Northern Calif. Fairgrounds Activated by American Red Cross in Wildfires

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January 2019 | Vol. 22 • Issue 10 www.amusementtoday.com IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 Northern Calif. fairgrounds activated sets records, debuts new logo by American Red Cross in wildfires ORLANDO — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) capped its Evacuees find shelter, centennial year in grand fashion as its annual trade show food during state’s became the organization’s largest and best-attended ever. deadliest blazes IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018, which ran Nov. 12-16, drew a record 42,000 registered attractions industry profes- AT: Pam Sherborne sionals. The event covered 600,375 net square feet at the [email protected] Orange County Convention Center, where 1,151 companies displayed innovative new products and services. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA “There is no better way to celebrate IAAPA’s centen- — Several county fairs in north- nial anniversary than with a remarkable and record-break- ern California canceled regular ing Expo,” said Hal McEvoy, IAAPA president and CEO. business during the second week “IAAPA’s mission is to connect attractions professionals of November and began operat- with each other and with new and innovative ideas. All that ing in an entirely different capac- and much more happened in Orlando.” ity as official American Red A wildfire that started Nov. 8 in California’s Butte County Aside from the crowd on the trade show floor, 15,128 Cross shelters. devastated neighborhoods and killed dozens. Several fair- people participated in 149 education experiences, which The Red Cross activated five grounds, including the home of the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico included multiple-day institutes and symposia, behind-the- county fairgrounds closest to a (shown below), served as evacuation centers. scenes tours of area attractions, roundtable discussions woodland fire that reportedly COURTESY GLENN COUNTY FAIR & FAIRGROUNDS (FIRE); and constituency lunches. began Nov. 8 near Camp Fire AMERICAN RED CROSS/GOLD COUNTRY REGION Road in Butte County, resulting Expo participants also raised approximately $120,000 in its designation as the Camp for Give Kids the World through a golf tournament, a Fire. Fueled by dry conditions motorcycle ride, a fun run and walk, individual and cor- and fanned by strong winds, porate donations, and a hole-in-one challenge. IAAPA the outbreak spread rapidly and members raised approximately $50,000 for the IAAPA massively, becoming the deadli- Foundation through a silent auction, benefiting programs est wildfire in the state's history. that support tomorrow’s industry leaders and the Al By the time Amusement Today Weber Scholarship Fund. went to press, 85 were confirmed IAAPA revealed a new logo (shown below) at the dead in the disaster, which Kickoff Event as part of a branding initiative designed to burned more than 150,000 acres launch the organization’s next 100 years. Reflecting the and destroyed more than 18,000 energy and diversity of IAAPA’s global membership, its structures, including hundreds official debut was Jan. 1. of homes in Paradise, Calif. The County Fair, Gridley; Yuba- At the height of the emergen- •iaapa.org cause of the fire was still under Sutter County Fair, Yuba City; cy, the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds investigation. Glenn County Fair, Orland; housed some 6,000 firefighters A concurrent wildfire in Plumas-Sierra County Fair, and search-and-rescue team Greater Los Angeles called the Quincy; and Silver Dollar Fair, members from across the U.S. Woolsey Fire added to the total Chico. The fairs played a signifi- It was backed by the California losses in the state, killing three, cant role in the response. Conservation Corps, a state gov- burning just under 100,000 acres “The operation here has ernment department that falls and destroying almost 1,500 been more like a mini-fair for under the California Resources structures. us in the way in which it was Agency. The Northern California operated,” said Melissa Fornof, “They brought in their own fairgrounds activated by the exhibit representative of the Red Cross are home to the Butte Silver Dollar Fair. 4See WILDFIRES, page 4

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AT NOTEBOOK: Tim Baldwin, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint What’s refreshed is new again While the old adage, “What’s old is new again,” quite often refers to style and trends, there is something very encouraging when a park reinvests in an established — or even ag- ing — attraction to keep it not only running but give it new life. Baldwin Europa-Park comes to mind. In 2018, its big investment was a major overhaul of its indoor EuroSat coaster, but management didn’t stop there. Two other attractions, a dated dark ride and a children’s outdoor electric car ride, got a wonderful refresh. Where once was a tired dark ride about the age of dinosaurs is now a de- lightfully rethemed adventure called Madame Freudenriech – Curiosités, about an elderly woman raising dinosaurs in her backyard. Elsewhere in the park, a children’s simple electric rail outdoor ride has had scenes and sets added along the way and now tells another children’s story, Jim Button – Jour- ney Through Morrowland. Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced a first-of-its-kind single- rail roller coaster, Wonder Woman Steel Lasso Coaster, but GUEST OPINION: Erik H. Beard, Managing Member / Gen. Counsel, International Ride Training in so doing had to relocate the park’s carousel. The move prompted a total revamp of a sleepy area of the park and Guest engagement as a safety tool refurbishment of the carousel, along with added embellish- If you’ve flown on an airline recently, and rider warnings. Beyond simple warm, ments to the area that truly enhance its atmosphere. With the you have surely noticed a change in fuzzy feelings, engagement is about mak- release of an older IP theme for its dark ride, instead of sim- many of the pre-flight safety announce- ing our guests safer. ply retiring the attraction, the park opted to exercise some ments. Mostly gone are the days of a How do we improve guest engage- flight attendant standing at the front of ment? Obviously, not every park can take creativity and keep it by adding an original storyline. The in- the cabin making monotone announce- a cue from the airlines and show enter- house team came up with the designs and built many sets ments about emergency exits, floor taining videos at every ride location. But themselves, reworking the ride into Pirates of the Deep Sea. lighting and seat belt usage. Instead, Beard there are other things that can be done, In the past, Schlitterbahn took an unpopular lazy riv- airlines have turned to sophisticated, such as infusing automatic spiels with er and, with moderate expense, turned it into a market- energetic and, yes, even entertaining videos to more entertaining and lively instructions to cut able powerhouse called Congo River Expedition by add- convey safety information to passengers. through the noise on ride platforms. Train the Why? Because the airline industry has fig- ride operators not only what to say, but how ing themed scenes. And this summer, Knott’s Berry Farm ured out that engaging passengers maximizes to say it in an interesting manner. And within will debut Calico River Rapids — a refresh, accomplished the likelihood that they will pay attention to this reason, give ride operators freedom to infuse through a themed overlay and animatronics, that will add information. Wouldn’t that also be the case at an their spiels with their personalities so that not new guest appeal and marketability to a 30-year-old rapids amusement ride? every operator sounds the same — even as the ride. (See page 11.) Unfortunately, guest engagement in the content of the information remains consistent. In years when parks can’t afford to install a massive new attractions industry is often thought of only as a Most importantly, expect, don’t just encourage, guest service issue. Our employees are trained operators to speak to guests one-on-one by ride, there are certainly opportunities to upgrade an existing to be nice to our guests, to anticipate their treating engagement the same as other safety attraction — a train, a car ride, a log flume — and add promo- needs and to ensure that they feel welcome policies from a management perspective. tional clout while invigorating an old favorite for generations at our facilities. All of that is important, but Safety is as important in our industry as it to come. It’s an idea worth pondering when taking a daily engagement goes deeper. Just as on an air- is in aviation. So why not borrow what’s work- stroll through the park. plane, guests who feel engaged are more likely ing for the airlines to enhance safety on our to listen to safety spiels, onboard instructions attractions? Opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder & Publisher Managing Editor Production Manager owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna • (817) 460-7220 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial Monthly Contributors Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Trademarked 2019 by Amusement Today Inc., all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager, Circulation Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x4 Association Memberships Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 x5 [email protected] ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] • (717) 843-3050 PAPA, PACE, SLA, TTIA, WWA Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, B. Derek Shaw [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Advertising Industry Affiliated Charities Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3

THE INDUSTRY SEEN MINUTE Meeting the music makers at IAFE DRILL 2 AT: Janice Witherow Pete Barto, S&S Worldwide, Inc. Pete Barto has a rare combination of experience, having worked for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, a ride manufacturer and an amusement park — some might say the trifecta of the business. As director of sales for S&S Worldwide, Inc., of North SAN ANTONIO, Texas — After nearly 50 years in Logan, Utah, Barto has found his marketing Las Vegas, the annual convention of the International groove and enjoys strategic planning, follow- Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) has relocated ing trends and taking an extra-personable to San Antonio. Famed rock ’n’ roll singer and dancer approach to developing industry relation- Chubby Checker, who was on hand to promote his agen- ships. An avid golfer, he also loves ice hockey cy, Twisted Booking, run by The Shelly Field Organization, and hanging out with his family and friends. sampled a recent of issue of AT shared by reporter B. Derek Shaw (right). Post-happy hour, traditional country Number of years in the industry: 15 music singer Tony Jackson, a former Marine, chatted with AT publisher Gary Slade (left). Kudos to both of these Best thing about the industry: That’s talented artists for their success — and for contributing easy… the people. The people in this to the soundtrack of our lives. industry are so passionate and proud of AT/B. DEREK SHAW, GARY SLADE (RIGHT PHOTO) their parks and products.

Favorite amusement park ride: Whether fulfilling his role as S&S World- I like coasters, but I never considered wide’s director of sales or raising the “bar” myself a coaster enthusiast. I am a park for park enthusiasm (as he is here), Pete enthusiast and a big fan of the classic rides. Barto is all about the attractions industry. I love the old-fashioned, bang-through-the- COURTESY PETE BARTO door dark ride. I never pass up a chance to ride a Whip, and I have a deep apprecia- Biggest pet peeve: Rude people. I have tion for carousels. But if I need to pick one no place for them in my life. particular ride, I would probably pick the Coal Cracker Flume Ride at Hersheypark The sport I enjoy playing the most is… in Hershey, Pa. It has been my favorite ride Golf. I have been addicted to it since age since age four. nine. Not sure why I am not better!

If I wasn’t working in the amusement All-time favorite sitcom: It’s Always Sunny industry, I would be… Doing something in Philadelphia or Cheers. I didn’t enjoy. It took me almost 10 years of feeling unfulfilled before I stumbled into Of the Seven Wonders of the World, the this industry. My retirement plan is to be a one I would most like to see is… greeter at a park! The World’s Largest Cheese Wheel!

Biggest challenge facing our industry: I Favorite Michael Jackson song: am not sure if I would consider it a chal- “Thriller”… just ask me to do the dance. lenge as much as a demand, but I feel that safety will always be our biggest challenge. I get most news from… The internet.

The thing I like most about amusement / On a long flight, I… Watch TV and eat. I water park season is… That special feel- have difficulty sleeping on planes (which is ing I get as I drive up to a park and see the not good for someone in my profession). skyline of the park’s rides. It always brings me back to my childhood and the anticipa- My next vacation will be… Napa Valley. I tion of what I am going to ride first (even if have always wanted to go to Wine Country. the park is closed). Favorite after-dinner drink: Ketel One Favorite pizza topping: Pepperoni (and and soda with two limes. extra cheese). On Sunday morning, I usually… Good In which grocery store aisle would we weather — play golf. Bad weather — go most likely find you? Cheese. to church.

The book I am reading right now is… If my life was a TV show, it would be What is a book? called… “Easy Like Sunday Morning.” That has always been my mantra. It’s January! My New Year’s resolution is… Try to relax more. The person who makes me laugh the most is… My friends. I surround myself with peo- The best fast food is… In-N-Out Burger. ple that keep things light. I love to laugh. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 WILDFIRES two years. they can pull together in such Continued from page 1 In January 2017, the loca- short time.” Disney donates $500,000 to tion became a Red Cross shelter Shelters that accept evacu- housing items, showers, food when the Oroville Dam expe- ated animals, she noted, have support firefighters, victims and equipment,” Fornof said. rienced a spillway failure. “We special considerations and “Our staff was onsite to pro- had about 150,000 evacuees on needs. During the Camp Fire, BURBANK, Calif. — In early December, The Walt Disney vide operational aid and main- the grounds,” Mohr said. the California State Fair was able Co. committed $500,000 to support relief and recovery efforts tenance.” In October 2017, dur- to supply the Butte County Fair in response to the California wildfires. At the start of December, ing wildfires in Sonoma and with additional fencing for large Disney split the donation between the Wildfire Relief with the fire under control and Napa counties, the grounds of animals. Fund, which is administered by the California Community the firefighters departs from the the California State Fair served Ken Anater of the Foundation and supports intermediate and long-term recov- Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, area as a shelter for the Red Cross California Department of Food ery efforts, as well as preparedness; and the California Fire residents who were left perma- Emergency Transient Center, and Agriculture said emergency Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assis- nently or temporarily homeless housing 100-150 firefighters. aid is usually initiated at the tance to firefighters, their families and those who live in the transitioned to the Chico loca- “They would go out and local level, with evacuation sites impacted communities. tion from other shelters as the fight the fire during the day and established closest to the impact- “The firefighters are true heroes, and we honor their tire- Red Cross began consolidation. then come back here at night,” ed areas and then expanding less commitment as they continue to battle these devastating The organization also provided Mohr said. “We had all their when needed. His department wildfires,” said Bob Iger, Disney chairman and CEO. “Our transportation. Fornof expect- equipment here as well.” works to shelter animals during hearts go out to the families and communities that have been ed about 800 evacuees on the Mohr pointed out that it emergencies. so severely affected.” grounds during the first week of is a huge undertaking for fair- The Camp Fire disaster, December. grounds and other evacuation Anater acknowledged, was The Silver Dollar sites to become a shelter of any unique and presented “challeng- Fairgrounds, Fornof noted, has kind. Items such as bedding, es on a scale like we have never been called upon several times showers, portable toilets and seen before.” They included the previously in emergency situ- food supply vehicles have to be round-the-clock efforts of the ations. brought to the grounds. Staff strategic command center for the According to Margaret and volunteers must handle mat- fire in Sacramento. Mohr, deputy general manager ters including the registration of Officials also noted the valu- of marketing at the California evacuees, providing health care, able role social media played in State Fair in Sacramento, press- locating family members and the disaster response. The Red ing fairgrounds into this type trying to find additional long- Cross, government entities and of service is not unusual when term assistance. several fairgrounds continu- the need arises. Although her “It is very crucial for the ously posted information and Resources at the Red Cross evacuation center at the Silver fair did not serve as an active management of the building to updates regarding evacuation Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., included food supply shelter in this emergency, she be onsite, as well as security and sites, donations and the fire- vehicles, an animal shelter, health services, free Verizon Wi- said the site has been activated chief of plant,” Mohr said. “The fighters’ progress. Fi and laundry facilities. for this purpose twice in the last Red Cross is amazing in what •redcross.org/goldcountry COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS/GOLD COUNTRY REGION January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  MGM's Vegas resorts offer cutting-edge attractions — page 10 / IAFE lands in San Antonio — page 16 First-of-its-kind attraction at sea Carnival Cruise Line and Maurer partner for coaster on a cruise ship AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] Positioned on the uppermost aft deck, the roller coaster wraps around the ship's funnel. COURTESY CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES MIAMI, Fla. — It was bound to happen eventually. Cruise ships have added all sorts of amusement industry attractions as of late. Companies continue to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market by adding the latest waterslides, interactive play structures and observation attractions. But a roller coaster onboard? That’s new. The newly named Mardi Gras is going to be a huge deal when she sets sail in 2020. The name not only pays homage to Carnival Cruises’ first ship in 1972, but the company believes the name suggests innovation in cruising circles. The new ship will also about two years ago,” said Steve Carnival’s Glenn Aprile be the first to feature a roller Boney, executive business devel- stands near a Spike coaster coaster-style attraction at sea. opment, Maurer Rides. “With a vehicle at the Maurer Rides Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster is the ship, this opens up a new mar- booth at IAAPA name of the new Spike Coaster ket — it’s something that’s never Attractions Expo 2018. supplied by Maurer Rides of Glenn Aprile, director of innova- been done. We’ve spent a lot of AT/TIM BALDWIN Munich, Germany. tion, Carnival Cruises. “Creating time technically. With a ship, The Spike Coaster system an experience you might expect there are space limitations and relaxing reading a book.” puts the power in the hands of on land but is a ‘wow’ on a ship weight limitations. We had to Riders straddle motor cycle the rider. With handlebars com- makes the ship more marketable. address that from the very begin- seats. The vehicle is positioned plementing the motorcycle-style When guests are deciding on ning. That wasn’t a big challenge, around rails that are built on a seating, riders are in control of which ship or cruise they want to but we still had to cross that vertical plane. From the rider’s the speed. take, the features on the ship play hurdle. The Spike system is the point of view, it would appear to “One of the things we like to a part of that.” lightest coaster available.” be a single rail. look at is ‘What can we do on the When positioned on the top Bolt’s 720-plus feet of track One of the unique cool fac- ship that is completely unexpect- deck, the track will rise 170 feet will soar above spectators and tors of a coaster on a ship is the ed and exciting.’ We like things above the surface of the water. encircle the ship’s funnel. changing views. Mardi Gras will also boast that make our ships shine,” said “We started [discussions] “A ship is elegant. You had “Every day, the view from being the greenest cruise ship in to make sure it didn’t look like the coaster changes,” said Boney. North America by being powered Medusa’s hair,” laughed Boney. “One day you could be riding by clean-burning liquified natural “We had to work with the design looking at New York City’s har- gas. The ship is 1,130 feet long. to make sure we were keeping bor and another day looking at Other amenities of the ship with Carnival’s brand.” Miami’s harbor. You never do are yet to be released. “Roller coasters are typically that with a regular roller coaster. Carnival cruises are centered loud on land, which in some ways All from 170 feet up in the air.” around fun. The company states is part of the excitement, but we Throughput was a consid- when its first ship was launched were attracted to this particular eration, but no target was estab- in 1972, a goal was to make cruis- product because it is very quiet,” lished from Carnival. The ship es “less stuffy.” said Aprile. “On a ship you will is expected to transport approxi- The ship is currently under have this roller coaster passing mately 5,200 guests. There will be construction in Finland. Being 30 by not too far from an area where 19 passenger decks. percent larger than the compa- While traveling aboard Bolt, riders will enjoy views of the people will be lounging by a pool. The speed, approaching ny’s biggest ship to date, it will be 40 mph, creates 1.2 Gs of accel- Mardi Gras sea or a destination harbor from more than 170 feet above It wouldn’t be very therapeutic to the largest in the fleet. have a super loud roller coaster eration. “That’s twice that of a will set sail from Port Canaveral sea level. COURTESY CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES clamoring overhead while you’re Porsche 911,” said Boney. in 2020. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 NEAAPA at IAAPA New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions gathers in Orlando Past presidents unite at luncheon Morrow Dinner fetes ‘Mr. NEAAPA’

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 was the backdrop for NEAAPA’s annual Tom Morrow Dinner & IAAPA Social, which took place at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Orlando and was sponsored by a number of NEAAPA members. The dinner honors the late Tom Morrow, a past NEAAPA president and operations The New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAA- manager at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H., who became affectionately PA) held its annual luncheon and business meeting in November during the known as “Mr. NEAAPA” for his years of dedication to the association. A International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo record turnout of 140 attended the 2018 event. Attending sponsors were in Orlando. Several past NEAAPA presidents attended, included (from the (from left) Michael Marra-Powers, Premier Rides; Chris Bourgeios, Rhode left) Jason Freeman, Six Flags Entertainment Corp.; Kevin Naughton, Naugh- Island Novelty; Christian Gainer, Santa’s Village; Michael Mancini, Neptune- ton Insurance, Inc., Providence, R.I.; George Frantzis II, Quassy Amusement Benson / Evoqua; Joanna Guy, Premier Rides; Michael Amaro, IALDA; Tim & Waterpark, Middlebury, Conn.; Carl Berni, Canobie Lake Park, Salem, Timco, S&S Worldwide; Sara Seay, Premier Rides; Tom Tessitore, National N.H.; Dave Sugrue, Ocean Beach Park, New London, Conn.; David Daly, Ticket; Dorothy Lewis, XpressPosts.com; Anthony Berni III, Canobie Lake Daly Cavanaugh, LLP, Wellesley, Mass.; and Greg Chiecko, Eastern States Park; Kaz Ulaky, Canobie Lake Park; Ed Reeder, Uncommon USA; and Gary Exposition, West Springfield, Mass. COURTESY NEAAPA Slade, Amusement Today. COURTESY NEAAPA January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 MGM’s Las Vegas resorts offer attractions on the cutting edge AT: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

LAS VEGAS — It’s been 16 years since the closure of MGM Grand Adventures, a 33-acre theme park adjoining the MGM Grand hotel and casino. An oasis of innovative family fun in a land of smoky gambling halls, it enjoyed some initial popularity but, after a decade of operation, never generated enough profit to justify Amusement technology is a highlight at MGM’s resorts, thanks in part to VR attractions such as The Big Apple Coaster at the value of its real estate. New York-New York (far left) and Engineerium and Singularity at the MGM Grand. COURTESY MGM RESORTS INTL. Not quite forgetting its earlier foray into Sin City amusements, MGM Resorts Intl. a virtual reality option in early Nevada desert and over the bit of queasiness from doing Two very different offer- today is among several major 2018 called The Big Apple Las Vegas Strip, with plenty both adventures back-to-back, ings here are standouts. Strip resort operators keeping Coaster Virtual Reality (VR) of swooping, inverting action the experience delivered some Engineerium, set in a fantas- their properties stocked with Experience. The overlay, cre- coordinated with the coast- edgy, worthwhile thrills. tical world populated by flying more traditional forms of fun ated by VR Coaster, currently er’s undulations. The second VR in its purest interac- whales, giant parrots and other — albeit with the latest high- offers a choice of two comput- adventure, set in the “real” tive form is offered just across weird and colorful creatures, tech thrills. The company has er-generated immersive adven- New York, is a more impres- the Strip at the flagship MGM is a pseudo-puzzle game that attractions spread across its Las tures: one set in Las Vegas and sive affair involving giant mon- Grand. The hotel’s hip Level challenges participants to move Vegas portfolio, including vir- its desert environs and the sters rampaging through the Up arcade, which includes a through a maze suspended in tual reality, 4D theaters and other unfolding in midtown city streets. bar and an assortment of retro midair — stepping from one arcades opened or upgraded Manhattan. The VR hookup inside the and newer games, is home to floating stone walkway to over the last two years. The former begins as the coaster car is swift and efficient a 2,000-square-foot, free-roam- another. Singularity, a combat At MGM’s New York- rider, outfitted with a VR head- once the headset is in place. ing VR arena powered by Zero scenario, finds players trapped New York Hotel & Casino, set, assumes the role of a sci- But the ride’s intensity had Latency. Up to eight players in a military research space sta- the Big Apple Roller Coaster, entist in pursuit of an alien this reporter retightening the can participate in their choice tion under a relentless attack a 4,777-foot-long Togo steel that has escaped from an Area headset’s adjustment knob sev- of three 30-minute experiences by robots. looping coaster that opened 51-inspired research facil- eral times during the journey. that take place in a completely with the resort in 1997, added ity. The chase soars above the Despite that distraction, and a digital universe. 4See MGM, page 11 January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11

Visitors watched as the base and the flame of the 3,600-pound torch were trucked slowly and carefully to the museum construction site about 100 yards from the statue. Park The original, illuminated torch was removed in 1984 because the National Park Service and Post-its the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation determined that it was too badly damaged by leaking water to restore. A new, identical torch covered in 24-karat gold was installed in 1985 and the old one was placed in a museum in the MGM’s Excalibur and Circus Circus Adventuredome statue’s base. properties offer 4D theater experiences including short, AT: Pam Sherborne • action-packed movies based on the hit feature filmsSan [email protected] The owners of a local skating rink in Andreas and Ice Age. COURTESY MGM RESORTS INTL. Leesburg, Fla., gained approval from city plan- ners in November to build a 66,000-square-foot is San Andreas 4D Experience, a MGM According to Vince Kadlubek, CEO of indoor and outdoor amusement attraction on distillation of the hit 2015 earth- Continued from page 10 Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return in Santa 9.6 acres. quake disaster movie starring Fe, New Mexico, two new complexes similar to The Christley family has owned Skate Both experiences include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the increasingly popular flagship venue will open World for 35 years. The new Skate World fully dimensional moments in its most exciting action scenes in Las Vegas, Nev., and Denver, Colo., soon. Family Entertainment Center will include a which objects rendered as com- — all enhanced by rumbling The Santa Fe location debuted in March roller rink, a video arcade, an Avatar-themed puter graphics can actually be seats, explosive in-theater flash- 2016 as an immersive art installation filled with laser tag arena, rock-climbing walls and “bou- touched, adding to the startling es, wind effects and sprays of technology and fantastic, unexpected environ- tique bowling” lanes. Outside will be an 18-hole realism. water and “ash” made from ice ments. The explorable, 20,000-square-foot space miniature golf course. Those seeking immersive particles. The latter effect is put is a collaboration of the Meow Wolf art collective, In addition, there will be a second floor with fun with less time / money to particularly good use during which includes more than 100 local artists. meeting and event rooms. investment and sensory over- the Adventuredome’s Ice Age: Housed in a former bowling alley that was The center is expected to open in July. The load can select from several 4D No Time for Nuts 4D, an experi- purchased and renovated by author George family is selling the original Skate World building theater experiences created by ence inspired by the popular R.R. Martin (best known for A Song of Ice and to Beacon College for the purpose of creating a SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment animated film franchise featur- Fire, a series of fantasy novels adapted into student activities center. — located in the Fun Dungeon ing the manic saber-toothed the hit HBO TV series Game of Thrones), the • arcade at MGM’s Excalibur squirrel Scrat in a time-travel Meow Wolf complex is a unique combination Officials of the Carnegie Science Center Hotel & Casino and, farther story, complete with blasts of of children’s museum, art gallery, jungle gym in Pittsburgh, Pa., reopened the Miniature north along the Strip, inside cold air and “tickle” effects. and fantasy novel. Through dozens of rooms, Railroad & Village to the public in late the five-acre Adventuredome Visit MGM’s website for secret passages and interactive light and musical November with a new addition based on the amusement park at MGM’s more about the company’s objects, visitors can spend hours investigating cement houses in Donora, Pa., a town about 20 Circus Circus. resort-based attractions. the mystery of the Selig family, who disappeared miles south of Pittsburgh At Excalibur, the highlight •mgmresorts.com one night after conducting a forbidden experi- The attraction’s new historic model of ment inside their Victorian mansion. “Cement City” is a collection of seven houses, New effects, animatronics, name While providing a sophisticated artistic one still under construction, with the town’s experience with narrative depth for adults, residents outside hosting a block party. Cement for Knott’s Berry Farm rapids ride House of Eternal Return also contains plenty of City is an engineering feat by Thomas Edison fantasy and interactive elements appealing to that still stands. all ages. The attraction is the subject of a new Construction of the all-concrete homes documentary, Meow Wolf: Origin Story, which began in 1916. They housed employees of the traces the formation and work of the art collec- American Steel and Wire Co. tive and features a visual style inspired by the Andrew Spate, an exhibit technician, Santa Fe installation itself. worked on the attraction’s addition. • • Walt Disney World is no longer the top Currently anchored in the Maumee River, themed attraction in the Sunshine State when the Tug Ohio will become a part of the National it comes to social media reviews, according to Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, a report in Florida Today. The Kennedy Space after undergoing renovations this winter. Center Visitor Complex has surpassed it in Guests were invited to see the 1903-built positive online buzz. tugboat-turned-fireboat during one weekend With an aggregate rating of 4.7 out of before the work began in order to have a before- five across several social media platforms, the and-after perspective on the renovations. complex also has moved above several other Operated by the Great Lakes Historical Orlando attractions in garnering visitor raves. Society, the National Museum of the Great Recent and forthcoming additions at the Lakes is part of the the Toledo Maritime Center, Kennedy Space Center include a new, modern- a heritage location on the banks of the Maumee ized look for “Main Street,” the area between River on the city’s east side. the Rocket Garden and Space Shuttle Atlantis • exhibit encompassing the gift shop and bus The electric go-kart company K1 Speed tours entrance; new concession stands that is developing a new attraction that combines will feature more thematic elements, such as a real karting with gameplay through the use of BUENA PARK, Calif.— Bigfoot Rapids, a fixture at Knott’s redesigned Milky Way ice cream shop; and, by Oculus Rift VR headsets. Berry Farm for more than three decades, is undergoing September, the display of the last United Launch The concept finds go-kart racers wear- an extensive retheming and adding an expedition story- Alliance Delta II rocket. ing the headsets and navigating an actual line under a new name: Calico River Rapids. The attraction This year marks the 50th anniversary of the track through virtual imagery. As the com- will take voyagers in six-person circular rafts on a search Apollo 11 moon landing, and additional plans pany describes on its website, the aim is to for new land through the outskirts of Calico, where they are in the works to update exhibits at the Saturn get beyond even the best motion simulators will encounter indigenous wildlife and whitewater thrills. V Center to celebrate the milestone. by delivering “an authentic racing experience New show scenes, interactive water effects, and an array of • complete with cornering g-forces and that animatronic creatures and characters (supplied by longtime The Statue of Liberty’s original torch has instant ‘push your back into the seat’ torque” park collaborator Garner Holt Productions) are part of the been moved from storage at the base of the that electric motors provide. fun. The surprise-filled reimagining of the 1987-built Intamin statue to its new home in the new Statue of K1 hopes to debut the attraction at its ride debuts this summer. COURTESY KNOTT’S BERRY FARM Liberty Museum, set to open in May. Torrance, Calif., track this year. 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Mountaintop park turns to Poma again for transportation system Glenwood Caverns installs new tram to accommodate crowds AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — There’s nothing like the problem of being too successful. Such is the case of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a theme park built on top of a mountain in the Rockies. The idea started out small. Steve Beckley convinced his wife to buy Glenwood Caverns and begin cave tours in the mountains of Colorado in 1999. Bussing Four years later we put the The previous tram took passengers up during the final passengers to the top became tram in and we kept going week of its operation in October. The retired tram ran with limiting. To help accommo- from there.” 18 carriages in groups of three; the new system will have date more guests, Beckley The supplier of both 44 cars. The mountaintop view (below) is a main draw for purchased a cable car tram the new and previous tram visitors. AT/TIM BALDWIN system from Lietner-Poma is Lietner-Poma. Beckley and installed it in 2003. This reported that the older tram helped increase the capacity has been sold and will be of customers that could visit used elsewhere. In order to the park. For a while. install the new tram, utili- Over the years, Beckley ties had to be moved. All invested in unique attrac- Steve Beckley the water and natural gas tions, many of which took lines had to be eliminated advantage of the setting and without wind, the tram han- for the beefier new tram sys- the view that comes from dles about 300 people an tem; new lines were placed being on the top of a moun- hour. In the summertime we six feet below ground run- tain. The first alpine coaster can have an hour-and-a-half ning a mile and a half up in the U.S. (Weigand) arrived wait just to get to our cash a 1,400-foot elevation gain. in 2005. The first Soaring windows,” Beckley said. Beckley estimates the total Eagle zipline was installed “People come in and don’t investment in redoing the to take advantage of the want to wait. This new tram tram system to be around $8 spectacular views, as was the system will accommodate million, the park’s biggest good employees,” he said. sport 44 cars compared to dining deck of the Lookout about a thousand people an to date. “Even when we lose money the previous 18. Also, the Grille. Other rides such as a hour.” According to manage- in the winter months, having new cars will detach allow- wagon-themed Ferris wheel Beckley feels they will be ment, about 75 percent of those employees in March — ing for continual flow. With and a swing ride offer scenic able to accommodate close the attendees purchase a which is a huge month — we the previous system, the cars panoramas, and some even to four times as many people ride wristband, but there are just have to have that staff had to stop when a clus- accentuate the fear factor on the new tram current- visitors who come up only because we’re busy.” ter at the bottom were being by being placed at the edge ly being installed. The new for cave tours and a small Even with the park loaded and unloaded. The of mountainous cliffs. Most tram will work hand in hand amount of people who just in shutdown for the tram new tramway can also oper- rides fit in with a western with safety as it can with- ride up for the view. installation, Beckley says all ate in stronger winds. With town motif, none more so stand stronger winds, has a Glenwood Caverns staff are retained and will the retired system, the wind than the recent drop ride, the higher capacity and doesn’t Adventure Park operates be doing maintenance and speed limit was 35 mph. Haunted Mine Drop from have lightning issues. daily through the end of cleaning work. The park is expected to Soaring Eagle. This attrac- Music on the Mountain October. Weekend operation The new tram will reopen March 15. tion features dark ride-style is an event that can bring a typically begins for Winter theming in its storyline and thousand people to the top. on the Mountain where a plunges riders 110 feet into Busses had to be utilized to million lights are in place for an underground tunnel in alleviate the two-hour wait a different experience. This Iron Mountain. A storyline to get down the mountain. winter, the park is temporar- of ghostly miners adds to Beckley comments the bus ily closed (beginning the end the fun, and the innovative rides are not for the faint of of October) while the new attraction just recently took a heart heading down the 3.5- tram is installed. During the marketing Brass Ring at the mile mountainous road. traditional winter months, IAAPA Attractions Expo. “There was nothing up festive decorations (through With all this fun, atten- here [when we bought the February) are the usual main dance naturally grew. park] but a bunch of junk draw, but a handful of rides Beckley noticed that even cars and they were storing are still in operation. with the aerial tram, long computers in the cave. I told Even in slower months, lines were developing at my wife we were going to Beckley finds the continu- the bottom just for people buy it and do cave tours, and ous operation beneficial. to purchase tickets and ride she was all for it,” Beckley “Glenwood-Aspen-Vail up. Something needed to told Amusement Today. “The is a high rent district. We change, and the decision to first day we opened, 500 peo- have a one percent unem- replace the tram was made. ple showed up, and then we ployment rate here. We do Some of the park staff posed for a farewell picture on the “In perfect conditions needed to get more buses. everything we can to keep tram’s last day of operation. COURTESY GLENWOOD CAVERNS January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 The Tent Show camps out in Hershey; 600 attendees converge AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

HERSHEY, Pa. — Billed as the only yearly tent rental conference in North America, The Tent Show, as it is known, was set up in the parking areas adja- cent to Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in early November. The show, produced by the Manufacturers and Tent Renters Association, Inc. (MATRA), had over 80 manufacturers exhibiting, showcasing more than 20 different commercial-grade tents (frame, pole and clear span) to their members and other attendees. “Anything that goes underneath the tent, the exhibitors are here, from flooring, tables, air condi- The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center parking lot was home to the 31st annua The Tent Show, held Nov. 5-8. At the tioning – anything like that,” top is Hershey Medical Center; to the right is part of Hershey Lodge. COURTESY NELSON GRANDCHAMP/MATRA said Michael Tannen, executive director of MATRA. (two concurrently), geared mid 400s to over 600. “New “It’s four days of tent toward the rental industry, exhibitors are always find- installs, education and a lot were offered. Topics including out about us, wanting to of networking. There’s a lot ed tent teacher training, pole be a part of it. It’s important of new products, that [the tent particulars, equipment now, to try and find room manufacturers] always come care, along with sessions for them,” said Tannen. out to support the industry.” on cleaning, anchoring and Of special interest The second day, storing. Over the past three was an inflatable struc- Tuesday, was education day. years, attendee participa- ture by European company Eight different workshops tion has increased from the Evolution Dome. This is the first time they have dis- requests for companies that played in the United States. are further south that really The 20-by-40-foot seamless, want to be a part of this and waterproof structure they see our show,” said Tannen. brought had a high-wind MATRA, based in rating of 55 mph and created Wilmington, Del., has a mis- unique event spaces. sion to uphold and promote This is the second time the professionalism and the show held in Hershey integrity of the tent rental (the previous visit was in industry through education, 2014). When asked about training, networking and the hospitality provided leadership development for in Chocolate Town, USA, the benefit of its members. Tannen said, “Just like they •matramembers.org say, sweet! This whole area is full of nice people. They Signage at various support us. They want us locations throughout always coming back.” The Tent Show listed the Next year, The Tent convention schedule, Michael Tannen (left), executive director of MATRA, Show travels south to educational sessions and and MATRA President George Smith of Mahaffey Fabric Raleigh, N.C. — a first-time upcoming MATRA events. Structures, Memphis, Tenn., take a break from the show. location for the 32nd annual AT/B. DEREK SHAW AT/B. DEREK SHAW event. “There are a lot of January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 MIDWAYSCENE MIDWAY AT: B. Derek Shaw MARKET PLACE [email protected]

The York Fair in York, Pa., is moving its 18-19 and April 1-2). North American Midway dates in 2020 to a late-July / early-August time Entertainment has the contract. frame with the hopes of generating more week- • day attendance at a warmer time of year. It has The 2018 Maryland State Fair made a great been held the first Friday after Labor Day since impression at the International Association of 1942. Prior to that, the fair had been held in Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) convention in San October. The York County Agricultural Society Antonio, Texas, in late November by winning 11 board of directors recently voted to change the awards in various categories, including two for event’s 2020 run to July 24-Aug. 2. first place. “Regardless of the date for which the fair is Every year, IAFE recognizes excellence held, the York Fair will continue to be America’s in fair programming through four education- first fair and will carry on many of the outstand- al contests: Agriculture, Competitive Exhibits, ing traditions such as agriculture and entertain- Communications and Sponsorship. Fair mem- ment that the fair has built in its 253-year his- bers submit their ideas and programs to be tory,” said Bryan Blair, COO, in a release. judged by IAFE member representatives and Blair said a number of factors were consid- professionals from respective fields. ered in weighing the move, including fair trends, “Our Maryland State Fair team is honored research, and discussions with participants, ven- to be recognized for the hard work and dedica- dors, exhibitors and members. The 2019 fair will tion it takes to present high-quality, fun, and be held Sept. 6-15, with Deggeller Attractions educational entertainment events for more than providing several ride midways. a half million fairgoers each year,” said Maryland • State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman. There’s a change at the top for the In other news, the fair has awarded $50,000 Rockingham County Fair, Harrisonburg, Va. through four scholarship funds to 20 students. effective this month. Rebecca Holloway was The 138th Maryland State Fair runs Aug. named the new manager after 15 years of 22-Sept. 2, with Deggeller Attractions providing teaching agriculture for Rockingham County the rides. Schools. Holloway grew up showing livestock • at the fair and continued to volunteer while she Also during the IAFE convention in San was a student at Virginia Tech. Antonio, Jessica Underberg, manager / CEO “We had some ideas of having events dif- of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., was ferent times throughout the year, just in support elected as IAFE’s 2019 chair. Underberg is the of the Rockingham County Fair and the events youngest person to ever chair the association. we hold during the fair week,” Holloway told She has served with the Erie County Fair in WHVS-TV. “But our main event of the year is Hamburg, N.Y., for 23 years and is the youngest the Rockingham County Fair week. That’s busy, person — and first woman — to head up the and you know a lot of things go on to make that fair. During her tenure, Underberg has added fair work.” new competitive exhibits and agriculture shows. The 2019 fair takes place Aug. 12-17, with Underberg’s involvement in the fair busi- Deggeller Attractions providing the carnival. ness has taken her many places. In Scotland, • she attended the Royal Agricultural Society The new president and CEO of the Miami of the Commonwealth’s 24th Commonwealth Dade County Fair and Exposition, Inc., is Agricultural Conference, held in Edinburgh in Eduardo Cora. He replaces Robert Hohenstein, conjunction with the Royal Highland Show — who was with the organization seven years. the national show of Scotland. Underberg is a Cora previously served as interim president for graduate of Canisius College with a bachelor’s six months and as secretary prior to that. He degree in social sciences. She and her husband, also is a partner in Land Pro Solutions, based Mark, live with their daughters Lilly and Ella in Frederiksenin Miami. 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM PageSpringville, 1 N.Y. The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair The Erie County Fair’s next run is Aug. 7-18, takes place March 14-April 7 (except March with Strates Shows providing the midway.

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AT: B. Derek Shaw Limits, the Final Four, just to [email protected] name a few.” The company has grown to be one of the largest SAN ANTONIO, Texas Motorola two-way radio dealers —After nearly a 50-year stint in the United States. in Sin City, the annual IAFE A provider of video docu- (International Association of mentation to fairs and expos, Fairs and Expositions) and SLA Pro View Global Digital (Showmen’s League of America,) Surveillance was represented at pulled up their stakes and held the show by Gary Houghton, their first concurrent conven- general manager, “We do elec- tions in San Antonio. Henry B. tronic security — cameras, card- Gonzalez Convention Center key systems which is electronic and the third floor of the Marriott Bob Johnson, retiring OABA president, and Al DeRusha, senior vice president, greet access control, intrusion alarms Rivercenter, were the locations, attendees at the SLA table at the Marriott Rivercenter (left). OABA also had space at the and such.” The company pro- respectively. IAFE show. American Maintenance (right), based in Babylon, N.Y., was represented by (from vides both permanent installa- There were 270 vendors that tions and portable applications left) David Mayer, Lauren Wilson and Shane Jackson. AT/B. DEREK SHAW utilized 385 available spaces in leasing to special events, just the 138th IAFE show with 43 bag collection containers as rary workers on a seasonal basis, We got to meet some of our part- to provide video documenta- exhibitors participating in the Jim Alderden, president of the legally. They also do P1 and ners that I haven’t met before at tion and surveillance during 15th SLA exhibitor’s lounge 15-year old company explained, O1 visas for circus artists. The some of the state fairs that we the event. State Fair of Texas, trade show. Total attendance “The difference is it is a clear company also was an exhibitor. already work with, like Florida Houston Livestock Show and was estimated at 3,500 for IAFE bag. People see what they want James Judkins, president, had a State Fair and Erie County Fair. Rodeo, San Antonio Livestock and 1,200 for SLA. The two- to do and it also modifies the good experience in San Antonio. We’ve also got to talk with lots Show and Rodeo and Fort Bend and-a-half day IAFE show had behavior of people that normally “It gives us an opportunity to of other fairs from across the County Fair are a few of their cli- predominately entertainment wouldn’t do it, but they want meet a lot of clients in person. country like Washington state to ents. “The show has been good. booths followed by insurance, to fit in.” The containers are a It’s [San Antonio] a good central Texas to Florida that we haven’t It’s the center of the universe for rental companies and ticketing one-time purchase for compa- location where they can come worked with before.” fairs, expositions — it’s kind of and technology service vendors. nies with bags being the only visit us and they can talk over Crowd containment solu- our clientele that we’re looking Two and a half blocks away, the repeat purchase. Signs put on problems and issues,” he said. tions are always an important for,” said Houghton. two-day SLA show had a heavy the source-separate containers Providing a clean and part of any successful amuse- Now in their second gen- concentration of ride brokers and are a way for fairs and festivals healthy work environment for ment event. Modu-Loc USA eration, Kay Park Recreation has ride manufacturers along with to monetize the program while employees and customers is the is a company providing fence been a manufacturer of commer- related companies and services keeping midways clean. goal of American Maintenance. rentals. “We have a temporary cial outdoor furniture since 1954. at their table top event. Finding temporary labor for “We’re a turn-key event clean- fence system. It is modular in Chad DeBoer, national sales “We are very pleased fairs and festivals can be made ing company, being anything at design, much different than what manager explained, “[We are] with our attendance, but more easier with the use of Labor a large event like the New York the industry has out there, chain- a small family-owned company pleased with the comments we Finders. “By nature it’s a tempo- State Fair [1.2 million attend- link style,” said Kevin Ulshafer that started out making [picnic] are receiving about the value rary event, so people don’t typi- ees] to a small golf event [3,000- with Modu-Loc. “It’s all welded tables and benches and grilles of the convention — for pro- cally hire permanent workers,” 5,000 on a weekend],” explained wire, powder-coated fence [of] that just keeps growing and fessional education, networking said Dan Shube, chief marketing Shane Jackson. They provide all high quality and a short black growing and growing.” Other and doing business. Those are officer. “We provide temporary the equipment, transportation, fence for VIP crowd control.” The park equipment and commercial the key ingredients to a success- workers for the events to do labor and anything else needed strong, high stability fence is used grade site furnishings include ful IAFE event of any type we the extra work that they need, to clean and maintain an event. at construction sites, music festi- trash containers, drinking foun- conduct,” said Marla Calico, whether they be unskilled, semi- Skootaround, Inc. a mobil- vals, along with the portable and tains, planters, umbrellas, bol- president & CEO. skilled or skilled; different trades ity rental company provides permanent amusement industry. lards, shade canopies, bike racks, “It was a very good con- people whether it be ticket tak- scooter, wheelchair, power chair, As Ulshafer says, “If you need to recycling stations and pet park vention that was well attend- ers, wait staff, bus staff or traffic walker, stroller, and wagon rent- fence it in, we can do it.” products. Kay Park also has a ed,” said incoming SLA 2019 control, security, assembly, dis- al services. Dylan Hughes in In 1989 Communications selection of bleachers, grand- President Andy Schoendienst, assembly of tents — stuff like marketing described their opera- Direct Inc. started with 30 stands, highway towable bleach- with Luehr’s Ideal Rides. that.” tion as it relates to fairs and fes- radios as Ronald Grandfelt, ers and stages. “Over 80 people signed up or Hampton Umbrella Rides tivals: “For the fair, it’s typically regional manager explains, “My Rounding out the coverage renewed their membership.” and aluminum fencing and just rentals. We will bring in elec- boss ran it out of the trunk of is a very tall entertainment com- SLA Treasurer John Hanschen gates is what Dalton Kid Ride tric scooters and some wheel- his car. He joined forces with pany, Stilt Circus. Since 2000, with Thomas Carnival, Inc. was Rebuilders, Inc. is all about. chairs for the attendees at the two other guys who worked they have been performing a also pleased with the outcome: They manufacture trailer mount- fair so they will be able to rent for Motorola in 1992. Now we variety of theatrical circus shows “I was impressed how it [regis- ed, ground mounted or skid that equipment to better navi- currently own 6,000 radios that including stilt acrobatics, fire tration and exhibitor lounge and mounted new versions of this gate the fairgrounds. Hughes, we rent. We do something as dancing, giant puppets, choreo- trade show] laid out this year. It iconic flat ride. Kevin Dalton, a first-time attendee, shared his small as catering events, county graphed dance, hula hooping, was inviting. I was also happy owner of the Foley, Mo., com- thoughts on the show: “I’ve been fairs, [to] presidential inaugura- with the banquet.” pany described his show experi- really impressed with the show. tions, Lollapalooza, Austin City 4See IAFE, page 18 Guy Leavitt’s Boot’s ence: “Its been fair. It’s probably and Bling Ball at Pearl Stable been a little more than I thought enjoyed sold-out attendance. it was going to be, but its been This was once the home for Pearl less than I normally get when Brewery's draft horses in the late we’re in Las Vegas.” 19th century. The Stable has been SLA and OABA brought in meticulously renovated to pre- JKJ Workforce Agency, Inc. to serve the charm and integrity of present seminars and training the original 1894 structure. sessions including one on com- Attendees, feelings about pliance that covered the e-verifi- the 1,300-mile move southeast cation program and I-9 issues for were mixed. Here’s a sampling companies wanting to be a good of some of the show floor ven- H2B employer. JKJ works with dors and their wares. the government to obtain H2B Gary Houghton and Alicia Andrews (left) were on hand to explain the services provided Clear Stream Recycling visas for the mobile entertain- by Pro View Global Digital Surveillance. Some of the various types of clear bag collection offers various types of clear ment industry recruiting tempo- containers that are offered by Clear Stream Recycling are shown (right). AT/B. DEREK SHAW January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 After a century, LASLA closes up shop SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Ladies Auxiliary Showmen’s League of America (LASLA) was formed as a result of the 1918 Hagenback-Wallace Circus train wreck and fire that took the lives of 86 people including performers who were on their way to a performance in Hammond, Ind. The Ladies Auxiliary sprang into action by collecting clothing, costumes, rigging and other needed equipment that got lost in the fire, to get the circus back on its feet for the next stop two days later in Beloit, Wisc. This was their first service project. Through the years, LASLA has donated to various charitable organizations and provided fellowship to their members their families and other worthwhile endeavors. During World War II they provided monies to the Army and Navy Relief Fund. An article appeared in the June 27, 1953 Billboard Magazine with the head- line, “Ladies Auxiliary On Giving End for 35 Years.” In part it said “LASLA continually opens its heart and purse strings to almost every major charity as well as countless less-known causes.” With a declining membership of around 60 and only a half dozen active individuals participating in the events, leadership roles and activities, the LASLA ceased operations Nov. 26, 2018. This was held during the SLA convention with a special luncheon. Jean Brake, president, explained the significance of a candle that was lit for the last time, during the meeting: “It’s a tradition that we have done since 1940. The different show clubs are represented by the candle.” Brake went on to describe what goes on next: “There will be a final audit. There are things we have to do to dissolve correctly. We will also have our auditor look at the audit and make sure everything is correct with the IRS. Our records are going to be preserved, we think at this point, in Baraboo, Wisc. They have a circus/carnival museum.” After all final bills have been paid, remaining monies will be given to a like organization that shares their same interests. Executive Director Mary Ann Slaggert had these thoughts, “As we close this final chapter of The Ladies Auxiliary of the Showmen’s League of America, let us not view this as the ending of an era, but rather just another chapter in a long and varied history of outdoor entertainment. Let us not be concerned with things we cannot change, but rather rejoice in the many acts of kindness and charity that we were able to provide. We have provided miles of smiles, so let us hold our heads up high with a smile on our lips and charity in our hearts.”

Attending for the final meeting of the century-old LASLA (front row, from left): Leah O’Neil, past president, O’Neil Amusements; Patty Painter, past president; Laura Sedlmayr, member, Royal American Shows; Jean Brake, president; and Mary Ann Slaggert, executive director. Back row: Father John Vakulskas, Jr., chaplain and honorary member; Chris Brake, VP; Terry Slaggert, board of governors member; and Al Slaggert, board of governors member and first male member of LASLA.. AT/B. DEREK SHAW IAFE at various theme/amusement Continued from page 16 parks, festivals, corporate events and international music tours. unicycle, juggling and clowning. Child was asked how the IAFE Performers are highly trained show was for their product: “It’s and skilled in their specialty. been a nice change of pace ver- “We are known for our costum- sus Las Vegas. We’ve been doing ing. We have over 200 custom- this trade show for five years and designed stilt costumes. We offer we’ve had some new clients and to the fairs a different costume good foot traffic.” every day at their fair,” said Star The SLA has plans to move Child, co-owner. “We’re usually their operations closer to the con- on the road for about two to vention center in 2019 by uti- three months per fair run.” The lizing the Hyatt Regency San cast performs all over the world Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019

WATER PARKS & RECREATION  New Zealand's Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa to add boomerang waterslide — page 21 Design, scoring elements create unique slide Aqualand Fréjus Waterpark debuts the first Polin Storm Racer AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected]

FRÉJUS, France — A first- of-its-kind family raft waterslide made its debut near the end of the season at Aqualand Fréjus Waterpark in southern France. Storm Racer incorporates a variety of key features that set it apart from other bowl slides: a unique circular geom- etry, high capacity, interactive lights, scoring and a watersplash feature that keeps guests engaged even while waiting in the queue. The slide's streamlined, circular, rising path is unlike any previously designed waterslide attraction. Standing nearly These overall views show the central tower, viewing platforms, first drop and upward spiral of the bowl section. eight stories tall, the 79-foot COURTESY POLIN WATERPARKS attraction features a slide path of 285 feet and a top speed of The sloped bowl pushes the Guests queue in the center nearly 25 mph. Upon enter- rafts towards the center of the of the slide on a central tower ing the slide, guests traverse bowl, past the entry point and providing spectator appeal. A an enclosed tube that features towards the bowl’s exit. The spiral staircase leads to multi- Polin's patented Natural Light energy gained as riders slide ple viewing platforms so guests Effects technology, which has down the bowl provides the can watch the rafts filled with guests sliding through a dizzy- force to propel them down and thrill seekers slide all around ing array of colorful stripes as out where their journey contin- them, cheering them on as they they quickly gain speed drop- ues through a wide, open slide climb to the high point of the ping more than 60 feet. Upon which terminates in a run-out. slide. The watersplash feature shooting out of the enclosed As the raft reaches the high at the top of the tower launches portion, riders then enter an point of the bowl, its position is a plume of water vertically into open-bowl configuration determined by sensors which the air, dousing those waiting where they experience strong then display the results on a with a refreshing spray. The centrifugal forces as they are scoreboard and also activate water spray also helps to keep propelled up a wide, sweep- color LED lights within the the decking and stairs cool. ing, curved slope. Rafts rush bowl. The sections light up as Storm Racer utilizes 78-inch toward the top of the slope, the raft gets higher, and if the round family-style rafts. The but just before they seem to be raft reaches the high point of slide is equipped with a lift ready to collide with the top the slide, a watersplash feature that brings the rafts to the top of the slide, gravity pulls them is activated at the top of the of the slide for the convenience back down in a reverse ride. tower. of guests. Once the raft exits the bowl, the next one waiting can be dispatched, potentially Lighted sections illuminate as the raft climbs higher and higher. as quickly as every 30 seconds. COURTESY POLIN WATERPARKS With four people per raft, the maximum theoretical capacity always top of mind when they Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) at peak operation is 480 riders are considering how to spend tourist area of France. Its loca- per hour. Although Aqualand their entertainment dollars. We tion on the Mediterranean Fréjus opted for the single ver- focus on delivering an incred- coastline provides sunny, hot, sion, Polin offers a double ver- ible experience for the value so dry summers which are ideal sion which operates off the guests will come back and are for water recreation. Although same tower, with opposite entry never disappointed." the winters are also moderate, points and layered bowls. Aqualand Fréjus is part of the water park season typi- Wilfrid Lenandeis, direc- the Aqualand family of water- cally runs from June through tor of operations of the Aspro parks owned by the Spanish September. Group, said that the addition tourism group Aspro Ocio, Aqualand Fréjus features of Storm Racer is important S.A., which operates more a number of Polin waterslides to maintain guest expectations. than 60 leisure parks through- including a King Cobra — the "We know how quickly peo- out Europe — including 15 first in France when it was This raft has exited the bowl and is heading toward the final ple's interests can change, and Aqualands. The Fréjus property installed in 2012. runout. COURTESY POLIN WATERPARKS we want to make sure we are is the largest water park in the •polin.com.tr January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

A private developer has submitted plans to ing tanks, and new construction techniques will en- county and city councils in Gaffney, S.C. to build a NEWSSPLASH able the pools' foundation to sit above ground and water park. The Peach Beach Water Park proposal AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert not damage tree roots below. would cost $10 to $12 million, and the developer [email protected] The park's new 65-kilowatt Capstone micro- is expecting the city to provide most, if not all, of turbine generator was introduced in October 2018. the funding. City and county leaders believe the The Texas property is the brand's largest Great It converts previously wasted methane gas into water park will benefit the whole community but Wolf Lodge in terms of room count, and one of the electricity. they are not yet ready to commit the funds. They most popular in terms of attendance. Construction of the new pools and slide is ex- want to look at a similar project the same develop- Great Wolf Lodge currently operates 18 lodges pected to start in April 2019, with the opening sched- er built in Hartsville, S.C. That project was funded with several more in the planning stages. The com- uled for late 2019 in time for the start of the season. by a bond referendum and grant money. That park pany just announced its first venture into Mexico • just completed its first season and drew more than with construction starting on a new lodge in Te- Typhoon Texas is working with the city of 65,000 guests which the city of Hartsville considers peji del Río, Hidalgo, situated about 50 miles from Pflugerville, Texas, to open a new year-round res- a phenomenal success. The developer has offered Mexico City. Hidalgo was chosen for the potential taurant, new waterslide and make parking lot to provide to the city and county leaders a feasibil- market reach it has with one-third of Mexico's pop- improvements to the Typhoon Texas Pflugerville ity study on the Peach Beach Water Park. The pro- ulation within a 100-kilometer radius of the facility. property. According to the agreement, Typhoon posed park would have multiple slides, a lazy river, The lodge is expected to open in 2021. Texas will open and operate the restaurant, and the outdoor wave pool, indoor lap pool, children's play • city will work on road improvements to ease access area, cabanas and seating areas. Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa in to the park. The agreement also allows Typhoon Gaffney is known for its peach-shaped water New Zealand, has announced plans for a $2.9 mil- Texas to use the park as collateral to secure a loan tower nicknamed the Peachoid which serves as an lion (NZD 4.3 million) expansion. The expansion to fund the water attraction. The city of Pflugerville artistic statement to travelers that Gaffney is the includes a new 44-foot boomerang type wall slide owns the park and the land. self-proclaimed "Peach Capital of South Carolina." that has guests in rafts sliding through an enclosed Operation of the former Hawaiian Falls was • tube before going down a steep drop that pro- granted to the principals of Typhoon Texas in 2017 The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas, pels them up a near-vertical wall for a moment of after previous owners Harvest Family Entertain- completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in time weightlessness before zooming back down onto ment failed to make lease payments and owed the for its New Year's eve celebration. The $11 million the slide's finish. The slide will utilize an existing city nearly $400,000. The park has fared well since project included a full transformation of all 605 slide tower that currently supports the park's Su- Typhoon Texas took over in 2017. Attendance has guest rooms with new beds, flooring, wall cover- perBowl. nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018 and city lead- ings and furniture to reflect a more modern take on The expansion also includes five new thermal ers have stated that the current operation exceeds the Northwoods theme. The update also included pools which will sit among river boulder terraces expectations in cleanliness, safety and overall cus- refurbishment of the Grand Lobby with new car- and native gardens. Half of the energy required to tomer experience. peting, furniture and fixtures. run the new pools and slide will come from a heat “We continue to see great opportunity to build The resort's main attraction, the 80,000 square- transfer unit using energy which is a byproduct of the Typhoon Texas brand as a premier water park foot indoor water park, remained open during the the complex's new electricity generator. The pools in Central Texas,” said Typhoon Texas CFO and co- renovation. were designed to be water efficient with no hold- owner Ray DeLaughter. 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Keep the Crowds Coming Back for More...

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BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  JoDee Herschend passes — page 24 / Management Resources, ProFun complete merger — page 25 Tribute to the late president Topgolf lauded by Goldman Sachs Company executive Erik Anderson noted for entrepreneurship

DALLAS — Topgolf Entertainment Group Co-chairman and CEO Erik Anderson has been named by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2018. The annual honors were presented in November dur- Erik Anderson, co-chairman ing the New York City-based and CEO of Topgolf investment banking company’s (right), has been honored Builders + Innovators Summit by Goldman Sachs, Inc., in Santa Barbara, Calif. for his entrepreneurship. “A dynamic economy In November, the sports depends on dynamic entre- entertainment center chain preneurs who disrupt indus- opened its 50th venue tries and occasionally give worldwide in Pharr, Texas, birth to entirely new sectors,” in the Rio Grande Valley The 180-foot Chance Rides Capital Wheel at National Har- said David M. Solomon, CEO (above). COURTESY TOPGOLF bor, located on the Potomac River waterfront in Oxon Hill, of Goldman Sachs. “The pur- Md., near Washington, D.C., revolved in red, white and pose of Builders + Innovators grated capital solutions for the students in learning, posi- blue in honor the service and Nov. 30 passing of George is to support emerging leaders global innovation economy. He tive educational experiences H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the U.S. Other large in their quests to innovate fast- also serves as vice chairman of and lifelong social and critical wheels that joined the patriotic Dec. 4-6 tribute via their er in order to grow their ideas.” OneHope, a cause-centric con- thinking skills. The organiza- E-Works Pro LED lighting packages were the Great Smoky Anderson also was ranked sumer brand and technology tion has served more than one Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Se- third on Golf Inc. magazine’s company known primarily for million students of all socio- attle Great Wheel in Washington; Pacific Park Wheel on 2018 list of “Most Powerful its award-winning wine and economic and cultural back- the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.; and Giant People in Golf,” up from his vineyard in Napa, Calif. grounds with an interactive Wheel at Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks in Wild- eighth-place ranking in 2017. Anderson is a board classroom program. wood, N.J. COURTESY CHANCE RIDES Under Anderson's lead- member of several organiza- Anderson also oversaw ership, Dallas-headquartered tions, including Singularity the start of the Youth Play It Topgolf has become one of the University, a global commu- Forward program at Topgolf, Tokyo Disney hotel planned world’s fastest-growing sports nity using technology to tackle where high school golf teams and entertainment brands. In the world’s biggest challenges; and charities serving youth can URAYASU, Japan — Oriental Land Co., Ltd., recently the past five years, the com- Play Magnus, an interactive play at Topgolf for free dur- announced that a new affordable hotel will be developed pany has expanded from 10 chess app inspired by World ing the day Mondays through within the Tokyo Disney Resort area, which currently has venues welcoming 1.5 million Chess Champion Magnus Thursdays. four hotels. Based on the Toy Story films, the approxi- guests annually to 51 venues Carlsen; and Avista Corp., an Each Topgolf venue fea- mately 600-room lodge is projected to open in fiscal year with 17 million guest visits energy management company. tures an indoor driving range 2021. Both outside and inside, the property will offer projected by the end of 2018. The executive is commit- with dozens of high-tech, cli- guests an environment in which everything appears to be Anderson also led Topgolf ted to causes that help impact mate-controlled hitting bays made of toys. The guest rooms and décor are inspired by through a series of strategic the nation’s youth and, in the for year-round comfort. Visit Andy’s bedroom, where Woody, Buzz Lightyear and all the acquisitions to take the Topgolf past year, has led initiatives the company online for more other toys live. Property amenities include a restaurant experience beyond the venues. to contribute to nonprofits, information about its enter- and gardens. Oriental Land is planning to open new areas In addition to his role at schools and individuals across tainment centers, original-con- at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea parks in 2020 Topgolf, Anderson is founder the U.S. He founded First tent programming and pop-up and 2022, respectively. and CEO of WestRiver Group, Move, America’s Foundation social experiences. a company providing inte- for Chess, which engages •topgolf.com

EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. 61C AERO DRIVE, BUFFALO, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 OBITUARY JoDee Herschend, Herschend Enterprises BRANSON, Mo. — JoDee Herschend, co-owner of theme park operator Herschend Enterprises and wife of company co-founder/ owner Peter Herschend, passed away Nov. 25 after a 24-year battle with cancer. JoDee grew up in Springfield, Mo., and took a job with Silver Dollar City in Branson in 1962 while a student at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State). She worked in the park's General Store and as a street performer — playing the role of “Sarey Ellen” alongside a young Peter Herschend. Their work together led to true love and their marriage in 1966, and during 50-plus years they raised five children while growing Herschend Enterprises. JoDee also had far-ranging philanthropic reach as founder of The Caring People, an international ministry to single mothers. More than two decades after its creation, it has expanded to serve single moms in more than 30 locations in four states and Central America. JoDee and Peter invested time and treasure in a wide range of min- istries and projects at the local, national and international levels, including Acts 29, Episcopal World Missions and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. They also helped establish Sigma House, a drug rehabilitation center in Branson, and the Ozark Food Harvest.

JoDee Herschend in recent times and in the 1960s as a Silver Dollar City employee. COURTESY HERSCHEND ENTERPRISES ON THE MOVE Having served as the CEO of the Colorado Springs, Colo.- based National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) since 2003, Thomas Lachocki, Ph.D., has announced his plan to retire this year. Under Lachocki’s leadership, NSPF has grown from offering one product, Certified Pool & Spa Operator Certification, to becoming a market leader — delivering educational and promotional services to the residential construction, pool service and commercial pool operation segments via classroom Davis and online learning. His vision gave rise to the World Aquatic Health Conference, which in 2018 celebrated its 15th year of exploring scientific advances and convening the leading thinkers and influencers in aquatics. Kent Lemasters, president of Tustin, Calif.-based AmusementAquatic Management Group, Inc. (AMG), was inducted into the World Waterpark Association (WWA) Hall of Fame at WWA Show 2018 in Las Vegas in October. Lemasters began his career in the attractions industry with seasonal posi- tions before developing the sales department at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., and becoming director of marketing for that park and for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. In 1985, Lemasters Lemasters became VP and general manager of Raging Waters water park in San Dimas, Calif. AMG, which he founded in 2000, has provided planning, operational and consulting services to 35 water parks around the world. Karen Oertley, executive director of AIMS International and a regular AIMS columnist for the print edition of Amusement Today, has announced that she will retire in April. Oertley has led AIMS since 2014 and played a critical role in its growth. The organization has seen increased seminar attendance and sponsorship, establishing a regional platform to deliver its mission beyond its annual safety seminar with expanded certification and education programs. Oertley With a four-decade career in the amusement and live entertainment industry, Oertley served as publisher and editor-in- chief of Amusement Business for more than 25 years and as a member of the AIMS board of directors for eight years. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 Management Resources, ProFun Management finalize merger

LOS ANGELES — president; Jim Higashi, sive array of high-quality expositions.” Management Resources managing partner, plan- services backed by our 38 MR-ProFun’s multi- and ProFun Management ning and advisory services; years of experience in this functional team of consul- Group, two operations con- and Mike Oswald, manag- industry.” tants and operations experts sulting and management ing partner, management Added Higashi: “We continue to assist owners firms with long-standing MR-ProFun, has arisen from services. The company will are confident that our and developers with virtu- reputations in the areas a carefully orchestrated inte- continue to operate from its newly combined talent and ally every aspect of strate- of themed entertainment gration that enabled the two Los Angeles-area corporate resources leave us well posi- gic planning, execution and and cultural attractions, companies to optimize their headquarters and regional tioned as the premier attrac- management of new and completed a merger in combined resources. office in Shanghai, China. tions industry consulting existing attractions — work- November. MR-ProFun has “We are thrilled and management firm. Our ing to ensure clients have Both entities previ- realigned its core service to formally introduce blended team will deliver the tools and insights neces- ously provided an assort- offerings into five areas: MR-ProFun,” Merriman consultation and manage- sary to successfully produce ment of planning, advisory planning, advisory, train- said. “The merger of our ment expertise for theme compelling experiences that and management servicing, implementation and two world-class organiza- parks, museums, aquari- yield superior guest satis- es, though Management management. Leadership tions enables us to offer a ums, destination resorts, faction and financial results. Resources focused mainly includes Brad Merriman, broader, more comprehen- brand centers and world •mr-profun.com on operational consulting while ProFun focused on operational management. The new corporate entity,

IAAPA issues website access advisory

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the number of federal lawsuits alleging inaccessible websites continues to increase, along with the number of law firms filing them. Members who sell tickets or merchandise, or conduct any type of com- merce, through their websites are at risk. IAAPA members are advised to seek advice from counsel and website providers experienced in Website Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 to manage risk. These guidelines define the requirements for making websites accessible to persons with visual disabilities using screen reader software. Plaintiffs filed more website accessibility lawsuits in federal court in the first six months of 2018 than in all of 2017. There were at least 1,053 of such lawsuits in the first six months of 2018, compared to 814 in all of 2017, according to Seyfarth Shaw, LLP. If you have any questions about how to prevent such lawsuits, please contact IAAPA’s accessibility expert, Bob Minnick: [email protected]. 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Linda Freeman Business Development Manager Rockwell Automation INFLUENCE Orlando, Fla. A view from the top… Rockwell Automation is one of the world’s largest companies dedicated to industrial automation and information products. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs over 22,000 people and has customers in more than 80 countries worldwide. Linda Freeman has been employed at Rockwell Automation since 1996. She is an industry specialist manager for the amusement industry and focuses on supporting the industry in trade associations, being a thought leader for new technologies, safety and cyber security education, and inspiring the next generation of amusement engineers. Accomplishments and affiliations… • Certifications: Functional Safety Engineer & Cyber Security Specialist (TUV Rheinland) • International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Global Security Committee • AIMS International, Board of Directors, Treasurer • ASTM F24 SRCS (which is the standard practice for amusements), Security task group leader • Ryerson Thrill Competition judge Legos, TV tinkering contribute to building a distinguished career ORLANDO — Linda Freeman It showed how to make things didn’t grow up in the amusement like Cheetos,” she said, still with a industry. She wasn’t one of those childhood hint of excitement in her kids that grew up thinking she want- voice. ed to build a roller coaster one day Freeman is a 1996 graduate of or any other amusement attraction, Georgia Institute of Technology for that matter. in Atlanta, where she received a Her first memory of a fast Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical coaster was when she was 13 years Engineering. She secured her first old. She went to Six Flags Over career job not long after gradua- Georgia, Austell, Ga., not far from tion. That job was with Rockwell tion opened for the first time. I was cant trends leading to changes. She her home in south Georgia. Automation in the division of the for- with a colleague who suggested we said things are speeding up rapidly. “I was terrified to get on it, but, est products industry in Wisconsin, go stand on the platform where the “People want more speed. They afterwards, I loved it,” she said. her first relocation. She would relo- first riders would be unloading. I got want speed in the change from So, it isn’t what Freeman didn’t cate twice more in her first four to see the first guests coming off one scene to another and with that do that led her down the road to years with Rockwell, to Washington the platform. I can’t tell you what it speed, there has to be more coor- where she is today. It is, instead, state and then to Florida, the latter meant to me to stand there, in the dination between components so what she did do. move dropping her in the middle background, and see their faces, there has to be more accuracy.” Her favorite toys were Legos. of Rockwell’s entertainment and lei- their smiles. After five years of hard She said there is the desire for As a young child, “I never want- sure division in Orlando. work, from notes on a napkin to this. interactivity, guests being able to ed to play with my Barbies.” Her first years there she found I felt so honored and so privileged interact with any and all features of She also grew up tinkering in herself helping design control auto- to be in this industry.” the activity they are engaged in. the back of television sets with her mation systems as well as trouble- In fact, Freeman began to “So, then, you have to have father. shooting existing systems all associ- stretch and support the industry technology that reads what guests “My father was a television ated with live entertainment. as a whole through her work with are doing and responds accurately,” repairman for some years,” she said. She loved what she was doing. industry associations. In 2015, she she said. “Everything is connected.” “I remember being in the basement Did she ever think of change? went to Rockwell’s executives and The more sophisticated technol- with him and watching him. He “Of course, I did,” she said. “I told them she wanted to have more ogy also has caused the importance would make a game out of fixing the would think, ‘I have been doing this of an impact on the industry. of cyber security to increase. televisions. I loved that.” for so long.’ But, every single time, I “I wanted a more global role,” “It always needs to be a point of How things were made and how would come back.” she said. “I wanted to be more conversation,” she said. they worked fascinated her and still It was her job experiences that focused on what the future of the Freeman feels it is an exciting do. Her favorite television program kept reminding her she was where industry will look like.” time to be in this industry. Changes was, and most probably still is, “How she was supposed to be. She wanted to reach out to create new challenges, but those It’s Made,” a series on how everyday “I have a story I like to tell about young people, to the next genera- changes also can boost creativity. things are made that first aired in this,” she said. “In 2010, we had tion of those in the industry. “Every segment of this market 2001 on the Discovery Channel. just completed a very large, unique She is doing all these things. is seeing something new,” she said. “Do you remember that show? project. I was there when the attrac- In this role, she has seen signifi- —Pam Sherborne January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 MARKET WATCH BUSINESS WATCH

COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW Disney’s investment in parks exceeds media 12/07/18 52-Week 52-Week ORLANDO — A recent report by The New York Times illustrated The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 31.42 40.60 30.08 the extent of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ global theme park investment. Each of Disney’s six theme park resorts, plus Disney Merlin Entertainments Group / MERL LSE 327.70 415.70 304.50 Cruise Line, is undergoing major expansion. According to Michael Legoland Nathanson, a longtime media analyst, Disney will spend an estimated Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 51.71 70.82 47.89 $24 billion on new attractions, hotels and ships over the next five years — more than the company’s combined outlay for media com- Comcast Corp./NBCUniversal CMCSA NASDAQ 37.42 44.00 30.43 panies Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm. The investment stands to reason: Media the parks division had an operating profit of $4.5 billion in fiscal year The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 111.98 120.20 97.68 2018, an increase of more than 100 percent from five years earlier. Comparatively, Disney Media Networks (including ESPN and ABC), Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.27 0.72 0.27 saw a three percent decline in its operating profit. In other Disney news, company shareholders have set a tougher benchmark for CEO EPR Properties EPR NYSE 70.71 72.18 51.87 Robert Iger to reach in order to collect the rest of a $100 million equity grant as part of his compensation in 2021; Disney must achieve Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 3140.00 3750.00 2582.00 a total shareholder return that outperforms 65 percent of companies in the S&P 500 for the payout. Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 1.61 2.30 1.18 Cedar Point buys real estate near entrance Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 6.87 8.26 5.45 SANDUSKY, Ohio — Over the last year, Cedar Point has been quietly acquiring additional property near the entrance to the park’s MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 25.98 38.41 23.81 causeway. The latest parcels purchased are located mostly along Parques Reunidos Servicios Cleveland Road, and they follow eight properties acquired by the ES:PQR MCE 10.76 15.19 10.12 Centrales S.A. park in the same vicinity in latter 2017. Officials with park operator Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. are not saying what their plans are for Sansei Technologies, Inc. JP:6357 TYO 1872.00 2160.00 1038.00 the land consolidation, but between the local newspaper Sandusky Register and amusement park social media groups, the speculation SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 26.94 32.47 12.59 has ranged from employee housing to parking garages and/or hotels. Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 57.57 73.38 51.91 Picsolve keeps expanding after record year DreamEast Group Ltd. HK:0593 SEHK 8.10 15.88 7 LONDON — Picsolve, a leading digital content capture partner for attractions, is celebrating record U.S. growth after the number of Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 628.00 704.00 560.00 locations using its technology more than doubled in 2018. Recent contracts include the San Diego Zoo and four attractions operated by Village Roadshow AU:VRL ASX 2.50 4.15 1.73 Merlin Entertainments. Since Picsolve’s acquisition of Freeze Frame in 2017, the number of locations in the U.S. using Picsolve technology STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED has grown by more than 100 percent and now includes theme parks, Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, casinos, museums, observatories and other specialized attractions. New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange The company’s partnership with the San Diego Zoo will see Picsolve’s —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal new Super Selfie content capture technology, green screen technology and roaming photography power visitor experiences. Other DIESEL PRICES recent U.S. client partnerships include Caesars Entertainment, 360 Region As of Change from Chicago Observation Deck and National Geographic Encounter: (U.S.) 12/03/18 1 year ago Ocean Odyssey in New York City’s Times Square. East Coast $3.229 +$0.325 Midwest $3.117 +$0.240 Pricetag USA sues SeaWorld over contract Gulf Coast $2.989 +$0.276 ORLANDO — As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Atlanta-based Mountain $3.291 +$0.272 Pricetag USA, a company that helps attractions implement dynamic West Coast $3.406 +$0.300 pricing strategies, has filed a breach of contract lawsuit seeking more California $3.922 +$0.337 than $15,000 from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Pricetag alleges that SeaWorld owes the company approximately $157,020, including CURRENCY $142,020 for an “incentive fee” plus $15,000 in retainer fees for three On 12/07/18 $1 USD = months. The lawsuit follows a 2017 agreement in which Pricetag was 0.8803 EURO to assist five SeaWorld properties with pricing, and another agreement 0.7841 GBP (British Pound) in 2018 involving Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando. According 112.70 JPY (Japanese Yen) to the lawsuit, SeaWorld suspended Pricetag’s work for the initial five 0.9950 CHF (Swiss Franc) parks without formally dissolving the agreement. Court documents 1.3842 AUD (Australian Dollar) indicated that SeaWorld notified Pricetag in August that it was ending 1.3402 CAD (Canadian Dollar) the Discovery Cove agreement as of Nov. 30.

and 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 New IAAPA Orlando headquarters on target for summer opening AT: Tim Baldwin well as a library for the association’s all about connections. [This is] not your the headquarters for a short time — [email protected] archives.” normal office building. It likens itself to say, to work or relax before heading to The location of the seven-acre facil- the industry.” an airport — to a longer time to have ORLANDO, Fla. — Journalists were ity is positioned at the edge of Shingle IAAPA members will easily see a small meetings with each other or other given an advance look at the construc- Creek, which is the headwaters of the greater value to their membership once clients/vendors/partners. We also will tion progress of the new headquar- Everglades watershed. The new head- the facility opens. have a nice special event space for ters of the International Association of quarters will be surrounded by water on “This was built and designed for receptions.” Amusement Parks and Attractions dur- three sides adding natural beauty. The them. We’re not in a nondescript office. The lobby area will be the tallest ing the IAAPA Attractions Expo ’18. The scenic area has an open back patio for It was designed to honor our entire his- area making for an inviting open space. site, conveniently located between the staff to enjoy the weather on a lunch tory. This is the hub,” said Storey. The office areas will house approximate- Orlando International Airport and the break or for members to conduct recep- The members area will have a ly 50 staff members. The direction was Orange County Convention Center, tions. Termed a “forever lawn,” tents multi-purpose venue. A loading dock to keep an open feeling, so Hallenbeck will be seen as very advantageous to and other structures can be moved in will be able to facilitate the move- stated walls won’t be going up to the members. place for events. ment of goods needed or materials for ceiling. There is a lot of glass. “The member space is important “We have the ability even for local receptions. The architect was HHCP. to all of us, and members will have a members to have meetings and do spe- “There will also be many thematic “This is a great next step for IAAPA significant amount of space in the new cial events,” said John Hallenbeck, vice elements and displays reflecting the — to have a true home,” said Storey. building dedicated to them,” said Susan president North American operations, diversity of the global attractions indus- “This is where the industry can come Story, director of communications, IAAPA. “Sometimes it’s not so easy to try and our members around the world,” together and say this is our connection IAAPA. “This includes: meeting rooms, get a conference room or have a place said Storey. “We have designed the point. This is the center of the great special event space and a lounge, as to meet. Being an IAAPA member is area to where members can come to things that IAAPA can bring together.” IAAPA’s John Hallenbeck (left) offers a construction tour of the new headquarters during the recent IAE ’18. Completion of the new facility is expected to be summer of this year. COURTESY IAAPA; AT/TIM BALDWIN January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  PACE Seminar recap — page 34 / New escape room fire codes to be discussed at HauntCon — page 50 Spotlight returns to safety as 2019 seminars get underway AIMS, NAARSO, IRT, NWSC, Pa. Ride Safety events set dates AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

No matter what level, specific need or area, there are ample opportunities for those in the amusement industry to hone their safety skills and knowledge at several upcoming national safety seminars. The 2019 AIMS International Safety Seminar will take place Jan. 13-18 in Galveston, Texas, with all classes held in the These events offer certifi- Galveston Convention Center. Attendance last year was 450; AIMS officials are expecting a higher number this year. Shown cations in fields such as ride at the 2018 gathering (above left, from left) are Jim Seay of Premier Rides, AIMS International Executive Director Karen inspection, operations and Oertley and Dick Chance of Chance Rides. COURTESY AIMS INTERNATIONAL technical expertise. Following is an advance director of AIMS, has said this other highlights this year Ride Inspector, Level I; attendee depending on skill look at what to expect at five series is an eight-hour sched- include the welcome recep- Certified Ride Inspector, level and need. seminars. ule of classes specific to the tion set for Sunday, Jan. 13, Level II; and Professional NAARSO’s annual mem- FEC industry. and the keynote address Ride Inspector — Level III. bership meeting is set for The 2019 seminar will Monday morning, Jan. 14, by Holly Coston remains the Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27. mark Oertley's last in the Patrick Hoffman, president seminar manager. More infor- The first two days of classes, AIMS leadership role, which of The Hoffman Consulting mation may be obtained by Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 28 she has held since 2014 (see Group, LLC, a company that going to aimsintl.org. and 29, are broken into two retirement announcement on offers operational, safety and groups, primary and second- page 24). As Amusement Today security consulting services ary, with those taking second- went to press, the organiza- for the amusement and leisure ary courses able to participant tion’s board of directors was industries. in the operations classes. conducting a search for its National Association AIMS certification testing next executive director. of Amusement Ride Safety is offered Tuesday evening. Lesley Lassiter, AIMS's Officials (NAARSO) testing NAARSO’s hands-on new certification program is offered Tuesday afternoon, activities are set for Broadway AIMS International manager, will be on hand for Jan. 15. at the Beach on Wednesday, The 2019 AIMS her first seminar. Hands-on events will take Jan. 30. International Safety Seminar This is the second year place at Pleasure Pier, owned Operations Certifications is getting the peak seminar AIMS has held its safety semi- by Landry’s, Inc. An evening testing is set for Thursday season off to an early start. The nar in Galveston. Oertley reception is set for Pleasure evening, Feb. 1, with all other comprehensive safety-train- said the 2018 seminar was so Pier on Wednesday evening, NAARSO testing held Friday afternoon, ing experience is scheduled successful, the organization Jan. 16. NAARSO’s 32nd Annual Feb. 2, following a morning of for Jan. 13-18 in Galveston, decided to go back. Official AIMS testing is set for Safety Forum is set for Jan. review. Texas, with all classes to attendance at the 2018 event Friday afternoon after a morn- 27-Feb. 2 at the Kingston Four levels of inspection be held in the Galveston was 450 and she is hoping for ing of review and studying. Resort Hilton in Myrtle certification and two levels Convention Center. even more this year. AIMS testing offers cer- Beach, S.C. of operations certificates are There are some mile- AIMS International, a tification on several levels. NAARSO is a non-profit offered during the event. stones associated with this non-profit organization dedi- The following is the list of organization that provides Connie Patton, the orga- year’s event. cated to the safety of the testing: Certified Maintenance resources for amusement nization’s go-to person for For the first time this year, amusement industry, will Technician, Levels I, II, and industry professionals dedi- information in the office, trade AIMS has added a Family offer approximately 200 class- III; Certified Operations cated to the safety of the shows and safety seminars for Entertainment Center (FEC) es during its seminar. Technician, Levels I, II, and III; industry and its patrons. Its over 20 years, announced her series certification program. Along with the new FEC Certified Aquatics Operations safety seminar offers a tai- Karen Oertley, executive series certification program, Technician, Level I; Associate lored curriculum for each 4See SEMINARS, page 30 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 SEMINARS SAFETY Continued from page 29 MARKET PLACE retirement last September. She will be on hand at the 2019 safety forum and will be training her replacement, Sherrie Kontos. More information may be obtained at naarso.com.

International Ride Training (IRT) Ride Camp 2019, IRT’s ninth annual International Funtastic Traveling Shows winter quarters is the site for the Ride Operator Certification third and fourth days of training. Above, Ron and Bev Burback (iROC), has been set for Feb. go over general seminar information, Below, even space 5-8, at The Park at Owa in typically used to store vehicles turns into a classroom for the Foley, Ala. Northwest Showmen’s Ride Safety Seminar. AT/B. DEREK SHAW This three-day program Proudly working with the following focuses on training the trainer. American-made companies: Instructors learn best practic- es on how to teach safety and •Premier Rides service procedures to other •Sally Dark Rides instructors. It offers an iROC •Swannee River Instructor Certification. Railroad Co. Participants are operators •Owen Trailers of hard rides, aquatics, go- karts, zip lines, inflatables and •Philadelphia Toboggan more. Coasters, Inc. For the first time this year, iROC Ride Camp will offer opportunities for experienced Facebook.com/IRMRides iROC students to take more advanced courses in ride safety, ADA compliance and legal exposure. Less experienced students will take foun- dational courses to improve ride safety performance and training effectiveness. Also new this year is a water park certification for top-of-the-slide iROC operators. In addition, by popular demand, this year’s school will give all Ride Campers the opportunity to conduct two videotaped “teachbacks” to help hone and strengthen training techniques. There will be new and improved instructor materials offered to support training and improve ride operator performance in parks of any Phil Slaggert, Slaggert Risk management and coordinator of size. the Pennsylvania Ride Safety Seminar also presented two of Visit ridetraining.com the fall 2018 classroom sessions, one on Indoor Inflatable for more information. Operations and another on Haunted Attractions Incidents – The Modern Era. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

Park. The remaining days are The NWSC Safety set for the Funtastic Shows Seminar is aligned with Campus. Portland Community Northwestern Showmen's Classes will be held College for accreditation in Club (NWSC) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. their Continuing Education The 2019 NWSC Safety Attendees may build a tailored Program providing 4 CEU’s Seminar is set for Feb. 17-22 course curriculum that best for participation and comple- in Portland, Ore., marking the suits their need and the need tion of the seminar. The inter- Keep our amusement park industry strong! 39th annual event. The first of their employer. Carnival active classes and hands-on Buy products and services from these suppliers. two days of the seminar will Tech Testing is offered as part be held at Oaks Amusement of the seminar. 4See SEMINARS, page 32 January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019

SAFETY MARKET PLACE

Some of the instructors/organizers of the Northwest Showmen’s Ride Safety Seminar. Front row, from left: Dan Dudley, Ride Safety Consultant; Beverly Burback, Funtastic Traveling Shows; Geraldine Davis, Davis Shows, N.W. and Randall Arndt, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Amusement ride safety inspector. Middle Row: Ray Rieger, Loss Control Services; C.W. Craven, Skyride Enterprises, Inc. and Phil Slaggert, Slaggert Risk management. Back Row: John Lamoreaux, Funtastic Traveling Shows and John Hinde, J.P. Hinde Enterprises. AT/B. DEREK SHAW SEMINARS of Agriculture Bureau of The majority of attendees Continued from page 30 Ride and Measurement come from Pennsylvania and Standards presents this neighboring states, however, settings deliver a great envi- safety forum twice a year, in 2018 there were 23 U.S. ronment for learning. fall and spring. It has been states represented. Throughout the seminar, growing over the last years The inspection test- there are times set for attend- with an attendance of 311 ing is independent of the ees to test for NAARSO AIMS reported for the 2018 spring Pennsylvania Department certifications. First aid and seminar. of Agriculture; however, it CPR classes also are offered. Seminar participants is sanctioned by them using Attendance at the 2018 choose specialty courses they Slaggert Risk Management. event was 122. feel are beneficial for their Attendees came from tra- For more information, career path, job description, ditional amusement parks, visit nwshowmensclub.com. abilities and employer ben- carnivals, family entertain- efit. Last spring, there were ment centers, inflatable oper- a total of 166 different course ations and extreme sports options. Testing is provid- venues. ed for Class 1 and Class 2 The Pennsylvania cer- Pennsylvania Ride Ride Inspectors and General tification is recognized in Safety Seminar Qualified Inspectors and many states across the coun- This 2019 seminar for Specialized Inspectors. try, including the New Jersey amusement ride inspectors is Some of the course areas program titled Recognized set for Feb. 26-28, at the Red include inflatables, rides, Certified Maintenance Lion Hotel and Conference haunted attractions, extreme Technician (RCMT). Center in Harrisburg, Pa. The sports, water attractions, More information may be Pennsylvania Department go-karts and bumper boats. obtained at paridesafety.com.

n Naughton Insurance, Inc.

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Keep our amusement park industry strong! Buy products and services from these suppliers. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 12th annual Parks and Carnival Education Seminar draws 71 AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

YORK, Pa. — For four days each fall, the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association (PAPA) and the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association (PSSA), combine talents and resources to organize the Parks and Carnival Education (PACE) seminar. Lisa Bartlebaugh, past president of PSSA, is the Three Wisdom Rides were set up outside for hands on seminar administrator, and inspection at Majestic Midways winter quarters in Dover, Pa.: Gary Chubb, PAPA Board Inspectors examining the Wisdom Sizzler ride. Pirate Island obstacle course, Sizzler and Alien Abduction. Member, is the ride safety AT/B. DEREK SHAW AT/B. DEREK SHAW seminar coordinator for PAPA. Training, coordinat- for Class I and Class II ride seminar. “Majestic Midways ed by Jack Siler, outreach inspectors contains numer- did a fantastic job of hosting coordinator, is provided ous days of classroom train- us,” said Chubb. The half- by NAARSO (National ing. Subjects covered during day session (park inspectors Association of Amusement the 24-hour training include: in the morning and traveling Ride Safety Officials), who Wire Rope, Restraint System inspectors in the afternoon) supplied most of the instruc- Inspections, Hydraulic included six rides. Wisdom tors along with a few indus- Inspections, Pennsylvania Rides Inc. was represented try-related experts. Update Codes and Standards, with three rides outdoors: Bulletins and Alerts, Go Alien Abduction, Pirate Karts, General Midway Island multi-level obstacle Inspections, SBF-VISA, Bolt course and Sizzler. Inside and Metal Failure, Personal were an Umbrella ride Safety, Dynamic Ride (Hampton), Orient Express Testing, Guest Recovery, coaster (Wisdom Rides Inc.) Weather, Rust & Corrosion, and Crazy Bus (Zamperla). Gary Chubb in the classroom. There were both 24 or 32 Portable Coasters, Electrical Four Pennsylvania hours of inspector training offered for Pennsylvania Certified Safety, KMG Rides, Working parks participated, includ- Inspectors and/or NAARSO levels. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Together and Waterslide and ing DelGrosso’s, Dutch Features Inspection. Wonderland, Hersheypark Springs, are both from through communication,” For attendees who took and Waldameer Park and New Jersey. Also in atten- said Chubb. “This seminar an additional eight hours of Water World, along with dance were representatives continues that thought. We This year the classroom training (for a total of 32 Pavilion Amusement Park, from American Specialty have some really great peo- venue was the Wyndham hours), the additional topics Myrtle Beach, S.C., Ober Insurance, Fort Wayne, Ind., ple in this industry that con- Garden York. The hands- included: Wooden Coasters, Gatlinburg, Tenn. and Edgie Designs, Dowelltown, tinue to put a lot of time and on training day took place Trains and Miniature Deno’s Wonder Wheel Tenn., Huey’s, Vermont effort into it.” at Majestic Midways winter Railways, Safety First, Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. On NDT, South Burlington and The PACE seminar is an quarters in Dover, Pa. This Hrubetz/Eyerly, Specific the traveling side, the list Maine State Fire Marshall’s annual outreach program was the first time the instruc- Ride Inspections and Why includes: AEB Amusements, Office, Augusta (the gov- for NAARSO, along with tion visited a traveling show Things Fail. Bartlebaugh Amusements, erning agency for ride safety the one coordinated by the winter quarters. Previously A unique feature of the Majestic Midways and in that state.) The long dis- New Jersey Amusement that aspect was covered at a PACE seminar is the “hands- Russ Amusements, all tance participation award Association in mid-Febru- fixed-site park, or portable on” training that supple- from the Commonwealth. went to CASY Engineering ary each year during the rides were set up in hotel ments classroom instruction. Skelly’s Amusements, Consultancy Pte Ltd., East Coast Gift and Variety parking lots. “The trip to Most attendees consider this Williamstown, and Wizard’s Singapore. Show, Atlantic City, N.J. Majestic Midways was very portion the highlight of the Festival of Fun, Laurel “We’re all about safety Also this year, a NAARSO well received. Some of the Outreach Safety School park folks, quite frankly, takes place March 18-22 at have never seen traveling the Sheraton Monarch Place rides up close and they’ve in Springfield, Mass., dur- never seen a winter quarters ing the 106th NEAAPA shop like Majestic Midways Education Conference & has,” said Chubb. Annual Meeting. PACE offers either 24 NOTE: From 1985 through or 32 hours of inspector 2006, this seminar was known training for Pennsylvania as the PA Ride Safety Seminar. Certified Inspectors and/or In 2007 it became known as the NAARSO levels, along with PACE Ride Safety Seminar. On re-certification. All train- or about 2007, Phil Slaggert, a ing at the PACE Seminar private ride safety consultant, is approved for both picked up the name of PA Ride Pennsylvania Certified Ride Safety Seminar and has been Inspectors and for NAARSO running two additional semi- Certified Ride Inspectors. nars per year since that time. The four-day instruction Some of the dozen instructors for the four-day seminar. AT/B. DEREK SHAW •paceseminar.com January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Nearly 200 attend 25th semi-annual Pa. Ride Safety Seminar AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Twice annually, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture trains and tests hundreds of amusement ride inspectors in Pennsylvania, 11 other states and Mexico. For three days last November, nearly 200 personnel from various amusement operations received safety training conducted by Slaggert Walt Remmert, director of the Bureau of Ride & Measurement Risk Management for the Standards, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and department’s Bureau of Rides The 191 attendees had 109 different course offerings to Phil Slaggert, owner of Slaggert Risk Management, the and Measurements Standards, choose from when they put together their own customized organization that provides the training, take a break from Amusement Ride Safety ride safety training. AT/B. DEREK SHAW the activity. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Division. The Pennsylvania certification is recognized in International Association of Team; Amusement World, LHTC Entertainment, Inc.; Kids; Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG many states across the coun- Trampoline Parks. Inc.; Backyard Fun; Barn Hill Marshal Steve’s Pony Rides, Aquarium; Pymatuning Deer try, including New Jersey’s Specific classes included: Entertainment, LLC; Bedford LLC; Metz Amusements & Park; Rebounderz; Refreshing RCMT (Recognized Certified Lock Out/Tag Out, Anchoring True Value Hardware; Big Concessions, LLC; Muhsian, Mountain; Rolling Thunder Maintenance Technician) Inspection of Inflatables, Bright Bounces; Big Fun; Inc. / Wonder Rides; NY Skating Center; Urban Air program. There are many Emergency Planning, Welding Blaster Bouncer Pittsburgh, Partyworks; Outback Roos; Cranberry and Willow Grove; inspectors who don’t work in Safety, Blocking, Leveling and Inc.; Bob’s C.H.S. Express; Party Pros East Coast, Inc.; VIP Kidz Club, LLC; Whitetail Pennsylvania; however, they Anchoring, Active Shooter, Bounce House Rentals of Penn Valley Shows; Pennwood Resort; Wildwood Highlands; register in Pennsylvania to have Metal Fatigue, Corrosion and Lancaster; Bounce U Exton; Shows; Phantom Shadow YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee the certification on their ride Rust, Mechanical Bulls and Surf B’s Outdoor Entertainment; By Entertainment; Pocono Rocks; Spencer and South Mountain; from inspectors trained in the Simulators, Pneumatics, Mobile The Horns, LLC; C&D Outdoor Prince Entertainment Group, YWCA of Carbondale and Keystone State. Rock-Climbing Walls, Weather Toys; C&L Shows; Carnival Inc.; Reading Fightin’ Phils; Philadelphia Freedom Valley Joe Filoramo, ride safety Protocol, Wooden Coaster Concessions and Rides; REM Enterprises, Inc.; RentAll YMCA. supervisor for the state, was Inspections, Hydraulics, Park Circus Time Amusements; Affairs, LLC; Roba Family The Pennsylvania pleased with the uptick in and Portable Railroads, and Out ELF Entertainment, Inc.; Farms; Shady Brook Farm; Department of Agriculture attendance. “It’s another record of Production Rides. Volunteers Entertainment Avenue, Sir Bounce-A-Lot; Sky Oaks, has inspected and registered this year. I think people are from across the country com- LLC; EVAH Party Rentals; LLC; Staunch Entertainment; amusement rides under the more ride conscious,” he said. prised the 68 instructors, and Family Entertainment Group; Sumba, LLC; T&K Bouncy Amusement Ride Safety Act “[Facilities] want to have more they covered a wide spectrum Fantasy World Entertainment; House; Talk of the Town; since 1984 and regularly partici- people onsite that are that of specialties impacting the Flynn Sports, Inc.; George Taylor Rental; Tents & Events, pates in education and outreach are trained professionally for amusement industry. Entertainment, LLC; Gigliottis LLC; The Adventure Guild; seminars that include classes amusement ride safety. A lot of Seminar participants chose Magical Entertainment; Go True Value Plus; United Sports; and hands-on demonstra- it is turnover in help.” the specialty courses that were Ape; Grand Rental of York, Inc.; Valley Forge Promotions; tions. The next Pennsylvania Training was offered for the most beneficial for their Hill Billy Fun; Hite Equipment Waldorf Entertainment, LLC; Ride Safety Seminar is sched- the following levels and cat- career path, job description, Rental, LLC; Incredible Woodlands Foundation; Wyn, uled for Feb. 26-28 at the Red egories: Class 1 Inspector, abilities and employer benefit. Bounce, LLC; J&R Dunk Tank LLC; Xtreme Moon Bounce, Lion Hotel, in Harrisburg, just Class 2 Inspector, Independent There were 109 course options Rentals; Jen’s Ponies and K&J LLC; Greater Brandywine; and off I-283 on Lindle Road. The Inspector, Inflatable Ride varying from one hour to nine Party Rentals, LLC. Jennerstown. spring training program offers Safety, Haunted Attractions hours in length. Additional participating Participating amusement two additional instruction and Extreme Sports. Two other Participating companies companies and organizations and theme parks were Conneaut areas: Water Attractions and Go organizations offered training and organizations includ- were Lancaster Barnstormers Lake Park, Hersheypark, Karts / Bumper Boats. and certification at the semi- ed 940 Rock Climb; A&R Baseball; Lancaster Kennywood Park, Parques de •paridesafety.com nar: Association for Climbing Rental Center; AEB Inflatable Entertainment Partners, Inc.; Altura Mexico and Sesame Course Technicians and the Rentals; Altoona Curve MiLB Laurel Highlands Rental, Inc.; Place. Note: The Pennsylvania Entertainment centers, ride safety seminars are not to be recreation centers, resorts and confused with the annual PACE other venues attending included (Parks and Carnival Education) Altitude Trampoline Park; Blue seminar, jointly sponsored by the Mountain Resort; Bouncetown; Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Camden Children’s Garden; Association (PSSA) and the Climb-A-Lot Clubhouse; Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Country Junction; Demon Association (PAPA). That seminar, House; Diversion Escape presented by National Association Rooms; Erie Play Port, LLC; of Amusement Ride Safety Officials Evangelical Free Bible Church; (NAARSO), is scheduled for late Fly World Trampoline Park; October (date, classroom and Get Air Pittsburgh; Jumonville hands-on training locations to be Christian Camp & Retreat determined.) PACE offers inspector Center; Kehler’s Gymnastics training for Pennsylvania Certified Center, Inc.; Lightning Inspectors and/or NAARSO levels. Bug Family Entertainment Program information can be found Three of the 68 volunteers who help twice each year (from left): Amanda Adams, partner, Center, LLC; Ligonier Camp; on the PSSA website at pashow- Vondriska Leisure Consultants, LLC; Leonard Adams II, Adams Amusements; and Sarah Pennsylvania Lions Beacon men.com and the PAPA website at Henderson, Air Castles and Slides. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Lodge Camp; Party Zone for paamusementparks.com. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Ohio's Cedar Point carefully plans its winter maintenance AT: Tim Baldwin arrival to Cedar Point in 1995, [email protected] he soon became aware of that SANDUSKY, Ohio — short window following the Unless a park operates in year- summer season to get the round mode in California park “winterized.” or Florida, it most likely has “A lot of people may not an off-season period. Such realize that after we close months are vital for between- down, we really have only season maintenance. a month to get all the build- Cedar Point, located on ings in the park that are not a peninsula in Lake Erie, capable of having water in has a renowned status for the pipes all blown down,” being the Coaster Capital of Monty Jasper he said. “All the restaurants, the World. Its long-running all the restrooms, the hotels, reputation of building world- less rides and high-capacity merchandise shops — all class roller coasters, as well roller coasters. those things that can’t afford as having the largest collec- “The window of opportu- to have pipes burst in them tion of rides in the U.S., takes nity is short [here]. You don’t — we have to winterize them, Cedar Point’s Lake Erie location receives an abundance advantage of its unique loca- see that in a southern park,” and we really only have the of winter weather. Park fans attending Winter Chill Out tion surrounded by the Great said Monty Jasper, corporate month of November to do watch Millennium Force vehicles going through off-season Lake in almost all direc- vice president of safety and them. We’re running around maintenance (below). COURTESY CEDAR POINT tions. However, when winter engineering, Cedar Fair. like crazed wild men to get arrives, the lakeside setting Jasper, a mechanical engi- it done. The mechanics are encounters harsh conditions. neering by schooling, grew doing the same thing with the Between freezing tempera- up in Texas. Starting a career rides. They’re ripping every- tures, lake-effect snows and with Six Flags he spent 16 thing apart as fast as they often blizzards, the megapark years in Houston, a hot and can. Nobody wants to be out needs an established plan in humid climate that dealt with in the brutal weather to take place to maintain its count- the salty sea air. Upon his something apart to work on it indoors.” Jasper stresses that once winter hits and everything freezes, the location on the peninsula can be harsh. It is essential that all needed maintenance take place indoors. “The caveat to that is construction,” Jasper laughs. “Construction is a brutal ment. Jasper says a large con- est of the maintenance jobs as business on the North Coast.” tingent of the maintenance it must take place on the ride When asked by Amusement staff works on the mainland site. Weather might affect its Today if there are any lessons during the winter months. scheduling. to be learned by others who An indirect safety benefit to Having facilities where don’t experience this environ- this is the removal of the need maintenance teams are com- ment, Jasper said, “What hap- to use the entrance drive to fortable is key according to pens here at Cedar Point, the Cedar Point, an elongated Jasper. “They get more done,” staff gets used to using those causeway over the water he said. “Progress lags and windows of opportunity. which can be treacherous efficiency drops when it is They are very hard working. when frozen over. difficult for them.” They work 24 hours around “The biggest thing On a side note, the park the clock in the summer to to learn is you don’t wait, incorporates a special event support this park and con- you don’t drag your heels dubbed Winter Chill Out in tinue that into the fall and on something,” said Jasper. February. The park’s biggest winter. The next step is to get “They clean the park prior to fans can witness the mainte- everything overhauled in that the snow falling. They get all nance and other behind-the- December-through-March the leaves and landscaping scenes work happening at the timeframe. From March to out of the flower beds. It just park. The event annually sells opening day, we have to get makes your job that much out and raises approximately everything back out into the easier in the spring.” $50,000 for A Kid Again, one park and set up again.” Much of the work in of Cedar Point's charities. Cedar Point opens at the the winter is simply snow Cedar Point opens May beginning of May. Currently, removal to get to offices and 11 and immediately begins the park has 70 rides. work stations to get work daily operation through A small shop in the south done. Labor Day. Weekend opera- part of the park was built Parts for the winter over- tion takes place through when Cedar Point was half haul are ordered as early as Halloween. Then, the cyclical the size it is today. Since July. Planning and purchases process begins again. then, more space off-site was take place in the summer and “The winter calls the tune acquired. An old auto dealer- schedules begin being built. as far as the schedule goes. ship turned out to be perfect New rides are immediately It is a choreographed dance for moving coaster cars inside figured into the schedule. to get this place overhauled for needed maintenance in Wooden coaster track- in the winter and then get it a climate-controlled environ- work is considered the harsh- back open again,” said Jasper. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 CALENDAR 2019 AIMS International 2019 Safety Seminar Jan. 13-18, 2019 San Luis Resort and Hilton Hotel (Classes at Galveston Convention Center) Galveston, Texas • (714) 425-5747 www.aimsintl.org • IAAPA FEC Summit 2019 Jan. 27-29, 2019 • Austin, Texas Hyatt Regency Lost Pines www.iaapa.org • NAARSO 2019 Safety Fourm Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, 2019• Myrtle Beach, S.C. Kings Plantation Hilton, Myrtle Beach Hands-on ride training at Broadway at the Beach (813) 661-2779 • email: [email protected] www.naarso.com • IISF Trade Show Feb. 5-8, 2019 Riverview, Fla. • (813) 677-9377 www.gibtownshowmensclub.com • IRT/iROC Operations Safety Training School Feb. 5-8, 2019 • Foley, Ala. The Park at OWA (615) 545-8109 • [email protected] Hands-on ride operations training at The Park at OWA • 2019 NAARSO East Coast Training Feb. 19-21, 2019 Golden Nugget Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. www.njamusements.com • Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar Feb. 26-28, 2019 • Harrisburg, Pa. Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center / Harrisburg Joe Filoramo, (717) 215-4316 Phil Slaggert, (561) 758-3266 www.paridesafety.com • 106th Anniversary NEAAPA Education Conference & Annual Meeting Including NAARSO Outreach Safety School March 18-22, 2019 Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Springfield, Mass. (877) 999-8740 • www.neaapa.com • AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo 2019 Conference: March 26, 2019 Trade Show: March 27 & 28 Las Vegas Convention Center (Hall TBA) Las Vegas, Nev. • (708) 226-1300 www.amusementexpo.org MARK THE DATES

•June 12-14: Asia Attractions Expo, Shanghai, China •Sept. 6 & 7: 2019 Golden Ticket Awards presented by Amusement Today Silverwood Theme Park, Coeur D' Alene, Idaho •Sept. 17-19: Euro Attraction Show, Paris, France •Oct. 7-10: WWA Trade Show, Orlando, Fla. (Disney) •Nov. 19-22: IAAPA Attractions Expo, Orlando, Fla.

Have a Calender event listing you want to share? Email it to: [email protected] January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Best wishes for a happy and safe 2019 from AIMS International! The 2019 AIMS Safety Seminar volunteer their time and expertise in PLATINUM: Mobaro Park Painting; Doppelmayr; Vondriska kicks off the New Year on Jan. 13 in assembling this outstanding group of Leisure Consultants; Ridewerks, Inc.; Galveston, Texas, where more than instructors and shaping our seminar GOLD: LJM & Associates, IRISS; Dynamic Attractions; Zebec 400 students and 100 instructors will curriculum — the AIMS Education Amusement Today, Kumbak — The convene for five days of classes, net- Committee. Led by Chairman John Amusement Engineers, Auxel SRL, Membership meeting working and certification testing. Jachim and AIMS Safety Seminar Chance Rides, Coulter Associates, The annual AIMS International As a nonprofit organization, AIMS Manager Holly Coston, the 2019 Amusement Technical Services, membership meeting will take place International is dedicated to improv- Safety Seminar Education Committee International Association of during the safety seminar on Jan. 14, ing safety in the amusement industry includes Anna Lisa Bacon, Nicole Amusement Parks and Attractions 5:30 p.m., at the Hilton Galveston through leadership in education. Our Walker, Joe Zdunek, John Hanschen, Island Resort. All members are invited reputation for the excellent quality Liz Nemeth, David Bromilow, Andy SILVER: Outdoor Amusement to attend. Not a member? Join now of our seminar program is due to our McNeeley, Randy Vakeiner and Business Association, Premier and help further our efforts to pro- volunteer instructors — more than Adam Hickey. Rides, ProSlide Technology, Rides- mote safety in the amusement industry. 100 industry professionals who share 4-U, S&S Worldwide, Walt Disney Please visit our website for a descrip- their expertise with our students in Thank you, seminar sponsors! Imagineering, Uremet Corp., tion of our membership categories and more than 200 class hours during the On behalf of the AIMS board Vekoma, Mondial Rides, WhiteWater, application. seminar week. This commitment to of directors and the entire amuse- Northwest Coasters, Ralph Alberts safety education and training in the ment industry, we are especially grate- Co., Tapeswitch, CPI Amusement, Feedback requested amusement industry is priceless. We ful for those companies who sup- Applied Technical Services, Barr Planning for the 2020 AIMS Safety cannot begin to thank our instructors port the work and mission of AIMS Engineering, Ray Cammack Shows, Seminar will begin almost immediately enough for the hours spent in prepa- International as sponsors of the 2019 Rockwell Automation, Zamperla, after the 2019 event concludes on Jan. ration to bring students the latest and AIMS Safety Seminar. Millennium Elastomers 18. Please send your ideas and sug- best information on safety issues and At press time, our sponsors gestions for classes and improvements standards. include: BRONZE: ASTM; Haas & Wilkerson to [email protected]. We want to hear We are also grateful to those who Insurance; Leisure Labs; Baynum from you!

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 House of Air co-founder David Schaeffer honored by ASTM Intl. W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Together with Paul Parks and Attractions and Pa. — David Schaeffer, co- McGeehan, Schaeffer found- the International Association founder of House of Air ed House of Air in San of Trampoline Parks. Trampoline Parks, has been Francisco in 2009. He pre- Committed to serving honored with the Award viously served as a project global societal needs, ASTM of Appreciation by ASTM manager for The North Face International works toward International’s committee on and as board chairman for the positively impacting public amusement rides and devices International Association of health and safety, consumer (F24). Trampoline Parks. He holds a confidence and overall quality A member since 2012, bachelor’s degree in psychol- of life through the integration Schaeffer was recognized this ogy from Brown University. of consensus standards devel- David Schaeffer (foreground), co-founder with Paul McGeehan past fall for his hard work and In addition to ASTM oped with the organization’s (rear) of House of Air Trampoline Parks, has been lauded for dedication in leading a task International, Schaeffer is a international membership of leading an ASTM International task group revising a practice group revising a practice for member of the International volunteer technical experts. for trampoline courts. COURTESY HOUSE OF AIR trampoline courts. Association of Amusement •astm.org Students begin study program at Gold Medal CINCINNATI, Ohio — In a collaborative community effort, Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber recently created a new program designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to careers in manufacturing. The pre-apprenticeship program provides paid, on-the- job learning with regional business partners, including Gold Medal Products Co., Allied Window and Steinhauser, Inc. Students were selected based on an interest in the manufacturing industry, GPA, attendance, teachers’ recommenda- tions, and an application and interview process. Gold Medal has welcomed three students: Jimeir Hales, Donneisha Hill and Ar’reona Reed-Parker. Each student has been assigned a production lead to teach them the skills for their assigned duties, while an additional mentor also is available to assist. The program lasts until the end of the school year. •gmpopcorn.com Calif. increases inspection fees for portable rides On Oct. 15, CAL/OSHA raised its Portable Amusement Ride fees, which cover all work performed in connection with audits; inspections; re- inspections; approvals; deter- minations; certifications and re-certifications; and receipt and review of certificates or reports. The new rate is $206 per hour. Updated language associated with the increase can be located in the California Code of Regulations, section 344.18. Visit dir.ca.gov/ title8/344_18.html. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Tork EasyCube helps Kentucky Kingdom keep facilities clean LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The once a particularly trouble- sive solution. The facility man- quality of the guest experi- some part of operations. The agement software provides, ence is key to customer satis- 63-acre park has more than 70 among other functions, action- faction and loyalty at amuse- amusement rides and rollers able data that enables park ment parks. But keeping a park coasters, plus 20 water park services managers and staff to clean can be a difficult task. attractions, and it can see more address cleaning and supply Much staff effort is required than 9,000 visitors a day during refilling in a proactive manner. to maintain multiple high-traf- peak summer season. The system consists of fic restrooms and other facili- Like most parks, Kentucky connected devices that pro- ties, especially when they are Kingdom also faces common vide real-time information. spread across a large swath of challenges in hiring, training Through tablets, smart phones The data-driven facilities cleaning and maintenance solution real estate. and motivating cleaning staff. or any internet-enabled device, offered by Tork EasyCube software has streamlined and At Kentucky Kingdom It came across Tork EasyCube supervisors and cleaners are prioritized the efforts of cleaning staff at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, keeping facility management software presented with a snapshot of and Hurricane Bay. COURTESY TORK/ESSITY facilities clean and stocked was while looking for a comprehen- which areas of a facility need attention and what supplies are needed. It can result in savings of 20 percent or more in cleaning time and a more purpose- ful, less stressful workday for cleaning staff. Kentucky Kingdom uses Tork EasyCube to access data WE KNOW ABOUT collected from 163 connected YOUR NEEDS: devices installed throughout the park. The software moni- Customised solutions tors supply levels and the num- Certifications & documentations ber of guests visiting each park for all national requirements zone, alerting staff to cleaning Professional retrofitting for needs in prioritized order. existing rides According to Jake Transports passengers, rafts and tubes Allgeier, park services man-

More information: sunkidworld.com ager, Tork EasyCube has been especially helpful on busy weekends, when traffic fluc- tuations between park zones can vary by the thousands. “My staff loves it, and we are using our time more efficiently because we no longer need to check each dispenser physi- cally,” he said. “That’s an awe- some benefit.” Jessi O’Daniel, senior manager of guest relations for # 1 Kentucky Kingdom, noted that introducing Tork EasyCube has WORLDWIDE been advantageous on many Conveyor belt solutions fronts — including reporting for rafts, tubes and analytics as well as over- and people seeing staff. “The system has aided the entire stocking and maintenance process,” O’Daniel said. “It guides our staff workflow because it’s based on what areas and supplies are actually being used. And thanks to park management gaining Sunkid – Waterpark Conveyors access to all daily actions from +3500 Installations I 68 Countries I Inclines up to 900 I World Wide Service the online data, we now have visibility into staff accomplish- Contact us! ments. Those insights are [lead- sunkidworld.com | Tel: +43 5412 68131 ing to] better-informed deci- sions and driving adjustments in planning.” Tork EasyCube, a brand of Stockholm, Sweden-based Essity, a global hygiene and health company, includes customer support by Tork staff. For more information, visit torkusa.com. —Dean Lamanna January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Safety-related exhibitors share floor, spotlight at WWA Show

AT: Dean Lamanna Airlines, NBC and Virgin [email protected] Galactic. “Along with lifeguard LAS VEGAS — Amid all equipment and supplies, and the splashy fun on display at the we also do CPR training, first- 38th annual World Waterpark aid training and AED [auto- Association Symposium & mated external defibrillator] Trade Show (WWA Show), training,” said Stephanie held Oct. 23-26 at Westgate Las Johnson, operations manager. Vegas Resort & Casino, there “For the training, we go to the was a consistent focus on the client’s location or invite them industry’s top priority: safety. to ours.” Products and services sup- The company’s mission is Faithanne Molyneaux and porting aquatic safety were pre- to ensure the health and safe- Amy Hilten of The Lifeguard sented by numerous exhibitors. ty of families and businesses. Store show off their Along with an array of water “Training is extremely impor- company’s rescue tubes (top park and pool equipment, they tant at water parks,” Johnson right), while Eddie Gulbenkian included lifeguard supplies, said. “We want people to be of Kemp USA (bottom right) lifesaving training, emergency able to revive the life of a child has his customer’s emergency medical services (EMS) equip- or adult in an emergency, and supplies / equipment toting ment and personal care prod- also to ensure that all prop- needs “in the bag.” CPR ucts — all aimed at keeping erties have safety equipment Savers & First Aid Supply guests safe and comfortable. onsite, such as an AED. When offers an extensive Making its first appearance the patient goes into cardiac automated external at WWA Show, CPR Savers & arrest, it’s extremely important defibrillator (AED) First Aid Supply was on hand to have the proper knowledge line (above). to promote safety as well as and equipment in the interim AT/DEAN LAMANNA; build a new client base within before the first responders get CPR SAVERS & FIRST the water park industry. The to the site.” AID SUPPLY (AED) Scottsdale, Ariz.-based com- The goal of The Lifeguard pany, founded by and for EMS Store, based in Normal, Ill., is to personal gear to safety and personnel, has worked primar- to provide lifeguards and facil- safety-training equipment. their needs are, and then help- also a place where the small- ily with lifeguard agencies, fire ity operators with quality prod- “We’ve all been part of the ing them get the most effective town lifeguard who doesn’t departments, hospitals, schools ucts that also fit their budgets. industry in various ways, so use of their budget dollars,” have access to a big-box store and governmental agen- Serving the aquatics industry we’re able to guide our cus- said Faithanne Molyneaux, can purchase authentic life- cies. Business clients include since 1992, the company stocks tomers by looking at who their water park and resort sales Boeing, Chevron, Continental everything from life jackets client population is and what representative. “Our website is 4See WWA, page 49 January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 WWA offerings. lubricant for athletes of any wide. Continued from page 48 “When you spend time in level that helps prevent blister- WWA Show 2019 takes chlorinated water, you can get ing and chafing. place in Orlando Oct. 7-10, guard wear.” an itchy scalp, dry skin and Former Ironman triathlete with the trade show running Residential pool own- just that overall chlorine odor, Karen Allard, SBR’s founder Oct. 8-9, at Walt Disney World ers make up a portion of The which doesn’t rinse or wash and CEO, started the company Resort. Visit WWA’s website Lifeguard Store’s business. out of your hair easily,” Hubeli 14 years ago when she saw for information. “We have test kits, rafts and said. “Our product is designed a void in personal care prod- •wwashow.org tubes — products people want specifically to deal with that. ucts for athletes and the physi- and need at home,” Molyneaux The shampoo even helps allevi- cally active. Today, SBR enjoys Jeff Hubeli, account executive said. “We’re really someplace ate eczema and dandruff.” partnerships with the U.S. for SBR Sports, Inc., displays for everyone to look who is The company’s other Swim School Association, the commercially popular interested in the water.” products, all of which are made U.S. Masters Swimming and pump size of the company’s Lifeguards and EMS per- in the U.S., include anti-fog Masters Swimming Canada, TriSwim chlorine- and sonnel need a convenient, towelettes for sports goggles and its products are in more saltwater-out body wash. water-resistant way to haul and diving masks, and a skin than 350 swim schools world- AT/DEAN LAMANNA; their gear and life-saving equipment. Enter Kemp USA, which supplies durable back- packs, hip packs and bags designed for this purpose. “Bags are a very important thing, and people want stuff that lasts,” said Eddie Gulbenkian, president of the Charlotte, N.C.-based company, which has been in business for 12 years. “We manufacture under the labels of other companies, which is why a lot of people haven’t heard of us. But in the past year or two, we’ve been pushing the Kemp brand out more and more.” Kemp’s packs and bags are made of heavy-duty nylon. They can be purchased empty or the company will stock them with the needed first aid, lifesaving equipment and EMS supplies for the customer. “We do sell most of the materials to go in them,” said Gulbenkian, whose clients also include pool dealers throughout the U.S. and Latin America. “We started getting involved in stuffing them because we got so many requests.” Several of Kemp’s popular premium bags feature a pull- out kneepad that any emergency medical technician (EMT) would find useful. “A lot of times, EMTs will come to a situation where they don’t know what they’re kneeling on — whether it’s gravel or blood or broken glass. They can throw this down and they’re good to go.” Athletes and others who spend time in the water, whether for recreational or lifeguard- ing purposes, have found the products of SBR Sports, Inc., beneficial, according to Jeff Hubeli, account executive for the Santa Ana, Calif.-based company. And attendees at WWA Show certainly enjoyed picking up samples of SBR’s TriSwim line of salon-quality, chlorine- and saltwater-out shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, among other 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Escape room fire codes in focus at HauntCon FAA measure may AT: impact drone use Dean Lamanna tion. Owners and managers [email protected] can attend this complimentary WASHINGTON, D.C.— In NEW ORLEANS — session with their HauntCon October, the U.S. Congress passed the Federal Aviation Representatives of the badge. Administration (FAA) National Association of State “We have the same goals Reauthorization bill, H.R. Fire Marshals (NASFM) are as owners and operators of 302. The reauthorization lasts scheduled to appear at the escape rooms — and that is to through fiscal year 2023. 2019 Haunted Attraction owners and managers, and make the attractions safe and It attempts to establish a National Trade Show & the other for manufacturers enjoyable for visitors so they framework for safely integrat- Convention (HauntCon) to and exhibitors who make want to return,” said Philip ing unmanned aerial systems introduce new, mandatory props and products for the Oakes, a representative of (UAS), or drones, more fully fire codes for escape room attractions. NASFM. “We know that new into the national airspace. Two attractions in the U.S. includes more than 70 hours On Jan. 24, Browning regulations are sometimes provisions impact the attrac- The trade show runs Jan. of presentations and educa- will present an exclusive ses- met with questions, and we’re tions industry: 25-27 at the Ernest N. Morial tional sessions. sion for exhibitors that will excited for the opportunity to •The Applications for Convention Center in New “Our primary goal is to describe the new codes that come to HauntCon to be able Designation provision estab- Orleans. arm haunted attraction and apply to props, décor and to talk with owners directly lishes a process whereby fixed- NASFM comprises the escape room owners and products for escape games. about these regulations.” site entities, including amuse- most senior fire officials in the operators with the tools they This session will be compli- HauntCon 2019, owned ment parks, can petition to country. State fire marshals need to run a successful busi- mentary to all exhibitors, who by Trumbull-Conn.-based limit the flight of unauthor- are primarily responsible for ness,” said Liz Irving, senior will be able to ask questions Clarion UX, will be co-locat- ized UAS above their facilities, remains largely unchanged fire safety code adoption and vice president of marketing about the new regulations ed with the Halloween & with the exception that a new enforcement; fire and arson for HauntCon. “We are happy and how to ensure that their Party Expo. With more than deadline for the Administrator investigation; fire incident products meet the new codes. 100 exhibitors lined up, this to work with NASFM so that to publish a notice of proposed data reporting and analysis; they can meet directly with The second session to be year’s event also features rulemaking in the federal regis- public education; and advis- haunters and exhibitors to presented by Browning, on educational sessions on busi- ter was set for March 31, 2019. ing state governors and legis- explain the new codes that Jan. 26, will address the new ness, marketing, design, staff •Clarifing that recreational latures on fire protection. will be in place for escape codes from the perspective of training and makeup, as well drone users no longer have a HauntCon is a leading games in 2019.” escape room and haunt attrac- as behind-the-scenes tours of blanket exemption from UAS annual networking event for Louisiana State Fire tion owners and managers. haunt attractions. rules and regulations. the owners and operators Marshal Butch Browning He will explain the codes’ Visit HauntCon online for The bill represents a start- of haunted attractions and will present two sessions to importance and the need for registration and additional ing point for development of serves as a launching pad for explain the new codes — one compliance in order for an information. UAS rules and regulations. new products and services. It geared toward escape game attraction to pass fire inspec- •hauntcon.com January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 Safe Zone debuts detection system at CES 2019 Morey’s Piers’ Economically priced, Designed and manufac- determines the location of latest attraction versatile technology tured in the U.S. and afford- shots fired, the number of ably priced at $149 per shots, and the type and cali- is solar power issues rapid warning unit, the Safe Zone Gunfire ber of firearm. An alert is WILDWOOD, N.J. Detector combines the lat- sent to the appropriate pub- — In October, Morey’s MELBOURNE, Fla. est infrared and sound lic safety access points, giv- Piers & Beachfront — Underscoring a grow- detection technologies with ing local 911 dispatchers all Waterparks flipped the ing security market need immediate cloud-based data the critical information right switch to power 36,300 for an economical gunfire of older, slower and more analysis. It is a small trian- on their computer. square feet of mainte- detection system that — expensive solutions current- gular unit that mounts in a “The system immedi- nance buildings solely from theme parks to resort ly available, the Safe Zone ceiling corner and provides ately notifies anyone with through 900-plus solar hotels — can be installed system responds within 10 detection for an area of up the Safe Zone app, plus panels. easily in any public loca- seconds to an active shooter to 9,000 square feet. Unlike anyone on pre-built email The panels are tion, technology startup situation, analyzing the on- other gunfire detection solu- and text message lists, help- installed on the four main- Safe Zone will introduce its the-ground situation and tions, it can be connected to ing people onsite to avoid tenance buildings located Safe Zone Gunfire Detector automatically communi- third-party alarm, surveil- encountering the shooters,” on the former Hunt’s Pier at Consumer Electronics cating with all key person- lance, door lock and mass explained John Anderson, at 2710 Boardwalk. Show 2019 (CES 2019), tak- nel, from first responders notification systems. the company’s chief tech- The installation of ing place in Las Vegas at to school administrators to Safe Zone’s advanced nology officer. “By know- solar power signifies the the Las Vegas Convention parents and management.” machine-learning algo- ing the location of a shooter Morey organization’s con- Center Jan. 8-11. According to Anderson, rithms analyze more than and their capabilities, first tinued commitment to The system is designed statistics show that it takes 3,000 data points of each responders can be properly improve sustainability and to detect, analyze and report an average of five minutes loud noise that exceeds prepared and bystanders conservation on its three gunfire to local authorities for police to be notified of ambient levels by a certain can get to a safe zone.” amusement piers. within seconds — saving an active shooter situation threshold. False alarms, such The system was devel- “The system will pro- time that can save lives. by someone on the scene as car backfires, firecrackers oped by Avidea Group, Inc. duce more than 410,000 “This is the active shoot- because of the chaos and or popping balloons, are fil- For more information, visit kilowatts per year, realiz- er security breakthrough danger. “We knew we could tered out through their dis- CES 2019, booth #25708 ing more than $53,000 in a very troubled world has build something better and tinct acoustic signatures. (South Hall 2), or see online energy savings annually,” been waiting for,” said Mike far more affordable that By utilizing the data at safezonetech.com. said Will Morey, second- Anderson, president of Safe would save more lives,” he from multiple detectors —Dean Lamanna generation park owner. Zone. “Unlike the handful said. simultaneously, the system “Over a 30-year period,

this will reduce CO2 emissions by 337 tons — the environmental equiva- lent of taking 12.4 million miles off the road or planting 126,000 trees.” Added second-generation owner Jack Morey: “We take our stewardship of this mile of pristine beach we enjoy so much very seriously, and the six- figure investment in this solar panel project was the right thing to do this year, no doubt.” New Jersey-based Geoscape Solar designed the project and installed the panels. “Morey’s Piers has always been a New Jersey name synonymous with family,” said Lee Watson, COO and partner at Geoscape COO. “We were thrilled that Morey’s chose Geoscape Solar to partner with to achieve their long-term financial and environmental goals.” Used year-round by a staff of 57 in season, the maintenance buildings house workshops for repairs, tests, painting, carpentry, and updates of all components of the rides and facilities throughout the three piers. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53

32nd ANNUAL SAFETY FORUM Jan. 27 – Feb. 1, 2019 Kingston Plantation Hilton ResoRt and BRoadway at tHe BeacH Myrtle Beach, S.C..

Up-to-date training and dynamic hands-on activity experience! OPERATIONS CERTIFICATION Primary & Advanced Operations Classes Exams for both levels offered on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019! (must meet eligibility requirements) · Registration begins on Sunday, January 27, 2019. · Classes end after noon on Friday, February 1. · Inspector Level I & Level II certification exams are Friday afternoon. · Tuition cost is $475 for current 2018 members of NAARSO, non-member’s tuition cost is $550.

Kingston Plantation Hilton ResoRt · 1000 Beach Club Dr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572 Room rates are $82 plus tax single/double. · Attendees call (800) 876-0010 or visit kingstonresorts.com and use promo code “AMU” by Jan. 7, 2019, to get the stated room rate.

· Offering Limited SpeciaLty and train the trainer classes on Sat. & Sun., Jan. 26 & 27, for $100. · Annual membership meeting will be on Sunday, Jan. 27 (Kingston Plantation Hilton) at 1:30 p.m. Full brochure will be posted later in 2018! www.naarso.com 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 CLASSIFIEDS

AUCTION FOR SALE FOR SALE

•Zierer Flitzer Roller Coaster...... $199,000 •Vekoma Corkscrew Coaster...... $499,000 •Zamperla Compact Coaster...... $19,000 •Moser Spring Ride 5 + 5...... $79,000 •Tivoli Spinout (T/M)...... $149,000 •Technical Park Tropical Storm.....$399,000 •S & S Double Shot tower 80’...... $399,000 •Zamperla Speedway...... $159,000 •SBF Drop N’ Twist 12-seater...... $169,000 •Moser 25mt Drop Tower...$349,000 STAINLESS STEEL LOCKERS •KMG Fireball...... $299,000 (2 years old) •Majestic Scooter (T/M)...... $350,000 Manufactured by American Locker •Dartron Downdraft (T/M)...... $275,000 •Majestic Musik Express (T/M)...... $425,000 Keyed in two sizes: •Chance 36’ Carousel (T/M)...... $175,000 230 lockers – 12” X 8” X 13” •ARM Ali Baba (T/M)...... $249,000 and 54 lockers – 20” X 12” X 13” •Majestic Catch-n-Air (T/M)...... $300,000 •Eli Bridge Kiddie Swing (T/M)....$19,900 Keyed for all-day rental • $50,000 OBO. Call Len or Earl FOR SALE (908) 526-8009 Contact: FAX: (908) 526-4535 Eric Bertch (319) 290-7588 www.Rides4U.com CAROUSEL OPERATING BUSINESS Operator/operator of carousel business is retiring and willing to sell business. More than 35 top quality locations across the country. Opportunity for growth and expansion.

For more information contact Len or Earl Rides 4 U (908) 526-8009

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January 2019 | Vol. 22 • Issue 10 www.amusementtoday.com IAAPA exhibitors expand beyond trade show walls Record attendance brings booming business to Attractions Expo AT: Tim Baldwin from around the world. [email protected] “This year we had more prearranged meetings than ORLANDO — Piercing ever,” said Lauren Wood the 40,000-person attendance Weaver, marketing director, barrier for the first time, an Sally Corp. “We had meetings estimated 42,000 attendees set with the right people, and we a new trade show record for met new people every day.” IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018, Commenting on the held Nov. 12-16. Crowds were strength of the industry, Dick so thick at one point that the Chance of Chance Rides said, staff at the Orange County “We have the best backlog Convention Center had a dif- we’ve had in at least ten years. ficult time keeping up with the From indications here at the heavy foot traffic. show, there are a lot more proj- Be it flying cotton candy, ects coming in the future.” cars transforming into robots “I never see enough while I or inflatable poop, there was am here,” said Will Morey, co- always something to grab the Record attendance kept aisles busy at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018. COURTESY IAAPA owner, Morey’s Piers. “I had attention of the thousands of some great conversations that attendees walking ten miles of Hall of Fame inductees, a recap operations,” commented Bob at Universal Studios Orlando, will move some projects for- aisles. of exhilarating new attractions Williams, general manager, which featured an exclusive ward in the future.” Attendance wasn’t the only from 2018 and an encourag- Calaway Park. performance by rock band The IAAPA Expo for 2019 record shattered. Exhibiting ing update on the state of the “The Expo attendees really Barenaked Ladies. will take place at the Orange space expanded to new dimen- industry. enjoy the educational sessions. Of the record attendance, County Convention Center sions as 1,151 companies dis- Liseberg announced the You can tell by how engaged 26,600 were qualified buyers once again, Nov. 18-22. played products and services winner of its semi-annual they are, particularly in the not only wall to wall inside Applause Award during the Q&A section of each session,” the Orange County Convention Kickoff Event. This year’s Sondra Woods, advertising Center, but also in a custom- recipient was Xcaret, a theme director, Santa Cruz Beach built exhibition space outside park on Mexico’s Riviera Boardwalk, told Amusement the trade show doors in an area Maya. Miguel Quintana Pali, Today. “We really saw a lot of called Exploration Station. 140 president and CEO of Grupo excellent questions come from exhibitors filled this expansion. Experincias Xcaret accepted attendees. As a professional and During the Kickoff Event, the award. “I never thought a presenter, it is amazing to see IAAPA revealed its new logo that doing what you love to do how willing and excited parks and branding that officially every day — to show the beau- are to share their great ideas to launched Jan. 1. “Our goal ty of my country, the culture help others in the industry. It is to evaluate and refine the of my country — I would be really is a team effort.” IAAPA brand to ensure that it able to pursue this important The week-long event reflects a truly global IAAPA distinction,” he said. offered countless networking of today and prepares the asso- Prior to the Tuesday open- opportunities, be it private ciation for the future,” said Jeff ing of the trade show floor, functions put on by exhibi- Klocke, chairman of the IAAPA more than 15,000 people par- tors, organized IAAPA activi- Attendees gathered to watch a car with two riders transform Branding Task Force. ticipated in the 149 education ties and special ticketed break- into a gigantic robot (left) that moved around the Sansei The celebratory event ener- classes and workshops. fast and lunch sessions. More Technologies booth. Flying cotton candy (right) would capti- gized close to 2,000 profession- “We got relevant education than 3,600 people attended als with the introduction of that we can actually apply to the IAAPA Celebrates social vated passersby. AT/JEFF SEIFERT; TIM BALDWIN 42 IAAPA Attractions Expo 10-year attendance* 35.1 39 30.5 32.9 29 26.5 25 25.8 24 14.6 15.3 15.8 18.2 19.4 21.2 22.6 25.3 26 Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers Buyers • • • • • • • • • 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Las Vegas Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando

FACTS FAST *in thousands (AT Research) 2B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Ride manufacturers display newest looks and innovations AT: Tim Baldwin update an older flume. If you [email protected] can use existing infrastruc- ture and reduce construction ORLANDO — The famil- costs, there are still advantages iar flash and fiberglass, steel compared to doing something and stamina, and models and completely new.” meetings were all alive and Vekoma has an incredible well at the IAAPA Attractions list of coaster projects going Expo. The trade show floor in, and that’s just the ones it is was busy, particularly the first allowed to talk about. two days, where finding space Charlotte van Etten, to even stroll the aisles often account manager, was excited became challenging. about the company’s new logo Overall, exhibitors found and the portfolio book. “This the health of the industry con- is my life work,” she laughed. tinued to be robust. With con- “I’m excited about it and the tracts signed for projects sever- new website that went online al years out, IAAPA’s slogan of [at the beginning of the show]. “Fun Forward” was certainly This Nickelodeon-themed coaster car (left) will be seen at American Dream Meadowlands in The company’s new prod- applicable. New Jersey in 2019. The vehicle on the Dynamic Attractions' Dual Power Coaster (right) is uct line is finding homes Dynamic Attractions will powered and moves along with the motion on the track layout. around the globe. Three Hyper be debuting a new coaster COURTESY DYNAMIC ATTRACTINS; AT/TIM BALDWIN Space Warp looping coasters concept in Malaysia. The Dual are going in for 2019, plus a Power Coaster adds a new ing at the same park seats 72. to benefit both companies. We ment coasters look to combine Firestorm and a Space Warp, all layer of thrill with the ability They’ve done a great job with have classic rides, but we’ve so many thrilling elements in China. A Top Gun launched to simulate “spin outs” while the movie; it’s really bright. It’s invested in the new manufac- they are sure to be world- coaster is going in for 2020. traversing coaster track. Four going to accentuate why our turing technology. We thought wide draws. The installation Vekoma also has a brand-new degrees of freedom — side-to- flying theater is so popular. if we [worked] together it in France is billed to have train design for an upcoming side roll, up-and-down heave, For us, to see those innova- would be mutually beneficial. the most coaster elements (30 flying coaster but could not directional change heading and tions come to life and win the We’re doing some work for unique elements) and the most discuss it until its home park forward direction — will com- next new award is what we are them on their projects because airtime on any steel coaster. has released all details. bine with linear synchronous excited about when we look at they need the capacity.” The Belgian attraction will fea- The Family Boomerang motors for bursts of speed into ’19.” Chance Rides has invested ture some world’s first maneu- continues to be a hot seller with a completely new coaster-like Dynamic Attractions in new equipment that can take vers and will be the tallest five installations slated for this experience. and Chance Rides have also 3-D models and turn them into roller coaster in France and season. Two new Suspended Guy Nelson, CEO of formed a new partnership. themed ride vehicles or one-off Belgium. Family Coasters are going in Dynamic Attractions, said, Each company offers mutual props. A rocket ship was dis- A new tower ride concept as well, one in China and one “We’ve won the Best New benefits, Dynamic Attractions played which will be utilized for Intamin was Face Down at Dollywood. All this is just Attraction Award four years in with its engineering expertise on a Jimmy Neutron attrac- Bungee. “The inspiration came a portion of new projects the a row. We are bringing some and Chance Rides with its tion at the American Dream from Sky Jump [face-down company has on deck. of those concepts online now. manufacturing capabilities. Meadowlands mall project drop tower], such as the instal- “We have projects out into The Special Effects Coaster “It’s very energizing. We in New Jersey. Chance said lations at Busch Gardens ’22 and ’23. We have a great is coming to Ferrari World. met Guy Nelson about a year the equipment was original- Tampa and Grona Lund,” said future,” van Etten told AT. “We That’s really going to change ago,” said Dick Chance, presi- ly acquired to aid in carousel Sascha Czibulka, executive are very proud of the new pro- the way we think about indoor dent, Chance Rides. “We talked horse manufacturing, but soon vice president. “The idea was duction methods.” coasters. The dueling coaster about future projects. He and realized it opened up countless for it to be a smaller attrac- “We’ve had plenty of foot has all been shipped to site I have similar steel manufac- theming opportunities. tion with obviously a smaller traffic,” said Hunter Novotny, [in Malaysia] to install. That’s turing backgrounds. We kind Elsewhere in the mall is price tag. Because of the lower engineer, Larson International. going to be another spectacular of ‘clicked.’ We got to talking going to be a Chance Rides height, we thought about add- “There’s a lot of interest in our ride. The flying theater open- how we could work together roller coaster. A coaster car ing the bouncing in the sky- new projects — the Giga Loop was on display at the booth diving position. Because with and the wheel we are putting detailed with ‘splat’ theming. the bouncing, we have slower in the mall in Canada. It’s a “This family coaster is a speeds. It is fast enough to be hubless wheel that has high brand-new design for us,” said thrilling, but we can keep the capacity and a low footprint. Chance. “We’ve built smaller riders in the facedown posi- It’ll be interesting to see where kiddie coasters and larger tion. But we still have the big Amusement Today is an independent, privately-owned hyper coasters before. This is drop finale at the end.” 4See RIDES, page 3B trade newspaper published 14 times per year by Amusement right in the middle. We’re look- Czibulka said new flume Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issue ing for a very family-oriented projects were on the horizon yearly subscriptions are $50 per year and are mailed Presort ride. It’s thrilling enough for and that inquiries into updat- Standard Postage (permit 2069) Pre-Paid in Fort Worth, Texas. adults — it goes about 40 mph ing former flume rides have The entire contents of this Special Bonus Section and related — it’s a fun, smooth ride that been coming in. “Sometimes electronic news sites are Copyrighted and Trademarked 2018 everyone wants to ride. We’re it is the lift system; technol- by Amusement Today, Inc., all right reserved. predicting our coaster will ogy has changed. A new have the highest ridership of restraint with some high-speed Bonus Section Staff: any ride in the park because it rides may be recommended if Publisher: Gary Slade has the widest market appeal.” not mandatory,” he told AT. Managing Editor: Dean Lamanna Speaking of coast- “Adding camelback drops Editorial and Photography: ers, Intamin did something or changes of direction can Tim Baldwin, Jeff Seifert, B. Derek Shaw unheard of before. The press The airplane-themed lead Production Manager: John Robinson announcement at the booth made public two projects for car for Kentucky Flyer was (817) 460-7220 • amusementtoday.com 2021 with the parks’ bless- revealed by ing. Set for Parc Astérix and The Gravity Group. Walibi Belgium, the multi-ele- AT/TIM BALDWIN January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3B IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO

Work at Nagashima Spa Land is ongoing by RMC on a massive steel track design on the park’s former wooden coaster (left). Football fans are sure to ap- preciate the thematic design of S&S’ new vehicle for The Steel Curtain (center) at Kennywood. ParadropVR by Frontgrid had attendees taking flight at the Simworx booth (right). AT/TIM BALDWIN RIDES laser projectors. The company Hersheypark’s new gaming — and there are 32 of them much higher hourly ride capac- Continued from page 2B has worked with major theme dark ride, Reese’s Cupfusion. traveling around at one time. ity than previously possible.” parks for projections, and the On tap for 2019 at Walabi It’s a stunning attraction.” Zamperla offered multiple it goes. We’ve also had a lot of latest technology boasts highly Belgium will be the introduc- The Gravity Group new concepts under the Z+ feedback on our custom rides saturated colors and virtually tion of Alterface’s IP: Popcorn revealed the lead car to brand, in addition to show- we’ve done, primarily on the maintenance-free operation. Revenge. This Erratic dark ride Kentucky Kingdom’s new casing its new coaster vehicle Tilt-A-Whirl.” Sally Corp. brought smiles system, with ride vehicles pro- family wooden coaster, headed to Mundo Petapa in The Christie booth had a to many passersby. Unveiling a vided by ETF, offers a trackless Kentucky Flyer. Decked out Guatemala. BumpArcade is a one-of-a-kind product on the giant Big Bird animatronic, the journey with seven interactive with an airplane front, the styl- new twist on a bumper car show floor. A multi-point-of- company is working on a new scenes to deliver a ride time of ized car was well received. attraction. Using existing bum- view projection allows four dark ride for PortAventura four-and-a-half minutes. “We modeled it after a per cars with a floor pickup, people to see four different World in Spain based on a West Coast Racers will P40 fighter jet,” said Korey riders become players aiming things while watching the Sesame Street theme in a dedi- debut at Six Flags Magic Kiepert, engineer. “We had an for targets projected on the same screen, each one a player cated area of the park called Mountain this summer. Jim airplane concept we presented driving floor to score points in an interactive racing game. SesamoAventura. The custom Seay, CEO, Premier Rides, said, to the park and we worked within a darkened bumper car Even as some players complete dark ride will feature a show “I can’t think of any ride cooler back and forth with different attraction. In addition to excit- their chosen race, content is length of more than 15 min- than one associated with West ideas and likes and dislikes.” ing play, a safety advantage is still being displayed while oth- utes: a 10-minute preshow and Coast Customs. It’s tied into one Each of the ride’s two that it helps reduce head-on ers complete their course. a ride length of close to six min- of their most amazing cars they trains will feature different col- collisions. Q Linez tackles the “This could fit anyone [in utes. Numerous animatronic built for Will.i.am. You’re going ors, one blue and the other problem of boring queues. This the industry], but I think the characters, immersive scenery to be racing with the power and gray. Kiepert noted that the new brand is born through the family entertainment center and interactive play on eight performance of what West Coast trains were designed with association of Z+ and Team will find this as a simple solu- projection screens and more Customs can provide.” camera mounts built into the Park Project, an Italian park tion,” said Patrick Ellis, senior than 2,000 targets are expected The dual-launch, dual- vehicles which enables parks designer, with the aim of build- account manager. to captivate guests. track will have riders inter- and media to get great video ing entertaining experiences For theme parks, Christie “This is Sesame’s first dark acting with opposing race car footage. This is the third ride while waiting in lines. has introduced its latest RGB ride in Europe. It’s really excit- vehicles. “We wanted to make designed by the company for “Our Zamperla+ brand ing for us,” said Ed Wells, it a very intimate experience, a 40-inch height requirement. brings in outside technologies senior vice president, Sesame much like the racing scene “We did a lot of size testing and applies them to amuse- Workshop. “PortAventura and in Los Angeles,” added Seay. in our facility to ensure kids ment rides to bring them new Sally have done an amazing job “You’ve seen it in the movies of all sizes stay in safely. They life,” said Michael Coleman, of capturing the true essence of — these people are racing each are like little Houdinis. Adults Zamperla. “Captain’s the Sesame Street brand. For other and looking at each other ride comfortably, too. This is a Command is a new motion 50 years our lovable cast of a few feet apart. We had to cre- ride meant to bring the family gesture [technology] that has characters have been seen in ate an environment where you together.” an audio prompt for each side 150 countries in 30 languages.” had an intimate experience not Triotech announced of a swinging galleon attrac- “Our design team traveled with one train, but two trains the company’s latest project tion. The prompt will spur to New York City to go to the of riders. We had to use our in high-capacity interactive guests to raise their hands in Sesame Workshop to video the control technology to ensure attractions. Dubbed Team the air, and a sensor will keep characters to act out the things the dispatch creates the race Battle, the innovative expe- score. We have a winner each we will be doing in CGI,” said experience.” rience features game play ride, and it creates that human John Wood, CEO, Sally Corp. Seay also is excited about between two teams seated in interaction. It makes people “We are working with the other projects, including a a theater, as well as individual more involved with each other Sesame Workshop to create the new coaster in Doha, Qatar. play. The attraction features on the ride.” costumes for the animatronic “We’re building a Guinness 4-D effects. The project fea- Coleman noted for parks figures. What the fans see on World Record attraction. It will tures “Rabbids,” a brand from that have safety requirements TV will appear before their be the tallest indoor coaster Ubisoft, a leading creator of that hands remain down, the eyes on this dark ride.” in the world. It’s a special interactive entertainment. technology can gauge screams Alterface will be working effects coaster,” he said. The “Up to now, interactive instead. He states the first with Sally Corp. on the Sesame final details haven’t been fully motion simulators have been installation this year will work Street ride at PortAventura. revealed. Seay also teased that limited in the number of play- with water cannons that shoot Big Bird greeted IAAPA at- “We believe in the power of Premier Rides has also built ers due to screen clutter,” said off depending on the score. tendees at the Sally press an- partnership,” said Benoit and delivered the largest roller Earnest Yale, founder and CEO “It gives a theatrical presence nouncement and throughout Cornet, CEO. The company coaster vehicle in the industry. of Triotech. “We feel that with to the ride,” he said. “Super the week. will also be contributing to “You’ll be sitting on a coaster Team Battle, Triotech has broken simple, but also advanced, and AT/TIM BALDWIN the relaunch and retheme of attached to a high-tech robot that barrier and we can offer 4See RIDES, page 4B 4B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO RIDES Continued from page 3B it causes people to investigate an older ride.” Following multiple installations in the U.S. in 2018, Rocky Mountain Construction projects for 2019 will debut overseas. “We have jobs in Japan, Holland and Poland that are ongoing,” said Fred Grubb, president. “There’s not a lot known about the project at Walibi Holland,” said Alan Schilke, engineer and coaster designer Riders experience Li-Fly from Holovis in a prone “flying” po- of Ride Centerline. “They are sition (above). This impressive roller coaster model (right) going for and have achieved a sparked major interest at the Great Coasters International record of some sort; so, let your booth. COURTESY HOLOVIS; AT/TIM BALDWIN mind go there. Poland has one ago, and it has not needed any experiences, stepping off the of the more unique layouts. I gest change we’ve made. We mented that Hungary and repairs since. All of our new structure. This is stories above think how we place the signa- have bolt-together wheel carri- Ireland are new destinations rides now use this.” anything else out there,” said ture elements and inversions ers. It gives us more strength.” for Zierer, but coasters will GCII has developed a Class Sandy. “The other cool thing is different. Poland will be the S&S is also supplying a also be supplied to Belgium, 5 train which means it can is the Seeker system, which is tallest hybrid coaster.” launched coaster at Six Flags Denmark and the U.S. do inversions and 90-degree designed for shorter guests, so Grubb and Schilke spoke Great America. Maxx Force Great Coasters Int'l., Inc. drops. A vehicle was on display it’s like two courses in one. It’s to the unique designs for the features the world’s high- had an attention-grabbing which attracted onlookers. widening that demographic of coaster trains. From whales est double inversion and the model at its booth. Sporting Hain commented on the ridership.” to shattered glass to futuristic fastest inversion: a barrel roll dueling lifts, coaster trains vitality of the industry. “I had Ride Entertainment repre- machines, the looks of the trains taken at 60 mph. The accelera- originally oppose each other the best EAS show ever, fol- sent Metalbau, which is install- are expected to be striking. tion is also the world’s quick- before meeting up mid-ride for lowed by the best trip to China ing a custom Pony Trek ride at S&S – Sansei Technologies est at 0–60 in 1.6 seconds. “It’s a side-by-side race to the fin- ever. Here it has been very Dollywood, as well as a tractor made a big reveal. The lead going to pin your eyeballs,” ish, complete with intertwining busy; I was shocked on the first ride in Illinois at Bengtson’s car of The Steel Curtain nine- smiled Barto. inversions. During the show, day when the loud speaker Pumpkin Farm. inversion coaster going into Zierer is staying busy for Clair Hain, president of GCII, came on and said the floor was Skycoaster debuted its Kennywood made a big the coming year. Various family said three parties were highly closed. I thought, ‘Where did new Sky Sled harness at Fun impression, particularly with towers are in production, three interested in the concept. He the day go?’” he said. Spot America allowing show sports fans. for the U.S. An installation at reported customer interest in Legoland Florida has attendees to check out the new “It was a bit of a dream Adventureland Long Island is the company’s wooden coast- teamed up with Brogent experience. Hopi Hari in Brazil come true,” said Pete Barto, allowing Zeirer to retheme the ers is very global with multiple Technologies. The flying there-opened its Skycoaster at the director of sales. “Being park’s Jet Skis and Lady Bug contracts signed. ater concept receives a twist end of last year. someone who actually lives coaster. Four Wave Swingers Hain has been exceptional- with the new Lego Movie Mark Beumes of in Pennsylvania and grow- are in production. “The Wave ly pleased with the company’s Master of Flight attraction. Lagotronics (also represented ing up going to places like Swinger is still an eye-catcher for use of ipe wood. “We really “Riders will not know by Ride Entertainment) said, Kennywood, this is the big- every park,” said Marina Ernst- studied it; I took it into TUV what to expect. When they “We are excited to have a Game gest ride in our company’s his- Weiderer, marketing, Zierer. for testing and the results were board what appears to be a Changer installation opening tory. It’s more than 4,000 feet in One for Europe is said to have unbelievable. White Lightning triple-decker couch, it will then up here in North America. I track length.” new beautiful oak tree theming. at Fun Spot runs 365 days a rotate 180 degrees into a 60-foot can’t discuss the theme, but it “There are quite a few Two Star Shape rides are also year, almost ‘two seasons’ in wide dome theater,” said Tim will be a very well-known IP. neat features on this ride,” lined up for the new season. one year (for a normal park). Chen, sales director, Brogent. The location is triple-A-plus. added Preston Perkes, execu- Several new family coast- After some repairs two years The experience lets visi- It will be a ride of six sections tive director of administration. ers will be debuting around in, we put this wood in the tors have the feeling of flying — five game scenes and one “The wheel carrier is the big- the globe. Ernst-Weiderer com- high stress areas five years through a world of Lego bricks station area. There will be six that is populated by characters seats per section. It should give from The Lego Movie. an hourly capacity of approxi- Ride Entertainment mately 675.” is heavily involved with Beumes said complete new the American Dream dark rides are also being nego- Meadowlands project. tiated for North America and Representing Gerstlauer in the internationally, one specifically U.S., Adam Sandy, president, in Japan that uses Lagotronics business development, Ride Farm Fair brand. Entertainment, said, “Both the Holovis introduced Li-Fly coasters from Gerstlauer are at the show. “It’s a take on the record breakers, of course — flying theater. Typically you the Eurofighter for world’s go in and sit, and we thought, steepest drop, plus the tall- ‘That’s not flying,’” said Emily est free-spinning roller coast- Burrows, communications man- er.” Other installations from ager. “With Li-fly you’re in the Gerstlauer have not been prone position facing down.” announced from the parks yet Burrows said Li-Fly is a so Sandy was not at liberty do scalable system with eight to disclose any details. ten riders per row. Like a fly- “The American Dream ing coaster, the mechanism tilts The reveal of the coaster train headed for SeaWorld San Diego’s new Tidal Twister (left) Ropes Course, Inc., project will riders up into the prone posi- came complete with Skyline Attractions family members. Singing penguins at the Martin & be the world’s tallest at 92 feet, Vleminckx booth (right) stopped many with their Christmas carols. AT/TIM BALDWIN as well as having two freefall 4See RIDES, page 6B January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5B IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Expo spotlights support services ranging from to food to safety

AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

ORLANDO, Fla. – Here’s a look at some of the many exhibitors at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018. Dippin’ Dots has been an exhibitor for 30 years and wanted to do something big this time as Adam Gross, senior director of sales core business explained, “We wanted to make a splash. We’ve done so by setting up Mini-Melts USA had a huge contingency. They gave away Bob’s Space Racers' staff took a break from the show floor international on one side of the 40,000 servings of their product during the first three days for a photo op (from left): Jack Cook,; Dave Sandstorm, Teri aisle and then our core business alone. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Howell and Larry Steele. AT/B. DEREK SHAW on the left side. We’re showing off two new flavors. One of the were focused specifically on that ment attraction. “We’ve created a little slow and today is kind of different parts of parks, FEC’s, unique things that we are doing animal,” said Weigl. a 12,000-square-foot immersive about in between.” really anywhere where there’s a this year is we’re using an eco- DNP Imagingcomm experience where fans come in Low volume custom produc- [electrical] plug, we provide the friendly spoon to cut down on America Corp was represent- and experience everything from tion molding is what the Ralph profit for that plug. We’re able to waste at the show but also to ed by Suzanne Seagle, direc- becoming a troll themselves, S. Alberts Company, Inc. pro- go into locations that normally collect some feedback on how tor of marketing. “We have a making the music in a magical vides to the industry. Ed Alberts, wouldn’t have traditional food the industry would respond to couple of new products that we forest environment — a lot of dif- president was pleased with the service. They’re able to get it in a a paper spoon that you basi- are showcasing. We found that ferent kinds of ways that kids can show turnout. “I’m excited about quick and efficient manner. The cally have to fold. [Eco-Tensil everyone who is stopping by our interact and touch and feel and the attendance that has been machine takes cash, credit card, is the manufacturer.] Fisher booth really loves it. ” Family participate. This includes a 3-D here. We’ve had some good new google, apple pay — it takes Enterprises, the parent compa- of Luxury media is one of the dance party, scrap booking expe- contacts.” The company has a everything.” ny, has acquired Dot Popcorn, a new offerings with photographic rience, and a meet and greet with new EVA-approved foam it has- Dave Sandstorm, VP inter- gourmet popcorn company. “We images being able to be printed Poppy, the featured Troll herself," been using that is a very green national sales, Bob’s Space are constantly looking for other on metallic or silver pearl. “This Grossman said. The company product. Alberts recently opened Racers, gave his perspective on fun foods, novelty-type con- is specific paper that you would has 25 tours on the books right a Fiberglas shop and have gone the show; “Traffic has been very cepts that are out there, where use in the printer to allow you to now with Monster Jam, Super to two shifts in its main plant, heavy in our booth. We’ve had we can pair Dippin’ Dots with print 5x7, 6x8 or 8x12. It shows Cross, Marvel Universe Live, cutting down on lead time and some sales and a lot of return- either popcorn or some other a phenomenal difference in the Sesame Street Live, Disney on delivery schedule. “We’ve been ing customers and a lot of new products,”he said. print.” Black and white or sepia Ice and Disney Live. operational about three months customers. That’s always a good Virginia Toy & Novelty photos can be printed on this Charma Wilderson, general with that, and we’re seeing a sign.” The Hang Man/Hang Company’s president, founder stock as well. “You can offer this manager amusements, was at the much higher level of output. Tough is one of their new game and inventor, Jim Weigl, has as an up-sell solution, a higher Safe-Strap Company LLC booth That will help us tremendously offerings, while their attendant- enjoyed a positive experience margin, a better revenue stream and described early days of the when it comes time for our busy free FEC war/water games intro- with the Attractions Expo. “The for the photographer.” DNP has expo as “amazing.” “There’s time when we get a bit over- duced in 2017 continued to be trade show has been exceptional. also expanded their offering of a lot of quality people coming loaded in the winter time when very popular this year as well. We’ve seen a lot of repeat cus- printers with additional models through,” she said. The company all the parks up north are shut Owner/president of Audio tomers and a lot of new custom- and additional features. “We are debuted a remote sensor product. down," Alberts said. Innovators Inc. Dale Hershberger ers from all around the world. excited to show our new prod- “We got such a lot of feedback Third generation family felt the show has been very good Been real happy with ," he said. ucts and find what kind of inter- from our remote locking restraint. member Seth Alberts is mov- for his communication and “We’ve been around since 1999. est there is, [as it] helps us from a Customers were saying we don’t ing into the top spot in the near sound system company based in We are designers, developers marketing perspective to under- need it to be locking, but we want future. He talked about company Riverview, Fla. Asked about new and importers of toy novelty and stand if our pricing is right when something telling us that it is growth opportunities, “Whether items they now carry, he said, “A gift merchandise for the family our product hits the market.” engaged.” Chris Johnson, engi- that’s acquisitions, setting up new bumper car [sound] system, entertainment and retail indus- Feld Entertainment was rep- neer with Safe-Strap, came up facilities in the southeast, or over [and] self-contained audio equip- tries.” Weigl is excited about the resented by a fourth generation with a remote sensor informing in Europe, but definitely growth ment.” He ended his remarks New Toy Lab program the com- owner, Juliette Feld Grossman, the operator it is engaged, while and throughput for 2019,” he with “I’m tired.” pany offers. “We take the idea COO of the company. “We devel- the patron can let themselves out. said. They have been referred to that customers have, whether it’s oped a booth where we are offer- Wilderson said, “It’s like having a Mini-Melts USA, Inc. had as one of the most Instagram- a new attraction or certain char- ing two opportunities for folks second pair of eyes on your ride!” a very large contingency on the able booths at the Attractions acter they want to promote, or who are at the [Attractions Expo] Gull Wing Industries Inc. trade show floor providing sam- Expo. The praise is worthy as an idea and we help them bring show to experience. We have a is a company that provides por- pling of many of their flavors. RoboLabs made candy-floss that to life in merchandise that’s grave digger VR experience in table electrical solutions to car- Dan Kilcoyne, president, said, aka cotton candy, not in the a high quality souvenir, that they one of our massive ride trucks. nivals, festivals, and fairs. Allan “The trade show has been unbe- traditional way, but in a verti- can then sell or give away or use We also have the opportunity Wadsley, principal, discussed lievable. I think it’s the best year cal flow machine, providing an as promotional pieces for their for folks to see one of our icon- the latest trends with the type we’ve had. Normally we give out entertainment-type approach, customers.” ic Ringling Brother/Barnum of equipment he sells. “One of somewhere between 30-35,000 engaging everyone who passed SeaWorld Parks and Bailey Circus Wagon of clothes the big things that’s happen- servings, we’ve already exceed- by. Stephen Canale, USA repre- Entertainment is one of their [where they can] try on some ing in the industry is the move- ed 40,000 and still have one more sentative for the Moscow, Russia- customers. “[They] had asked of our actual costumes and take ment from tier 3 to tier 4 on the day left. It’s a really, really good based company, explained, “The us to help them relaunch their some photos,” she said. emissions on the diesel engines. show this year.” He went on to showstopper, what everyone assortment and look at some new While the trade show Nobody really wants to do that, explain their latest ventures. “We comes for, is the Robo JetFloss characters they were planning to was taking place, “Trolls the so we’re seeing more movement just started our new automated which allows you to create cotton put more emphasis on to make Experience” opened in New York to a slightly used generator as kiosk program. A lot of locations candy in mid-air from distances some shark attractions and shark City, a joint venture with NBC/ opposed to a new one,” he said. need the automated kiosk for as far as 10, 15, 20 feet. It is the toys. We sat down and worked Universal and DreamWorks. Asked about show floor traffic, a couple of reasons: It reduces most innovative and captivating through some different engineer- This is Feld’s first venture into Wadsley said, “The first day was queue lines and it also saves on ing and development ideas that a location-based, entertain- phenomenal, the second day was labor. We’re putting kiosks in 4See EXHIBITORS, page 6B 6B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO

RIDES is so smooth,” said Checketts. Dynamite by Mack Rides will be the largest to represent them and build Continued from page 4B ParadropVR from investment ever at Freizeitpark Plohn. rides in Asian markets. Frontgrid exhibited at the COURTESY MACK RIDES Mack Rides was eager tion and the screen is on a Simworx booth. The concept to talk about certain projects horizontal plane below them. uses virtual reality controlled debuting in 2019. “There are three degrees by the rider in a paragliding “Copperhead Strike will of freedom,” said Burrows. seating configuration. Riders be going into Carowinds, and “Surge is where you move initiate sway and flight gath- it will be the first time we have into the dome and can move ering points in the journey ever done two [vertical] loops forward and backward. You as they fly to certain targets. on a ride,” said Maximilian have heave which goes up and Sensations of weightlessness Roeser, marketing. “I think the down. One meter of heave can are experienced as the mecha- airtime launch hill will really give you those butterflies in nism rises and drops. Air jets be fun. It also has a barrel roll your stomach. And pitch — also enhance the feeling of right out of the station. It’s a each of the seats can do a full rapid speed. An installation very big ride. A smaller instal- 360 degrees of rotation. We opened in 2018 at Brighton lation will be at Friezeitpark could also do a single row for Palace Pier. One also opened Plohn in Germany. For the first a smaller facility like a family at Merlin Entertainment’s £20 time we are using real wood on entertainment center.” million Bear Grylls Adventure lutely perfect. We’ve put a lot for its towering wooden coast- the vehicles.” An option of VR instead of in Birmingham, U.K. of adjustability in our track ers, the company found incred- The seating on the ride a screen could allow each rider The ride is ideally suited for connections and column con- ible success in capturing the vehicle will be two rows of to choose their own themed FECs, science centers and muse- nections. On Horizon it turns attention of attendees with four with elevated seats. The experience. ums, and other stand-alone both right and left, while on singing penguins. outer seats will hang over the Logan Checketts of attractions. Each facility can the original it only turned left. “It’s a new product for us. sides of the track. Soaring Eagle was pleased decide how many units to install On this variation we have real We are the distributor for North “We will be working with with the Expo. He found the making for the right fit for each bogies to turn and pivot like America,” said Eve Melanson, Efteling on Max and Mortiz, zipline to be the most popular location’s capacity needs. most roller coasters, so that’s director of marketing. “There which will open in 2020,” said product from the company’s Skyline Attractions going to be a big improvement. is a lot of popularity.” Roser. “It will be our very first portfolio. “It’s got a proven unveiled the lead car to Tidal The train will hug the track a “We’ve had two solid cus- dueling powered coaster. The performance record and it’s a Twister going into SeaWorld San little tighter.” tomer leads, one foreign and great thing is we have one sta- profitable product,” he said. Diego. This is the first version of As riders load while trains one domestic,” said Chuck tion and one train leaves from Checketts said the company the Sky Warp attraction in the are on banked turns, this new Bingham, senior vice president the left side and the other from is close to 70 installations of Horizon configuration, making it version has a tilting mechanism of marketing & sales, in regard the right. They meet up during the ride. Unable to disclose lower to the ground. Introduced for loading and unloading. The to the company’s coaster instal- the ride.” the locations, he said Soaring at the previous IAAPA Expo in engineering is designed for lations. “Everything is in place, Roser couldn’t talk about Eagle expects eight to 10 more 2017, the ride garnered a lot the right speed in navigating so we’re optimistic. The domes- other future projects, but to be built in 2019. of attention as being able to fit 45-degree banked turns and tic project is big enough that it teased, “We have huge projects “We also have two 120- indoors. Ironically, its debut will also giving a negative-G pop. would probably be for 2021.” coming along. In the next five foot [drop] towers going in,” be outdoors. In the figure-eight design, a In hitting multiple markets, years you will see big roll- said Checketts. “Those are in “We’ve been able to portion of the track includes a M&V announced in 2017 that it er coasters — real big. Long production.” The towers fea- make several improvements,” barrel roll. would be representing Fabbri ones.” He reported that major ture a drop tower on one side said Chris Gray, Skyline Martin & Vleminckx took and Preston & Barbieri. Also, projects are slated for Europe, and the Saddle Sling attraction Attractions. “We know what things in a totally different the company is partnering with the U.S. and China. on the other. “The Saddle Sling we need to do to make it abso- direction at the show. Known Rocky Mountain Construction EXHIBITORS dense, sticky treat. “We’re get- with both new, potential custom- Scott Heit, sales and support on the wheels.” Continued from page 5B ting a very airy, fluffy product, ers and a lot of our existing cli- for Coast to Coast Entertainment, “We’ve had a great amount because it’s literally made in air. ents.” The technology company was pleased with the show. “I of people coming in. A lot of You’re collecting the product helps parks, attractions and ven- like the overall pacing. I feel like inquiries on our locker system new offering in vending since two, three, four, five, ten feet ues globally with ticketing, point the added tents outside prob- and our massage chair system. cotton candy was first intro- above the bowl, so you’re getting of sale, virtual queueing and ably spaced out the attendance It’s been a fantastic show,” said duced at the World's Fair back a lighter, fluffier flavor more like guest experience and distribu- a little bit better. There was a Jonathan Graham, director of in 1904. People who don’t like a mousse compared to a fudge. tion. Noland said, “There’s a lot constant, steady flow of people. business development for Smarte cotton candy and refuse the free But it’s the entertainment factor of focus when you think about On the Elaut side, there’s the Carte. The company has a vari- samples still stand here for ten that really sells it,” said Canale. marketing to a guest, before they six-player Flintstones. They have ety of brands for the amusement or 15 minutes and watch it being Paul Noland, CEO of acces- come, there’s a lot of focus on switched it over to tokens and industry. Recently they over- made. You end up with a prod- so, is pleased with the show, service when they are in a venue added a skill-stop super bonus to hauled their massage chair sys- uct for all intents and purposes “We’ve been so busy, we keep and then there’s marketing focus the game. On the Coast to Coast tem providing “a place for par- that looks like magic.” The taste running out of chairs for people after they leave. We do tie all side, the Robot Storm ball shoot- ents to sit down, get a little rest is different because the product to sit down in. I think we have those things together.” er game has gone over incredibly and relaxation — a little massage is not being made in a bowl a lot of new products and new MacLean Corp was staffed well. Its sister game, Hero of Steel while the kids are out playing,” against a net, where the heat innovations that people are excit- by Meagan Wallace. She told water shooter, also got pretty said Graham. “Focusing on our partially melts it, resulting in a ed about. We’ve connected well AT, “We are expanding the plant good reviews.” Heit took notice lockers, we have our straight for- itself. This week we just installed and praised other manufacturers ward pin locker system which is another casting machine. It’s and their games: “There’s a lot of geared towards smaller amuse- Virginia Toy & going to allow us to produce on cool stuff around.” ment parks, FEC centers, tram- Novelty promoted a volume level at a quicker time, On board for Uremet Corp. poline parks, ranging all the way their New Toy Lab so for the end user it’s going was Jessy Coffeen, president and to our network locker system.” offering. Johanna to help speed up some of our CEO. “We’ve had a lot of people That product appeals to larger Mikucki, sales production time. We are about interested in learning more about theme and water parks. “[That] representative, is to come into that heavy winter polyurethane wheels. We have system includes the ability to shown with Jim rehab season where all the parks a product coming out later. It is integrate with other POS sys- Weigl, president, are sending their wheels in for kind of like in its prototype test- tems, wrist band providers, via founder and their rides at the same time, so ing phase. Hopefully at the next bar-code wristband, via RFID inventor. of course everybody needs to get show we will have something wristband — a lot of data at your AT/B. DEREK SHAW them back so they can get them to debut. Right now we’re just fingertips to really understand reinstalled and inspected and sticking to what we do best and locker needs demographic with- running for spring break.” that’s the polyurethane coating in your clientele base. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7B IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Portable rides enjoy ample floor space, sales at IAAPA Expo

AT: B. Derek Shaw ment.” This includes a back [email protected] wall on Charlie Chopper and the Wiggle Worm. ORLANDO — With 1,200 A.R.M. Rides USA, Inc., exhibiting companies, the saw a busy trade show floor, 650,000-square-foot trade show inside and out. President Mike floor at IAAPA Attractions Expo Gill said, “The first day was 2018 was bustling with sales really good. We saw a lot of activity — including numerous traffic very early. In the outdoor transactions within the portable lot we have Frenzy, which is a ride industry. new 12-passenger pendulum- Nestled in one corner of style swing ride, which we’ve the south exhibit hall was an built in the past, we refined and area that could be a small car- made it a bigger, better model.” nival, with four rides inside Gill went on to talk about and another three outdoors. Skyhawk, a new invention All comprised the Rides-4-U of the popular Vertigo ride. booth. Len Soled, company “We’re going to put a new seat- president, felt there was great ing arrangement on it, so that representation at the show from you lay down in a prone fash- three major segments of the ion, Superman style, if you will. amusement industry. It will have the same ride action “Quite a few amusement as a typical Vertigo. You will parks attended,” Soled said. The Rides-4-U booth featured a Spinning Coaster XXL, a Drop-N-Twist tower and a portable load ground level and extend “We had the carnival owners Mini Break Dance, all from SBF-Visa. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON to a height of about 100 feet.” and the FEC market. All three Danny Huston with NAME were phenomenal. To get the The Drop and Twist is going to In Australia, the compa- have talked with already, and has purchased the first one, people through, the 39,000 that The Funplex, an FEC in Mount ny is making a 50-meter-tall that’s good,” Miler said. He which is in the process of being attended the show, you had to Laurel, N.J. These are just some booster ride that seats 16 pas- was mum on details of new built, with delivery mid-2019. put on one hell of an exhibit.” of Ride 4U’s sales highlights. sengers. Ten were sold in 2018; projects in the works. “We’ve Mirko Schulze, CEO, Huss Soled explained what he Patty Sullivan, presi- 120 have been sold to date. got some that I can’t talk about Park Attractions, talked about showcased: “We brought in dent and CEO of Eli Bridge Cromheecke also described a right now, but they’re kind of one of their latest projects: “It some new prototype rides. The Company, said, “We’ve seen new project in Moscow, Russia. stirring the pot.” Since 1991, is interesting to mention for the coaster is a prototype [SBF-Visa a lot of customers, and they’re “This is an indoor project,” he E.F. Miler has done more than US market, there is a project we Spinning Coaster XXL], and we talking about new things in said. “We are selling a small 50 roller coaster installations, are doing with SeaWorld for sold several of those. We’ve the next year, two years, three mouse coaster.” mostly in the U.S. and Canada, the new Turtle Reef area they had the Drop and Twist out for years. We’re happy to have Martin & Vleminckx with a couple erected in India. are installing in San Antonio. a number of years, reintroduc- business to look forward to. represents Fabbri in North Majestic Rides co-owner SeaWorld approached us last ing it with a little more lighting It’s kind of like old home week America, where sales have been Jeff Kudler talked about their year. They said they would on it.” The ride, he added, also getting to see people that we’ve soft during the last decade. “We newest addition to their ride actually buy the same ride features an improved pneumat- known for years, whether think now the time has come portfolio. “We came out with [Huss Airboat Riptide Rescue] ic system that makes it better they buy anything or not. You that we can get some extra sales a spinning roller coaster last that we delivered a few years suited to indoor operation. make so many good friends in in America,” Cromheecke said. year, and we’re on our second ago to San Diego. They said, Rides-4-U continued to this industry, and that’s a nice “That is why we have decid- one right now,” he said. Steve ‘Don’t change anything, it’s move its Mini Breakdance thing.” ed to go together with them, Swika, Swikas AmusementS fine.’” The only change with called Crazy Cabs. “We’ve sold Touch screen technology because we have complementa- bought the first one. As for the San Antonio installation is a dozen of them at the show has been added to Eli wheels. ry products,” said Cromheecke. the second one, Kudler said, different colors. to not only carnivals but parks “It’s a wonderful device to cut Ray Cammack Shows has pur- “I can’t disclose his name right “We used to say the first as well,” Soled said. “We even the time it takes to train people. chased a booster. now for competition.” ride is sold by the sales depart- made a new model of it that It helps with balancing. It’s a At the E.F. Miler Industries, Looking forward, Kudler ment, the second one by the will be lower to the ground and very nice function,” Sullivan LLC booth, Fred Miler shared said, “We’ve got two new service department. Our ser- more visible for patrons to see.” noted. Asked about new proj- his thoughts about the show bumper cars coming out, two vice people did a good job. The Also on the floor was Look ects, she said, “We’ve got a on the first day: “Some of the new styles. We’ve got a couple ride is running fine. The feed- Out, a ride with four arms and couple of things on the back people we wanted to see we ideas on our existing equip- back from the client of the audi- four-across, back-to-back seat- burner, but I need to hire an ence is good. That was the main ing that gives the sensation of engineer. We’re ready to move reason they approached us. It a much larger ride in less than forward with several projects if is due for delivery, I believe, in half the space. “We have one we have an engineer.” February,” said Shulze. A grand going to the new Kalahari proj- Fabbri Group was well opening is planned in June. ect [Round Rock, Texas],” Soled represented with a large booth The ride features 12 gondolas said. “They have a number of and numerous staff members. themed as rescue boats, which our pieces. It has run non-stop Said Edward Cromheecke, vice carry two passengers each. The throughout the entire show. president: “Our company at the gondolas swing around a cen- Lines out the door, for both the moment is doing several proj- tral arm and feature an open- XXL and the Look Out ride. ects in Asia. We are working top design to increase the thrill That should be a home run.” in Vietnam for a new project level. Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in with the Bower Group Asia in Carlo Guglielmi, chief Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., is Hanoi, and we are making two manager of Ital International, getting the Spinning Coaster family rides for them. We are LLC, felt the show was a bit XXL model that was at the show. building a very big wheel [53 slow, however 2018 was busy. Also, Bill Prescott of Pavilion meters] for the German market. “We had overall a good year Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C., That’s a portable wheel, which Luna-Park Rides sold two Ferris wheels during the show. for new and used rides, and we bought one, and Waldameer means it’s not built on trailers The company was represented by Izabela Smith, project Park ordered a unit for 2020. — it has a portable platform.” manager, and Giles Smith. AT/B. DEREK SHAW 4See PORTABLE, page 8B 8B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO What gets lost does get found ORLANDO — With 42,000 reported trade show attendees this year, items can get lost. Fortunately things get found and returned thanks to the staff at the IAAPA Security Office. Jadeline Smith, who has been on the Lost and Found desk for three years, described what takes place, “We’ve had over two dozen cell phones turned in and about 20 of them have been recovered. We’ve also had a lot of cash that’s been turned in, believe it or not.” Other items include 16 credit cards, many pairs of glasses, sweaters, sweatshirts, IAAPA bags and more. Smith enjoys successful reunions of people with their “found” items. “It’s been really pleasant to see their expression. A lot of them didn’t even know we have a Lost and Found. I’m happy to do it.” This reporter had first-hand experience with the operation, losing his voice recorder. After filing a report and walking back on the trade show floor, the phone rang with Smith The Fabbri Group was well represented (from left): Sergio Chieregatti, owner; Luciano saying it had been turned in. This all happened in under Balzano, engineer; Gianluca Fabbri, owner and president; Edward Cromheecke, vice 30 minutes. When asked about the most unusual item lost, president; and Gian Charles Manca, sales. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Smith reverts back to the greenbacks and other forms of currency that have landed in her office in the south lobby of the PORTABLE 21 meters high, with a foot- They are absolutely fantastic complex. “This is one of the shows I can honestly say that we Continued from page 7B print of 61 meters by 26. We people to work with.” have the most honest crowd. People have been unbelievable. installed it at Palace Playland Wisdom is working on a We had a couple thousand dollars that was turned in that in Maine. This is good for the portable roller coaster. “The belonged to someone that dropped it. That was actually the do have orders already from owner of the park and good for coaster is two trailers and will most fascinating one to me, considering the amount of money all our suppliers, ready to be us because attendance is our be able to set up in the same that was turned in. It’s just amazing.” delivered starting in February.” first result.” footprint as the Sizzler. [It’s] Smith’s advice to future show attendees: “Stay focused.” He then went on to talk about Joel Golder, CEO of the about 32 foot high. It will have —B. Derek Shaw a new ride for the U.S. market. park, happened to be in the two different themes available “We will deliver in two months booth when Amusement Today on it, a pirate ship theme and a a new Technical Park Aerobat, visited. “It helped us with casket factory theme. It should pany: “We presented the new ect manager with Luna-Park an interactive ride where peo- attendance. We had an 11-12 be really easy to set up and LED Bumper Car Race, which Rides, took a few minutes to ple flip over by working on percent increase in ride gross. a big piece to move easily,” is an indoor floor [ride] and share her thoughts on the show. the car wings; delivered to We’re anxious to get a sea- said Jared Davis, president. two different speeds. You can “It has been quite interesting. S&T Amusement / Playland son under our belt. Preston & When asked who might be tak- also overtake, not just bump, We got some new leads so it’s and Castaway Cove, Ocean Barbieri was extremely good to ing delivery, Davis said, “Some like the old classic bumper car been good I would say. We City, N.J. New rides from work with. Francesco Ferrari customers just don’t want peo- floors. We delivered the first were able to close a deal, so Bertazzon (another company was excellent. The installa- ple to know until it is sitting on one in the USA to the Myers that’s good.” he represents) include a park tion people were terrific and their midway.” family last year.” The company has devel- model double decker carousel, they worked very well with Wisdom is also working Casagrande continued, oped improvements to their Canobie Lake Park, Salem, our maintenance crew and they with amusement parks regard- “We just delivered the dark ride Ferris wheel, allowing for N.H.; trailer model Matterhorn did very good after the sale. ing a Starship-type ride with at Adventureland in New York. quicker setup and teardown. 16 and New York taxi bumper We also received an SBF-Visa a high-definition theme in it. We have a new indoor compact “It’s got four motors to provide cars, both to Drew Exposition, spinning coaster. That was very “They [customer] will be able coaster called Cosmic Speed. better traction for the drive rim, Augusta, Ga.; a trailer-mount- well received also.” to go in and have a simulation Size is 22 meters by 12. Our first which used to be two, so that is ed Matterhorn Ice Jet to Jim Ferrari hopes to expand effect with time travel with the Gosetto dark ride on a trailer better,” said Smith. The Flying Bishop Rides, San Antonio, the company’s presence in the Starships. We’re working with was delivered to a showman Elephant now has a folding Texas, and a trailer-mounted American market. some parks and some perma- in the USA, Myers family. We platform as an enhancement. Swing Carousel with 64 seats Albert Frieden, managing nent installations to get that in are producing a huge suspend- More parts are now available in to Gillette Shows, Pittsfield, member of Battach Enterprises, there next year,” said Davis. ed dark ride going to Dubai the U.S. Ferris wheels were sold Mass. was happy with the show floor Andrea Casagrande, sales and another huge one going to to Cole Shows in Covington, New rides from Technical action. “We’ve had a lot of com- manager for Gosetto, discussed Bangkok.” Va., and Casey’s Rides, Inc., in Park include two-trailer mount- munication with customers, a what was new at her com- Izabela Smith, proj- Utica, Ky. ed Street Fighter Revolution lot of people have stopped by to rides, one to Modern Midways/ talk, a couple deals that were in Robert Briggs, Steger, Ill., and place got concluded here, a cou- another to Fanelli’s Traveling ple other ones are proceeding Park, Ridge, N.H.; a park model forward at this point,” he said. “Super Miami Crazy Surf”, When asked about new Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, products, Friden said, “We did Calif., and a 20-meter wheel the new version of the Spider to PBJ Happee Days Shows, last year and we’re pushing Marion, Ark. Finally ITAL forward with that. Of course International has a new ride we’re doing rebuilds on earlier they sold from Cosmont-Visa, products.” a Super Slide with eight lanes, Wisdom Rides, Inc. owner going to Reithoffer Shows, Inc. Victor Wisdom talked about At Preston & Barbieri, his company’s 2018 successes, Francesco Ferrari, president, “This past year we delivered a was excited to talk about the one truck Matterhorn (Flying Huss Park Attractions is replicating its Airboat ride for SeaWorld Antonio. The park named company’s newest offering, Bobs). It’s easier to set up than “We are really pleased to intro- our one-truck Himalaya. Also it Riptide Rescue. Huss personnel shown (above left) are Christine Althausen, commercial duce to the American market the Y-Factor turned out very director; Hongyu Xie, director of sales, China; and Mirko Schulze, CEO. Wisdom Rides, Inc., the latest coaster we make, Sea nice this year. It’s been doing is developing a portable coaster that fits onto two trailers. Shown (above right): Jeff Miller, Viper. [It] is a family coaster, great on the James Gang Show. director of sales; Jared Davis, president; and Victor Wisdom, owner. AT/B. DEREK SHAW January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9B IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Water park industry well represented at Attractions Expo AT: Jeffrey Seifert term, can help determine future ing inside as they whiz by on [email protected] attractions. hydromagnetic rafts. The full Another exciting complement of attractions is too ORLANDO — The water WhiteWater announcement much to list here, but expect attractions industry has made a was the collaboration with sev- to see many of the high-pro- big splash over the last several eral new companies including file slides and rides for which years, with increasing atten- Cirque du Soleil. Known for ProSlide has become famous. dance bolstered by rising dis- its theatrical spectacles through- This past year ProSlide was posable incomes, falling unem- out the world, WhiteWater and involved with several high-pro- ployment rates and a generally Cirque du Soleil are working file projects including the new improving economy. on an entertainment concept Great Wolf Lodge in Georgia The result has been a multi- that combines the mystique and Sound Waves water park tude of new attractions, whether and wonder of the Cirque at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in the form of elaborate multi- brand with the excitement of in Nashville, Tenn. ProSlide million dollar resorts, expan- WhiteWater-supplied attrac- developed two new slides for sion of existing water facilities, tions to create a unique and Great Wolf Lodge including a or development of quaint city spectacular water park venue. FlyingSaucer 45 for which it splash parks — water play attrac- Guests can enjoy a spectacularly garnered a Brass Ring award tions are seemingly everywhere. themed water park during the for Best Water Park Ride/ Developers have taken the day then watch as Cirque du Attraction — Class B (less than show's theme of Fun Forward: Polin Waterparks was showing off the development of its Soleil takes over the water park $2 million). Build the Future quite literally new Glassy — a fully transparent fiberglass waterslide com- to provide entertainment for the Also new for 2018 was with several massive indoor and plete with a scientist/technician in his own glass booth. evening. Rally Racer which took the outdoor projects making their AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT WhiteWater took home mat racer slide and added rally debut this year or next year. four Brass Ring Awards — points — openings in the slides After languishing for years, past, but acrylic is expensive personalized lighting or sound one for Best New Product: where rides can see each other. the American Dream amuse- and the sections require large choices on the slide. Depending Water Park Ride/Attraction The surprise is that by utiliz- ment and shopping complex steel bands to join the pieces on what all is integrated, the for FusionFortress 17, one for ing U-shaped flumes, riders in the Meadowlands, N.J., is together or to fasten to other system can be used throughout Best New Product Concept can enter additional enclosed scheduled to open in 2019. The pieces of fiberglass. This new the day to provide locker access, for Orbiter, one for Best New sections — something that was indoor Dreamworks Water fully transparent fiberglass can food and drink, and even guide Product: Technology Applied to not possible with a tradition- Park will include the world's be assembled just like any other the guests to certain areas of Amusements for Vantage, and al flat-bottom racing flume. largest indoor wave pool — fiberglass section, and allow for the park or alert them to shop- one for Best Booth. Whitecap Racer was a big hit commanding 1.5 acres and 1.5 seamless transitions from solid ping specials. Wireless transmit- Although the Meadow- with patrons of the Boardwalk million gallons of water — and or translucent to crystal clear. ters throughout the park provide lands, N.J., project has been in at Hersheypark. the world's second-tallest body It's even possible to make an real-time data to both guests and the works for many years, now Among the many proj- slide, starting at 142 feet in the entire slide of transparent fiber- operators. the Dreamworks Waterpark ects that ProSlide has for 2019, air and including a 50-foot free glass that could give thrill seek- The app also provides feed- is finally nearing completion. three are for SeaWorld Parks & fall. ers the visual illusion of riding back to the park owners and ProSlide is the sole water- Entertainment. Ihu's Breakaway The creators of the through the air. with the demographic infor- slide supplier to the massive Falls (SkyBox with SuperLoop) renowned Camelback Resorts Sohret Pakis of Polin indi- mation entered into the app, 225,000-square-foot indoor will debut at Aquatica San in the Pocono tourist region cated that there has been inter- owners can determine which water park that will become one Antonio, Kare Kare Curl of Pennyslvania are bringing est from several U.S.-based attractions are popular with of the largest in the world when (TornadoWave) will be new at their water park expertise to companies, but as of the time which demographic group at it opens in 2019. ProSlide prom- Aquatica Orlando and Cutback the Catskill Mountains of New of the show, nothing had been certain times of the day. For ises to "smash records" with a Water Coaster (RocketBlast/ York. Set to open in early 2019, finalized. instance, the Vantage system 15-slide custom tower, a mas- Flying Saucer 30) will thrill The Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Polin is working on several can let owners know that a sive indoor Tornado 60 and the guests at Water Country USA in Waterpark will feature a two- large-scale projects in Europe certain high-thrill attraction is world's first indoor hydromag- Williamsburg. acre, water park under a mas- and Asia including Splash popular throughout the day netic rocket waterslide that will Aquatic Development sive, column-free barrel-shaped World Malaysia, a water park with teenagers, but parents ride encircle the water park. Sliders Group has several projects in transparent Texlon roof that will that will occupy the 13th and it only once at the beginning of will also pass by a glass wall the works that will open in 2019. bathe visitors in natural sun- 14th floors of the Harbour City the day. This type of real-time so shoppers in the mall can see light and provide the ideal con- Resort. The massive resort data, both immediate and long- the fun that everyone is hav- 4See WATER, page 10B ditions for lush gardens. designed to look like a cruise Kalarahi Resorts is bringing ship, will include three hotel its distinctive African-themed towers, a ride park and the resort to the Lone Star State. Splash World Theme Park. Polin Kalahari Round Rock, Texas, Waterparks will supply several will be the largest Kalarahi to iconic attractions designed spe- date when it opens in 2020. cifically to take advantage of the These are just of few a of multi-level water park. the many projects guests can WhiteWater West was very look forward to in 2019 and excited about its new Vantage beyond. AT takes a look at some program which integrates tech- of the innovations that were nology from a variety of systems presented at the 2018 IAAPA to revolutionize guest experience Attractions Expo. in a water park. The Vantage One of the most excit- system can help guests custom- ing technological advances in ize their experience in a water waterslide design comes from park by communicating through Polin Waterparks with the an app downloaded to their development of fully transpar- phones. Once at a park, guests ent fiberglass. The industry sync their app to a supplied has utilized transparent acrylic RFID wristband. A quick scan at ProSlide's otherwordly Flying Saucer 45 has guests climbing the walls — literally. sections in waterslides in the the start of the ride then enables COURTESY PROSLIDE 10B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO WATER progress along the course. Some Continued from page 9B of the paths can be immersive with tunnelled or interactive SoundWaves, the highly-antici- passageways. DreamTunnel pated three-level, indoor/out- and DreamPassage can wow door waterpark at the Gaylord guests with projection map- Opryland resort, is currently ping, lighting, water and visual underway. The indoor portion effects. Guests waiting in the of the water park opened in queue can interact with those December 2018 and the out- on the ride by setting off water door portion is scheduled to features such as tip buckets and open this summer. The upscale water streams. Depending on water park promises to have a the slope of the layout, certain unique Nashville flair that sets passages can be calm and relax- it apart from other water parks. ing while others can feature A 315,000-gallon wave pool rapids and drops. will feature a giant LED movie Weigand-Maelzer was screen that is bright enough to really turning heads this year be visible day and night. Private with the introduction of the cabanas, zoned adult-only rec- SlideWheel. It took home the reation areas with an infinity IAAPA 2018 Impact Award and bar and lounge as well as plenty Brass Ring Award for Major of seating ensures the ultimate Ride/Attraction – Class A (over WhiteWater and Cirque du Soleil have developed a concept for a unique Cirque-like water in guest comfort. $3 million). The massive rotat- park full of mystique and wonder. COURTESY WHITEWATER WEST The $300 million Kartrite ing and pendulating waterslide Waterpark Hotel will be open- made its debut at Chimelong 1981. Stainless steel is the com- attractions the slide manufac- tubes, the Bay series features ing in 2019 on the same property Water Park, Guangzhou, China. pany's forte, but it can also sup- turers continue to churn out. a long, sloped, extra-wide as the Montreign Resort Casino Three more installations are ply slides constructed of fiber- All three have also branched U-shaped slide that is designed in Thompson, N.Y., situated in planned for 2019. glass reinforced plastic (FRP) or out to the amusement indus- to maximize the side-to-side the Catskill Mountains area. The SlideWheel, which a combination of both. When try providing floatation collars pendulum motion of the raft. The new tidal river at stands 79 feet tall and weighs compared to standard fiberglass for river raft rides as well as Riders drop 20 feet into the side Canobie Lake Park opened for 160 tons, was in development slides, FRP offers a lighter weight bumper car collars. After some of the open flume, where the a preview late last year and will for five years. A full-scale proto- slide with higher mechanical sales and acquisitions, ZPro is downhill slope and 180-degree have its grand opening at the type was built in the company’s strength, superior corrosion and now a subsidiary of Woosung, turn can keep the raft rocking start of the 2019 season. facility in Germany before deliv- temperature resistant properties, South Korea which manufactur- back and forth along the sides of ADG is also working on ery to Chimelong Waterpark. good thermal insulation, and a ers inflatable boats. the slide up to six times before future Alpine Coaster installa- Installation and on-site testing smoother surface. Wibit Sports was on hand finally ending in a splash pool. tions as well as the newer-style, took four months. Wiegand-Maelzer has also again with its line of inflatable Although Aquakita of all-fiberglass alpine slides. Riders sit in a circular four- gotten into virtual-reality expe- floating obstacle/play courses. Neuvo Leon, Mexico, is better Vortex Aquatic Structures person raft and upon entering riences but is taking it to the Founded in 1996, Wibit invent- known south of the border, the International was showing the slide wheel experience dis- next level. Call it a 4-D experi- ed the floating water park company has been servicing the off its latest RiverQuest family orientation as they slide in a ence if you will, the Galaxy industry and several of its items U.S. and European markets for adventure raft ride that com- back and forth motion through Edition VR waterslide adds were on display in its booth. many years with offices in Miami, bines the thrills of a river rapids the 460-foot long enclosed fiber- tactical experiences. As guests These tough PVC products are Fla., and Madrid, Spain. The com- ride with those of a waterslide. glass tube. The wheel rotates slide through the waterslide designed to last in a commer- pany offers a full complement of The RiverQuest system fea- twice each minute and with the they will actually feel wind, cial environment and are suit- body slides and raft slides from tures a fiberglass above-ground back-and-forth motion the total asteroid particles, heating and able for all kinds of environ- gentle to extreme. trough filled with water like a slide length varies, depending cooling, as the lightweight VR ments — freshwater, saltwater, The water park industry lazy river, but with a clear start on the weight of the raft, from goggles takes them through a and chlorinated water. One of continues to experience phe- and end point like a tube chute. 850 to 985 feet. The experience launch sequence, past asteroid the advantages of an inflatable nomenal growth with projects The ride utilizes one-person cir- lasts just under two minutes. fields, ice planets, an engine floating obstacle course is that all over the world. Water parks cular rafts or two-person double Wiegand-Maelzer, original- breakdown and a fiery reentry. it can easily be moved and rein- have proven to be fun, safe circle rafts. There can be multi- ly made a name for itself with Water Technology Inc. stalled. A competition swim- attractions appealing to a wide ple paths allowing the guests to its stainless steel slides, the first was unable to talk specifics for ming pool can be transformed demographic. Large resorts can choose their adventure as they of which is still in operation since 2019, however WTI does have into a floating obstacle course. be viable vacation destinations a relationship with Kalarahi, When the lap lanes need to and smaller facilities appeal to SeaWorld and Great Wolf be cleared, the course can be local audiences. Lodge. All three companies floated off to the side or com- Existing resorts have seen have projects in 2019. pletely removed. Seasonal lakes the benefits of adding water- Empex Watertoys offers an or beach fronts can also disas- park amenities to their current impressive collection of unique, semble and store the product offerings, and standalone parks colorful and creative water play during the off season. are being built by both private devices. New for 2018 was the Arihant Water Park developers and municipalities. Aquafarm line of water toys. Equipment of India has City-owned facilities are becom- Themed to a waterplay barn- launched an aggressive marketing more elaborate as witnessed yard, kids can have with water ing campaign in North America by the construction of the Epic devices such as an aquapiggy, with its best price guarantee Waters Indoor Waterpark in aquaduckling, aquabunny and longest warranty promise. Grand Prairie, Texas. and aquaturkey. Tippin Tessie The goal is to provide top qual- As the water park indus- features tiny little cows that ity rides for the lowest price. try continues to expand, ride tip and dump water onto the Arihant unveiled two new manufacturers have responded guests below. rides at the expo, an activ- with an increase in the variety Raft and tube suppliers, ity waterplay structure named of rides and attractions offered. CPI, Zebec and ZPro continue Treasure Ship and family raft With more places to go and to supply the water park indus- ride called the Bay Series with more things to do once they get Wiegand-Maelzer's Slide Wheel won the IAAPA 2018 Impact try with the inflatable products ThunderBay, TropicalBay and there, the water park consumer Award and a Brass Ring Award for best new ride. and mats needed to partake in DragonBay. Designed to oper- will be reaping the benefits for COURTESY WIEGAND-MAELZER many of the new and exciting ate with two- to six-passenger years to come. January 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11B IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Seen at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018

International Drive was dramatically lit up by the new Orlando StarFlyer. AT/TIM BALDWIN

Bolliger & Mabillard showcased the dive coaster vehicle from Liseberg’s Members of the AT staff enjoy a seat in Valkyria. AT/TIM BALDWIN the car on display at the Philadelphia To- boggan Coasters Inc. booth, flanked by president Tom Rebbie and Janine Matscherz. AT/TIM BALDWIN

IAAPA President and CEO Hal McEvoy takes a seat to check out the advancements of Extreme Engineering’s new Cloud Coaster cart. (l-r) Matt Rehnstrom, McEvoy, and Philip Wilson. AT/TIM BALDWIN

Look Out was a new ride supplied by SBF/Visa and repesented by Rides- 4-U. Lines to ride were thick each day. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

The men of Skyline Attractions accepted their second place win for Best A car from Zamperla’s latest Thunderbolt model headed to Guatemala New Ride – Class A for Sky Warp (from left: Bill Wydra, Chris Gray, Jeff Pike was on display. AT/TIM BALDWIN and Evan Souliere). AT/TIM BALDWIN 12B AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2019 IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2018 — ORLANDO Seen at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018

Golden Ticket Award wins were highlighted on the backdrop of IAAPA officials gather with representatives from Dynamic Attractions and Chance the Rocky Mountain Construction booth. AT/TIM BALDWIN Rides to accept the donation of a carousel horse created for IAAPA’s new headquarters. AT/TIM BALDWIN

Larson International’s Hunter Novotny and AT’s Gary Slade The massive Orange County Convention Center could not contain the record- stand with the model the two setting number of exhibitors in 2018. AT/TIM BALDWIN collaborated on. The model represents the expansion build- Joanne Dufault and Peter ing for the National Roller Loewen of Gould Manufactur- Coaster Museum whose funding showed off their auto ride raising efforts are ongoing. vehicles. AT/TIM BALDWIN AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT

A.R.M.’s Frenzy had riders swinging skyward in the Outdoor Attractions area. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

ProSlide Technologies proudly exhibited their many awards. AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT

Board members of the National Roller Coaster Museum met before the opening of the trade show Premier Rides takes the cake — or in this case, provides the cake. floor. In a coaster car reveal for Busch Gardens Tampa’s new Tigris, the AT/TIM BALDWIN coaster car was turned out to be chocolate cake which was sliced for attendees. AT/TIM BALDWIN