June 2010 - Amusement Today

40 Pages·2012·8.95 MB·English

TM
www.AmusementToday.com
Vol. 14, Issue 3 JUNE 2010 $5.00
Supplied by Germany’s Mack Rides
First of its kind in North America
Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast opens at Silver Dollar City
Cliff’s Amusement Park opens
Scott Rutherford
with Larson Int’l. Giant Loop Amusement Today
Pam Sherborne Silver Dollar City is mark-
“We knew we were get-
ing its 50th anniversary this
Amusement Today ting the larger version,” said
season with the introduction
Gary Hays. “But since the
of Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast -
In Albuquerque, N.M., larger version couldn’t be
America’s biggest water battle
Cliff’s Amusement Park ready by the 2010 season,
ride. Supplied by Mack Rides,
owners Linda and Gary Hays we bought Larson’s smaller
this new interactive attraction
went about doing the normal version knowing we would
sets the world’s record as the
chores to prepare for their swap it out this season.”
German company’s longest
2010 season last month. So, when the park
Boat Blaster ride built to date.
Yet, there was one thing opened for the season April
Sporting plenty of the im-
that wasn’t normal. They 10, so did the ride, equipped
mersive thematic details for
were also preparing to open with an LED lighting pack-
which SDC’s parent company
North America’s first 22-me- age. Response has been great,
Herschend Family Entertain-
ter (72-foot) Giant Loop. Hays said, and the height of
ment (HFE) is renowned,
Manufactured by Larson In- the ride is very impressive
RiverBlast is based on the ad-
ternational, Plainview, Texas, for parkgoers.
ventures of two of American
the new ride replaced the “We are very excited
writer Mark Twain’s most en-
smaller version installed for about it,” Hays said. “It is
the 2009 season. 4See CLIFFS, page 4 dearing chracters, Tom Sawyer
and Huck Finn.
The five-minute River-
Blast experience begins with
eight guests boarding one of
eight rafts equipped with an
equal complement of hand-
powered water soakers (63
total). As the rafts are then re-
leased into the main channel,
a gentle current propels them
along the 570-foot-long Mighty
White River. Despite the lei-
surely pace of the ‘river,’ rid-
ers instantly find themselves
4See SDC, page 6
PHOTOS COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY
AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE
SILVER DOLLAR CITY Silver Dollar City celebrates its 50th anniversary this sea-
The Giant Loop, from Larson International, lights up the
son with Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast, Mack Rides’ longest
TURNS 50...PAGE 5
Cliff’s nights, thanks to this impressive LED light package.
Boat Blaster interactive water ride.
INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENTP ARKS WATERPARKS BUSINESS MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDS
SEE PAGES 8-10 SEE PAGES 11-18 SEE PAGES 19-24 SEE PAGES 25-32 SEE PAGES 33-39
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DTS TRSRP 2010 Golden Ticket Awards • Busch Gardens Williamsburg • Williamsburg, Virginia
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2010
TM
Gary Slade
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]
New Six Flags CEO must
correct years of wrong
While it probably comes as no surprise that recent Six Flags
CEO Mark Shapiro won’t be around to see this year’s daily
operation get underway, (he has been replaced by former Para-
mount Parks CEO Al Weber, Jr., who was named Interim CEO)
or next year’s 50th anniversary of its flagship park, Six Flags
Over Texas, one does not have to look far to find what’s right
and what’s wrong with the entire chain.
What’s right
Shapiro made it known he wanted a clean park and most
of all, clean restrooms. He achieved this system-wide and even
upgraded and built additional restrooms. This simple move
resulted into all-time highs on guest satisfaction surveys.
Shapiro was all about capacity. He removed rides and
coasters that were high on down time. He gave the parks ad-
Scott Rutherford
ditional maintenance budgets to get rides running and at full
capacity. He did the same thing in the food services depart- Here comes the rain...again
ments, giving restaurants makeovers and additional cooker/
fryer capacity needed to handle in-park demand.
The flooding that ravaged Tennessee Texas and Valleyfair are prime examples
Sponsorship. Bleeding money and trying to fight off bank-
and Kentucky this spring was a sober- of parks accustomed to having portions
ruptcy, Shapiro turned to corporate sponsorship in an attempt ing reminder that Mother Nature is to be of their property and rides inundated.
to keep the chain afloat. While he did secure record cash in ad respected. While hurricanes are more dra- Even picturesque Knoebels in the Central
deals, it was not enough to save the chain from the bankruptcy matic when they pummel coastal regions, Pennsylvania mountains has to contend
process. they are relatively predictable. Storm- with the frequent flooding of two creeks
What’s wrong, and has been wrong for years related floods can strike almost anywhere, that bisect its property.
Theming. We are going to call it like it is. Six Flags does anytime with little to no warning. Rutherford But amusement industry folk are a
not operate theme parks any longer. They operate amusement Especially painful to watch was the resilient bunch. Those who find them-
parks that have some themes. Corporate sponsorship plastered news coverage of the destruction wrought selves victim to weather-related disasters
on the citizens of Nashville, particularly the immediately respond by assessing damage, ral-
all over coaster trains, in-park buildings and more has taken
Gaylord Opryland Resort. Had the former lying their forces and getting to work to reopen
the lack of actual theming in the parks to an all-time new low.
Opryland theme park survived, it too would have as soon as possible. Pitching in to help a neigh-
Shows. In some parks, live stage productions were pulled
suffered almost unthinkable damage. These same bor seems to be part of our makeup. Indiana’s
in favor of less expensive to produce, video taped
storms ravaged Beech Bend Park, which suffered Holiday World recently ‘auctioned’ themselves
presentations. Just wrong in so many ways.
its most costly flood in 73 years. off to raise thousands of dollars that went directly
Poor ride selections. For many years prior to Shapiro’s ar-
Park operators have always been at the mercy to Nashville-area flood victims. In the same vein,
rival, Six Flags focused almost exclusively on record-breaking
of weather. Especially vulnerable were those AT’s own Sue Nichols – who just suffered her own
roller coasters or DC Comic character-themed rides as a way situated on major rivers. When in check, these share of losses in the floods – spent much of her
to boost the front gate and retail. It was a “scare the hell out of vital arteries brought in crowds via steamship free time during and after the disaster deliver-
them” mentality. Rarely did any of these installs fit the area’s and ferries, but when out of control, they could ing hot food and supplies to the ruined homes of
theme. Just as rare was the lost art of using stories as a device prove deadly. Cincinatti’s Coney Island endured her neighbors (and their pets) who lost virtually
to entertain guests. a staggering number of submersions. The Ohio everything they owned.
And that is exactly what the new CEO must do with Six River’s perennial flooding was a major impetus I find such selflessness in the face of disaster
Flags as it heads into its 50th anniversary year: return the parks for the park’s relocation and revamping into admirable and inspiring. Bravo to those who give
to that time of “telling a story and entertaining its guests.” Kings Island in the 1970s. of themselves during difficult times like these.
—Gary Slade Today, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Over Bravo.

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June 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
Best thing about the industry My life motto is …
The camaraderie, friendships and smiles we put on faces. “We are not here for a long time … We are here for a
GOOD TIME”!
Favorite amusement ride
The Beast at Kings Island. If I had to eat one thing every single day, it would be …
Compiled by Janice Witherow Artichokes. I just love those prickly little devils any way
Biggest challenge facing our industry you can prepare them.
Dennis Speigel
The maturing of our industry and also coming up with al-
International Theme Park Services, Inc. ternatives and options for people to visit parks to improve I usually call it a night at …
their visit and work with their hectic schedules. 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
As President of International
The thing I like most about amusement/water park The song that always makes me want to dance is …
Theme Park Services in Cincinnati,
season is … Anything by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett or The Tempta-
Dennis Speigel is recognized globally
Seeing all of the people come and have a terrific time! tions … I love Mo-Town.
as a leader and expert with 50 years of
experience in the amusement and attrac-
It’s June! My favorite summertime drink is … If money were no object, my next vacation would be …
tions industry. Dennis began his career
A bourbon and water on my front porch in Jackson Hole! I have over 6 million air miles and have been basically
path as a ticket taker at Coney Island
YEE HAW! everywhere because of our wonderful industry, so I am
Amusement Park where he quickly
Speigel happy to just be home with the family.
caught the “bug” to stay in the business.
Most bizarre favorite fashion statement at the moment
He later held management positions
Young people who pierce their ears with those huge rings. My friends all call me …
at both Kings Island and Kings Dominion, was affiliated
What in the hell are their ears going to look like at my Spig … or when they need something!
with Taft Broadcasting Company and served as President
age?
of IAAPA. Dennis has generously volunteered his time
At lunch time, you can usually find me …
and expertise to the industry by sitting on many different
My biggest fear is … With a friend … Robert Brown, Mu Sinclaire or Ron
Boards and committees over the years. In addition to his
Getting too old to enjoy going to an amusement park … Felder … downtown Cincinnati at one of our favorite
great success, Dennis is approachable, efficient and just
Nah, second thought, that will never happen! restaurants.
plain fun. All this, and the man is a great chef!
The three words that best describe my car are … The household chore I least enjoy is …
Title
Bright, fast, sexy. Cutting grass … only did it once. Hey … I was working in
President (28 years).
parks in the summer!
When I say Oprah, you say …
Number of years in the industry
Uma … David Letterman tried that at the Oscars opening This summer, I am really looking forward to …
Celebrating 50th year!
and flopped big time! Swimming with my grandson Dayton in our pool we
built for him. He’s my best buddy!
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be …
When ordering ice cream, I typically get … To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill
A maitre d’ at a swanky 5-star restaurant (How many are
Butterscotch … yum, yum.
feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith-
in your party?).
[email protected] or [phone].
CCrreeaattiivvee MMaarrkkeettiinngg
JJiinngglleess
BBrrooCChhuurreess && aarrttwwoorrkk
PPhhoottooggrraaPPhhyy
iinntteerrnneett ssoolluuttiioonnss
PPrrooMMoottiioonnss
ggrroouuPP ssaalleess ttrraaiinniinngg
&& MMoorree!!
1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2010
CLIFFS concentric rings, one rotating going counterclockwise, then
within the other, forms the four times going clockwise.
Continued from page 1
hubless wheel structure. The “Our real target for this
very unique in its action, be- design allows the ride to oper- ride is the smaller to mid-size
cause it takes riders complete- ate like a ferris wheel but with parks,” Novotny said. “It is
ly upside down.” no visible means of support. a very flexible ride, as far as
Jeff Novotny, Larson’s The larger ride has two theming.”
owner, said the company had and one-half times more steel Because the center is hub-
been conceptualizing the larg- in it than the smaller counter- less and spokeless, the cen-
er version for quite some time. part. ter section may be fixed with
“There was a lot of work- “Our other versions are a sign, logo, and projection
ing together with the Hays,” manufactured to go down a screen. The hubless ride could
Novotny said. “We worked highway,” Novotny said. “But, be used as an entrance into a
with them on color, lighting we did make the larger one to park or, as Novotny said, or a
and the train. We worked with fit inside an ocean freight con- route through which a coaster
them on the capacity and the tainer for international trans- could go.
loading platforms. It has been port.” But, for right now, Hays
AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE
a long time since we first start- The LED lighting package said they are just using it as
At 72 feet tall, Cliff’s new Giant Loop from Larson Interna-
ing producing the smaller ver- was added at Larson Interna- their new piece. Improve-
tional is not only visible height wise, but also showcases
sion.” tional’s headquarters and sup- ments were made to the area
visible smiles from riders and is rapidly becoming one of
Like the smaller version, plied by Crossroads, located in where the ride is located in the
the most popular rides in the park.
the Giant Loop consists of two Tulsa, Okla. park.
continuous and concentric Even though this is the first “That one was also cus- variable speed. As it goes “We added some games
rings, one fixed and one rotat- Giant Loop in North America, tomed-designed,” Novotny up one side then the other, there and remodeled a bum-
ing. The fixed ring forms the it is the second one world- said. “It was manufactured to it slows as it reaches its apex per car building,” he said.
track and supports the ride. wide. The first was installed in withstand heavy winds associ- until it turns the riders com- “Now we are just praying for
The rotating ring is the passen- an amusement park in Taiwan ated with a typhoon.” pletely upside down. It makes good weather.”
ger carrying system. The dual about 10 years ago. The ride operates with the complete turn four times
June 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
Silver Dollar City’s history began with Marvel Cave
Park themed to 1880s mining town
celebrates its 50th in 2010
In 1946, Chicagoans Hugo
and Mary Herschend vaca-
tioned in the Ozarks and dis-
covered a tourist attraction
now called Marvel Cave. By
April 1950, the Herschends re-
located to Branson with their
teenage sons, Jack and Pete,
and took over the manage-
ment and tours of the cave. the site.
After implementing im- Following Hugo’s death in
provements to make cave ac- 1955, Mary and her sons began
cess easier, the Herschends building the 1880s Ozark vil-
researched above-ground im- lage. Mary was committed to
provements, such as creating authenticity and preservation;
a pleasant waiting area. They there would be no imitation
eventually settled on the idea storefronts. She also insisted
of recreating an 1880s mining on preserving the natural
town that had once existed on beauty of the area, especially
the trees.
The park’s name origi-
FAST FACTS nates with a promotional cam-
paign that involved giving
change to visitors in the form
Silver Dollar City
of silver dollars. The word-of-
key historical dates
mouth advertising from guests
spread far and wide about an
•1950 - the Herschend
exciting new destination in the
family acquires long-term PHOTOS COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY
Ozarks.
lease of Branson’s The Flooded Mine remains one of Silver Dollar City’s most beloved rides. Recently,
When SDC opened in
Marvel Cave. arcade-style guns were added that allows guests to fire at targets during the indoor
1960, the village was home to
•1960 - Silver Dollar City
section.
a blacksmith shop, a general
opens on top Marvel Cave.
store, an ice cream parlor, doll Pete Herschend. ested in the demonstrations overwhelming success, Silver
•1969 - CBS-TV’s The
shop, and two 1800s authentic Under the Herschend’s that more resident craftsmen Dollar City still manages to
Beverly Hillbillies films five
log structures which had been guidance, SDC embarked on were added, including a glass balance down home family
episodes at SDC.
relocated and restored along a steady path of brand growth blower, a weaver, a potter and attitude with modern theme
•1972 - Fire in the Hole,
with the Wilderness Church. and expansion. Over the a silversmith. park mentality.
mine-themed enclosed
A daily outdoor re-enactment years, a steam train and stage Today, Silver Dollar City is While Silver Dollar City
steel roller coaster.
of the infamous feud between coach rides were added while one of the world’s most popu- was the company’s first en-
•1981 - American Plunge
the Hatfields and McCoys was the long-standing tradition of lar and charming theme parks. deavor, Herschend Family En-
log flume.
a highlight of the entertain- craft demonstrations began. It has grown to encompass tertainment today owns, oper-
•1984 - Tom Sawyer’s
ment. The first craft festival held at more than 55 acres, offering 40 ates and manages 24 themed
Landing play area featur-
That first year, Silver the park in 1963 had native shows, 22 exciting rides and at- entertainment properties
ing Becky’s Carousel.
Dollar City drew more than craftsmen demonstrating 19 tractions – including five roller across nine states including
•1990 - Furniture Factory
125,000 people, four times crafts including woodcarving, coasters and four water rides Tennessee’s Dollywood and
opens
more visitors than the num- tie hacking, shingle splitting, – along with a showcase of Georgia’s Wild Adventures.
•1993 -Thunderation, an
ber that toured Marvel Cave. blacksmithing, weaving, lye America’s heritage crafts with And as the Herschend clan
Arrow Dynamics mine
“We discovered we were in soap making and candlemak- a demonstrating colony of 100 is fond of saying, ‘it all began
train coaster.
the theme park business,” said ing. Visitors were so inter- resident craftsmen. Despite its with a hole in the ground.’
•1994 - Marvel Cave
commemorates 100 years
of tourism.
•1999 - BuzzSaw Falls, Pre-
mier Rides’ steel coaster/
water ride hybrid.
•2001 - Wildfire, a B&M
steel looping coaster.
•2005 - Powderkeg, S&S
Power air-launched steel
coaster, opens from a re-
working/enlargement
of BuzzSaw Falls.
•2006 - The Grand Exposi-
tion children’s area.
•2007 - Giant Barn Swing,
S&S Power Screamin’
Swing ride.
Several of Silver Dollar City’s classic rides include the
•2010 - RiverBlast, Mack
Rides interactive boat ride. American Plunge log flume, far left, and the always popu-
lar Fire in the Hole, center and above.
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2010
“
Not only is this the longest such ride worldwide,
but with its concrete trough, the use of real river rock
lining the reservoir, and great Tom Sawyer theming
everywhere, HFE and the park executed a really beau-
”
tiful family attraction.
–Bob Dean, Leisure Labs LLC
SDC
FAST FACTS
Continued from page 1
embroiled in a soaking water
Ride/Park
fight. Along with battling rid-
Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast
ers on other rafts and different
Silver Dollar City,
points along the course, they
Branson, Mo.
can retaliate against a total of
17 sharp shooters on the riv-
Type
er bank who are armed with
Interactive boat ride
their own soakers. Additional-
ly, RiverBlast offers riders 150
Course Length
unique targets on which to fire,
570 feet PHOTOS COURTESY SDC
but even some of those shoot
Sporting Herschend’s trademark theming, SDC’s new Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast allows rid-
back. It’s a safe bet that SDC’s
Ride Duration ers and spectators alike to engage in friendly water battles.
newest adventure is virtually
Five minutes
guaranteed to get guests wet,
one way or another.
Amusement Today spoke Ride Vehicles
about the RiverBlast installa- Eight 8-seat rafts
tion with Bob Dean of Leisure
Labs, the company who repre- Special Features
sents Mack Rides in the U.S. Onboard hand-powered
“Silver Dollar City was able water soakers (63 total);
to integrate their Boat Blaster land-based hand-powered
beautifully into the topogra- water soakers (17 total);
phy of the park and it is ab- 150 targets
solutely seamless with its sur-
roundings. Not only is this the Manufacturer
longest such ride worldwide, Mack Rides, Germany
but with its concrete trough,
the use of real river rock lining Opened
the reservoir, and great Tom March 19, 2010
Sawyer theming everywhere,
HFE and the park executed a
really beautiful family attrac- fort is every kid’s dream, and
tion.” filled with special targets and
Some of the more dramat- water guns aimed directly at
ic theming HFE created for the riders.
RiverBlast adventure include: •Leaky Sluice - Super
•The Foggy Bottom - a bil- soakers and shooting geysers
lowy blanket of fog hanging may splash up enough fun on
over the river to offer an at- their own, but Tom and Huck’s
mosphere of mystery and false overhead sluice has sprung
sense of security. a leak and a deluge of water
•Stuck in the Mud Sur- may fall right on the rafts.
prises - a small vessel snagged Silver Dollar City officials
while traversing the White are pleased with the reaction
River has scattered its cargo from guests to the park’s new
along the water. The floating RiverBlast. “From the laugh-
debris, buoys and bells are ter, smiles and water-soaked
filled with special effect tar- crowds, it’s obvious that Tom
gets, some of which fire back and Huck left Silver Dollar
at the shooter. City a new adventure that our
•The Whitewash Fence guests love. We can build the
- instantly recognizable from tallest, the fastest, the wildest
Twain’s stories, the white- ... but we are at our best when
washed fence may seem the we create attractions that in-
best place for bystanders to volve the entire family,” said
get a look at the action, but it’s SDC Attractions Manager
also the perfect opportunity Kevin Lotter. “RiverBlast gave
for riders to drench those risk- us the opportunity to create
ing a peek. a unique and highly-themed
•Tom & Huck’s Tree Fort area that fits perfectly into the
- Tom & Huck’s makeshift tree storyline of our park.”
June 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2010
INTERNATIONAL
www.AmusementToday.com
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS
Supplied by Mack Rides
BRIEF
Space Fantasy opens at Universal Studios Japan
Bobbejaanland
presents Zorro Andrew Mellor
Amusement Today
themed show
A new themed spinning
coaster in the dark is the latest
Belgium's Bobbejaan- major ride attraction to debut
land has a reputation to at Universal Studios Japan.
uphold when it comes to Installed in an existing
its horse shows. And the building which previously
2010 season will continue housed the ET Adventure at-
that tradition as the park traction, it is the first installa-
stages a show based on tion of Mack Rides’ Spinning
the world-famous figure of Coaster 2.0 which utilizes a
Don Diego de la Vega, bet- combination of free spinning
and controlled spinning of the
ter known as Zorro, and
vehicles, with a drive on the
his black steed Tornado.
bottom of each car. Thus the
Running through the
attraction takes advantage of
end of August, the new
both systems for different sec-
presentation offers a spe-
tions - the high speed thrill
cific interpretation of the
ride elements in which the cars
legend of Zorro, and casts Above, Space
are free spinning and the more
an original light on his re- Fantasy – The
serene “story telling” dark
lationship with Dona Es- Ride has
ride elements where passen-
perança. The performance replaced ET
gers are moved in the direc-
starts with a masked lady tion of the themed areas. The Adventure at
sitting in the audience, systems also allow for a more Universal Stu-
who attracts the hero's at- comfortable ride on the lift hill dios Japan. At
tention. Zorro approaches and after the “uncontrolled” right, riders be-
her, but she steals his horse spinning elements. gin and end their
and makes off into the dis- The storyline around the
Space Fantasy
tance. Zorro must find out ride, named Space Fantasy –
experience in an
who she is, but that entails The Ride, is a mission to save
impressive, con-
the risk that his identity the sun which begins on plan-
tinually moving
will be revealed, which he et Earth and takes guests on a
loading/unload-
wants to avoid at all costs. journey into the Solar system
to restore the sun’s power be- ing station area.
What follows is a thrill-
fore returning to Earth. PHOTOS COURTESY
ing sequence of dance, ac-
Describing the attraction, MACK RIDES
robatics, heroic dueling,
Mack project manager Harry
roman riding and spec-
Endres commented: “The cre- the track very tightly along the different work at the site and high-speed thrill sections.
tacular horse stunts, with
ation of the layout which best walls and around the existing was a real full time job. How- In total 19 trains were deliv-
spectacular fire and light
fit the existing building was an piles of the building. ever, the whole project was a ered, each with two cars and
effects, and a surprising
exciting job. Our goal was to “Due to building limita- great teamwork of all parties seating for eight people. Ride
ending.
integrate all design elements tions the ride erection had involved.” time is 270 seconds and an
The ‘Zorro’ show lasts
desired by Universal Studios to be planned in great de- Space Fantasy has a track impressive hourly capacity of
approximately 25-30 min-
into the ride layout. To en- tail, while in addition to this length of 595 meters (1,952 1,920 riders is achieved via the
utes and can be seen the able this we had to utilize the Universal Studios also had feet) and a maximum height use of a conveyor belt station,
park's Horse Arena at the full size of the building and in to bring in huge theming ele- of 7 meters (23 feet). The result so the trains never stop in the
Cowboy Village. some areas were forced to lead ments. The co-ordination of all is a combination of dark-ride station.
June 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
Kolmården to open unique Safari gondola experience
Andrew Mellor
Amusement Today
A unique new ride attrac-
tion that will take guests into
the heart of a wide range of
animal enclosures for an “up
close and personal” experience
is to be added to Kolmården
Djurpark in Sweden.
Set for opening in 2011, Sa-
fari will be the world’s first zoo
gondola ride and will provide
a truly thrilling adventure as it
takes visitors through the sa-
fari park in specially designed
gondolas that will travel 2.5
meters – 20 meters (8 feet – 66
feet) above the ground. It will
RENDERINGS COURTESY KOLMÅRDEN DJURPARK
bring guests as close as possi-
The new Safari attraction at Kolmården Djurpark will offer guests a unique, ‘up close and personal’ experience.

ble to animals from around the
world including lions, bears, via,” said Jan Roy, president and a great way to celebrate of 1,200. “We expect an increase
giraffes, wolves and many and CEO of the park’s owner, and show our appreciation to “We wanted to create an in the number of guests from
others. “create unique, high quality our visitors.” attraction where one can ex- about 600,000 to about 800,000
The announcement of this and innovative experiences to The new ride will feature a perience the animals in a new (as a result of the new attrac-
latest attraction comes on the delight our guests of all ages. 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) track and unique way,” explained tion). A ride with Safari will
back of Kolmården’s most suc- We had a fantastic 2009 and and gondolas will travel at a park President Magnus Nils- be included in the entrance
cessful year ever in 2009 and are thrilled to be able to make speed of 1.5 meters (5 feet) per son. “Today you travel by car ticket.”
will mark the park’s largest this kind of investment off second during the 26.5 minute through the safari park and The new attraction is be-
single investment to date. the back of a deep recession. experience. There will be a to- the new attraction will be more ing built by Austria compa-
“Safari is a shining new This is our largest investment tal of 78 gondolas each accom- environmentally friendly be- ny Doppelmayr Seilbahnen
example of what we do best to date – 120 million SEK (ap- modating up to eight riders, cause the cable car will be run GmbH.
at Parks & Resorts Scandina- proximately U.S. $16 million) providing an hourly capacity by renewable electricity.
Innovative Leisure installs major ropes course at Scotland Zoo
Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo
Innovative Leisure recent-
ly completed the installation recently became home to
of a major high ropes adven- major high ropes
ture course at Scotland’s Edin- adventure course, which
burgh Zoo. was designed and installed
Featuring a collection of by U.K.-based Innovative
challenges, the new Sky Trail
Leisure.
offers a new form of family en-
PHOTO COURTESY
tertainment to the zoo and is
INNOVATIVE LEISURE
the first installation of its type
to be completed by Innova-
tive Leisure in a U.K. zoo. The The trail consists of a
structure blends well into the 262-foot-long track, 19 feet
surrounding landscape with above the ground, and pro-
its jungle theming and having vides a challenging experience
been finished in outdoor natu- carried out in perfect safety
ral colors. with the use of a continuous
The attraction has been in- belay system throughout the
stalled adjacent to the award- course. A series of testing ele-
winning Budongo Trail chim- ments suitable for all skill lev-
panzee enclosure, providing els make up the course and,
participants with a ‘chimps unlike on some other high truly impressive structure and those who take part and, in zoo just to have another go.
eye view’ of the enclosure and ropes courses, participants are blends in perfectly with its the case of children and young It is also very positive for the
perhaps a chance to imitate able to pass slower users at surroundings, with the special teens, their parents, who see zoo to have this type of play
some of the climbing exploits intermediate platforms using theming chosen and the mate- them as offering a healthy al- equipment beside a chimpan-
of the adjacent primates. a unique node connection sys- rials used. Having it right next ternative to other, less active zee enclosure where the kids
The Sky Trail Discovery tem, thus helping to maintain to the chimpanzee enclosure options,” he added. can interact with the chimps
10 pole at Edinburgh Zoo good throughput. adds further to the experience Also delighted with the in the same way the chimps
takes up to 25 participants at “We are delighted to have too and is obviously highly installation is Edinburgh play in the trees. The chimps
any one time, providing an had the opportunity to install appropriate. Zoo’s Commercial Director also seem to be very interested
hourly throughput of approxi- our first major high ropes “Fun, exciting, physically Gary Wilson, who said: “The in all that is going on and they
mately 100. It can open with a course in such a prestigious challenging activities such as first reviews from the public too look to be stimulated by
minimum of two staff rising to location,” commented Inno- those provided by major high are all saying that they think the experience as well as all
three or four when at full ca- vative Leisure Managing Di- ropes courses have grown the Sky Trail is fantastic and who have a go on it.”
pacity. rector Phil Pickersgill. “It’s a massively in popularity with they will come back to the
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2010