- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
Park World’s dark ride round-up is becoming something of an annual tradition, and with good reason. Whether it’s a classic Ghost Train or an all-new interactive ride with branded content, dark rides, boat rides and even walk-through shows are a hit with a wide range of park guests.
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- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
A new coaster was long overdue at Belantis, and now the park in Leipzig, Germany, has opened Huracan, its biggest investment since it opened back in 2003.
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Coney Island comeback
- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
New York City’s first new amusement park in more than four decades is now in full swing. Packed with nearly 20 new rides by Zamperla, Luna Park also pays tribute to the history and legacy of Coney Island. Paul Ruben celebrates the rebirth of “America’s Playground”
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by Heather M Eichenbaum Esq
- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
Are you watching what your park guests are wearing? Are today’s styles cool and trendy or an accident waiting to happen?
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Alton Towers' 30th anniversary
- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
As Alton Towers celebrates its 30th anniversary as an amusement park, Park World talks to the “ideas man” behind many of its most famous attractions.
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by Paul Ruben
- Published:
- 09 August, 2010
Luna Park has opened at New York's Coney Island. Operated by Central Amusement International and filled with Zamperla rides, it appears to be an instant success.
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- Published:
- 12 July, 2010
The founder of the Chance Manufacturing Company, Richard “Harold” Chance, passed away on July 10, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Penguins are a rare sight in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but fibreglass replicas are everywhere at the Middle East’s newest waterpark. Park World is given an exclusive tour of Ice Land, the first facility to welcome paying guests at the new WOW RAK resort in Ras Al Khaimah
Park World is given an exclusive preview of the Middle East's newest waterpark, set to open this August in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orland Resort was unveiled to an eager crowd on June 18. Built at an estimated cost of US$265 million, this spectacularly themed area is the newest island at Islands of Adventure theme park
More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orland Resort was unveiled to an eager crowd on June 18.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Now open at Schwaben Park in Germany, Force One is the latest Elevated Seating Coaster from Zierer.
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Making fun in Malaysia
- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Fun, food and good living. These three things are key to the business of the Only World Group, a stalwart of the Malaysian amusement industry. Ahead of Asian Attractions Expo in Kuala Lumpur, Park World editor Owen Ralph catches up with the man dubbed “Malaysia’s theme park king”
Fun, food and good living. These three things are key to the business of the Only World Group, a stalwart of the Malaysian amusement industry. Park World editor Owen Ralph catches up with the man dubbed “Malaysia’s theme park king.”
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Most managers might not admit it, but food and beverage (F&B) is the trickiest of departments to run within an amusement park, mainly because it is the most misunderstood.
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by Paul Ruben
- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
musement parks used to be a summertime diversion, a place for children and their families go when the school year concluded. No more. In recent years parks have extended their “shoulder season,” often right through to Halloween. A few warm-weather parks, and even some not-so-warm-weather parks, even stay open until Christmas and New Year.
In Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia, winter openings are increasing in popularity every year. At Hunderfossen in Norway you can visit their “Vinterparken” as late as February and stay in an ice hotel – like a nice hotel only colder.
And now the trend is catching on in the United States. This past year Six Flags extended its Holiday In The Park event to its northernmost property yet, The Great Escape. Located midway between New York City and Montreal, in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountain, it snows there in December.
So here's what I'm thinking. I can dress for the cold. I can bundle up. I can go to The Great Escape and ride one of my favourite rollercoasters, the Comet. I know that when the coaster track is wet the trains run faster. When the track is coated with ice I can only imagine how fast the trains will fly.
I take my big down-filled parka and climb in the car. Actually, the parka is so big I don't fit behind the wheel. I’ll put it on when I get there. And the gloves, and the boots, and the sweaters, plus hats and ear muffs. And thermal underwear (too much information?). I can do this and not get cold. I'm a northern boy.
I arrive and find that while the park is open, the Comet is closed for the season. Should have checked. But all is not lost. The Great Escape does have snow tubing. I'll get my gravity fix there. Almost the same. Dressed in my parka and all that warm clothing, I plop into the tube and scoot down the hill. This is fun, but now I can't get out of the tube. In all these clothes I'm like a beached whale. I get a hand up, and decide to see what else is part of Holiday In The Park.
There are several flat rides operating, and the park's train and sky ride. Guests ice skate on what is normally the bumper car pavilion. The park is decorated with Christmas lights, visitors find Santa Claus, reindeer, roasted chestnuts and a variety of shows. You don't need global warming to heat up, just step into one of the theatres and be entertained.
Can a northern park extend its shoulder season to the end of the year? Judging from the guests at The Great Escape, yes. Visitors dressed appropriately for the weather. The midway was comfortably full, there were lots of things to see and do. The Great Escape took on a different aura for this event, it was a winter wonderland, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Just don't expect to ride a coaster.
Amusement parks used to be a summertime diversion, a place for children and their families go when the school year concluded. No more.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
World of Color, a dazzling array of animated characters, astonishing special effects and specially-composed music is captivating guests at Disney California Adventure. This new nightly spectacular is presented on a massive “stage” of water that spans the full length of the park’s Paradise Bay.
“The combination of water, light, fire and music makes World of Color a truly magical event that showcases beloved Disney characters in an entirely new way,” highlights Walt Disney president and CEO, Bob Iger.
Featuring one of the world’s largest projected water screens, the fountains are the stars of the show at Worlds of Color, which features characters from Disney and Pixar classics including Finding Nemo, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and many more.
The almost 25-minute performance uses nearly 1,200 programmable fountains. Jets of water up to 200ft in height, plus a 380ft-long wall of water together with nearly 30 high-definition projectors, synchronised flame projections, lasers and other effects create a kaleidoscope of colour and spectacle.
The new show is designed to take some of the pressure off the neighbouring Disneyland park during its own night show and fireworks, and give guests a reason to stay at California Adventure for longer. Audiences can enjoy World of Color up to three times nightly from a specially designed viewing area, or make a dinner reservation for a meal with an unforgettable backdrop. Also new at Disney California Adventure is a new Glow Fest, which entertains guests in the run up to Worlds of Color with dancing, music and special light effects.
World of Color, a dazzling array of animated characters, astonishing special effects and specially-composed music is captivating guests at Disney California Adventure.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
IAAPA has confirmed that Asian Attractions Expo will take place in Singapore next June. The venue will be the convention centre at Resorts World Sentosa, the city’s new multi-billion dollar destination resort.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
One-third of a mile long, Wildebeest is the world’s longest waterslide coaster, now open at Splashin’ Safari waterpark next to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
The world’s first combined slide tower and diving platform has opened at Austria’s “ultimate outdoor playground.” The lakeside installation at Area 47 in Tyrol brings added adventure to an area already famed for its whitewater rafting and extreme sports.
The 27.5-metre-high construction was installed by the German company Wiegand Maelzer. Users enter at lake level, and climb up the tower to encounter a series of stainless steel slides. The 3.5 and 5.5-metre-tall slides are relativey tame, however the further up the tower visitors head, the more intense the slides get.
Located 11.5-metres up is a kamikaze slide, crossed with a high speed 270° twist slide. Next comes a 15.5-metre-high waterslide, 100-metres long with an added “jump” section. From here intrepid guests can climb to a 20-metre platform and plunge themselves down a freefall slide, reaching a speed of up to 80km/h.
The slides were manufactured using high quality stainless steel at Wiegand’s premises in Rasdorf, Germany, and feature no joints. Such construction means they are smooth, safe and maintenance free.
Also fitted to the tower are diving boards at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 27.7-metres-high. The latter two are designed for use only by professional divers, and Area 47 will host the finals of the World Diving Championships soon.
For those afraid of climbing to such heights, Wiegand Maelzer has also installed a Cannonball atttaction next to the same lake. The first of its kind in Austria, riders are shot from the base of the structure straight into the pool using 1.5 m3 of water and 1.2 bar of pressure. A poolside clmbing wall is also featured. Fall off, and in you’re in the water!
www.area47.at
The world’s first combined slide tower and diving platform has opened at Austria’s “ultimate outdoor playground.”
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
SBF recently supplied a Drop ‘n’ Twist tower to a corporate client in Southern Europe. The 17-metre-high ride was operated at two Rock in Rio music festivals, in Lisbon and Madrid. Vodafone sponsored the ride in Lisbon, while in Madrid it featured branding from the festival’s organiser.
As with other Drop ‘n’ Twist towers, the attraction features a variety of ride programmes including, drop, twist, bounce and “observation tower” mode.
http://rockinrio.com
SBF recently supplied a Drop ‘n’ Twist tower to a corporate client in Southern Europe. The 17-metre-high ride was operated at two Rock in Rio music festivals, in Lisbon and Madrid.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Hong Kong’s leading theme park has opened a new Yangtze River themed attraction. The Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium is the result of a major renovation of Ocean Park’s freshwater aquarium.
The 420,000-litre main tank is designed to simulate the Yangtze River habitat, with strong and adjustable currents, providing a satisfactory living environment for 10 Chinese sturgeons, aged from two to 10, plus other distinctive freshwater fish species.
A favourite element with guests is the underwater travellator seen here. Complementing the animals are eye-opening education panels, models, videos and innovative art installations that convey conservation messages. Ocean Park was assisted in developing the new exhibit by a team from the Beijing Aquarium, which already keeps several Chinese sturgeons.
“The Yangtze River not only holds an important place in the development of Chinese culture, it is also a highly critical ecosystem,” notes Professor Wei of the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, who was at the opening of the new look aquarium last month.
Ocean Park guests can also go “underwater” on the new Ocean Express. Since opening at the end of 2009, the funicular transport system, which passes through a hillside to link the park’s Summit and Waterfront areas, has ridden over 3 million guests.
Built in Switzerland by Garaventa AG and Gangloff, the ride is complemented by an immersive show from Sarner, the British-based designer of themed experiences. Once passengers step into the submarine-styled trains, they are transported submerged deep into the “ocean.”
Sarner’s technical team made use of sophisticated audiovisual technology, animation and surround sound effects, producing mesmerising visuals that appear on 42 ceiling mounted LCD screens which look like windows into a colourful underwater world.
“The brief from Ocean Park was for us to bring the ride to life,” explains Sarner managing director Ross Magri. “The theme of the ocean works as a juxtaposition to
Hong Kong’s leading theme park has opened a new Yangtze River themed attraction.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Europe's leading attraction operator, Merlin Entertainments has announced that CVC Capital Partners (CVC) has agreed to acquire a 28% stake in the group. The transaction, which values Merlin at £2.25 billion ($3.35bn/€2.75bn), means a reduced stake for Blackstone, although it still retains a significant share of the business together with KIRKBI, the family-owned investment and holding company that controls Lego.
Merlin's ownership structure is now composed as follows: KIRKBI 36%, Blackstone 34%, CVC 28%. The remaining 2% has been retained by the management, with a stake set aside for a staff incentive plan.
Like Blackstone, CVC is a leading private equity firm, managing over US$38 billion provided by pension funds, financial institutions and various other partners. In total, CVC has completed over 250 investments across a wide range of industries and countries, and currently owns 53 companies worldwide.
Merlin is now in advanced discussions about extending the maturities on its existing debt facilities, but the transaction is not subject to lender consent and Merlin does not intend to increase its financial leverage.
“Having thoroughly reviewed all the options for the next phase of ownership of Merlin, we believe this transaction represents the best way forward,” reports chief executive Nick Varney. “This deal recognises the inherent value and potential of the business and will provide us with the on-going investment necessary to help us achieve our ambitions. Merlin has prospered under private-equity ownership and we believe that we will continue to do so.”
Commenting on its reduced stake, Blackstone managing director Joseph Baratta, remarked: “Merlin has delivered great returns for Blackstone investors. We are very proud of our involvement. This deal with CVC will allow us to realise part of our investment, while remaining a committed part of the ownership team of a business which we believe will continue to deliver great growth.”
Europe's leading attraction operator, Merlin Entertainments has announced that CVC Capital Partners (CVC) has agreed to acquire a 28% stake in the group.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
The Swedish operator Parks & Resorts Scandinavia (PRS) has acquired the Furuvik animal park in the city of Gävle.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), of Hayden, Idaho, reckons it has hit on something that will revolutionise wooden rollercoasters.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Premier Rides moves
Premier Rides has relocated its headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland, as part of plans for expansion. The company has purchased the former Baron & Co cigar factory and plans an extensive upgrade of the 35,000 sq ft property in the city’s Little Italy district.
“Baltimore is a dynamic technology focused waterfront city with a highly educated workforce," notes Premier Rides president Jim Seay. “I am both excited to become part of the fabric of the city and honoured to have had the opportunity to oversee the restoration of such a historic building.”
Although built in the 1800s, the office utilises many state-of-the-art technologies. “As an example," explains Seay, "Premier deployed a fixed wireless internet connection which allows quick scaling of our Internet bandwidth. Additionally, we have a satellite connection displaying high-definition format on seven flat-panels around the office that allow video conference sessions to take place with our clients and the rest of the Premier Rides staff located around the world.”
Best known for its high-tech magnetic launch coasters, Premier Rides is an international supplier of rollercoasters, observation wheels, tower rides, water rides and custom designed attractions. The company offers a comprehensive service division supplying engineering support, refurbishment and part supplies on a 24-hour emergency basis.
Premier Rides acquired the historic Baron Co & building, which had been left vacant for several decades, in 2005. It has since carried out extensive structural and historic renovation to bring it in line with modern codes and practices. The company offers additional representation in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
www.premier-rides.com
Premier Rides has relocated its headquarters to Baltimore, Maryland, as part of plans for expansion.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Combining several different movements, Air Racer is the latest family thrill ride from Zamperla. Open since the end of May at Luna Park in Coney Island, New York, the ride also provides a spectacular visual effect.
Air Race takes riders on a journey replicating the experiences and sensations of an acrobatic aeroplane flight, with banks, loops, dives and weightlessness that will test even the most experienced thrill seekers.
Accommodating up to 24 riders at a time in six, four-seater aeroplanes, the 26.5-metre diameter attraction turns at 8.5 rpm with an additional motor driven rotation on each arm. A variety of ride programs are available and “pilots” experience accelerations of 3G as they go upside down.
Class 5 over-the-shoulder restraints allow passengers as short as from 1.2-metres to ride. Theoretical hourly capacity is 480 riders.
Zamperla is offering both a standard and deluxe version of the ride, plus custom theming.
Combining several different movements, Air Race is the latest family thrill ride from Zamperla. Open since the end of May at Luna Park in Coney Island, New York, the ride also provides a spectacular visual effect.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Despite its 20 years in the attractions business, the Dutch design firm P&P Projects had never done any work for Efteling until recently. Now it's completed two jobs for Holland's most famous theme park.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Based around the story of George and the Dragon, Efteling's new duelling coaster opened to the public on July 1. The ride replaces the previous wooden coaster Pegasus and is located next to the lake used by the Flying Dutchman.
Joris en de Draak was built by the American manufacturer Great Coasters International (GCI) and features two 810-metre-long tracks, reaching a maximum height of 25-metres. Riders in each train - named “water” and “fire” - are given the challenge of slaying the dragon as they race against one another at up to 75 km/h. Featuring customised versions of GCI's “Millennium Flyer” trains, guests as short as 1.1-metre in height can become dragon hunters.
Following in the footsteps of the legendary George and the Dragon tales, they must save the life of an innocent girl under threat from the dragon. This animated centrepiece was supplied by P&P Projects (see page 21).
www.efteling.com
Based around the story of George and the Dragon, Efteling's new duelling coaster opened to the public on July 1.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags New England has introduced Mr Six’s Splash Island. This 30,000 gallon shaded wave pool is designed especially for little ones, and features a 150ft interactive lazy river with dumping coconuts, rain curtains and squirting effects to keep children cool in the hot New England sun. There are also water bubblers and fountains throughout the area.
Parents can relax in style by hiring one of 10 new luxury cabanas set poolside and offering lounge chairs, personal lockers, refrigerators, a flat screen TV and a personal wait staff. Also new for 2010 season is a Johnny Rockets restaurant next to Mr Six’s Splash Island.
Suppliers include Gynn Geotechnical Engineering, Murphy's Waves, Family Fun Pools, Funtraptions, USShade & Fabric Structures, Fillion Associates and Northern Construction.
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags New England has introduced Mr Six’s Splash Island. This 30,000 gallon shaded wave pool is designed especially for little ones, and features a 150ft interactive lazy river with dumping coconuts, rain curtains and squirting effects.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
Are 3D films in mainstream movie theatres a threat to your park's 3D/4D offering?
Fernando Medroa, Walibi Belgium (pictured): 4D goes further than 3D; it immerses the audience in the heart of the movie with numerous effects including moving seats, water sprays, air blasts, soap bubbles and light effects.
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- Published:
- 07 July, 2010
The world’s first Lego-themed waterpark opened on May 28. Legoland Water Park, part of the Legoland California Resort, represents the largest expansion in the history of Carlsbad-based park.
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The quiet survivor
- Published:
- 05 July, 2010
Whenever an historic amusement park is lost forever, the lament is loud. However, says Gary Kyriazi, we should celebrate the few survivors just as loudly, if not more so. One such survivor is unknown to most people. It sits quietly on a lake tucked in the northeastern corner of Iowa.
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- Published:
- 19 June, 2010
Will Koch, owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, passed away June 13 at the age of 48. His brother Dan has been named the park's new president and CEO.
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- Published:
- 07 June, 2010
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- Published:
- 07 June, 2010
Following last month’s news item about new pirate-themed areas at various parks operated by Merlin Entertainments, we now have some pictures from Legoland Windsor.
Pirate’s Landing at this park on the outskirts of London features a Huss Pirate Ship, Jolly Rocker, plus several rethemed attractions. The new look area is located between Knights’ Kingdom and the Land of the Vikings.
On July 17 and 18, the park will host a children’s festival called Legoland Live. Appearing will be Bob the Builder, Fifi, Roary the Racecar and characters from Lazy Town.
Pirates are an enduring theme for parks and attractions across the globe and this season Merlin Entertainments is introducing them to even more of its properties.
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