Attractions Management Issue 4 2018

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The legendary George Carlin is among those honoured in the new National Comedy Center THE PERFECT The ﬁ rst ever museum dedicated to telling the story PUNCHLINE of American comedy opens

EVERMORE IAAPA 2018 JOANNA LUMLEY Ken Bretschneider What to expect from Iconic British actress and Josh Shipley on the largest attractions backs plans for Peter the US's newest park show of the year Pan literary attraction East Beach Thom Island, Vietnam Xixi Park Hangzhou, China

Attraction Concept, Hong Kong Roma Entertainment Center Rome, Italy

Xiangjiang Joy City Changsha, China LEADING THE ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN INDUSTRY FOR 30+ YEARS

TALK TO US AT THE IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO BOOTH 2869 NOV 13-16, 2018 IN ORLANDO

nWave Booth #1066 Editor’s letter

The power of IPs Theme park operators have long known the value of IPs in creating amazing visitor experiences. Now the museums and heritage sector is starting to work in this area, creating opportunities for collaboration

rom Mickey and Minnie to Harry and Hermione, theme park operators have deep experience of deploying IPs to drive the development of physical F and digital assets to create billion dollar values. Now the heritage and museums sector is starting to get into its stride in exploiting the potential of its IPs for the creation of new attractions and visitor engagement. Leading the way were initiatives such as the Louvre and Guggenheim being licensed into Abu Dhabi and now we’re

witnessing an acceleration of this trend, as developers SHUTTERSTOCK/S-F worldwide go looking for a fast track to success, by partnering with precious, unique cultural properties. In this issue, for example, we report on a new heritage and cultural centre in San Weng, Jiangxi Province, South China, which will see the development of replicas of Shakespeare’s birthplace will be replicated in China William Shakespeare’s homes as visitor attractions. The developments are the result of a collaboration between Fuzhou Culture Tourism Investment Group in Authentic IPs are sought after in China and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in the UK. San Weng – a new town currently under construction places where culture and heritage are

– will celebrate three masters of literature, William valued, but in short supply Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Tang Xianzu, the Ming Dynasty playwright and ‘Shakespeare of the Orient’. As part of the tribute, the town will feature an entire It proves how the presence of heritage boosts property quarter dedicated to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s values, tourism and job creation and injects value into local birthplace (see page 29 for more details). economies, saying: “Places with strong, distinctive identities This growing interest in celebrating heritage is creating are more likely to prosper than places without them.” opportunities for museums and heritage brands of As these markets converge, there are learnings to be international signiﬁ cance, to both spread their inﬂ uence and shared between sectors as operators work to optimise generate revenue by sharing their IPs for the good of all. commercial opportunities, while ensuring authenticity. A phenomenal new report, Heritage and the Economy 2018, just published by Historic England, gives deep /L]7HUU\HGLWRU insight into why heritage IPs are so sought after by OL]WHUU\#OHLVXUHPHGLDFRP nations where culture is valued, but in short supply. @elizterry

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

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 7 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

Q p62 Jordan Middleton on fan engagement Q p12 Joanna Lumley gives her backing to a Peter Pan literary attraction

Qp46 Tom Anstey enters shark-infested waters following an expansion at New York Aquarium Q p34 The team behind Evermore speak to AM

07 Editor’s Letter 34 Interview 56 Rides Ken Bretschneider and Josh Shipley Themed dreams 12 People Evermore is one of the US’s newest theme We take a look at some of the major Meet the people in the news, with iconic parks. We speak to CEO Ken Bretschneider openings at visitor attractions worldwide British actress Joanna Lumley, director and chief creative officer Josh Shipley Marco Balich and IAAPA’s Hal McEvoy 62 Theme parks 46 Mystery shopper Fan power 20 Science Centres news A walk in the shark Jordan Middleton explains how operators 21 Visitor Attractions news Tom Anstey visited the New York Aquarium can best work with their audiences 22 Waterparks news to find out more about its major expansion 24 Theme Parks news 66 Tourism 27 Museums & Galleries news 54 News report The Tourist Trap 29 Heritage news Mammoth implications What role could attractions play to keep 30 Zoos & Aquariums news There are efforts being made to open a tourism beneficial for residents and 32 Technology news park with living woolly mammoths in Siberia visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports

8 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 4 2018

Q p56 We look at a selection of new ride openings, including Europa Park’s EuroSat coaster Q p82 National Comedy Center opens doors

Q p88 San Francisco’s Museum of Ice Cream Q p100 Kengo Kuma-designed V&A Dundee opens in Scotland

77 Show report 96 Heritage and museums Enabling fun Kicking the dust Tom Anstey was on-hand to see what was The Heritage Lottery Fund has created a on offer at this year’s Euro Attractions Show scheme to engage young people in heritage

82 Museums 100 Openings The perfect punchline Dundee design

The team behind the US’s new National The V&A has opened a new On the cover: George Carlin Comedy Center share their experiences home in Dundee, Scotland Subscribe: 88 Museums 110 Show preview To subscribe, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 or visit www.leisuresubs.com Frozen delights IAAPA Attractions Expo Web gallery: San Francisco’s Museum of Ice Cream The 2018 IAAPA Attractions Expo kicks For suppliers of products and is making its stay permanent following off on 12 November. Here’s what to services in the worldwide attractions a hugely successful first year expect from the show and its exhibitors industry, turn to page 124

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 9 the team

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10 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

HEALTH CLUB CLAD SPA BUSINESS ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Q Jennifer Beningfield Q Susie and Nerio – Q Bear Grylls – on building an eco hosting the Global Q Perfect Punchline – adventurer buys into BMF house in Africa Wellness Summit The first ever museum and launches franchise dedicated to US Q Eliza Bacot and her Q Mia Kyricos – leading comedy opens Q Andrew Snelling and husband Benton talk Hyatt’s new global David Capper – creating about living at Serenbe wellness business Q Joanna Lumley – a mental health gym iconic actress backs http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Health%20Club%20Management&codeID=3043&linktype=homepage Qhttp://cladglobal.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=CLD&mag=CLADmag&codeID=3041 Jason McLennan Qhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Business&codeID=3037&linktype=homepage First look at Comfort http://leisuremedia.com membership in Sheffield plans for Peter Pan opens his home Zone’s new headquarters literary attraction

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

SPORTS LEISURE SPA OPPORTUNITIES AM NEWS MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Q Bensley creating 13th Q Inﬁnity Falls comes Q Max Whitlock – Five- Q Moving Medicine century village with spa to SeaWorld Orlando time Olympic medallist tool aunched for GPs Q ‘Extreme bathing’ Q Six Flags adds Magic launches gymnastics Q Government backs retreats launched Waters to portfolio programme for kids http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Sports%20Management&codeID=3025&linktype=homepage ‘socialhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Leisure%20Opportunities&codeID=3044&linktype=homepage prescribing http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Opportunities&codeID=3042&linktype=homepage http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=AM2&codeID=3045&linktype=homepage Q Andean spa opens Q Alterface delivers Q Jennis Price reﬂects for GPs’ 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 athttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3042 Peru’s Inkaterra Jardinhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3045 d’Acclimation on 11 years as CEO Q V&A launches new attraction of Sport England photography centre

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 11 PEOPLE

Attractions People

I loved the idea of a centre for storytelling in the house where JM Barrie imagined the adventures he would use to create one of the most popular stories ever written

Joanna Lumley actress

Lumley believes that the new attraction will help to nurture future generations of creative young minds

12 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Lumley was named patron of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust when it was formed in 2009

ctress Joanna Lumley has The house was the inspiration for given her patronage to a Peter Pan, the novel and play created by Peter Pan-themed literary JM Barrie, who as a child would spend visitor attraction, which time in the gardens of Moat Brae “playing is set to open next year, pirates”. The author and playwright called Aturning a “forgotten corner of Scotland” the house a “sort of Odyssey that was long into a major tourist destination. afterwards to inspire the play of Peter Pan”. Located in Dumfries and Galloway, As part of the restoration, the gardens the historic Moat Brae house is are being landscaped to become a undergoing a major redevelopment to Neverland Discovery Garden. transform it into a national centre for Set to open in 2019 and expected to children’s literature and storytelling. draw more than 250,000 visitors in its Included in the plans will be interactive first five years of operation, Lumley – displays and exhibits designed to entertain who boasts an acting career spanning and educate families. The centre will also nearly five decades, with roles in films host workshops, artists and writers in and television shows such as The New residence, giving visitors the chance to Avengers, Absolutely Fabulous and most meet different authors and creatives. recently Paddington 2 – has thrown her

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 13 PEOPLE

weight behind the project, acting as the the house will act as a place of inspiration Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust’s patron. The Trust expects to attract for young people who are interested in the “I loved the idea of a centre for around 250,000 visitors in its first creative realms of writing, acting and art. children’s literature and storytelling in the five years and is being built by “Moat Brae will give children and house where JM Barrie first imagined the construction firm Balfour Beatty young people access to a whole new adventures he would use to create one world of stories and creativity,” she of the most popular stories ever written,” says. “While JM Barrie and Peter Lumley tells Attractions Management. of them great fun,” says Lumley. “For Pan are very important, this historic “The Moat Brae project matters on many example, we organised a fundraiser in location goes far beyond that one levels. Dumfries and the wider region London with British actor and comedian story and is about so much more. have had a tough time economically for David Walliams, where we answered “One of our key aims is to have the many years and a new international visitor questions and talked about his children’s centre introduce children to tales from attraction will make a valuable contribution books to a theatre full of young people. all sorts of different times and cultures. to all the regeneration work taking place. “I’ve also made videos, spent time Something that has really impressed me It’s a very beautiful part of Britain and meeting people all round Dumfries is the way it’s bringing together writers, once people discover it they often return.” and Galloway, done a fair few photo poets, illustrators and others from all The Trust was established in 2009, shoots and interviews to show how the over the country and beyond. Many of saving the Georgian-era property, which was project has been progressing. the activities are also being shaped just three days away from being demolished “Ultimately my role is to focus attention on by young people themselves. when it was taken over by the group. Plans the really important things – the efforts being “Firing young imaginations is enormously were then made to develop the historic made by staff and volunteers at Moat Brae important and that’s what Moat Brae is location as the country’s first centre for to create something that’ll be very special in all about,” she says. “The more we can children’s literature, with Lumley helping the lives of generations of children.” ignite a love of stories in young people, the to raise £6.1m (US$8m) of the £8m As the birthplace of Peter Pan, the building better. It’s by doing this that we will nurture (US$10.4m) needed for the full restoration. and its gardens have a significant place in the next generation of readers, writers, “Over the years, my involvement has literary history. For Lumley, though it’s not illustrators, actors, games designers involved lots of different things, many just about the past, but also the future – and other creative adults.”

14 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Make the connections

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Using the work of a lifetime to tell the story of the Sistine Chapel was a huge responsibility

Marco Balich director

arco Balich, a director of more than 20 opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic, Paralympic and Winter Olympic Games, Mhas turned his creative mind towards the world of attractions, creating a stunning immersive experience allowing visitors to step inside the works of Michelangelo. Debuted in Rome, Italy, earlier this year, Giudizio Universale: Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel features an all star line up, with voice acting headlined by Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon and Italian movie star Pierfrancesco Favino. The musical score for the dramatic piece was composed by British rock star Sting. Starting in the 16th century with Michelangelo’s famous sculpture David, viewers are taken back in time to the quarries of Carrara on the hunt for the perfect piece of marble, which was used to carve the Renaissance masterpiece. Continuing through his professional life and work, the experience explores the story behind Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, which forms inside the theatre in front of visitor’s eyes. “With Giudizio Universale, we wanted to create a completely new kind of show, in which the genesis of a masterpiece of universal art is narrated, by mixing all the languages that the world of live entertainment has today,” says Balich. “And we do all this in the most rigorous respect of the work of Michelangelo.” Balich has a rich portfolio, with his expertise in producing large-scale events applauded worldwide. In addition to his work on the Olympics, he was artistic

Balich has a number of high proﬁle projects under his belt, including multiple Olympic ceremonies

16 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The immersive theatre experience takes visitors inside the masterpieces of Michelangelo

director of the Italian Pavilion at the 2015 “This project was born and has grown hall – the Auditorium Conciliazione – Milan Expo. He was recognised with an thanks to the support and trust of the which sees Michelangelo’s work projected Emmy Award for his work on the Olympics Vatican Museums,” says Balich. across its walls, ceilings and stage, with and has received special acknowledgement “To fulfil this trust we wanted the world’s dancers and actors also featured to tell from the president of Italy, so with such greatest talents in the entertainment the story. The show lasts an hour. pedigree, it’s no surprise that the Vatican industry that we were able to involve thanks “Using the work of a lifetime to tell the agreed to support the project. to the experience accumulated in years of story of a world heritage site as significant The city-state surrounded by Rome, great ceremonies. Those events taught us as the Sistine Chapel was a privilege and a which is the home of the Pope and the to inject into our creations the two most huge responsibility,” says Balich. headquarters of the Roman Catholic important ingredients for a successful “We like to think that the spectators Church, donated high resolution imagery show – emotion and authenticity.” who will come to see Giudizio Universale of the Sistine Chapel at a reduced rate Giudizio Universale has been made – especially the younger ones – can leave to Balich, also offering scientific and possible by a private investment of €9m the Auditorium Conciliazione inspired by a historical advice to ensure Giudizio (US$10.4m). The immersive show takes renewed awareness: there is nothing more Universale’s accuracy. place inside Rome’s former symphony exciting than the beauty of art.”

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 17 PEOPLE

McEvoy was with the team in May, as IAAPA broke ground on its new Orlando headquarters

I plan to build on the foundations laid this year that will take IAAPA into its next 100 years

Hal McEvoy president and CEO, IAAPA

al McEvoy will permanently Also in Orlando, IAAPA is currently take the reins at IAAPA, being developing its new global headquarters, named the organisation’s which are expected to open in 2019. president and CEO by the “We’re extremely proud to be a part organisation’s Board. of the Central Florida community,” he HMcEvoy – who was named interim says. “Bringing our global headquarters president and CEO of IAAPA following Paul to the heart of the attractions industry Noland’s resignation in February – says it’s is the perfect next step for us, as we a “dream come true” to lead the global continue to better serve our members.” association for the attractions industry. IAAPA’s engagement with Orlando and “Working with the IAAPA team of the wider Florida economy is significant, talented individuals to support the success with more than 500 members located in of our passionate and innovative members the state and the IAAPA Expo generating an around the world is indeed a privilege,” he estimated US$77m for the area each year. says. “I’m deeply honoured to be named In 2017, more than 38,000 people from president and CEO by IAAPA’s Board.” 100 different countries attended the event. McEvoy joined the association in April “I plan to build on the foundations laid 2017, taking up the position of chief this year that will take IAAPA into the next financial officer and leaving SeaWorld Hal McEvoy, IAAPA president and CEO 100 years,” says McEvoy. Parks and Entertainment after more “We will work to give our members than 42 years at the company. the best expos, networking events, and An active member of IAAPA long before been a member of the committee and also educational programmes, as well as joining the organisation, McEvoy has chaired it from 2013 through to 2016. developing and delivering innovative attended many of its expos and participated He has a number of major IAAPA events new products and services. Our mission in a number of association task forces and and projects to oversee from the get go, is to tell the story of this important panels, with particularly heavy involvement with the organisation’s annual US expo and professional, yet fun-focused in the organisation’s Audit Committee, returning to the Orange County Convention industry to the public, policymakers which was created in 2005. McEvoy has Centre in Orlando, Florida in November. and press around the globe.”

18 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Transform the way you see everything

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Qatar planetarium to open in December INDUSTRY OPINION

Qatar’s first planetarium Gamification meets is scheduled to open its doors in late 2018 citizen dialogues as part of a larger Herbert Münder expansion of the country’s Katara Cultural Village. I’d like to invite Featuring a 22m (72.2ft) you to respond screen, and fully equipped to what is both with digital projectors, a a serious and a terrace overlooking the sea joyful invitation. and seating for 200 people, Serious because the Al Thuraya Planetarium we live in serious will open its doors in times – advancing December, according to the sustainable development, overcoming village’s general manager polarisation and enabling dialogue Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti. QThe planetarium is part of the Karara Cultural Village on complex ethical issues has Also known as the become an urgent priority and, Planetarium of the “Katara’s strategy aims destination featuring green therefore, central to many cultural Astronomical Chandelier, the to utilise the facilities space and gardens covering organisations’ missions, in particular attraction covers 2,240sq m and buildings to create an area of 361,500sq m in the field of science engagement. (24,000sq ft) and is part a suitable environment (3.9 million sq ft). I believe fostering critical thinking, of a wider development to nurture art and In addition, Katara scientific literacy and dialogue is drive in the region, aimed creativity to make Katara Plaza, a luxury shopping more crucial than ever: we have an at increasing both visitor a global cultural icon.” centre, is also being important role to play in both “post and tourist numbers. Also slated for a developed in partnership truth” and “anti-expert” contexts. Speaking earlier this December opening is with the Ali Bin Ali Group. It’s also a joyful invitation because year, Al Sulaiti said: Katara Hills, a tourist QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=j4N5F_T I am pleased to introduce PlayDecide, a card game for simple, respectful and fact-based group discussion. The game enables players to get familiar with a question, see Aberdeen Science Centre to double in size it from different perspectives and form or clarify their own opinion. A proposed £4.7m PlayDecide also invites players (US$6.1m) renovation of to look at issues as a group: can Aberdeen Science Centre they reach a positive consensus? in Aberdeen, Scotland, has Can they propose solutions, define been given planning approval strategies and policies for action, by the city’s council. and put themselves in decision Plans for the building and policy makers’ shoes? include installing a new Originally developed in 2004, the upper floor, doubling the game has just been offered a brand size of the exhibition new web platform by Ecsite, allowing space, renovating the players and facilitators to share existing coffee shop games and create their own versions. and installing new PlayDecide is being used facilities to cater for the today in a wide range of dialogue expected increase in events, by a diverse community of the number of visitors. users, including teachers, science “This new floor QThe science centre will double its exhibition space engagement professionals, civil incorporates voids to allow society organisations, professional light from above to filter reception with the new Aberdeen City Council trainers and more. Game topics vary down to the lower levels,” exhibition space. This has for the regeneration, from vaccination to football refereeing. said project designers an open design allowing while remaining funding Try out PlayDecide yourself by Halliday Fraser Munro. views through and up to the would be sourced visiting www.playdecide.eu. “In conjunction with exhibits on the new level.” through a combination of the new upper floor, we’ve It was reported last charitable donations and Herbert Münder, Ecsite president introduced a new feature year that £1m (US$1.3m) external sources. and general manager of Universum staircase which links the was being sought from QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=S7X5Q_T Bremen, Germany

20 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS

Merlin plans expansion in Australia and New Zealand

Additional Legoland Discovery Centres and Dungeons attractions are being planned for Australia and New Zealand by operator Merlin Entertainments, according to the region’s divisional director Rob Smith. Smith said that the expansion is planned as a result of improvements in visitor numbers to Merlin’s local attractions in Australia for 2018, which are up by three points to 4 per cent. Merlin’s growth in the region, where it’s currently the largest visitor attractions operator, is largely due to the Asian inbound tourism market, with visitors from India and China particularly adding value, according to Smith. “You could almost say that Australia is becoming a short-break destination for certain international markets – the average length of time spent in-destination is QMore Legoland Discovery Centres are on the cards for Merlin in Australia and New Zealand deﬁnitely shrinking,” he said. Merlin’s newest attraction, Legoland Merlin is currently the world’s second that time operated the Sydney Aquarium, Discovery Centre Melbourne, opened in largest attractions operator – with Disney Sydney Tower and Sydney Wildlife World. April 2017 and has performed strongly, being the largest – and has more than 130 It operates 13 attractions in total in said Smith, while good snow conditions attractions around the world. It entered Australia and New Zealand. boosted numbers at its Victoria ski the Australian market in 2011, acquiring resorts, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek. the Sydney Attractions Group, which at QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=H6k2s_T

Sydney tunnels to become visitor attraction

Abandoned tunnels under the city of Sydney, Australia are to be turned into a new heritage attraction under plans outlined by the New South Wales (NSW) government. QDeep Architects designed the gallery Originally intended as a transport link between Mountain gallery two suburban areas – the Eastern Suburbs and completed in China the Northern Beaches – the tunnels, which sit A dramatic mountain-top arts centre underneath the city centre’s QThe tunnels in Sydney were dug in the 1920s has been built in the Hebei Province St James station, were of China’s Yanshan Mountains. dug in the 1920s but the however no concrete plans “That’s why we’re casting The Hilltop Gallery – also known plans were stymied by are in place as to what the the net right across as the Phoenix Valley Summit the Great Depression of attraction would actually be. the world. We want the Art Centre – was designed by the 1930s. The tunnels “Around the world, hidden world’s best to come up Chinese architecture studio, were later used as air raid spaces are being converted with the best ideas.” Deep Architects (DA). shelters to protect people into unique experiences St James Station was The 2,600 sq m (28,000sq ft) during World War Two. and we want St James the ﬁrst underground building has a ballroom, theatre, The NSW government is Station to be part of that,” station in Australia. It’s dining area and exhibition halls. now calling for expressions said NSW transport and heritage listed as a place QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=v9k2K_T of interest to turn them into infrastructure minister of state signiﬁcance. a “world-class” attraction, Andrew Constance. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=a3V4F_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 21 WATERPARKS NEWS

Six Flags acquires Illinois’ Magic Waters INDUSTRY OPINION

Six Flags is taking Necessity driving ownership of another attraction, adding the new ideas in the Magic Waters Waterpark in waterparks sector Cherry Valley, Illinois, to its growing portfolio. Aleatha Ezra Starting in Q1 2019, Six Flags has agreed The World Waterpark a lease deal with the Association is often Rockford Park District asked by media Board of Commissioners and others about to run the 43-acre how the industry attraction, which has been is faring in any operated by Rockford Park given year. As you’d District since 1988. The expect, the answer varies a bit attraction will be rebranded each year depending on factors as a Six Flags waterpark. QRockford Park District has operated the attraction since 1988 that are outside the control of most The acquisition is part operators, including weather and of a continuing North a quick payback and high District executive director. economic downturns. American expansion drive return on invested capital. “Six Flags will continue to In general, 2017 was considered a by the company, which “By having the Six Flags make capital investments in tough weather year for large swathes has set out a strategy brand in this market, we the waterpark, which frees of our global industry, however many of acquiring existing expect a major increase in up district resources to signs indicate that 2018 has been properties, allowing it tourism, which will have a invest in our communities’ considerably better in many regions to expand capacity and signifi cant economic impact priorities such as parks, of the world. While not every park attendance with minimal for our community,” said playgrounds and youth.” in every region experienced perfect investment, while providing Jay Sandine, Rockford Park QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=m8w2A_T weather every day, the weather was generally more consistent and allowed operators to string more good days together. Some areas such as European US$90m waterpark to open in December markets are benefi tting from an increase in “tourism from within the The fi rst phase of a EU that seems to have returned to new US$90m indoor/ affordable European destinations,” outdoor waterpark is set according to the 2017 TEA/AECOM to open its doors at the Global Attractions Attendance Report. Gaylord Opryland Resort Another contributing factor to and Convention Center in how the industry is doing this Nashville, Tennessee. year: many operators used the The park will be offseason to brainstorm some revealed in two stages, new, innovative ways to market with the indoor half set to and promote their attractions. launch ahead of the busy As the proverb says, “necessity Christmas period on 1 is the mother of invention”. The December 2018. weather challenges of 2017 Designed by Blur QThe resort is owned by REIT, Ryman Hospitality galvanised many in the water leisure Workshop, indoor facilities industry to think creatively about at the 111,000sq ft will open in 2019 and oriented, destination how to be more reactive to good (10,300sq m) waterpark will feature a 315,000 hotel assets in urban and bad weather days. will include a tower with gallon wave pool with a and resort markets. Whether it was dynamic pricing slides up to 46ft (14m), giant LED movie screen, “There is really truly strategies or launching new in-park a river ride, a looping raft a 45.5ft (14m) slide nothing like this in the US,” promotions and events to boost ride, FlowRider surfi ng tower, an adults-only pool said Ryman Hospitality attendance, waterpark operators attraction, children’s and a kids pool with a CEO Colin Reed, have been actively trying new things pools, an adult infi nity multi-level play structure. speaking to local media. in 2018 and seeing positive results. pool and a pool-side bar. The resort is owned by “It’s an unparalleled The 106,000sq ft Ryman Hospitality, a REIT waterpark experience.” Aleatha Ezra, director of park member (9,850sq m) outdoor park specialising in group- QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=n6U9b_T development, WWA

22 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 www.rma-themedattractions.co.uk THEME PARKS NEWS

Hersheypark plans include park’s ‘fastest ever’ coaster

Hersheypark, the 121-acre (489,000sq m) theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has revealed details of its expansion plans. The 23-acre (93,000sq m) expansion of Hershey’s Chocolatetown will include rides, dining and shopping and is set for Q3 2020. “Hershey’s Chocolatetown will mark the true intersection of where fun meets chocolate,” said John Lawn, president and CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. “Chocolatetown will be a place where chocolate-inspired attractions will transform the guest experience in new and engaging ways.” New additions include Hersheypark’s 15th rollercoaster – its “fastest, tallest, longest, sweetest ever”, according to the park – a new arrival experience and front gate; a new home for the Carrousel, which turns 100 years old in 2019; a QNew features coming to the area include a new arrival experience and front gate ﬂagship store with the largest collection of Hersheypark merchandise; and a fully An investment of US$100m has been operational during the 2019 season until licenced restaurant, bar and patio. ploughed into the venture, which is the the opening in 2020. Other features include an ice cream largest capital investment in Hershey “This will be a deﬁnitive project parlour and confectionary scratch kitchen, Entertainment & Resorts’ history. for Hersheypark, HE&R and our a Starbucks and the largest kettle corn Construction is due to begin in January destination,” said Lawn. location at Hersheypark. 2019 and Hersheypark will remain fully QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=w6V7q_T

Moomins attraction completes construction

Japan’s first Moomins- themed amusement park, located in Hanno near Tokyo, has completed construction and will begin a phased opening next month. The whole park is called QAdlabs already has a site in Khopoli Metsa and is split into two areas – Metsa Village, which Adlabs plans new features northern-European restaurants and other theme park in India facilities and Moomin Valley Park, an amusement park Adlabs Entertainment – owner of which is built around stories QThe Moomins stories were first published in 1945 Adlabs Imagica in Khalapur – has from the popular Finnish announced plans to develop a major cartoon The Moomins. in a 190,000sq m the right site for it. FGI theme park project in Amaravati, India. Moomin Valley Park will (2 million sq ft) forest signed a Basic Agreement Amaravati – a city being built officially open in March area by Lake Miyazawako. on Local Renaissance across 217sq km (83sq miles) – will 2019, while Metsa Village Investment bank FinTech with the city of Hanno to become the future state capital of will open in November. Global (FGI) is behind the set out the development’s Andhra Pradesh and as part of that Pekka Orpana, the development and remains parameters. According development, Adlabs is planning a Finnish ambassador to a major stakeholder in the to FGI, this agreement new theme park development worth Japan, was on-hand at project. The Tokyo-based underpinned joint efforts to INR5.5bn (US$88m). a ceremony to celebrate firm initially wanted to attract tourists to both the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=e3M8x_T the completion of the launch the park in 2015 theme park and to Hanno. park, which was built but had difficulties finding QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=F2B9y_T

24 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018

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Stockholm Nationalmuseum reopens following refurbishment

Larger exhibition areas across three floors will showcase more than 5,000 artworks at the reopened Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, following a revamp. With work on show ranging from the 16th century to the present day, Nationalmuseum also displays drawings, prints, portrait photography, ceramics and applied arts. The museum is Sweden’s largest museum of art and design, and its collections comprise more than 700,000 objects in total. It was originally built between 1844 and 1866 and was designed by German architect Friedrich August Stüler. The building has been repurposed for the museum’s changing needs over the years. However, it’s never had a full renovation and this one has been undertaken to QThe museum’s collection comprises more than 700,000 objects meet modern international safety, climate control, fire regulation, working environment environment better equipped for the more than 300 windows in the building, and logistics standards. display of art on both a large and a small the majority of which have been shuttered “The renovation project by two leading scale while preserving the integrity of the since the 1930s, to create light-filled Scandinavian architecture practices – museum’s architectural heritage,” the spaces controlled by a new lighting system Wingårdhs and Wikerstål Arkitekter – has museum said in a statement. “The visitor sensitive to changes in daylight.” created a modern, visitor-friendly museum experience has been improved by opening QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p5k3t_T

Largest museum in western Canada reopens

The history of Alberta, Canada, is now on display at the newly rebuilt Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) in Edmonton, following seven years of planning and development. QThe ice attraction will open in 2019 The museum building – now the largest in western Ice art gallery to Canada – is somewhat of an exhibition itself, with open in Reykjavik glazed walls that glow and then dissolve as the evening Norwegian entrepreneur Kirsten- wears on and interior QThe building was designed by architects Dialog Marie Holmen is to open an windows that allow views ice-themed art gallery in Iceland. into its research laboratories, The museum stretches collection spaces and a Located on Laugavegur, the giving visitors the chance to a huge 419,000sq ft 11,840sq ft (1,100sq m) main commercial street in to see scientiﬁc and (38,926sq m) in area, feature gallery. Reykjavik, the new gallery is set to research work ﬁrst hand. effectively doubling the size The building was open in November 2019. At night, the museum’s of its predecessor. designed by architects Magic Ice Reykjavik will be part of Roundhouse is transformed, It boasts a range Dialog, who won a 2011 a franchise that currently has three with laser-cut metal panels of natural and human competition for a design- locations in Norway, one in Denmark illuminated to form an image history displays, long-term builder in collaboration and one in the US Virgin Islands. of the night sky for visitors. In exhibition and children’s with a build team including QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=R2s4c_T the day, the panel acts as a galleries, as well as Ledcor and Lundholm. solar shade for the building. curatorial, research and QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=E9x3P_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 27 FLYING THEATRES HAVE RE-VOLVED

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www.holovis.com HERITAGE NEWS

Replica Shakespeare’s birthplace to be built in China

A new heritage and cultural centre in ART FUND/AMY MURRELL Jiangxi province, south China, will see the development of two replicas of William Shakespeare’s historic homes, which will become visitor attractions when completed. San Weng is a new town currently under construction that will celebrate three great literary ﬁgures – Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Tang Xianzu. As part of the tribute, the town will feature an entire quarter dedicated to Stratford-upon-Avon – the poet, playwright and actor’s hometown. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will act as the main consultant to the project, which will see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his adult home at New Place – both in Stratford-upon-Avon, England – duplicated. The trust will provide historical and contemporary data for the houses’ design QThe development, supported by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, will open in 2020 and construction, giving guidance on traditional building methods and materials and times,” said Peter Kyle, Shakespeare “Shakespeare speaks to all humanity, and support for exhibition content. Birthplace Trust chair. “By providing our transcending borders and barriers and “This innovative, two-way partnership will knowledge and expertise to help the team he is a powerful ambassador for the signiﬁcantly advance our charitable objective to create an authentic spirit of place, we will growing cultural, creative and tourism to promote worldwide the enjoyment and enable more of our ongoing work here in the ties between the UK and China.” understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life UK to conserve Shakespeare’s legacy. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=8B4M7_T

PHOTO: LOTUS Norwich Castle Museum granted £9.2m

The historic Keep at Norwich Castle in Britain is to be restored to resemble its Norman heyday following the injection of £9.2m (US$11.8m) financing from UK grants body the Heritage QFeilden+Mawson are project architects Lottery Fund (HLF). Detailed plans have Lotus plans heritage been submitted for the renovation and, if approved, centre and museum construction will begin in Q2 2019 and the transformed Car manufacturer Lotus is planning a castle will reopen in 2020. QThe plans have been supported by the British Museum new heritage centre and museum at Under the plans, its home-base in Norfolk, UK. operator Norfolk Museums and school entrances and “We are delighted to The home of the iconic car brand Service has included the new visitor facilities, such be working on the project for more than 50 years, its Hethel site restoration of the original as a café, shop and digital and will lend around 60 will be redeveloped to include a new Norman floor level in the learning spaces. important objects for the Customer Experience Centre, while keep, making all five levels The British Museum British Museum Gallery the heritage centre and museum will accessible for the first time. has been a lead partner of the Medieval Period, incorporate the original main office, Works will also include throughout, developing which will form part of the showcasing a wide range of Lotus the development of a new proposals for the new new displays in the castle vehicles and exhibitions on-site. medieval gallery – designed medieval gallery, while the keep,” said British Museum QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=m6y2x_T in partnership with the University of East Anglia has director Hartwig Fischer. British Museum – new visitor acted in an advisory capacity. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p5v2R_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 29 ZOOS & AQUARIUMS NEWS

AZA’s US$1bn conservation target on track after record year

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is on target to spend US$1bn on conservation efforts in the next five years, after the organisation reported record breaking contributions from its members benefitting multiple initiatives worldwide. In 2017, AZA members funded a record-breaking US$220m-worth of field conservation initiatives. Included in that figure, members contributed US$15.7m towards the organisation’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programme – a scheme that prioritises strategic planning for field conservation in the AZA community and builds on existing recovery plans for the world’s most threatened species. “AZA and its member facilities are committed to a mission of conserving wildlife and wild places,” said Dan Ashe, AZA president and CEO. QThe AZA has set a target of US$1bn for conservation efforts worldwide in the next five years “We’re consistently increasing efforts to save species from extinction Revealed as part of the AZA’s Annual 280 of those were listed as endangered through AZA SAFE and other local and Report on Conservation and Science, or threatened under the US Endangered international projects. We’re also well in 2017, the organisation’s members Species Act. The report also highlighted on the way to meeting and exceeding ran conservation programmes in 128 AZA members’ efforts in education, our ambitious goal to invest US$1bn in countries, which the report says benefitted research and green practice. conservation in the next five years.” 863 species and subspecies. More than QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=u2A2t_T

San Antonio Zoo plans US$200m expansion

Officials at the San Antonio Zoo are expanding the 104-year-old visitor attraction, unveiling a US$200m masterplan for the historic site. The zoo in Texas, US, QThe aquarium will cost US$70m has had its development plan for the next 20 years Brevard Zoo given laid out by its leaders, starting with a new US$1m boost for aquarium rhino habitat, which broke ground last month. Florida’s Brevard Zoo’s plans for “We’ve been working QThe masterplan will include naturalistic habitats a lagoon-themed aquarium has on our masterplan for well received a significant boost from over a year now and we’re never seen before by our New animals could be a US$10m tax funding scheme excited to build on the visitors, taking advantage included in the masterplan from Brevard County. momentum we’ve gained of current zoo spaces, following a visitor survey, The US$70m Indian River with recent improvements as well as underutilised with gorillas, orangutans and Lagoon Conservation Campus to the zoo,” Tim Morrow, land on our property which polar bears all requested. and Aquarium will have a large CEO and executive will be fully transformed.” Essential infrastructure educational component, focusing director of the zoo told Included in the plan is a work is also included, with on the lagoon itself, with 12 indoor Attractions Management. concept for a safari-style major upgrades to plumbing and five outdoor exhibits. “Over the next 20 years park, with wide open spaces among other improvements QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=B7A9k_T we’ll create new, large, which will be home to a being planned. naturalistic habitats in ways variety of different animals. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=u2A2t_T

30 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 CONCEPT + DESIGN CONSTRUCTION + MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE THE UNDERWATER

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Meet us at IAE, Booth #846 November 13-16 Orlando, Florida, USA TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Netﬂix’s Black Mirror offers viewers branching narratives

The upcoming season of the Emmy Award- winning sci-fi series Black Mirror, due for release in December, will have an episode that allows users to choose their own story. The episode is to be the first of a number of viewers’ choice specials across broadcaster Netflix’s ‘Originals’ range of shows, which will potentially include two new adaptations of video games. This isn’t the first time Netflix has dabbled in these areas. In 2017, the online broadcaster released a new feature based on Puss-in-Boots called Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale. Aimed at children, the show used interactive cut scenes to allow viewers to select how they wanted the story to play out from branching decision paths. After Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale came two more interactive children’s QBlack Mirror is set to introduce interactive episodes and plots to the series shows, namely Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile and Stretch Armstrong: industry could be significant. In 2017, “We know there’s a way to make The Breakout, while a fourth interactive Aaron Bradbury, VFX supervisor for interactive narratives work meaningfully,” kids show, Minecraft: Story Mode immersive storytelling studio NSC he said. “As I embark on a journey into will air on 7 November 2018. Creative, briefed Attractions Management multi-narrative experiences in VR, I hope The implications of all of this new on the possibilities of interactive there’s a meaningful destination.” interactive programming for the attractions experiences at visitor attractions, saying: QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=m9U3B_T

Art museum turns drawings into instruments

An art gallery in the US has created a new installation where visitors can create music using its exhibits. Located in Brunswick, Maine, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art created QArt becomes a puzzle with the app the new exhibition, which comprises four large Gallery launches drawings on separate walls of the gallery. Moving AR puzzle game along the art wall with a smartphone, different US art museum the Minneapolis pitches and tones play based Institute of Art (MIA) has on the art itself. QThe drawn work of Linn Meyers can be translated into music launched a new augmented reality The works have been app that is able to transform created by artist-in-residence lines that develop more with this particular piece spaces into giant puzzles. Linn Meyers. They were heavily in texture from left the architecture was just Taking visitors through 12 puzzles, created alongside an to right. As users move one of the elements that ‘Riddle Mia This’ encourages people interactive sound installation, their smartphones across the drawing responds to interact with works of art, as well called Listening Glass, by and around them, they to,” said Meyer. “It was as MIA’s physical space, inviting interactive and audio artists create sounds which vary made in response to them to search for clues in 12 Rebecca Bray, James Bigbee from point to point. the architecture and galleries spread across two ﬂoors. Garver and Josh Knowles. “The wall drawings are equally in response to the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=2k9Y4_T The drawings are a series always usually in response technology and the sound.” of curved and squiggled to the architecture, but QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=2k9Y4_T

32 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 MORE GUESTS. MORE COMPETITION. MORE FUN. Discover our brand new unique team-based interactive attraction 80 2 270 PLAYERS TEAMS DEGREES

TRIO-TECH.COM © 2018 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rabbids, Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. BOOTH # 1578 ©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 33 INTERVIEW KEN BRETSCHNEIDER & JOSH SHIPLEY

Evermore is one of the newest theme parks in the US. CEO Ken Bretschneider and chief creative officer Josh Shipley talk to Attractions Management about their plans for the park and how they got to this point

Tom Anstey, managing editor, Attractions Management

Josh Shipley (left) and Ken Bretschneider (right) worked together to bring the fantasy world of Evermore to life

34 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Evermore is ﬁlled with a cast of characters for its visitors to interact with

vermore – a ﬁrst of a kind theme companies based on innovative concepts, park concept combines theatrical park which is based on role play with some proving to be a hit. performance, movie-quality costumes, experiences – was spawned from His major success came in 2002 when state-of-the-art effects, and cutting-edge two of the most creative minds in he founded DigiCert – an internet company technologies to create an experience E the attractions industry. that veriﬁes the authenticity of secure unlike any other currently on the market. CEO, Ken Bretschneider, started websites on behalf of web browsers. out as an artist, becoming involved Initially founded using US$30,000 Trick becomes treat with digital arts, 3D animation and of his own money, he sold DigiCert a As an unintended precursor to Evermore, videogame development at a young age. decade later in a multi-million dollar in 2008 Bretschneider and his family "As a child I always felt escapism deal, with the company going on to started hosting special Halloween events was a really important thing," he says, become a multi-billion dollar asset. at their home in Lindon, Utah – a city speaking to Attractions Management. More recently, Bretschneider co-founded with a population of around 11,000. "I grew up in a rough situation, with virtual reality company The Void. These events were so anticipated and a very abusive father, but I had the "I liked the creative aspects of being spectacular that by 2013, practically the wonderful opportunity of being around an entrepreneur," he says. "I was entire city's population was visiting the other people who were mostly artists. fortunate enough to have a couple of 22,000sq ft (2,000sq m) property over They helped me escape out of my negative successes along the way that allowed the course of two days. world and embrace a positive one. That me and afforded me the ability to create "It was originally an event for my wife, really meant a lot to me and set an everything I'm building now." daughters, surrogate kids, neighbours and important tone through my entire life." Despite these successes Bretschneider, friends," says Bretschneider. While focusing on his art, Bretschneider has always had one dream – Evermore. "They all worked together on an also showed his entrepreneurial side, Designed as an old-world, gothic-styled immersive production at our home. There creating a number of new products and European village, the brand new theme was the ghost adventure and then we

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 35 INTERVIEW

The Evermore experience is brought to life through theatrical performance, movie quality costumes and state-of-the-art effects

did a Victorian graveyard haunt. Every that's what life is. I decided the business to Ken's Pumpkin Fest event because it year we kept building it bigger. In 2013, a I wanted to be in and the thing that I looked like this weird, new, fun Halloween year after I sold DigiCert, we had 11,000 was most passionate about is creating thing. She called me and said, 'I wish you people come through our house. You can experience. To some degree, I did that with could be here right now, this is one of the imagine in a small town how crazy that The Void. What I'm doing with Evermore most amazing Halloween things I've ever is. Linden City Police had to ﬁ gure out is taking that idea to the physical world of been to and it's super fun'." where to put people and direct everyone, doing things to immerse people and to get Working for Disney Imagineering and because we had waves of thousands a deeper, richer experience based on story. seeing spectacular, well-known Halloween of people coming into our house." That's what this idea is all about." shows such as Universal's Fright Nights It was then that Bretschneider and and Knott's Berry Farm's Scary Farm recognised the niche he had carved, in A spark of imagination event, Shipley was surprised that there creating a detailed immersive experience Work started on Evermore in 2017 with a was such a popular event in such an based on storytelling. To expand on this US$50m investment. Josh Shipley, who at unknown region for major attractions. idea, he stepped down as CEO of the Void the time worked for Disney Imagineering, "I was confused by what my daughter in early 2017, placing his full attention on caught wind of the project and was very was telling me," says Shipley. "I'm down the realisation of Evermore. intrigued in Bretschneider's ideas. at Imagineering, working in the big realm "We live our lives through story," "My daughter ended up in Utah as a of themed entertainment offerings, he says. "People love experience and student in 2014," he says. "She went over and she's saying, 'I'm out here in the

36 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 As the seasons change, so does the gothic park’s storyline and aesthetic

middle of a ﬁeld in Utah having the best person was willing to take this massive Halloween experience I've ever had'." risk and try something new. After doing some digging, Shipley "At the time, I didn't feel like we were discovered that it wasn't a company taking big risks at Disney anymore. I putting on this amazing production, rather would go into several pitch meetings and one man – Ken Bretschneider – backed I was so blown away instead of them saying things like, 'let's essentially by his friends and family. try this new thing', the responses I was "For New Year's 2017, we decided on a by how this person getting instead were, 'has somebody else whim to drive up to Utah and visit family was willing to take done this yet, we'd like to know it's been while the kids were going back to school. proven'. It was a risk-averse environment. We didn't have any plans, and I'd seen this massive risk and "I go from that, to this guy saying, 'I know something posted that said Evermore was this hasn't been done before, but that's back in development. It interested me so I try something new what sounds fun to me'. After the meeting, went to LinkedIn and I found Ken on there. I Ken said 'let's keep talking', and we did, sent him a note asking to meet up. with him eventually offering me the position "We went and sat for this half hour of chief creative ofﬁcer for Evermore." meeting, and then two-and-a-half hours Now working together, Bretschneider later I was so blown away by how this and Shipley conceptualised the idea

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 37 INTERVIEW

Virtual reality and infrared devices are just two examples of technlogies Evermore’s management is planning to incorporate

IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

THE VOID – Making becoming prominent in the Players use an infrared its debut in July 2016, VR realm. It was among device – formed into a The Void uses virtual the ﬁ rst major attractions wand – to interact with reality hardware with anywhere in the world objects. By waving and motion tracking, haptic to be built around mixed pointing the wand at an feedback and special reality content. object, players activate effects systems to explore different parts of the and interact with virtual MAGIQUEST – First quest. Doing things like settings within the conﬁ nes opened in Myrtle Beach, pointing a wand at a of specially-designed South Carolina, in 2005, treasure will cause the environments. MagiQuest is an interactive chest to open, awarding Debuting with a live-action, role playing an amount of gold to the Ghostbusters-themed VR game, where players player’s account. attraction at Madame embark on quests and Applied to Evermore, Tussauds in New York adventures using magic these kind of technologies City, The Void has gone wands to solve the would offer a new level of from strength-to-strength, mysteries of the game. immersion to the park.

of Evermore, putting storytelling and "Our product is different to that. At "From a fantasy, storytelling aspect, immersion at the forefront of everything Evermore, we offer a more elaborate and really the only thing that’s been approached they created in the fantasy world. immersive production. There are also more at this level – and I do say storytelling "We built Evermore off the idea that characters and there’s more gamifi cation because it's not a physical build out – is we can create productions that are story- going on within our visitor experiences." the concept of Westworld, which is the idea driven and involve a lot of detail in the that you would take your day and dedicate production value, almost like a fi lm," Technological advancement it to playing, embracing the world around says Bretschneider. "That was always Evermore, which covers 479,000sq ft you as being something different, with our goal. For one night you can immerse (44,500sq m) has been built effectively yourself playing an integral role to that someone into a story and they can feel as a giant stage for visitors to explore. product. That's what we are at Evermore." like they've left this humdrum world for Depending on whether or not they want to The technology of the fi ctional WestWorld a moment and experience some kind of get involved with this world, guests can might not be there right now but Evermore fantastical story driven experience. choose just to explore the park, take in its is prepared for the future, says Shipley: "It's different in that when you go to scenery and watch different scenes unfold, "One day the user experience will speak most theme parks – and I'm not in any or they can become part of the action and on a technological level. We're actively way cutting down the experience at those follow a quest line in the experience. pursuing that now, so new things will start parks. They're great and I really enjoy "We've built it from the ground up with the to come online fairly soon. places like Universal or Disney, but they're idea that the park is dedicated to this level "What this means is it's not just you primarily a ride-based experience. of immersion and role play," says Shipley. that's coming to Evermore for the day

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The park is designed so that we can take advantage of

Evermore is a technology as a way performance playing to help create magic out on what is being touted as the “world’s largest stage”

or the evening and playing through for "We can do things we haven't been able Storytelling supreme that day, it's every time you enter. The to do before and the park is designed so The experience at Evermore will be different residents of Evermore, as well as other we can take advantage of technology as a depending on the time of year, encouraging guests, will start to build your personality way to create magic," he says. "That could repeat visits. The debut season was and persona and continue to be a part of be by doing something as simple as having Mythos – A magical lantern festival based this living, breathing world." really good interactive lighting, but could on Norse mythology that celebrates the Looking to the future, this concept is also involve reality and things like aromas. light of summer. For the Autumn, Evermore one that the team at Evermore plans to "We have interactive elements like enters Lore, a haunted experience from build on, with the park future-proofed to 3D projection mapping and we're Celtic folklore that explores the battle adopt new technologies. planning to implement human tracked 3D with darkness. In the winter, Aurora brings "We've built this as a smart park," says projection mapping, which will be used to a Dickensian feel, with a magical snowy Shipley. "There's still a lot to come online create magical costumes. festival taking place through Christmas. with those efforts, because it's quite "In time, we plan on implementing other "The basis of our story is that Evermore robust. Underneath the park are miles of technologies. For example we're working sits on an energy gateway," says Shipley. wiring and conduits, which in the future with MagiQuest to create interactive "Evermore sits along these energy lines, will be activated as new technologies elements within our Mythos experience which the portal crosses over at certain come in. There are moments in the park, that you can purchase at very low cost. points of the year, opening different where we'd love to have technology that’s These will be things such as magic wands, gateways to different worlds. It's like able to interact with you in real-time. Not keys and other environmental interactives our own Narnia, with those other worlds just in real-time in the sense of asking a you can use around the park. stepping into Evermore. Creating a magic question, but in the sense that something "As Evermore comes of age, we want portal is a nice, convenient, storytelling would recognise you, be aware of what to use other technologies such as device that helps us continue to build." you've done in the past, to help or thwart augmented reality and artificial intelligence The park's European aesthetic was the efforts of the characters in the park where we can add physical actors into an decided on by Bretschneider, with the goal and continue to engage. environment and guests can experience of creating the ultimate stage for his live- "We're not necessarily pursuing discovering things – objects or characters action adventure to play out on. Its design robots like in WestWorld, but we're – using these wearable or holdable not only plays off real-life heritage, but it definitely ramping up for a very robust augmented reality devices. It's not there also provided a fantasy backdrop to bring technologically smart park concept." yet, but we know it's coming. Technology the Evermore story to life. Bretschneider went into more detail, is exploding, so once it gets to a stage "We're one part immersive theatre, revealing some of the planned technology that it's more than just a gimmick, we'll be one part an event venue and another part uses coming to Evermore. implementing that technology." gamification," he says.

The lore of Evermore goes far beyond what the visitors see, with an entire backstory created for the fantasy world as the basis for its characters and seasonal events

40 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 WESTWORLD

Westworld – a sci-ﬁ Western television series set in a technologically advanced Wild- West-themed amusement park – is in the same vein as Evermore. Populated by android “hosts”, Westworld caters for high-paying “guests” who can live their Wild West fantasies – good or bad – without fear of retaliation from the hosts, who are prevented by their programming from harming humans. Evermore’s approach obviously doesn’t follow the dark overtones of Westworld, but there are comparisons to be made between the sci-ﬁ and real-life creations.

Sci-ﬁ television series Westworld has guests explore an immersive world populated by humanoid robot hosts

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 1 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 41 INTERVIEW

Evermore is designed to appeal to a wide range of target markets, with different events drawing different demographics

"We designed the park as an old During the earlier hours we make this European village, because there's a lot of Halloween experience more ‘spooky fun’ mystique, history, and magic to it. for families. At night, the whole experience "Part of the reason for doing that is the becomes a little bit more macabre and genre has proven to be very successful We’re one part scary, appealing to older visitors." in The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Those are all immersive theatre, Looking forward? characterised by that design, style and era. one part an event With Evermore only just open, "Evermore has a park element but Bretschneider is keeping his feet on the it's really a themed stage. We create venue and another ground for now. However, there could be productions within that. You get to plans in the future to take the concept to enter a story and get immersed in that part gamification new US states, possibly even overseas. world when you go into it. This setting "We knew Utah was a good market is perfect for what we want to do." for the first park," he says. "It's vastly less expensive to build here for the Casting the net kind of quality that we wanted but One of the strengths of Evermore is that One week it's Beauty and the Beast and we’re certainly not just ending here. its offering can be experienced by almost the next maybe it's The Book of Mormon. "We're open to the idea of expanding anyone. The park has a widely targeted Both those shows appeal to very different the Evermore brand further. It's a demographic and can be enjoyed by most audiences. The theatre stays the same regional brand but we've already reached people regardless of age or disability. but the productions change. Our venue national and international audiences "Our audience depends on the is this giant stage we've created and in our first few weeks of operation. production," says Bretschneider. "A good within that stage the productions change, "What's really important for us right now comparison would be a traditional theatre. the lighting changes, the characters is to get it right. As the creator, I will never You've got a building with a bunch of change, the set design changes, the be satisfied. I want to push Evermore seats, theatrical lighting and a stage. What story changes and you get to live a in directions no one's ever experienced happens there from one month to the next different production or experience. before and I want to see it continue to – when a new production comes in – can "Right now, we have two different kinds grow. I want to learn and discover new appeal to different audiences. of audience that we're already attracting. ways to make more magic for guests." O

42 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 THUNDERBOLT

MUST HAVE RIDEZ Designed by Zamperla’s Roller Coaster Department in collaboration with the world-renowned coaster guru, Stengel Buro, the Thunderbolt is the right choice for parks looking for a thrilling and unforgettable roller coaster ride.

www.zamperla.comzamperla.com PROMOTION Clip ‘n Climb a market leader conquering the highest peaks

Founded in 2005 by John Targett and Tim Wethey, Clip ‘n Climb’s team are experts in fun and climbing. Going from strength-to-strength, since its foundation, the company is now planning to open 1,000 facilities worldwide by the end of 2022

lip ‘n Climb is not just the leader in the fun climbing market – it innovated the concept. With 215 facilities worldwide, the C leisure supplier has set its sights on world domination, with a projected 1,000 facilities due to be in operation by 2022.

The creation of a new industry sector Invented in Christchurch, New Zealand by John Targett and Tim Wethey, Clip ‘n Climb is the international market leader of the fun climbing industry, with 215 energy-fi lled facilities worldwide. Since the very fi rst centre opened in New Zealand in 2005, Clip ‘n Climb has revolutionised indoor climbing. Its theme park meets climbing wall concept The Clip ‘n Climb concept of all ages, Clip ‘n Climb has ranked has been thrilling and challenging Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners them from one to fi ve to help business people of all ages, extending the and investors more than 40 colourful and owners choose concepts based on appeal of indoor climbing to a mass unique challenges designed to appeal to their specifi c audience demographic. audience and creating a new sector in everyone from four years old and upwards. Outdoor facility owners can also benefi t the leisure industry that by 2010 had Challenges are created to stimulate from the company’s concepts, with six grown in popularity all over the world. several senses simultaneously. Visual outdoor challenges now available. Testament to the company’s vision impact is coupled with tactility – Clip ‘n Climb’s brand is built around and enduring success, in early 2017, incorporating soft, rough, cold, plastic the belief that ‘everybody can’ – from its Clip ‘n Climb was completely acquired and even velcro features to create a customers who can conquer its challenges by Entre-Prises – a s pecialist in climbing unique climbing experience. Whilst to its investors who can reap rewards from solutions for more than 30 years. all challenges are suitable for people a fun, strong business. Its brand values Entre-Prises is also a subsidiary of ABEO, are centred around being a stock exchange listed French fun, brave, free, optimistic, group, that ranks among the physical and safe. These leading global players in the values are the core of sports and leisure sector. the business. Demonstrating the fl exibility and wide appeal of O John Targett the concept, (second right) the company’s is co-founder market share of Clip ‘n Climb is currently split between standalone

44 AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Shauna Coxsey is a professional climber sponsored by Entre-Prises

In 2018, the company has opened 49 centres in 17 different countries, staking a claim in five new territories

Clip ‘n Climb centres (35 per cent) in any previous experience. Also unique to which the entire facility is dedicated to the company is its BelayMate auto belay the concept, and zones within retail and system which was engineered by Clip ‘n O The company operates facilities all over leisure facilities (65 per cent), which Climb and guarantees complete safety. the world, with more than 215 active sites include trampoline parks, shopping An innovator since inception, centres and amusement parks. Clip ‘n Climb is not intending to rest The path to world domination Entre-Prises has fi ve subsidiaries on its laurels any time soon. Today 2018 has been a landmark year for worldwide taking care of Clip ‘n Climb in the it continues to trailblaze with the Clip ‘n Climb and it’s not over yet. To US, France, UK, New Zealand and China, adoption of new technologies that are date, the company has opened an and it’s actively seeking new distributors. changing the face of the sector. unprecedented 49 centres in 17 different The intention is for the business to increase With augmented reality dominating countries, staking a claim in fi ve new market share worldwide, having just joined leisure experiences, in 2017 Clip ‘n Climb territories – Portugal, Brazil, Poland, forces with international distributors partnered with Valo Climb to offer an Oman and Denmark. Add to this a further including RCI, ELI Play and SPI Global. augmented climbing wall experience, 44 ongoing projects opening very soon rivalled by no other. In early 2019, the and news that the company will unveil Leading the charge on business is due to launch a new cutting- its biggest Clip ‘n Climb to date in April industry innovation edge software application and scoring (located in Ipswich with a mammoth 32 Quality and innovation is, and always system that will allow people across the challenges), it’s clear that business is has been, central to the business world to compete with other Clip ‘n Climb following a serious upward trajectory. and it boasts a number of industry climbers – no matter their location. Clip ‘n Climb is expected to far exceed fi rsts, which have set it apart from Created to add a brand new dimension its ambitions to operate 1,000 facilities the competition from the outset. to the experience, the concept is designed worldwide by 2022 – ensuring that In 2008, John Targett co-invented the to embrace the connectivity of the leisure generations across the world are embracing Trublue auto-belay system, which allows all industry and how technology is increasingly the challenge of fun indoor climbing. participants to climb independently without breaking down geographic barriers. O www.clipnclimb.biz

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 45 MYSTERY SHOPPER

The 57,500sq ft tanks hold 800,000 gallons of water and are home to 18 shark varieties

A WALK IN THE SHARK

A new urricane Sandy, which Boardwalk and into the six structures that devastated the Eastern made up the 14-acre aquarium complex, shark-focused Seaboard in 2012, killed 233 fl ooding multiple areas, destroying extension has people and caused more than expensive electrical equipment and putting H US$70bn worth of damage. the lives of the collection at risk. opened at the At the time, it was the second- New York Aquarium. costliest hurricane on record in the US, New beginnings until Harvey and Maria struck in 2017. The aquarium, which opened in Battery Tom Anstey visited Caught up in the destruction was Park, New York, in 1896, moved to the New York, which was battered by site in Brooklyn in 1957. At the time of the attraction to fi nd Sandy. 53 people died during the Hurricane Sandy it was already in need out more about the hurricane, with economic losses in New of signifi cant restoration and following York City estimated at US$19bn. the storm, it was closed for an additional major expansion Along the famous Coney Island seven months, as power was restored and boardwalk in Brooklyn, there was little damaged buildings secured and cleared. protection from the elements. As a result, Builders fi nally broke ground for the new just days before builders were scheduled building in early 2014 and it opened in June. to break ground on its new extension, the Called Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, around New York Aquarium was severely damaged US$158m has been invested in the brand when the Atlantic Ocean surged over the new three-storey development.

46 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Interactive displays add a whole new level of immersion for visitors to the new aquarium

Called Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, around US$158m has been invested in the brand new three-storey aquarium MYSTERY SHOPPER

A 57,500sq ft (5,300sq m) space The staff maintaining the queue made up of nine different galleries, Ocean LOCATION line were not hugely enthused to Wonders has been designed to build Surf Avenue & West 8th Street, be handling the task. When asked awareness of the importance of sharks to Brooklyn, New York questions about how to enter the new the health of the world’s oceans, as well as addition, they were passive in attitude, educating visitors about the severe threats OPENING HOURS which didn’t make a great first impression. which sharks face and inspiring them to 10:00 - 17:00 on weekdays, The first major visual is a walk-through protect New York's own marine wildlife. 10:00 - 17:30 on weekends acrylic tunnel, showcasing a coral reef Included in the new exhibit are environment. This stunning element is more than 115 species of marine life, ADMISSION PRICES home to some smaller shark species, including 18 different types of sharks. General admission for people aged including blacktip reef sharks and zebra 13+ is US$29.95. For a child aged sharks, with other reef wildlife such as The visitor experience 3-12, tickets are US$24.95, with butterflyfish also on display. Visiting on a weekday the new addition, children 2 or under given free entry. perhaps unsurprisingly, is significantly more For a senior aged 65 plus, tickets Edutainment messages crowded than the rest of the aquarium. are US$26.95. Value admission is The experience is very immersive, with a What starts as a more tranquil experi- available on certain days (primarily mock shipwreck a fine example of this. ence as you look around at the animals weekdays) and offers the previous The focus of the messaging is the on display both indoors and outdoors ticket prices with a discount of US$5 importance of sharks to our oceans and the is suddenly a challenge, as children new building houses a range of activities excitedly take in the different types for children that teach them more about the of sharks, so expect it to be noisy. animals. By taking part in these activities, The new Ocean Wonders attraction is they find out about the shark's relationship separate from the rest of the aquarium with New York City, as well as learning how and to gain access, I had to join a queue they reproduce, move and breathe. Visitors which – on a weekday outside school also discover the threats faced by sharks holidays – was a very quick process. and what they can do to help.

The space is made up of nine different galleries, which aim to drive awareness of the importance of sharks to the health of the world’s oceans

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, enjoyed its grand opening on 30 June, six years on from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy

48 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 In this area, the tanks provide a window into the oceans, also detailing different The exhibit shipwrecks in the waters off New York that gallery highlights have created their own ecosystems. biologically Although visually engaging, when we diverse marine visited, the expansion had only recently ecosystems found opened and was in need of some fi ne off the coast of tuning, as quite a few of the interactive New York State elements weren’t working. However, it didn't seem to affect things too much, as the children exploring the Leaving Canyon's new space appeared to be having a very Edge, the fi nal part enjoyable experience. of the exhibition focuses on plastic. The shark show Hanging from the The main attraction is Canyon's Edge – a ceiling as you exit breathtaking space offering a window onto is rubbish which has been collected from different types of fi sh and see whether the world of sharks. With an entire wall the area. Accompanying interactives tell or not it’s a good choice for the oceans. taken up by the expansive main tank, the visitors what they can do to cut plastic use Upon exiting, there’s small gift shop artistically-lit space seems to stretch on and keep the oceans clean. This area also selling items related to the exhibition. forever, fading away into the darkness. This features immersive exhibitions showing puts prominence on the tank's inhabitants, the real-world cost of overfi shing and what Iconic design which include nurse sharks, sand tiger efforts can be made to help sustainability. Presented as an "iconic" addition to sharks, sandbar sharks, and rough tail Using interactive screens in a restaurant the New York skyline, the building and stingrays, as well as sea turtles. setting, visitors can "place an order" for exhibition design is a collaboration between

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 49 MYSTERY SHOPPER

Visitors can walk through the hull of a local shipwreck, representing one of the more than 60 wrecks found along the New York coastline

the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) To support this, the new building Design Department, the New York-based WHAT’S THE SCORE? features a 1,500sq ft (140sq m) Edelman Sultan Knox Wood, Doyle Partners, education space called the Oceanview and Seattle-based interdisciplinary Staff 6/10 Learning Laboratory on its rooftop. design fi rm The Portico Group. Cleanliness 8/10 The space has an outdoor terrace Standing alone on the boardwalk, the Experience 9/10 where the aquarium’s education new building is dramatic and eye-catching. Value for money 9/10 team offers a rooftop touch tank. Chief architect for WSC, Susan Chin, has Toilets 8/10 The aquarium also offers dive talks, an led the team to create a design which is Overall experience 8/10 overnight sleepover programme, fi eld trips "inspired by nature", with a facade that’s and a summer camp for kids. "alive and visually magnetic". Rising out of the boardwalk, the Ocean Overlook, an elevated viewing point Building a wonder spiraling structure is wrapped in a which looks out over the Coney Island From a project that started in the wake 1,100-foot-long (335m) Shimmer Wall, boardwalk, beach, and surrounding New of the devastation that was caused by which has been created by environmental York waters. From the lookout, guests can Hurricane Sandy, Ocean Wonders: Sharks! artist Ned Kahn. The dynamic structure is see important local habitats such as Sandy is indeed a wonder. designed to be ever-changing and driven Hook, and enjoy sustainably-sourced food While there may have been some by the forces of nature, and more than in the aquarium's rooftop restaurant. teething problems in the early stages of 33,000 aluminium fl appers attached to Education is a priority for the newly- the redevelopment, the new attraction the wall move individually with the wind. opened attraction, with around 60,000 offers a spectacular experience to visitors, In addition to being able to explore the young people and adults expected giving insights not only into the life of building's interior, a sloping pathway spirals to participate each year in the sharks, but also into the ecosystems of around the outside, leading visitors to aquarium’s education programmes. New York and surrounding waters. O

50 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 EURO ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2019 SAVE THE DATE! CONFERENCE: 15–19 Sept. | TRADE SHOW: 17–19 Sept. Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | PARIS, FRANCE www.IAAPA.org/EAS PROMOTION

Integrating technology into waterparks

olin Waterparks is a 43 year Polin Waterparks has a range of products on off ers old waterpark company. We’re across multiple divisions. The company explains part of the Polin group. At Polin, we do design, manufacturing, how it’s integrating new technologies into its off ering P engineering and installation of waterparks and water play attractions. We’ve completed more than 3,000 waterpark projects in 105 countries worldwide and have many patented signature rides. You might be familiar with our King Cobra, Magic Sphere, Space Shuttle and Spheres, as well as our RTM waterslide manufacturing technology, which has marked many milestones in the industry. Polin group serves as a one-point solution provider. Our aim is to extend our services to fully serve our clients and help them to integrate different entertainment channels. We want to be a one stop destination point for our clients, which is where our industry is heading. The Stardust To achieve this, we’ve established ride features a multiple strategic divisions within Polin. multipoint entrance to the drop section POLIN GAME TECHNOLOGIES STARDUST The PGT division is integrating technology, interactivity and gaming into waterparks ushing the boundaries of and water play attractions. As of P storytelling in waterslides, March 2017, we’ve been a research every detail in the design of and development centre, where 54 the Stardust Waterslide supports leading engineers are working on new its mysterious story and delivers technologies and projects. We focus on guests on a daring journey. Using high-quality design and innovation patents. a unique, streamlined geometry, the expertly engineered waterslide POLIN DESIGN STUDIO allows guests to impact their Polin Design Studio designs the most journey throughout its ellipses and orbits. Guests’ weight and movement directly affect sophisticated ride types, works with their raft’s speed and course along the slide’s path, delivering endless alternatives as the unique characteristics of each they approach the drop section. The result is a journey so unexpected that, as guests project, maximises the site potential and exit the ride, they will be consumed with an urgent desire to start the adventure a ensures the success of every project. new. The engineering accomplishment of this slide – delivering a “multipoint entrance” to the drop section – is a signifi cant, ground-breaking accomplishment within the POLIN WAVE PARKS waterslide-design industry. It’s also one more substantial example of Polin’s customer- Creating ideal conditions for surfi ng oriented, adaptable and effi cient understanding of design and engineering. in a safe and controlled environment, any time of the year, anywhere in the

52 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The Storm Racer uses watersplash sensors to detect each raft’s high point, so riders can compete and try to beat the set high score

STORM RACER

ust opened at Aqualand Frejus, France. Storm Racer incorporates J a variety of key features that set it apart from other waterslides on offer: unique geometry, high capacity, a pioneering ride confi guration and an exclusive, interactive “watersplash” feature that ensures intense competition and blasts of adrenaline. Storm Racer perfectly exemplifi es Polin Waterparks’ expertise in engineering, R&D and technology integration into its signature rides. As rafts shoot to the top of the slope, Polin Waterparks’ exclusive watersplash sensors detect the exact high point reached by the raft. The sensors are connected to a lighting system that displays results on a SPLASH BUCKET score board to create a competitive element for riders. At each level, the lighting system showcases another colour and, if the raft makes it to the Head to head competition in stunning top, the Watersplash feature activates, and water splashes over the riders. interactive splash challenge Winners can be determined based on each hour of the day, day of the week Splash Bucket is a one-on-one interactive or the entire season to ensure months of competition between teams. splash game to see who has better reactions. Players must tap the lit buttons as fast as they can when lights appear on the wall. If succesful, their competitor world isn’t rocket science because of Polin Aquariums aims to achieve is splashed by nozzles embedded Polin’s ground-breaking technologies, excellence, with its team of experienced on the wall and also by water splash innovative perspective and dedicated arch itects, engineers, biologists, at the end of the game. team of experts. Polin Wave Parks can veterinarians and technical experts. generate waves that will ensure hours Debuted in 2016, Polin Aquariums’ HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES of fun for guests. The installations initial projects are now developing O Availability of single gaming module are engineered for durability, ease of into full-fl edged installations. and double gaming modules operation, maintenance, safety and The division allows the company to O Against the clock and score fun. Polin has perfected hundreds of serve up multifacted levels of expertise collection game mode options exclusive and successful projects all that let clients integrate an entirely new O Ability for head-to-head battles around the world with that attitude. entertainment channel into their facilities. by playing simulatenously Polin’s oversight includes every O In game variable levels of diffi culty POLIN AQUARIUMS imaginable detail of the installations, O Water shooters embedded This division of Polin is entirely dedicated such as concepts, business plans, on the modules to the design of aquariums, with all architecture, construction, procurement O Sound effects available projects we undertake in this area of living creatures and brand identities O ‘Easy to Play’ and ‘Plug’n to Play’ features including concepts, architecture and – all delivered by a team of experienced O Slim and unique design design, construction, business plans, architects, engineers, biologists, O Various colour combination options procurement of the living creatures veterinarians and technical experts. O Availability of different themed modules and brand identity development. O www.polin.com.tr

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 53 NEWS REPORT

MAMMOTH IMPLICATIONS

A team of scientists are working to ressurect the woolly mammoth. If they succeed, there are plans to bring the animals to a park in Siberia

ringing animals extinct for more than 10,000 years Using DNA found in frozen back to life sounds like woolly mammoths, scientists something straight from the think they can clone the now B script of a Hollywood movie. extinct mammals Box ofﬁ ce hits like Jurassic Park show the excitement this idea – straight out of science ﬁ ction – can have among the general public. Now a combined effort from Russian, Japanese and Korean scientists could turn this idea into a reality.

A myriaannum in the making The wooly mammoth, whose closest living relative is the Asian elephant, became extinct around 4,000 years ago due to a number of suspected causes, including increased temperatures, over This is the project of the future. I believe that in our hunting, habitat shrinkage and a reduction in the supply of fresh water. lifetime, we’ll be able to clone woolly mammoths We have evidence that mammoths existed in Siberia up to 9,650 years ago, during the Holocene epoch. with the long-term goal Aisen Nikolaev is the Now plans have been tabled to of bringing back the acting head of Russia’s create a one-of-a-kind nature reserve, woolly mammoth within Sakha Republic which will open in Siberia within the the next decade. next decade. What makes it unique To successfully Ice age attractions is that if scientists can crack their clone a mammoth, If successful, the genetic code, resurrected mammoths scientists will have to creatures would be will become the centrepiece of the work their way around introduced to Pleistocene mother nature-defying attraction. a roadblock formed by Park, a reserve where “In 2014 I proposed a project existing mammoth DNA. Russian scientists Sergey to create an ice age park with Because samples, taken from Zimov and Nikita Zimov are mammoths,” said Aisen Nikolaev, frozen mammoths, are at least currently working to recreate the the acting head of Russia’s Sakha 10,000 years old, the DNA has northern sub-arctic steppe grassland Republic, while speaking at the deteriorated signifi cantly, meaning the ecosystem that fl ourished in the recent Eastern Economic Forum cloning process is extremely diffi cult. area during the last glacial period. (EEF). “Everyone laughed then, Cloning experiments with extinct The primary aim of the park would but they’re not laughing now. The horse breeds and cave lions are be to recreate the arctic tundra – prospect is no longer fantastical.” underway, with the aim of producing known as the mammoth steppe. Nikolaev revealed that a joint mammoth embryos that would be Scientists working on the park research project is currently underway, fertilised using elephant tissue. believe that animals, rather than

54 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The majority of woolly mammoths were wiped out 10,000 years ago during the early part of our current geological age

WOOLLY MAMMOTHS IN CULTURE

During the 21st century, global warming made access to Siberian mammoths easier, The permafrost has thawed faster, exposing its hidden secrets. Long since its extinction, the wooly mammoth has remained signifi cant in popular culture, starring in fi lms such as Ice Age and also proving to be big business for museums. A 42,000-year-old baby woolly mammoth, discovered in 2007 and named Lyuba, is one of the most intact specimens of the species. Last year, the Australia Museum debuted Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age, which was Lyuba’s fi rst visit. Backed by the Government of New South Wales, the exhibition gave people across Australia a rare opportunity to explore the age of mammoths. During climate, maintained that ecosystem its run, the exhibition generated more and that it could be restored. than AUS$3.7m (US$2.6m) and over Reintroducing large herbivores to 9,000 overnight stays, with hundreds Siberia would adjust the balance of of thousands of people attending the food chain by introducing a new the landmark exhibition. species, say the scientists, who are promoting the reestablishment of the ancient grassland ecosystems. “This is the project of the future,” said Nikolaev. “I believe that in our lifetime, we’ll be able to clone mammoths. All the prerequisites are here for this. “Today, technology is developing at an explosive pace, and what seemed to be scientifi c nonsense yesterday, is now an absolutely clear prospect for scientists in the near future. “I believe that miracles are Lyuba the mammoth generated more possible,” he added. O than AUS$3.7m for New South Wales

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 55 RIDES

The Moulin Rouge partnership is a ﬁ rst for any theme park THEMED DREAMS

From Europa Park’s reimagined Moulin Rouge rollercoaster, to SeaWorld’s new conservation-focused water ride, we take a look at some of the major openings at visitor attractions worldwide

EUROSAT and theming based on the Europa Park founder Roland Mack tells COASTIALITY VR MACK Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. Attractions Management. Europa Park RIDES EuroSat has undergone an “The second station for the ride sits on Germany extensive renovation at the cost the other side of the building to CanCan. of several million euros as part To do this we’ve connected the two using of a retheming of the French area some special engineering, creating a Mack Rides has taken the of the popular German theme park. switch point on the ride so both coasters idea of space utilisation and visitor The ride’s track has been completely can run at the same time.” throughput to the next level at Europa rebuilt by Mack Rides over a period of 10 Created by MackMedia, the EuroSat Park, creating two separate ride months, with the track layout remaining Coastiality VR experience starts in the experiences on the same track. very similar to its original design as a queue line – a world ﬁ rst for any ride, with The main experience is the CanCan Coaster, tribute to its creator – the late Franz Mack. the new format dubbed ‘roam and ride’. a traditional rollercoaster ride. The other is a The most signiﬁ cant change has been “We use special cameras, reacting to VR coaster ride called Coastiality VR. the addition of a second station for the motion detectors on your VR headset,” Both run on the tracks of the Eurosat ride, so visitors can be queued and loaded says Mack. “You put them on in the coaster – a ride built in 1989 inside the separately for the two experiences. queue line and can move around in the park’s iconic sphere – which has been “EuroSat now offers a much smoother world we’ve created. You can also see the completely reimagined, with a new design ride with a softer track and new trains,” other people queueing, so you can move

56 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Roland Mack (below) has reimagined the park’s iconic EuroSat ride, which was originally The French quarter built by his father Franz in 1989 of Europa Park has been renovated as part of the work

around without walking into them. What’s “A family working in show business with world unique is you can also board the ride in VR. It’s the fi rst time ever that something class entertainment and collaborating with has ever been done in this manner.” The track for Coastiality is slightly longer a theme park is great for our industry” than the 922m (3,024ft) CanCan coaster, extending an additional 50m (164ft) to The Mack family – who own Europa park working in show business with world-class accommodate the second station. The and Mack Rides – have teamed with the entertainment and collaborating with a Coastiality experience lasts around eight Cléricos, who have owned and operated theme park is great for our industry.” minutes and this part of the ride has a the Moulin Rouge in Paris since 1955. The partnership marks the fi rst time capacity of 210 people an hour. CanCan Jacki Clérico, who died in 2013, Moulin Rouge has partnered with a theme by comparison lasts three-and-a-half was credited for reviving the brand park. When the company was fi rst founded minutes and has the capacity to carry over the last fi fty years, with his son in 1889, owners, Joseph Oller and Charles 1,050 people an hour. Both rides reaches Jean-Jacques Clérico now in charge. Zidler, planned to build an amusement. speeds of up to 60kmph (37.3mph). “We are two families with the same “They didn’t succeed with this dream,” The launch marks the start of a purpose – to entertain people,” says Mack. says Mack. “But here we are 100 years partnership between two family-run “Moulin Rouge offer shows, as do and three generations later and that dream businesses, the Macks and the Cléricos. we, but we also have our rides. A family, has now been realised at Europa Park.”

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 57 RIDES

Inﬁ nity Falls opened to the public in October

“Inﬁ nity Falls is the ﬁ rst project built with the sole purpose of Experiences That Matter”

INFINITY FALLS SeaWorld INTAMIN Orlando, US

SeaWorld’s focus on creating “Experiences that Matter” has continued, with the launch of the operator’s latest Orlando attraction – the Intamin- manufactured Infi nity Falls river ride. Featuring a world record 40ft (12.2m) drop, the ride fi nds inspiration in its design from the rainforests of South America, with guests taken through a jungle as they travel along the 1,520ft (460 m) rapids. The ride, which features eight-seater rafts, has an unusual element in the form of a vertical lift which takes riders up a giant waterfall to the big drop. Featuring a world record According to SeaWorld, visitors will have 40ft drop, the design of the opportunity to take on the role of a the family-friendly ride was conservationist on a journey through the inspired by the rainforests rainforest, where they can learn about the of South America importance of freshwater conservation through interactive games and stories throughout the ride experience. saving initiatives using these funds. The That Matter’,” says Brian Morrow, former With the new addition comes project, says SeaWorld, will help replenish vice president of theme park experience a themed village area featuring 37 million gallons of water in the Western design, who fi rst envisioned the project. retailing, rest and dining areas, and Everglades at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp “It’s fantastic for the creative team, interactive educational experiences. Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. because it gives them new design goals.” SeaWorld and Coca-Cola have made a joint “From the thrilling rapids, to its amazing US$100k donation through the SeaWorld New additions vertical lift, Infi nity Falls is an adventure that and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund – in The ride opened to the public on appeals to the entire family,” says Mark partnership with The Everglades Foundation 4 October and is the latest in a line of new Pauls, president of SeaWorld Orlando. – to support a freshwater replenishment additions, including Mako and the Kraken “The opening of Infi nity Falls marks the project with non-profi t Audubon Florida. Unleashed VR rollercoaster experience. start of an incredible year ahead. We’re Using interactive games, player scores “Infi nity Falls is the fi rst project built proud to bring our guests more events, will be converted into real-world water with the sole purpose of ‘Experiences rides and thrills than ever before.”

58 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ROCKET FROM ZERO TO OVER 100 KILOMETERS PER HOUR IN LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS IN OUR LAUNCH COASTERS

THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Inversions, airtime hills and forceful turns and twists. A unique combination of thrills and sights. An experience that doesn’t let up until the ﬁnal turn.

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IAAPA 2018 ORLANDO BOOTH #5134 RIDES The Incredicoaster is the anchor attraction for the redeveloped Pixar Pier

INTAMIN

INGENIEUR INCREDICOASTER BÜRO “The story plays out over Disney California Adventure STENGEL 6,072ft, with a vertical loop Anaheim, California, US and drops of up to 108ft”

As part of the redeveloped Pixar Pier they catch up with Jack-Jack, who’s noise restriction guidelines, the ride was at Disney’s California Adventure, the calmed by being given a cookie to eat. created with special tubes designed to park’s signature California Screamin’ ride The story plays out over 6,072ft (1,851m), direct riders’ screams back into the park. has undergone a major transformation, with a vertical loop and drops of up to 108ft Following the redevelopment, those tubes redesigned by Disney’s Imagineers (33m). The launch system accelerates now have Incredibles characters in them as the brand new Incredicoaster. guests from 0 to 55mph (88.5kmph) in just and play out as part of the ride experience. First opened in 2001 at a cost of four seconds, making it the fastest attraction Anchored by the Incredicoaster, Pixar US$60m, the steel-launch coaster at the park. It also holds the distinction of Pier features four different themed features an all-new Incredibles-themed being the world’s longest looping coaster. neighbourhoods using Pixar’s most popular experience, which includes a mid-century, Because the park is located adjacent IPs. The area closed in January 2018 to modern-style loading area, new character to a residential zone and must adhere to undergo its redesign, reopening in June. moments and redesigned carriages. The ride, manufactured by Intamin and with design by Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH, employs music, lighting, special effects and exciting character fi gures, while distinctively coloured vehicles add to the extreme thrills on this super-speedy coaster. The ride is based on Incredibles 2, which opened in theatres earlier this year. In the pre-show, screens show the fi ctional Edna Mode being interviewed for the ride’s rechristening as the Incredicoaster. While being interviewed, Jack-Jack begins using his unpredictable super powers, eventually escaping. The Incredibles then take off through the ride trying to catch him. Each member of the family uses their superpowers – Dash his super speed, Elastigirl her stretch powers, Mr Incredible his super strength and Violet her force The former California Screamin’ rollercoaster has undergone a complete makeover fi eld – to try and stop him. Eventually

60 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 SEE US AT IAE ORLANDO BOOTH #3424

www.intamin.com

CROWD PULLING SENSATIONS THEME PARKS

FAN POWER

Jordan Middleton, assistant brand manager at Thorpe Park Resort, explains how operators can best work with their audiences, especially the die-hard fans who can change public sentiment with a single tweet

t’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live and work in an age where we have such a direct line of contact with our fans. I can’t imagine the excitement I of launching a new ride or putting out a new piece of news or information without the buzz that comes from reading the initial fan comments. Seeing the shares, comments and reactions increase as the excitement and discussion builds. Realising that those months ABOUT THE AUTHOR of hard work have paid off is a feeling unlike any other Jordan Middleton has a long-held and that instantaneous fan passion for the themed attractions feedback is precious because industry and uses her knowledge it’s absolutely priceless. It’s to bring exciting and innovative a litmus test of how your attractions and events to life. message will be received Since taking up her position across the board and is at Thorpe Park, she’s helped an invaluable tool when it comes to Middleton is a key part of the team to oversee the delivery and communications, marketing and PR. at the Merlin-operated Thorpe Park implementation of ‘The Year Of The Walking Dead’, including the Fan knowledge launch of ‘The Walking Dead: The Working with infl uencers in theme park Infl uencing the infl uencers Ride’ in March 2018. marketing is a gift. For me, working on-site Although the fan/park dialogue can be Middleton joined Thorpe Park as at a park is particularly wonderful because rocky at times, in my experience it’s largely its social media executive, a role not only do we benefi t from that two- positive if you’re willing to work together. she landed through her experience way fan/park communication via social If you have fans on-side, then you assisting with the operation of media, fans also share their thoughts essentially have an army to fi ll that the social media channels for and feedback directly with me in the park, sometimes-daunting social media echo enthusiast website CoasterForce. which I can then take back to my desk. chamber with praise, positive feedback, She used her knowledge of social It’s a competitive advantage that not helpful suggestions and playful banter. media and branding to develop many other marketeers around the world Having these real conversations the theme park’s social channels, have the benefi t of and one I look to via social media with our fan groups bringing it to life through its maximise at every opportunity. humanises the resort as a brand, allowing multiple digital platforms. Fans are an endless source of us to come across as more approachable Alongside her role at Thorpe knowledge, whether it be sharing feedback and likeable. At Thorpe Park, we dedicate Park, she also runs her own fan on a change in operations that hasn’t hours of our time to engaging with fans on page Cupcakes & Coasters, which been communicated clearly, or whether Twitter. Often it ends up with other parks has more 5,000 followers. they remember something that worked well joining in and everybody involved having that we might want to re-instate. a good laugh. It allows the joy of a day

62 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Fan opinion can make or break an attraction and it’s up to attractions to manage their relationship with their guests

WE DEDICATE HOURS OF TIME TO ENGAGING WITH FANS ON TWITTER. IT OFTEN ENDS UP WITH OTHER PARKS JOINING IN AND EVERYONE HAVING A GOOD LAUGH out at the resort to extend beyond the In this instance, we would issue an A look behind the curtain gates and as a result, it simultaneously official statement directly to the fan groups Merlin Entertainments – Thorpe Park’s enriches the perception of the brand and stating the facts to ensure any rumour parent company – launched its Merlin strengthens the park/fan relationship, remains just that – a rumour. Backstage service in 2016. which can only be of benefit to us all. Not only does this benefit us by It’s a platform that highlights the great Loyal followers can also help tactically quashing potentially negative discussions, work we do across all of our attractions through their own communications, in both it also further improves the relationship and it’s about sharing brand positivity, positive and negative ways. with fans, by maintaining a line of contact. achievements we’re proud of as a We often work with fan groups in the Public negativity and potential social company and exciting behind the scenes very early ‘tease’ phases of a campaign, media backlash seems daunting, but there articles that grip the interest of the most sharing a vital piece of information are ways attractions can control these. F dedicated members of our fanbase. with one or two key influencers in the Firstly, we always follow our social media Increasingly some parts of the community. We then watch as it spreads guidelines, to protect our team and ensure media rely on sensationalism in order like wildfire, as the various groups discuss communications remain professional, while to drive clicks or paper sales, at the and theorise what this new piece of the maintaining our brand’s tone of voice. expense of telling the whole story. puzzle could possibly mean. It’s also important to communicate in a We want to ensure that when people concise and informed manner, and not be form an impression of Merlin, they do so Dealing with backlash afraid to call out uninformed comments or with the right context and information. Then there’s the other side of the coin. factual inaccuracies. On the rare occasion Our fans shout the loudest on our What do you do when a rumour gets out of when there’s an incident, social provides social media platforms, and because they hand and that once playful and optimistic the best, and now generally expected, way love sharing and engaging with these discussion starts to stray down the wrong of communicating quickly with the park’s articles, this in turn helps boost a better path and comments become negative? stakeholders, including our guests. understanding of what Merlin does.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 63 THEME PARKS

Getting engaged only how these rumours and misinformation The key to strengthening your attraction’s Middleton helped to deliver Thorpe spread, but also how fan groups want to be fan base is simple – engage. Park’s ‘Year of the Walking Dead’, treated by the theme parks that they love. Use your social media platforms to leave which proved to be a huge success comments on your fans’ content. Building relationships Share their reactions and opinions Social media is an incredibly powerful brand on your ofﬁcial channels and make their they’re doing, it also unlocks priceless building, engagement tool, but it has its voice heard. Let them know how much you information you can use to continue to risks too. We’re aware that people are not loved their latest vlog and actively take an develop and improve your product. always who they say they are, which is why interest in the content they’re producing From my own personal background as we have clear guidelines for using social and the information they’re giving you. a fan, it’s easy for me to understand how media. They’re there to protect both us Fan-made vlogs, Facebook comments news can be blown out of proportion. and the company. I’m passionate about and discussions and even internet “Somebody has a brother who works on the importance attractions should place on forums are a goldmine when it comes a ride who heard the gardener say such maintaining a good relationship with fan to gaining ﬁrst-hand perspectives of a and such is happening”, and suddenly it’s groups. They can be honest – brutally so at day out at your attraction. It’s absolutely taken as gospel and you have hundreds of times – but it’s that honesty that will help something parks should be taking the angry fans demanding more information. you identify any key issues at your park. It’s time to read through and engage with. I understand how fans behave and react about trust and respect, because ultimately, Not only will it let the fans know the because I’m one myself. I believe that my we all have the attraction’s best interests park they love, really does care about experience as a theme park enthusiast has at heart – whether that’s from a personal or them and has a vested interest in what instilled in me a valuable knowledge of not business perspective. For me, it’s both. O

64 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018

TOURISM

THE TOURIST TRAP

The dark side of tourism came to the fore in 2017, leading to protests and the coining of a new term: overtourism. As the United Nations World Tourism Organisation lays out a new strategy, what role could attractions play in ensuring tourism is beneﬁ cial for residents and visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports

Overtourism is becoming a major issue in some of the world’s most popular visitor destinations

66 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Overtourism is a major issue in Venice, which is swamped by day trippers who far outnumber overnight visitors and local residents

uelled by cheap fl ights, greater home cities are becoming Zurab Pololikashvili became affl uence, the media and – more unsustainable due UNWTO secretary general recently – new accommodation to congestion, the on 1 January 2018 platforms, tourism has skyrocketed prohibitively high cost F in the post-war period. International of living and noise. development and arrivals have increased from 25m in Tourism experts that as numbers 1950, to more than 1.3bn in 2017. Growth caution such popularity increase, tourism of this recession-proof industry is projected could eventually lead must be managed in a to continue year-on-year and the United to the bubble bursting: sustainable manner for Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as locals are forced to the good of both visitors forecasts it reaching 1.8bn in 2030. move out, the character of the and local communities. The tourism sector brings with it many city is lost and then the appeal UNWTO secretary general, benefi ts: it boosts economies, strengthens disappears, along with the tourists. Zurab Pololikashvili, believes there’s international ties, leads to the creation of a pressing need to set a sustainable more events and supports the protection Tackling overtourism roadmap for urban tourism and is of historic places and the restoration of This situation has led to the start of confi dent a solution can be found, traditional architecture. There are also a conversation on how to manage saying: “This can be achieved through trickle down benefi ts to other industries – overtourism. UNWTO recently launched community engagement, congestion the attractions industry being one of them. a report (see p59) which studied eight management, reduction of seasonality, However, when places become so geared popular cities and concluded 11 strategies, careful planning that respects the limits around tourists that butchers and grocers and 68 measures to help destinations of capacity and the specifi cities of each give way to souvenir shops and most rental spread their visitors across the year and destination and product diversifi cation.” accommodation is for tourists, it starts to over undiscovered parts of the city. cause a problem for residents. Last year The report says overtourism A successful approach saw protests by locals in both Barcelona comes about through the absence of New York is an example of a popular city and Venice, complaining that lives in their good management and uncontrolled which manages its tourism successfully.

“WHEN PLACES BECOME SO GEARED AROUND TOURISTS THAT BUTCHERS AND GROCERS GIVE WAY TO SOUVENIR SHOPS AND MOST RENTAL ACCOMMODATION IS FOR TOURISTS, IT STARTS TO CAUSE A PROBLEM FOR RESIDENTS”

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 67 TOURISM Governors Island is one example of good tourism management in New York

COSTA RICA’S APPROACH

With much to recommend it in terms of wildlife, national parks and interesting geographical features, Costa Rica could easily have seen tourism undermine its USPs. For this reason, Visit CostaRica chose to approach tourism with a strategy to promote high-end, sustainable tourism, avoiding mass tourism. Tourism products are built around providing beautiful natural experiences, with visitors educated on conservation. By actively promoting Christopher Heywood is The Costa Rican Tourism Institute offers the off-season, senior vice president, a Certifi cate for Tourism Sustainability as well as creating global communications which categorises businesses according to new destinations, such for NYC and Company their sustainability. Already producing 99 as The Rockaways per cent of its electricity from renewable and Governor’s Ferry service, which sources, Costa Rica aims to be the world’s Island, New York has makes it cheap and easy fi rst carbon neutral country by 2021. managed to make a for visitors to explore other visit to the city far more neighbourhoods in the city. than just a trip to the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. The importance of attractions New York’s marketing arm, NYC and There is a great deal visitor attractions Company, gears much of its promotional can do to ease tourist congestion. activity to push the off-season – January Florida, which has a US$60bn tourism to March. “This includes initiatives such industry, wants to be the world’s top travel as NYC Restaurant week, a signature destination and is aiming for 120m visitors dining programme involving up to 400 this year. Good management and its theme restaurants and also NYC Broadway parks, which both attract and soak up week, where visitors can buy two-for- visitors, are key to the success. one theatre tickets,” says Christopher The UNWTO report offers up many ways Heywood, senior vice president, global in which visitor attractions could help to communications for NYC and Partners. ease the problems caused by overtourism, “The NYC Must-See Week is centred these include offering longer opening around visitor attractions, offering two- hours in peak season, encouraging for-one admission to attractions, historic off-season visits via programming sites, museums, tours and performing and dynamic pricing, and popular Q Costa Rica is building its tourism arts venues across all fi ve boroughs.” attractions partnering up in marketing offer around natural experiences Public transport also comes into it, with initiatives with less central sites, to an improved and actively marketed NYC drive traffi c to less-visited areas.

NEW DESTINATIONS, LIKE THE ROCKAWAYS AND GOVERNOR’S ISLAND, NEW YORK HAS MANAGED TO MAKE A VISIT TO THE CITY MORE THAN JUST A TRIP TO THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

68 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 TOURISM

UNWTO’s overtourism report

UNWTO has researched overtourism and released a report called Understanding and Managing Urban Tourism Growth beyond Perceptions, which examined tourism in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Salzburg and Tallinn. The majority of people questioned didn’t think there should be a ${protocol}://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284419807 - Tuesday, October 16, 2018 10:03:07 AM - IP Address:86.150.19.1 limitation on numbers. UNWTO believes good tourism management enables tourism to grow in ways which beneﬁ t locals and visitors.

Strategies proposed by UNWTO

Q Promote the dispersal of visitors opening times of visitor attractions and of local stakeholders, organise local within the city and beyond promote art and culture initiatives, such as discussion platforms for residents, Host events in less visited places, street art, to create fresh perspectives and encourage residents to share content implement travel cards and create a joint expand visitation to new areas. about their city on social media and unite identity of the city and the surrounding disjointed communities. area. Attractions can play their part by QEnsure local communities increasing capacity and dwell time. benefi t from tourism QCommunicate with and engage visitors Strive to create decent jobs and engage Create awareness of tourism impact QPromote time-based dispersal of visitors local communities in the development among visitors, educate visitors on Promote experiences and events in off- of new tourism products and stimulate local values, traditions and regulations, peak months and use new technologies to the development of impoverished provide adequate information about traffi c stimulate dynamic, time-based dispersal, neighbourhoods through tourism. restrictions, parking facilities, fees etc. as well as dynamic pricing. QEnhance visitor segmentation QSet monitoring and response measures QStimulate new visitor itineraries Adapt marketing to target visitor segments Monitor key indicators such as seasonal Get people off the beaten path with guided which have the lowest impact on the city fl uctuations in demand, arrivals and tours in less-visited places, market hidden and discourage certain visitor segments. expenditures, patterns of visitation to treasures and offer combined discounts for attractions etc. Create contingency plans attractions and experiences. Create virtual QCommunicate with and for peak periods and emergency situations. reality applications to famous sites and engage local stakeholders Advance use of big data and new attractions to complement on-site visits. Create a tourism management group technology to monitor tourism performance.

QReview and adapt regulation This calls for the review of a number of UNWTO BELIEVES THAT GOOD TOURISM MANAGEMENT measures which have an impact on tourism, ALLOWS TOURISM TO GROW IN A WAY WHICH including the regulation and taxation of new tourism services and accommodation; BENEFITS BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS regulation of access to certain areas of the city for tourist-related activities and the review of opening times of attractions, as well as the creation of parking at the edge of the city and in pedestrian-only areas.

QImprove city infrastructure and facilities Create a city-wide plan for trafﬁ c management with secondary routes which is available for peak times, make public transport better suited for visitors, create safe cycling routes and stimulate bike rentals, set up safe and attractive walking routes, safeguard the quality of cultural and heritage attractions.

QCreate city experiences which benefi t both residents and visitors Develop the city to fi t with the residents’ needs and consider tourists as temporary residents, integrate visitor facilities within local festivities and activities, extend Q Amsterdam is a tourism-reliant city that would benefi t from UNWTO’s proposed strategies

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 69 CONFERENCE

CREATIVITY COCKTAIL

This year’s SATE he Experience Recipe was The Experience Recipe considered the the theme of SATE Orlando – different aspects of projects and explored conference SeaWorld, held in early October them through the lens of SATE. came to 2018 and organised by the TEA. In presentations curated by the SATE is the TEA’s signature conference’s ‘mixologists,’ different areas the global T conference on experience design. were explored, including; the Fusion of epicentre for The fi rst took place in 2007 Digital and Practical Storytelling; Animals/ themed entertainment and refl ecting growth and demand Environment/Education; Production and within the industry, events are now Experience Design; Connecting Nature, – Orlando – as the also held in Europe and Asia. Community and Culture; and Designing in Themed Entertainment With more than 500 delegates, the Uncharted Waters; Finding Your North Star. Orlando conference set an attendance There were also more straightforward titles Association (TEA) record for the TEA’s SATE events. such as; What Developers Really Want from searched for the Attendees also made the most of the a Design Partner; Costume Design and event’s location and hospitality, exploring Development; Retail; and Leadership. secrets to “The Seaworld’s rides and attractions. Each speaker went below the surface, Experience Recipe”. exploring ideas relevant to our industry. A PINCH OF CREATIVITY Deanna Siller of The Strategy+Design Christine Kerr reports In Orlando, the approach of SATE Shop and Tom Ito from Gensler started co-chairs Bettina Buckley – vice president, things off with a thought-provoking and Disney Parks Live Entertainment, Walt inspiring presentation on experience Disney World – and John Paul Geurts Trends titled ‘The Why? Behind the – founder of Funopoly – was driven by Experience: Driving People to Explore’. the understanding that each themed The session, which included fi ndings entertainment project represents a unique from Gensler Institute’s research project, blend of the ‘ingredients’ in the SATE The Experience Index, shared many useful formula – Storytelling + Architecture + insights into the nature of experience. The Technology = Experience. research began with defi ning the nature of experience – clearly a challenge, as there are so many different defi nitions and it Bettina Buckley and John Paul means different things to different people. Geurts co-chaired the conference The report suggests that ultimately, at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida the defi nition of experience is rooted in the intention behind the experience being

70 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 SPEAKERS:

More than 500 people attended SATE Orlando SeaWorld – a new record for the conference

sought: task, social, discovery, entertainment, aspiration. This defi nes what “experience mode” the participant will be in. Clearly, guests, fans, customers, attendees, followers (or whatever we call our users) participating in the themed entertainment experiences we all create share these intentions. They’re sharing time with family and/or friends, Dr Dave Gallo from Woods Hole they’re open to new discoveries along the Oceanographic Institute shared footage way, they defi nitely want to be entertained of exploring the wreck of the Titanic and taken away from their everyday and other signifi cant, deep undersea life, they’re open to being inspired or discoveries, revealing a fascinating world connected to a larger purpose and the that’s inaccessible to most and, therefore, transactional part of the entire experience a very fertile storytelling opportunity. must be easy, effi cient and not take away Jesse Schell, CEO of Schell Games, from any of the other aspects. shared a “Transformational Game The perspectives on experience Design Model” for creating games shared by Deanna and Tom provided a by thinking fi rst about the “change” solid foundation for the sessions and desired as the end outcome. discussions that were to follow. Dr Tierney Thys shared her work at the California Academy of Sciences, expressing CREATIVE SCIENCE concern over the fact that as the world The Animals/Environment/ becomes more and more urbanised, Education panel – brought together we need more exposure to nature to by mixologist Scott Gass, director counteract this. She demonstrated the From top to bottom: Melissa of Zoological Communications and powerful positive effect that simple Ruminot, Eric Cantrell, Fran Interpretation at SeaWorld Parks images of nature can have – and shared a Boettcher, Christopher Dold, and Entertainment – took attendees hilarious, satirical video that encouraged David Willrich and Jennie Nevin through a series of presentations that viewers to imagine what actually being in all considered the question: With real nature could do for all of us. life as our starting point, how do we The group concluded that the scientifi c incite wonder in the lives of our guests? community needs the creativity of the

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 71 CONFERENCE

A number of networking events took place at SeaWorld, during SATE

The new TEA Masters programme honours industry veterans who are Masters of their Craft, working in various disciplines within themed entertainment themed entertainment industry. We’re tragedy. This includes those who were killed sustained contribution to the growth and the portal for curiosity and discovery that and injured, their families, loved ones, development of the industry through their ensures their stories don’t remain internal and the fi rst responders and healthcare innovation, design, craftsmanship and but are shared. It’s certainly a rich and professionals who treated them. artistry,” the fi rst group of TEAM Masters never-ending source for ideas and content. Poma’s journey since that night is made up of seven people. These include has been a thoughtful and thorough Glenn Birket (engineering and control IN MEMORY examination of how memorials of this systems), Joe Falzetta (lighting design), ‘Beyond a Title: The Ingredient of type have been handled in many other John Lindsay (project management), Leadership’ featured three strong places. She’s received strong support Ralph Nielsen (master craftsman, project and inspiring female leaders brought from the local Orlando community and production), Rich Procter (writer), Philipp together by mixologist Melissa Ruminot around the country and has discovered van Stratum (creative director) and Nina of The Companies of Nassal and also the signifi cance and power of the place Rae Vaughn (illustrator and art director). serving as TEA Eastern North America – demonstrated by the visitors who After formal recognition and Division Board president. come to visit even now as any formal presentations, TEA founder and past Of particular impact was Barbara Poma, remembrance is still in development. president Monty Lunde sat down with the CEO/executive director of onePULSE Clearly her leadership is an effective group and asked a series of questions Foundation and owner of Orlando’s Pulse catalyst to collaboration for a shared that explored their careers and their Nightclub. Barbara spoke about what has purpose. Her story highlights the perspectives on the industry. Advice ranged happened since the tragic events of 12 challenges of a specifi c form of destination from “Embrace the happy accidents”, June 2016 – when a mass shooting and creation and storytelling. to “Don’t fear a blank sheet of paper, hate crime took place at the nightclub – be joyful in it” leaving attendees with an and the plans being developed to create TEA MASTERS understanding that this group of successful an appropriate, educational memorial to One of the signifi cant new elements industry leaders shared a sense of remember the victims of the of SATE Orlando was its tie-in with optimism through all that they had achieved. the launch of the new TEA Masters programme, honouring industry veterans SWEET TREATS who are accomplished Masters of their The keynote speech featured Brian Smith Craft, working in various disciplines and Jackie Cuscuna, founders of Ample within themed entertainment. Hills Creamery. Speaking to SATE co-chair Described as “creators, developers, Bettina Buckley, the husband and wife designers and producers whose body team opened their fi rst ice cream shop in of work has made a signifi cant and Brooklyn, New York, in 2011. Brian, a former sci-fi movie writer and Jackie, a high school teacher, have Barbara Poma, owner of Orlando’s based everything on story: their business Pulse Nightclub, spoke about the locations, their brand and their products. tragic mass shooting of June 2016 Every fl avour has a story. Every new store has to be in a place with the potential to

72 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Presenters at the Orlando edition of SATE curated an intellectual menu to satisfy attendees’ taste for adventure, discovery and fun

become a community hub and gathering for three limited edition fl avors inspired by place. As they prepare to open their the heroes, villains, and enduring themes eleventh store, in Los Angeles, the pair of the iconic fi lm franchise in celebration of were candid about the careful process Star Wars: The Last Jedi. they go through when choosing their The relationship with Disney is set to locations and planning expansion. continue, with the launch of The Disney They’ve recently opened an ice cream Mickey Mouse Collection to celebrate the production facility where they still control 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. They all ingredients for all fl avours but which call it a “collaboration beyond our wildest will now provide them with production imagination” but it was clear to SATE capacity to keep up with growing demand attendees that this couple has applied the and other new initiatives. S+A+T=E formula to all that they do in the Brian and Jackie credit Disney CEO Bob creation and operation of their business. Iger’s discovery of their ice cream having They have great instincts for the industry led to opportunities for some licensing and their ice cream lived up to expectations agreements and the opening of a shop at – it was the dessert on offer at the lunch Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. The connection led taking place directly after their session! to a collaboration with Disney and Lucasfi lm RECIPE FOR SUCCESS It was a great homecoming to a major hub of our international industry, having SATE in the US return to Orlando again after several years in other locations (including Pittsburgh, New York City, Savannah GA and Los Angeles). Co-chairs Bettina Buckley and John Paul Geurts were passionate about their approach to The Experience Recipe and the results were evident in the response to the programme they delivered. As an international conference, SATE is growing Top to bottom: Dr David Gallo, in scope and impact, and at pace with Jesse Schell, Dr Tierney Thys, TEA’s growing presence around the world. O Scott Gass, Thomas Ito, Deanna Siller, Bettina, Buckley, Brian ABOUT THE AUTHOR Smith, and Jackie Cuscuna Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions is a past Delegates at SATE in Orlando got a close president of the Themed Entertainment Association look at some of SeaWorld’s residents and chairs the TEA Education Committee.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 73 PROMOTION

DREAM BIG WhiteWater is branching out of the waterpark business as it introduces two new attractions products and its brand new Vantage guest engagement and management software

t all starts with a dream – one Our current brand advertising campaign, person, one idea and one seemingly “Be Boundless” is an extension of the idea unattainable dream. That’s the origin that barriers are meant to be breached. We’re proud of our story of WhiteWater, and we’d wager That’s how discoveries are made. water park heritage, I that it’s the origin story of most of the brilliant things that humanity Building relationships but we’re excited about has achieved in the course of history. As market leaders, we put our success branching out and the Over the last four decades, we’ve down to our attitude. There’s a lot to be committed ourselves to helping others said about staying true to our roots and opportunity to be part realise their dream—whether it be creating never forgetting what our mission is: of the vast world of unforgettable experiences or pushing To help parks solve problems, create entertainment the boundaries of what’s possible. immersive experiences and delight guests. In short, if we can do it, we will. We’re only successful if our clients In line with this, we recently introduced are, too. This is why we truly believe our new tagline: “Entertain the in building relationships and forging possibilities”. It’s a refl ection of our vision lasting partnerships – we stand by our need or want, we’ve innovated on what’s to make the impossible possible through products and are always happy to help in the market and invented new products a combination of in-house creativity, clients even years down the line. that help make experiences better. engineering, and production based on Over the years, we’ve made it a priority Amongst some of our most memorable decades of tried-and-true methods. to identify not only what parks and guests inventions are the Mat Blaster, the world’s fi rst uphill mat racer, and Smart Blast, the fi rst energy saving VFD water control technology, both of which were Brass Ring winners. Additionally, Slideboarding, the world’s fi rst interactive game in a slide won both a Brass Ring and a TEA Thea award. Over at FlowRider, our WaveOz became the world’s fi rst 180° stationary wave.

Collaboration and innovation We recognise that we don’t have the exclusivity on good ideas, so we’re always on the lookout for exciting and interesting innovations that we can manufacture with licensing agreements. As a result, we’re able to bring our clients the very best on the market with the convenience of dealing with only one supplier. Recent licensing deals include Life Floor – an WhiteWater partnered with Wiegand Maelzer award-winning aquatics ﬂ ooring company earlier this year to manufacture the SlideWheel which manufactures safety surfaces

74 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 WhiteWater’s Raft Battle is a reimagination of the classic water ride experience, where interactivity and the ‘battle’ spirit add to the river raft ride

specifi cally designed and engineered managed and run. The idea to create to perform in wet environments. We’ve Vantage stemmed from the age-old belief also partnered with Wiegand Maelzer to Raft Battle offers that knowledge is power. We want to make their iconic SlideWheel – a ride that infinite theming not only invent the biggest, best rides combines strong G-forces, backwards for guests; we wanted to help parks sliding and pendulum movements. options — boats, succeed. Some of the questions that we layout, and ask are: What would help make people New markets safer? How can visitors have more We’re proud of our waterpark heritage, but fixtures can all be personalised experiences and shorter we’re excited about branching out and the customised however queues? How can real-time analytics opportunity to be part of the vast world park owners see fit help operators boost performance? of entertainment. Two new attractions It all boils down to that fact that products, No Boundaries and Raft Battle, the more we know, the more we can are innovations that transcend theme parks. make sound decisions and improve No Boundaries is a completely dry boat to the shore, from the shore to the on what we’re already doing. Vantage attraction that combines a vast array of boat, and from boat to boat. One of the translates guests’ behaviours into activities from zip coasters and climbing most interesting things that Raft Battle meaningful insights, and enables venues obstacles to traversing bridges. It’s a high offers is the infi nite theming options— to make real-time, strategic decisions capacity attraction that’s compact in size boats, layout, and fi xtures can all be that optimise park operations. Its yet features over a dozen activities to keep customised however park owners see fi t. pioneering guest engagement software guests of different ages engaged for hours. empowers guests to customise their Raft Battle offers interaction between Vantage point entertainment and better navigate riders and spectators. Inspired by epic The latest WhiteWater product to hit venues for a superior guest experience. water battles, guests can not only ride the market is the best proof of our OTo learn more about Vantage, visit “on” water, but also “interact” with it. “boundless” approach. Vantage is poised www.vantage.co and to learn more about In the experience, they can battle from to completely alter the way parks are WhiteWater, visit www.whitewaterwest.com

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 75 WWW.PROSLIDE.COM

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76 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 SHOW REPORT

ENABLING FUN

ona Keijzer, state of This year’s Euro Attractions Show broke multiple records secretary for the Department of Economic Affairs in on its return to Amsterdam. Attractions Management’s the Netherlands, was an M honourary guest in Amsterdam Tom Anstey was on-hand to report back what was on off er to offi cially launch this year’s European Attractions Show (EAS). Our members love this city and so do Roland Callingham, a pioneer of model Taking place at the RAI Exhibition we,” said Jacob Wahl, IAAPA vice president villages, was the second Hall of Fame and Convention Centre, Keijzer for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. inductee. For Callingham, his Bekonscot welcomed a record-breaking 15,800 “This year marks the fi rst time we hit Model Village, which opened in 1927, people to the show, saying that EAS more than 15,000 attendees in Europe, is widely recognised as the earliest and its IAAPA members were “enabling refl ecting the strength of the location example of a model village worldwide. people to have fun”. She called the and of the attractions industry.” The father of the modern zoo – Carl event “the ultimate show and tell”. Hagenbeck – was the third inductee. Travelling from locations across Celebrating achievement His humane design approach to zoos Europe, the Middle East, Africa and As part of IAAPA’s centenary celebration, shifted the consensus as to how such an beyond, visitors from more than 100 special Hall of Fame inductions have taken attraction should be presented. Creating countries travelled to Amsterdam, place during each of the organisation’s open geographic enclosures for animals, with 525 exhibitors showcasing their expos this year, with EAS no exception. Hagenback abandoned the tradition of offerings over the course of three days. Eugenius Birch, a pioneer of seaside caging and, as a result, attendances pier amusement parks, was the fi rst increased and animal welfare improved. inductee at EAS. Prior to his innovations The fi nal inductee, Dr Peter Rosner, in the 1800s, piers would be constantly created magnetic braking and motorised ripped down and rebuilt, as they were launch systems for launch rollercoasters. not durable enough to handle adverse Debuted in the Intamin-designed weather conditions. But Birch’s work Hellevator drop tower at Kentucky Kingdom in the 1800s changed the game. He in 1996, his magnetic braking system has designed 14 piers in the UK, turning made thrill rides more thrilling and fail- them into entertainment destinations. safe. Also in 1996, Rosner’s linear motor launch system was used for the fi rst time on Superman: The Escape at Six Flags 15,800 people attended EAS Magic Mountain, with the electromagnetic 2018, including 11,300 buyers propulsion system now an industry standard for launched rollercoasters.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 77 SHOW REPORT

570 companies showcased their products across 15,000sq m of space on the trade show ﬂ oor

“IF YOU LOOK REALLY FAR AHEAD, IN 20 YEARS I THINK WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT OPENING THE FIRST THEME PARK ON THE MOON”

Theme park edutainment a number of topics, including leadership “We have to be much more in tune Andreas Theve, park historian at the styles, industry impact and future trends. with our environment and with what that popular Grona Lund theme park in Mack, who grew up at Europa Park and may be in the future,” he said. “Now, the Stockholm, spoke during an education has worked there his entire life, became role of the CEO is about thinking ahead session, urging theme park operators company CEO in 2006. and having a clear vision for the future. to include edutainment offerings in their “As CEO I choose to lead and live by It’s also about adapting and reacting to annual calendar, using the Swedish park to example,” he said. “A lot of people see change that is accelerating every day.” demonstrate the success such a scheme you out there in the park. If you want to For DXB, which owns and operates can have for an attraction. be a positive role model, you can never be Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ahmad Hussain Founded in 1883, Grona Lund held its arrogant or snobbish. Bin Essa believes that to be a success fi rst ever edutainment day in 2009. For the “If you do things like picking up trash in you must be aware of and adopt new session, a mix of 1,200 junior and senior the street or they see you looking for quality technologies or be left in the dust. He also school students from the Stockholm area and looking for detail, that’s important. made some bold predictions for the future, came to the park before regular opening “If you can operate every ride yourself saying: “In fi ve years believe there will be hours, going on the rides and performing and know about the mechanical aspects things that people won’t accept any more. a number of physics experiments on them and are willing to take part in the jobs that “Queueing for an hour-and-a-half to ride based on the school curriculum. need doing every day, it has an impact.” a single rollercoaster is one of them and It proved an eye opener for the students, Andreas Anderson, who for the last will be one of our biggest challenges. with teachers reporting to Grona Lund year has acted as IAAPA’s chair, said the “The way we consume food and improved results in science studies role of CEO has changed, with people in beverage is another thing that’s changing. following the visit to the park. leadership roles having to look well ahead Much F&B is now app-led, with the “We started with 1,200 students visiting in order to be ready for the future. consumer able to order meals on their the park for our fi rst edutainment session, phone, which will force us to change the which took place over a single day nearly a way we do this kind of business. It’s a decade ago,” said Theve. “It’s proved such PARISIAN DELIGHTS similar story in retail, which is being taken as success that in 2018, we held sessions over by e-commerce. How will that affect over three days, with 7,500 students Following the record-breaking our parks and how do we adapt to it? taking part and teachers regularly bringing performance in Amsterdam, eyes are “I can see rides and attractions back new classes each year.” now being cast towards Paris, as next changing too. Currently they’re built year’s EAS heads to France. for one size and one speed. They’ll CEO Talks Taking place between 15-19 become more interactive, with different Hosted by Gateway Ticketing’s Randy September at the Paris Expo Porte setting for different people. Guests Josselyn, one of the key education de Versailles – the same venue used have different needs, so we need to sessions came from Europa Park CEO for the 2013 event – EAS 2019 is be able to accommodate that. Michael Mack, Liseberg CEO and President expected to be the biggest yet, as “If you look really far ahead, in 20 years Andreas Andersen and DXB deputy CEO Europe’s attractions industry continues I think we’ll be talking about opening the Ahmad Hussain Bin Essa. to grow and drive new business fi rst theme park on the moon. Everyone is Sharing their knowledge and across the continent. talking about space and it’s somewhere experiences, the three CEOs discussed we can realistically head.” O

78 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 www.lagotronicsprojects.com

Booth Interactive attractions • Show experiences • Dark Rides #5103

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 79 PROMOTION

MIXED REALITY & INTERACTIVITY With virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences at the forefront of new and emerging trends within the attractions sector, Alterface shares how it’s working with the technology on its interactive mixed-reality dark rides

Laurence Beckers, creative director Alterface

hysical attractions at theme interact in real time. This mix of reality parks or other venues need to and virtual reality encompasses both offer their guests something they augmented reality and augmented virtuality cannot experience at home. via immersive technology. P There’s been a lot of hype Mixed reality is an environment in which surrounding head mounted real world and virtual world objects are displays (HMD), Virtual Reality (VR) presented together within a single display and Augmented Reality (AR). However, or setting. In theme parks, this is often there are still many hurdles prohibitiong manifested through dark ride attractions fl awless implementation and usage, within an indoor physical space. Most especially related to motion and safety. often, these are using high defi nition Mixed Reality (MR) offers a more realistic screens, video and 3D projection mapping, option, combining physical spaces and optical illusions and animatronic fi gures, elements with digital overlays. The as well as variable lighting to enhance the technology behind it is less complicated immersion of guests into the story. and operationally more feasible. After all, technology should facilitate and enhance Upon developing a mixed reality the experience of the visitors. attraction, the following requirements Mixed reality (MR), sometimes referred As creative director, Laurence should be taken into consideration: to as ‘hybrid reality’, is the merging of Beckers drives Alterface’s Creative QChoice of story or theme (IP or proprietary) real and virtual worlds to produce new Division, developing turnkey QType of experience, nature of the ride environments and visualisations where attractions for its customers QCapacity of the attraction physical and digital objects co-exist and QAvailable space QTarget audience QType of attraction within park offering QBudget and timeframe

Based on the outcome, a ﬁ rst concept and proposal can be developed. Besides safety, robustness and a high throughput, attractions should be offering a fun experience. This can be obtained by immersing people into the story, allowing them to get better at something and offering them both an internal and a social experience. This is where interactive technology kicks in. Digital layers and interactivity will maximise the physical environment and augment the theme. Guests will feel empowered and get fully immersed into the story, which should certainly not be overcomplicated. Not only can guests

80 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Bazyliszek was created by Alterface in close cooperation with Jora Vision and ETF Ride Systems for Legendia theme park in Poland

CASE STUDY

BASILISK INTERACTIVE DARK RIDE @LEGENDIA, POLAND

he Basilisk dark ride opened last year We’re very proud of this Pawel Cebula, CEO of Legendia, Poland: at the rebranded Legendia theme “It’s a great honour for us and our team to attraction which perfectly T park. It’s the very fi rst interactive dark receive all these awards for the Basilisk ride in Poland on such a scale and synchronises all ride ride. We had full confi dence it would be a offers a one-of-a-kind experience featuring successful ride and have seen a tremendous the most advanced interactive dark ride elements into a dynamic interest from visitors over summertime.” technology, within an affordable budget. and compelling game Benoit Cornet, CEO & Founder of Alterface: The story of Bazyliszek is based on “It’s taken a while for the market to recognise Polish folklore. In the peaceful village of Kurkowo, citizens the importance of a family ride that offers more than a short are fi ghting monsters, the most dangerous one being the thrill and whereby all family members can participate, sharing Basilisk. The Monster Hunter vehicle takes visitors through the fun and experience. The multiple awards for Basilisk ancient villages, dark caves, forests and ruins. During the clearly demonstrate the fi rm belief in interactive mixed-media fi erce battle they use their Monster Hunter Gun, an Alterface- attractions, offering highly immersive experiences. We’re designed laser weapon with light and mirror technology for very proud of this attraction which perfectly synchronises special effects, with players competing for the highest score. all ride elements into a dynamic and compelling game.”

improve personal scoring, but also enjoy approach, with solutions to fi t every need for a successful ride with long lifespan. the experience with family or friends. and budget, making each attraction unique. Therefore, park owners should always fi rst Alterface has been developing interactive The newest non-linear solutions are get proper advice and consider all options, mixed-media attractions for many years, very fl exible and scalable, fi tting smaller thus making sure the concept is right creating new technology advancements footprints in buildings or even spreading before starting to build the actual ride. each year. The most recent one is NOMAD across the park to maximise use of space. (New Optimized Mobile Action Device) – Compared to a game or a movie, a mixed a compact and portable device enabling reality dark ride is all about movement interaction with media screens, scenery and fl ow rather than singular actions. and animatronics. NOMAD brings a new Shooting or interacting on-screen is less level of game simplifi cation and interaction, important than the way the transitions Phone: +32 10 48 00 60 based on Alterface’s patented technology. from one scene to another are done. An Fax: +32 10 48 00 69 All attractions developed by the Alterface effectively-themed, media-based dark ride Email: [email protected] team are based on a very modular with a good balance is the best guarantee www.alterface.com

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 81 MUSEUMS

THE PERFECT PUNCHLINE

The ﬁrst ever museum dedicated to telling the story of American comedy has opened in Jamestown, New York, US. The team behind the new attraction share their experiences

Featuring more than 50 exhibits exploring comedy history – from vaudeville to viral memes – the National Comedy Center is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the history of comedy in the US. Operating as a nonproﬁt cultural institution, the US$50m museum celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Exclusive collections and world-class

exhibits allow visitors to get a glimpse behind the laughter, with an PHOTOS THIS PAGE: JAY ROSENBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY experience tailored to their interests using special RFID technology.

82 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PHOTO: JAY ROSENBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY

After creating a humour proﬁ le, visitors can explore content tailored to their individual taste

JOURNEY GUNDERSON Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce and Harold EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ramis to inform our approach. NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER What are your aims for the attraction? Our goal has been to build an engaging How did you get involved and immersive attraction that would be in the project? enjoyable for the average American tourist Up until 2011, I was executive director or the ardent comedy nerd. I’m proud to of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. say that it’s being lauded by the comedy Honouring actress Lucille Ball – best known industry and everyday visitors alike. for the 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy – and What challenges did you face? her co-star and husband Desi Arnaz, the Comedians are a cynical, intelligent and How does technology play museum celebrates the couple’s lives. sceptical bunch. It was daunting to make into the experience? It was Lucille’s idea, before her death in a museum about them, knowing they’re The museum approaches comedy 1989, to create a destination comedy centre very good and making fun of things. Also, in a way that’s appealing to people celebrating comedy and comedians. I left Jamestown is not New York. It was an from all eras and with all tastes. The my position in 2011 to make that dream a uphill battle for credibility from the start way we do that is with use of an RFID reality in her hometown of Jamestown. and we knew the authenticity would be chip, implanted in a wristband. paramount in making it a success. It could The fi rst step in any visitor’s arrival is Who were your main partners have easily become the butt of a joke if we the creation of a sense of humour profi le. on the development? didn’t get it right, but thankfully we did. When a visitor indicates that they like JRA handled early concept design, an artist from a fi lm, television show, working very closely with myself and How have comedians been or form of new media like a podcast, the organisation. Later on we brought involved in the project? behind the scenes we have a content in interactive design fi rm Cortina We formed a 22-person advisory board management system that reads that Productions. We also recruited Herzog of people in the comedy industry. and applies sense of humour attributes, and Company, who are mainly media We also worked closely with the such as sarcasm, dark humour, irony and producers and documentary makers. estates of people like George Carlin, slapstick among hundreds of choices.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 83 NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER COMEDY PRESTIGE The new museum has had huge backing from the world of comedy, with many elite-level comedians lending their support to the project. Here are some of the men and women involved with making the National Comedy Center a reality

CARL REINER

A legend of American comedy, Carl JIM GAFFIGAN Reiner has achieved great success as Jim Gaffi gan is a stand-up a comic actor, director, producer and comedian, actor, writer and producer recording artist. In the 1960s, Reiner known for his material about was best known as the creator, LEWIS BLACK fatherhood, laziness and food. producer, writer, and actor on He’s also regarded as a “clean” The Dick Van Dyke Show. His recent Stand-up comedian, actor and comic, using little profanity in appearances include the fi lm series author, Lewis Black has overseen his routines. Gaffi gan has guest- Ocean’s 11, Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13, the development of more than 1,000 starred on hit shows including as well as on television with Hot in plays, as well as his own original That ’70s Show, Sex and the City, Cleveland, Parks and Recreation, works. He’s best known for his angry Third Watch, Ed and Law & Order. and as a voice artist in the animated demeanour and belligerent comedic series, The Cleveland Show. style. He makes regular appearances on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah delivering his “Back in Black” commentary segment, which fi rst debuted as a weekly segment on the show in 1996.

LARAINE NEWMAN

W KAMAU BELL Laraine Newman gained fame in 1975 as an original Saturday Night W Kamau Bell is a socio-political Live cast member. During her comedian who’s the host and ﬁ ve years on the show, Newman executive producer of the Emmy GEORGE SHAPIRO originated and portrayed memorable Award winning CNN docu-series characters like Sheri the Valley Girl United Shades of America with One of comedy’s most respected and Connie Conehead. In addition to W Kamau Bell. Bell has been managers and producers, extensive voice-over work in TV and nominated for multiple NAACP George Shapiro, is among the videos, she’s had roles in numerous Image Awards and a GLAAD most successful managers in television shows including Brothers Award, and he was featured on show business, best known for and Sisters, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Conde Nast’s Daring 25 list for representing Jerry Seinfeld, Carl Friends and Entourage, among 2016. Bell is known for his short- Reiner and Andy Kaufman. He others. Her movie credits include lived FX and FXX comedy series also served as a producer for the Stardust Memories, Perfect, Problem Totally Biased with W Kamau Bell. highly successful sitcom Seinfeld. Child 2 and Jingle All the Way.

84 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The museum is dedicated to comedy as a cultural institution, an art form and a tool for political commentary PHOTO: JAY ROSENBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY ROSENBLATT JAY PHOTO:

Exhibits respond to your sense of humour, presenting content based on those attributes. The exhibit itself will read the room, just like a comedian has to. Taking into account the sense of humour of the people in the space, it presents stories and content accordingly.

What’s the visitor experience? PHOTO: JAY ROSENBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY ROSENBLATT JAY PHOTO: After completing your sense of humour profi le and being equipped with a laugh band, visitors are greeted with a theatre show currently starring Jim Gaffi gan, presenting holograms of himself from three different eras of his career. After that, visitors are greeted with artefacts that include everything from Charlie Chaplin’s cane to the iconic puffy shirt from Seinfeld. O The Blue Room offers an uncensored look at controversial or explicit styles of comedy For comedian George Carlin – who died in 2008 – we’ve scanned and digitised extensive joke fi les from his 60-year career. Built into the environment of a lines of some of the most successful Visitors can really see the trajectory of comedy club, we have a stand-up comedy bits of all time from major his comedy – from a scrap of paper with a comedy exhibit. Exhibits also include artists. They can also play out comedy musing on a topic all the way through to a comedy in television, comedy in fi lm, scenes using green screen technology. fi nished performance on an HBO special. cartooning, sketch and improv. After that they walk through an area that The lower level of the museum is called What are your future plans? has exhibits on late night comedy, looking the Blue Room. That’s for a completely We’re already talking about a possible at everybody who’s sat at the hosting desk. uncensored experience. It’s laid out expansion. It’s important that we keep There’s also an exhibit called the like this so that if you’re uncomfortable our fi nger on the pulse of comedy and Comedy Continuum, which is a more with controversial or explicit subject that the experience is ever changing. than 70-foot-wide (21 metre) wall with a matter, you can completely avoid it. It’s been designed with that in mind. touch screen interface. It’s a neverending The experience ends with the The content management system acts web of connections in comedy that participatory wing. In there, they can try as our exhibits’ central nervous system, connects artists to one another. out ‘Comedy Karaoke’, where they deliver making them easily updatable.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 4 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 85 NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER

MATTHEW WHEELER DAVID FERGUSON SHAWN MCCOY SENIOR PROJECT DEVELOPER ART DIRECTOR VICE PRESIDENT JRA JRA JRA

How did JRA get involved What were the most unexpected and interactive media to provide visitors in the project? challenges throughout the process? to the museum with a personalised SM: Journey Gunderson initially contacted MW: We had to adapt the content to fi t experience completely customised to their JRA to see if we might be interested in the design over a very long design period own unique humour profi le. helping to create a new audio tour for the of around four years. There was a period Lucy and Desi Arnaz Museum. During that when the design had been approved but How important was technology discussion, she mentioned that they had we were in a holding pattern waiting for in shaping the museum? a much bigger project in mind, which was fundraising to come through. DF: Technology is the most important part the idea for the National Comedy Center. When we began schematic design, a of the museum. The sharing of a comic A few years later, she called us back and whole new series of redesign occurred. It’s moment is very ephemeral but has often said that they wanted to move forward with worked to our benefi t though, because the been captured on fi lm or video, so much Comedy Center proposal. end product is a better one because of the of it needs the vehicle of the computer various stops, starts and pivots. to relate those expressions. How did you go through process A lot of comedy has also been created of fi guring out what comedians/ Was there an “aha” moment? in print and drawings, but we needed genres/delivery methods would SM: From the very outset of the project, to catalogue and allow the guest to be included or excluded? Journey knew that the museum had to experience any or all of it that we could MW: We researched and just looked be unique in order to draw visitors to document. The creative team always at what already existed out there. We Jamestown. During the development wanted to use technology as a way performed a SWOT analysis, checking out process, I think that there were actually of organising and presenting those the potential competition, assessing how two moments driven by that goal. moments effectively. the annual Comedy Festival was developing The fi rst of those moments was the and determining how content could evolve. decision to structure the museum through Where did the idea of the We then drafted lists, reading the ways in which people experience Blue Room come from? various websites, examining different comedy – as the creator, the performer, DF: From the earliest fart jokes to today’s genres, and gathering a lot of visual or the audience. The next moment was risqué humour, blue comedy is an references for inspiration. the decision to use a combination of RFID important part of our collective culture. To not feature it would have been a miss. Fortunately, the building – a former train station – had a lower level that was not restored, so it inspired the team to seat the experience there. It totally feels like an alley or basement and creates a perfectly seedy environment for the genre.

What kind of reception has the museum had?

PHOTO: JAY ROSENBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY ROSENBLATT JAY PHOTO: SM: It’s been embraced both by the comedy industry and by the media because it celebrates comedy as an art form to be as highly regarded as any great work. Our goal was to show audiences just how much effort, talent and intelligence it takes to create and deliver comedy. We believe those who’ve visited certainly have a better understanding of this and, most importantly, O JRA provided masterplanning, design, project management and art direction for the Center a better appreciation for these artists. O

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San Francisco’s popular Museum of Ice Cream is making its stay in the city permanent, following a hugely successful ﬁ rst year

he Museum Ice Cream – a pop up experience celebrating ice cream – has proven such a success that T it’s making its San Francisco residence permanent. In 2019, the museum will unveil a 2.0 version of its immersive, multi-sensory experience, where ice cream – a “universal symbol of joy, a personal pleasure, and a transportive vehicle for anyone’s imagination” – is the star of the show. Attractions Management takes a photographic look back at the ﬁ rst year of the Instagrammer’s paradise, which saw 500,000 people ﬂ ock to the city’s Bay Area to explore the sweet treats on offer.

Visitors are invited to indulge in multiple ice cream tastings during their museum experience

88 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 More than half-a-million visitors from 65 countries around the world have visited the museum THE MOST REWARDING THING IS WATCHING ALL OF OUR VISITORS HAVE THEIR OWN MAGICAL MOMENTS Maryellis Bunn, founder

Designed with social media in mind, MOIC has become one of Instagram’s most photographed attractions

After a successful run at its New York pop-up, the museum’s San Francisco location recently launched The Pint Shop – a publicly accessible and experiential retail space inside MOIC

MOIC IS AN EXPERIENCE-FIRST BRAND FUELED BY THE POWER OF IMAGINATION. WE LEAD WITH THE HONEST BELIEF THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

The San Francisco site was originally a bank, with its historic elements playing into the museum’s modern and fun design aesthetic

90 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Immersive installations at the museum celebrate the sweeter side of life

Since opening, MOIC has led with the intention of providing fun and inclusivity to all

IdeAttack specialises in the planning and design of high-end tourism destinations. Its president, Dan Thomas, explains more about the company and its work overseas in China

IdeAttack has helped create many of the worlds most spectacular tourism and leisure destinations 92 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ased in Pasadena, California, IdeAttack is a world leader in the tourism and leisure design industry, with projects in more than 28 countries. Among its offerings, the B company specialises in custom theme parks, cultural attractions, water parks, ocean parks, entertainment centres, large scale mixed- use developments, destination resorts, immersive entertainment environments and immersive entertainment environments. Dedicated to creating guest experiences of the highest order, combining excellence in storytelling with cutting-edge placemaking technology and dazzling visual effects that will redeﬁ ne the art of themed entertainment, it’s currently working China, where it has two major projects on the go. Evergrande, one of the largest real- estate companies in eastern Asia, has exclusively partnered with IdeAttack on several theme parks set to open within the next few years, following a rigorous round of bidding and concept pitches by many of the top design ﬁ rms in the industry.

Along with Natasha Varnica, Dan Thomas co-founded IdeAttack in 2004

“We’re the general contractor for two “For a project we offer a number of Evergrande theme parks, located in services,” says Thomas. “These include cities of Kaifeng and Changsha,” says planning, concept design, schematic company president Dan Thomas. design, design development, architecture, “As a part of these projects, we’re in the attraction design and production, brand process of designing and producing 34 development, signage and graphic design, rides, attractions and shows. These include character design and feasibility studies.” various dark rides, ﬂume rides, boat rides, IdeAttack can include among its 4D and 5D simulators and theaters, clients Busch Gardens, Paramount Parks, as well as interactive walkthroughs, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Warner special effect shows and stunt shows.” Bros and Royal Caribbean International. The company’s mission is simple. With such an impressive list, it’s no Since its inception, Thomas says its wonder the company is in demand. had one goal: to create new forms of “Our key clients are real-estate innovative tourism and entertainment developers, tourism developers and destinations for global market. government organisations, says Thomas. “We’re developing new ideas and “There’s a need for quality leisure and approaches that will combine existing entertainment spaces where people can industry experience with new tourism spend quality time with their families, project models that will cater the current friends or partners, out of their homes. and near future audience,” he says. In today’s global, growing, fast developing “We’re doing this for a number of world, there’s increasing lack of such sectors, including theme parks, waterparks, spaces. IdeAttack can supply that. themed resorts, tourism and leisure zones, “One of our strongest goals is to entertainment centres, cultural attractions, always create unique visions that are mixed-use retail and lifestyle centres. ﬁnancially viable and highly marketable: Building on more than a decade of delivering one of a kind projects, on successful partnerships around the budget and always on schedules. globe, IdeAttack can work on a project “With new and exciting ideas being of any scale. Combining design, detailed generated all the time, Ideattack development, and quality production, the continues to lead the charge for company has helped to create some of the bold and innovative entertainment world’s most impressive visitor attractions. solutions, well into the 21st century.”

Since its foundation, the company has developed major attractions over six continents IdeAttack offers comprehensive project development from start to ﬁ nish

Mastering the planning and design of entertainment destinations in China One of the company’s key markets is China, underway in China, scrutiny has been which is currently experiencing a boom in placed on some of these projects, with theme park and wider attractions development. the country’s government raising concerns With great knowledge of the region, Thomas We’ve had the over potentially unpayable debts and low explains the challenges and solutions opportunity to follow grade or copycat developments. That can of working in this part of the world. prove a tricky situation for developers “Working in China for more than 15 the development of but one the Ideattack is prepared for. years, we had the opportunity to follow the the country’s theme “As a company striving to help bringing development of the country’s theme park park industry from top quality projects to the region as its full industry from its beginnings in the early participant, we analyse the advantages, 2000s to today’s booming period,” he says. its beginnings in the disadvantages and peculiarities of this process “Our company’s main development period early 2000s to today’s in China today, and take action to achieve overlaps with that of China’s theme park industry, the best possible results,” says Thomas. meaning that in certain ways we grew together. booming period “IdeAttack believes the Chinese “This enables us to be a conscious participant theme park market is now at the turning in Chinese theme park industry today, and not just a ‘foreign point of the development. All necessary aspects for the design’ import, which is very important because the Chinese successful theme park development are now there and we’re theme park industry has its own characteristics and differences.” convinced that when the market can overcome its issues, With more than 200 theme park developments currently it will thrive as our projects in the region have done.”

Phone: +1 626 204 4087 O Fax: +1 626 441 4496 O Email: [email protected] O Website: www.ideattack.com

What is the best way to make heritage engaging and relevant to young people? Give them a voice and put them in charge. KICKINGKath Hudson reports on a fresh THEapproach from the heritageDUST sector

group of young people; a range young people aged 16-25 across Northern of museum exhibits; exciting Ireland the chance to curate their own digital tools; expert guidance exhibitions, take over museum and gallery and free rein to interpret the spaces and interpret existing exhibits. A exhibits in a way which is The project will span four years, with relevant to them and their peers. seven museums and galleries opening their These are the ingredients of a ground- collections of ﬁ ne and applied art, furniture, breaking new lottery-funded project in costumes, textiles, maritime and industrial Northern Ireland, which is part of a UK-wide heritage for young people to explore. campaign to engage young people in They’ll learn a host of new skills as they heritage by putting them in the driving seat. reimagine these collections, using tools Northern Ireland’s Reimagine, Remake, such as 3D scanners and printers, VR Replay programme is one of 12 projects to and ﬁ lmmaking technology to create new win funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s interpretive materials for the displays. Kick the Dust campaign. Being co-ordinated Jo Reilly is head of participation and David Lewis, director of digital content by The Nerve Centre, the £900,000 learning at the Heritage Lottery Fund and communications at The Nerve (US$1.2m) programme will give 4,000 Centre, says the partners are delighted to

96 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Q Each Kick the Dust project is aimed at enaging young people in heritage activities THE 12 SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS

QThe Nerve Centre in 600 young people to learn QA three year project led Northern Ireland was about and help conserve by Beatfreeks Arts, Don’t awarded £949,600 the capital’s wild spaces. Settle has been awarded (US$1.2m) for Reimagine, £696,700 (US$920,000) to Remake, Replay, which QAwarded £994,000 improve the representation will allow 4,000 young (US$1.3m), Shout Out Loud, of young people within people the opportunity to from English Heritage, and heritage organisations. It curate collections and learn other partners including aims to rethink Birmingham new multimedia skills. Girlguiding and the National and the Black Country’s Youth Theatre, will enable heritage, by refl ecting young QNorfolk Journeys is young people to tell hidden people in the displays. a multi-agency project, stories through their which will work with eyes and in their voice. QWith its £962,300 8,000 young people in (US$1.3m) grant, hard to reach groups to QLed by Curious Minds, IGNITE will partner engage them with heritage Hope Streets has received with organisations to through museum work and £1m (US$1.3m) for a fi ve inspire a passion for the archaeological experiences. year project, to create culture and heritage of It’s been awarded a strategic partnership Yorkshire, placing their £776,500 (US$1m). between the heritage and ideas at the centre of youth sectors in the north heritage development. QThe Y in Leicester has west. The programme has been awarded £707,500 been designed to bring QHands on Heritage The campaign makes (US$934,500) to fund a about transformational has received £875,000 funding available for youth Dragon’s Den-style practise. change by helping young (US$1.15m) to allow the projects across the UK Representatives from people see local heritage National Museum of Wales the city’s heritage sites as their own, through to give young people and organisations will be working with artists access to its collections able to pitch to a panel and other experts. to handle and conserve get funding: “Reimagine, Remake, Replay of young people who are objects, animate displays is an ambitious, regional project which disengaged with heritage, QThe Scotland 365 and get involved with will create exciting opportunities for young for project funding. programme, from the enactments, marketing people to engage with heritage in ways that National Museums of and digital activity. are relevant to their lives and aspirations. QGroundwork UK’s Scotland, will benefi t from “Young people will have unique access Futureproof Parks initiative £776,000 (US$1m) to QThe British Council to the fantastic collections of the Ulster made a successful bid for work with young people to has received £868,600 Museum, a range of local museums and £900,000 (US$1.2m) to explore Scottish heritage. (US$1.15m) for its Our Northern Ireland’s Screen Digital Film engage young people with The museum service is Shared Cultural Heritage Archive. We’re working with our partners friends of parks groups teaming up with a number programme which will to bring the project to life and to bring to protect and maintain of partner organisations, allow hundreds of young a creative approach to collections.” its heritage parks. including The Prince’s Trust, people from around to enable hard to reach the UK the chance to Youth engagement QKeeping It Wild, from groups to work alongside develop new methods Reimagine, Remake, Replay is one of 12 the London Wildlife Trust, creative professionals to to share collections and projects which has been made possible won £868,000 (US$1.15m) explore their creativity learn new skills through thanks to a new funding pot from the to empower and inspire in workshops. training and workshops.

Young people taking part in the Digital Makers Club, part of a Kick the Dust project from Nerve Centre

WE NAMED THEM YOUTH AMBASSADORS. IN THE FIRST MEETING THEY RENAMED THEMSELVES THE DUSTKICKERS. THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WANTED AND WERE CLEAR AND ARTICULATE

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which was to see greater diversity and inclusivity, with grants, but it became more than that. They created last year. The intention of the heritage being more proactive to engage got involved with social media and other £10m (US$13.2m) Kick the Dust initiative the BAME, disabled and LGBT markets. events, including taking an exhibit about is to create high quality, sustainable They also felt strongly that young people the campaign to Parliament and hosting projects to engage 11 to 25-year-olds. should be involved with co-producing the a Heritage Soapbox day with speakers.” “Previously we had a youth-focussed offer. Thirdly, they wanted to see more They’ve also been involved with grant programme, which awarded smaller paid opportunities in heritage, with more picking the evaluation committee, grants of up to £50,000 (US$66,000),” jobs aimed at young people which do who will assess the success of the explains Jo Reilly, head of participation not require a degree to participate. 12 programmes. One Dustkicker has and learning at the HLF. “We knew “Although they agreed on those points, gone on to be recruited by the HLF the youth work sector was under which underpinned their decisions, they South East Committee and another pressure, so we went to consultation were a diverse group, who tended to had a blog published by the DCMS. and found there was an appetite for champion different things,” says Reilly. “They really stepped up, displaying a funding for more ambitious projects.” “Some were passionate about green sensible, analytical approach,” says Reilly. space and climate change, others “Two of the 12 projects were chosen The Dustkickers unite about offering opportunities to young because they succeeded in turning On the industry’s advice, and to ensure working class people. They debated around the view of the room. It was a funding was allocated in ways which truly very seriously and we were struck by heartwarming project to be involved with.” represented the needs and opinions the quality of their discussions and the Following funding being awarded last year, of young people, the HLF took the responsibility they showed for their task.” the development money is now in place unprecedented move of creating a panel for all of the projects which are starting of 16 young people from the UK, who were Further responsibilities to get underway with the recruitment of given a big say in how funding was spent. Initially the Dustkickers were recruited staff. With some valuable experience “We named them Youth Ambassadors, in April 2018 in order to make the under their belts, the Dustkickers are but in the ﬁ rst meeting they renamed funding decision in June a couple of now going their separate ways. Reilly themselves the Dustkickers,” says months later, however, their performance says the success of this campaign will be Reilly, “they knew what they wanted was so good that their role evolved. assessed, allowing the 12 projects to get and were very clear and articulate.” “It was an unexpected pleasure in how up and running and be evaluated, before Three main themes emerged as it developed,” says Reilly. “Initially we only the HLF decides whether or not to run important to the Dustkickers. They wanted wanted to involve them with awarding the another similar campaign in the future. O

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zamperla.com MUSEUMS DUNDEE DESIGN

London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is the world’s leading institution for art and design, with a collection of more than 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. Now, the institution has opened a new home in Dundee, Scotland – its ﬁrst to be built outside London

he wild landscape of Scotland’s north-east The museum has been created with a focus on coast has inspired the design of the new the international importance of design, as well as V&A Dundee, by architect Kengo Kuma. presenting a history of Scotland’s design achievements. The highly anticipated £80m (US$103m) At the heart of the museum, the Scottish museum, which stands on the banks Design Galleries feature 300 exhibits drawn from T of the River Tay, opened to the public the V&A’s rich collections of Scottish design, as in September amid huge fanfare. well as from museums and private collections “The building is created from two inverted across Scotland and the rest of the world. pyramids that join at the upper levels, creating an The ambitious international exhibition programme archway that acts as a frame through which visitors opens with Ocean Liners: Speed and Style, organised can see the city from the river, and vice versa,” by the V&A and the Peabody Essex Museum in says Kuma, explaining his vision for the project. Salem, Massachusetts, US. It’s the first exhibition “The building acts as a connector between the river to explore the design and cultural impact of and the city. Dundee was a city built on trade and the the ocean liner on an international scale. river played a vital role. The museum acts like a gate As well as being one of the most high profile through which the city can once again access the world.” public buildings to open in the UK in recent years, it’s also the first V&A museum to open outside the capital and Kengo Kuma’s first building in the UK. “I hope the museum can change the city and become its centre of gravity,” says Kuma. “I’m delighted and proud that this is my first building in the UK.”

WHO DID WHAT

Architect: Kengo Kuma Project architect: Maurizio Mucciola

Client: Dundee City Council The Kengo Kuma-designed Engineers: Arup V&A Dundee is Scotland’s ﬁrst dedicated design museum Main contractor: BAM Construct UK Project manager: Turner and Townsend 100 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The Scottish Design Galleries feature 300 exhibits drawn from the V&A’s collections of Scottish design, as well as artefacts from museums and private collections around the world

Ocean Liners is the ﬁ rst exhibition to explore the design and cultural impact of the ocean liner on an international scale

V&A Dundee tells a global story, investigating the international importance of design alongside Scotland’s outstanding design achievements

THE OAK ROOM – RESTORING A The Oak Room has been restored through MACKINTOSH MASTERPIECE a partnership between V&A Dundee, Glasgow Museums and Dundee City Council

ne the museum’s main conserved and reconstructed features is the Oak within the new museum. ORoom, which Although the original was created leaded glass windows, by Charles Rennie which would have Mackintosh in 1907. glazed the building, It’s been brought back have not survived, to life within the museum photographs of the thanks to a £200,000 room enabled restoration (US$260,000) grant from the experts to accurately British not-for-proﬁ t Art Fund. replace them in partnership Mackintosh, a Scottish architect, with specialist glass blowers. designer, water colourist and artist died “It’s a very wonderful interior with in 1928. His work, alongside that of his sophisticated use of space, light and wife Margaret Macdonald, inﬂ uenced many shadow,” says Charles Taylor, who European design movements, including Art oversaw the woodwork conservation. Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Secessionism. “The whole Oak Room is a theatre set The Oak Room – the complete interior of – a foil for the lighting scheme.” the celebrated Ingram Street Tearooms in Glasgow – was carefully dismantled in 1971, when a team of enthusiasts numbered the 800 wooden components used to build it. These were then packed away for more than 50 years, until a partnership between V&A Dundee, Glasgow Museums and Dundee City Council, saw the room meticulously restored,

Charles Taylor runs the workshop that restored and rebuilt the historic Oak Room

102 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 melodic durable accessible outdoor musical instruments built by musicians

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INTERVIEW

Born in Edinburgh, Philip Long has a wealth of experience in PHILIP LONG arts and culture, having spent his 20 year career working in DIRECTOR: V&A DUNDEE museums across the country

ith a career spanning two decades, Philip Long has W worked at a number of museums across Scotland, including a high proﬁle stint in Edinburgh as senior curator at the National Galleries of Scotland, which oversees the Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. In his new role as director of the recently-opened V&A Dundee, Long speaks to Attractions Management about his position and what the institution has in store for its visitors.

Why was Dundee chosen When people visit us, How many visitors are you as a location, versus, say, they will find the same projecting in the first year? Edinburgh or Glasgow? extraordinary standard The visitor number estimates The very first conversations they’ve come to expect are 350,000 a year, and about V&A Dundee were the from any V&A institution. 500,000 in the first 12 result of a close relationship As a design museum, months after opening. between the museum and our focus is the impact the University of Dundee. The design has on everyone. What are your initial aims two institutions have worked Our building holds as the attraction opens? together for many years, largely exhibitions developed by There are very practical ways due to university’s wonderful our team here in Dundee, we can measure success Duncan of Jordanstone in partnership with our and there are very important College of Art and Design, colleagues in London and intangible ways too. Of course, which is ranked as one of with other institutions O A Dennis the Menace strip we want as many people the top schools of art and from around the world. by Scottish cartoonist David as possible to visit V&A design in the UK and has It’s also home to our Law is included in the exhibits Dundee, getting involved in an outstanding reputation permanent galleries, telling the our programmes and all the in teaching and research. largely unknown international How do you plan to engage other great things on offer The suggestion that Dundee story of Scottish design. We the local community? here in the city and in the would be the perfect city to also have a team whose role Through experiencing the wider region. As I walk through open a new V&A sparked a is dedicated to promoting work of designers, I want the galleries and spaces of remarkable series of events design through learning. to help people understand the museum, I want to keep that have led us to where V&A Dundee is focused on how important design and seeing people being excited we are today. I often say design, on making connections creativity is to us all. It will be and inspired, talking together the city chose the V&A, not between the historical and vital to make opportunities about that experience. the other way around. the contemporary, building for people – especially the I’m really looking forward to international connections, and youth community – that might welcoming new people to the What will V&A Dundee on inspiring new creativity. For change their lives. People can museum. The team behind it bring to Scotland? the local community, the new excel in so many ways – that has worked passionately on V&A Dundee is a new idea and museum will form a deep- may not always be through the it for many years. It becomes a new institution for people to rooted connection with them. conventional education system, a museum because people discover and explore. At the Its setting is also special, but by seeing great design and are in it, taking part, being same time, it benefits from standing at the centre of the getting involved in design and inspired, getting involved the support and expertise of Dundee waterfront, jutting creativity, they may find ways and planning to come the V&A in Kensington, London. out into the River Tay. to transform their future. back again and again.

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FORWARD THINKING

ounded in 1989, Simtec has spent the last three decades establishing Simtec is a flying theatre and simulator ride supplier itself as a leader in its field. Based in Braunschweig, for the attractions industry, as well as a manufacturer F Germany, the company develops of driving and flight simulation applications. With and manufactures simulator systems for various applications such as its new digital signage system Simtec also offers automotive component testing and driving simulation. The majority of its business advertising solutions. Its CEO, Bernd Kaufmann, is done within the entertainment industry, is leading the company forward as it continues to where it develops simulator attractions for customers worldwide. Simtec Asia be a leading supplier in the attractions industry. – a subsidiary of Simtec – was created specifically to support its customers in East Asia, with a marketing and sales Beside this engineering focus we do the industry, where it creates test systems for office in Shanghai, China, and a service system integration and can offer turnkey automotive components, driving simulators, location in Wuhan, China. solutions for several simulator systems.” and test systems for other applications. “Our most successful product is our Digital signage is the third arm of Simtec, HexaFlite Flying Theater system, as well as High-profile clients with its new moving advertising system for our Funride closed cabin simulators,” says Simtec has focused its business on airports, shopping malls and other places. company CEO, Bernd Kaufmann. three different industries. The first is the Working primarily in these three areas, “We have a powerful focus in the entertainment industry, serving customers over the last three decades Simtec has development of simulator attractions including theme parks, museums, zoos built up an impressive client list. with our own engineering teams. and expos. The second is the automotive In the attractions sector, major clients include Volkswagen Autostadt, the Mercedes Benz Museum, Cinecittà, Wanda and Evergrande. Simtec has also worked Bernd Kaufmann for research institutes such as the German leads Simtec as Aerospace Establishment, universities, its CEO and owner museums and multiple Expos, including World Expos in Hannover and Shanghai. In the automotive industry, these include the likes of Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes, as well as a number of different automotive suppliers.

MAJOR CLIENTS INCLUDE VOLKSWAGEN AUTOSTADT, THE MERCEDES BENZ MUSEUM, CINECITTÀ, WANDA AND EVERGRANDE

106 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Simtec offers a number of products to the attractions sector, including its Funride simulators, ScreenFlite digital signage system and HexaFlite ﬂying theatres

Simtec’s interactive dark ride combines a traditional dark ride concept with the fun of competing each other of modern video games

The company has installed its ScreenFlite digitial signage system at Aeroporto di Roma MANAGEMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS and can offer similar solutions for locations including airports and shopping malls. Led by Bernd Kaufmann, Simtec’s team Manage By Exception, Focus On Products, “We’re supplying our customers of around 90 employees is made up of Tailor To Suit The Project Environment. with customised, as well as small different groups, including mechanics, The company also holds an ISO 9001 series, products. We also do special hydraulics/pneumatics, electric and quality approval, a globally-recognised development projects of unique software and project management. management system based on Customer systems,” says Kaufmann. “We take this Within these teams, Simtec delivers its Focus, Leadership, Engagement of worldwide, with a focus on Europe, the projects based on the Prince II system, people, Process approach, Improvement, Middle East, China and East Asia.” which is a structured project management Evidence-based decision making and method based on seven key principles: Relationship Management. Always innovating Continued Business Justification, Learn Simtec also holds several other key With the slogan “German innovation in From Experience, Defined Roles And qualifications for special applications in motion”, it’s no surprise Simtec likes to Responsibilities, Manage By Stages, areas such as the automotive industry. offer custom-designed products, created on-site within 7,000sq m (75,000sq ft) of system integration halls and offices. “We have an internal team that analyses “We’re prepared in that market with our “We have our own technology the market and tries to summarise fully-owned subsidiary. We also have a development capabilities and don’t depend different needs in the industry,” Kaufmann very good and experienced team in both on others to develop innovative products,” explains. “As we’ve been in the market for our China and Germany locations, with says Kaufmann. “We like to work with about 30 years now, we’ve a gained much our staff able to take additional business customers on a long term perspective, so experience and have designed our own for our entertainment systems, as well having everything in-house is perfect.” new products to fit different demands.” as our automotive test systems and When working with new clients, Kaufmann Not only does Simtec analyse its own digital signage systems.” says that Simtec management will work customers, but it keeps an eye on the with their client to understand their ideas, global attractions market. Identifying Reliable business targets and vision for a new system or different strengths and weaknesses in Simtec can provide a multitude of attraction, so they can create a bespoke various world regions, Simtec does this solutions for the visitor attractions sector, final specification matching their needs. so that it can deliver the best product whether that be in creating rides, working A current project is the HexaFlite flying possible to each individual market. in the automotive sector or creating digital theatre, which is being installed in China for “China is the strongest market at signage. But why choose this company? both Wanda and Evergrande. moment,” says Kauffman. “Due to the “If you’re a customers who’s looking economic war between the US and for a reliable, family-owned supplier An industry perspective China, a German supplier such as Simtec with a 30 year track record in the As the business grows and evolves, Simtec is more and more interesting for our industry call Simtec,” says Kaufmann. always his its finger on the pulse. customers in China and in wider Asia. “Here we expect the unexpected.”

SHOW PREVIEW

More than 35,000 people are expected to attend this year’s show IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO

The 2018 IAAPA Attractions Expo kicks off on 12 November. Here’s what to expect from the show – plus, news from a selection of exhibiting companies

his year’s IAAPA Expo celebrates 100 years of the organisation and NEED TO KNOW is expected to draw more than 35,000 industry professionals What: IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 T from more than 100 countries to When: 12-16 November 2017 the Orange County Convention Where: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, US. Center, Orlando, Florida, US The expo is the world’s largest conference and trade show for the How much: US$50 (US$100 non-member) - attractions industry, which has an student; US$219 (US$399 non-member) estimated US$360bn global economic Register: www.iaapa.org/expos impact. Alongside its vast show fl oor, IAAPA offers a programme of more than 100 educational sessions and from 13-16 November. Buyers and presentations by leading operators on decisionmakers from the world of theme industry trends, new technology, marketing parks, waterparks, FECs, zoos and and communications, entertainment, aquariums, and museums will all be in government relations, safety and attendance for the event. security, food and beverage, games The trade show fl oor will fi ll and merchandise, facility operations, 560,000sq ft (52,000sq m) of exhibit human resources, and more. space with more than 1,100 exhibiting This year’s keynote speaker is Disney’s companies displaying the latest products Parks and Resorts chair Bob Chapek, who and services. For the fi rst time in Expo will talk at the GM and Owners’ Breakfast history, the show fl oor will extend beyond on 14 November, offering insight into his the walls of the convention center into more than 25 years of leadership at the outdoor structures created just for the global entertainment giant. event. Dubbed the “Exploration Station,” The conference takes place from this area creates new exhibit space for 12-15 November and the trade show more than 100 exhibiting companies.

JRA the model is a more compact Booth #1369 version of the ride and is perfect for malls and FECs. JRA is providing masterplanning, design, and Vekoma project management for the Booth #5134 Mascot Hall of Fame, located in Whiting, Indiana, US. Set Every year, millions of people to open in early 2019, this across the globe are delighted, 25,000sq ft (2,300sq m), thrilled and profoundly moved family fun zone aims to make by the coasters and attractions people laugh and draw them that bear the Vekoma brand. closer to the teams they love, Some of the world's most while educating families on the popular visitor attractions work art and science of mascots. with Vekoma to us to create Offering permanent unique experiences that move Holovis is showcasing its new fl ying theatre format at this year’s IAAPA exhibits, activities, and their business to the next plenty of fuzzy, feathery level. Vekoma management shenanigans, this whimsical will be on hand to discuss its This is a complete attraction is expected to biggest and brightest projects, multisensory experience welcome 50,000 visitors each and everything it can do to help combining visuals, audio, year. See this project and you boost your attraction. perfectly synched motion, more at the JRA booth. SFX and real-time media. Holovis Zamperla Booth #778 Simtec Booth #2224-2231 Booth #1059 Holovis is ‘re-volving’ Flying Zamperla is set to present Theatres by advancing this Simtec is presenting new rollercoaster concepts attraction format from a its ScreenFlite media at this year’s IAAPA, with new traditional passive lean-back information system under JRA is masterplanning openings at Warner Bros. experience into an active one the name of Le Chandelier at the Mascot Hall of Fame World Abu Dhabi and Wuxy that actually delivers true Rome Fiumicino Airport. in Whiting, Indiana, US Wanda Theme Park. sensations of fl ying. ScreenFlite puts ads, The other focus of the A uniquely developed 5-DOF information and messages in company is Z+ – the new motion system securely motion, and is an kind eye- Huss business division of Zamperla holds up to 100 guests tilted catcher for passers by. Twelve Booth #4624 born to create new experiences into a prone position before LED-displays are mounted using the latest hi-tech elevating them over a highly on individual scissor arms, Huss Park Attractions GmbH developments applied to immersive, ultra-high-resolution which are mounted on three has announced that the fi rst rides. A new VR Box is also dome screen to deliver the horizontal rings. The three rings project of its Explorer fi lm coming, while a new version single most compelling and are stacked at the centre of based attraction will open of Windstarz will be presented completely unique fl ying the system and can be rotated at Cancun’s Riviera Maya in too. This eight arm version of experience ever created. jointly or against each other. Mexico in 2019 at the new Amikoo Resort Destination Theme Park, currently being developed and scheduled to Vekoma’s Boomerang ride open next year. Presented at gives the experience of riding IAAPA, visit the Huss Booth to both forwards and backwards fi nd out about all it can offer your visitor attraction.

CentreEdge Software Booth #1846

Stop by the CentreEdge booth to discuss your point of sale software needs. Offering the total package when it comes to software that drives your FEC or amusement park, CentreEdge has created an affordable, best-in-class

EXHIBITOR NEWS

solution to bring reliability, discovery routes, multimedia consistency and effi ciency to tunnels and stimulating visitor facilities, helping run passageways that maximise your business smarter. thrills in ways even young children will enjoy. Featuring iPlayCO & FEC Builders a serpentine current that veers off into different paths, Booth #4063 RiverQuest employs special Booth #6062 effects and multimedia water- iPlayCO and FEC Builders theaters to broaden family are global designers and demographics and simplify manufacturers of fun indoor theme integration. playground equipment and interactive play structures. Aquatic Development Group The Lagotronics’ team will be on-hand to discuss its portfolio Their latest installation is Booth #2646 Ant World. iPlayCO also offer FEC development and turnkey ADG successfully designed Lagotronics Intamin solutions, and are showcasing and built two of their Water Booth #5103 Booth #3424 their new Super Heroes booth Rides in 2018. In Ohio, the featuring the cityscapes, turbo company opened their second Lagotronics Projects’ team has Intamin’s record-breaking slide and a Tuff Stuff soft Adventure Lagoon at Zoombezi announced plans to open a Rapids Ride “Infi nity Falls” sculpted foam themed car. Bay. Dubbed "Otter Banks", new GameChanger attraction. (see p58) successfully this project was the third Coming to an FEC with an started operation at SeaWorld Vortex expansion that ADG worked "amazing and well known Orlando in October. Infi nity on for the park. Canobie IP" more information will be Falls features roaring rapids, Booth #1373 Lake in New Hampshire released as IAAPA approaches. soaking fountains and a For the fi rst time, Vortex chose ADG’s Tidal River At its booth, Lagotronics record-setting 12m (39ft) International is introducing water ride to be their anchor Projects will be showing a drop, all against the backdrop RiverQuest – a family attraction for its waterpark wide range of interactive of a rainforest utopia. At adventure attraction that expansion, along with a new experiences. From interactive this year’s show, Intamin will combines the thrills of slide tower, kids play area, dark rides for theme and be presenting a number of traditional river rides and and increased decking for amusement parks, to immersive new LSM launch coasters, waterslides with multi-sensory lounge, cabanas and food and interactive experiences family launch coasters, dreamscapes. It offers multiple beverage outlets. for FECs and museums. tower rides and several different water rides.

The Producers Group Booth #260

The Producers Group (TPG) specialises in turnkey attractions, production management, technical design and content development for everything from small projects to entire theme parks. TPG creates attractions and guest experiences worldwide, maintaining a full- time, in-house staff of highly trained show producers, project managers, technical directors, technical managers, technical documentation support staff, and specialised designers of all disciplines. Visit TPG's booth to ﬁ nd out iPlayCO and FEC Builders are leading global designers and manufacturers of interactive play structures more about their services.

112 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Vortex is introducing RiverQuest – an attraction that combines a traditional river rides and waterslides with multi-sensory dreamscapes

Walltopia Proslide Booth #1346 Booth #2054

Walltopia will debut its newest Proslide has reinvented product in Orlando – Ropetopia racing with two of its Curves. It’s a next generation latest innovations for ropes course with an entirely 2018: the RallyRacer and new belay line that unlocks Dueling Pipeline. limitless design possibilities. Both feature new RallyPoints Ropetopia Curves leads to – low separator lanes within a much higher throughput the waterslide that allow riders than the standard ropes to see and hear competitors courses due to its single- during the race. direction progression. The Available in 2 to 10 lanes, modernistic design also solves the RallyRacer rockets riders Team Battle is based on architectural problems with through tight high-speed loops. solutions, Rocas & Design, is Triotech's award-winning its easy implementation in introducing its latest projects XD Dark Ride Interactive otherwise unusable spaces Triotech at this year’s IAAPA. theater. The dueling with complicated footprint. In Middle East, “Angry Birds attraction is themed on Booth #1578 World” recently opened its door the popular Rabbids IP Intercard Triotech’s Team Battle is a in Doha with great success. fi rst-of-its-kind high capacity Rocas will also present the Booth #1324 Simex-Iwerks dueling interactive attraction. design and theming of "Island Intercard will introduce This unique experience of Legends" in Sharjah and its Booth #2281 its new Edge Mobile App features two teams battling participation in major project Collection at the IAAPA. it out in an oversized multi- currently underway in Qatar. Come see Simex-Iwerks' fl ying The collection includes the sensorial arena. Team 4D Vertical Experience demo popular iService arcade Battle is based on Triotech's Penny Press and learn about the company's management tool and new award-winning XD Dark Ride exciting new fi lm partnership Booth #806 apps for card replenishment Interactive theater. Using new that combines new content with and inventory management. technology and game-play Penny Press Factory continues the thrilling sense of fl ight. The iService app makes it design, the experience features to supply its GEM penny press The company will also simple to track and manage both team and individual to theme parks and attractions introduce a number of new every game at one or more scoring elements which drive around the world. The attractions fi lms, including three locations. Users can remotely interactivity and provide high innovative Penny Press features Warner Bros titles – Wonder put a game out of service for replay value. contactless payment, internal Woman, IT, and the family- maintenance and technicians token dispenser and wireless friendly adventure, Smallfoot. can use it to track repairs and Rocas & Design income reporting. The latest Visit the Simex-Iwerks when the game was placed back installation was at the QE2 in booth during this year's Booth #275 into service. All information is Dubai, UAE. Penny Press Factory show to learn how you can automatically updated on the As a worldwide leader in are actively searching for bring these blockbuster titles server and in the cloud. providing turnkey theming distributors around the world. to your visitor attraction.

Capturing your visitors and destination in one shareable moment

henever a guest visits an How does it work? iconic destination, they Visitors pose for a camera located in a want to share great photos distant location. The camera captures from their day, but picking the visitors and the backdrop using W the best image can be multiple cameras. It’s then stitched hard. They want to show together to create a piece of video their excitement but also how amazing the content that starts with a close-up of the destination is. This isn’t always possible visitors and dramatically zooms out to with a typical selfi e, but thanks to the new reveal a panoramic backdrop. ‘Super Selfi e’, this can be achieved. Thanks to Picsolve’s exclusive Key Benefi ts partnership with Panora.me, the Super For Picsolve’s partners, it produces a Selfi e takes the stunning backdrop of any short, shareable piece of video content The Super Selfi e uses multiple cameras destination and combines it with a ‘selfi e’ that is effective for social reach, ideal for to create a close up shot zooming out of the guests to create a short video with brand activation, and something visitors into a panorama of the attraction a fantastic zooming out effect. cannot capture themselves.

For visitors, it creates unique and instantly-shareable content that captures a memorable and enjoyable experience. The Super Selfi e is now live in multiple locations, including Studio City Macau. “We wanted to offer our guests an engaging way of capturing the scale and the beauty of our resort in one amazing piece of content, that guests would also want to share again and again,” says Aaron The Super Selfi e Glade, assistant director, Entertainment technology has Operations at Studio City Macau. already been “The Super Selfi e was the perfect piece installed in multiple of technology to do this and we are really locations, including pleased to be the fi rst in Asia to have this Studio City Macau installed. The response from our guests has been brilliant.” O

114 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ATTRACTIONS-KIT.NET Lauren Heath-Jones, products editor, Attractions Management

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

OAssassin’s Creed: The Temple of Anubis was announced at the 2017 IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida

Assassin’s Creed VR Maze will widen attraction’s appeal, says Triotech founder Ernest Yale

edia-based attractions and CEO Ernest Yale. “Already physically touch the walls and M developer Triotech has more than 100,000 people have obstacles that appear in the VR. partnered with Ubisoft to experienced our VR Maze all over “We’re continuing our create Assassin’s Creed: The the world and this next chapter expansion into other areas of Temple of Anubis – a new free- will deﬁ nitely widen its appeal.” entertainment, leveraging our roaming virtual-reality experience, The experience, which is popular game brands such developed exclusively for set in ancient Egypt, allows as Assassin’s Creed to create Triotech’s VR Maze attraction. guests to step into the new experiences for fans and The hotly-anticipated shoes of the hero, Bayek. to capture the imagination experience, which was announced In the game, players can of new audiences,” said at last year’s IAAPA in Orlando, explore temples, dodge Deborah Papiernik, senior VP Florida, is based on the Assasin’s arrows and experience the of New Business at Ubisoft. Creed videogame franchise. iconic leap of faith made “We’re really excited to partner famous in the franchise. ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD with Ubisoft on Assassin’s As the attraction is set inside TRIOTECH OErnest Yale, Triotech founder Creed,” said Triotech founder a maze, players are able to

Alterface founder Benoit Cornet on the creation of Le Kinétorium for the Jardin d’Acclimation, Paris

orking with longtime an interactive dark ride that W collaborator Jora Vision, takes guests on an adventure interactive and media- through the abandoned based attractions provider greenhouse of a mad scientist. Alterface has created a new In the ride, the scientist has interactive attraction at the lost control of his creations – OVisitors are tasked Jardin d’Acclimation in Paris. an army of mutant plants. with stopping the mutant Tasked with designing a Alterface project managed plants before they invade ride in keeping with the park’s the ride, which was brought to the streets of Paris theming, Alterface and Jora life with video and projection Vision created Le Kinétorium, mapping. It features the company’s Salto! show control management solution, as well difference. This adds a challenge as its shooting technology. and more dimension to the Jora Vision was responsible for game for advanced players. the design and build of the queue “More than creating some line, pre-show and main theatre. sort of emotional overload, “Le Kinétorium combines both we have worked on ﬁne-tuning technology and theming to make the attraction and this is what a strong attraction for young is generating most of the fun. and old,” says Benoit Cornet, It’s a great addition to Jardin founder and CEO of Alterface. d’Acclimations’s offering.” “The capabilities of our shooting technology have ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD O The attraction includes Alterface’s allowed us to place some little ALTERFACE latest shooting technology gems, which are making a true OBenoit Cornet, Alterface founder

New waterpark will transform resort into one of Dominican Republic’s top family attractions, says Vortex president Stephen Hamelin

he upcoming Circle Vortex was selected by both T Resort from Meliá Sans and Meliá Hotels, due to the Hotels International will company’s expertise in creating feature a waterpark outﬁtted imaginative and interactive by Vortex International. aquatic play experiences, as Located in Punta Cana well as its “sophisticated in the Dominican Republic, and elegant” designs. the waterpark will feature four pools with three Vortex Elevations multi-level structures and four standalone water slides, as well as ground-level OArchitect and concept designer Alvaro Sans created the waterpark Poolplay elements to create a highly-immersive play area. “We’re convinced that the water and creating memorable “We’re delighted to develop collaboration between Vortex and experiences for the whole family our aquatic play installations for Meliá will enrich the experience with innovative, sustainable, and Circle At Paradisus Palma Real of our clients,” says William recreational water features.” and help make the resort a top Bernal Wall, VP of works and destination for families,” says maintenance for Sol Meliá. ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD Stephen Hamelin, president “This agreement will bring VORTEX of Vortex International. OStephen Hamelin, Vortex them the joy of playing with

116 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PROMOTION Sally Corporation partners with Aardman to create a Shaun the Sheep dark ride

What is it? colourful world of Shaun the Sheep. Aardman, the world-famous Guests can expect an adventure animation studio has partnered fi lled with slapstick humor and all with dark ride specialists, the playful antics that Shaun (the Sally Corporation, to develop leader of the fl ock) can conjure up an array of dark ride concepts in a four minute ride experience. based on the stop motion Immersive sets and scenery series, Shaun the Sheep. and custom animatronics will The Shaun The Sheep- mimic iconic scenes from the themed dark ride is being movie and series. Buyers can says Lauren Weaver, director “Shaun the Sheep loves marketed to any park looking choose from a classic storytelling of marketing, communications new adventures,” says Ngaio for a fun, family ride. dark ride or a repeatable and business development Harding-Hill, senior manager interactive gaming experience. at Sally Corporation. of attractions and live What to expect experiences at Aardman. Riders will step aboard custom- Who’s it for? Benefi ts “We’re thrilled by the themed vehicles that will transport With Sally’s ability to custom Q Family ride opportunity to provide Shaun’s them through the rural, rustic and design dark rides, this attraction Q Internationally popular IP global family audiences with is suitable for any size park, or Q Funny, slapstick humor a unique way to immerse FEC looking to satisfy their family Q Cross-cultural appeal themselves in the world sector/demographic and gain a Q Bonus holiday animation of our characters.” marketable IP for their location. Q Loved by all ages “From farm-themed attractions Contact Sally Corporation and play parks, to cafés and Background today to learn more stage shows, people are noticing Aardman Attractions and Q[email protected] the universal appeal of this Live Experiences department Q+1 (904) 355-7100 popular IP and integrating it into specialises in creating immersive QVisit www.sallycorp.com to attractions world-wide. Now, experiences which appeal to learn more about our 40 years Sally gets the opportunity to and engage the whole family. of destination-quality dark rides join in the fun and create a fully Sally’s experience of creating immersive Shaun the Sheep family dark rides for parks ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORDS dark ride that will be nothing around the world, makes SALLY CORPORATION OLauren Weaver, Sally Corporation short of a fl ockin’ good time,” this a perfect partnership.

A DAY IN THE LIFE Simworx is a media-based attractions specialist acknowledged as one of the world’s leading suppliers of Dynamic Motion Simulation Attractions and 4D Eff ects Cinemas for the entertainment, education and corporate markets worldwide. It’s CEO, Terry Monkton, takes us through the life of a ride, from conception to creation

or the Simworx team, which has designed, built and installed its products in locations worldwide, GET TO KNOW SIMWORX including in the UK, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, What products do you offer? F New Zealand and the Middle East, Our offering includes 3D/4D effects theatres, Immersive Tunnels, quality and innovation are key. the Immersive Adventurer, VR 4D Rides, the Stargazer motion ride, “We strive to be the leading global Mini Flying Theatre, AGV (Advanced Guidance Vehicle) dark rides, supplier of media based attractions,” the Cobra motion ride and our ParadropVR system. says company CEO Terry Monkton. “At Simworx, we’re renowned for our What sectors do you work in? quality products, performance, technical We work mainly with amusement and theme parks, family expertise and creative attraction solutions. entertainment centres, museums, aquariums, safari parks, zoos, The idea that we can successfully work retail malls, and in the education and corporate sectors. with a client to achieve their aspirations and develop a ride they’re truly happy What projects are you working on at the moment? with inspires us. On opening day, We’re working on a multitude of projects in various parts of the seeing the client and their customers world. Many are subject to NDAs so we can’t give share this enjoying the ride experience and hearing information yet. Two we can talk about, however, are the Immersive their comments just adds to that.” Superfl ume for Trans Studio in Indonesia and the fi rst example of The Simworx service book includes full our Mini Flying Theatre for Baosun Wildlife Park in Vietnam. turnkey solutions, custom attractions, product development, manufacturing and service support, to fi lm content, motion programming and complete

118 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Four of Simworx’s Stargazer units have been utilised within Gaffe Á Gaston at Parc Spirou PROMOTION: SIMWORX

We continue to evolve the product range and adopt the very latest in advancements in technology

themed attractions. For Monkton, as a leading technology company, Simworx always has to be at the forefront in every part of its business. KEY CLIENTS “We continue to evolve the product range and adopt the very latest in O Parc Spirou, France advancements in technology,” he says. O National Geographic “We’re also mobilising the sales team to be truly global so that we can be proactive O Ferrari Land, PortAventura, Spain in territories where demand is high.” O Dubai Parks and Resorts – Motiongate The development process Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai Focussing on the Stargazer and Immersive O Hub Zero, Dubai Tunnel rides completed for the recently opened Parc Spirou in France, Monkton O Movie Park Germany explains how a new attraction goes from conception to reality and the O Trans Studio, Indonesia steps that have to be taken to ensure it O Parques Reuinidos reaches the highest quality standards. “We were originally approached in O Companie De Alpes, Futuroscope, France June 2013 by a company called Parexi,” says Monkton. “They had developed the concept and masterplan for Parc Spirou and were looking for Simworx to produce a number of media based attractions for the park based on the Spirou IP. “After several meetings this culminated design stage, which typically features in the Stargazer and Immersive Tunnel preliminary design and detailed design. attractions being ordered and subsequently “During these stages we work with opening at the park in June 2018.” our partners to design the rides, to For Simworx, the project management meet their technical needs and to match team was made up of Richard Monkton their creative aspirations. The design and Tony Whiley – overseen by head then goes through a third party safety of projects Martin Booth – along with design review process and once all mechanical and electrical engineers, parties are happy with this, we enter the software and AV technicians. Outside procurement and manufacturing stage.” of the company, Simworx worked with During the design phases, Simworx will a number of different parties, including work with the client’s architects to provide Parc Spirou’s management team, layout drawings and information for facility Parexi’s project management team, IP load details and power requirements. This provider Média Participations, the local means the architects can then make a authority, shareholders, investors and start on creating a structure to house the the park’s safety inspectors Socotec. ride, queuing areas, pre-show area and the “Before signing the contract, we plant room. Through the entire process, discussed the ﬁnal ride choices, and quality and safety are always placed at produced concepts and ﬁrst draft layout the forefront of the process for Monkton. drawings,” Monkton explains. “Once the “The client is invited to check contract was signed, we moved to the the work in progress throughout

120 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Accompanied by a pre-show staring Spirou, the Dinosaur Island Immersive Tunnel is a totally immersive experience for all ages

For a complex, the process,” he says. “We carry agreement with the IP provider. Simworx out a strenuous factory acceptance bespoke ride will then custom-design a ride tailored test, which the client is invited to to the park and the IP’s requirements. attend before the ride’s shipping. we offer a ‘hand “When we produce a ride related to an “Once the rides have been delivered to IP , we produce an initial concept and send site, we carry out mechanical and electrical holding’ service these to the parks, who in turn send them installation elements and install the AV to the licensor for approval,” says Monkton. components. Once hardware has been fully where we have an “Depending on feedback received, installed, we programme the ride’s motion we’ll then tweak the designs until proﬁle and special effects cues, something expert technician they’re approved by the licensor.” we do in conjunction with the client.” Simworx’s Stargazer ride, as an example, on site for 30 is based on the character Gaston from IP creation the Spirou universe. The ride sees guests When working with intellectual properties, days after the seated in replicas of Gaston’s car and an extra layer is added into the process. taken on a wild ride with the character, Typically, the park arranges a licence attraction opens who is an enthusiastic inventor.

IMMERSIVE SUPERFLUME The ride’s motion base and immersive screens are imworx has recently The under development will sync up with the action added to a flume ride for partnered with ride will use 16-seater boats on-screen as riders escape what will be a totally unique, with water ride and a conveyor loading the prehistoric beasts. world first visitor experience Sspecialist Interlink to system, with riders leaving Having escaped, the ride create a brand new the loading/unloading will then continue through attraction concept – the station to travel through another dinosaur-themed along another section of Immersive Superflume. a dinosaur-themed area. section before entering the ride to the station. Featuring a motion base On the ride, they enter an a vertical lift, which will Throughout the ride and immersive screens added immersive tunnel where include further theming and experience, large screens to a traditional flume ride, the their boat will stop and huge various special effects. built to accommodate 3D experience at Trans Studio in screens on either side of At the ride’s 12m (39ft) and 4K projection will be Indonesia will be a world first them bring the dinosaurs peak, the boats will plunge used in combination with an for any visitor attraction when to life. On the ride, the into a final splash pool, audio system to place riders it opens in December 2019. movement of the boats before heading back at the centre of the action.

122 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The Mini Flying Theatre concept offers a model more affordable for smaller visitor attractions

MINI FLYING THEATRE

esigned to entertain type of attraction into the each side of a central holding and backward motion, while guests of all ages, reach of smaller operators, structure – on a normal the sensation of flying is the first example of with a more accessible price horizontal plane. As the ride enhanced with the riders’ legs DSimworx’s recently- range and smaller overall cycle begins, the seats are dangling freely below them. introduced Mini Flying footprint but still utilising lifted into the air in a smooth In-theatre effects are Theatre will open in Q1 cutting-edge ride technology. transition to panorama mode, also included, with riders 2019 at the Baosun Wildlife The ride features an with the rear rows moving experiencing water spray, Park in Hanoi, Vietnam. immersive, large format, above those in front. wind, snow, smoke and Developed as a smaller one quarter dome screen Guests experience special effects lighting. option to the 60-seat Flying concept, with 20 seats and movement, matched to the The Mini Flying theatre is Theatre also offered by an hourly capacity of up to on-screen footage. This also supplied with surround Simworx, the Mini Flying 250 guests. Riders are seated includes programmable heave sound audio and an HD or Theatre brings this popular in four rows of five – two on and tilt along with forward 4K 3D projection system.

“These are highly dynamic, 6DOF, “We stay in touch with the park’s project Once the ride has been delivered and eight–seater vehicles. Four are used management team continually, keeping is up an running, Simworx continues in the attraction,” Monkton explains. them informed of the development and its relationship with the client, ensuring “We created the design for the vehicles build of the ride, as well as installation it remains of the highest quality and and then the moulds which again have and commissioning planning. is fully operational for visitors. to be approved by both the licensor and “Once installed, the ride is reviewed “For a complex, bespoke ride we offer the park. It’s imperative that everything with the client with a view to obtaining a ‘hand holding’ service where we have we do is approved by the IP owner.” the final signed handover certificate.” an expert technician on site for 30 days As a company with vast experience after the attraction opens,” says Monkton. Client relationships and many high-profile projects, Monkton “When it’s been running for a month While some levels of involvement from says the key to success is to be aware or two, we review the attraction with the client are obviously expected, of, and subsequently avoid, any potential the client for any minor adjustments. how much involvement during the obstacles you could encounter through “We also provide an after sales development process is up to the the entire process – from start to finish. service support contract so that any client and what the project entails. “The key to the successful delivery of prospective client knows Simworx will “It differs between whether the ride any project is to ensure you don’t have always be on hand to support them.” is a standard ride from our portfolio challenges,” he explains. “We’ve installed or is a custom ride,” says Monkton. hundreds of rides over the years, so we CONTACT SIMWORX “The client is involved through know what can crop up. We’ve learned Phone: +44 (0) 1384 295 733 the preliminary design phase – to ensure the project process runs as Fax: +44 (0) 1384 296 525 and possibly, once complete, the smooth as possible, so any issues are Email: [email protected] final detailed design stage. addressed before they become challenges.” Website: www.simworx.co.uk

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IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2019

Conference Nov. 18–22, 2019 | Trade Show Nov. 19–22, 2019 Orange County Convention Center | Orlando, FL, US

www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpowww.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo www.polin.com.tr