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DEAL 2012
Over 200 exhibitors from 30 countries are confirmed for the latest edition of DEAL (Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure), the Middle East’s premier trade show and meeting place for the theme parks and amusement industry. “
Old Town – 25 years of Central Florida fun
Now in its 25th year, Old Town remains an affordable alternative to Central Florida’s big theme parks. Park World takes a look at what makes this Kissimmee amusement outlet unique.
Pleasure returns to Galveston Island
The Landry’s group is moving ahead with a new multi-million dollar amusement outlet in Texas.
Kemah Boardwalk
Gary Kyriazi traces the development of this classic waterfront amusement park, one of several Texas attractions operated by the Landry’s restaurant, hospitality and entertainment group.
New coaster crashes into Thorpe Park!
Europe’s second – and tallest – Wing Coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) has opened at Thorpe Park near London.
Mack makes personnel changes
Kurt Mack-Even (pictured) has retired from Mack Rides after 35 years with the German ride manufacturer. The company has now appointed a new executive board comprising Christian von Elverfeldt as managing director/CEO, Thorsten Koebele, handling sales and marketing, and chief technical officer Günther Burger.
Legoland Hotel
Guests at Legoland Windsor near London can enjoy the “ultimate sleepover” at the world’s first purpose-built Legoland Hotel.
King Cobra coming to Six Flags!
Following its debut last summer in Turkey, Polin Waterparks & Pool Systems is to install a further eight King Cobra slides this year across the globe – including its first ever in North America.
BALPPA – 75 Years of Fun
This winter the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) reached its 75th anniversary. Park World editor Owen Ralph sits down with a group of former/future BALPPA chairmen to share their reminiscences about the association and the British parks industry in general.
Resolving claims for less
Claims for personal injury are inevitable in the amusement industry and usually culminate in lawsuits. Those lawsuits are public record and, therefore, available for all to discover. Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) is one way of resolving claims more quickly, confidentially – and for considerably lower cost.
Bear Necessities
Last summer I travelled to Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire to report on Untamed, their new Euro-Fighter by Gerstlauer.
Showzam! brightens up winter in Blackpool
Thanks to its annual illuminations, the British seaside resort of Blackpool enjoys a season longer than most – right through until the beginning of November. But now the season starts earlier than ever too, and a relatively new event is providing people with another reason to visit over the winter.
Greece Frightening!
Alllou! Fun Park in Athens has opened Greece’s first scare attraction. The House of Fear was created by the UK’s AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group (AEG), and will open year round.
SpongeBob gets wet on the Gold Coast
The world of Nickelodeon has arrived at Sea World Resort & Water Park on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
New report examines $16 billion US parks/FEC market
The United States amusement park and family entertainment centre (FEC) industry produces annual revenues of around $16 billion, according to a report published in February by the company Research & Markets.
Bob Gurr advises Producers Group
Legendary ex-Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr has joined the board of advisors at The Producers Group. Legendary ex-Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr has joined the board of advisors at The Producers Group.
Kernels - March 2012
Paultons Family Theme Park in England is to open an SBF-Visa Drop ‘n’ Twist tower called Magma. The ride will feature theming from RMA and is due to open in time for Easter.
BRC Imagination Arts has presented preliminary plans for a theme park in Braunschweig-Wolfsburg, Northern Germany. The park is one of more than 100 projects proposed as part of a masterplan for the region. “This is the first time we have been asked to work on a tourism offer for an entire region,” BRC Europe’s Bart Dohmen tells Park World.
Greg Pearn has been appointed the new operations manager of Madame Tussauds Blackpool, England, moving from Merlin Entertainments’ neighbouring Sea Life attraction. Matthew Titherington remains as Madame Tussauds’ general manager.
Do you offer a ‘fast pass’ or ride reservation system at your park?
Dan Koch, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, USA (pictured): We have chosen not to go in this direction. We see the park as the great equalizer, where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our rides, shows and attractions equally. We work hard to keep lines short, and moving, and we plan to continue in this direction as we grow.
Cartoon Network waterpark for Thailand
Construction has begun on the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark, which will open next year in Thailand.
EAS education 2012
Conference topics have been confirmed for October’s Euro Attractions Show (EAS) in Berlin. The event will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to local attractions including Tropical Islands and Filmpark Babelsberg.
Bible Storyland The Movie
In 1960 plans were announced for Bible Storyland, a $15-million theme park in Cucamonga, California, which its creators hoped would rival Disneyland. Judged to be blasphemous by local clergy, the project was abandoned.
Kochs come to the rescue in Kentucky
The former Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky, is moving closer to reopening following a deal between Bluegrass Boardwalk Inc and the Kentucky State Fair Board.
Mirabilandia makes big splash!
Standing almost 200ft-tall, Divertical will become the world’s tallest water coaster when it opens this season in Italy.
Tower treat for Sea Life fans
Two young fans of Weymouth Sea Life Park have been given an exclusive preview of the UK venue’s Huss observation tower as it undergoes construction.
Yas Island waterpark opening late 2012
Now entering the final phases of development, the name of Abu Dhabi’s new waterpark has been revealed: Yas Waterworld Aqua Park.
