#52 • volume 10, issue 2 • 2014 www.inparkmagazine.com 10 A calm, qualified presence TPG builds relationships, teams and continuing success on high- profile projects in Asia www.inparkmagazine.com There are two important themes found in the pages of this issue of InPark Magazine. Although the focus of the issue is on international projects, it’s clear that no matter where you are working, assembling the right team for the project is critical for success. Whether you are like Universal Studios Japan’s #52• volume 10, issue 2 Mike Davis in selecting a team to produce, cast and operate shows or you are like The Producer’s Group, assembling talent to actually create a new attraction or spectacle, finding the right people for the right job is a quintessential skill required. 5 getaway to xcaret Eco-tourism in the heart of vacation paradise• by Martin Palicki It also doesn’t hurt to surround yourself with experts who are also likeable if you want to commit to a career in this industry, much like the expo plan master book Franceen Gonzales indicated in her interview with us. 7 Exploring Expo master plans with Gordon Linden • interview by Martin Palicki The second theme may seem obvious, but it is important to keep in mind. Our guests’ technological expectations are rising. This industry began in TPG - everything but the creative. Really. the film studios backlots, where just enough reality was constructed to 10 Building relationships and teams in Asia • by Judith Rubin fill the movie frame. expo explanation Particularly in countries where the park industry is just beginning to grow, there is a technical level of sophistication that wasn’t even 14 An overview of Expo Milano 2015• by James Ogul conceivable 60 years ago. It’s our duty as an industry to maintain our safety in numbers technological edge, which you see happening in several of our profile pieces this issue. 18 Weighing your options - and your guests - in waterpark rides • by Sam Baker If you are headed to IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo, be sure to grab a it’s about caring copy of InPark Magazine at the IAAPA Central booth, and look for me. I’ll 20 IPM interviews waterpark industry expert Franceen Gonzales • be exploring the trade show floor all week. by Martin Palicki -Martin Palicki cover project profile: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom 22 Planting China’s theme park flag •by Al Cross The Producers Group in the field Clockwise from top left: Fortune Diamond (Macau); dragons gone wild Stephen DeWoody of Renaissance Entertainment 24 IPM looks at Lotte World’s successful Dragons Wild Shooting at- and Bob Chambers of TPG atop the Whale Shark, traction • by Martin Palicki Chimelong Ocean Kingdom; Edward Marks of “i love my job, i love my team” TPG at Jurassic Park River Adventure, Universal 30 Universal Studios Japan’s Mike Davis on creating successful Studios Singapore; Lake of Dreams, Resorts World theme park shows• by Norm Kahn Sentosa; Marks and Chambers on a site visit at Lake of Dreams; Tropical Heat dolphin show, Ocean Kingdom; Marks and Bob Chambers of TPG flank Lisa Smith of Renaissance Ent. on a site walk at Ocean Kingdom; Glow in the Park Parade at Six Flags Editor’s Photo credit: David Lauersdorf advertisers Alterface 26 Asian Attractions Expo 2 staff & contributors ECA2 31 InPark Magazine (ISSN 1553-1767) is published five times a year by Martin Chronicles Publishing, LLC. Expo Plan Master Book 11 EDITOR CONTRIBUTORS 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207. Shipping Martin Palicki Sam Baker address: 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207. Polin 4 Phone: 262-412-7107. Fax: 414-377-0769. Printing Al Cross by Short Run Printing The Producers Group 19 CO-EDITOR Norm Kahn Contents © 2014 InPark Magazine. All rights Rhetroactive back Judith Rubin James Ogul reserved. Nothing in the magazine may be reproduced or used in any manner without the SR Instruments 21 prior written permission of the magazine. InPark CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SALES Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited WhiteWater West 9, 17 Joe Kleiman Martin Palicki manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Such material must be accompanied by a self-adressed Utopia Entertainment 27 Mitch Rily and stamped envelope to be returned. Kim Rily Postmaster: Send address changes to InPark Zebec 25 Magazine 2349 E Ohio Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207. Subscriptions are available annually for $40 per year DESIGN ($55 international). mcp, llc Opinions expressed in editorial matter are not necessarily those of InPark Magazine or its publishers, Martin Chronicles Publishing, LLC. www.inparkmagazine.com www.inparkmagazine.com Getaway to Xcaret Eco-tourism in the heart of vacation paradise by Martin J Palicki The vacation getaway that is Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula the natural landscape. From an operational standpoint, is a study in extremes. The fabricated beach scene of the company runs very much like an amusement park, and Cancun on one end of the spectrum is complemented by they don’t mind comparisons to industry giants such as the ancient Mayan ruins scattered across the land. Perhaps Disneyland, with whom they feel common cause in terms it’s no surprise then that a vibrant eco-tourism attractions of mission and dedication to the guest experience. market has arisen, offering visitors the opportunity to explore all the natural beauty of this region while keeping “The difference [to Disney] is that there are no mechanical all the comforts of home close at hand. attractions - with the exception of an observation tower,” declares Daniela Munoz, of EXPERIENCIAS XCARET. One of the most recognizable brands bringing eco-tourism “We are sure that our visions are similar for wanting to to the Yucatan is EXPERIENCIAS XCARET (pronounced be unique parks in our genre and always focused on our ESH-car-ett). The company’s major properties include guests, employees, and the respect and preservation of XelHa, a sun-soaked and water-drenched natural animal the environment and our traditions.” habitat; Xplor, a thrill and adventure based park through underground rivers and treetop zip-lines; and Xichen, a The core experience at Xcaret centers around the park’s tour operation that takes guests to popular landmarks, three underground rivers. Armed with snorkel gear and life including the iconic Chichen Itza. vests, guests float or swim down the winding rivers, which oftentimes lead to dark caverns and seemingly endless The company’s namesake park, and the one that seems pits. The rivers are a common feature of the peninsula to have a little of everything from their portfolio, is Xcaret. and remain unenhanced, allowing their natural beauty to In 1985, architect Miguel Quintana Pali began developing shine. a vision of a socially responsible company that showcased many of the region’s natural assets while excelling at Scattered around the park are a number of ancient ruins, corporate responsibility, focusing on human rights issues, natural animal habitats, and a variety of man-made preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico and attractions. One, somewhat hidden gem is the Mexican dedicated to sustainable development of the surrounding Cemetery. Built on a mound, actual graves from real communities. The result was Xcaret. cemeteries in Mexico City are recreated here in all their colorful glory. Xcaret is somewhat difficult to define. It’s not quite a traditional theme park, nor is it a zoo. It’s experience- and Beneath the cemetery lies a series of hidden chambers exploration-based, and of course very much tied in with that eventually open up to a larger chamber in the deepest Xcaret combines aquatic adventures with native wildlife. Photo courtesy of Xcaret www.inparkmagazine.com www.inparkmagazine.com Tickets are sold in two tiers. General admission can be upgraded to a plus ticket that includes premium changing facilities, snorkel gear for the rivers, and a buffet lunch. Premium experiences at the park are also available, including dolphin swims, animal encounters and specialized tours. The company’s marketing strategy for all their properties is to blanket the landscape with advertising. Brochures, billboards, roadside signage and ads are omnipresent, almost seemingly a part of the cultural landscape. The company works closely with the Mexican Ministry of Tourism and promotional organizations in Cancun and the Riviera Maya but the company is independent and privately owned. EXPERIENCIAS XCARET has continued to expand, moving more in the direction of simulated environments with the recent opening of Xoximilco, a boat cruise modeled on the historic floating gardens of Mexico City (Xochimilco) created out of an abandoned quarry. Strategically located close to Cancun, the evening dinner cruises provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment. A new park, Xenses, is set to open in late 2015 or early 2016. Although not much has been revealed about the new park, it is described as being designed to “play with guests’ senses.” region. Inside, water spirals down from the top of the room The eco-tourism model that EXPERIENCIAS XCARET has along the sides of the walls in channels cut out of the stone, set up has been successful, and one that they feel could until it reaches the floor and continues into the center of also succeed in other regions. The Riviera Maya’s steady the room. It’s architecturally stunning and was designed stream of international tourists interested in exploring the by the park’s owner from the ground up. The chamber is natural beauty of the land has helped the company grow regarded as a spiritual space, lit by natural light and the and prosper. However, EXPERIENCIAS XCARET has no glow of hundreds of electric candles. apparent plans to move beyond the borders of its own country. The park features a standard selection of restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as a full slate of entertainment, “While there are thousands of places that could develop most of which revolve around cultural exhibitions or animal our sustainable tourism model, right now we are only interactions.