dyer says major operators such as decades, Buddy Dyer is popular Disney and Universal are excellent among his constituents. “corporate citizens”, with taxes helping He was Florida representative for to generate further revenue sources for the US Senate between 1992 and Orlando. “One in every three jobs here is I2002, including three years serving as related to tourism. Universal is the largest Senate Democratic leader. Now in his employer and largest taxpayer within the 15th year as mayor of Orlando – having city limits, and Disney is the largest single- been re-elected to the position four times site employer in the country,” he says. since taking charge – the theme park “I interact with them on a daily basis on capital continues to thrive as the US’s things that involve the greater community or most popular tourist destination. the greater region – one, for instance, being “Tourism is the single most important the tourist development tax.” piece of our economic pie,” Dyer tells The tax, which applies to all of Orange Attractions Management. “People around County, Florida, is a bed tax charged at the world know Orlando. If they think of 6 cents for every dollar earned. That tax Disney or Universal, they think of Orlando. generates $260m a year for Orlando. It’s a fantastic brand.” When the city built its three new venues in In 2016, Orlando welcomed a record 66 the Downtown area – the performing arts million visitors. Of those, 5.5 million were centre, the Amway Centre and the Camping international and 60.5 million were from World Stadium – about half of the $1.2bn the US, driven largely by the area’s theme capital investment was generated through parks, with Orlando boasting six of the 10 the tourism development tax. most visited parks in the world. “We continue to improve our tourism “The market continues to increase in infrastructure, which in turn benefi ts volume and our attractions continue to Buddy Dyer is Orlando’s longest-serving Orlando even more. Tourism has been renew their offering,” he says. “They’re in mayor. He has strived to make the city extremely good to us in terms of supporting the business of not just fi nding fi rst-time a place to live, work, learn and play community assets. Tourism doesn’t just visitors, but attracting returning tourists.” support tourism, it supports everything.”

20 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 www.intaminworldwide.com SCIENCE CENTRES NEWS

World’s largest planetarium opens doors INDUSTRY OPINION

A 150-year-old gas storage Science engagement facility on St Petersburg’s Obvodny Canal, Russia, has community gears up recently been transformed PLANETARIUM NO1 for Ecsite conference into a record-breaking new planetarium facility. Mikko Myllykoski Called Planetarium No1, it takes the crown as the Professionals world’s largest planetarium, from the science with its 37-metre dome engagement larger than the one at community will come Nagoya City Science together in June in the Museum in Nagoya, Japan. “biggest international Filling 4,000sqm, the village in the world”, dome features 40 8K nestled between the Alps and Jura projectors, offering a QThe dome features 40 8K projectors mountains, when Geneva hosts the combined 100 million Ecsite Annual Conference. Around pixel screen resolution. exhibition of space, guiding multimedia room with 1,100 professionals from Europe and The planetarium, capable of visitors on a journey through screens on every surface beyond are expected to participate hosting up to 500 people, the cosmos. Called Starry for astronomy displays and and “collide creatively”, as the theme opened to visitors with a Hall, the exhibition has two classic film presentations. of the conference suggests. film telling the building’s interactive tables showing The new planetarium Both the sessions and the social history, followed by one on an accurate map of the also includes a café, programme are designed to create the Earth’s origins and then stars, which appear in 3D as education spaces for free time and space for meaningful on space exploration. individual constellations. lectures on astronomy and encounters in a friendly atmosphere. In addition to the dome, Elsewhere, the Lumiere an observatory. The local host is the Natural History the planetarium features an Hall is an immersive QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=w3r3U_T Museum, in partnership with CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research), University of Geneva Scienscope and Campus Biotech. Keynote speaker James Beecham, Kennedy Space Center debuts Mars experiences a particle physicist at CERN, will be looking at infinity and discussing A new attraction has topical research such as dark matter. launched at Florida’s The other keynote will invite us to Kennedy Space Center look inside ourselves. Giulia and Jill (KSC) Merrit Island visitor Enders, the authors of Gut: The Inside complex – sending visitors Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated on a 54.6 million km CENTER SPACE KENNEDY Organ (2014) will share the story, idea virtual trip to Mars. and method behind the phenomenally Taking off on 10 February, successful book that sold 2.1 million the new Astronaut Training copies in Germany alone, and spent Experience (ATX) uses 74 weeks in the top 10 list of best- immersive technology to selling non-fiction literature. make participants feel like Attendees can enjoy a two-day they’ve been transported to pre-conference workshop (5-6 June), the Red Planet. QThe experience uses advanced NASA Technologies three days of conference with more During the experience, than 80 parallel sessions (7-9 June), visitors train to live and launching, landing and spend a full day managing and, as always, the Business Bistro work on Mars and learn walking on Mars. During an operations centre on trade fair. Thematic trends include what it’s like to travel there the five-hour experience, Mars, where they carry out escape rooms, narrative approaches using real NASA practices. visitors get the chance activities including harvesting and VR/AR applications. There are two different to perform a spacewalk vegetables in the Botany My gut feeling tells me there’s a experiences available through an advanced Lab, programming robots giant fondue cooking for everybody… as part of ATX. The first microgravity simulation. to optimise solar energy and not only at the Gala Dinner. See allows guest to join The second experience intake and adapting to the ecsite.eu/annual-conference. O a space crew as they sees visitors transported challenges of thriving in the undertake a mission to Mars to live and work on harsh Mars environment. Mikko Myllykoski, experience director, simulation including Mars Base 1. Teams will QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=W6r2G_T Heureka, and Ecsite’s ACPC chair

22 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS

Paul Noland resigns after ﬁve years at helm of IAAPA

Paul Noland, president and CEO of global attractions association IAAPA, is stepping down from the role – a position he has held since January 2013. IAAPA will now start the process of finding a new chief executive, with current CFO Hal McEvoy taking the reins in the meantime. Noland, who has overseen the organisation through a period of growth and expansion – including the recent relocation of its headquarters to Orlando, Florida – has accepted a new position as CEO of technology solutions provider Accesso. The move comes as IAAPA starts its 100th anniversary year of celebration. “Paul has led IAAPA through some of the most successful years in the association’s 100-year history,” said IAAPA chair Andreas Andersen, who is also president and CEO of Liseberg in QPaul Noland has accepted a new executive position elsewhere in the attractions industry Sweden. “In addition, he has managed an extensive expansion of member Attractions Management caught up with of the fact that although we have new faces services, the continued globalisation of Noland during the IAAPA Expo in Orlando around the office, they all came with huge the association, and the complicated in November, where he was positive about passion for the industry and for IAAPA. IAAPA relocation of IAAPA’s headquarters from the association’s move to Orlando. staff will be in temporary offices for a couple the Washington, DC, area to Orlando. For “A move is a big thing, but it’s gone really of years, but we hope to be in by 2019.” this, we owe him a very warm thank you.” well,” he said. “The expo is a good example QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=r9d6t_T

GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS Ski and storytelling create unique experience

One of Finland’s most PHYÄ SKI RESORT popular ski resorts is combining winter sport with storytelling experiences, creating a unique escape room-style game as it seeks to attract new audiences to QGrimshaw are working on the design the snowy destination. Working with Escape Eden Project signs Room Helsinki, Pyhä Ski Resort has created an £150m Qingdao deal adventure based on the local legend of Huttu-Ukko – a Sir Tim Smit’s Eden Project is mighty creature that guards Q Players must go on a journey to save the fell making a giant leap in its journey the fell – with players having to realising its ﬁrst overseas to explore the mountain’s skiing we can introduce new GPS-tracking to provide attraction, following a recent trade slopes to solve the mystery. people to the sport,” said content and routes that meeting between the British and Called The Lost Spell, Reino Tikkanen, director are not visual on the slope Chinese governments. players must go on a of marketing and digital map. Now we are bringing During the three-day trade mission, journey to save the Pyhä business development at an escape adventure David Hardland, Eden Project chief fell from the evil plans Pyhä Ski Resort. to a completely new executive, signed an agreement with of Pakkasnoita, the Frost “For us, skiing is not environment.” China Jinmao Holdings, for a future Witch, by ﬁnding Huttu- only a hobby. We believe Escape Pyhä will make £150m development in Qingdao. Ukko’s lost spell. it should be an adventure its debut on 7 April, QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=d4R9P_T “We believe that by and last year we launched running through to 22 April. building stories around a mobile game that utilises QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=X6h7w_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 23 THEME PARKS NEWS

Iger unveils €2bn expansion plans for Disneyland Paris

Disney has announced a major expansion DISNEY of Disneyland Paris, near Paris, France, with the operator unveiling €2bn plans which will include new areas based on its Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars IPs. Disney chair Bob Iger announced the plans in February alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée, promising multiple new attractions and live entertainment for Europe’s most visited attraction. Touted as one of the most ambitious projects at the park since its opening in 1992, the investment is a commitment from Disney to the long-term success of the resort as its brand beacon in Europe. “We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Iger. “The resort is already the leading tourist QDisney is investing €2bn in three new lands themed on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars destination in Europe. This transformative expansion will add even more of our beloved Set to break ground in 2021, the experiences, while also connecting each of characters and unparalleled storytelling multi-year plan will include a signiﬁ cant the new areas with the rest of Disneyland. to create new lands, attractions and expansion of the main Disneyland park. The plans follow a move by Disney last entertainment that further elevate the guest In addition to three new themed areas, year to take full ownership of Disneyland experience and drive new opportunities for the park will also gain a new lake, which Paris, which has struggled ﬁ nancially. tourism in this dynamic region.” will act as a focal point for entertainment QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=F4l1K

PHOTO: DXB ENTERTAINMENTS Six Flags’ solar power plans get green light

Six Flags Great Adventure SIX FLAGS in New Jersey will be the world’s fi rst theme park to go solar after it reached an agreement with local groups over the game- changing plans. QDXB is rescheduling a loan agreement In the works since 2015, environmental bodies had DXB plans $1.15bn objected to the proposals because they would have fi nance restructure included felling 19,000 trees to make way for the DXB Entertainments – the operator solar power facility. QPlans will reduce Six Flags parks’ carbon dioxide emissions of Dubai Parks and Resorts – is But a new agreement planning to restructure a debt of will see the number of “This project represents Six Flags Magic Mountain, $1.15bn as the attraction continues trees more than halved, a giant step towards near Los Angeles – almost to struggle after to meet forecast with 16 hectares cut down becoming a net-zero carbon entirely with solar power. attendance on visitor numbers. rather than 36. facility,” said John Winkler, “We are committed to According to multiple reports, the The amended plan president of Six Flags Great making all of our properties operator is planning to reschedule a states more than half the Adventure Park. more energy effi cient and loan agreement signed in 2014, and solar panels will be built Six Flags then said it sustainable for years to is requesting that repayments are on top of an employee car was launching an initiative come,” said Six Flags senior frozen for a period of three years. park, an overfl ow car park to power two California vice president, investor QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=a4R5S_A and part of the car park parks – Six Flags Discovery relations, Steve Purtell. serving the waterpark. Kingdom in Vallejo and QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=g6E6X_A

24 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 WINDSTARZ

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Six Flags targets waterpark acquisitions INDUSTRY OPINION

Six Flags is planning to Accessible waterparks increase its attractions portfolio in 2018, after FLAGSSIX need to be the rule, revealing discussions with not the exception a number of potential new partners as its waterpark Aleatha Ezra acquisition strategy starts to pick up steam. In the past few years, In April last year, Six Flags more and more water announced its ambition leisure operators are to make a bigger splash looking at how to in the waterparks sector, make their websites, with acquisitions of existing facilities and staff properties allowing the more accessible and operator to expand capacity welcoming to guests with disabilities. and attendance with minimal QSix Flags wants to increase its waterpark numbers It makes sense that inclusive investment, providing a quick tourism has become a trending term payback and high return on our goal would be to add develop waterparks near its because, according to the World invested capital. parks in 2018.” existing theme park assets Health Organization (WHO), “over a “We’re speaking with Last year, Six Flags in North America, with the billion people live with some form of a number of promising opened its newest goal of boosting revenues disability; this corresponds to about potential partners,” said waterpark in Oaxtepec, at both locations. 15 percent of the world’s population.” Six Flags president and Mexico, and also reacquired Reid-Anderson said: “In So what is inclusive tourism? CEO Jim Reid-Anderson Waterworld California in the right circumstances, As deﬁ ned by Push Adventures during an earnings call. April as its 20th property. you can bring these parks (pushadventures.com.au), an “The timing of the deal Under the strategy, the online very quickly.” inclusive tourism consultancy in is hard to predict, but operator is looking to buy or QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=9P9n5_T South Australia, “inclusive tourism is about reducing uncertainty around what to expect from a destination or service. It creates increased participation in tourism activities and Atlantis Sanya prepares for May opening embraces the entire community of travellers, regardless of ability.” One of Asia’s most One waterpark that’s already anticipated waterpark introduced a robust “access for all” projects is almost approach is Sandcastle Waterpark complete, with the Atlantis in Blackpool, UK. Starting with its Sanya resort approaching website, which has a helpful “plan

its May 2018 opening date. ATLANTIS SANYA/PROSLIDE your visit” section, Sandcastle The resort – like its enables anyone to visit, whatever sister, Atlantis The Palm, their physical or cognitive impairment. in Dubai – will boast a For the Sandcastle team, it’s about world-class Aquaventure the total guest experience –from waterpark with an array of pre-visit to visit to post-visit. The twisting waterslides and waterpark has a variety of inclusive theming inspired by the the services and trains staff to treat each ancient Atlantis civilisation. QAtlantis Sanya’s waterpark, Aquaventure, is opening soon guest, regardless of ability, with care Atlantis Sanya is located and understanding. To learn more at Haitang Bay in Sanya being the 200,000sqm The RMB11bn about their accessibility programming, on the south of Hainan Aquaventure Waterpark ($1.7bn) Atlantis Sanya visit sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk. Island, China – a popular and the Lost Chambers development, managed by As Push Adventures says, inclusive destination with domestic Aquarium and open- Kerzner International, will tourism is more than providing a ramp. tourists from the mainland air lagoon, a saltwater have 1,314 guest rooms, “Not all disabilities are visible and thanks to its tropical marine environment including ﬁ ve underwater every person is unique. Small details climate. The 540,000sqm home to some 86,000 suites with views into the can make the world of difference to a Fosun International- sea creatures as well lagoon itself. ProSlide person’s travel experience.” O owned resort is inspired as being a centre for has been working on the by the underwater world, ocean protection and waterpark and its 15 rides. Aleatha Ezra, director of park the jewel in the crown conservation. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=s6s3x_T member development, WWA

26 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ATLANTIS FOUND!

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©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 27 Voletarium at Europa-Park, Rust (DE) | (c) Frank Baudy (DE) | (c) Frank at Europa-Park, Rust Voletarium

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David Adjaye’s Spyscape museum opens door in New York

An interactive museum dedicated to the SPYSCAPE FOR FRANCES SCOTT art of spycraft, designed by the studio of David Adjaye, has opened in New York – “empowering visitors to seek the truth, form their own opinions and question everything.” Guests of the new museum enter the enigmatic world of code-breakers, spycatchers, hackers and undercover agents at Spyscape, which has been developed in collaboration with investigative journalists, former directors of intelligence agencies and station chiefs. Conceived as an “iconic destination that draws visitors into the secretive universe of espionage through a collection of world-class artefacts, dynamic storytelling and customised experience”, the three- level museum is located in a 5,500sqm building in Midtown Manhattan, two blocks west of the Museum of Modern Art. QGuests will enter the enigmatic world of undercover agents at Spyscape On their arrival, visitors are guided into a 32sqm multimedia briefing themed around encryption, deception, In addition, the Spyscape interactive elevator – one of the largest in the world surveillance, hacking, cyber-warfare, experience houses a cafeteria, private – that orients them to the experience special ops and intelligence. event spaces, a spy-inspired retail store before transporting them to the first Audio design was done by composer and a bookshop with over 1,000 rare and exhibition level. Galleries are housed and sound designer Nick Ryan and lighting first edition espionage-related titles. across seven bespoke pavilions – design was helmed by Lighting Workshop. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=a6x4H_T

NHM Renovation due for Russia’s largest museum

Architect Rem Koolhaas OMA and his ﬁrm OMA’s plans to renovate the largest museum building in Russia have been unveiled. The New Tretyakov Gallery houses an QLate night social events are on the up extensive and important collection of Russian ‘Lates’ worth £10m a art, including work from Malevich, Kandinsky, year to UK museums Chagall, and Soviet artists such as Aleksandr Deyneka A new study which investigates the and Vera Mukhina. QArchitecture ﬁrm Reserve will collaborate on the project effects of “museum lates” has revealed The 61,000sqm that after-hours events generate nearly building, which includes exhibition spaces into Moscow River, with cutouts £10m in ticket revenue for British multiple exhibition halls, clusters of smaller rooms. in the museum’s façade museums and galleries each year. was originally designed OMA’s redesign will opening up its interior The research, by Culture24 with by architects NP Sukoyan create four sectors – art spaces to the city. support from Arts Council England, and YN Sheverdyaev in storage, an education “Our proposal is created three linked reports looking the 1960s, and took two centre, the collection a reconsideration of at these evening events, estimating decades to complete. galleries, and a festival hall the New Tretyakov, that £9.6m was generated from Several additions have – each with a distinctive focusing on improving its 8,000 of these happenings. been added over time, identity and role. These spatial infrastructure,” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=y8Q7t_T fragmenting the vast wil be linked by a new said Koolhaas. hallways and grand pedestrian route along QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p5D5t_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 29 HERITAGE NEWS

Shigeru Ban completes Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre

The Pritzker-winning architect Shigeru Ban has completed the dramatic Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre in Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture, with a design that mimics the famous dormant volcano. Located approximately 20 miles southwest of the natural landmark, Ban’s 3,400sqm facility is formed by an inverted latticed timber cone, that appears mountainous when seen in the large reﬂecting pool at the front of the complex. Inside, exhibitions tell the story of the 3,776-metre-high World Heritage site, the history of the Fuji-ko religion it inspired, and its role in popular culture. Videos and audio recordings feature, as do artworks and a 15-metre-wide recreation of Mount Fuji made from Japanese paper. Other facilities at the visitor centre include a 4K theatre, a library, an event QShigeru Ban’s facility is located near Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site space, a restaurant and a shop. Visitors can ascend the building via a Mount Fuji was recognised as a UNESCO Ban’s best-known cultural buildings 193-metre spiral slope that simulates World Heritage Site in 2013 and a include the Centre Pompidou-Metz museum a climb up the volcano – Japan’s competition was held shortly afterwards to in France, the Aspen Art Museum in Aspen, highest peak. A viewing tower in the choose a design for the Fuji World Heritage Colorado, and his recently-opened ‘music cone with full-height glazing frames Center. The winning submission was city’ on Paris’s Île Seguin island. the real thing in the distance. selected ahead of over 230 rival proposals. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=P3x3T_T

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Plan for Liverpool as heritage status challenged

In a bid to protect its World COUNCIL CITY LIVERPOOL Heritage status, the City of Liverpool and Historic England have drawn up a heritage action plan, created to navigate the threat posed by a proposed development QThe historic centre of Prague of the city’s waterfront, which could see it struck UNESCO developing from the UNESCO register. Granted outline planning tourism heritage tool permission in 2013, the £5.5bn Liverpool Waters UNESCO has committed to improving 30-year development QThe Peel Holdings masterplan threatens Liverpool’s status tourism management at World Heritage scheme from the Peel Sites by announcing the development Group would “undoubtedly Among the concerns for should the move go ahead, it of a new tool for sustainability issues. cause substantial harm to the WHC is Everton Football would be assessed according An expert panel met at UNESCO’s the outstanding universal Club’s proposed development to the new action plan. Paris headquarters in January to value of the World Heritage of a new stadium at Bramley The city is also clamping discuss the creation of the new property”, according to the Moore Dock. While land down on the construction self-assessment tourism and visitor Heritage Impact Assessment has been leased, according of tall towers, following management tool – a process report, which also said that to the report “no planning controversial plans to designed for tourism stakeholders to the development would application has been build a duo of high-rise better manage World Heritage Sites. lead the World Heritage submitted, nor is such an buildings overlooking QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=M3R3v_T Committee (WHC) to delete application imminent”. The the River Mersey. Liverpool from its list. report goes on to say that QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=M2C7S_T

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Sarasota aquarium project seeks funds INDUSTRY OPINION

A fundraising campaign has Zoos join forces to been launched following save saola and make the announcement of proposals for a $130m CAMBRIDGESEVEN conservation history redevelopment of an existing aquarium in Bill Robichaud Sarasota, Florida. CambridgeSeven, a Zoos from around Cambridge, Massachusetts- the world have been based architecture firm, proven themselves is behind the plans, which to be the most will cover 10,000sqm, consistent supporters more than doubling the of saola conservation size of the existing Mote in recent years, even Aquarium, which will be though saola – an elusive antelope- renamed as Mote Science QCambridgeSeven created the project renderings like species – have never been kept Education Aquarium. in zoos and, indeed, no biologist has In addition to aquatic us grow our informal science Innovation Park,” said Dr ever seen one in the wild. displays across 3.8 million education and outreach Michael Crosby, Mote Marine Twenty-five years since its litres of water, the aquarium programs and develop a Laboratory and Aquarium’s incredible discovery in the Annamite will offer teaching labs, more ocean-literate society; president and CEO. Mountains of Laos and Vietnam, onsite diving programmes, equally important, it will The capital campaign, the saola is one of the world’s scientific demonstrations lead to the next step in the called Oceans for All: rarest large mammals and on the and a wide range of evolution of our City Island Improving Access to Marine brink of extinction. According to the interactive technologies. campus into an enhanced Science and Technology, International Union for Conservation “The rebirth of Mote International Marine launched on 8 February. of Nature (IUCN), only about 750 Aquarium will not only help Science, Technology and QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=K3Z2E_T individual saola may still exist – and that number is likely much lower, with maybe even fewer than 100 left. That is why zoos worldwide are answering the call to help save Vancouver plans to end cetacean displays the critically endangered animal from extinction by supporting a With pressures on fundraising campaign to build cetacean captivity the world’s first conservation continuing to mount across breeding centre for the saola. The North America, Canada’s conservation breeding centre will

Vancouver Aquarium has SHUTTERSTOCK.COM be constructed this year in central announced it will no longer Vietnam’s Bach Ma National Park display such animals, and will give the species its last, instead choosing to focus best and only hope for a future. on creating healthier Through a crowdsourcing initiative, oceans as part of its public the World Association of Zoos and education programme. Aquariums (WAZA) has pledged The aquarium faced more than $11,000 in support controversy in 2017, when of these efforts, led by the Saola two of its whales died in QOnly one dolphin remains at the aquarium Working Group and its partners. quick succession, with More than 20 other zoos globally are Aurora and her daughter Starting 2017 with five clearly shows overwhelming supporting the fundraising efforts. Qila dying just days apart, cetaceans, the aquarium support for our cetacean Donations up to a total of $250 leaving the facility with its ended the year with just programme, we have made will be matched by the Global Wildlife signature tank empty. A one: Helen – a Pacific the difficult decision to no Conservation. 0We are tremendously five-month investigation white-sided dolphin rescued longer display cetaceans grateful to the zoos that are clearly into the deaths determined in 2005. The 30-year-old is at Vancouver Aquarium, demonstrating their commitment to that the cetaceans were not a candidate for release with the exception of conservation and to the future of this killed because of an due to only having partial doing what is best for rare, beautiful animal. O unknown toxin introduced flippers and will remain. Helen,” said a statement “by food, water, or through “Despite independent from the aquarium. Bill Robichaud, coordinator, IUCN human interference”. polling, year over year, that QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=n8H4B_T Species Survival, Saola Working Group

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 33 TECHNOLOGY NEWS

VR headset with brain sensors catches the eye at CES

A new technology utilising eye tracking LOOXIDVR and brain sensors has been named most innovative virtual reality product at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Embedded with EEG sensors and eye-tracking cameras, LooxidVR allows time-synchronised acquisition of eye and brain data concurrent with VR content and provides an expandable user and application interface. The technology could be applicable to various VR sectors, helping to better understand users’ emotional statuses, including stress levels, preferences and engagement levels. “It’s really encouraging to see our technology and potential recognised globally,” said Looxid Labs CEO Yongwook Chae. “Stay tuned for future developments, including a comprehensive VR user analytics QLooxidVR is embedded with EEG solution based on eye and brain interface.” sensors and eye tracking cameras Virtual reality has advanced signiﬁ cantly since entering the mainstream. Pushing the limits of the medium, tech Taking place between 9 and 12 January, Companies such as Anvio VR, Zero startups such as Neurable have created CES acts as a global stage for next- Latency and The Void have taken the an entirely brain-controlled VR system, generation innovations, with the Las Vegas, concept of free roam VR to the next level, while Cornell University’s Organic Robotics Nevada, event welcoming more than 3,900 and the technology has been applied to Lab has created a new method of exhibiting companies each year. moving objects such as rollercoasters. delivering haptic responses within VR. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=R7H9l

Lab demos dynamic projection mapping

A laboratory that’s part of LABORATORY WATANABE ISHIKAWA the University of Tokyo has released a video showing projection mapping trained on a moving person, with the media even seeming to stretch and change form as QSamsung’s patent uses drone tech they tug on their shirt. Researchers at Ishikawa Samsung patents Watanabe Laboratory have created a system whcih fl ying screen device they’ve called DynaFlash v2, as they aimed to “fuse Samsung has patented a display that reality and unreality in QDynaFlash v2 operates at 947 frames per second fl ies around and responds to and front of our eyes”. can be controlled by eye movements In the video, the content ultra-high-speed projector at 1,000 times per and voices. As well as acting as a is projected onto the capable of switching second, linked it to a fl oating hands-free device, the drone- person and able to move images at up to 947 sensing system which meets-screen could have multiple around and stay on target frames per second. This runs at the same speed, applications across leisure sectors, wherever the person goes works in conjunction with a and attempted to fuse especially with a combination of and as they manipulate high-speed tracking system digital appearance and small screens or larger fl ying screens. their shape. The texture and that recognises changes in deforming or moving The US patent was fi led in early 2016 smoothness of the image the form of the 3D subject. physical objects,” reads but only recently approved. can also seem to change. “We have developed a a statement on the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=c9o0a To make it happen, black and white projector researchers’ website. the researchers used an which switches images QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=m0p8K

34 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018

EST INSIGH GU T

R G E IN - T R I E D K E

R A

M I

I D

O C T EN P EM ARK ENGAG

Guests can choose their own story as the immersion of a dark ride leads to a park wide quest with experiences evolving individually in real-time.

@HolovisInt www.holovis.com INTERVIEW BOB WHITE

After a tumultuous period for Australia’s theme park industry, Village Roadshow COO Bob White talks to Attractions Management about riding the PR storm and coming out stronger. Tom Anstey reports

ustralia’s Gold regularly attract around 5 Coast is known million guests per year. to overseas Despite great tourists for successes and a A its pristine fantastic safety record, beaches, Village Roadshow lush rainforests and was placed under spectacular landscapes. unprecedented levels of The region is also home scrutiny in 2016 when four to a number of world-class people died in a fatal ride theme parks – and operator accident at Village Roadshow’s Village Roadshow leads the pack. Gold Coast rival Dreamworld. Founded in 1989, Village Roadshow is With around 60 per cent of visitors Australia’s largest theme park operator, to Gold Coast attractions visiting from owning five Gold Coast properties Queensland, a media focus on ride safety including Australian Outback Spectacular, had a significant effect, with attendance Paradise Country, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild declines and financial losses for every Gold Coast and, the crown jewel of its operator. Village Roadshow recorded collection, Warner Bros Movie World. full-year losses totalling A$67m. If the These Queensland-based properties company didn’t respond smartly, serious

damage could be done, not only to the Horse races and ﬁre bottom line, but also to its reputation. displays are part of That’s where Bob White came in. the charm during A “theme park lifer”, in his own words, Village Roadshow’s White started out in the industry while he Australian Outback was still at high school. He got a job at Spectacular shows Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, working as a ride operator through

36 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 DC Rivals HyperCoaster is a major new investment for Village Roadshow’s Warner Bros Movie World

his college years, later moving on to a rollercoaster might suddenly halt and why marketing position and spending two that’s a safe procedure for visitors. The decades with the company. He eventually campaign, We’re Serious About Safety, moved to Paramount Parks as general In this industry, proved so successful that it has been manager, later returning to Carowinds emulated by operators such as Merlin before joining Village Roadshow in 2008 as staying static and Entertainments, who created similar videos general manager and fi nally becoming COO. maintaining the for Alton Towers, which suffered its own tragedy in the Smiler accident of 2015. Campaign of reassurance status quo doesn’t “We’re an overwhelmingly safe Following the Dreamworld accident, industry,” says White. “However, the Village Roadshow was under the spotlight. really work traditional media and also some of the Wanting to change the direction of the social media vehicles have their own conversation, management decided to interests. Context is so important and it engage in a campaign of reassurance. has to be a context people understand.” “The big lesson we learned is that Despite the negative press and public you have to be direct and you have to be press coverage, and the language the concern, after a diffi cult two years, the timely,” he says. “You can’t wait around, media used made what would be seen by Gold Coast market is fi nally starting to do a statement and hope the problem the industry as a safe situation seem to recover, with growth the next step. goes away because, in the age of social the public as unnecessarily perilous. media, it’s not really going to cut it.” With the increased scrutiny, Village Programme of investment Following the accident, incidents such Roadshow created its own ride safety “We had a pretty tough period,” White ride stoppages were getting signifi cant videos explaining why, for example, a says. “Our margins were down about

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 37 INTERVIEW

30 per cent, but in September last year “We’re paying more attention than we we finally got back to essentially flat so ever have to quality because we’re now there’s been a significant recovery.” competing with attractions all across the To facilitate growth, Village Roadshow’s globe. People in Australia travel to America investment programme has been frequently, and we get a lot of international impressive, last year debuting its record- guests from places like China and India, for breaking DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Warner example, so guests are having experiences Bros Movie World – a A$30m purchase in different countries,” White says. that opened to the public in September. “It’s the details that draw people in. If At 1,400 metres long and 62 metres you look at the kids’ area we used to have high, the Mack-manufactured ride reaches at Sea World compared with the new one speeds of up to 115kph, making it the with Nickelodeon, they’re quantitatively longest, fastest and tallest hypercoaster the same – the space is very similar and in the southern hemisphere. Further there are a couple of additional rides, but investments are on the horizon, with White that’s not really the point. We’ve taken promising more new openings at Movie it from a B-plus execution to something World over the next several years. much better, on par with global operators “In this industry, staying static and Paradise Country is a farm attraction like Universal and Disney.” maintaining the status quo doesn’t really with Australia’s famed native animals work,” he says. “You’ve got to invest, not Development plans only in your attractions, but everything else. In addition to its core Gold Coast “You’ll see that we’ll concentrate on the business, Village Roadshow runs IPs, which is one of the advantages that Wet’n’Wild waterparks in Sydney and Las comes with working with Warner Bros. Our Vegas, and has future plans to launch next announcement will detail more new We have a pretty large Hainan Ocean Paradise and Hainan additions coming in the next two years. Wet’n’Wild in China, also signing a deal “On the Sea World side, we also have international component. to open a 20th Century Fox World theme new attractions coming. We’re opening up park in South Korea. Overseas and at a new splash ground and we have a new China particularly has home, things are looking very positive as sea jellies attraction opening in April.” become a significant the business continues to grow. “We have a pretty large international Global playing field business for us component,” says White. “China According to White, theming and detail are particularly is continuing to grow very fast. more important than ever, with visitors and It’s become a significant business for us.” theme park enthusiasts from across the No emerging from under the cloud of the world travelling to the best attractions. Dreamworld tragedy, which hung for a long

38 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 VILLAGE ROADSHOW’S PORTFOLIO

Warner Bros Movie World Sea World Resort & Water Park Opened: 1991 Opened: 1988 Located: Queensland, Australia Located: Queensland, Australia movieworld.com.au seaworldresort.com.au

Hollywood classics and DC comic heroes Sea World Resort has 402 rooms, are the focus of this Gold Coast theme park its own waterpark and conference and meeting facilities Sea World Opened: 1971 Wet’n’Wild Sydney Opened: 2013 Located: Queensland, Australia Located: Prospect, Australia seaworld.com.au wetnwildsydney.com.au Australia’s 25-hectare marine park offers the chance to interact with dolphins, seals Located in Western Sydney, the water- and sharks and experience Polar Bear park boasts a selection of world-ﬁ rst Shores and Dolphin Beach rides and the latest in-park technology

Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas Sea World (top), Wet’n’Wild (above) Opened: 1984 Opened: 2013 and Paradise Country are central to Located: Queensland, Australia Located: Spring Valley, Nevada the operator’s Queensland offering wetnwild.com.au wetnwildlasvegas.com One of the world’s most famous waterpark Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas is Nevada’s largest brands, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast is located waterpark, with over 25 innovative slides alongside Australian Outback Spectacular and attractions catering for both families and Warner Bros Movie World and thrill seekers

Australian Outback Spectacular Wet’n’Wild Haikou Opened: 2006 Opening: 2018 Located: Queensland, Australia Located: Hainan Island, China outbackspectacular.com.au Mission Hills China, Guangxi Investment Village Roadshow’s live entertainment expe- Group and Village Roadshow are expecting rience includes dinner and a show featuring to open Wet’n’Wild Haikou at the Mission many Australian animals, songs and stories Hills development on Hainan Island

Paradise Country Lionsgate Entertainment World Opened: 2005 Opening: TBC Located: Queensland, Australia Located: Henqin Island, China paradisecountry.com.au Lionsgate Entertainment World will be an This Aussie farm experience tells the indoor experience centre, themed around story of bush culture and features koalas, some of the brand’s key IPs, located at a kangaroos and emus. Guests can also new cultural and entertainment complex stay overnight in eco tents called Novotown

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 39 INTERVIEW

We’ve looked at models like Universal’s City Walk or Disney Springs and there’s an opportunity to do something like that

time in the usually sunny Australian skies, what’s next for Village Roadshow? “We’ve got some good secrets, let’s put it that way,” says White. “Accommodation is one thing we’re looking really hard at, particularly at Movie World, where we have a 140-hectare plot of land in addition to the 168-hectare park. “We’re looking at building accommodation there, then maybe developing the area beyond that. We’ve got the room for expansion and have looked at models like Universal’s City Walk or Disney Springs, and we believe there’s an opportunity to do something like that. “Sea World sits on a piece of land called the Spit, which is a beautiful area and we Wonder Woman at Warner Bros Movie World have some opportunities there too as we go forward.”

Topgolf partnership Australia and the first outside the US or completely changing the driving range Stepping outside the theme park realm, Britain. Village Roadshow will manage the experience. The Gold Coast destination Village Roadshow is expanding its venue on a day-to-day basis. is the first of eight Topgolf facilities that attractions presence on the Gold Coast Mixing fun point-scoring golf games for Village Roadshow is planning to open even further, opening a A$35m joint all skill levels with a family entertainment across the country in what is an exclusive venture development in June on 6 hectares centre, Topgolf players aim microchipped Australian partnership with the US-based of the aforementioned plot next to Movie balls at a number of giant circular targets business. Topgolf and Village Roadshow are World – the first Topgolf attraction in to score points and measure distance, also eyeing opportunities in Asian markets. “We’d like four or five things like Topgolf on that 140 hectares,” says White. “We ABOUT VILLAGE ROADSHOW want to be worthy of three or four-day visits on our properties. Someone can, for Village Roadshow’s first operation was Bros Movie World, which opened in 1992, example, spend a full day at Movie World, a drive-in cinema near Melbourne, purchasing Sea World in 1992 and opening then go to Topgolf, then the Australian Australia, in 1954. The company began to Australian Outback Spectacular in 2006. Outback Spectacular, and so on.” acquire traditional cinemas and went into Village Roadshow increased its With plans for its future starting to film distribution in the 1960s and film waterparks business in 2013 with come together and the company over the production in the 1970s. Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas, Nevada, and PR hump of 2016, everything looks very Continuing to pioneer modern multiplex Wet’n’Wild Sydney, Australia, and is positive for Village Roadshow. cinemas with new styles of seating currently expanding its footprint in Asia. “The fundamental growth of the and cutting-edge sound and projection Village Roadshow Entertainment Group economy, the growth in Australia and the technology, in the 1990s the company continues to focus on the film production growth in the international marketplace diversified its entertainment business with and distribution business, including titles around Australia tell us that this was a blip the acquisition and development of parks like Sully, The LEGO Movie, American for sure. As long as we continue to run including Wet’n’Wild (originally Cades Sniper, Happy Feet, The Great Gatsby, the safe rides and offer good experiences that County) in 1989, then building Warner Ocean’s series and The Matrix trilogy. are well branded, then we’re going to do really well in the future.” O

40 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 www.bertazzon.com TALKING POINT Kath Hudson, journalist, Attractions Management

A beach cleanup and brand audit by Greenpeace and the #breakfreefromplastic movement in Parañaque City, Philippines PHOTO: JILSON TIU / GREENPEACE TIU JILSON PHOTO:

Can attractions play a part in the ﬁ ght against plastic?

The Plastics Oceans ealife being strangled, choked shops. It has stopped offering plastic and starved by plastic seems straws and plastic cutlery, with the Foundation estimates reason enough to look for exception of a handful of pop-up cafés, 8 million metric tons of alternatives, but despite this, we which do not have washing facilities. S seem to live in a world swamped Over the past 10 years, Disneyland plastic are dumped into with plastic and with limited Resort in Anaheim, California, has halved options. The attractions industry could be the amount of waste it sends to landﬁ ll the ocean each year, part of the solution, making changes and and is working towards zero waste, which causing untold damage then educating its audiences to change it has already achieved at its working their behaviours, and working together ranch, Circle D Corral. Paper, cardboard, to sealife, and even to put pressure on suppliers to come up plastics and metal are recycled, while entering our food chain. Is with innovative, eco-friendly packaging. animal waste, hand towels, laundry lint More attractions are getting on board. and coffee grounds are composted. it time for the attractions The Natural History Museum in London How practical is it to stop using single- industry to ban single-use says it is moving towards a reﬁ llable use plastic? What are the steps to take? culture and is currently sourcing an Can you save the world without damaging plastics altogether? alternative to bottled water to sell in its the bottom line? We ask the experts.

42 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Abi Aguilar single-use plastics: bottles, develop concern, which can condiment sachets, straws, trigger changes in lifestyle, but Campaigner bags and coverings. The best they are not an effective answer Greenpeace Philippines way to solve the problem to the problem. Reduction, is to stop producing single- coupled with the development Plastic pollution, especially use plastic in the fi rst place. of alternative delivery systems pollution from single-use With its buying power, the and packaging, is the way to go. plastic, is a massive problem attractions industry could Following our beach cleanup in the Philippines. Because of play a big role in infl uencing last year, we did a brand the mismanagement of waste manufacturers to use audit and identifi ed 15 main in many areas, plastic fi nds alternatives to plastic, or do companies, who we are now its way into the ocean. Last away with coverings altogether. trying to infl uence. We have September, Greenpeace spent Other practical measures started the ball rolling, but eight days doing a beach attractions could take is to there is still a long way to go. cleanup and brand audit stop selling bottled water and We don’t expect companies to (to see which brands and install refi lling stations, as well change overnight, but we would companies generate the most as stop offering plastic straws, and encourages visitors to think like them to set realistic targets plastic waste), but the morning plastic bags and condiments about their consumption. and stay true to those targets. after every cleanup, it looked in sachets. Coffee lids are Drastic moves have to be These companies must realise like we hadn’t even been there. also a problem, so selling taken to stop production at the environment should not Because of the urgency insulated mugs is an option. source. Beach cleanups can suffer in the name of profi t, and of the issue, Greenpeace is The industry should also create raise awareness, encourage that it’s possible to be profi table calling for the banning of all an environment which educates people to get involved and as well as sustainable.

With its buying power, the attractions industry could play a big role in inﬂ uencing manufacturers to use alternatives to plastic, or do away with plastic coverings altogether

David Rosenberg working: visitors were still using single-use plastic bottles, but Vice president of we were losing the revenue. guest experience Realising we needed to meet Monterey Bay Aquarium our guests’ desire for water, we regrouped. Now we sell steel It is important to keep up with bottles, which visitors can refi ll the demands of visitors and we at water fountains, as well as are increasingly seeing a desire water in aluminium re-sealable for more social responsibility. cans, which can be reused The café is a plastic-free zone Millennials are having families and recycled. This has been at Monterey Bay Aquarium and have high expectations of extremely popular and provides the attractions they visit. With strong revenue while also educating our visitors about this in mind, attractions need meeting our visitors’ needs. sustainable alternatives. to show they are part of the Many guests like soft drinks, Making an impact beyond our solution and care for the future. so we put those through walls is not new to us. In 1999, Working with our food and Bottled water was one of the same fi lter. We only sell we launched the Seafood Watch beverage partners, SSA, we’ve our biggest-moving items in drinks in glass bottles or cans. Programme, helping consumers, eliminated single-use plastic food and beverage, but when In many cases, this led to vendors, chefs and business in the restaurant and café by we initially stopped selling offering high quality, unique partners choose sustainable supporting vendors who use it we found our visitors were beverages, which has increased seafood. More recently, we materials other than single-use leaving the aquarium and going sales, so implementing the spearheaded the Aquarium plastic. We are now working to neighbouring shops to buy change hasn’t cost us anything Conservation Partnership with with vendors to fi nd alternatives bottled water. Our plan to be and is contributing to less the goal of reducing single-use for our gift shop merchandise. socially responsible wasn’t plastic being created, while plastic in aquariums in the US.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 43 TALKING POINT

Kathryn England The fi rst change was halting make any dramatic increases the sale of single-use plastic to the prices that customers Head of commercial water bottles and instead pay. We have also stopped the Zoological Society providing water in alternative provision of plastic straws. of London (ZSL) packaging, such as cans. We Our latest challenge is then moved on to phasing out fi nding a viable alternative for We started to look at phasing single-use plastic bottles from drinks aimed at very small out single-use plastic two our drinks ranges, not just children, which have straws years ago when colleagues of water. As we can’t have glass attached. We are working mine, who are conservation bottles on site, because of the with brands to come up with experts, saw fi rst-hand the safety of our animals, this was alternatives, while encouraging devastating impact that plastic a challenge, but we managed our visitors to bring a beaker use is having on our oceans. to source everything in cans, or buy a reusable bottle on-site. We challenged ourselves to including wine and Prosecco. As with any business, make changes to our plastic Then we worked with our there is always a fear of the consumption without costing caterers to improve the bottom line being affected, but the business more or passing packaging of food options, operators need to zoom out any costs on to the consumer, The attractions industry is in sourcing biodegradable from the fi nancial challenge. As and we have successfully a great position to do this. We products and phasing out an industry, we need to work managed to achieve this. have the advantage of the high all plastic disposables. Our together to put pressure on At the same time, this was an dwell time of visitors, and we caterers helped us with this, suppliers to be more innovative opportunity to educate, engage are very skilled at integrating using their scale and buying with their packaging, especially and inspire our 2 million visitors a message into the experience power to ensure we could make big brands. If we work together to change their own behaviours. without being preachy. this change without having to we can make a difference.

We improved our food packaging, sourcing biodegradable products and phasing out plastic disposables. Our caterers helped us with this, using their scale and buying power so we didn’t have to put up prices

Sam Walker simple move can reduce use a streamlined waste collection by up to 80 per cent. service. Certiﬁ ed compostable Business development Switching to compostable packaging can be fully manager packaging demonstrates your composted and turned back into Biopac commitment to sustainability soil in less than 12 weeks, and and shows your customers can then be actively employed The food-to-go sector has your willingness to go that to help fertilise crops. grown rapidly in recent years, extra mile. Providing a more As there is always likely producing a boom in single- eco-friendly solution is often to be a need for disposable use items, and the UK’s waste expected to carry a premium, products, we must all management service has been however, there is only a small address the lack of consumer unable to keep up with this increase in cost. Crealy awareness and infrastructure rapid change. It’s absolutely Adventure Park and Resort in in many countries around the crucial that we start altering Devon has made the switch world. Disposal routes for our mindset towards this ever- to compostable products in composting and recycling are growing problem and for the its catering outlets, without often fragmented and vary UK government to provide it having any impact on the depending on authorities’ suitable disposal routes. bottom line and sending a attraction has control over the attitudes towards waste. However, small changes great message to its visitors. disposal of the packaging. Correct disposal is the key can make a big difference. An Compostable products Standard collection bins can be factor in reducing waste instant improvement – and tip work exceptionally well in the placed around the grounds for and this concerns both we give all our customers in closed environments in which all food waste and compostable conventional plastics for the catering industry – is to attractions operate, as all packaging, so they can be recycling, and our own remove free counter straws food purchased is likely to be disposed of together, thus biodegradable ranges, which from the customer’s view. This eaten on the premises so the reducing costs and providing should not end up in landﬁ ll. O

44 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 OFFER YOUR CUSTOMER A CHOICE OF AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURES!

Scalable from 4 to 40+ seats

Interactive 3D For the Whole Family www.trio-tech.comtrio-tech.com NEW OPENINGS

OPENING DOORS

We’ve rounded up the hottest new attractions opening across the globe in 2018

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

THE AMERICAS

QPARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

Disney is transforming Paradise Pier at California Adventure Park into an area dedicated to Pixar creations. Renamed PIXAR PIER, the attraction will feature four different themed neighbourhoods using the studio’s most popular IPs, anchored by the new Incredibles-inspired Incredicoaster. Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, Once completed, the New TOY STORY Peanuts the 4.5-hectare junior rides and a new and entertainment complex, York Wheel will be the US’ LAND ORLANDO is opening this summer, theme. The surf park, ziplines and a hotel. largest observation wheel boasting a Slinky Dog Dash SKYPLEX, the world’s tallest In Canada, indoor theme park coaster and an Alien Swirling coaster and entertainment MÉGA PARC is undergoing a Saucers ride. complex, is aiming to launch total redevelopment, with a Elsewhere in the US, in 2018 – reaching heights record-breaking gravity coaster theme and the majority of Carowinds in North Carolina of over 150 metres. The travelling through a spokeless rides are being replaced. Six is opening CAMP SNOOPY, Skyplex should also include Ferris wheel at its heart. Built Flag’s LA RONDE in Montreal upgrading its existing kids’ an observation deck, rotating in Quebec in the 1980s, the is opening Carnaval en Folie, zone and adding six new restaurant, drop ride, shopping park will get a new steampunk a carnival-themed family zone with three exciting new rides. Established midways are also due to open, with KIDZANIA launching new franchises in Frisco, Texas, as well as Guadalajara, Mexico, and in Costa Rica, and LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRES opening in San Antonio, Texas, and the American Dream Mall, New Jersey. A NICKELODEON UNIVERSE is also set to open at the New Jersey mega mall. New York hopes to see architect Thomas Heatherwick’s VESSEL Toy Story Land is opening at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida ﬁ nished this year, a walkable landmark described

46 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The 46-metre-tall Vessel provides a 1.6km vertical climb. It consists of 154 ﬂights of stairs, 2,500 steps and 80 landings

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 NEW OPENINGS THE AMERICAS

Panda Passage is a brand new habitat at Calgary Zoo, Canada

by its creators as “one of ambitious expansion across indoor/outdoor waterpark, will Carnival ships, including a Cat the most complex pieces of the US, following December’s boast year-round undercover in the Hat water slide. steelwork ever made”. Vessel launch of Great Wolf Lodge and open-air attractions. is part of the ongoing Public Minnesota – the company’s Further south, Great Parks Square and Gardens at Hudson fifteenth property – with new is completing Nicaragua’s Q ANIMAL Yards. There’s also hope that resorts in LaGrange, Georgia, first world-class waterpark, ATTRACTIONS the stalled NEW YORK WHEEL in late spring 2018, and in LUNA POOL PARTY AQUA will finally reach completion, Gurnee, Illinois, in summer. In PARK, near León. The $1.5m Animal lovers in North America and, in Rochester, the KODAK 2016, the company opened waterpark is the brainchild of are set to welcome some new EXPERIENCE CENTRE, new resorts in Garden Grove, owner Wilton López, a former residents this year with the designed by Jack Rouse California, and Colorado Major League Baseball player. opening of the Panda Passage Associates (JRA), is scheduled Springs, Colorado. Out at sea, a world-first Dr exhibit at CALGARY ZOO, to open its doors. Gaylord Hotels are launching Seuss waterpark will debut Canada – home to adult pandas a major waterpark, dubbed onboard cruise line operator Er Shun and Da Mao and cubs SOUNDWAVES, in the autumn, Carnival’s newest vessel in Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue – Q WATERPARKS bringing an air of luxury and April. Supplied by Polin, DR and a $3.3m extension at the adult appeal to the waterpark SEUSS WATERWORKS on AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA, New Leader in indoor waterpark typology. Located at Gaylord Carnival Horizon will be a York, being built to facilitate a destinations GREAT WOLF Opryland, in Tennessee, thematic take on the waterslide penguin breeding programme. RESORTS continues its the 16,000sqm, three-level complexes typically used on More than 20 South American Humboldt penguins will occupy Soundwaves waterpark at the upcoming exhibit. AQUARIUM Gaylord’s Opryland resort Meanwhile, the OF THE PACIFIC is aiming for a luxury vibe ’s multi-million- dollar expansion will open in Long Beach, California. Called Pacific Visions, it will feature an immersive 4D theatre with 300 seats and an art gallery as well as new marine life. The city of St Louis, Missouri, is planning a $45m addition to its historic Union Station – a 75,000sq ft (7,000sqm) aquarium. The UNION STATION AQUARIUM, designed by PGAV Destinations, will sit in the station’s former mall area and

48 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ANIMAL LOVERS IN NORTH AMERICA ARE SET TO WELCOME SOME NEW RESIDENTS WITH THE OPENING OF PANDA PASSAGE AT CALGARY ZOO AND THE HUMBOLDT PENGUIN EXHIBIT AT THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA feature a shark tank holding one of the largest collections of sharks in the Midwest. Finally, Merlin is adding two SEA LIFE aquariums to its US portfolio, one in American Dream Mall, New Jersey, and one in San Antonio, Texas, opening in 2018 or early 2019.

QMUSEUMS

June will mark the completion of the $21m expansion of Pittsburgh’s CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER, a new Science Pavilion adding The Museum of Image 14,000sq ft (1,300sqm) of and Sound looks out over exhibition space. Designed by Copacabana beach, Brazil Indovina Associates Architects, the Pennsylvania attraction will boast nine new STEM learning seat domed planetarium and CITY, will house the Linda MERLE HAGGARD MUSEUM labs and events spaces. theatre will be among the Pace Foundation’s growing next door to its two existing Also extending its science main features, in addition to collection of more than 800 properties, which honour fellow communication offer, the Bell expanded galleries and a host artworks by contemporary country music singers Johnny Museum of Natural History is of interactive exhibitions. It’s artists from around the world. Cash and Patsy Cline. building a $79m complex on slated to open in August 2018. And, the late country music Designed by Diller Scoﬁdio the University of Minnesota’s A contemporary art museum legend Merle Haggard will be + Renfro, the MUSEUM OF Minneapolis campus. Designed is under construction in San celebrated with a museum, bar IMAGE AND SOUND (MIS) by Perkins+Will, and to be Antonio, Texas, designed by and restaurant in Nashville, is opening in Copacabana in renamed the BELL MUSEUM British architect David Adjaye. Tennessee. Icon Entertainment Brazil. The museum explains AND PLANETARIUM, a 120- The red building, called RUBY Group (IEG) is developing the the cultural history of Rio.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 49 NEW OPENINGS EUROPE

EUROPE

Q PARKS AND road between La Rochepot ATTRACTIONS and Beaune. Also in France, PARC SPIROU is opening at a An abandoned gas station and site in the area of Beaulieu in rest stop is being transformed Monteux, close to Avignon in into a vintage park on one of southern France. The attraction France’s most iconic routes. will bring to life the well-known The Bel Air service station comic strip character Spirou was once a popular stop on and his friends. the journey from Paris to the At YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE French Riviera. A small group of PARK, Wakeﬁ eld, a new £3.8m investors aims to recapture that visitor centre is being built. retro holiday feel by restoring Designed by architects Feilden Artiﬁ cial ski slopes make the service station and opening Fowles and scheduled to waste-to-energy facility a 30-hectare leisure park. open in the summer, the new Amager Resource Centre The project, dubbed VINTAGE centre will enhance the visitor available to local people BEL AIR, is located on the experience with a restaurant,

a gallery space, public foyer and shop. In Birmingham, Merlin is opening a LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE and a BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURE PARK, and the operator is also working with Entertainment One (eOne) to open Peppa Pig themed attractions and accommodation outside the UK, with PEPPA PIG LAND opening at Gardaland, Italy, in 2018. In Copenhagen, Denmark, Danish landscape architects SLA have designed the rooftop park for Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) forthcoming AMAGER The Vintage Bel Air project RESOURCE CENTRE – one of is reinvigorating a former the most-anticipated buildings service station en route of 2018. The centre is a waste- to the French Riviera to-energy plant with unique public offerings – including a

50 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 climbing wall on one facade and around the VR experience a 500-metre ski slope on its telling the Yggdrasil story, with descending roof. Hiking trails, the accompanying exhibition playgrounds, street ﬁtness explaining how the fantasy zones, trail running, vantage story matches up with Viking points and shelters will be history and Norse mythology. incorporated into the scheme. Also in Denmark, plans are underway to develop a Q WATERPARKS travelling virtual reality fantasy exhibition based on Norse A number of waterpark mythology, which if successful developments are potentially will eventually be turned into completing this year in Europe, a fully-ﬂedged theme park including Russia’s largest unique to Scandinavia. Known indoor waterpark. Polin is as YGGDRASIL, the concept is working with local investment rooted in the region’s cultural group Sibentel on the TYUMEN heritage and folklore, with the WATERPARK development. startup initially developing an The all-season facility, exhibition to go alongside a VR designed to handle a sub- experience called Yggdrasil GO. Yggdrasil is an attraction concept based around Norse mythology zero Siberian winter, has large The attraction will be centred translucent domes overhead to

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 51 NEW OPENINGS EUROPE

allow sunlight in while keeping Q ANIMAL the freezing temperatures out. ATTRACTIONS Long-touted proposals to include an indoor waterpark Both Copenhagen Zoo, in the £80m expansion of the Denmark, and Prague Zoo, WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI Czech Republic, are opening PARK in Bewdley, UK, could brand new panda exhibits. be on course to complete this COPENHAGEN ZOO is year. The waterpark is expected working with BIG (Bjarke Ingels to include seven waterslides, a Group) on a brand new $22m splash area, wave pool, external panda enclosure that will be river rapids and a 200-seat shaped like an enormous yin- restaurant. A 250-bedroom yang symbol. The new exhibit hotel, with conference centre will house two giant pandas and spa, has also been granted that China has offered to loan planning permission. to Denmark, and will be built rainforest and waterfall inside Nearby, Coventry City Council on the footprint of the zoo’s a state-of-the-art ETFE dome Waterparks are opening is opening a “game-changing” former elephant enclosure, complete with mammals, birds, in Coventry, UK, and in £37m waterpark, designed by which will be demolished. The reptiles, fish and invertebrates. Tyumen, Russia (below) architects FaulknerBrowns. pandas will be delivered from As well as flume rides, the Chengdu at the end of 2018. COVENTRY WATERPARK With China’s giant pandas Q MUSEUMS installations will be part of contains toddler areas and lane proving big business worldwide, the high-profile expansion at swimming. Most of the water the Czech Republic’s PRAGUE In Scotland, the long-awaited EXPERIMENTA science centre features and high octane rides, ZOO is also getting in on £80m V&A DUNDEE is set in Heilbronn, Germany. The supplied by Polin, will be placed the act, unveiling plans for a to open before the year’s end extension, which is slated at the upper level of the vertical $34m Panda Pavilion, while as part of the city’s revitalised to open in late 2018, was building – an unusual feature also adding space for the waterfront. The flagship designed by Berlin-based for waterpark design. zoo’s existing polar bears Scottish museum will host Sauerbruch & Hutton with And in Belgium, Walibi theme and gorillas. The pavilion will major exhibitions, celebrate exhibition design by Northern park’s AQUALIBI waterpark also include exotic birds and design heritage, inspire and Light and Bruns. is undergoing a major Australian wildlife exhibits, with promote contemporary talent, In Norway, a museum transformation and expansion. Tasmanian devils among the and encourage future design dedicated to the world’s only The makeover, led by Jora planned additions. Prague is innovation. Architect Kengo preserved Nordlandsjekt – a Vision, follows a Caribbean reportedly in talks with China Kuma’s design was inspired 17th century Norwegian cargo theme to turn the facility into a about a loan of two pandas. by the cliffs along Scotland’s ship – is expected to open in tropical paradise. Walibi theme Elsewhere, MARWELL ZOO north-eastern coastline. Bodo. Anna Karoline will form park is also being improved as in Winchester is unveiling its A wide range of hands-on the centrepiece of the BODO part of the €100m plan. Tropical House, a sustainable exhibits and science and art LAKE OPEN AIR MUSEUM with a wider exhibition on jekt shipping heritage. Design RUSSIA’S LARGEST INDOOR WATERPARK IS DESIGNED firm Kvorning and Oslo-based TO HANDLE A SUB-ZERO SIBERIAN WINTER Rintala Eggertsson Arkitekter are working on the project. A new planetarium is coming to Iceland, opening as part of the existing PERLAN MUSEUM. The cutting-edge planetarium will boast a 360° immersive dome and observation deck with Skelwith Bridge, Lake District views over Reykjavík. And lastly, in Dublin, Ireland, the north wing of the National Concert Hall is being turned into an interactive children’s science centre, with a 200-seat planetarium at the heart of the multi-million-euro development. Known as the EXPLORATION STATION, the attraction will have 200 bespoke exhibits.

52 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Experimenta’s 13,500sqm extension includes four themed galleries with a science dome and over 200 interactive exhibits

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 53 NEW OPENINGS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Q PARKS AND Unlimited Snow’s snow park Warner Bros World is ATTRACTIONS is scheduled to open in the opening this year on Mall of Muscat (formerly called Yas Island, Abu Dhabi IPs such as Bugs Bunny and Palm Mall) in Muscat, Oman, Scooby Doo will sit alongside creating what it calls “a true brands including Batman, Alpine winterland and a world- Superman and Wonder fi rst new-generation real snow Woman when a $1bn venture, and ice amusement park”. WARNER BROS WORLD ABU The Dutch company, part of DHABI, opens its doors on Yas Unlimited Leisure Holding, Island. A wide range of Warner said that as well as immersive Bros’ global IPs will feature Alpine theming, SNOW PARK at the park and hotel, as will PALM MALL will have real- DC Comics, with the brands snow snowfall and 20 different incorporated into Gotham City, attractions, including an ice- Metropolis, Looney Toons and skating rink, ice climbing, IPS SUCH AS BUGS BUNNY AND Hanna-Barbera themed zones. ropes courses and children’s The Miral owned and operated snow play areas, and food and SCOOBY DOO WILL SIT ALONGSIDE Yas Island is one of the Middle beverage options. BRANDS INCLUDING BATMAN, East’s major entertainment Meanwhile, in Qatar, a destinations, attracting 25 $300m indoor entertainment SUPERMAN AND WONDER WOMAN million visitors a year. park, ADVENTURE ISLAND, is Also at Yas Island, CLYMB, to open inside the new Doha a futuristic building that Oasis Mall. The attraction will hold a supersized fl ight will feature a signature chamber and climbing wall, is rollercoaster, known as Casablanca’s dramatic cliffside Q WATERPARKS set to open. Miral has said the Dragonfi re, created by Premier pathways as “a landmark 9.75-metre fl ight chamber will Rides. International Theme Park destination in Morocco” A plan to build “Africa’s biggest be the widest in the world and Services (ITPS) was leading and part of the GRAND waterpark” near Durban, South the 43-metre indoor climbing consultant on Adventure Island. CASABLANCA development Africa, has been revived. The wall will be the tallest. Canadian studio Lemay plan. The design team have multi-million-dollar AMAZON has redesigned Morocco’s promised a festive event space, VALLEY WATERPARK will Casablanca coast and created a seaside resort, a nature be located in the town of Casablanca’s seaside a leisure-fi lled promenade. The reserve, rest areas, walkways, Scottburgh – tipped by promenade will have project is scheduled to open outdoor sports facilities and some as the next hot tourist a festive event space, in June 2018. Real estate observation points – all inspired destination for the country. The resort and nature reserve agency Casa Aménagement is by the concept of the classic park will include family slides, developing the 5km stretch of multi-tiered Islamic garden. tube slides and wave riders.

54 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 IMAGES: ARAD SIMON ARCHITECTS AND URBAN PLANNERS URBAN AND ARCHITECTS SIMON ARAD IMAGES:

Q ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

OMAN AQUARIUM will be one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East as the Sultanate continues to diversify its tourism offering to draw overseas visitors. Set to open in the Mall of Muscat in the ﬁrst quarter of 2018, the aquarium, designed by Crossley Architects, will be 8,000sqm in size and will feature 30,000 marine A former planetarium in creatures across 55 exhibit Jerusalem will become tanks and three storeys. the Einstein Museum

Q MUSEUMS permanent and temporary preparing to launch, with some personal archives. Architects Architect Jean Nouvel exhibition galleries showcasing 100,000 artefacts in house. Arad Simon are behind the celebrated the opening of the culture and heritage of The building was designed plans for the EINSTEIN the long-awaited Abu Dhabi Qatar, a 220-seat auditorium, a by Heneghan Peng Architects MUSEUM, which will be built on Louvre late last year, and this forum, two cafés, a restaurant, of Dublin, Ireland, with Arup Hebrew University’s Givat Ram year should see the arrival of a Heritage Research Centre acting as structural engineers. campus in Jerusalem. Arad another of his large cultural and conservation laboratories. An abandoned planetarium Simon were selected from four projects for the UAE. Scheduled And the $550m GRAND will be converted into a local ﬁrms, with the university to open in Doha in December MUSEUM OF EGYPT (GEM), museum dedicated to Albert saying the winning proposal 2018, the NATIONAL on a site about 2km from Einstein as part of a $5m was “modest, not grandiose, MUSEUM OF QATAR will host the Pyramids of Giza, is project to showcase his and it spoke to us”.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 55 NEW OPENINGS ASIA & AUSTRALIA

ASIA & AUSTRALIA

Q PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

After a string of delays, the under-construction 20TH CENTURY FOX WORLD theme park in Genting, Malaysia, looks set to open. The park includes movie-inspired rides and experiences based on Fox IPs like Ice Age, Rio, Predator Big-budget projects are and Night at the Museum. opening in Asia, including Silay City in the Philippines China’s $1.5bn Oriental has confi rmed it’s planning a Science Fiction Valley MAGIC ISLAND theme park, , and 20th Century Fox rumoured to be operated by World (right) in Malaysia Enchanted Kingdom. A number of projects are nearing completion in China. Among them, Chinese real- estate group Evergrande is working on FAIRYTALE THEME VALLEY park, featuring Q WATERPARKS at the upcoming Atlantis PARK in Xixian New District, VR attractions and hi-tech Sanya. Built around the myth Shaanxi province. Working experiences, is expected to Village Roadshow is also of the Lost City of Atlantis and with entertainment design fi rm open in phases this year. expected to launch its long overlooking the spectacular IdeAttack on the development Also in China, Merlin is awaited WET’N’WILD branded South China Sea, the resort of a theme park brand, up set to launch a LEGOLAND waterpark in Mission Hills, offers exhilarating waterplay to six more Fairytale Theme DISCOVERY CENTRE in Haikou, Hainan Island, as on Aquaventure Waterpark’s Parks are planned for different Shenyang, a DUNGEONS early as April. The attraction twisting waterslides. ProSlide locations in China. attraction in Shanghai, and a will cover 50,000sqm with is supplying the rides, including Meanwhile, the $1.5bn LITTLE BIG CITY in Beijing. around 8,000sqm allocated SuperLoops, Tornados, a ORIENTAL SCIENCE FICTION Village Roadshow is to an indoor section of the BehemothBowl and ProRacers. expanding its presence in waterpark. Water Technology China with LIONSGATE Inc and WhiteWater West As well as a luxury hotel ENTERTAINMENT WORLD worked on the project. Q ANIMAL with underwater suites, on Hengqin Island, Zhuhai. Another major waterpark ATTRACTIONS Atlantis Sanya has a The indoor experience centre, operation set to open this waterpark and aquarium designed by Thinkwell, is slated year on Hainan Island is the Designed by Goddard Group, to open by the end of 2018. AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK SHANGHAI HAICHANG POLAR OCEAN WORLD is on track for its targeted August 2018 debut, not far from Disney’s park. The park will have four marine animal zones, with reports saying the park will have the largest collection of marine species in the world. Elsewhere in China, in Tianjin, LINGANG BIRD PARK, a wetland bird sanctuary on a former landfi ll site, is opening. Landscape architects McGregor Coxall designed the zone as a refuge for the 50 million birds who journey through there on their migration course each year. There will also be a

56 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Cox Rayner Architects designed a complex of shell-like structures for the China Maritime Museum

visitor centre and bird hides on site to cater for the expected 500,000 annual guests. A A$36m “cage free” zoo in Sydney, Australia, is in development. The WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS – designed by Misho + Associates and landscape THE MUSEUM WILL EXPLORE CHINA’S NATURE AND OCEANS, architects Aspect Studios – will create natural-looking spaces to MARITIME HERITAGE AND HISTORIC VESSELS showcase animals from around the world. The zoo will feature 30 exhibits, including African Institute of Science and at Kandawgyi Lake, was MARINE SCIENCE AND safari animals and an Aboriginal Learning (TISL) has been designed by Singapore-based TECHNOLOGY (NMMST) is and natural heritage programme designed by New South Wales urban architects Surbana. soon to open in Keelung City. focusing on Western Sydney’s architecture firm NBRS to offer It will boast a freshwater China’s new NATIONAL Darug people. The zoo is an immersive and interactive section, complete with MARITIME MUSEUM, in expected to draw around experience. Part funded by alligators, crocodiles, newts, Tianjin, created by Australian 745,000 visitors each year. the government, TISL serves salamanders, turtles, land practice Cox Rayner, is likely Also near Sydney, TARONGA researchers, students and the tortoises and freshwater fish. to be realised in 2018. The ZOO is building a A$31m public and be equipped with project was named the Future science and conservation state-of-the-art technology labs Project of the Year at the education centre. The Taronga and classrooms. Q MUSEUMS World Architecture Festival in Elsewhere, UNDERWATER 2013. The museum will house WORLD AQUARIUM, in In India, the MUGHAL exhibits exploring China’s Lingang Bird Park has Yangon, Myanmar, is reportedly MUSEUM, which was designed nature and oceans, maritime been described as an nearly completed and slated by David Chipperfield, is heritage and historic vessels. ‘airport’ for 50 million to open in April. The aquarium, dedicated to the history of And finally, PINGTAN ART migratory species Northern India’s Mughal MUSEUM, a floating cultural dynasty. It will be located near island designed by Beijing- the Taj Mahal. In Mumbai, based innovators MAD, is the DR BHAU DAJI LAD under development in China’s MUMBAI CITY MUSEUM is Fujian province. Pingtan is the set to unveil its new wing, largest island in the region which was designed by Steven and has been designated by Holl Architects. The new wing the government as a primary centres around the Mumbai location for cultural and tourism Modern Gallery and will also development. The museum have education and research will be the cultural centrepiece centres, a conference centre, a of the zone. It will float in library, shop and restaurant. waters just off Pingtan Island, In Taiwan, Foster + Partners’ connecting to the mainland by NATIONAL MUSEUM OF an undulating pier. O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 57 RIDES

Intamin is opening two more of its ATV family launch coasters, in France and in Vietnam

LAUNCHING COASTERS

It’s another busy year for rollercoaster openings. We round up some key projects ride makers are working on

58 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 A Fantawild park in Guangxi province, China, is opening a Martin & Vleminckx Trailblazer coaster

&S Worldwide is getting depends on the rider’s weight, started on the installation position and interaction, making of a 4D Free Spin wing for a different ride every time. The coaster at Six Flags Wonder Woman Coaster track is S Mexico. The free-ﬂ ying 310 metres and the height is 36 WONDER WOMAN metres, with top speeds of 61kph. COASTER suspends guests on both sides of the track, where QMaker of traditional wooden their cars rotate at random rollercoasters Martin & Vleminckx throughout the ride. The experience is opening its 11th wood coaster in Great Lego Race VR China this spring, at Fantawild Asian is a new addition for Legends in Guangxi province, China. JUNGLE TRAILBLAZER several of Merlin’s measures Legoland parks in at 973 metres long and 33 metres high, with a 30-metre drop and speeds of up to 87kph.

QVR Coaster is reinventing more than 15 rides this year, not least the GREAT LEGO RACE VR coaster, produced in cooperation with Figment Productions, for Legoland parks in Florida, Germany and Malaysia. VR Coaster already this year launched VR MINE TRAIN at Ocean Park Hong Kong and FINAL FANTASY XR RIDE at Universal Studios Japan.

attractionsmanagement.com 59 RIDES

QAmong Intamin’s busy roster of openings are the ﬁ ve-inversion vertical lift coaster for Ocean Paradise in Hainan, China; the FAST & FURIOUS suspended family coaster at the upcoming Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi in the UAE; and the 142kph mega coaster, HYPERION, boasting a 80-metre drop and a 1,449- metre track length, is opening at Energylandia, Poland. There’ll also be two of the ride maker’s ATV family launch coasters opening this year, with YUKON QUAD opening and STEEL at Le Pal in Auvergne, France, and VENGEANCE at Cedar Point, another being installed in Vietnam. Ohio, with speeds of up to 119kph Vekoma is working and a 61-metre, 90-degree drop. on installations of QRocky Mountain Construction A further steel-wood hybrid is Firestorm, based on (RMC) is going to be working hard coming to Six Flags Over Georgia, its Space Warp system to complete a wide range of global TWISTED CYCLONE. projects, including two of its new single-rail steel coaster concept. QVekoma is opening several new WONDER WOMAN GOLDEN LASSO rides in Asia, including the new is set to debut at Six Flags Fiesta FIRESTORM launch coaster, a Texas, while RAILBLAZER – themed high-energy ride developed from around the Paciﬁ c coastline highway the Space Warp ride system. State Route 1 – is opening at Cedar They’ll open at Vinpearl in Thu Fair’s Great America, California. Thiem, Vietnam, and Evergrande, Also for Cedar Fair, RMC is Hainan Island, China. Custom- opening two hybrid coasters: designed HYPER SPACE WARP TWISTED TIMBERS at Kings looping coasters are also opening Dominion, Virginia, featuring a at Fantawild’s parks in Handan, 33-metre-tall barrel roll downdrop; Taiyuan and Wuhu in China.

60 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 German ride maker Mack is completing the £16m ICON at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (right) and Time Traveler, a spinning coaster at Silver Dollar City (main image)

QMack Rides has a couple of adjustable magnetic spin control major projects debuting in 2018. and free-spinning cars that provide The highly anticipated £16m ICON a different ride each time. at the UK’s Blackpool Pleasure Beach is billing itself as “one of QZamperla is installing nine Zamperla’s Factory the most thrilling in the world”. coasters in 2018, spearheaded Coaster is headed Set to reach heights of 30 metres, by its FACTORY COASTER at to Wuxi Wanda City with drops of up to 24 metres, the Wuxi Wanda City. The multi- double launch will propel riders at feature, seven-car steel coaster high speed at the start and halfway will reach heights of 26 through the 2.5 minute experience. metres and a track length of At the same time, Mack is 610 metres. Plus, the Italian building a triple-inversion, 30-metre- ﬁ rm is completing its fourth tall spinning coaster at Silver Dollar THUNDERBOLT, at Masan City, Missouri. The $26m TIME Robotland Park, Incheon, South TRAVELER, which resembles a Korea. An AIR FORCE 5, four time-travelling machine with gears, TWISTER COASTERS, and two cogs and industrial components, FAMILY GRAVITY COASTERS boasts a cutting-edge 360-degree are also in the works. O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 61 INCLUSIVITY OPEN TO ALL

For various physical, social or economic reasons, many people ﬁnd themselves alienated from the experiences our industry offers. Happily, more operators are now seeking ways to ensure everyone shares the fun. Kath Hudson looks at some inspiring initiatives

n a time when the most powerful man a great start. US-based organisation Art in the world has made inflammatory Beyond Sight helps operators to make racist comments and joked about their experience more inclusive for people disability, it has never been more with vision, mental or cognitive disabilities, I important for attractions to reach out through reviewing space, policies, to those who are marginalised. programmes and promotional materials, I’m not convinced that embracing as well as training staff on how to deliver otherness is something which comes experiences through the implementation of naturally to humans. It goes against the tactile access and verbal descriptions. rules of survival of the fittest. Children The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in Seattle, sometimes stare and ask awkward Washington, worked with Art Beyond Sight questions about people who are different to train some of its staff to lead tours for and often have trouble playing with children people with low or no vision, which now run who aren’t the same as them. once a month and are free to take part. Entrepreneur Gordon Hartman noticed “Art Beyond Sight invites our low to children were wary of playing with his no-vision visitors to participate in free group daughter, who has cognitive disabilities, tours where they visit the galleries, learn while they were on holiday. His response An Art Beyond Sight programme about artworks, ask questions, and share was to create Morgan’s Wonderland, a (above) runs at Seattle Art Museum; ideas,” says Kayla Skinner, deputy director fully inclusive theme park in San Antonio, A Dialogue in Silence session (below) for education and public programmes. Texas, where disabled people can enjoy “Attendees tell us they join the tours every experience and where anyone with both to learn more about works of art and a special need receives free entry. Last also to be in community with other art June, the park unveiled another world first Removing barriers lovers. SAM is so grateful to the docents – an ultra accessible splashpark, with five Not everyone, or every operator, can go and staff who support this programme, tropically themed splash pads, waterproof this far, but having an awareness of the which helps make the museum more wheelchairs and a river boat adventure ride. barriers and seeking to remove them is accessible to our community. We are lucky PHOTOS: STEFFEN BARANIAK STEFFEN PHOTOS:

62 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Gordon Hartman and his daughter Morgan (left) are the family behind an accessible theme park and waterpark in Texas PHOTOS: ROBIN JERSTAD ROBIN PHOTOS:

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 63 INCLUSIVITY

Including children in our activities and programming is a creative and effective way to make them feel welcome, show human solidarity and some hope for a better tomorrow

to have visitors who have attended Art other senses and cope with the unknown. get an impression of how they will look Beyond Sight tours for years and bring so Dinner in the Dark involves blind waiters in years to come, as well as having the much knowledge and amazing perspective serving dinner in a dark restaurant. chance to discuss ageing with the guides, to SAM. I learn something new about Dialogue in Silence gives visitors an who are all aged between 65 and 85 years. SAM’s collection every time I attend a tour.” insight into deafness. Wearing noise- cancelling headsets, visitors are taught, Empathy and understanding Overcoming prejudices by deaf people, to read non-verbal “Dialogue with Time brings to the fore Able-bodied people can unknowingly communication, posture, hand movements some of the challenges related to patronise or give false pity to people and facial expressions. The most recent ageing and seeks to foster a greater with disabilities, and the Dialogue Social variation from the organisation is Dialogue understanding, empathy and preparedness Enterprise was created to subvert this with Time, which explores ageing. for something we must all eventually relationship: putting disabled people Singapore Science Centre in Singapore face,” says Professor Lim Tit Meng, chief in charge and taking away senses from launched a permanent Dialogue with executive of Singapore Science Centre. the able-bodied. A number of different Time exhibition in November 2017, in “We hope this exhibition will help experiences have been developed, which partnership with the Ministry of Health. By to positively re-frame and present the attractions can offer as a social franchise, 2030, one in every four Singaporeans will opportunities of ageing, as well as all of which empower the guides. be aged 65 years and above – about double encourage more factual, objective and In Dialogue in the Dark exhibitions, that of today – so the centre believes it interactive conversations led by the senior blind guides lead people through a dark is important to develop understanding of guides who are role models themselves.” exhibit, which replicates the experience ageing and overcome stereotypes. Age is also the focus of a business of everyday activities, such as visiting Visitors experience weakened hearing, running in the UK, Oomph, which is a café or walking in a park. The blind vision and mobility; see the effects of UV seeking to collaborate with operators to person teaches visitors how to use their and smoking on physical appearance and offer day trips to care home residents.

64 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PHOTO: THE FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO SAN OF MUSEUMS ARTS FINE THE PHOTO:

NOESIS responds to Greece’s migrant crisis with a special programme (left); the de Young Musem’s Beam Tour

Starting out as an initiative to get care Thessaloniki to visit through its Welcome children are very excited to take part in home residents exercising, Oomph Refugees initiative. Children are given the this programme and have a precious smile recently diversified to offer days out. One opportunity to watch a planetarium film, on their faces as they leave our science successful outing was to the Bombay have a guided tour in their native language centre. That is all we need to continue our Sapphire Gin Distillery in Hampshire. and, as they learn Greek, take part in effort, knowing at the same time that we “When you talk to people living in care activities offered with their local peers. are doing the right thing.” homes, and witness their quality of life, you “Including children in our activities and can see their frustration,” says founder Ben programming is a creative and effective way Giving back power Allen. “After you take away the time they to make them feel welcome, show human By teaming up with The Wallich, a charity are sleeping, being fed and cared for, they solidarity and some hope for a better which works with homeless people, still have 11 hours a day when they need tomorrow,” says NOESIS general manager National Museum Wales smashed down to be given a reason to live. A real life is a Thanassis Kontonikolaou. “Through their barriers last year, not just inviting people varied life, not lived exclusively indoors.” activities, learning programmes and who feel alienated from culture into the collections, science centres can contribute space, but putting them in charge. Reaching out to the social need of meeting and getting The new curators provided a fresh Homelessness and the refugee crisis to know the unknown ‘other’.” insight with their selection of paintings, has led to millions of people being Since Welcome Refugees launched in sculptures, films, prints and drawings from marginalised and the attractions industry 2016, 1,100 refugees have visited and the collection that the museum and the has the ability to reach out and make them the programme received a special mention Derek Williams Trust acquired over the feel part of society by inviting them to for courageous leadership at the 2017 past 10 years. They were involved in all engage with programmes. NOESIS Science Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards. Elisavet aspects of the Who Decides? exhibition, Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece, has invited Konstantinou, communication and public including design, installation, public events, children living in the refugee camps of relations executive for NOESIS, says: “The marketing and programmes for schools.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 65 INCLUSIVITY

Florida children’s hospitals beneﬁ t from STEM-focused These engaging mobile outreach programmes exhibits will shorten the learning gap during children’s hospitalisation and motivate them to pursue STEM learning

Nick Thornton, head of fi ne and contemporary art at National Museum Wales, says it was a wonderful experience. “The co-curators from The Wallich had a unique perspective on the collections, which has produced an ambitious exhibition which makes contemporary art accessible to all our visitors,” he says. “It’s been a fascinating journey for all of us and underlines the huge benefi ts which can be had from creating opportunities for in the museum. Comments or questions $1.2m over fi ve years for the centre to all parts of our community to contribute to from the offsite visitor can be relayed and develop and implement the programme, the work of cultural organisations.” responded to immediately. which will take stimulating science and Curator Michael Pugh says initiatives According to the museum website, this maths activities into hospitals on mobile like this encourage wider participation in programme is the fi rst of its kind and exhibit carts, aimed at 10 to 18-year-olds. culture: “I wouldn’t have come into the broadens access for a previously under- Volunteers from BASE Camp Children’s museum before, but now I’m here and I’ve served segment of the population. Cancer Foundation will be trained by loved it all. I’m not afraid to come here by De Young is part of the Fine Arts science centre educators to facilitate these myself. I’m not daunted anymore.” Museums of San Francisco, which offer programmes, due to launch in the autumn. programmes to people with disabilities, They will incorporate data and artifacts Virtual access including tours for people with dementia from NASA missions, University of Central Illness can also lead to a feeling of and Access Days where people with special Florida Planetary Science Group collections disconnection from society, but technology needs can visit for free or at a reduced cost and Kennedy Space Center resources. means it doesn’t have to be a problem. when the museum is closed to the public. “Children with critical illness can struggle The de Young Museum in San Francisco, with formal education due to the fact that California, offers a programme which Beyond four walls their hospitalisation keeps them from allows those unable to visit the museum Outreach programmes, taking exhibits engaging in active study and attending in person because of a disability or illness beyond the facility, are another way of classes” said science centre president to enjoy the collections through its Beam broadening the audience and including and CEO, JoAnn Newman. “These engaging Tour, created by Suitable Technologies. those who can’t or feel unable to attend. mobile exhibits will not only shorten the The device’s sensitive lenses allow offsite Orlando Science Center in Orlando, Florida, learning gap during their hospitalisation, visitors to see the art in high resolution, is engaged in a programme to reach out they will help motivate these children to while its microphone, screen and speakers to children receiving treatment at three of pursue STEM learning and careers.” enable interaction with guides or friends the state’s hospitals. NASA has committed According to Tate, which has completed a four-year programme, Circuit, looking for ways to connect 15 to 25-year-olds with arts and culture and make gallery spaces relevant to them, young people frequently feel alienated from the arts. Who Decides? Many of the report’s recommendations invited homeless seem applicable to all attractions and could people to curate be applied to all sections of the population an exhibition for who feel left out: seek out partnerships National Museum with organisations which share your Wales, with the priorities and values; fi nd ways for young help of a local people to work within your organisation as homeless charity a producer and use short term projects to create long term strategies for change. O

66 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 CREATOR AND MARKET LEADER IN FUN CLIMBING

#clipnclimb

CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO HERITAGE

LOFTY IDEALS

The vaults above Westminster Abbey are opening to the public for the ﬁ rst time as the Queen’s Diamond ubilee Galleries. Scott Craddock, head of visitor experience, explains

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

ondon’s Westminster the arches of the nave of a architect Ptolemy Dean, who that explains the schedule Abbey, one of the UK’s church – some 15 metres is Surveyor of the Fabric at for a coronation service – an busiest attractions, above the Abbey’s ﬂ oor. the Abbey. Inside the Queen’s ancient altarpiece, a corset L is undergoing work To provide access to the Diamond Jubilee Galleries, belonging to Elizabeth I and on a new museum – triforium galleries, a slim more than 300 artefacts will artefacts from the reigns of marking the ﬁ rst addition to tower – constructed from be on display, with exhibition Henry V and VII, guidebooks the visitor experience at the stone, glass, lead and oak – design by MUMA (McInnes to the Abbey dating back to historic site since 1745. is being built in a courtyard Usher McKnight Architects). 1600, Prince William and Kate The £23m museum, at Poet’s Corner. The tower, Visitors will be able to Middleton’s marriage license named the Queen’s Diamond inspired by the Gothic browse a variety of objects and artist Ralph Heimans’ Jubilee Galleries, will be architecture of the 1,000-year- from the Abbey’s collection, celebratory Diamond Jubilee located inside the triforium old Abbey, was designed by including the 14th-century portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. – the loft-like space above conservation and restoration Liber Regalis – a manuscript The museum opens in June.

68 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PHOTO.ECCLES/SHUTTERSTOCK

Westminster Abbey attracts 1.5 million visitors every year

SCOTT CRADDOCK Head of visitor experience Westminster Abbey

How long have you been at Westminster Abbey and what does your job entail? I have been head of visitor experience at Westminster Abbey since 2014. My role involves overseeing our visitor operation, promoting engaging visitor services, and ensuring a warm welcome for over 1.5 million visitors and worshippers each year.

How did the idea to transform the triforium into a museum come about? The Abbey has been planning to create a new museum in the triforium for several years. As well as giving visitors the chance to see this hidden attic space for the first time, it will also allow us to display the greatest treasures from the Abbey’s collection, many of which have never been shown before. Scott Craddock television. The Galleries will also offer amazing views Can you describe what the visitor oversees visitor out towards Parliament and the Palace of Westminster. experience will be like? engagement and For visitor access to the Galleries, a new tower has guest services at Have you been in the triforium and what is it been built outside Poets’ Corner, tucked between the Westminster Abbey like? How do you get up there at the moment? Abbey’s 13th-century Chapter House and 16th-century It’s an incredible experience – being in a space high Lady Chapel. The tower houses a lift and staircase above the Abbey floor that has not been accessible and will offer full disabled access. It is also the for visitors for 700 years. The views are amazing most significant addition to the Abbey since Nicholas and there will be so much to see from the Abbey Hawksmoor’s west towers were completed in 1745. collection too. During the building works, we have Once visitors have travelled up the new tower, they been accessing the space via an external builders’ will enter the triforium – a gallery which runs more lift, which in itself was an experience. than 15 metres above the floor of Westminster Abbey. Here the museum will tell the history of the Abbey What are your main aims with the galleries through 300 objects from our collection. – for example, what do you hope visitors Visitors will also get to experience a new will learn or take away with them? perspective on the Abbey’s interior – a view that the Westminster Abbey has a rich thousand-year history poet John Betjeman described as the best in Europe, and we really wanted to offer a place where visitors and which has so far only been seen by the public on can deepen their understanding of the Abbey and

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 69 HERITAGE COURTESY WESTMINSTER ABBEY

The coronation portrait of Queen PHOTOS: JAMES BRITTAIN Elizabeth II by Ralph Heimans (above) and historic artefacts are part of the museum display

explore treasures from our How long do you expect visitors will stay? collection in a spectacular setting. We estimate that visitors will spend around 45 People don’t always realise that we minutes browsing the new Galleries. are a working church and we are holding 28 services every week. How many visitors do you expect annually? We’re expecting to welcome around 200,000 visitors Was there any opposition to to the Galleries in their ﬁrst year. any aspect of this project? Despite the new tower and Carrying out any work at the Abbey exhibition being the most must be very complex. How have you signiﬁcant addition to the Abbey for worked with Ptolemy Dean to make sure more than 250 years, there were the new tower will be sympathetic? no objections to our plans. Ptolemy Dean is the Abbey’s Surveyor of the Fabric (consultant architect). His design for the tower is in How many visitors will be keeping with Gothic style of Westminster Abbey. He allowed at one time? Is it a has worked closely with Dædalus Conservation, a limited space experience and specialist contractor that has extensive experience how will you handle that? working with Britain’s built heritage and whose The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee purpose it is to preserve and protect ancient buildings, Galleries will be able to manage a through the use of traditional tradesmanship. capacity of up to 230 people at a The tower has been built from traditional materials time, which will be managed by a used in the Abbey: stone, glass, lead and oak, whilst timed ticket allocation system. taking advantage of modern materials, including steel and concrete, to keep the new structure as slim and How will the ticketing/ slender as possible. It is clad in lead with leaded light entry system work? windows set in metal frames. Stained glass fragments Entry will be managed through a which were found during the excavation of the triforium mix of advance online sales and a limited number of Henry V’s funeral vaults have also been included in the new windows. tickets available on-site on the day. armour is part of Westminster Do any of these considerations Will there be a charge? Abbey’s collection apply to the exhibit design? The new museum experience will be offered as an The aim of the design is to preserve the atmosphere, optional additional part of a visit to the Abbey. There contemplative character, natural daylight and spiritual will be an extra £5 charge to visit the Galleries. quality of the space. Both the architectural design by

70 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The access tower (left) under construction; the Abbey triforium before work began PHOTO: ALAN WILLIAMS ALAN PHOTO:

ONCE VISITORS TRAVEL UP THE NEW TOWER, THEY ENTER THE TRIFORIUM – A GALLERY 15 METRES ABOVE THE FLOOR OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Ptolemy Dean Architects and the exhibition design by Today, special services and other occasions make the MUMA have had a minimal impact on the quality of the Abbey the focus of national attention and some of the space and the fabric of the building. objects on display are still in use from time to time. QWestminster Abbey and the Monarchy – Exploring Can you tell us a bit about MUMA’s the close links between Westminster Abbey and plans for the exhibition? the crown. The Abbey has been the coronation The exhibition will tell the story of the Abbey’s history church since 1066 and is the burial place of many presented through four separate themes. monarchs, including St Edward the Confessor, QWestminster Abbey: The Building – Exploring the whose shrine can be seen from the Galleries. The way the Abbey buildings have evolved over 1,000 Abbey’s role as a Royal Peculiar (subject to the years. Westminster Abbey is one of the great direct jurisdiction of the monarch) gives it a special medieval Gothic churches and yet most generations The marriage relationship with the crown. have left their distinctive mark. of Prince William QThe Abbey and Nation’s Memory – People from all QWorship and Daily Life – Exploring the Abbey’s life and Kate Middleton walks of life and ﬁelds of endeavour are buried or as a working church with daily worship at its heart, took place at the commemorated in the Abbey. The Abbey has been a from its medieval monastic origins to the present day. Abbey in 2011 visitor attraction for at least 400 years, partly because of its monuments and memorials. This theme explores memorialisation and commemoration, the process of placing memorials in the Abbey and the forms of remembrance arising from military conﬂicts.

Do you plan to have docents or guides? Yes, we will have a team of Abbey Marshals, ticketing staff and Abbey Guide volunteers who will be working in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, with support from Heritage Cleaners too, to ensure our collection and the space itself is well cared for.

Is there scope for changing the exhibits/ hosting temporary or special exhibitions? The space is a permanent exhibition space, so the layout won’t change. Some objects will be rotated for conservation reasons or because they are sometimes

PHOTO: FEATUREFLASH/SHUTTERSTOCKPHOTO: still used in the daily life of the Abbey. O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 71 WATERPARKS UNDER THE WEATHER

A major waterpark has opened in Texas boasting a retractable roof. Come rain or shine, this ‘epic’ year-round attraction is set to wow its visitors

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

72 n Grand Prairie, Texas, the Appropriately named Epic Waters, Brinkel, president of the parks and average January temperature is the 7,400sqm indoor/outdoor recreation division at WhiteWater -13°C (9°F), but that didn’t stop a attraction is operated by hospitality West, who supplied the rides at Epic new waterpark opening its doors management fi rm American Resort Waters. “A lot of other cities and I at the beginning of this year. Management and it’s the fi rst step in recreation departments are looking Even in July, it’s hardly the 696,000sqm Epic Grand Central at this project with admiration. This sweltering, around 16°C (61°F). recreation centre development. A development will set a new standard So it’s a good job that this $88m lifestyle centre, called The Epic, is of what a community development attraction is fully covered and to open later in the year along with can be, with the right plan, team, and, insulated – making it the largest an accessible playground, PlayGrand most of all, vision for community.” indoor waterpark under a custom Adventures, and an amphitheatre. Epic Waters has been designed curved retractable roof in the US. The city parks department pushed by Wisconsin-based architecture It saves energy on warm forward the project and is receiving and engineering fi rm Ramaker and days when the roof can be praise for developing one of the Associates, with attractions supplied opened, reducing the need for most important community water by WhiteWater and the retractable air conditioning, and means the facilities in the US in many years. polycarbonate roof by OpenAire. We waterpark is open and operating “Grand Prairie is generating a lot of spoke to the people who helped even when it’s cold and wet outside. interest in our industry,” says Steve bring this epic project to fruition.

73 WATERPARKS

SUZANNE DOODY Business development manager Ramaker & Associates

This is a major waterpark, in size, scale and cost. Can you explain what makes this an “epic” attraction? It’s deﬁnitely epic! At 80,000 square feet, you don’t see many indoor waterparks of this size, especially in a community recreation setting. The Epic team was all-in for a large waterpark and the community voted to use tax dollars to build something that ﬁt the energy and grandness of the city.

What was the inspiration for this design? The Jay Peak Pump House [an indoor waterpark in Jay, Vermont], The Summit at Epic Waters boasts a wide Grand Prairie [a fitness centre for the over selection of slides and 50s], and the city of Grand Prairie are all activities, including the inspirations for the design. The Epic team Lassoloop, Yellow Jacket visited the Jay Peak Pump House and were Drop and Aquanaut amazed by the openness, natural light and all the activities within. The Summit at Grand Prairie, which preceded the Epic, was so well received that the city knew What makes this waterpark different to they could provide their community with ON OFFER AT EPIC WATERS other waterparks you’ve worked on? more amenities. And Grand Prairie itself is The enthusiasm and commitment of the a fast-growing city in the Dallas metroplex, Q 11 waterslides Epic team and the many “firsts” make where everything is big and grand. This Q Outdoor wave pool this project different. While most owners could not be missed when it came to Q Activity pool and children’s area and operators are happy to be building a building a new waterpark. Q FlowRider surf simulator waterpark that will bring nothing but smiles Q Lazy river to people, the Epic team was 100 per cent What story does the waterpark tell? Q Shop behind everything they could do to make Are there any elements relating Q Arcade their park special. Part of this were the to theming or storytelling? Q Food and beverage outlets “firsts” and “bests” designed into the park. The waterpark has a vibrant atmosphere. Q Full-service bar The Lassoloop is the nation’s tallest indoor From the brightly coloured waterslides Q Cabana rentals AquaLoop slide. The Yellow Jacket Drop is and play structure to the decorative Q Birthday parties the first slide of its kind as a fusion inner table umbrellas and party rooms to the Q Group outings and private rentals tube slide. The Aquanaut is the first double- plethora of natural light from the OpenAire Q Event and meeting space rider inner tube slide of its kind and the lazy structure, Epic is bright and sunny. river is one of the longest in the US.

74 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The family-focused waterpark offers a huge aquaplay structure for younger kids and lots of food and beverage options

DARYL MATZKE Please describe the waterpark’s design. What have been the challenges in Project manager The waterpark is capable of showing designing and building the waterpark? patrons everything it has to offer through How did you overcome these? Ramaker & Associates a tiered design. From the moment you Incorporating all of the requested walk in the door, you can take in all the elements into the waterpark, within the What was Ramaker’s role on this project? attractions. Directly in front of you is the space provided, while keeping the feel Ramaker was the aquatic design engineer. zero-depth entry beach and lazy river. As of the park open, was one of the main your eye wanders up and back you see challenges. In order to not have one Why did the role appeal to you? the activity pool and large, multi-level play attraction feel like it was too close to From the fi rst time we met with the Epic structure. Then if you continue to look up, another attraction, or a wall, our design team, we could see the passion and you follow the stairs of the slide tower team had to be resourceful when it dedication these people had to their complex up to the three separate landings came to effi cient use of space. This was community. They truly wanted to not only that offer a fun and exciting ride from each accomplished through both the OpenAire create a one-of-a-kind waterpark, but also level. This all culminates at the top of the structure that allows light and fresh to make it so that everyone in the Grand slide tower with the Lassoloop and the air into the waterpark, along with the Prairie area would have access to a truly drop-away fl oor that will send you speeding tiered pool design that allowed for some amazing family-oriented fun zone. back down to the main level again. separation between attractions.

MARK ALBERTINE President and CEO OpenAire

This was a mega project! Is this one of the largest jobs you’ve had to date? It’s certainly one of OpenAire’s larger projects. Epic Waters has set a record for the largest indoor waterpark under a single retractable roof in the US, but we have been building record-breaking enclosures around the world for years. Aqua Sferra Water Park in Donetsk, Ukraine, was built in 2012 and holds the record for the largest freestanding retractable dome in the world, as well as the biggest aluminium dome in the world. Indoor waterparks are increasingly popular in the US and internationally Last year, we also ﬁnished a series of skylights and a large retractable roof for a two-phase expansion at Kalahari Pocono An indoor retractable roofed waterpark gives Mountains Resort in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. That renovation brought all the sunshine and fresh air of an outdoor Kalahari to 220,000 square feet, making it the largest indoor waterpark in the US. park along with the shelter of an indoor park

What material is used? Epic Waters was built using OpenAire’s energy use by up to 27 per cent annually US and internationally. It makes complete exclusive, thermally broken aluminium compared to traditional structures. sense for waterparks to operate as year- truss system. Our aluminium structures It’s an exciting, year-round design with round facilities and not just seasonally, and are lightweight, naturally rust-proof tremendous long-term value. retractable roof enclosures are one of the and require virtually no maintenance. best ways to design a year-round park. An This makes OpenAire roofs perfect for What were the main challenges indoor retractable roofed waterpark gives waterparks, which are exposed to moisture you faced on this project? all the sunshine and fresh air of an outdoor and pool chemicals constantly. We also Every project has some challenges. At Epic park along with the shelter of an indoor used large, glazed polycarbonate panels Waters, multiple contractors were working park. Communities all over are realising on the roof to let in the sun throughout the within the same space, so it required how big these advantages are: the National year. With all this natural light and the very careful coordination to make sure we all Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) large span of the structure, Epic Waters achieved what needed to be done. We were reported that 24 municipal waterparks were really feels like an outdoor waterpark. It fortunate to have a great team, all working built in the US from 2014 to 2015, and that creates a great atmosphere for guests and under the site supervision of Lee Lewis. number did not include private waterparks. it will save Grand Prairie a great deal on At OpenAire, we see how popular they are energy and maintenance in the long term. Are indoor waterparks every day. After 25 years in operation, we The operable enclosure reduces the need growing in popularity? have built close to 1,000 retractable roof for air conditioning and dehumidiﬁcation, Yes, not only indoor waterparks, but outdoor projects around the globe, each one custom which is estimated to cut Epic Waters’ waterparks too are on the rise across the designed to our clients’ needs.

Epic Waters is one of the largest indoor waterparks in the US and it’s protected by a custom-made retractable roof by OpenAire

76 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 An exterior view shows the slide path exiting and re-entering the building and the cupola at the top

NANCY PATTERSON natural ventilation in arid areas such as Director, design the UAE, withstand seismic disturbances and business in regions such as California, and continue development functioning in high winds and heavy rains during hurricane season. We’re ready for OpenAire practically any requirement in any location.

What makes Epic Waters What other design attributes are there? How does the retractable roof work? special or diff erent? Epic Waters opens to the outside from The retractable panels on the main roof Epic Waters is not just a waterpark; it’s all angles: from above thanks to its 40 and in the cupola have separate controls part of Grand Prairie’s plan to make Epic retractable roof panels, from the sides and can be operated= independently. The Grand Central the grandest recreation with its 35 sliding windows and 18 motorised roof panels take 12 minutes to complex possible for its residents. Epic motorised pivot windows, and of course, open fully. There are also 18 motorised Waters is a large park with many exciting fi ve main doors and three overhead doors. centre-pivot windows that open easily. attractions in its own right, but it’s also Probably the most exciting feature about Both sets of panels are controlled by the part of a 172-acre complex with indoor Epic Waters is that it has the advantages operator and can be opened or closed and outdoor facilities designed to meet of two parks in one. The retractable roof at the touch of a button. The opened the needs of people of all ages, abilities panels offer all the sunlight and fresh air structure creates a chimney effect, and demographics. When it’s fi nished, of an outdoor park, plus the year-round allowing the air to come in through the Epic Grand Central will be a true hub reliability of an indoor park. side windows and push upwards and out for this city – there will be something through the roof. This natural process for everyone. We’re honoured that Epic circulates air and vents moisture. Waters and its year-round enclosure were FAST FACTS a key part of the Grand Central vision How long did it take to build? from the start of development. Cost: $88m OpenAire worked on concept, design, Size: 7,400sqm (80,000sq ft) engineering, fabrication and installation. Is the structure built to survive Rides: 11 waterslides, outdoor wave A team of 15 installers worked to build extreme weather conditions? pool, lazy river the enclosure and cupola. Construction Yes; OpenAire structures have been proven Amenities: retail store, arcade, F&B started in December 2016 and the entire to perform in all climates. Our team of outlets, bar, cabanas structure was completed by November of engineers and manufacturers has built Operator: American Resort Management 2017. Epic Waters required 35 shipments retractable enclosures around the globe to Expected attendance: 500,000 of materials on 53-foot fl atbed trucks; 280 withstand the weight of heavy snow loads Adult ticket: $14 (resident), $24 tons of aluminium; 54 columns, 27 rafters in Vermont, insulate against subarctic (non-resident) and 77,300 square feet of polycarbonate; temperatures in Moscow, Russia, offer and 34,000 square feet of glass.

ERIC SINCLAIR Project manager WhiteWater’s mat racer slides WhiteWater West are always popular with guests

What was the design process? The design process was in two stages. If you look at our 3D CAD model, In the pre-contract stage, everybody gets together and tries to decide what the vision of the park is. The city took a big it’s pretty insane how we fi t all this in role on that and did a lot of background research by visiting a lot of waterparks. and made sure every detail is accounted for They liked a lot of elements from Jay Peak Pump House so we started from there. Architect HKS was steering the project the Dallas area. You can see right across nothing ‘usual’ about Epic. It looks great in and pulling all the elements together. We the city. There’s a lot more going on than the space and provides an interactive focal bring to the table almost 40 years in the just getting the nerve to ride the AquaLoop. point where families can play. waterpark business and we’ve built a lot of waterparks. That enables us to take What ride mix did you install? What was the main challenge you faced? a somewhat unique place at the design We specially designed a couple of rides for The tolerances were probably the most table in terms of people wanting to know the park. The client wanted something new challenging. It was crucial all the parties – what we’ve seen and done in other parks, that no other park had yet so we custom HKS, Ramaker, OpenAire, Lee Lewis and us what ride mix we recommend and so on. created some slides. Alongside the regular – worked closely at the beginning to make fl umes, there’s the fi rst indoor inner tube sure the drawings were spot on. When What’s special about the experience? Boomerango plus Constrictor fusion – which you’re inside the waterpark, for example, The roof of Epic Waters waterpark boasts they called Yellow Jacket Drop – the US’s one of the AquaSpheres sits between the a glass cupola with our slide tower inside tallest AquaLoop, called Lassoloop, and a roof structure, and that roof moves, so it. As you ascend the tower, you see all AquaSphere slide called Aquanaut. Epic’s it was vital the AquaSphere was rightly these people fl ying around you in different Aquanaut is also the fi rst indoor inner tube placed where it wouldn’t interfere with directions and when you get to top, about AquaSphere. Riders take high-speed twists any of the roof beams. Even though the 60 feet high, and you’re standing on the and turns down an enclosed serpentine park is 80,000 square feet, we fi lled the tower, it’s probably one of the best views in fl ume before zooming into giant spheres space up pretty tight. There are six building where their tubes make huge penetrations where three slides start oscillations on 90-degree corners. inside and go outside and come back in. PROJECT PARTIES The park also has our FlowRider The wall is glass so you have to make sure Double surf simulator and the the penetrations are made and resealed Owner/client: The City of Grand Prairie longest lazy river in Texas. correctly. You can’t even be off by a few Architects: HKS inches or you’ll run into the framing of the Water Consultant: Ramaker & Associates Did you provide any waterplay glass. If you look at our 3D CAD model, Rides and attractions: WhiteWater West features for younger children? it’s pretty insane how we fi t all this in and Retractable Roof: OpenAire We provided an AquaPlay 1050, made sure every detail is accounted for. Construction Company: Lee Lewis Construction which is a sizeable unit. Usually, By and large, that planning paid off when it Management: American Resort Management indoor parks aren’t large enough to came to the installation phase and luckily Feasibility Consultant: Hotel & Leisure Advisors accommodate this massive multi- places where we were worried about it level play structure, but there’s being close tolerance turned out fi ne. O

By understanding different play types, you can ensure that your park brings play to life for everyone

ADVENTURERS | CHALLENGERS | SOCIALIZERS | DREAMERS

WWW.WHITEWATERWEST.COM/PLAYTYPES PROFILE ANDREAS ANDERSEN

IAAPA’s new chair Andreas Andersen n IAAPA Attractions Expo marks the start of the tenure of a fresh talks Attractions Management’s Tom IAAPA chair. In 2018, the global Anstey through his plans for his year attractions body has turned to A Sweden for leadership, with at the helm of the organisation Liseberg CEO Andreas Andersen taking on the role in what could prove to be a big year for IAAPA as it continues to grow.

What’s your background? I originally have a background in law. I used to work at the Danish ministry of ﬁ nance and then in 2000 I became a company lawyer for Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark. I didn’t hold the job for very long as I soon got into the operations side of things. I was COO there and then in 2008 I transitioned into a role with IAAPA, where I helped to relaunch the European regional ofﬁ ce in Brussels. Two years prior, we had taken over EAS. In 2011, I came to Liseberg, where I am today. I’m a very enthusiastic rollercoaster rider, so that’s really why I love the industry.

You have one year as chair. What do you want to achieve? It’s not about what I want to achieve, rather what we as a team at IAAPA would like to achieve. It’s about how we can beneﬁ t the members because that’s what it’s all about. There are a few things I care a lot about. Safety is one of them. The work that has been done over many years and also the great focus on safety and security during the past year is something I will continue. I care a lot about the internationalisation of IAAPA so we can become a truly global body. We’re on that path. We have strong regional ofﬁ ces and more and more members outside North America. The third thing is sustainability. It’s one of the things that our industry will have to face on a much more structured level in the years to come. It’s one of the things that I would like to put on the agenda.

You take over from Greg Hale. What kind of a legacy is he leaving you? What has he built over the past year? Greg has been an integral part of everything we, as an association, have Andreas Andersen started in the industry as a company lawyer at Tivoli achieved when it comes to safety over

80 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 I think the sustainability agenda is knocking on the door. It’s an area where we can do better as an industry

the past three decades. When it comes That’s one thing I really think a lot about. to standards, reporting, legislative It’s something we discuss a lot at an IAAPA’s 2017 trade show was the achievements and lifting the general IAAPA level and in my day-to-day work at organisation’s most successful knowledge in the industry, I don't think Liseberg. Nobody wants to end up like ever, with 39,000 attendees you can underestimate the impact Blockbuster. We want to make sure we’re he’s had for IAAPA and Disney. He is a relevant in the future digital marketplace. champion of safety for our industry. What are the current strengths Where are you seeing growth of the attractions industry and What’s exciting you most in the industry? what can be improved on? about the industry? The axis of the industry remains to some It’s interesting if you look at the industry One of the things I think a lot about is how extent in the East, with development from a historical perspective. It’s a very the digital world is affecting our industry. in China, India and the Middle East. resilient industry in the sense that in If you take a look at the IAAPA Attractions It gives both the industry in general – times when you see a downturn in the Expo show fl oor, you’re seeing much more but especially the manufacturers and general economy, people tend to visit digital innovation. Whether it’s distribution, suppliers – a lot of tailwind. I think that regional parks instead of travelling. marketing, CRM or digital solutions for Latin America is an area where we’re going When people have money to spend, they navigating attractions, the digital world to see growth in the coming years as tend to go to the destination parks. Its infl uences how we communicate, develop well. It’s very much to do with the overall resiliency has to do with the fact that what and sell our product. It also infl uences economic situation, as well as legislation, we are providing is a very fundamental the whole competitive situation we’re in. so hopefully we’ll see more there. thing. It’s an escape from everyday

Volcano Bay tackles the problem of queueing with its TapuTapu technology

100 YEARS OF IAAPA life, it’s memories, it’s expectations, we can do better as an industry. We also it’s experiences. I think that that’s have to be very aware of the fact that fundamental – even in a digital world. change is happening faster and faster. As This year, 2018, IAAPA celebrates its That’s the strength of visitor attractions. an industry, we have to be very nimble and 100th birthday. Marking the success It’s something that family or friends do be able to adapt at a much higher pace. of the global attractions body, IAAPA together and you do it in real life. It’s Queueing is something to think about is relocating its headquarters from something that will always provide a very too. Today we don’t queue in the bank, we Washington, DC, to brand new offi ces in strong foundation to build on. don’t queue in the supermarket, everything Orlando, Florida. The organisation also is online and accessible. We don’t queue, invites all its members and industry What can we do better? but we expect people to stand in line professionals to join the festivities I think the sustainability agenda is when they come to a theme park. It’s one during this year’s events: knocking on the door. It’s an area where of those areas which is a real threat. If we don’t fi gure it out, it’s one that could Q IAAPA Leadership Conference become a problem in the future. Tapu Tapu 6-9 March, 2018 IAAPA offi cials mark the start of at Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando Resorts, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan construction on the association’s is a good example of innovation, but it’s an new offi ces in Orlando, following area where most of us have to adapt. We QAsian Attractions Expo relocation from Washington, DC have to be quick on our feet and able to 5-8 June, 2018 change to meet guests’ expectations. Hong Kong Where do you see the sector expanding? QEuro Attractions Show Twenty years ago, you could categorise an 23-27 September, 2018 attraction. There were zoos, aquariums, Amsterdam, The Netherlands amusement parks and so on. Today, we’re all becoming hybrids. There are two QIAAPA Attractions Expo main tracts when it comes to this type of 12-16 November, 2018 development. The fi rst is this hybridisation: Orlando, Florida Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, for example, is it a theme park or is it a zoo? The Find out more at other tract is resortifi cation. Everyone www.iaapa100years.org wants to add a hotel. We’ll see continued development in those directions.

THEME PARKS THINK BIG

With work on Liseberg’s upcoming €200m expansion expected to start in 2019, we asked CEO Andreas Andersen why he wanted to diversify the product offering

iseberg, the historic attraction in The waterpark, being developed by Water design,” says Andersen. “We have all the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden, Technology Inc, will operate year-round with the permits and permissions, and we’ve celebrates its centenary in 2023. capacity for 2,800 guests over 17,000sqm. secured financing for the project.” In the build-up to this significant The waterpark will follow a historic theme A projected opening date is set between L milestone, plans for a new indoor based on the Swedish East India Company, 2021 and 2023, possibly over two phases, waterpark and hotel were unveiled which has strong roots in the city. Included depending on construction times. for 50,000sqm of land acquired in 2013. in the attraction will be a galleon, eight “It’s a very big investment, but it’s also a “This was the last available expansion experience pools, 10 water slides, two necessary one in the sense that we need area in conjunction with Liseberg,” waterplay areas and a 400-seat restaurant. to expand into other business areas if we CEO Andreas Andersen tells Attractions The 453-bedroom family hotel is being want to keep the theme park running as Management. “Our park is in the city centre designed by Swedish architectural firm we know it today,” says Andersen. so it was important we acquired that land. Wingårdhs. TThe property will adjoin “We looked at a number of ways we the waterpark and feature a 550-seat CHALLENGES could use the space and quite early on restaurant, a smaller themed restaurant “We have a couple of challenges when it it became clear that the best option for for up to 250 people, a bistro and a spa. comes to our existing business model,” Liseberg and the destination would be to “We’ve finished concept design and are he says. “The first is it’s very seasonal. build an indoor waterpark and hotel.” currently between schematic and detailed We bring in a lot of the revenue in just

Andreas Andersen is planning ahead as Liseberg builds up to its 100th anniversary in 2023

84 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Valkyria (inset) opens this season, while the €200m indoor waterpark a few weeks through July and August. and hotel expansion Our seasonality is signiﬁ cantly more could open by 2021 concentrated than most other large amusement parks in Europe. “The other challenge is that we are owned by the municipality. That gives us owners with a long-term perspective, which is great, but at the same time, there are some constraints on the way that we manage the park.” “We have a lot of cultural obligations and we donate a lot to charity. We are also trying to take care of a very long history and the heritage of the park in ways most other parks don’t have to. It’s very important to us that we are part of the Gothenburg community and play a central role in the

We’re part of the Gothenburg community and play a role in the cultural fabric of the city, so we need a strong ﬁ nancial foundation. The hotel and waterpark will be part of that foundation

cultural fabric of the city, so we need a According to Liseberg, the hotel and strong fi nancial foundation to stand on. waterpark plans will have positive effects Building the hotel and the waterpark will be for both local residents and tourists, part of that strong foundation.” boosting employment and the regional economy and increasing tourism numbers. NEW ADDITIONS This will include an additional 600,000 Liseberg has invested signifi cantly over visitors on top of the 3 million people that the course of the past six years, spending visit the park each year, as well as €50m €120m on new additions to the park to in tourist revenue for Gothenburg. combat declining visitor numbers. Liseberg’s next major investment is “We were seeing a declining attendance, Valkyria – a steel dive coaster by Bolliger especially in our summer season,” says and Mabillard – which is currently under Andersen. “We’ve invested heavily in construction and set to open this year. our core business – the amusement Based on Norse Mythology, Valkyria is part park – with new rides, new theming and of a €25m investment, which also includes investment into our Halloween season. a Gyro Swing manufactured by Intamin. “This investment strategy has worked “In 2023, we celebrate our 100th very well for us. The past three years birthday. We have a few things in the have been the most fi nancially successful pipeline in terms of attractions,” he says. in the history of the park, so we’re very “It’s a strategic investment, not just in the happy with that,” Andersen says. short term, but also the long term.” O

PART ONE SECURITY 3 PART SERIES

Part 1 AM 1 18: Protecting your PROTECTING YOUR visitor attraction

Part 2 AM 2 18: Training your VISITOR ATTRACTION security team

Part 3 AM 3 18: Nigel Peers, senior consultant at NW Security Group, looks at Case study: Chester Zoo the UK government’s guidance on crowded places and shares his expertise on how to make an attraction safe and secure

n 8 June, 2017, the UK’s managed security for Nigel Peers, senior National Counter Terrorism the UK’s busiest zoo – consultant at NW Security Offi ce (NaCTSO) Chester Zoo, boasting Security Group published its 174-page 1.9 million visitors O Crowded Places Guidance. This a year – for several QPhysical assets comprehensive advisory report years before joining – infrastructure, focuses on protecting crowded locations, NW Security Group. buildings, etc. including visitor attractions, shopping Rather than QInformation and centres, sports stadia, bars, pubs and summarising what is data assets clubs, which are easily accessible to the an incredibly detailed QPolicy and public and could present a potential target. and instructive document, procedures This article focuses on the parts of I thought it helpful to In any risk assessment NaCTSO’s Crowded Places Guidance that present some of the thinking you must be able to identify and provide protective security advice to those and processes that I went through rank risks based on a detailed assess- who own, operate, manage, secure or work during a three-year-plus period to harden ment of the likelihood of a type of threat in visitor attractions. It’s an area where I security systems, plans and procedures happening and the possible impact on the personally have in-depth expertise, having and mitigate against key risks which were organisation should such an event occur. identifi ed when I began my time in that role. Four key questions to ask are: QWhat assets need to be protected? Identify assets QWhat threats and vulnerabilities are Much of the hard work begins with asset out there? identifi cation and assessment. You need QWhat is the impact on the attraction if a to assess and prioritise all assets to given asset is compromised/attacked/ be protected and then the security risks breached? across four different parameters: QWhat existing measures, systems and QPeople – staff, visitors, contractors equipment already aid protection of

Complete a risk assessment before proceeding to draw up a strategic security plan

Expect to reduce the risk to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ while maintaining the friendly atmosphere of providing a great day out

these assets, mitigating against pre- monitoring for slips, trips, falls and QOperational change recommendations; identified threats? other potential injury, personal property for example, profiling of visitors by your All threats need to be placed in order damage or anti-social behaviour that may security team, increasing patrolling of importance and any remedial action to place staff, visitors or assets at risk levels, randomising patrol timings improve mitigation measures needs to be QVisitors, who may well have a part QPhysical change recommendations; for proportionate to the level of threat and the to play by remaining vigilant to example, barriers, IP (internet protocol) assets identified for protection. surroundings and people around them video/digital video cameras, access that may be behaving unusually. They control, bollards, fixed furniture, bins Consider stakeholders can be encouraged to report anything QTraining and awareness requirements for During the process of prioritising which unusual, including unattended bags the security team and wider organisation risks to mitigate first and which to devote When drawing up the risk assessment it QValidation procedures, to check you have most resources to improving, it is worth is important to bear in mind that the best got priorities and mitigations right considering key stakeholders and their you can expect to do is reduce the risk to QPartnership; you should be running priorities and concerns. So, for a visitor ‘as low as reasonably practicable’, while plans through your local Counter attraction, key stakeholders might be: maintaining the friendly and welcoming Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) and QCEO and other board directors, atmosphere which is compatible with other strategic partner agencies responsible for the reputation and visitors enjoying a great day out. QReview and monitoring regime; how wellbeing of the organisation often will the plan be checked? QIT director/IT manager, who may have to Building a security plan QCommunication and media elements, assist in preventing a cyber attack Once the risk assessment has been including understanding what should QMarketing department, who may have to completed, the next step is to draw up a and what should not be communicated ensure they are not making information strategic security plan. The security plan about your security systems, public, which could be of use for hostile must be simple, clear and flexible as far as procedures and assets. For example, reconnaissance intelligence gathering is possible. It will need to detail: some information could potentially QSecurity team, who are going to be QPolicies, for helping staff and visitors to assist hostile reconnaissance pivotal to strengthening any security be security-aware and as far as possible operatives whereas other information systems and procedures knowledgeable about what should be should be made very public to deter QHealth and safety management team, done if an incident happens hostiles from targeting your venue.

Quickstart guide to securing your facility

1. Identify & Prioritise Assets Assess and prioritise all assets and security risks

2. Identify Threats & Prioritise Mitigation Identify risks and their possible impact. Put mitigation measures in place

3. Satisfy Needs of Key Stakeholders Terrorism-related threats and cybersecurity are moving further up directors’ agendas

4. Build Strategic Security Plan

Consider the following: policies, operational Crowded Places Guidance is aimed at attractions, stadia, bars and other busy places changes, site changes, staff training, partnering with local Counter Terrorism Security Advisor, external communications Access control is fundamental to planning a 5. Combat Hostile Reconnaissance Be able to spot a hostile reconnaissance security solution. Know who or what can go team and provide identiﬁ cation-worthy CCTV evidence to the authorities where and allocate passes to reﬂ ect this

6. Link new Security Equipment to Operational Requirements (OR) Deny, deter, detect portion of the old analogue CCTV cameras Attach an OR statement to each piece of One key consideration is to work hard for a period and bring the serviceable ones new security equipment being installed to “deny, deter and detect” hostile onto the network? And if there is budget stating what security or other operational reconnaissance. The more your security for only 50 new network cameras, where needs it addresses. Each camera will have regime can deny would-be terrorists access exactly do those priority cameras need to a specifi c purpose to reconnaissance intelligence, the less be placed? The ‘top priority’ threats must likely your venue will be subject to a be tackled fi rst so that the biggest threats 7. Stiffen Access Control Procedures major attack. Spotting them early is the are mitigated before moving to the lesser Procedures for issuing visitor and fi rst crucial step to stopping any hostile threats as budgets and resources free up. contractor passes are worthy of close reconnaissance team from gathering One valuable way to prioritise work is attention. Multi-layered security systems useful intelligence. Thereafter, if you can to attach an Operational Requirement may well be needed demonstrate a strong security appetite by (OR) statement to each piece of security proactively indicating you’ve ‘spotted them’, equipment going in. Essentially, this needs 8. Incident Management and provide identifi cation-worthy CCTV to state precisely what security or other Should an incident happen, all people on-site evidence to the authorities, the more likely operational need this piece of equipment must know where to go and what to do. they are to be deterred from returning. addresses. Each new camera has a specifi c This could mean full or partial evacuation or Add to the proactive profi ling of purpose: one might be for perimeter ‘invacuation’ to a secure place possible hostiles by communicating the security, another for animal welfare, a effectiveness of your security systems third for health and safety monitoring on a 9. Keep up to speed with NaCTSO – or, as the NaCTSO guidelines put pedestrian thoroughfare, and so on. Use the latest Crowded Places Guidance it, deterring them by putting out the It must be clear which area is covered published by NaCTSO as your go-to reference message ‘come here and you are likely to by each camera. Further, the displacement for change, training specifi cation, as well as get caught’ – and you start to reduce the consideration must be documented for procedures and processes reinforcement risk of an attack considerably. all surveillance cameras: it’s important to understand that if a new camera is put in 10. Centralise Video Phased mitigation to cover one known area where crime is Surveillance Monitoring You won’t be able to purchase and install likely to be committed, that this crime may CCTV is only valuable if coverage is the full shopping list of equipment and just move into a different area. Although comprehensive and can be used to training requirements that you’ve identifi ed this is a more signifi cant concern in public positively identify people. Build a in the fi rst few months of completing the space CCTV installations, displacement centralised/networked video surveillance risk assessment – budgets rarely allow it. risk is always worth considering. infrastructure with professional video So, if you need 200 new surveillance management capability manned by cameras and a new highly-secure control Access control fully-trained security offi cers room, you will need to consider phasing in The OR process is fundamental to this work. So, is there scope to re-use a planning an effi cient security solution

88 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 and access control is no exception. Be it controlling pedestrian access to Many major attractions now have certain areas, or vehicles into the site, well-trained security staff and the principles are the same. Know who or well-placed security equipment what can go where and allocate passes to refl ect this. Any access control system is only as good as the procedures and Incident management people that govern its use and a good You need to be thoroughly drilled on the security culture is paramount in ensuring procedure to keep staff, visitors and other your site remains secure. assets safe should an incident happen. Processes and procedures for issuing All people on-site must know where to go visitor and contractor passes are worthy and what to do in the event of a security Threats are bound to be different for of close attention as it is normally in incident. This could mean full or partial each attraction. Legacy security systems, these sorts of procedures and processes evacuation or ‘invacuation’ to a secure range of assets, layout and size of the that vulnerabilities lie. Hostile Vehicle place either on-site or off-site. site and existing security personnel are Mitigation (HVM) strategies are detailed in You will want to deter any new people all issues which need to infl uence your NaCTSO’s Crowded Places Guidance and I from entering an area where a security security priorities. However, the principles advise that they should be read carefully breach has occurred. By doing so you will of good security planning and risk as this type of threat is being encouraged reduce the risk of increasing the number assessment should form a fi rm foundation by terrorist groups via the internet right of people exposed to the threat. for building a new and up-to-date security now, as we know all too well from recent Alarm control points should be plan for any visitor attraction. O Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW) attacks in considered and sited where mustering Nice, London and New York. points have been agreed and VAWs, like many threats, demand defence communicated. Methods for good in depth, multi-layered and overlapping communication fl ow must also be multi- About the author security systems, processes and layered so any public address can be Nigel Peers is a security consultant, procedures. Retractable and fi xed bollards supported by shortwave radio for security data protection practitioner and at vehicle and pedestrian entrances, offi cers. Police and emergency services trainer. With a military background and fencing, barriers, landscaping, fi xed must be called in as early as possible founder of a workplace compliance furniture, identifi cation and pass checking, to assist. Staff should be tested with training company, Peers possesses profi ling, as well as well-placed CCTV and regular scenario-based exercises, including a wealth of expertise in conducting speakers to send audible alerts, can all desktop and practical activities. security site surveys, vulnerability work together to make a site as secure assessments and delivering Security from a VAW as is practicable – particularly Summary Industry Authority (SIA) and other given the fact that you don’t want a visitor The information and guidance discussed industry-related training courses. attraction to feel like Fort Knox. here allows for investigation of just some of the elements of securing About NW Security Group a visitor attraction. It cannot NW Security Group provides security be as comprehensive as planning consultancy and training as To read the NaTCSO guidance, go to the new NaTCSO guidance, well as planning and physical security www.gov.uk/government/ which covers mitigation of equipment specifi cation, confi guration publications/crowded-places-guidance many more threats than I’ve and installation services. been able to cover here.

THE STORY BUILDERS

Creatives from Disney and Universal on the power of IPs in the attractions industry and how to implement them

ome of the attractions industry’s brightest and most respected minds have shared their thoughts on the creative process and challenges involved with turning some of the world’s most popular IPs into real-life places. Examining how fantasy worlds such as Pandora – The World of Avatar and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter progressed from ﬁction to reality, Universal’s Thierry Coup and Disney’s Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge S shared personal and professional insights at November’s IAAPA Expo with an audience of next-gen creators, operators and leaders.

Joe Rohde, executive designer and vice president of creative at Walt Disney Imagineering, recently launched Pandora at Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

Revealing his secrets to building and ORLANDO UNIVERSAL PHOTO: telling stories in theme parks, Rohde says that to successfully use an IP, attractions creators must put visitors at the centre of to happen to you inside this world where their own immersive fantasy world. things also happened to those characters.” “We build story worlds, not necessarily According to Rohde, who joined Walt Joe Rohde story plots,” says Rohde, explaining the Disney Imagineering in 1980 during the differences between using an IP in a theme development of Epcot, the main trap that Executive designer and park with using an IP in the movie theatre. attractions creators can fall into when vice president of creative “A ﬁlm is a format that allows you to working with a ﬁlm IP is managing to Walt Disney Imagineering explore the character-based side of the recreate a world but failing to include that storytelling world. You follow characters visitor as an active part of that world. through a plot for about 90 minutes. “When you go into a theatre to watch What we do is much more about direct a movie you’re rendered pretty much experiences – what could and is going inert,” he says. “You sit in the dark, in the

Rohde led the creation of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a project which took six years to complete

90 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a 3D dark ride at Universal’s Orlando and Osaka parks

It’s exceedingly compelling and convincing if you accept it as a world instead of a ﬁlm

quiet, and you watch something happen an attraction based on elements distinctly to somebody else. A lot of our emotional linked to that IP but that have never been attachment to the story comes from the seen before, could prove more fruitful. things that happen to this person. But it “In the case of Pandora – The World of takes time. It’s not done in the first two Avatar, I would be hard pressed to come up minutes like it might be in a theme park; with an object, character or form that you Thierry Coup it’s done over an hour-and-a-half. saw in the actual movie,” Rohde says. Senior vice president “When I go into a theme park, I’m up on “Nothing I can think of is copied from my feet, my body is moving though space that film – not a rock, not a plant, even Universal Creative either of my own volition or in a vehicle. the particular Na’vi characters you meet. In the theme park, I’m anything but inert. It’s exceedingly compelling and convincing Leading creative development for I don’t have the spare mental framework if you accept it as a world instead of a film. Universal Parks and Resorts globally, to pay attention to what’s happening to “We have a land at Animal Kingdom Thierry Coup, senior vice president at some other person, I’m paying attention called Africa. There was a movie shot in Universal Creative, has spent more than to what’s happening to me. Africa called Africa, but when I go to Africa, two decades working for the company. “The whole meaning of the story has I don’t expect to see Meryl Streep because Coup – who has worked on Universal to turn upside-down. We have to figure I understand that Africa is a place where projects including The Wizarding World of out what it is about this world that could you can go to make a movie. In the same Harry Potter, The Amazing Adventures of ever be meaningful to a person who is sense, Pandora is a place where you can Spider-Man, Transformers: The Ride and experiencing it directly happening to them.” go to make a movie. Our piece of Pandora Skull Island: Reign of Kong – believes One key thing, according to Rohde, that is not where that movie was made. It’s that operators looking to stay ahead of can make or break an IP is originality. world building, which helps to increase the curve must go above and beyond to Building an attraction exactly as its seen your storytelling opportunities instead of a deliver entirely new levels of immersive on film can be a success. However, creating basic retelling of an existing film.” experiences unseen before by the public.

Visitors at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California

Following successes such as Universal’s Harry Potter worlds, public expectations are higher than ever and attractions must live up to them, according to Coup. “We have to deliver experiences that are much more immersive than anything you can fi nd out there,” he says. “You can use technologies like VR or AR, but there’s nothing like entering a world where you feel like you have been transported completely. It’s not just about igniting the basic senses like touch and sound.” For the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction – fi rst opened at Islands of Adventure in Orlando and then replicated at Universal’s parks in Los Angeles, California, and Osaka, Japan – Coup described how multi-sensory design was integral. “You walk into the Wizarding World and you can smell things coming from the restaurant and it feels very much the way it was described in JK Rowling’s books. She did such a great job of describing every one lot of complexity from the partner, but there “Within the theme park setting, you of the senses. When you fi nally taste the are many great things that come with that. can’t design something just for the fans,” Butterbeer, it’s like a system of engaging “For Harry Potter it was small shops, says Coup. “You have to make sure that everything and placing you in a world that small stores, no marquees, no signage, you have a very compelling story, with you can’t fi nd anywhere else but there.” small entrances – it goes against all the transportive, inviting environments. For There are, of course, challenges when rules we have set for the perfect operating example, when we created the Spider- it comes to IP collaboration, which Coup theme park. We learned from that and we Man ride at Universal in 1999, none of describes as “almost like marrying were very open. We had to be. the fi lms had yet been released. We had someone for their wonderful child”. “For the Transformers ride, we were to adapt Spider-Man and bring the story to “You have to get along, you have to working with Michael Bay. We told him slow- life in a way that didn’t even exist yet. develop this relationship, but the goal motion won’t work on a ride, but then we “Whether you’re a fan or not, I think is to ensure together that this ‘child’ is tried it and it was actually a great success. that the surprise of Spider-Man jumping successful,” he says. “That comes with a “You have to make compromises. You on your car and taking you on this journey have to learn as much as you can about appealed to anyone on the ride. where the IP came from and was born “The worlds we create come to life and It feels very much the from. You have to put your ego away and bring you into them. No matter whether you both sides have to speak to each other. It work in our industry or not, or are a fan of way it was described becomes a crazy great marriage and you a particular property or not, within seconds end up with this amazing fi nal product.” you stop trying to analyse it because in JK Rowling’s books Another challenge is involving a wider you’re drawn into the experience. That audience perhaps not familiar with an IP. requires very careful design and crafting.”

92 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Turnke y solutions for: Interactive at • tractions Show experiences • Darkrides

Z1-G16 #1323 www.lagotronicsprojects.com PHOTO: JOSHUA PARKS SUDOCK/DISNEY THEMED DESIGN

Mark Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker, poses by a scale model of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California; (right) renderings of that project

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will ‘change the lens’ on who is the protagonist in the park experience

trying to shoehorn that into another Trowbridge, who has the task of taking medium,” Trowbridge says. “A successful the work of Star Wars creator George use of IP is to take the essence of Lucas and translating it into a physical what made that story or creative work world, wants to do more than just recreate successful, understand its DNA and then famous scenes from the franchise. Scott Trowbidge find the best possible way to express Instead, he is creating something Creative portfolio executive that DNA through a creative medium.” completely new and distinctly Star Wars, Talking about the immersive Star Wars: placing visitors right at the heart of the Walt Disney Imagineering Galaxy’s Edge lands under construction immersive story, which plays out over at Disneyland California and at Disney’s multiple days to encourage repeat visits. Disney Imagineer and creative lead for Hollywood Studios in Orlando and opening “It would have been easy to tell you the theme parks’ Star Wars projects in 2019, Trowbridge says the additions Luke’s story on Tatooine – an iconic scene Scott Trowbridge says that attractions will “change the lens” on who is the from the first movie – but we know those developers cannot take one format and protagonist in the theme park experience scenes and we know Luke’s story. We paste it on to another expecting great – something that Disney wants to apply know we’re not in that story and we have results. Instead, an IP must be broken to all of its projects going forward. no business being on that planet with Luke down and built back up in a format that “You go into traditional theme park as some kind of weird voyeur,” he says. is appropriate for a visitor experience. experiences and you’re kind of invisible. “Instead what we want to do is create “It’s not about taking one medium With Pirates of the Caribbean, you ride it, this universe, laying out and introducing designed for something else and then but the pirates don’t acknowledge you.” new stories, characters and places, and to include you in these stories should you want to take part. There’s no obligation to do this, but there’s a significant part of our audience who want to feel more engaged and more connected to the stories they are experiencing, so we’re trying to find ways to take that and extend it to our parks.” According to Disney, both Star Wars lands will transport guests to a never-seen-before planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before “wild space”. There will be two signature attractions: one allowing guests to take control of the Millennium Falcon and another that puts guests in the middle of a giant battle between the First Order and the Resistance. “There’s an invitation to engage. There’s Joe Rohde, Thierry Coup and Scott Trowbridge at IAAPA’s Legends panel an invitation to play,” says the Imagineer. “Stay tuned, we’re very excited about it.” O

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For the latest supplier PRODUCT INNOVATION news and company information, visit attractions-kit.net Suppliers tell Attractions Management about their latest product, design and technology launches

OThe show features thrilling live-action sequences inspired by The Fast and the Furious ﬁ lm franchise Inition’s crowd participation tech ‘reinvents’ live experiences, says Adrien Leu

nition, a UK-based tech the power to dictate car speed, “By devising different I innovation agency, has gear changes and vehicle permutations of cameras, created a live-audience customisation options simply by microphones, crowd-sensing participation experience for raising their voices or holding up and advanced motion sensing Fast & Furious Live, a live voting cards at specifi c times. technologies, we can completely entertainment experience based The company also developed reinvent the live experience. on the hit movie franchise. a large crowd gaming solution, With the experience economy The show features thrilling using cameras, microphones, taking hold, these types of large live-action sequences inspired crowd sensors and advanced crowd gaming ideas should by the fi lms, where audience motion sensing technologies, be high on the agenda for all members can actively participate to calibrate audience activity high-profi le live events.” in the events taking place on and turn it into real-time data Potential applications for this stage. It also includes a live drag to shape the on-stage action. OAdrian Leu, Inition technology for the attractions race where the audience is split Real-time visual feedback industry include interactive dark into teams and given control means the audience can see “Thanks to the continual rides and live entertainment. of two real competing cars. their choices via on-screen evolution of technology, Inition created a bespoke animated 3D renderings. audience participation ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD crowd detection engine for the Dr Adrian Leu, who’s mechanisms are becoming INITION show, which gives the audience the CEO of Inition, says: increasingly sophisticated.

CAVU’s Peter Schnabel on ‘culturally signiﬁcant’ Beautiful Hunan attraction

anadian dynamic media- Cultural and Tourism Centre C based attractions developer in Changsha, China. CAVU Designwerks Billed as a unique and (CAVU) has partnered with exhilarating flying experience, Macrolink Group to supply the attraction, titled Beautiful a new turn-key flying theatre Hunan, takes guests on an attraction at the upcoming exhilarating journey across Tongguan Kiln International Hunan, showcasing breathtaking sites and historical locations. Riders will soar over the ancient kilns of Tongguan, the Wulingyuan OConstruction is underway on the cultural destination resort mountains (which inspired Avatar), the Yeuyang Tower, Mao Zedong’s CAVU will serve as the house and Changsha city. ride integrator and will be CEO Peter Schnabel says: responsible for the installation “CAVU is thrilled to be a part of the AV equipment, media of this culturally significant and ride programming. project that showcases the The centre is expected to open history of the Hunan region. in June 2018 and is a historical “We are especially excited destination resort that offers about the addition of several themed experiences based on revolutionary drone-captured Chinese tradition and culture. segments in the media that are perfectly synchronized with the ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD A rendering shows CAVU’s O motion, bringing a new vantage CAVU Beautiful Hunan flying theatre point for this attraction.” OPeter Schnabel, CAVU

Peter Cliff on ‘revolutionary’ new ride concept from Holovis

mmersive experience design map and guides users in a I firm Holovis has launched Ride scavenger hunt, offering clues and Realm, a next-generation throughout. It also allows users concept designed to give guests to unlock levels, play games personalised experiences and interact with live actors. using real-time media. The experience can even be During a dark ride, guests extended as the app features control their experience via games and tasks that can be OAn app can extend the ride narrative and boost return visits onboard interactive technology. completed outside the park. As they exit the ride, they Peter Cliff, creative director the heart of a multidimensional, download an app that extends at Holovis, says: “Ride and compelling narrative. the ride’s narrative. Using the Realm presents a near limitless “We see this expanding app, guests can solve puzzles experiential attraction that so that all park-wide media, and unlock achievements as is always different and truly both on and off rides, reacts they travel through the park. re-ridable. Whatever you do differently for every individual, When they return to the dark within the ride or across the depending on where they are ride, their experience changes park has a real-time impact in their game and evolving to reflect their progress. on the adventure that unfolds storyline. This is a revolution in Proximity beacons, geo- before you. This is more than park-wide personalisation.” fencing and WiFi triangulation gamification and non-linearity: ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD enable users to navigate this is letting people determine HOLOVIS the park using a live, digital their own destiny whilst being at OPeter Cliff, Holovis

BYU study creates ‘images of the future’, says Daniel Smalley

esearchers at Brigham from a scene in the fi rst Star surfaces, and can only be seen R Young University in Provo, Wars fi lm, where R2D2 projects when the viewer is looking directly Utah, have developed a 3D image of Princess Leia. at the surface. A volumetric a method of creating 3D The famous projection – widely image is a 3D rendering created images that fl oat in mid-air. believed to be a hologram – is when light is scattered across a The research group, which actually a volumetric image. number of different points spread includes holography expert Dr Holographic images are created across a 3D space, meaning it OResearchers say the method Daniel Smalley, took inspiration by light scattered across 2D can be seen from every angle. is ‘like a 3D printer for light’ To create the images, the group developed a free-space volumetric uses a laser beam to trap display platform, based on particles in the formation of photophoretic optical trapping. images. “When we trap the “It’s like a 3D printer for light,” particle, we can steer the laser says Smalley. “You’re actually beam around to move the printing an object in space with particle and create the image.” these little particles. We’re Volumetric imagery is being providing a method to make researched by groups outside a volumetric image that can BYU. However, Smalley’s team create the images we imagine is the fi rst to effectively utilise we’ll have in the future.” optical trapping and colour. The study was co-authored by Erich Nygaard, a BYU ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD undergraduate. Explaining the BYU OThe team at Brigham Young University was inspired by Star Wars process, he says the method

Fusion’s Ian Carling handles tech integration at Little Big City

V specialist Fusion has Merlin’s creative team 100 speakers, 36 projectors and experience a real mix of A been named as the tech partnered with production and 15 screens, carefully placed emotions as they walk through. integrator behind Merlin company Figment Productions and in and around the model sets. “This emotional response Entertainment’s Little Big City Fusion to create the attraction, The company installed a range is not just due to the content attraction in Berlin, Germany. which features 3D interactive of Optoma projectors including but also how it is delivered – The attraction, which takes miniature sets and projection the Optoma ZH400 ultra short the sounds and special effects visitors on a journey through mapping to showcase key events throw laser projector and the play a major role in making Berlin’s history dating all and bring the experience to life. ZU510 laser projectors. this such an exciting attraction the way back to the Middle Fusion was responsible for the Fusion’s director Ian Carling to visit. We are really pleased Ages, was in development installation of all the AV tech, says: “We used mostly Optoma with the performance of the AV for two and a half years. which included approximately lamp-free laser projectors as they equipment. It looks brilliant.” provide 20,000 hours operation with virtually no maintenance. We also chose laser because they offer versatile orientation, including portrait mode and downward projection, which gave us the ﬂ exibility we needed. “Optoma projectors deliver high-quality imagery while being reliable and cost-effective. We knew they would deliver the team’s ambitious vision within the budget without compromising quality or reliability. OIan Carling, Fusion “Little Big City brings the history of the city to life in a ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD very entertaining way. Visitors FUSION OAudiovisual techniques bring Merlin’s Little Big City to life get absorbed in the stories

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