Top Story
Bondholders to own Six Flags
Six Flags Inc junior bondholders will own the bankrupt theme park operator under a settlement reached on March 19, ending a two-week long trial.
Also online this month:
Tuff-Tuff Tåget at Gröna Lund
One of Sweden’s leading parks is promising big thrills for its young guests this coming season in the shape of a new kiddie coaster from Zamperla.
TheHouse returns!
Following the spine-chilling success of Castle of Chaos in Branson, Missouri, Alterface is to build a second version of TheHouse, this time in Europe.
KMG unleashes a Monster
KMG was granted German TÜV approval earlier this month for its second XXL swing ride. The mammoth machine, named Monster, is due to be delivered to Swiss showman HP Maier.
Mauro Ferrari
The president of Italian ride manufacturer Preston & Barbieri, Mauro Ferrari passed away recently at the age of 63. His funeral took place in Reggio Emilia on March 5.
Wild plans for Abu Dhabi animal park
An Abu Dhabi animal attraction is to be transformed into a major resort destination almost 20 times its existing size.
Universal Studios Singapore - opening confirmed
Following a week of previews in February, the new Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore will open for business on March 18.
Pony power!
Visitors to Slagharen in the Netherlands are being promised a “new” park when it reopens for the season on March 26, plus the return of a fondly remembered feature: Ponies.
Klump Island on track at Tivoli
Klump Island, a new play are based around the licensed character Rasmus Klump (also known as Petzi), is taking shape at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Mack lands IAAPA Europe advisory role
Europa-Park and Mack Rides director Michael Mack has been appointed to the IAAPA Europe advisory board.
Bromilow joins Drayton Manor
David Bromilow is the new operations manager at Drayton Manor in England.
BugWorld eyes European sites
The company that manages the BugWorld Experience in Liverpool, England, is looking for new sites elsewhere in Europe.
Morey's mystery
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, New Jersey, is planning a major new attraction for 2010 on the the site of its old miniature golf course at Mariner’s Landing Pier.
Magic Mountain's 17th coaster
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, will introduce Mr Six’s DanceCoaster, named after the company’s fun-loving, dancing mascot, as its 17th rollercoaster.
Happylon Moscow
After success with its Babylon family entertainment centre (FEC) concept in Kazakhstan, the Agat Asia group has opened its first outlet in Russia.
Wild West fraud
A jury has found Thomas Etheredge (pictured), 55, founder of the failed Wild West World theme park in Wichita, Kansas, guilty on seven of nine counts in his securities fraud trial.
Golden Bay - Russia's largest waterpark
Located in the Black Sea resort of Gelendijk, Golden Bay Waterpark opened in 2002 as Russia’s largest waterpark and, thanks to a major expansion between 2007 and 2009, has managed to hold on to its position as the nation’s number one.
Retail - it's in the detail
With a few bucks at stake from every visitor, not to mention the added marketing value of branded goods, your park’s retail offering should play an important role in your pre-season planning. Here Park World quizzes a handful of operators and suppliers about their merchandise offering.
DEAL offers double education opportunities
Visitors to this April's DEAL trade show in Dubai will be able to soak up knowledge at two associated seminar events.
RAAPA 2010
The largest exhibition for the Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) amusement industry takes place in Moscow a month earlier than usual – in March. Park World looks ahead to 12th annual RAAPA Show.
How do you ensure loyal staff on a seasonal basis?
Vic Nolting, Coney Island (Cincinnati), USA (pictured): Every year we do a number of things to make working at Coney Island unique. During the year we stage a number of employee events, including sports tournaments, employee Olympics, a Monte Carlo night and talent show. We end each year with a family picnic, where each employee and their immediate family receive a free ticket to the park along with free food and drink. Additionally, each employee is given two free guest passes after they have worked four weeks. Plus, we reward solid performances with “Coney Bucks,” good for purchases in our cafeteria or retail locations. For exceptional work we have a “Super Staffer” award given in all departments every pay period. Each year we vary the activities, but our goal is to show our employees that we value their efforts and create a positive work experience.
