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Ravine Flyer II
For years it has been a dream of Waldameer Park CEO Paul Nelson to replace the original Ravine Flyer rollercoaster by Miller and Baker, which operated from 1922 to 1938, with a new version. But, says Paul Ruben, the process wasn't easy. After 10 years of planning, the park in Erie, Pennsylvania, has succeeded, creating a unique ride poised to deliver a double digit attendance increase.
Chimelong Water Park
From the outset, the team at Chimelong Water Park in southern China set out to create one of the world’s top five waterparks, and in less than 12 months they achieved it. As the award-winning facility approaches the end of its second season, Park World pays tribute.
Märchenpark
Austria’s largest family fun park recently completed its most ambitious expansion to date. With the help of European Union funds, Märchenpark added three new rides for its 40th anniversary season, including its first ever rollercoaster. Owen Ralph visits Neusiedlersee.
Quassy Amusement Park
Quassy Amusement Park is nothing short of a New England, if not American, treasure. Located at the end of an electrified rail (“trolley”) line that has been gone for more than 70 years, it has beaten the odds on many occasion to proudly proclaim the title of “survivor” in an industry that has seen hundreds of similar facilities fade away. As the curtain comes down in the park’s centennial season, Ron Gustafson talks us through 100 years of lakeside fun.
Expo Zaragoza
This summer there was a “World’s Fair” in Zaragoza, Spain, taking as its theme water and sustainable development, but according to Jack Samuels, the event created few ripples outside its own country. Here Park World’s resident “Fun Doctor” offers his own reflections.
Interschau-Technofolies
Despite a plethora of trade shows this winter, organisers of Interschau-Technofolies are reporting “decidedly positive feedback of many reputable manufacturers, service providers and amusement park operators” for their upcoming event in Stuttgart, Germany.
WWA Trade Show & Symposium
The world’s biggest annual gathering of waterpark professionals takes place this October as the World Waterpark Association (WWA) holds its annual Trade Show and Symposium in Las Vegas. But what can visitors expect to see, and which sessions will be making a splash? Park World dips its toe in the water.
The Seven Secrets to Returning Staff
Every year we hope our experienced staff return for another season. We want them to remember the fun summer job that provided them with a summer of great memories and a fun work environment.
Make a fluid decision to go green!
When it comes to the environment, social responsibility is no longer just an option. Environmental awareness is top-of-mind to many consumers and businesses.
Riding Astride
I now count 46 variations in my list of rollercoaster types, and perhaps the hottest style these days is the sit-astride coaster. These include the Vekoma Motorbike Coaster, Intamin Family Launch Coaster, Schäfer Amusement Technology's motorcycle version and Zamperla's MotoCoaster.
Kernels
Mondial is just about to ship the second of two Splash Over rides to China. The double Top Spin style attractions will both open next season at parks to be confirmed. More details and exclusive factory photos next issue. The trusted Dutch manufacturer is also currently fabricating a 55-metre giant Ferris Wheel for a showman in Holland.
Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg, Germany, will unveil a major new coaster in 2009 from, you’ve guessed it, Mack Rides. The attraction is thought to be a launch coaster.
Leading Chinese ride manufacturer Golden Horse Amusement aims to offer a complete range of services to park operators and developers after establishing a new concept design and masterplaning division. Other Golden Horse subsidiaries include GH Entertainment Technologies, producing arcade games and dark rides, and GH Park Theming.
Cirque du Soleil debuts in Macau
The first permanent Cirque du Soleil production to open in Asia premiered recently at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on the Cotai Strip in Macau, China.
Bush 'n' Beach!
Ruwaad Destinations has submitted a proposal to build a theme park resort in South Africa. The Dubai-based real estate developer headed by Darrell Metzger (pictured) wants to construct two parks, 20 hotels and a number of residences on the coast in KwaZulu-Natal.
Here comes the Prowler!
Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri, will add Prowler, a new wooden coaster from Great Coasters International (GCI) for the 2009 season.
Let Battle commence!
Dollywood’s new interactive water ride has opened. Located in the Timber Canyon area of the park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the River Battle is a themed water raft ride equipped with powerful soaker guns.
Chance goes on Safari
US manufacturer Chance Morgan, which continues to knock out wildlife carousels for a variety of zoos, has just released a new attraction that should appeal to operators of other animal attractions.
Train returns to Cypress Gardens
The Citrus Line Railroad, featuring a CP Huntington train from Chance Morgan, is chugging along again at Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven in Florida.
Mazzoli moves Stateside
The Italian attraction design firm Valerio Mazzoli Studio has opened an office in Orlando and plans eventually to shift its headquarters there permanently.
Let the Fight begin!
Although Chinese ride manufacturers now offer a wide range of attractions in their catalogues, so far very few are actually built for customers outside the People’s Republic.
Dutch park gets Spanish owner
The Spanish operator Aspro has acquired its first Dutch property, Deltapark Neetlje Jans. Described as “the coolest water park in the Netherlands,” the facility is the largest attraction of the Zeeland province and boasts a turnover of €5.5 million.
Sean has the solution!
“We are extremely busy at the moment,” says Sean Brian of Amusement Technical Services. The UK firm continues to refurbishment and install a number of used rides at parks and attractions around the world.
Golden Horse plans park chain
Leading Chinese ride manufacturer Golden Horse Amusement has revealed that financing is in place develop a nationwide chain of parks.
Disney makes Asian appointments
Bill Ernest has been named president and managing director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. In his new role, Ernst will oversee the company's properties throughout Asia, including Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), where previously served as executive vice-president and managing director.
How have rising fuel prices affected your park this season?
Rio Iman Sendjojo (pictured), Jawa Timur Park, Indonesia: It’s not just petrol prices; it’s the cost of electric and many other things that have risen, so we have had to put our prices up as well. However, we have had some success by encouraging local people to come here rather than drive to Jakarta, where they will also spend more money when they get there. The market is very price sensitive here in Indonesia.
Space Needle gets new CEO
Ron Sevart has been chosen as the new CEO of the Space Needle in Seattle, the city’s famous tower attraction. He brings extensive experience in the attractions industry, including major attraction development, entertainment venues, restaurants and water resorts.
Boat Trip
Boat Trip is a 3D/4D action movie with a difference – it features live action rather than computer generated imagery (CGI).
A tree named Danny
Costume character specialist Rainbow Productions was asked by the Dutch park Drouwenerzand to transform its tree icon into a mascot, and here’s the result: a character called Danny.
Safari park triples cheetah population!
West Midland Safari Park in England has introduced a further six Cheetah to its Cheetah Plains exhibit, in turning creating the largest group of cheetah in the UK.
Diggerland expands
A new visitors’ centre has opened at Diggerland in Castleford, the largest of four digger and dumper truck theme parks in the UK. The building was constructed structural and civil engineering consultancy Paul Waite Associates.
Astroland closed
Astroland, one of the two remaining Coney Island amusement parks in New York City, has closed for good because a new lease deal couldn't be reached with developer Thor Equities, which purchased the 3.1-acre parcel of land in 2006.
The forecast is bright …or should be!
A British park owner has employed his own weatherman after claiming continued negative forecasts are damaging his business. Philip Miller of Adventure Island in Southend (pictured) has asked the Met Office, the government agency that produces the UK’s weather forecasts, why it can’t get more of them right.
Fabbri reaches for the Sky
The Fabbri Group has just unveiled its version of the popular tower swing concept. The Sky Tower turns at up to 10rpm as riders circle a 30-metre-tall column in seats suspended by chains.
