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IAAPA Attractions Expo recap...Pages 31-44
TM
Celebrating Our 15th Year
Vol. 15 • Issue 10 JANUARY 2012
Spotlight on Safety
NAARSO forum participants to go through AIMS Intl. grows their
Sky Wheel controls during 25th seminar
international presence
STORY: Pam Sherborne rum routinely has 250 students
[email protected]
and teachers attending. The STORY: Pam Sherborne
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — outreach programs held sev- [email protected]
Since the National Association eral times a year draws about
of Amusement Ride Safety Of- 50. And, since beginning its ORLANDO, Fla. — More
ficials (NAARSO) began hold- certification program in 1994, international participants than
ing its annual safety inspec- NAARSO has certified 744 ever before were drawn to the
tion forum 25 years ago, the Level I inspectors, 275 Level II 2011 AIMS International Safe-
non-profit organization has inspectors, and 74 Level III in- ty Seminar, Nov. 9-15, Orlan-
provided ride safety educa- spectors. The varying levels of do, Fla., held in conjunction
tion and training to hundreds certification are specific upon with the IAAPA Attractions
across the U.S. the amount of education. All Expo.
Created to provide re- those receiving certification According to AIMS Presi-
sources to amusement in- have to participate in continu- dent Mike Gutknecht, the
dustry professionals who are education. ing education as well. overall seminar went very time,” Gutknecht said. “Also,
dedicated to ride safety and At its first conference 25 “We are always looking well. The seminar is a compre- when we had short down
to provide a consistent level years ago, 50 industry profes- for new avenues for train- hensive safety-training experi- times between sessions, it was
of proficiency to industry in- sionals, primarily represent- ing individuals in ride safe- ence for individuals respon- not feasible for participants to
spectors, NAARSO has great- ing state inspection agencies, ty,” said Leonard Cavalier, sible for the care and safety go over to their rooms. There
ly improved industry safety attended. NAARSO’s executive director. of the amusement industry’s wasn’t enough time for that,
through communication and Now, the annual safety fo- “We are even contemplating guest. so they just pretty much had
creating a school on the west This year AIMS held all to sit around and wait.”
coast to reach more people. classes in the Doubletree Ho- With participants staying
Currently, the Northwest tel just minutes away from the in the Doubletree, it just made
Showmen’s Association holds Orange County Convention sense to have the meetings
a safety school annually in Center where IAAPA ran from there.
March. We sanction them. We Nov. 14-18. Last year, classes “We had our testing on
accept the training hours of were held in the convention Sunday evening (13th), fin-
those attending their school.” center, but the logistics were ished up on Monday (14th)
But, the industry contin- somewhat challenging for par- and then many of our partici-
ues to change so quickly, ac- ticipants. pants went to the first day of
cording to current NAARSO “There was some trouble the trade show on Tuesday
President Clyde Wagner, that getting our participants over (15th),” he said.
they continue to look for new to the classes at the conven- The increased internation-
4See AIMS, page 8
ways to reach more profes- tion center on the buses on
sionals.
SAFETY INSIDE
“One of the newer trends
Clyde Wagner, left, current president of NAARSO, and Leon- we are seeing that we are ad- }Page 5: Santa Cruz safety manager retires
ard Cavalier, NAARSO executive director, prepare for the dressing now is the growth in
}Page 5: ASTM launches new online presense
upcoming 25th Annual Ride Safety Inspection Forum set for zip lines,” Wager said.
Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2012 in Myrtle Beach. Additional avenues of }Page 6: ROTC School set for Las Vegas
AT/PAM SHERBORNE 4See NAARSO, page 4
R 1
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2012
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Tidbits...G.L.S.
In honor of H.V. O’Brien, longtime and
still current publisher of Eastland County
[Texas] Newspapers (of which this publisher
learned so much from him) I’ve named this
month’s editorial column in honor of his long
standing “Tidbits... by H.V.O.” column that
appears in each of his printed newspapers.
Slade
Thank you my friend!
***
Randon tidbits of industry news:
Hats off to Merlin Entertainments for a successful
opening and rebranding of the former Cypress Gardens
theme park in Legoland Florida. While AT would liked to
have seen the historic Starliner roller coaster saved, your
company is still to be congratulated for the efforts made in
saving the park’s beautiful gardens and that lovely Banyan
Tree that have made the gardens so famous. And thanks
for returning the famed water ski show to the lake. Two
long standing traditions are now back and better than
ever!
***
While we are dishing out compliments, a big Thank EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
You goes to two of our industry association leaders:
Another great week at IAAPA
•Thanks to IAAPA’s Chip Cleary for stepping in dur-
ing the early morning hours during the Expo to make sure
If there’s one thing that’s a What a way to start the week!
the exhibit hall was back to 100 percent following an early
‘dead cert’ to happen during Another highlight was a visit the follow-
morning fire that caused some minor damage to the ex-
any year it’s my annual trip to ing day to the new Legoland Florida park. The
hibit floor. I’m sure most attendees never knew that there
the U.S. for the IAAPA Attrac- site of the old Cypress Gardens (and there
was a fire incident on the floor. Great job Chip! We hope tions Expo. are still the botanical gardens to explore) has
you have now caught up on your missed sleep. My visit in November was been transformed and now provides families
•Thanks to WWA’s Rick Root for listening to my con- again extremely enjoyable with younger children with a great day out in
cerns at the 2011 Golden Ticket Awards about our industry Mellor and like us all gave me the op- the true Legoland tradition. An excellent ar-
not doing enough to record our own history, especially portunity to meet up with in- ray of attractions, magnificent Lego models
from those that are still alive that can tell the stories the dustry colleagues both during the four days of throughout the park and a beautiful setting
way it really was. Rick has promised to make this a new the trade show and at a variety of other events combine to make this an excellent addition to
priority for the association in 2012. held throughout the week. the Florida theme park arsenal and when the
*** Things got off to a superb (and very early) waterpark opens in time for summer this year,
start on the Sunday with my first ever partici- it will be even better!
As we turn the calendars to 2012, AT takes this time
pation in the IAAPA International Charity Golf And then, of course, it was on to the trade
to say Thank You to all who have helped make our first
Tournament. It was one of the most enjoyable show which again proved to be the amazing
15 years a success. We can’t wait to see what the next 15
rounds of golf I’ve ever played, on a wonderful shop window for the industry that it has been
years have in store. We wish everyone much success in the
course and among great company. The spon- for so many years. Anything and everything
new year ahead! —Gary Slade
sored Vodka shot at 8:45 a.m. after our first a park or attraction operator could want was
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement hole, followed on the next by a huge Bloody to be found under the roof of the North and
Mary probably didn’t help my score if I am South Concourse of the Orange County Con-
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six
brutally honest, but hey, it doesn’t really mat- vention Center and a really positive vibe ema-
when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement
ter when you are helping a great cause, play- nated from exhibitors.
Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career
ing in 80 degree heat and laughing so much So a very busy but most enjoyable week.
helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997.
with your playing partners that your jaw aches! And this year’s dates are already in the diary!
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
Deliveries Member of:
[email protected] [email protected]
2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,
Pam Sherborne
Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA,
Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols
NAARSO and IISF
Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising
[phone] [phone] Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $90/$130;
[email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to
Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed.
John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Bubba Flint
Daily E-mail Newsletter Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth,
[email protected] Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]
Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked
Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2011, with all rights reserved.
[email protected]
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas
Contributors: Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Susie Storey, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427.
January 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1908: Fire raced through Presented by
Ocean View Park, in Norfolk,
DRILL
Va. on Chesapeake Bay, on the
morning of January 27, de-
COMPILED: Janice Witherow stroying the railway pavilion
Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and bathhouses, several beach
clubs, and the Scenic Railway.
As president and CEO Seventy years later, the entire
of Cedar Fair, Matt park would be unceremoni-
Ouimet is right at ously demolished for a televi-
home. No stranger sion movie.
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
to the industry, Matt
spent 17 years at The
•1915: The Panama-Pacific
Walt Disney Company,
International Exposition, in San Francisco, Calif. was nearing
where he last held the
completion in January, in preparation for a February open-
position of president of
ing. Just nine years after the 1906 Earthquake, the exposition
the Disneyland Resort.
would end up being an important economic and spiritual lift
He also served in a
variety of business de- for a devastated city and its people Early publicity tours would
velopment and finan- provide the necessary marketing to insure the event’s success.
cial positions during The immense and popular exposition grounds, built where the
his time with Disney, Marina district is today, would include an L.A. Thompson Scenic
including president of Railway and a racing coaster, in the area known as the Zone. It
Disney Cruise Line and Following 17 years in the business with The Walt Disney Com- was a 3,000 foot long midway of amusements, containing the
Executive General Man-
pany, Matt Ouimet starts off 2012 as the new CEO at Cedar most elaborate amusement features of the time.
ager of Disney Vacation
Fair.
Club. Matt’s logical but
•1927: Construction of Casino Park (also known as Lake Worth
passionate approach to business is one The one food that I would never, ever
Park), in Lake Worth, Texas (outside Fort Worth) began on Jan-
of his greatest assets, along with his give up would have to be …
uary 31. Planning for the park was completed by John A. Mill-
strong belief in teamwork. A motivator Cheese puffs.
and leader, Matt also brings a sense of er, the prominent roller coaster designer. The park would open
humor to the job. He enjoys spending When I say politics, you say … with one of his signature rides, the 72-foot high Thriller roller
time on the golf course and hanging Where have all the statesmen gone? coaster. The out and back layout had 10 drops and was con-
out with his family. sidered one of the finest coasters in Texas during its operation.
Coolest place I have visited in the last
Title year...
President and Chief Ex- Costa Rica.
ecutive Officer.
Is the best part of the Super Bowl the
Number of years in the football game or the commercials?
industry The football game!
20 years.
Ouimet If I could live next door to any sitcom
Best thing about the family, it would be …
industry The guys from Big Bang Theory.
The people we get to work with.
The one place I would rather be right
Favorite amusement ride now is … COURTESY B. DEREK SHAW ARCHIVES
Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point. Any place with my family.
•1938: It was the beginning of the end for Columbia Amuse-
If I wasn’t working in the amusement My friends all call me …
ment Park in North Bergen, N.J. An informal agreement was
industry, I would be … Just Matt; I’ve never really had a nick-
reached by the Port of New York Authority and park owners on
A teacher. name.
January 10, to sell about five acres of park land to be used as
Biggest challenge facing our industry At lunch time, you can usually find the access road to the new Lincoln Tunnel under the Hudson
Continuing to surprise our guests. me … River. Going price was $350,000 for the lot! Today the ap-
proach road passes through what was once a grand park over-
Around the table with our team.
The thing I like most about amuse- looking Manhattan. Today, a shopping center and 12-screen
ment/water park season is … The one person/group I would love to multiplex cinema still carries the name Columbia Park, which
The sounds of a busy day. see in concert is … at one time was considered the main competition to Palisades
The Band Perry. Amusement Park, located just five miles north of the former
The last thing I bought for under $1 park.
is … Favorite fast food chain...
Kool-Aid from a neighborhood stand. Chick-fil-A.

The three words that best describe Ten years from now I hope to be … TM
P.O. Box 5427
my office are … Amazed by the recovery of our Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 5-time Award Winner
Fantastic park view! economy. [phone]
Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
The song I would sing if auditioning Are you a little bit country or a little
for American Idol is … bit rock‘n’roll? Find us on Facebook
“Spirit in the Sky.” Much to my wife’s disappointment, facebook.com/amusementtoday
country.
It’s the New Year! One of my
resolutions is to … The person I would most like to be Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/amusementtoday
Exercise more. stuck in an elevator with is …
David McCullough, my favorite author.
I usually call it a night at …
Earlier than most. G et the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel
http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2012
NAARSO Myrtle Beach, S.C., with some NAARSO’s forum participants

classes and sessions as well as will be allowed to go through
Continued from page 1
the annual meeting being at the controls and study the op-
training will likely be just one the Sands Ocean Resort, Myr- erating mechanics.
of the topics of discussion dur- tle Beach. “We won’t be there to in-
ing NAARSO’s 25th Annual One thing planned for this spect the ride, but to look at
Ride Safety Inspection Forum 25th forum is a hands-on activ- the controls,” he said. “This
set for Jan. 29-Feb. 3, 2012, at ity at the SkyWheel, the 187- does, however, take a great
the Family Kingdom Park, foot wheel by Chance Rides leap of faith for them to have
that opened at the Oceanfront all these industry profession-
NAARSO attendees will get Boardwalk and Promenade. als go through their ride.”
a behind the scenes look at The wheel, which opened in The forum participants
the 187-foot-tall (Chance) 2011, is owned by Koch Devel- will also be on the grounds of
SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, opment and Pacific Develop- the King Family park.
including the entire control ment. Curriculum offered in-
system. AT FILE PHOTO According to Cavalier, cludes Inspections Techniques,
Electric Hydraulics, Compo-
nents, ASTM, Magnetic Brake-
ing, Emergency Evacuation
Systems, Safety Restraints,
Pneumatics, and AIMS Cer-
tification Exams. Participants
will gain knowledge of coast-
ers, welding inspections, aeri-
al tramways, miniature trains,
climbing walls, bearings and a
whole array of other mechan-
ics.
The classes on Jan. 30 and
31 will be broken up into two
groups: Primary and Second-
ary. The participant’s path
is determined by previous
training and/or years in the
industry. Primary covers ba-
sic inspection points and tech-
niques as well as basic electric,
hydraulics and other related
subjects. Secondary consists
of elective one-hour classes
covering different topics that
4See NAARSO, page 5
One of the newer trends
in the amusement industry
is the growth and popular-
ity of zip lines, according to
NAARSO representatives
who said the organization
already has a committee
looking at the standards and
safety. Here, exhibiting at
the International Association
of Amusement Parks and At-
tractions, is the Soaring Eagle
Zipline from Stan Checketts.
AT/TIM BALDWIN
January 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
ASTM International’s official magazine
Safety and training manager for
launches new online presence
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk retires
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., — ASTM International
has launched a revamped online version of its flagship
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — worked for the historic Win-
magazine, Standardization News (SN). The magazine’s
Amusement industry veteran chester Mystery House in San
new Website (www.astm.org/standardization-news) offers
Allen F. Weitzel retired from Jose as director of food, mer-
more frequently updated ASTM news that is organized
his job as safety and training chandise, and arcades before
into new industry sector gateways. These gateways serve
manager at the Santa Cruz being hired by the Santa Cruz
as Web portals to comprehensive news and information
Beach Boardwalk in Santa Boardwalk.
about ASTM standards development activities, meeting
Cruz, California at the end of Weitzel is proud of every
and training course dates and publications.
2011. Weitzel developed and job either held or managed in
The centerpiece of the new SN online homepage
managed the park’s safety the amusement industry dur-
Allen F. Weitzel
is instant access to 10 gateways, which allow visitors to
and training program for ing his 45-year career. He will
nearly 25 years. and entertainment, he also continue to serve as the histo- quickly see the variety of industry areas in which ASTM
He started his career at suited up in western gear to rian for a website dedicated International’s standards provide guidance, and to quick-
Frontier Village theme park act in the park’s mock shoot- to preserving memories of ly find news and information according to their interest
in San Jose where in addi- outs. Frontier Village, and pursue area. The SN online homepage also features access to a
tion to his role as director of When Frontier Village his interests in painting and digital edition of the current issue of the bimonthly maga-
merchandise, arcades, games, closed in 1980, Weitzel writing. zine as well.
The 10 industry gateways cover: Building Construction;
Transportation and Infrastructure; End Use Products and
NAARSO of the amusement industry umentation practices.
Recreation; Chemicals; Metals and Materials Analysis;
NAARSO is offering the Another special is the
Continued from page 4 Energy; Personal and Occupational Safety; Medical;
Limited Specialty class. This eight-hour course that offers
Environment and Sustainability; and Quality Assurance.
training will cover inflat- tips and information on how
“ASTM International standards cover diverse indus-
include inspection of specific able devices, rock walls, Euro to create training programs.
tries and the readers of Standardization News represent
types of devices, codes and bungees/bungee jumps and This class will be held on Jan.
a wide and varied cross-section of industry sectors,” said
standards, employee safety trackless trains. Classes take 28.
SN Editor-in-Chief Maryann Gorman. “This new online
and other topics not related to place on Jan. 28 and 29 at the Four ride inspector offi-
format is an exciting opportunity to give those readers
basic ride inspections. Sands Ocean Resort in Myrtle cials from four different states
quick access to the news and information they have the
In conjunction with the Beach. It will include instruc- formed NAARSO in 1986:
greatest interest in. The industry gateways also give read-
25th Annual Safety Forum, tion in the areas of inspection Carl Dills from Kentucky; Al-
ers an easy way to see what’s new in standards develop-
NAARSO is extending ad- procedures, safe operation len Chester, Michigan; Carl
ment across their sector, offering a user-friendly, subject-
ditional training and certifi- procedures, ASTM standards, Kimble, Illinois; and Cavalier
based resource.”
cation. For those individuals fasteners, wire rope, electrical from Ohio.
involved in the rental side codes and recommended doc-
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2012
Ride Operator Trainer Certification School set for Las Vegas
When Pigs Fly: Creative Operational Concepts to conduct safety training course Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2012
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The adhering to ASTM training sizes creativity and “making dures are performed, provide style of instruction.
team of When Pigs Fly: Cre- practices and standards while it stick” training techniques unique methods on how to “ROTC Investigates…
ative Operational Concepts showcasing industry best so that ride operators are pre- train ride procedures so that Training at it’s Best!” is the
will be offering the company’s practices. pared for handling challeng- an operator can link the con- theme of the 2012 ROTC
Ride Operator Trainer Certifi- Nashville, Tenn.-based ing situations in the field while cept to better understand the School. The school will con-
cation (ROTC) School in Las When Pigs Fly has developed keeping safety as the forefront process and lastly focuses on sist of classroom and hands
Vegas, Nevada, January 31- the top critical components/ task when working. how to ensure the operator on training to be conducted
February 2, 2012. duties that a ride operator ROTC instructs in a com- will be successful daily in their on the world-class rides and
ROTC is a three day train must conduct during each prehensive format that allows role. This instructional meth- attractions on the Las Vegas
the trainer course that focuses ride cycle to ensure standards trainers to be able to convey od is When Pigs Fly: Creative Strip. Not only will hands on
on how to properly train and are consistently performed. the history and/or back- Operational Concepts origi- training be a part of ROTC,
instruct ride operators while The ROTC curriculum empha- ground of why certain proce- nal “Learn It! Link It! Live It!” but attendees will also be vid-
eotaped during a “teach back”
so that they can review their
training style. Upon comple-
tion of the ROTC School, at-
tendees will be certified as
trainers and will also receive
access to all course training
materials including an in-
structional manual that allows
them to easily implement this
unique ride safety training
program at their property.
The ROTC program has
been recognized by Amuse-
ment Industry Manufacturers
Suppliers (AIMS) as means of
continuing education for 24
credit hours that can be ap-
plied toward continuing edu-
PLATINUM
cation units (CEU’s) for candi-
KumbaK The Amusement Engineers dates who are maintaining or
desiring to obtain the industry
GOLD certification. In addition, the
Amusement Today AIMS Operations Level I test
will be offered during ROTC
Beams Industries
for $100.
Chance Rides
Visit creativeoperation-
Haas & Wilkerson
alconcepts.com to register for
OABA the 2012 ROTC School. For ad-
Premier Rides ditional information contact
Recreation Engineering Inc. Cindee Huddy at (615) 545-
Ride Entertainment Group 8109, Patty Beazley at (615)
885-4960 or Darlene Reese-
Uremet Corp.
Sittig at [phone].
When Pigs Fly
Zamperla Inc.
SILVER
Ralph S. Alberts Co.
ASTM Intl.
Fastenal
John P. Hinde Enterprises, Inc.
Huss Park Attractions GmbH
Kluber Lubrication
RCS
Wapello
BRONZE
Eli Bridge
Great Wolf Lodge
Rain Drop Products
The Sheehan Firm, P.C.
Instructor Cindee Huddy of
Special thanks to the IAAPA Attractions Expo When Pigs Fly demonstrates
operational safety train-
ing during the 2011 ROTC
School.
COURTESY WHEN PIGS FLY
January 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
www.aimsintl.org
Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. • 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.aimsintl.org
AIMS honors
Tony Claassen is elected to AIMS Board of Directors
Wally James as first
recipient of new
Tony Claassen with Silver Dollar continual education of amusement in- George Millay Award
City, Branson Missouri has been voted dustry personnel and has served as
The AIMS Board of Di-
to the AIMS Board of Directors replac- an AIMS Safety Seminar volunteering
rectors has introduced a new
ing Maud Hendriks of Vekoma Rides. since 2004. He currently serves AIMS
award to be presented on a
Claassen has 15 years of experi- as a member of the education and
rotating basis along with the
ence in the amusement industry and is seminar planning committee.
other board
currently the Rides Maintenance Com- Claassen holds a Level II Ride Safe-
of direc-
pliance Officer and Supervisor of the ty Inspector certification from NAARSO
tor awards.
maintenance warehouse and dispatch as well as certifications from AIMS for
This new
for Silver Dollar City. As compliance both maintenance and operations Lev-
a w a r d
officer his duties center around docu- el II technician and is active in ASTM
named af-
mentation including maintaining and serving as Sub Secretary for F24.40.
ter the per-
updating the ride maintenance manu- Classen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in
son who is
als, generating inspection checklists for Business Administration from Evangel Wally James
considered
each ride, tracking ride manufacturers’ University in Springfield, Missouri and
to be the father of the wa-
bulletins, ride maintenance log books, is currently pursing his CSP certifica-
Tony Claassen terpark, George Millay, is
and supervising the OSHA compliance tion.
awarded to an individual
requirements for the department. His AIMS welcomes Classen to his new
who has given “Significant
role as a warehouse and dispatch su- the tracking of ride downtime, and en- position within the association and
Contributions to Water Ride
pervisor includes managing the pur- suring proper communications for the looks forward to his input into company
and Waterpark Safety”.
chasing, receiving, and inventory of the park. training and how AIMS can have a posi-
This year “The George Mil-
maintenance department, overseeing He has always had a passion for tive impact on that training.
lay Waterpark Award” is
presented to Wally James
in recognition of his years
AIMS member spotlight: George Childs
of exemplary service in the
field of waterpark safety.
Editors note: This is a se- sonal employee working at Six well balanced and geared for Why should someone at- Wally James by anyone’s
ries of articles to run in AIMS Flags Over Georgia. I worked an entire family’s enjoyment. tend a training seminar and definition is the perfect ex-
News & Notes that spotlights on the Raging Rivers which was In addition, Six Flags America particularly the AIMS Safety ample of a “waterpark safe-
an AIMS member who has been a [wet/dry] tube slide ride that is centrally located in the Mid- Seminar? ty professional.”
active in the annual AIMS Safe- was located at the park’s front Atlantic region giving it easy “Everyone should attend He has been a stew-
ty Seminar. To suggest a future gate entrance.” access to a large number of an AIMS seminar, mainly be- art in waterpark safety for
spotlight on an AIMS member What did you do before people, It’s right in their back- cause it increases your overall 30 years. He wrote a book
contact Steve Laycock at: you were in the amusement yard!” knowledge base and allows
about the development of
[email protected] business? How long have you you the opportunity to share
safety standards for the wa-
“Working at Six Flags Over worked at your present facil- your ideas and gain from the
terpark industry as well as
Georgia was my introduction ity? perspective of others.”
numerous papers and ar-
George Childs into the amusement park in- “I have worked at Six Flags In general, how was your
ticles regarding waterpark
Six Flags America dustry and was my first real job. America for three years.” overall experience at the
safety and operations.
Operations Manager It turned out to be a great op- Tell us one thing you have AIMS Safety Seminar and
James has presented
portunity and so I never left the learned from the AIMS Safe- how prepared were your in-
numerous seminars for
George industry.” ty Seminar. structors?
AIMS, WWA and IAAPA to
Childs has What do you do in your “Attending AIMS is the “My overall experience
name a few and has spent
been work- free time? best way to stay current on has been really great and
countless hours on ASTM,
ing in the en- “I enjoy spending all my industry standards. I learned the instructors are sincerely
tertainment spare time with my family. that an operation must con- dedicated to the classes they the Association of Pool and
industry for We love visiting historic sites tinuously challenge its self as it teach.” Spa Professionals (APSP),
just under around the Mid-Atlantic re- strives to improve. AIMS pro- Tell us one person you chairing the APSP-9 stan-
20 years and gion.” vides a platform that enables have met here during a net- dard, and now serves on a
Childs
can’t imag- Tell us something about you to look at your park’s prac- working opportunity time technical committee for the
ine being anywhere else. He yourself that is not common- tices objectively.” that has made an impact on International Code Council
is an amateur historian and at- ly known by your amusement What was your favorite you and why. (ICC). He is known as a no-
tended the 2011 AIMS Safety industry peers. class at the AIMS Safety Sem- “That would be Craig Koe- nonsense expert and oper-
Seminar in Orlando this past “I’m a major Sci-Fi fan. I inar and why? ning, Safety Director at Holiday ates his own safety consult-
November. Between seminar love the original Star Trek se- “Practical Teaching was my World. Others would agree ing business. His influence
classes George took time out ries and consider myself a die- favorite class mainly because that Craig’s energy for his field, toward safety within the wa-
to answer a few questions for hard Trekkie!” it takes you out of your ‘com- knowledge base, and his pas- terpark industry has helped
AIMS News & Notes. What is so special about fort zone’ and provides a ‘set sion really could be seen in his
to create a safer environ-
the facility for which you of tools’ that help with public enthusiasm in every class that
ment for all those involved
How did you get started work? speaking and training. It’s a he attended.”
or who participate in a wa-
in the amusement business? “The rides, attractions and great class for those at all lev- —Complied by
terpark.
“I started in 1993 as a sea- entertainment packages are els of public speaking.” Steve Laycock
Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected]
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2012
Left to right: The 2011 AIMS Safety Seminar was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. Once again the AIMS Silent Auction had many
items for attendees to choose from and make a winning bid. The silent auction raised money to support the purchase of new A/V seminar equipment. At-
tendees had 150 different class titles to choose from. At right, AIMS board member Timo Klaus with KumbaK Coaster Services B.V. in the Netherlands was
just one of the more than 90 instructors who took time to teach a class on safety. COURTESY JOHN P. HINDE
AIMS “But, this is great,” he said. within the amusement indus- Inspector (CRI) and rience. This valued participa-
“We can come in and help de- try. Certification is an outward •Level III, Professional tion is a requisite for all pro-
Continued from page 1
velop their programs. We demonstration of one’s knowl- Ride Inspector (PRI). fessionals in the amusement
would like to put programs edge of general activities and Attendees at the AIMS industry.
al presence was exciting, but, together that would benefit technologies that are an inte- Safety Seminar build tailored Gutknecht began serving
obviously, “we would like to them. They are attending our gral part of a daily amusement course curricula that best suit as president of AIMS April
bump up our U.S. participa- classes and taking our certifi- ride program and his or her their needs and the needs of 1, 2011. AIMS’ presidents are
tion,” Gutknecht said. The cation tests and getting certi- participation in such activities their employers. Safety infor- elected to a one-year term
organization’s push, however, fied, although I don’t know and programs. Certification is mation is carried home and with an additional one-year
into the international markets what that actually means in useful for securing additional shared with colleagues and co- option. During AIMS’ annual
has paid off. some of these countries. But, business opportunities and workers back on the job. At- board of directors meeting in
The international attend- it just shows that these people jurisdictional accreditation as tendees also build long-lasting September, they voted to ex-
ees were largely from China, are really trying to do the right well as for personal develop- relationships with instructors tend his term to a second year.
Indonesia, Sweden and the thing and get ahead of the ment. and their counterparts across “They asked me if I would
UAE. AIMS is getting a lot of curve.” There are three levels of the globe. serve another year and I said
requests from South America The Inspector Certification inspector certification: The AIMS Safety Seminar yes,” he said.
as well. Gutkneckt said pro- Program is designed to test •Level I, Associate Ride has both sit-down and hands- Gutknecht is the manag-
grams in these international the knowledge of individuals Inspector (ARI), on classes that will surely ing director of Ride Entertain-
countries are still in its infancy. working in the inspection field •Level II, Certified Ride round any individual’s expe- ment Group.
January 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
Ice Age, two themed hotels coming to Alton Towers
STORY: Andrew Mellor of the film franchise, Ice Age Ian Crabbe, divisional direc-
[email protected] 4: Continental Drift, arrives in tor at the Alton Towers Resort.
cinemas, in July. “We are continually develop-
UNITED KINGDOM — A To be located in the Cloud ing our products to ensure the
new partnership announced Cuckoo Land Theatre of the best possible experience for
between Alton Towers Resort park, the Ice Age Dawn of the our guests and bringing Ice
in the U.K. and Twentieth Dinosaurs – the 4D Experience Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs – the
Century Fox Consumer Prod- cinema will combine 3D foot- 4-D Experience to the resort in
ucts is set to bring an Ice Age age, based on the third movie 2012 allows us to add another
4D cinema and two themed in the series, with an array of first to our existing portfolio
hotel rooms to the Stafford- special effects. The attraction of fantastic rides and attrac-
shire based venue for 2012. is part of a larger partnership tions.”
The news marks a collab- with Merlin Entertainments “Alton Towers Resort is a
orative effort for Alton Towers and SimEx! Iwerks. Fans will fantastic destination for the Ice
and Fox Consumer Products also have the opportunity to Age fan,” said Robert Marick,
to provide Ice Age fans with an meet Ice Age characters Sid Visitors to Alton Towers Resort in 2012 will be able to en- executive vice president of
up-close and engaging expe- and Scrat around the Alton joy an up close and immersive 4D experience based on the Fox Consumer Products. “Ice
rience in what will be a fully Towers Resort site during popular Ice Age films. Age is a phenomenal property
immersive Ice Age offering. their visit. COURTESY ALTON TOWERS with global appeal and the Al-
The new theme park and ho- Along with the new at- and featuring popular charac- “Ice Age is a global phe- ton Towers venue will be the
tel attractions will open on the traction, two new Ice Age ters Scrat, Manny and Sid, the nomenon and we are delight- first immersive Ice Age attrac-
first day of the park’s 2012 sea- themed bedrooms will debut rooms will provide the ulti- ed to bring the 4D attraction tion that can be experienced
son, March 24, several months at the resort’s Splash Landings mate sleepover experience for and themed hotel offering to across multiple platforms
before the fourth installment Hotel. Inspired by the films Ice Age fans. the Alton Towers Resort,” said throughout the park.”
Family Adventure Park concept debuts from Prime Play
RICHMOND, B.C. — Prime the park high above the ground
Play gives ‘Creating Active with Sky Fortress.
Family Attractions’ a whole Guests may decide to take
new meaning with its Family the adventure to the next level
Adventure Park (FAP) concept. with Sky Climb, Prime Play’s Sky
By combining Prime Play’s new- Trail Ropes Course. Sky Climb
est line of products including allows guests to challenge them-
Adventure Trail, Sky Trail Ropes selves by traversing through a
Course, Grind Climbing Walls, gripping ropes course 39 feet
CTS Zip Lines and The Dig, a above the ground. Prime Play’s
one-of-a-kind Family Adventure in-house team of experts took
Park is created where kids of all great attention to detail, integrat-
ages and skill levels can choose ing this new elevated attraction
their own adventure. into a pre-existing rest area with
Recently awarded the Best trees and picnic tables as well
Family Resort this past July, as custom theming the various
Sea World Gold Coast debuted components to intricately mimic
Prime Play’s premier Family a 1940s schooner shipwreck.
Adventure Park in Castaway Featuring large capac-
Bay, in late 2010. Castaway Bay’s ity and throughput, the Family
FAP integrates various play sys- Adventure Park concept engag-
tems together creating a unique es a wide demographic and
and memorable family adven- encourages safe, active family
Prime Play’s new Family Adventure Park concept has become a reality this past July ture. The fun escalates with the attractions that bring out the kid
with the opening of six interactive attractions at Sea World Gold Coast in Australia. Adventure Trail, where guests in everyone.
COURTESY PRIME PLAY can climb and explore the rest of
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2012
Merlin reveals strong progress in first half of 2011
STORY: Andrew Mellor in the group’s Midway roll- to fruition, with the opening
[email protected]
out strategy, with four new of Legoland Florida in Octo-
Midway attractions, twice as ber and the planned opening
UNITED KINGDOM — In many as were opened in the of Legoland Malaysia later
a recently published half-year- same period of the previous this year, with more to follow
ly update on the performance year, featuring three different elsewhere.
of Merlin Entertainments for brands, in four different coun- The group’s acquisition
the six months to June 2011, tries, paving the way for two activity has also brought fur-
Chief Executive Nick Varney new ‘cluster’ locations. ther growth, with the pur-
has revealed strong progress In March, Sea Life Jesolo chase early in the period of the
and continued growth for the opened, the second Sea Life Sydney Attractions Group in
world’s second largest visitor in Italy and the first in the Australia and New Zealand.
attraction operator. country outside the group’s “I am delighted with the
In relation to organic Gardaland Resort. In the same pace and progress that Mer-
growth, Varney stated that month, the fifth Legoland Dis- lin has made in the first half
like for like performance of the covery Centre was opened, in of 2011,” said Varney, “in de-
group’s established business- Grapevine, Texas, which the livering against all six growth
es in the first half of the year group has identified as one of drivers that we outlined in our
were ‘pleasing,’ with growth its cluster locations. Launches recent annual review. As the
in visitor volumes, revenue of two Madame Tussauds lo- Merlin Entertainments’ Chief Executive Nick Varney is seen world’s second largest visitor
and profit. Planned capital ex- cations took place in April, here beside the Coastersaurus, Legoland Florida’s wooden attraction operator, we have
penditure cycles have enabled while the Midway roll-out coaster. focused relentlessly on our
Merlin to launch a range of in- plans have continued in the strategy over this period and
COURTESY MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP
novative new rides and attrac- second half of 2011 too. have enjoyed much success
tions across the estate, while Hotel and holiday vil- }PAGE 11: Merlin opens second U.S. theme park as a result, in spite of the con-
at the same time maintaining lage delivery was the focus of tinuing economic uncertainly
capital efficiency. the group’s resort positioning where a new hotel will open of the holiday village at that affecting consumer confidence
The period under review during the period, notably at this year, and at Legoland venue. The plan to open more in many of our markets.”
has also seen much activity Legoland Windsor in the U.K., Germany with the expansion Legoland parks is also coming
Legoland Billund to introduce Polar Land for 2012
Germany’s Zierer to provide coaster with
16-foot drop into penguin habitat
STORY: Andrew Mellor top speed of 65 kph (40 mph)
[email protected]
as they travel through an ice
waterfall, past polar animals
DENMARK — Legoland built from Lego bricks, into a
Billund in Denmark, the origi- giant mountain before “crash-
nal Legoland park, is to add ing through the ice” in a five
a completely new area for the meter (16.4 foot) vertical drop.
2012 season representing the The speed then decreases, al-
park’s largest ever single in- lowing guests to enjoy views of
vestment at DKK75 million the live penguins.
(U.S. $14 million). The penguin display will
Polar Land will be a new, be a key part of the area and
12,500 square meters (134,500 will feature 15 Gentoo pen-
square feet) area featuring guins. A new polar themed
several brand new attractions restaurant next to the penguin
and facilities, the centerpiece area will seat up to 350 dining
of which will be the Polar X- guests who will be able to view
plorer roller coaster, supplied the penguin display as they eat.
by the German manufacturer The new area will be situated
Zierer. This will be the first in the far corner of the park, re-
coaster in the world to combine placing the existing event area.
a five meter (16.4 foot) drop The opening is scheduled
with a live penguin experience. to be in May, a month after the
The area has been created park officially opens for the
by the park’s own designer, 2012 season.
Tom Christiansen, and will
also incorporate a restaurant Legoland Billund’s new Polar
and the existing Power Builder Land area will feature a
(Robocoaster) attraction, which unique coaster experience
will be transformed into a from Germany’s Zierer. The
flight simulator named the Po- Polar X-plorer coaster will
lar Pilot School. feature a 16-foot drop into
The Zierer coaster will take a penguin experience.
riders up to a maximum height COURTESY
of 20 meters (65.6 feet) and to a LEGOLAND BILLUND