July 2011 - Amusement Today

48 Pages·2011·11.61 MB·English

AIMS NEWS & NOTES - PAGE 38
TM
Celebrating Our 15th Year
Vol. 15 • Issue 4 JULY 2011
Busch Tampa introduces new
IntaRide LSM triple launch coaster
STORY: Scott Rutherford
[email protected]
TAMPA, Fla. — Central
Florida is well known as
the theme park capital of
the world. While Orlando
is the undisputed nexus of
this thrill-centric universe,
Busch Gardens Tampa (BGT)
is a glittering satellite on the
Sunshine State’s west coast.
BGT’s entry into the 2011 thrill
ride market is Cheetah Hunt, a
4,429-foot-long IntaRide triple
launch LSM steel roller coaster
designed to mimic the speed
and agility of the world’s fast-
est land mammal. The centerpiece of
Like it’s namesake inspi- Busch Gardens Tampa’s
ration, Cheetah Hunt is an 2011 expansion is
eerily quiet beast. Aside from Cheetah Hunt, an Inta-
Alabama Adventure has opened Buzzsaw Falls, a Shoot- the brief, high-pitch whine of Ride LSM triple launch
the-Chute ride from N.H.-based Skytrans Mfg. The ride the launches, Cheetah Hunt coaster that uses the
opened on May 28 to great response, despite the area works its magic in near silence, force of repelling mag-
still in recovery from an April 27 EF5 tornado. charging with absolute power nets to propel riders
COURTESY ALABAMA ADVENTURE and precision. It doesn’t mat- from 0 to 60 mph in a
Alabama Adventure ter if the train is leaping over matter of seconds. The
obstacles, streaking through 4,429-foot-long coaster
darkened trenches or skim- features three separate
opens Buzzsaw Falls ming over the water, specta- launches and this signa-
tors don’t hear this cunning ture ‘dream catcher’
feline coming until its already 10-story tower element.
STORY: Pam Sherborne position of being able to pro- upon them. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD
[email protected] vide some needed relief for the To accommodate Cheetah
entire community as residents Hunt, BGT engineers con- taking guests on a high-speed quick launch right out of the
BESSEMER, Ala. – Ala- continue the healing process verted the historic monorail tour of the park’s Serengeti station that sends the train
bama Adventure Water & of the EF5 tornado that passed and Skyride station (located Plain, which is home to sev- around a graceful fan turn
Theme Park opened its new less than three miles from the in the Crown Colony Plaza eral of Busch Gardens’ large and into the first of five sub-
attraction, Buzzsaw Falls, park on April 27. The tornado, area) into the coaster’s queue- free-roaming animals. terranean trenches. It’s here
May 28, to a great response. which started in Tuscaloosa, ing, load/unload station and that Cheetah Hunt kicks into
Now, park officials have Ala., continued its destructive maintenance facility, which is The Cheetah Hunt overdrive as the longest set of
found themselves in a unique 4See ALABAMA, page 5 located on the lower level. The experience LSMs fire, rocketing the train
ride covers a lot of real estate, The ride begins with a 4See BUSCH, page 5
R It’s Coming!
PE erial. 2011 SUBSCRIBE TO www.GoldenTViciskiettAwards.com
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DTS TRSRP 2011 Golden Ticket Awards • Holiday World & Spashin’ Safari • Santa Claus, Indiana
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2011
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Busch Tampa did it right
It’s so nice to see a U.S. theme park
doing the right thing.
At a time when many of the nation’s
themers are buried in opening rides,
coasters and other attractions themed to
superheros, cartoon characters or mov-
Slade
ies, it’s nice to see a park giving a ride
and area a theme that has nothing to do
with licensed characters.
Such is the case with the new Cheetah Hunt
launch coaster and Cheetah Run area at Busch
Gardens Tampa, where the park has used nature as
its latest theming backdrop.
Video panels and interactive touch-screen
stations help educate visitors of the plight of
cheetahs in the wild and why their numbers have
dwindled to between 10,000 and 12,500 worldwide.
Guests also now learn about Busch Gardens’
partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund
in South Africa and how CCF’s efforts have helped EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected]
build defense for cheetah populations, both in their Summertime, sweet summertime
native lands and around the globe.
Busch Gardens supports the conservation of The off-season has passed and of those very special places.
that special time of year those A warm ocean breeze and the excited cry of a
cheetahs via the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
of us in the amusement indus- wheeling gull fills the morning air as I write this
Conservation Fund, which has donated almost try live for is finally upon us. on the fifth-floor balcony of a classic 1950s hotel
$100,000 to cheetah efforts in Africa since 2005. Though I dearly love the crisp overlooking the broad expanse of white sand and
nights of autumn and look for- blue-green water that make up the Wildwood,
Guests go to theme parks to be entertained and
ward to colorful foliage and the New Jersey landscape. In the distance, the silhou-
to enjoy a story told through exhibits or through a
promise of holidays to come at ette of a wooden roller coaster and a Ferris Wheel
themed ride experience. Busch Gardens has done Rutherford year’s end, it is this time I most on Morey’s Piers both rise up through a light fog
just that with their new Cheetah Run area where enjoy. Long days of endless blue that will soon burn off. At rest in the rising sun,
skies over crowded midways and fairgrounds those rides and all the others patiently wait for the
guests see cheetahs up close and get to see a sample
is our reward for the cold and snow many of us stroke of noon when they will awaken and accept
of their speed. Thrillseekers are entertained as well endured during the downtime. their first eager passengers of the day.
on the Cheetah Hunt coaster, which simulates the Whether you’re “Goin’ down the shore” or Next stop on this working vacation is Seaside
headed to “The beach,” those and other similar Heights and its two piers followed by visits to
burst of speed for which cheetahs are known.
phrases evoke the same emotional response: a other amusement centers on the Jersey shore and
Thank you to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for
feeling of anticipation and simple joy at the points north. And then we hit that hallowed strip
telling us an entertaining story. Your attention to prospect of finding something amusement-related of ocean-side real estate in Brooklyn where it all
detail is a breath of fresh air. —Gary Slade for entertainment at the ocean. The true seaside began – Coney Island. That legend by the sea is
amusement park is a destination that exempli- making a comeback thanks to the efforts of those
fies all that is summer. While inland parks and stalwarts who’ve stuck it out over the dark years,
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement traveling shows are wonderful in their own right, and the newcomers eager to make their own mark.
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six there’s something special about parks that hug This summer is starting off just the way I like it.
when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement the coastlines. I’m fortunate to be employed in a So here’s to wishing everyone fair skies and
Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career capacity that requires me to experience many such good luck.
locations. And now my job has brought me to one Have a great season!
helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997.
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,
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
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John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Beth Jenkins
Daily E-mail Newsletter Advertising 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] Bubba Flint [phone]
Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked
Cartoonist [email protected] 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, Jeffrey L. Seifert, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427.
July 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1901: Police stopped the Presented by
operation of the new Loop-
DRILL the-Loop ride in Coney Island,
Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 22,
though no specific reason was
COMPILED: Janice Witherow
given. Some believe that the
Jeff Filicko - Kennywood
police had received calls that
the ride was too dangerous, www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
Jeff Filicko didn’t plan a
although not one death was
career in the amusement
ever reported on the ride. It closed after 10 seasons to make
industry. A graduate
room for the Giant Coaster — the largest coaster ever built in
of Duquesne University
Coney Island.
in Pittsburgh, he first
worked for his alma ma-
ter in the Public Affairs •1910: Bergen Beach Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. had a devastating
Department where he fire on July 26, which consumed the hotel, the Opera House
wrote for the university’s and the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway. One of several Brook-
publications and coor- lyn parks that attempted to compete with Coney Island, it
dinated various media limped along for a few years then fell into disrepair until the
projects. At Kennywood Belt Parkway was built in 1938.
since 2007, Jeff is the
park’s Public Relations
•1917: The Leap Frog Railway was finally completed at Cedar
Department of one,
Point, in Sandusky, Ohio in late July 1917. It opened roughly
which has allowed him
two months late due to numerous delays in the delivery of
to learn a lot in a short
Name something you love that no one
building materials, and is one of only a handful of American
amount of time. Jeff is fitting right in to the
else seems to like
industry and upon meeting him, you get coasters to open during the latter stages of World War I.
The Cleveland Browns (I live in Pittsburgh…
the feeling he is enjoying every minute of it.
need I say more?).
•1924: The only Dip-Lo-Do-Cus ride ever operated in the
Title United States, was tested for the first time on July 3, at Olym-
I would spend an extra day off a week
Public Relations Manager. doing this … pic Park, in Irvington, N.J. The John A. Miller design, a com-
Spending time with my nieces and neph- bination coaster and Virginia Reel, opened the following day
Number of years with
ews. after being pronounced safe by local inspectors who had never
Kennywood
seen anything like it.
4 years.
Worst summer cleaning chore
Laundry…it’s the worst any time of the year. •1926: On July 4, in Elysburg Pa., the Crystal Pool opened at
Best thing about the
Filicko what used to be known as the Knoebel Farm. The opening of
industry
All-time favorite sports team
The people. I’ve discovered that people the pool marked the formal beginning of what is now Knoebels
Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns.
working in the amusement industry have a Amusement Resort.
unique passion for their work and are gen-
People say I remind them of …
erally more fun to be around. •1938: On July 22, officials from the New York World’s Fair
Noah Wyle (from ER). I knew I should have
been a doctor! announced the plans for the novel 250-Foot high Parachute
Favorite amusement ride Jump, to be included at the Fair’s lakeside amusement park.
Any Bavarian Wave Swinger at night.
It’s July! On the Fourth of July you can After a two-year run, the Tilyou family would purchase and
find me … move it to their Steeplechase Park, in Coney Island, Brooklyn,
If I wasn’t working in the amusement
Working and watching fireworks at Kenny- N.Y. for the 1941 season. Although inoperative, it still stands
industry, I would be …
wood today and is a New York City Landmark.
Hanging out with my other friends that do
nothing but complain about how much they
My favorite things to wear are …
hate their job. •1944: Fire swept through the 1914-built Old Mill ride at
My Lo-Top Chuck Taylor’s.
Elitch Gardens, Denver, Colorado, on July 16. Six persons
Biggest challenge facing our industry… were killed, two of them employees who had rushed into the
If I could have lunch with anyone in the
The evolving presence of social media and tunnel to rescue the riders.
world, it would be …
the many new ways we interact with our
Jimmy Buffett.
guests. Social media creates a connection •1969: The Timber Mountain Log Ride opened at Knott’s
with guests that goes beyond an operating
The ultimate summertime song is … Berry Farm on July 11 as the first elaborately-themed Arrow
season.
Margaritaville. log flume. Most of the ride is enclosed in an artificial mountain,
which was designed, built and for several years operated by
The thing I like most about amusement/
I would love to be famous for … Bud Hurlbut. The Timber Mountain Log Ride remains one of
water park season is …
My cooking.
the most popular attractions at the park.
The thrill and excitement of opening day.
The second most exciting thing would be
The TV show I just can’t get enough of
the last day of the season! —Compiled by Jeffrey L. Seifert/AT and Richard Munch/NRCMA
is …
Scrubs.
My favorite catchphrase is …
I love it when a plan comes together. TM
The last thing I saw on You Tube was … P.O. Box 5427
5-time Award Winner
A trailer for the movie “Super 8.” Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
Three things people visiting Pittsburgh [phone]
must see are … Best food when it’s hot outside Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
The view of the city from Mt. Washington,
Cold beer (that’s a food, right?).
The Andy Warhol Museum and Kenny- Find us on Facebook
wood, of course. facebook.com/amusementtoday
When I say Lady Gaga, you say …
No, thanks.
The celebrity who annoys me the most is …
Snooki. Follow us on Twitter
If I could snap my fingers and be any-
twitter.com/amusementtoday
where, I would go to …

The Beach Bar at the Postcard Inn on the

Beach in St. Petersburg, Fla.
G et the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel
http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2011
OBITUARIES
Archie E. Brotzman Jr., owner of candy mix and nacho sauce. He was a WWII 8th
AEB Amusements dies at 70 Air Force Veteran and member of the Moolah
Shrine. He is survived by his wife Doloress T.
Archie E. Brotzman, Jr., 70, of Williams
Mueller; children: Gayle (Michael) Eastman,
Township, Pa., passed away on May 30, 2011 in
Laurie (John) Lardner and Richard L. (Connie)
Schuylkill Medical Center South, Pottsville, Pa.
Mueller, Jr; four grandchildren and sister Ruth
He and his wife, the former Dottie Lawson, cel-
Taschler.
ebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on April
Services were held at the Hutchens Mortu-
1, 2011. Brotzman was the owner and operator
ary in St. Louis. Internment was at the Salem Lu-
of AEB Amusements, Easton, Pa., for over 50
theran Cemetery.
years.
In addition to his wife, Dottie, he is survived
Frieda Foertsch, Holiday World
by four sons, Christopher, of Perry Hall, Md.,
Adam, of Greencastle, Pa., Aaron and Archie IV flower lady dies at 100
Bubba, both at home; four daughters, Angela The Holiday World family is mourning the
Skirnski and her husband Andy, of Roanoke, loss of long-time employee and friend, Frieda
Vir., Audrey, of Thiells, N.Y., Amanda Turille and Foertsch, who passed away June 5 at an Evans-
her husband Brian, of Omaha, Neb., and Ashlee ville assisted living facility.
Brotzman, at home; two brothers, Roger, of Foertsch, who retired from Holiday World in
Easton, Pa., and Jerry, of Stockertown, Pa.; a sis- 2009 at the age of 98, began her long career
Buddy A. Stefanoff
ter, Elizabeth Ritter, of Allentown, Pa; five grand- at the park in 1954. Over the decades, Frieda
Vice President — Chief Design Engineer
sons and four great-grandchildren. worked in many departments, including admis-
Services were held at 10 a.m., June 2, the sions and foods; she even sewed Santa suits. In
[email protected]
Strunk Funeral Home, Wilson Borough, Pa., with more recent years, she was known as the “flow-
burial at the convenience of the family in St. er lady” who saw to it that the park’s blooms
10710 E. 119th Ct. N • Collinsville, OK • 74021
Johns Union Cemetery, Williams Township, Pa. were watered and weeded.
Cell: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
“Frieda was such a smart, strong woman,”
www.crossroadsled.com Richard L. “Dick-O” Mueller of R.L. says park matriarch Pat Koch. “Her devotion to
the park and kind humor provided an inspiration
Mueller Popcorn passes away
to us all.”
Richard L. Mueller, Sr. “Dick-O,” of R.L.
Foertsch was born in Evansville in Septem-
Mueller Popcorn & Supply Co., St. Louis, Mo.,
ber of 1910 and moved to Spencer County in
died May 10, 2011. Started over 40 years ago,
1942. In the year 2000, she was named Indiana’s
Find us on Facebook Mueller’s company had been supplying the
Outstanding Older Worker and was included in
amusement industry with products ranging from
facebook.com/amusementtoday a “60 Minutes” segment about older workers.
popcorn machines and ice shavers to cotton
July 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
ALABAMA rides to up to 1,000 passengers BUSCH
per hour.
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
Randolph said early on in
path for 154 miles. It caused the the planning stages of the ride, to its top speed of 60 mph.
death of 240 people (the latest they became aware of some At the end of this corridor,
count as of June 1) and caused Shoot-the-Chute boats that the train abruptly leaps up
total devastation over a wide were no longer in use at Six and out of the trench, climbing
swath of land. Flags Great Adventure, Jack- almost vertically to a height of
Season opening was de- son, N.J. 102 feet into the coaster’s sig-
layed for one week out of re- “We had the boats sent to nature ‘dream catcher’ tower
spect to those affected by the SkyTrans to determine if they element. Here, riders are treat-
storm. could be refurbished or retro- ed to a swirling figure-eight
But, in great fashion, the fitted, but decided to go ahead maneuver that allows them to
park opened May 7 and on May and purchase two new boats enjoy views of the park and
28 the new attraction, a Shoot- instead,” he said. downtown Tampa ... but only
the-Chute by SkyTrans Manu- Alicia Vincent Rohan, pro- for an instant.
facturing, LLC, Contoocook, motions manager, said it took After this brief respite, the
N.H., took center stage. Re- about 15 months to construct train plunges nearly 130 feet
action has been tremendous, the new attraction, from con- — the longest, steepest drop
Busch Gardens Tampa’s
said General Manager E.J. Ran- ceptualization to the finished — into the second trench that
new Cheetah Hunt launch
dolph. product. pulls out beneath the tracks
coaster features beauti-
“As many of our guests “Guests really seem to love of the Serengeti Railway.
fully themed rockwork and
have told us, they are grateful the ride,” Vincent Rohan said. Climbing upward once again,
a waterfall landscape area
we are so close and can provide “A few phrases I have heard the train arcs completely over
midway through the ride.
a needed break from the re- as I have seen guests coming the park’s Von Roll Skyride. A
Other highlights of the
building,” Randolph said. “We off the ride are, ‘That ride was dip below a pedestrian path-
coaster include cheetah
are now sensing a ‘get back to awesome;’ ‘This ride is what way is followed by Cheetah
themed trains, shown at
normal’ feeling in the area. As Alabama Adventure needed;’ Hunt’s sole inversion, a grace-
left, and one heartline inver-
one can imagine, the road to and ‘Wow. We are soaked. That ful heartline roll that feeds
sion, shown below.
recovery for our guests and is the best ride ever.” directly into the block brake.
AT/TIM BALDWIN
team members will be a long The park even has fans fol- Next, riders are treated
process.” lowing the new ride opening to one of the Cheetah Hunt’s
Buzzsaw Falls now sits in on Facebook. most impressive thematic ele-
an area close to the front gate “Attendance has been great ments. The train banks to the
that hasn’t been used in several as well,” Vincent Rohan con- right and dives down into
years. tinued. “When Buzzsaw Falls what was once part of the
“It was the site of a former opened, we saw a bump in at- Rhino Rally course. Rushing
outdoor walk through dinosaur tendance.” past surging waterfalls, the
attraction,” Randolph said. “By Management hopes that train deftly weaves and snakes
placing the attraction in this lo- the positive response continues through a rocky canyon just
cation, we were also able to tie throughout the season, even in above the river’s surface. Once
areas of the park into a more a time when so much has been out of the canyon, the final
sensible layout without dead lost in the community. Long- set of LSMs propel the train
ends in a couple of spots.” time industry veteran Larry up to 55 mph and into a per-
By opening this attraction, Cochran oversees the park that fectly shaped camel-back hill
management addressed survey is owned by Adrenaline Family designed to produce the maxi-
responses from guests. Guests Entertainment Inc. He told AT mum amount of airtime.
wanted a new ride in the park last month that he actually saw From here, the train begins
and they wanted something the tornado before seeking shel- its final sprint home. After sev-
that would keep them cool in ter. He spoke of the destruction. eral high-speed dives, twists
the hot Alabama summers. The Alabama Adventure do- and turns, Cheetah Hunt fin- “Believe it or not, Star ber of ride providers includ-
Shoot-the-Chute gave the park nated $3,710 from its opening ishes with a powerful left- Wars. Specifically, a scene in ing B&M and others, but we
a thrill ride and a water attrac- weekend ticket sales to the hand dip-and-hop into the Episode VI: Return of the Jedi found that Intamin had per-
tion rolled into one. And, as the American Red Cross. Park of- home brakes. where they’re on the planet fected the technology; they
waterpark in Alabama Adven- ficials also donated four pal- with the Ewoks and they get met our expectations. We
ture, called Splash Beach Water lets of goods to the local emer- The inspiration behind those speeder bikes and go benchmarked other coasters
Park, is the signature draw, the gency management authority. Cheetah Hunt racing through the forest. and we thought if we could
new attraction was a perfect fit. The park’s maintenance team Amusement Today spoke They’re going around things take this system and utilize it
Buzzsaw Falls is the first helped with debris removal. with Mark Rose, BGT vice very close, and I wondered the way Busch Gardens does
major expansion at Alabama “Our hearts go out to those president of design and engi- what it’d be like to build a things, we would have a really
Adventure since 2005, although families and team members neering, about the concept coaster that could simulate sweet ride. And I think we’ve
the park did install a WhiteWa- who have a challenging road in and inspiration behind the that action. We knew we’d done that.”
ter West Industries Boomeran- front of them,” Randolph said. Cheetah Hunt project. need some type of technol- At what point was it
go attraction in 2009. “We are hopeful that when they AT: Why was this area ogy that would allows us to decided to use the old Rhino
The track length of Buzz- do visit us, they can smile a bit chosen for the new coaster? launch close to the ground. Rally section?
saw Falls is 610 feet. It takes more than they’ve been able Mark Rose: “I’ve been Then we thought about what “For many years, I’ve con-
riders up to a height of five to.” thinking about the location of kind of animal display would templated what it would be
stories before plunging down Alabama Adventure has this coaster since 2000 when we bring to the project, and like if we had this low-to-
the chute into the splash pool 65 rides and attractions on its we took the monorail out of we came up with cheetahs as the-ground coaster that could
producing massive waves that 90-acre location just outside this building. I always want- our first choice. We combined use the old ‘raging river’ sec-
soak riders and onlookers alike. Birmingham, Ala., including ed to re-purpose it as a load- the two and it’s a perfect mar- tion of Rhino Rally. I always
The Shoot-the-Chute at the Rampage wooden coast- ing station for a some type of riage.” imagined how cool it would
Alabama Adventure has two ers, which places annually in coaster.” Why was Intamin/ be for riders to suddenly, half-
boats with a maximum of 20 Amusement Today’s Golden What was your inspira- IntaRide selected for this way through the ride, find
passengers per boat. That gives Ticket Awards. tion for the Cheetah Hunt project? themselves racing through a
it the capability of supplying experience? “We interviewed a num- 4See BUSCH, page 6
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2011
BUSCH Kumba. I think that heart-line at once. With an approximate performs beautifully.” immersive animal encounters.
roll is just one sweet element. 85-second dispatch, we can Our goal of this attraction was
Continued from page 5
Like we did with the Skyride approach an hourly capacity From the president to allow guests to connect in a
canyon, past rock-work right going under the coaster, it in the 1,400s.” Jim Dean, BGT president, physical way with the speed,
above the water surface. It’s was something else we added How massive are the summed up his park’s newest grace and agility of the chee-
just another part of this ride to catch riders off guard and power requirements for resident: “This is our com- tah.”
that worked out very well.” surprise them.” Cheetah Hunt? pany’s very first LSM launch Such is the magic of
Why was just a single How many trains can “This ride does use a lot of roller coaster. The beauty of Cheetah Hunt. The end result
inversion included on this operate simultaneously? electricity to power the stators Cheetah Hunt is its 48-inch is a highly accessible and
ride? “We can run a total of five, and the rest of the systems. We height requirement. We envi- re-ridable roller coaster that
“Our original idea was four-car trains at the same have three separate control sioned the ride as an ‘extreme leaves riders not battered and
to create a ride that stayed time. This is possible because rooms to handle each of the family coaster.’ It’s thrilling windblown — like some more
close to the ground and mim- of the dual loading station we launches. It’s far more compli- for older family members and intense thrillers — but exhila-
icked how a Cheetah behaves, specifically requested. Montu cated than some of our other coaster fans, of course, but it’s rated and amazed by what
including the inherent speed and Kumba both load 32 riders coasters. At one point dur- also the first ‘extreme’ coaster they’ve just experienced. And,
and grace. From the start, we in each of their trains. Cheetah ing the construction, I started for that 8-10 year-old demo- apparently, that was Busch
didn’t want an aggressive Hunt offers nearly the same to refer to it as a ‘machine’ graphic,” said Dean. “Cheetah Gardens’ intention all along.
ride that inverts riders mul- capacity thanks to us load- instead of a coaster. It really is Hunt builds on our unrivaled
tiple times like Montu and ing two 16-passenger trains an impressive operation that ability to combine thrills with
Busch’s themed Cheetah Run complements new coaster attraction
STORY: Tim Baldwin
[email protected]
TAMPA, Fla. — As they
demonstrated all so well with
Manta at sister park SeaWorld
Orlando in 2009, Busch Gar-
dens Tampa has implemented
the company philosophy of
incorporating new coaster
attractions within new ani-
mal experiences for the park
guests.
Deservedly ranked among
America’s top zoos, guests to
Busch Gardens have a new en-
vironment to enjoy. The main
thoroughfare through the new
Left to right: With 90 percent of the cheetah population having been lost in the last 100 years, Busch Gardens has joined
Cheetah Run area brilliantly
forces with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In the new Cheetah Run area, guest get close and personal with the cheetahs
traverses centrally through
via these viewing windows. Busch Gardens also created this cheetah running area that lets the animals show off their 70 mph
the Cheetah Hunt roller coast-
speed to park guests. AT/TIM BALDWIN
er’s main launch and an elon-
gated habitat where actual all land mammals, according ues on into the themed station are our shows. We have that ing in the park and we put a
cheetahs exhibit their speed in to the Cheetah Conservation for the roller coaster where nice balance of all three.” new face on it and rethemed
displays throughout the day. Fund. Busch partners with sculpted pillars and a rocky Interacting rides with it.” Dean adds, “It really bal-
Almost as if racing the coaster, this organization and through cheetah statue bring new life animals seems to be Busch’s ances our park now. You don’t
cheetahs actually demonstrate exhibits, video touch screens, to a structure that was once a forte, but with Cheetah Run, want your park lopsided with
their speed and agility several signage and interactions with monorail station until 2000. other considerations were in attractions and it helps bal-
times daily showing guests animal experts, guests can Amusement Today talked place. Boos adds, “The ride is ance traffic flow.”
just how fast they really are. A develop further respect and with Mike Boos, vice presi- very quiet; we did that on pur- Accenting the guest expe-
simple canyon like trench sep- admiration for the oldest of dent of zoological operations pose. When the coaster goes rience is street entertainment.
arates the felines from observ- all African big cats. Over the for Busch Gardens, and asked by the animals, it’s encased Themed dancers, snake han-
ers so visitors can feel very up past 100 years, the cheetah how long he had to envision in a building. The supports dlers, artists, an African band,
close and personal with the population has decreased by the animal portion of the new are also filled with sand to cut or such similar performers can
exotic cats. For a more nose to 90 percent and Busch Gardens area. “From day one,” Boos down the reverberation, so it engage the visitor on any par-
nose experience, there are 12 hopes to help educate and en- immediately relates. “When remains quiet. When showcas- ticular day in the themed area.
glass viewing windows that lighten visitors to aid in the we decided to redesign this ing these animals, we wanted When Busch Gardens
allow guests of any age to get conservation of these amazing realm here, a ride and animal to do it in the right way.” Tampa opened Jungala in
within an inch of the captivat- animals. Today, the cheetah component was always part The theming also trans- 2008, incorporating animals
ing animals. population has dwindled to of that.” He beams, “It’s been lates on the signature tower that included orangutans
Throughout the day, 10,000 to 12,500 worldwide. many years in the making of the coaster. Colorful ban- and tigers into an interactive
Busch Gardens’ animal care The entire new area has and it has turned out great, I ners and the tree like motif viewing environment, the
experts conduct sprints with a welcoming environment. think.” disguise the typical stark ap- park interwove a couple of
the cheetahs using a motor- While the wide open space of Although rides are the pearance of coaster supports. simple rides and play areas
ized lure system to stimulate the habitat features more than most popular elements at the Dean comments, “The tower wonderfully well. Today, the
the cats’ natural instinct to 11,000 square feet of grass- park, Jim Dean, president of is probably the most iconic new Cheetah Run and Chee-
chase. A 220-foot run path slic- land, as well as a waterfall, Busch Gardens and Adven- thing in the park now. It fits tah Hunt roller coaster build
es through the habitat stretch- rock formations and shaded ture Island, says, “There are perfectly into this realm.” upon that expertise and have
ing long enough for any of the alcoves, there is also a pres- some people that come here In re-using the old monorail created a new world class at-
13 adult cheetahs to run at top ence of temple ruins in the and don’t have any interest station, Dean adds, “It was traction for the visitors that
speed, which can be 70 mph area giving the space a sense in riding. Our animal interac- an underutilized asset in the have come to enjoy the park.
when hunting — the fastest of of exotic mystery. This contin- tions are very important. As park. It was a historic build-
July 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
Ben 10 – Ultimate Mission opens at Drayton Manor
BRIEF
Unique Vekoma on a forward facing tour of
Larson Intl. delivers the track before they return
coaster leads host
along the same route travel-
Super Shot tower
of developments ling backwards.
to Saudi Arabia The attraction is fully
at U.K. park
themed on Ben 10 and his ad-
SAUDI ARABIA — Lar- ventures and guests are im-
STORY: Andrew Mellor
son International, Plain- mersed in the storyline as soon
[email protected]
view, Texas, has confirmed as they enter the main queue
delivery of the company’s line area, all of which is inside.
tower drop ride to the Al- UNITED KINGDON — A Riders enter Asmuth’s labo-
Shallal Theme Park in Jed- brand new junior roller coaster ratory where they learn that
dah, Saudi Arabia. themed on Cartoon Network’s the earth is under attack from
The Super Shot ride hugely popular Ben 10 chil- the evil Vilgax. Interactive Pictured on the opening day of the new Ben 10 - Ultimate
opened on June 2, 2011. dren’s adventure cartoon char- screens provide information Mission coaster are (from l to r): Dan Tippetts and Dean Weal
Seating 12 passengers, acter, was officially opened on on the show and opportuni- from theming company Meticulous Ltd.; Drayton Manor’s
it stands 130 feet tall and April 23 at the U.K.’s Drayton ties to play games while in the Edward Pawley; Stefan Holtman from Vekoma Rides Manu-
includes a custom sphere Manor Theme Park. queuing area, as Asmuth also facturing; Drayton Manor Managing Director Colin Bryan;
at the top of the tower. Ben 10 – Ultimate Mission, speaks to guests on TV moni- Neil Beniston from building contractor DF Beniston, and
Computer controlled LED supplied by Dutch company tors. Graham Saltmarsh, U.K. licensing director at Turner Enter-
lights, supplied by Okla- Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, Moving out of the labo- prises Cartoon Network.
COURTESY DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK
homa-based Crossroads is based on the company’s ju- ratory, guests then enter the
LED, provided the vibrant nior coaster system and takes Alien Chamber and are im- ing station to embark on their which rises to 20.5 meters at
multicolor lighting on the its design influences from the mersed in an alien world as “mission.” its highest point. A single train
ride tower and sphere that classic Vekoma Boomerang a host of effects including The new coaster, which incorporates 10, two-seater
was requested by the cus- coaster, but without the in- laser beams, flashing lights covers a total area of 60 meters coaches, each seat having its
tomer. versions of the larger ride. It and warning alerts create the by 22.5 meters in the Aerial own individual lap bar and a
“The park requested features an out and back track desired atmosphere. From Park section of the park, fea- very ‘open’ design. The train
the brightest, most vibrant layout that first takes riders here, they move into the load- tures a 180 meter long track 4See BEN 10, page 9
orange color we could find
The Gravity Group scores hit with Gröna Lund’s new Twister coaster
for the tower structure,”
said Jeff Novotny, co-own-
er of Larson. “Crossroads STORY: Scott Rutherford
LED was able to create a [email protected]
color you really want to STOCKHOLM, Sweden—
view only with sunglasses!” Twister. There could not have
The tower, the first been a more appropriate name
of its kind in the entire chosen for the new-for-2011
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wooden roller coaster The
provided its share of chal- Gravity Group/Gravitykraft
lenges Larson had to over- Corp. designed and built for
come. Sweden’s Gröna Lund. A
“Getting our staff into major highlight of the park’s
the country was the most 129th anniversary season, this
difficult travel experience new ultra-compact coaster’s
we have encountered as it name illustrates its nature in
required getting a letter of every sense of the word.
invitation, having a Visa ap- Amusement Today spoke
proved, sending the staff with Gröna Lund’s Peter
passports off to the Saudi Osbeck about the inception
Embassy in Washington, and challenges in creating
D.C. to be translated, and Twister. “Gröna Lund’s last
granting the Saudi’s per- A major highlight of Gröna Lund’s 129th anniversary season is Twister, an ultra- wooden coaster was removed
in 1965. And since then, there’s
4See LARSON, page 11 compact wooden roller coaster supplied by The Gravity Group/Gravitykraft Corp.
4See GRÖNA, page 10
COURTESY GRÖNA LUND
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2011
Italy’s Gardaland debuts B&M ‘winged coaster’
STORY: Andrew Mellor
[email protected]
ITALY — Gardaland in
northern Italy has introduced
the country’s only ‘winged’
coaster with the opening of
Raptor for the 2011 season.
Supplied by Swiss com-
pany Bolliger and Mabillard
(B&M), the latest major addi-
tion to the park takes riders
on a thrilling and intense two
minute themed experience
while seated not in a con-
ventional coaster train but in
seats fixed on either side of the
track, with their feet dangling
below. It is the 74th coaster to Gardaland’s detailed them- on either side of the track with
be built by B&M and took two ing (shown on vehicle and at no floor beneath them, rid-
years to complete from when right) plays a big part in the ers are treated to an extreme
the first sketches for the attrac- ride experience provided by experience made all the more
tion were produced by Merlin the Raptor coaster. Raptor so thanks to the close proxim-
Studios, the creative depart- seats riders on either side of ity of some of the surround-
ment of park owner Merlin the track with their legs dan- ing features which passengers
Entertainments. gling freely beneath them. avoid ‘only at the last second!’
The story behind the at- The new B&M coaster at As well as the ride itself,
traction is of an implacable Gardaland is the Switzerland the theming, special effects
predator, an unknown winged firm’s 74th coaster project. and audio within the attrac-
creature which, awoken from tion play a big part in the over-
its ancient sleep in the subsoil COURTESY GARDALAND all experience and Merlin Stu-
of Gardaland during works dios worked closely with the
for the construction of the new flight through enormous, arid remains of the fury of Raptor 1,000. The track covers an area whole team of technicians and
ride, has started to devastate forests and devastated lands. which have become obstacles of 16,000 square meters and scenographers at Gardaland
the land to avenge the human The surroundings of the in the ride’s path. measures 770 meters in length, to create the desired effect.
insult! The train represents ride are themed with ruins in- Riders travel on one of with features including three The project cost €20 mil-
the unknown predator that cluding a watch tower that is two, 28-seater trains, each of inversions, a climb to 30 me- lion to complete and is the
kidnaps (hence the dangling about to collapse, a large tree which is 6.5 meter (21.5 feet) ters (98.5 feet) on exit from the largest investment ever made
seats) whoever tries to tame it, broken in two and a bridge wide and 15 meters (49 feet) in station and a top speed of al- in a single attraction in an Ital-
dragging them in an extreme with protection barriers, all length, and hourly capacity is most 90 kph (56 mph). Seated ian theme park.
Nickelodeon Land opens at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Mack Rides, Patrick, Dora the Explorer, the
Rugrats and others.
Zamperla provide
Not surprisingly Nickel-
new ride mix odeon Land is targeted at the
family market, particularly
STORY: Andrew Mellor those with younger children,
[email protected] and features a variety of rides
and attractions, some of which
are new and some of which
UNITED KINGDOM —
are rethemed classics which
The U.K.’s Pleasure Beach,
previously formed part of the
Blackpool has developed a
Beaver Creek area that the
major new area of the park
new land replaces.
which opened at the begin-
Among the new rides is
ning of the 2011 season.
the SpongeBob Splash Bash,
Nickelodeon Land repre-
a Twist ‘n’ Splash ride from
sents an investment of £10.3
Mack Rides in Germany and
million (U.S. $16.8 million)
the first one to be installed
and features 12 rides and at-
anywhere in the world. Simi-
tractions themed on the char-
acters and other elements lar in basic concept to the com- The SpongeBob Splash Bash
from the world famous chil- pany’s famous Tea Cups ride, is the first example of the
dren’s entertainment brand. the Splash Bash features lots Twist ‘n’ Splash ride from
The new area was officially of water and the chance for Mack Rides to open. The
opened by actor and TV show guests to fire water cannons ride recently made its debut
panel judge David Hassel- at each other and surrounding in Nickelodeon Land at Plea-
hoff, accompanied by Nickel- spectators. The ride has a ca- sure Beach Blackpool.
odeon characters SpongeBob pacity of 54 people, with up to COURTESY PLEASURE BEACH
SquarePants and his buddy 4See BLACKPOOL, page 11 BLACKPOOL
July 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
BEN 10
Continued from page 7
reaches a maximum speed
during the ride of 55 kph and
the hourly capacity is 640 pas-
sengers, who have to be a min-
imum of 1 meter in height to
ride.
And, Ben 10 — Ultimate
Mission has been a big hit with
park guests from the start.
“It’s been very well re-
ceived by everyone,” com-
mented Edward Pawley,
general manager of park op- whole project was completed
erations. “All ages are going in just nine months, which is
on the ride from children of pretty impressive and a credit
The U.K.’s Drayton Manor
1m upwards — so around four to all involved. Cartoon Net-
Theme Park recently opened
years old — to teens, moms work worked very well with
its highly themed fam-
and dads and grandparents. our team and moved quickly
ily coaster, Ben 10 — Ulti-
It really is a genuine family with us to complete it, so that
mate Mission. The coaster,
coaster and is the first fam- side of the project has gone
supplied by Vekoma Rides
ily boomerang in the world, well too, while Vekoma was
Manufacturing, is themed to
which adds to the many other also excellent to work with.
the popular Ben 10 Cartoon
‘firsts’ we’ve had in the past. We are delighted with all as-
Network cartoon character.
“It’s probably the largest pects of the project from the
junior coaster built to date and ride itself to the design and
PHOTOS COURTESY DRAYTON
I refer to it as a ‘junior coaster theming and, of course, the MANOR THEME PARK;
on steroids!’ It’s something we Ben 10 branding.” OVERVIEW COURTESY
didn’t have before and fits in The design elements of VEKOMA RIDES MFG.
between our teen coasters and the attraction were carried out
the family coaster in Thomas by U.K.-based Space Leisure,
Land. We are doing over the who also provided the audio cialist Meticulous carried out Cartoon Network/Ben 10 re- ucts, while Chowder’s the din-
600 people per hour that we effects and the touch screen all the theming work within tail outlet situated opposite er adds the finishing touch to
envisaged too, due to the ex- interactives within the queue the queuing area, following the entrance to the ride offers the street area adjacent to the
cellent station layout, and the line area, while theming spe- Space Leisure’s designs. A a wide range of related prod- ride.
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing congratulates
Drayton Manor
Theme Park
L e s Cdhue mC ri ne su sdoet F e r DTrahyetmoen PMaarnkor
for their purchase of the
FAMILY BOOMERANG COASTER
Drayton Manor
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing sold in U.S. by
Theme Park
4219 Irving Schaapweg 18
Wichita, KS 67209 6063 BA Vlodrop • The Netherlands
Phone: [phone] Tel: [phone]
chancemorgan.com vekoma.com
THE WORLD'S RIDE COMPANY
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2011
GRÖNA

Continued from page 7
been a wish to build another.
The variety of different coast-
ers at Gröna Lund is unique,
however, a wooden one has
been missing from the mix,”
said Osbeck. “The Twister
project started in July 2009
when Gröna Lund’s owner –
Johan Tidstrand – had the idea
to build a wooden coaster.
We concluded that space was
Gröna Lund’s new
too limited. However, we dis-
cussed building on top of the Twister was intentionally
Blå Tåget dark ride. It was designed to interact with
then decided to remove the several other attractions
old building that housed the including the Blå Tåget
dark ride, construct a new dark ride as well as the
concrete building with a sta-
Jetline and Kvasten steel
ble roof so that a new coaster
coasters.
could run on the top. That
COURTESY GRÖNA LUND
became key to the project.
“After further discussions, only possible on a wooden
Johan contacted Korey Kiepert coaster with our Timberliners.
at the Gravity Group and they Already people are noticing
decided to meet in Stockholm, the difference with the com-
explained Osbeck. “They dis- fort and tracking ability of the
cussed the site from all dif- Timberliners.”
ferent angles and also decid- Though somewhat land-
ed the maximum size of the locked due to its picturesque
area for the coaster. Kiepert location on the seaward side
returned to the U.S. and cre- of the Djurgården island, Grö-
ated a rough design of the na Lund is well accustomed to
coaster. The objective was to utilizing virtually every inch
build a wooden coaster with of available space when build-
a steel structure. Steel would the dark ride and started the $8.5 million Twister stands than any other wooden roller ing new attractions. Kiepert
be used due to restrictions foundation work. The Gravity 50-feet-tall with 1,574 feet of coaster in the world. Riders explained the unique circum-
in terms of area and mainte- Group arrived with their per- wooden track arranged in a are treated to numerous close stances that went into bring-
nance, and wood for the track sonnel, while Gröna Lund pro- convoluted layout. In addi- encounters with structure and ing the Twister from concept
because of the traditional vided six carpenters and they tion, Twister sports the first track from the other coast- to reality. “Twister would not
look and feel of the coaster. started to build the coaster in Timberliner trains in Europe. ers as they quickly hop and have been possible without
“During the autumn of October. It was a tough job The two six-car trains each weave around the course. the detailed site information
2009, Gröna Lund and the due to the confined area and seat 12 riders arranged two “Twister and Quassy’s that Peter Osbeck from Gröna
Gravity Group finalized proj- extreme weather conditions abreast with individual lap Wooden Warrior demon- Lund provided for the project.
ect details. The board decided that included heavy snowfall bars. strate our company’s ability Having worked on intertwin-
to go ahead with the coaster and freezing temperatures. A ride on Twister is punc- to build an exciting, air-time ing the park’s roller coasters
and replace Blå Tåget (see “Finally, on April 21, 2011 tuated by steep drops, dramat- filled ride regardless of height before [Jetline and Vilda Mus-
sidebar). The design that we were ready to dispatch ic pops of airtime and quick and length,” said Kiepert. sen], he understood exactly
Gravity group provided was the first train loaded with directional changes. After “Both rides have at least eight what information we needed
very exciting; the most twist- water dummies. Surprisingly chain release, the Timberliner spots of airtime intermingled to make Twister a success.
ed twister in the world with enough, the first train made it attains a top speed of 37.9 mph, with highly banked track and Throughout the design of the
specially-designed trains that all the way through without leaping over the Blå Tåget as extremely tight turns. Twister ride we took special care in the
could negotiate tight curves. a single stop. And the rest is well as over and under the features turns that are as small placement of the lift hill, first
In early August 2010, before history.” Jetline and Kvasten coasters. as nine feet. The Wooden drop, and airtime-filled camel
the season ended, we demol- Situated on the waterfront Twister intimately interacts Warrior has turns as small as back so that it would create the
ished the building that housed overlooking the harbor, the with more separate attractions 13 feet. Such tight turns are 4See GRÖNA, page 11