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Splash 'n' Dodge
As a water ride manufacturer, ABC Rides has inevitably been drawn into producing a number of interactive boat rides, but it has also come up with a new idea of its own.
HIGH SWING
The innovative Dutch ride manufacturer is the latest firm to have a stab at the tower swing concept, and is calling its version the High Swing. As usual with KMG there a number of touches that will make the ride attractive to travelling customers, although the purchase price is thought to be beyond some smaller parks. The 24-seater ride (12 x 2-seater chairs) will tower 57-metres in height, with the seats flying 50 metres high, and occupy a 17-metre diameter footprint.
3D PODS
Wonderworks of London is offering a variety of systems that produce a 3D projection viewable without glasses. The same technology has been used to project “virtual performers” in stage concerts by the likes of Gorillaz and effectively offers a hi-tech version of the old Pepper’s Ghost illusion. Originally developed as an advertising tool, the technology is available as a small VisPod cabinet offering projections up to 101cm, as an AdPod projector offering 2-metre-wide images or as the StagePod unit allowing projections up to 30-metres wide.
MY VERY OWN ADVENTURE
Another “green screen” product, and one of many on show this year at IAAPA, is My Own Adventure. This particular system makes children the stars of their own cartoons.
DROP & STOP
Drop and Stop is a skill game that is easy for children and adults. The object of the game is to try to stop the coaster car in the jackpot area. As the car drops, the player hits the blinking counter button. The player earns points if landing on a numbered space, and the jackpot if their timing is dead on. If you miss entirely the coaster car drops all the way to the bottom, earning no points. The points add up on the main display during play. This game is all about speed and timing.
SL AMERICANA
Severn-Lamb has designed a new road train for the US market – a large yet elegant vehicle clearly influenced the firm’s classic rail trains.
HUMAN STRIKER
The High Striker is a fun new interactive attraction that combines two tried and tested amusement devices, and it was a big hit at this year’s Munich Oktoberfest. As a rider sits on at the bottom of a 12-metre tower, their friend strikes a button with a hammer, sending them up the tower, according to their strength, by up to 8 metres.
Mtatsminda Park
Located 800-metres above the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, Mtatsminda Park has been a popular fun spot for generations and this September moved up a gear with the opening of East Europe’s newest theme park. Two months later, however, the fun came to an abrupt end. Owen Ralph meets the project consultant who describes the new park facility as one of the most beautiful he has ever worked on and assesses its chances of it re-opening in 2008.
Metroland
Modelled on the West Edmonton Mall in Canada, Metroland in Gateshead, England, opened in 1988, was relaunched as New Metroland in 1996, but will very soon become ex-Metroland. Park World bids farewell.
Baby Chance
Future president of Chance Morgan (it says so on his name badge), four-month-old Carter Michael Chance (centre) is pictured here at his first IAAPA Attractions Expo with dad Mike and mom Mindy Chance.
Euro Attractions Show 2008
Taking place for the second time in France, the Euro Attractions Show (EAS) arrives on the Côte d’Azur this January. Park World previews the first of two Euro Attractions Shows planned for 2008 – in Nice.
Learning from marketing errors
Over the years the error of not researching things properly and clearly has lead to numerous incorrect market decisions. In the case of New Coke a few years back, the Coca Cola Company extensively tested the product and found that its new formula tasted better.
On the Boardwalk
To its credit, Hersheypark was recently voted the number one park in the US outside Orlando by the TripAdvisor travel group. But TripAdvisor's geography is twisted.
Safe outlook for Trimper's
The mayor and council of Ocean City, Maryland, have given their full support to the Trimper family, agreeing to back the concept of the proposed historic amusement tax district, a legislative proposal that many are hoping will keep the downtown Ocean City landmark in business for decades.
New Middle East show planned
A new amusement industry trade show has been announced for the Middle East. CMP International (CMPi), owner of the UK’s Leisure Industry Week, plans to stage a new event starting 2009 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
New book for ride designers
A new book, Human Safety Under Accelarations (Biomechanical Analysis), by BA (Boris) Rabinovitch, may offer new insights to those who design rides for the amusement industry.
It's a Miracle!
Following the opening a Flyboard “5D” simulator this coming spring, Explore 5D will present a second major attraction as part of its regeneration work at the Prater in Vienna. Miraculum will be a 5D Special Effects Theatre with exclusive film content (pictured).
MagiQuest expands
Following its success at Great Wolf Lodge resorts in North America, where it will feature at seven properties by the end of 2007, Creative Kingdoms is to expand its MagiQuest challenge game internationally with the opening of an outlet in Japan.
Wheel wonder Down Under
Further giant wheels are expected to open in Australia and New Zealand following the success of an “R60” ride by Ronald Bussink at Sea World in Queensland (pictured).
Mutiny Bay comes to the UK
Alton Towers will debut a new pirate-themed land when the UK park opens for the 2008 season in March. The £6 million (€8.3m) Mutiny Bay will be aimed squarely at families and feature a combination of spinning, splashing and rocking rides.
Hi-tech parks open in China
The Huaqiang Group, owner of Hytechnology Inc, has opened two FantaWild-branded parks in China, with a third planned for 2008.
The two existing FantaWild Adventure venues, in Chongqing and Wuhu City, offer a new concept in entertainment in tune with the tastes of young Chinese consumers.
Knott's Pony Express
Designed and manufactured by Zamperla, Pony Express will complement the western theme of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town area when it opens late May. The California park’s newest ride promises a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West, and is adaptation of Zamperla’s Motocoaster.
X2 is coming
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, will introduce an impressive new twist on the park’s popular, state-of-the-art coaster for 2008. Built originally by Arrow, now S&S Power, X will become X2 and benefit from a $10 million investment featurng redesigned, sleeker trains featuring an on-board audio system.
Glow in the Park
When “Glow in the Park” parades were announced for two Six Flags Parks in 2008, details were scant. Now we know a little more.
Steel coaster for Indiana
Indiana Beach, Monticello, Indiana, will this spring introduce the state’s first major steel coaster, Steel Hawg (sic). From S&S Worldwide, the new attraction will be Indiana Beach’s sixth rollercoaster and its first to take riders upside-down.
Meet Frankenvamp...
This striking 8 feet (2.4 metres) “Frankenvamp” costume character was created by Rainbow Productions for Chessington World of Adventures near London.
KumbaK changes direction
At the KumbaK Coasters booth at IAAPA, Timo Klaus confirmed the Dutch supplier was having a good show. “We had many people come by with specific questions."
Wheel and more from Technical Park
Lightwater Valley in England will open a 25-metre Ferris Wheel for the start of the 2008 season. The 18-gondola ride, themed as a water wheel and pictured here, is one of several wheels currently on order from Technical Park.
Tripsdrill's woodie
Outside Stuttgart, Germany, Tripsdrill has begun construction of Mammut (Mammoth), an all-German wooden rollercoaster. Designed by Ing-Büro Werner Stengel, Mammut will be built by Holzbau Cordes using wood from German forests glued on site to increase the life of the track structure.
Pax designs parks
Pax Design continues to receive interest in its complete park design service as operators in Russia await approval of new standards likely to render some existing attractions redundant. After a series of delays, the new legislation is expected to be approved any day now.
Fabbri reaches for the Sky
The Fabbri Group’s first Sky Tower, the Italian manufacturer’s take on the tower swing concept, will debut around Easter in France. Three orders for the ride have been secured from French customers, and one in Holland. The mobile version will be 30-metres high and pack onto just one trailer. A 40-metre version is also available.
S&S debuts new rides
S&S Worldwide has introduced the prototype of its Pirates' Plunge attraction (pictured), a new and different wet family ride equally suitable for waterparks or amusement parks.
KMG eyes USA
The Dutch ride manufacturer KMG intends to broaden its customer base and appeal to more than just the European fairground operators who until now have been its core market.
Disk ‘O’ #50
During the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Zamperla's 50th Disk 'O’ ride was sold and to commemorate the purchase a plaque went to Parque de Diversiones San Jose, Costa Rica.
Strong order book for Vekoma
“Vekoma is doing very well in Asia,” reports the Dutch coaster manufacturer’s Charlotte van Etten.
Sally's plans for 2008
Sally Corporation has six new dark rides under construction for delivery in 2008. According to Sally CEO John Wood, Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will debut Nights in White Satin – The Trip, a non-interactive dark ride based on the song of the same name by the Moody Blues.
Kennywood unveils Ghostwood Estate
Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, will introduce a new state-of-the-art dark ride, Ghostwood Estate, for 2008. The $2 million project, expected to open in May, is an eight-room haunted house to replace the Gold Rusher, which was retired this past August.
Dynamic Structures partners with Electrosonic
A new generation of rides will now be possible thanks to a collaboration announced recently between two companies working in different areas of the amusement industry. Dynamic Structures, a builder of specialised ride systems, and the AV supplier Electrosonic were drawn together while developing a portfolio of new attractions that apparently include several groundbreaking technologies.
TEA announces award winners
TEA, the Themed Entertainment Association, has announced the winners of its 14th annual Thea Awards. “Motion pictures have the Academy Awards, the music industry has the Grammys, and the experience industry has the Theas,” says past TEA president Craig Hanna of Thinkwell Design.
HIT Entertainment appoints park partners
HIT Entertainment has appointed Ride Entertainment Systems (RES) as its strategic development partner for theme parks and attractions in North America. Amusement Rides Consultants (ARC) of the Netherlands, will continue as HIT’s partner for the rest of the world.
Zierer reports strong sales
“We are very satisfied with the current market,” acknowledged Marina Ernst-Weiderer of Zierer at the recent IAAPA Attractions Expo. “Sales are going up and we have several other deals in the pipeline. We're looking forward to 2008. We are selling mostly family rides, which shows that people want to ride with their children.”
Human pinball!
Visitors to last winter’s trade shows may remember seeing a product called Airballs – a human pinball game. Since then developer Skytrack has teamed up with a couple of well-known industry names to perfect the concept, and hopes to turn the ride into reality this coming season.
ABC's Easter treats
ABC Rides from Switzerland has revealed that it will make four new installations for Easter 2008. Park World takes a look.
Ridercam announces new features
German DVD ride specialist Ridercam is now offering a number of new features.
BARPL partners with Huss and Sega
Bombay Amusement Rides (BARPL) has formed partnerships with two major suppliers for the Indian market. For Huss Park Attractions it will provide a spares and service, but not sales, while for Sega it has secured the exclusive rights to distribute a number of arcade machines.
SBF invests
“We’ve been investing a lot lately in new rides,” says Augusto di Santi of the SBF/Visa Group in Italy. At the IAAPA Attractions Expo recently in Orlando the company debuted a new space age version of its popular children’s jet rides, the Cyber Jet (pictured).
Successful run for L&T systems
Italian coaster and flume and specialist L&T Systems has been very busy this past season, and with a number of new installations imminent, the workload doesn't look like letting up.
CDRide completes 'hectic' year
The 2007 season was “very hectic” for on-ride DVD supplier CDRide, which now has over 30 systems in use at various parks. After installing its systems onto rides at several ex-Paramount parks in the US, deals followed for several other properties in the Cedar Fair chain.
Clementon Park owners seek expansion
Angelo, Gordon & Co, the new owner of Clementon Lake Park, Clementon, New Jersey, has created a division, Adrenaline Family Entertainment Inc, to increase and run its amusement park business.
IAAPA success for Whitewater West
The Whitewater West booth at IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando was bustling with potential clients. “Our Giant Rainforest at Hersheypark has been so successful,” reported Drew Lippert, vice-president of sales and marketing, “that we are now talking to many other park owners to install similar structures because they are kid magnets.”
Carousel bound for Mexico
Federico Amado, president of Felimana Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Argentina, reports his company has sold an eight-metre carousel to Mundo Aquatico Anita, Monterey, Mexico.
Great American Family Parks announces president
Great American Family Parks (GFAM), Santa Monica, California, has appointed Dale Van Voorhis (pictured) as its president and chief operating officer.
Wild Adventures announces 2008 additions
Wild Adventures, Valdosta, Georgia, will add a new thrill ride, The Rattler by Moser, and 300 animals for its 2008 season. New family-friendly entertainment is also on the way with the addition of the popular kid’s characters Veggie Tales (pictured) and a “Kidzpalooza” festival.
Holiday World announces more new rides
The family ride line-up at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana, will be expanded to include a carousel and a Spring Ride in 2008.
Polar Express rolls into SeaWorld
Offering a simulated trip to the North Pole, the Polar Express Experience has been a highlight this festive period for guests at SeaWorld Orlando.
ILP to asisst Emaar Malls Group
Innovative Leisure Partners (ILP) has been retained as a consultant to the Emaar Malls Group to assist in the set-up of the entertainment and attraction venues within the planned Dubai Mall.
Comfyland wins IAAPA award
The Comfyland Experience from Comfy Entertainment Centers won the IAAPA Impact Award as the ultimate new product for 2007.
Splash Country gets SwiftWater
Dollywood’s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will introduce SwiftWater Run for its 2008 season. Representing a $1 million investment, the attraction is a Canonbowl from ProSlide Technologies and will offer double or single-passenger tubes that take guest through a 54-inch diameter tunnel before propeling them into a large bowl.
Kings Dominion introduces 14th coaster
Kings Dominion, Doswell, Virginia, will introduce its 14th rollercoaster in 2008. Dominator, debuting late spring, is a 4,210ft-long ride from Bolliger & Mabillard and the longest floorless coaster in the world, as well as boasting the tallest loop. The ride is being moved from Geauga Lake, Aurora, Ohio, which is to become a waterpark only as from this season.
Kernels
Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) is to takeover the management and ownership of two aquariums operated by Steiner + Associates – Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, and Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky.
Atlantic Pier Amusements has gained a one-year extension to its lease with the Trump Taj Mahal and will operate the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for the 2008 season. The pier is due to kick of its season with a fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt in late March and is currently booking corporate events, family reunions and project graduations.
Mondial, the Dutch ride builder, has opened a new factory building at its premises in Terband near Heerenveen, Holland. The new building will be shared with sister company Roodberg, a producer of cranes and marine lifting equipment.
Are regional amusement parks still viable in an era of escalating land values?
William Henschke, Rehoboth Beach Funland, USA: There are a very small percentage of parks that would be viable. Land values have risen to the point that in some locations the land value exceeds the value of the park itself. You would make more money if you sold the land for condominiums than if you continued to operate as an amusement park. But in our family we want to operate as a park. This is our 45th season and we now have our fourth generation actively in the business. They have the same values we have. They want to continue Funland as it has been without cashing in. In shore areas, such as where we are, land values have escalated out of sight.
Parques Reunidos buys Kennywood
Kennywood Entertainment of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has agreed to sell the company to Parques Reunidos. The companies expect to close on the deal in March. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
Spyland - the secret is out
The very idea of telling the world your espionage plans may seems a little strange, but there won’t actually be any working spies at Spyland in Spain. Unveiling their dream at a press conference during the recent IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, developers of this new theme park highlighted the role they hope it will play in a much larger, and hugely ambitious, leisure resort.
IAAPA Attractions Expo
A return to Orlando boosted attendance and the weak American dollar pushed up sales and foreign visitors at the 89th annual convention and trade show for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Paul Ruben and Owen Ralph report from the Orange County Convention Center.
IAAPA completes EAS takeover
IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, has taken full control of the Euro Attractions Show (EAS). A re-brand is expected at a later date.
Sea Life hits the States
Merlin Entertainments is to open its first Sea Life aquarium in America with the debut next summer of a 36,000 square foot facility next to Legoland California in Carlsbad.
Tee-off in Blackpool
The main addition for 2008 at Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England, will be an Adventure Golf attraction overlooking the promenade.
Disaster! to hit Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort will blow the lid off a new attraction this December called Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride ...Starring You. The ride will replace the current Earthquake attraction, which has already closed to allow construction.
Technofolies
According to organisers, the first Technolfolies event held in association with Interschau was a success, attracting approximately 4,000 visitors to the Fiera di Genova exhibition centre in Genoa, Italy, from October 25 To 27 – about 200 more than last year.
King Kong comes to Belgium!
Bobbejaanland, Lichtaart, Belgium, will debut the first King Kong ride from Huss Park Attractions, the German supplier has confirmed. The themed-ride, built in conjunction with Heimo Animated Attractions, will form part of a new zone inside the park that will also include a Splash Battle.
Magic Mountain balances thrills and family
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, is to upgrade its X coaster for 2008, at the same time introducing a new area for the park’s smallest thrill-seekers.
Introducing the human striker...
The High Striker is a fun new interactive attraction that combines two tried and tested amusement devices, and it was a big hit at this year’s Munich Oktoberfest. As a rider sits on at the bottom of a 12-metre tower, their friend strikes a button with a hammer, sending them up the tower, according to their strength, by up to 8 metres.
Winter Weekends in Blackpool
Although the season officially ended on November 4, Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach is set to reopen from November 10 to December 9 for a series of “Winter Weekends.”
Steel Pier to operate in 2008
Atlantic Pier Amusements Inc has gained a one-year extension to its lease to operate the Steel Pier, Atlantic City. The agreement with the with the neighbouring Trump Taj Mahal casino means the popular New Jersey park will open again in 2008 and continue to operate on a year-to-year basis.
Log on at Crealy!
Crealy Great Adventure Park near Exeter, England, has won the right to keep its log flume ride, after East Devon District Council’s relented on its insistence that the park gain planning permission for the attraction.
All change at Busch Entertainment
Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch Companies, is to move its corporate headquarters from St Louis, Missouri, to Central Florida, home to four of the company’s nine theme parks. The transition is scheduled for completion by July of next year 2008.
Disneyland Resort expansion announced
The Walt Disney Company has unveiled a significant multi-year expansion for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, including plans for a brand new land at Disney’s California Adventure. Disney Imagineers intend to increase the appeal of the resort’s second gate by exploiting the Walt Disney connection more strongly than ever before.
