TM www.AmusementToday.com Vol. 14, Issue 6.1 SEPTEMBER 2010 $5.00 BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill had impact on amusement facilities Although oil spill did not hit all beach areas, lost tourism resulted in lost business for many facilties and attractions Pam Sherborne Pam Sherborne nance, and operations for the many educational pro- Amusement TodayAmusement Today grams come from offerings inside the museum, such as admission into the Imax theater. Scenes of oil gushing from a broken well deep “So, we are very much tied to visitation,” Rags- below the surface of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico dale said. were common beginning in the first couple of weeks Ragsdale started to see the drop in May. It was after British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon rig ex- worse in June and then more so in July. She estimated ploded on April 20. those two months were between 20-25 percent down The explosion killed 11 platform workers and from 2009. uncapped a well that some reports now estimate re- The Gulfarium, an aquarium located right on the leased 4.9 million barrels of oil before efforts to finally beach on Okaloosa Island, Fla., at Ft. Walton Beach, stop the oil seemed successful at the first of August. Fla., is down by 50 percent. Photos of sunbathers on the white sandy beaches “We have filed a BP claim and we have filed of the Gulf shores and in the background workers in amended BP claims,” said Tammy Abrams, public hazardous materials suits cleaning up oil hit the news relations, the first week in August. “We have been and almost immediately cancellations at hotels, mo- heavily, heavily impacted. And, we have had only a tels, resorts, condominiums, and attractions began. When the track of the oil became clear, areas east few little tar balls here and there. I was out on the Tar balls and oil sheens seen on the pristine wa- of the well site started feeling the pinch. beach yesterday and it was absolutely gorgeous. The ters in some regions of the gulf scared away the one “About 90 percent of our business is based on waters were a lovely aqua color. It was just beautiful. thing many along the Gulf coast rely on — tourism. tourism,” said Ron Hardy, an owner of the Gulf But, people are scared.” Even though it appeared the oil had stopped, as World Marine Park, Panama City Beach. “We are sig- No cutbacks have had to be made so far, Abrams more tourists began to head back to the shores and nificantly off. We are down between 23 to 25 percent said, but some budgetary changes were implement- more fishing areas reopened, from Louisiana to as in the main part of our season.” ed. Those changes impacted the hiring of seasonal far east as Apalachicola, Fla., Gulf businesses were Hardy represented one of the few attractions employees. feeling the impact from that oil whether or not it had along the Gulf coast to speak publicly with AT about “We just didn’t hire as many this summer,” she shown up on their shores. the impact. With so many claims against BP still be- said. “During these summers months, May-August, Amusement attractions were right in there with ing negotiated for lost revenues, some representa- we make the majority of our income for the rest of the rest of the businesses that rely heavily on sum- tives from amusement attractions are apparently the year.” mer visitors. keeping their cards close to their chests. With the facility located on the beach, water from Confusion on which way the oil would track at But, when final numbers are in, it won’t be a very the Gulf is run through a filtration system and is used the onset of the Deepwater Horizon explosion led to a good season for many. in the tanks for the marine life. They haven’t had any few cancellations west of the well site, along the Tex- “We were actually up for the first part of 2010,” problems. as seaboard. Jeffrey Siebert, communications direc- said Shelley Ragsdale, public relations/marketing, Chip Cleary, senior vice president, Palace Enter- tor, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, said he did hear those National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Fla. tainment, which owns Big Kahuna Waterpark, Des- reports. But, the Schlitterbahn parks in both St. Padre “Last year, our attendance was just under 760,000. tin, Fla., one hour east of Pensacola, said: “On behalf Island and Galveston Island were not impacted. We were on target to hit about 800,000 this year. Now, of Palace Entertainment, it (the oil) has had a very “There was some initial confusion,” Siebert said. I think we will end our season in the low 700,000s.” large impact on our business this summer and on the “But, both parks have held their own and business This Pensacola museum, which opened in 1962, Destin region. It is too early to tell right now what looks to be on par with last year.” has free admission. Funds for renovations, mainte- 4See OIL, page 4 INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENTP ARKS WATERPARKS BUSINESS MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDS SEE PAGES 5-10 SEE PAGES 11-18 SEE PAGES 19-24 SEE PAGES 25-32 SEE PAGES 33-39 R al. 010 PAPE Dated materi August 30, 2 WS TER:USH!nday, Register now to attend at www.goldenticketawards.com! NE POSTMASPLEASE RMailed Mo @ 9602 # TIMREP .P GOLDEN TICKET 20 XT HTROW .TF .I.V AWARDS 10 DIAP BEST OF THE BEST! EGATSOP SU DTS TRSRP 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010 TM Gary Slade Founder and Publisher gslade@amusementtoday.com Industry members to gather at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for Golden Ticket Awards Preparations for Amusement Today’s coveted .P GOLDEN TICKET 20 Golden Ticket .I AWARDS 10 .V Awards are well BEST OF THE BEST! under way, and the host park for the two-day event, the beautiful Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is hard Andrew Mellor at work rolling out the red carpet for industry at- tendees who will visit on Friday and Saturday, Sept. The importance of being original 10-11. This is a “don’t miss” industry gathering (not The opportunity to hear industry delegates to differentiate their venues to mention always a great time with a lot of laughs!). leaders speak at different events and from one another rather than doing the Special behind-the-scenes tours and a social provide their expert and knowledge- same thing. Of course many operators reception is being planned to kick-off the event on able insights into the many aspects of do strive to be different and work hard September 10, while other activities such as guided the theme park and visitor attraction to provide guests with original ideas, park tours, a day of experiencing Busch Gardens industry is always one worthwhile tak- but there are also venues that often do ing. pretty much the same thing as they’ve Williamsburg in operation, and, of course, the an- Recently I attended the Vision XS Mellor seen elsewhere with little or no effort to ticipated awards show, will entertain attendees on attraction operator’s conference in the put their own stamp on it. September 11. U.K. which this year played host to a number Creating your own identity is important To check out the itinerary for the Golden Ticket of ‘A’ list speakers, including two industry leg- in all walks of life and none more so than in ends in Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of a place where you want to attract visitors time Awards, as well as to register, please log on to BRC Imagination Arts, and John Holland, for- and time again. Guests to theme parks and oth- www.goldenticketawards.com. This event is mer general manager of Animal Kingdom and er types of visitor attractions go to a number of reserved for working professionals in the park and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. venues each year. If all they get are the same or amusement industry. Representatives from parks Both, of course, provided inspirational and similar experiences then they are going to start thought provoking presentations, discussing looking elsewhere for their entertainment and and attractions, manufacturers, suppliers, consul- the importance of reaching into the hearts of the days out. With constantly increasing competi- tants and more will come together to celebrate audience, being original and empowering staff tion for the leisure dollar, euro, pound, etc., be- another industry season – all in the name of fun. through great leadership, among other things. ing original has never been so important. This is the 13th annual year for the Golden Ticket And it was the point about being original, Audiences are more sophisticated and sim- discussed by Rogers, and the observations he ply won’t put up with seeing the same things Awards; they are presented to the “Best of the Best” made on the effects of globalization on the in- repeated in the facilities they visit. They are in the amusement industry and are calculated from dustry that was one of many I thought about constantly demanding more and better prod- an international poll conducted by the industry later. He noted that very often it was a case of ucts and being original will ensure parks cater trade publication Amusement Today. the same solution for everything and urged to that demand. AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF ADDRESS, SUBSCRIPTION, POSTMASTER INFORMATION Mailing Address Deliveries Gary Slade Sammy Piccola P.O. Box 5427 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Accounting / Circulation AWARD WINNER Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 Arlington, Texas 76011 (817) 460-7220 spiccola@amusementtoday.com gslade@amusementtoday.com 1997 • 1999 • 2000 • 2002 • 2004 • • EDITORIAL (817) 460-7220 Member of: IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, ADVERTISING NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA and IALEI Tim Baldwin Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years Sue Nichols Stacey Childress / Affinity Communications tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com (28 issues) $90/$130; 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (615) 662-0252 Graphic Design (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, P.O. Box 238 schildress@affinitymm.com Scott Rutherford Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please allow up to six weeks Pegram, Tenn. 37143 srutherford@amusementtoday.com for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. snichols@amusementtoday.com Terry Lind / TLCreative Design Website Design & Maintenance Pam Sherborne Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Beth Jenkins terrance@tlcreativedesign.com (615) 221-5149 Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit (615) 794-7288 psherborne@amusementtoday.com No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its 2040 Belmont Circle John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked by Amusement Today 2010, with Franklin, Tenn. 37069 Daily E-mail Newsletter Bubba Flint all rights reserved. bjenkins@amusementtoday.com johnwcrobinson@cinci.rr.com Cartoonist bflint@amusementtoday.com POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Contributors: Dean Lamanna, Andrew Mellor, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 Favorite amusement ride To me, the scariest movie monster of all-time is … The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man …and my ran- Is Joan Rivers considered a monster? goon red 64 ½ Mustang Convertible. The concert I would love a backstage pass to would be … If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … Pink Floyd. Compiled by Janice Witherow Commissioned to write a book on 50 “must-do” relax- ing, romantic and rowdy adventures to add to your life’s Pick one: country house or big-city condo Denise Weston “Bucket List.” Extensive research needed! Country house on Golden Pond complete with Hepburn Creative Kingdoms / MagiQuest and Fonda. Biggest challenge facing our industry Denise Weston sure knows how to Fear of trying new concepts and attractions due to eco- Ten years ago, I was … have fun! In fact, some say she revolu- nomic pressures. Dreaming of families creating magic together. tionized the art of play by discovering an inventive concept that combines comput- The thing I like most about amusement/water park sea- I can’t stand being around people who … er play and physical activity for children son is … Have contagious diseases. with MagiQuest, the world’s largest live Show us the money! action game. A trained psychologist, My family’s ultimate road trip game is … Denise has used her talents to consult for My first car was … “In my Jewish grandmother’s trunk there is a …” Weston companies such as Hasbro and Disney; A big Ford van with the back seats taken out replaced by plus she has authored three books and beanbags. What is a seat belt?! The magazine cover I would most like to appear on written more than 75 articles on play, toys, family enter- would be … tainment, family travel and parenting. In 1999, she helped A recent life-changing moment for me was … Fortune, Travel and Leisure, Time and Sports Illustrated. found Creative Kingdom. As a mother of three, Denise Realizing I wasn’t 7 years old anymore. But 8 isn’t so bad. Which means I must have done something outrageous. has plenty of inspiration from her children. Her sense of humor is obvious … and a big key to her success. Coolest ocean creature My least favorite word is … My daughter Emily scuba diving with me. IMPOSSIBLE. Title If I was a secret agent, my code name would be … I am afraid of … Director of Imagination and President Creative Kingdoms/ I can’t tell you! It’ll blow my cover. Not spending enough time with my parents who live in the MagiQuest. Midwest. (OK, that got me to call them and plan our next The magical power I wish I had is … adventure). Number of years in the industry I don’t have to wish. Have you seen my collection of magic 21. wands? The all-time best ad slogan hands-down is … Sometimes you feel like a nut…sometimes you don’t. Best thing about the industry It’s September! My favorite fall activity is … Amusement Today! OK, enough sucking up. The opportuni- Road trip with family and friends seeing autumn colors To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill ty to entertain families by letting your imagination go wild. and then skipping through the leaves. feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith- erow@amusementtoday.com or (419) 357-3520. CCrreeaattiivvee MMaarrkkeettiinngg JJiinngglleess BBrrooCChhuurreess && aarrttwwoorrkk PPhhoottooggrraaPPhhyy iinntteerrnneett ssoolluuttiioonnss PPrrooMMoottiioonnss ggrroouuPP ssaalleess ttrraaiinniinngg && MMoorree!! 1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010 OIL LETTER TO THE EDITOR Continued from page 1 Passion for a park that total impact will be.” Other businesses in Destin Dear Editor: tendance is down because of were also reporting losses. Ho- The county of Westchester, sticker shock. No park has tels and condominium rentals New York has a crown jewel gone from a free gate to a paid were down by as much as 30 [Rye Playland] by the sound. gate without experiencing at percent, according to some re- It is a tarnished jewel as po- least a temporary decline in ports. litical football has been played attendance. In Panama City Beach, with it for ages. And because In a perfect world, the about 60 miles east of Des- it is subject to political foot- county would either hire park tin, Buddy Wilkes, owner of ball, it has never lived up to professionals to run the park Shipwreck Island waterpark, the promise it offers. or a company that runs tra- said his business is down this It was not always that ditional amusement parks. summer, but he feels, at least way. When the citizens of Would the owner of a grocery for him, it may have more to Westchester County first com- store hire someone to manage do with the local school calen- missioned Playland, it was his store that had no experi- dar than any oil tar balls or the PHOTO COURTESY OF GULFARIUM left to an industry veteran to ence in groceries? But they threat thereof. Gulfarium, located along the Gulf of Mexico on Okaloosa design and operate the park. cannot hire just any profes- “There were maybe four Island near Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has seen a drop of at- Frank Darling came up with a sionals. They must hire those or five tar balls reported on tendance this summer of up to 50 percent due to the Gulf design so good that even Walt with a passion for the business. the beach so far this summer,” oil disaster. Officials say there have been very few small Disney visited to get ideas for It would be nice to get some- Wilkes said, at the first of Au- tar balls on the beach there, but the perception has scared his little project, Disneyland. It one from a park like Knoebels gust. tourists away. has significance enough that it where the gate is still free. A Right after this interview, has been designated a national professional from there would however, over the weekend of paign and came up with some cas in New Orleans were not historic landmark. understand how to make a free Aug. 6-8, there were reports promotions.” interested in giving comments At some point, the county gate amusement park work. I of tar balls washing ashore in One successful promotion for this story. took over. With parks, recre- feel the tradition of a free gate the Panama City Beach area. for them this summer was tied The New Orleans Con- ation and conservation per- must be restored in order to A news report from the local to the Florida Lottery. People vention and Visitors Bureau sonnel trying to run a park, drive attendance. Someone ABC affiliate there reported who purchased Florida lottery stated in several reports that the passion was gone. The who has a passion for running tar balls ranging in size from tickets and didn’t win could tourism was still going strong. Airplane Coaster was torn the park and understands the as small as a penny to as large bring their losing tickets to the It seems people were still vis- down because of negligence in dynamics of a free park is es- as a softball were collected by waterpark and receive a $5 off iting New Orleans, but were the maintenance area. sential to making Playland the cleanup crews that descended discount towards admission. skittish about eating seafood, I was lucky enough to success it can be. quickly on the beaches. In all, “We had a ton of these,” he according to the Louisiana work at the legendary park There is profit in Playland. over the three days, there were said. “When we look at what Seafood Promotion and Mar- when Joe Montalto was the The concessionaires who run about 35 pounds collected, ac- could have been we are really keting Board, who found their director. He had a passion the food outlets, the games and cording to the report. pleased at where we are right business way down. for the park and did much to the gift outlets are for profit. Yet, school schedules are now in the season. In fact, if Repeated attempts to improve the park’s infrastruc- It is a shame that the county still Wilkes’s nemesis. Schools you can hold your own this reach management at The ture. Joe brought in new rides does not take some of those in the Panama City Beach area year, that is really good.” Track Family Recreation Cen- to attract guests. Joe brought operations. Also, Playland’s got out for the summer break Wilkes also said that the ter and Waterville USA, both in business people from out- budget includes hundreds of June 10 and were scheduled to Panama City Beach Conven- located in Gulf Shores, Ala., side the county to run the park thousands of dollars for the return Aug. 11 this year. tion and Visitors Bureau re- went unanswered. professionally. buses to run to it. Does any “That is a 70-day window ceived $1 million of a $20 mil- Kim Chapman, public re- When Joe Montalto retired, other business in Westchester for us,” Wilkes said. “That lion payment made by BP to lations manager, Alabama Gulf another parks, recreation and County pay this amount for doesn’t give us much time.” the State of Florida to promote Coast Convention and Visitors conservation manager came to buses to stop at them? Other In the initial several weeks tourism. With that, the Pan- Bureau, responded by send- the park. He tried the political charges get put on Playland’s after the Deepwater Horizon ama City Beach CVB created ing tourism figures for the first tactic of saying that Playland budget. Get the politics out explosion, Wilkes said the several promotions. portion of the 2010 season. was not an amusement park. and hire professionals to run Panama City Beach area did Management at Gulf Taxable lodging rentals It was a county park that just the park and a jewel will be begin to see cancellations. World Marine Park staff has for May 2010, reached more happened to have amusement saved. “Some said they were see- done what it could to draw in than $20 million, a 7.3 percent rides. And the management Bay Beach Amusement ing cancellations of up to four its share of the local Panama decrease from $22 million col- changed to treating Playland Park in Green Bay Wiscon- to one and then later 10 to City Beach visitors. But, many lected in May 2009. Taxable as just another park. The per- sin is run by the municipality one,” he said. “But, when they of its programs begin filling retail sales topped $51 million sonnel who had a passion for parks and recreation depart- realized it hadn’t come back, up early in the year, as they for May 2010, which is a 4.3 the business were pushed out ment. It is so successful that some of the people started are reservation-only, such as percent decrease from $53 mil- along with those from the out- more land has been purchased coming back. We began a very the dolphin swim. People be- lion for May 2009. side of the parks system. and a wooden coaster is being aggressive marketing cam- gan canceling reservations “While June taxes are be- New management did not moved from a defunct park. not long after the oil started ing processed, hotel and con- look at the history of Playland. Just as many government bod- heading in that direction, even dominium occupancy rates for EXTRA! EXTRA! It had Marriott Corporation ies run waterparks, thus an though it hadn’t reached his the month allude to a 20 to 30 run the park for a few seasons amusement park can be run YOUR DESKTOP EDITION! shores. percent decrease,” information in an attempt to return to the successfully by a government FREE “Even our more popular released from the Gulf Shores, roots of the company. But pol- entity with the right leader- educational programs, like the Orange Beach CVB stated. iticians could not stay out of ship. Dolphin Camp and Vet Camp, “Hotels were filled more than NEWS the mix and did not approve are down as much as 35 per- 60 percent while condomini- of the spending to bring Play- Toby Higgs cent,” Hardy said. ums were about 44 percent full. land back to its former glory. Sanger, Texas Management at some These rates show a decrease of The one mistake that Marriott higgsamusement@ EVERY DAY other Gulf shore attractions 22.7 percent and 38.4 percent, made was to start charging a yahoo.com couldn’t be reached for com- respectively, when compared Sign up at gate fee. The current regime ments. Officials at the Audu- to June 2009.” www.AmusementToday.com has repeated that mistake. At- bon Aquarium of the Ameri- September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 INTERNATIONAL www.AmusementToday.com PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS BRIEF Asian Attractions Expo pulls in record numbers Nickelodeon Land Andrew Mellor first time the Asian Attrac- to open in 2011at Amusement Today tions Show has been held in Blackpool Beach Malaysia. But we couldn’t Held in Kuala Lumpur, have predicted this would be Malaysia, in mid-July, this the greatest and largest show Nickelodeon and Black- pool Pleasure Beach, one of year’s IAAPA Asian Attrac- ever in Asia. As the co-host, Britain's top tourist attrac- tions Expo turned out to be a we are very satisfied with the tions, recently announced a record breaking event – and results. The show outcome licensing partnership to de- in more ways than one! was beyond expectations.” velop the first Nickelodeon- The four day conference For the Australian Amuse- branded attraction in the and trade show, held at the ment Leisure and Recreation U.K. Nickelodeon's popu- Kuala Lumpur Convention Association (AALARA), asso- lar shows and characters Center, broke previous event ciation President Robert Brad- will come to life with more records for the total number ley said, “It was a tremendous than 14 attractions covering of participants and buyers opportunity for our group of an area of 6-acres at Plea- in attendance, the size of the over 120 to represent the Aus- sure Beach. Construction trade show floor and atten- tralian industry at this major on "Nickelodeon Land" will dance figures for the confer- event attended by the Asian begin this fall and the grand ence program. attractions industry and lead- A total of 212 exhibiting opening is scheduled for the The organizers estimated ers of industry from Europe companies took part in the spring of 2011. that approximately 4,750 peo- and the United States. The 2010 Asian show, show- "Blackpool Pleasure ple participated in the event, feedback I received from the casing a wide variety of Beach is a first-class amuse- including 3,250 buyers from many Australian delegates equipment and services. ment park and popular des- 40 countries, representing a who attended was a fabulous tination for families in the 34 percent increase in the total event providing an interesting Below, IAAPA President U.K.," said Gerald Raines, number of buying companies and insightful education pro- Charlie Bray chats to MAAT- Senior Director, Nickel- and an 11 percent increase in gram, diverse trade exhibi- FA President Dato Richard odeon Theme Parks and At- the total number of buyers tion, fun evening social func- Koh over dinner during the tractions. "This is an ideal when compared to the previ- tions at Aquaria and Sunway IAAPA Asian Attractions location for Nickelodeon ous year’s event. Lagoon in an exciting city Expo. and a great opportunity to “We are extremely pleased undergoing a huge amount PHOTOS COURTESY IAAPA expand our global presence. with the record-breaking re- of growth in attractions and We look forward to offering sults for Asian Attractions development. I am sure we all the Pleasure Beach patrons Expo 2010 in Kuala Lum- brought back great ideas for experiences that are unique pur,” said IAAPA Chairman our businesses.” to Nickelodeon and based Chip Cleary. “Our co-hosts, The trade show itself saw on fan favorites like Sponge- MAATFA and AALARA, an impressive increase in the Bob SquarePants and Dora and our sponsors, Arihant, number of exhibiting compa- the Explorer." Jack Rouse Associates and nies taking part, with this be- Under the terms of the Kraftwerk, provided signifi- ing up almost 50 percent on agreement, Nickelodeon cant support for this year’s the 2009 show. A total of 212 will bring its characters, in- event and played a key role in companies took part. teractive shows, and signa- that success. For that, we are Asian Attractions Expo ture green slime to Pleasure grateful.” 2011 will be held at the con- Beach. "Nickelodeon Land" Dato’ Richard Koh, Presi- vention center at Singapore’s also will feature new rides, dent of Malaysian Association new destination resort, Re- attractions, retail shops, of Amusement Themepark sorts World Sentosa, from games and food service es- and Family Attractions June 21-24. tablishments. (MAATFA) said: “This is the 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010 U.K. seaside venues add 4D KMG’s XXL swings into Belgium effects theatres from Simworx Two U.K. venues have opened exciting new family attractions for the 2010 season from 4D effects theatre special- ist Simworx. The Grand Pier in Weston- Super-Mare, near Bristol, and Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach on the Suffolk coast, have both added new 4D ef- fects theatres from the U.K. based specialist, adding more family fun and excitement and a totally new type of attraction to their offerings. Devastated by a fire in July 2008, the Grand Pier is on schedule to re-open this sum- mer/early fall following a £39 million rebuilding program, which includes state-of-the-art rides and attractions. Among these is a new, 51-seat, 4D ef- fects theatre from Simworx, who have completed a full turnkey project, incorporating the theatre into the new Pavil- ion building. Featuring grandstand seating, the theatre also uti- PHOTOS COURTESY KMG lises full HD 3D projection, a The new XXL portable swing ride from KMG Europe BV Christie high definition sound serves as a major highlight of the annual Sinksenfoor system, special effects lighting in Antwerp, Belgium. Owned by showman Jack Do- and numerous 4D effects, such www.amusementtoday.com PHOTOS COURTESY SIMWORX tremont, XXL holds 20 passengers per ride cycle, swings as seat vibration, water spray, The Great Yarmouth Pleasue Beach is showing two 4D leg ticklers, wind blowers, low to a height of 148 feet and can be set up in six hours films from U.K. supplier Simworx. smoke and bubbles. Several by four workman. The ride sports an LED light package SUBSCRIBE TODAY RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACfiKlEmDs wISilSl UbeE Sav PaiElaRbl eY wEAhRich high numSbTerA oYf rIeNpFeaOtR vMisiEtoDrs award winning World War II and theming provided by EK Atelier of Germany. can be changed on a regular who come to the pier. Those epic The Mission, the fast ac- basis to take into account the due to be shown include the tion paced Ravine Racer and the fun-filled, award winning pirate adventure Curse of Skull MAIL THIS FORM TO:AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O.BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON,TEXAS 76005 USA Rock. TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO:817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE:www.amusementtoday.com “Having decided to install SUBSCRIPTION FORM a 4D theatre, Simworx was the clear winner when it came to (cid:82) New Subscription choosing a supplier,” said pier (cid:82) Renewal FIRST AND LAST NAME CREDIT CARD NUMBER owner Kerry Michael. “We are (cid:82) Change of Address delighted with the results and I’m sure our visitors will enjoy COMPANY NAME EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE USA OUTSIDE USA the experience for many years (cid:82) One Year $50 $70 to come.” (cid:82) Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD(Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) At Great Yarmouth Plea- sure Beach, Simworx has in- (cid:82) Three Years $130 $190 stalled a 30-seat 4D effects CITY,STATE,ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER(REQUIRED) theatre which is the first such (cid:82) Payment Enclosed attraction in the area. Opened in June, the attraction is COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Charge to Credit Card: housed in an existing building (cid:82) which previously accommo- FREE SIGN ME UP FOR FREEEMAILNEWS QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOPEDITION dated a simulator ride from (cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82) another supplier and was to- tally revamped with the latest technology relating to the new YES! I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO theatre. This again includes a MAKE A THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES.MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG PRESERVING Christie high definition sound ROLLER COASTER DONATION (cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82) system, special effects lighting HISTORY $10 $25 $50 OTHER AMOUNT: $ and various 4D effects, such as seat vibration, leg ticklers, wa- 4See SIMWORX, page 9 September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010 Maurer Söhne coasters highlight new Italian park Andrew Mellor Amusement Today Germany coaster special- ist Maurer Söhne is currently involved in a number of dif- ferent projects around the world, including the installa- tion of two coasters at the new Rainbow Magicland park be- ing built in Valmontone near Rome, Italy. The new park is being developed at a cost of €300 million (approximately U.S. $396 million) and among the many rides and attractions on offer will be an X-Car Launch Coaster and a Spinning Coast- er (SC) from Maurer Söhne. PHOTOS COURTESY MAURER SÖHNE The SC3000 will be an in- Above left: The Maurer Söhne Spinning Coaster takes shape at the new Rainbow Magicland park in Italy. Above right: door coaster covering a base The track on the Maurer Söhne Spinning Coaster takes riders outside the building in a short “panorama curve” section, area of 40 meters by 60 meters as can be seen in the top right of this image. (179 feet by 131 feet) and will feature a short section of track layout stretching a total of 430 and reach a height of 35 me- Coaster for Bobbejaanland in park in Germany, which will that takes riders outside the meters (1.411 feet). The maxi- ters. It is set to take passen- Belgium which is due to open go under the name of "Freis- building, a “panorama curve” mum height of the ride will be gers from 0 to 100 kph in 2.5 in the spring of 2011. This will chütz" and incorporate a new at one corner of the building, 17 meters (56 feet) and hourly seconds and will have a ride feature a 420 meter (1,378 foot) concept of brake and LSM according to the company. capacity will be 850 riders uti- duration of 80 seconds. Five long tack, stand 16 meters (52.5 in one element. Track length The ride will feature two lizing seven cars. Maximum trains will be used providing feet) high, and will have a ca- will be 480 meters (1,574 feet), lifts, the first located shortly speed will be 58 kph (36 mph) a capacity of approximately pacity of 800 riders per hour height 35 meters (115 feet) and after the station and the sec- and a ride time of 75 seconds. 1,000 riders. using six cars. Additionally, top speed 80 kph (50 mph). ond just before riders return The launch coaster (ac- Other projects in which and also planned for opening One X-Car train with 12 seats to the station. In between will cording to unofficial sources) Maurer Söhne is currently in spring next year, is a new will be used. be a narrow and twisting track will be 750 meters in length involved include a Spinning launch coaster for the Bayern- Amusement Technical completes variety of projects for 2010 season With the 2010 season now and a newly developed vehi- in the U.K. in full swing, U.K. amusement cle anti-collision system have Amusement Technical’s ride manufacturer Amusement been added. product range also includes a Technical has announced the The anti-collision sys- number of rides and sales of completion of a range of proj- tem is, in fact, part of a retro- these continue to be buoyant. ects for a variety of attraction fit safety product range the Among new installations for venues, while also introduc- company is developing in re- the 2010 season are two rides ing several new “off the shelf” sponse to feedback from both at Atlantis Adventure Park, safety related products. operators and ride inspectors Atlantic Village, in Devon, At Camelot theme park in for the need for such devices U.K., where a Honey Pot Bears north west England, Amuse- to reduce even further the pos- children’s round ride and a ment Technical has completed sibility of incidents occurring dolphin themed mini-Pirate the full refurbishment of the on different amusement ride Ship are to open shortly. park’s 33-seat Pirate Ship ride, devices. Additionally, the com- while also carrying out con- “In discussions we’ve had pany’s range features several tinued maintenance on the with ride operators and in- other children’s and family Knightmare roller coaster. At spectors it’s become clear that rides, such as the Rodeo Trail PHOTO COURTESY AMUSEMENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS Knowsley Safari Park, also the creation of a range of safe- and Jungle Safari, with more New at Atlantis Adventure Park this season is this Honey in the north west area, the ty products which can be retro recent additions being a mid- Pot Bears children's round ride and a dolphin themed company has refurbished the fitted to rides to help further size panoramic tower, a Big mini-Pirate Ship ride (not shown) from Amusement Tech- venue’s mini-Pirate Ship and alleviate a number of poten- Wheel, a monorail system, a nical Solutions. Severn-Lamb built train. tial hazards, would be a real dark ride transportation sys- On the south coast, at Fun- benefit for individuals and for ally useful product to offer. also being provided is an au- tem and a Wave Swinger. All land Hayling Island, Amuse- the industry as a whole,” com- “There are a number of tomated railway crossing for are manufactured at the com- ment Technical has completed mented Amusement Techni- issues that need solutions ‘off park train rides. This will ac- pany’s premises in Preston, the full refurbishment of the cal owner and director Sean the shelf’ to improve different tivate when a train approach- Lancashire, while Amusement park’s Breakdance ride, in- Brian. “The anti-collision sys- aspects of different rides and es a section of track at which Technical also provides a va- cluding a full upgrade of the tem, for example, is an ‘off the we are targeting these with guests cross and will feature riety of specialist engineering drive and control system, shelf’ product for any multi- these latest ideas,” he added. bells, flashing lights and other and refurbishment services to while it has also carried out car transport system powered There will be five products warnings to alert those in the the global ride industry. work on the Ghost Train on from a rail. There is nothing in the range initially, while in vicinity that a train is coming. •www.amusement tech- the South Pier in Blackpool, similar on the market at pres- addition to these a custom- The first of these has already nicalsolutions.co.uk where a new control system ent and I believe it will be a re- made safety product now been installed at Twycross Zoo September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 SIMWORX Melbourne’s Luna Park introducing Shrek show EXTRA! EXTRA! Continued from page 6 To mark the upcom- ... but Shrek has forgot- YOUR DESKTOP EDITION! ing spring school holi- ten all about their special ter spray, wind and bubbles. days, Melbourne, Aus- day. Princess Fiona makes FREE The films to be shown in tralia’s Luna Park will a heartfelt wish, which is the Great Yarmouth theatre present a live stage show overheard by a Frankie the are Curse of Skull Rock and a — Stompin’ the Swamp — Funky Fairytale Fairy, who NEWS new film currently in pro- featuring characters from sets out to help. duction called Dracula 4D, a DreamWorks Animation’s Stompin’ the Swamp will “spooky” action comedy suit- popular Shrek film series. run daily from Sept. 18 un- able for all the family. The two films will be alternated Stompin’ the Swamp til. Oct. 3, 2010. EVERY DAY tells the tale of Shrek and More details on historic throughout the season. “This has been something Princess Fiona’s wed- Luna Park can be found at: Sign up at ding anniversary. Fiona evening of dancing and mu- www.lunapark.com.au. we’ve been looking at for a www.AmusementToday.com dreams of a romantic sic with her one true love couple of years,” comment- ed Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Managing Director Albert Jones, “in particular because of the weather in the early and late part of the season; we are trying to add more indoor attractions. It ca- ters for all ages from toddlers to senior citizens, as well as being accessible by the dis- abled. 3D is ‘in’ at the mo- ment, too, so it’s good to do something topical and that the public is talking about. “We went to the IAAPA show in the U.S. last year and looked at several differ- ent suppliers but decided to go with Simworx,” he con- tinued. “The new theatre re- places a motion simulator we had previously and we’ve done all the building works and design on the outside to Simworx’s specifications. We are having two films, Curse of Skull Rock and Dracula 4D, and will probably run each one every couple of hours. We wanted two films so we can cater for repeat visitors, which we get a lot of, and give them something differ- ent to watch.” Commenting on the two projects, Simworx Manag- ing Director Terry Monkton said: “I’m delighted to have secured these two quite dif- ferent projects at two of the U.K.’s most popular seaside resorts. It’s been a pleasure to be involved in the re-building plans at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare and I’m sure our theatre there will be- come a very popular part of the overall experience provid- ed. At Great Yarmouth, again we’re very proud to bring to a traditional seaside amuse- ment park an attraction which features some of the latest, state-of-the-art technology which I feel will add another dimension to the vast array of rides and attractions on offer. I’m confident both projects will be very successful.” •www.simworx.co.uk. 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010
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