New waterpark a big hit at Iowa's Adventureland Park - Amusement

48 Pages·2012·11.93 MB·English

TM
www.AmusementToday.com
Vol. 14, Issue 7 OCTOBER 2010 $5.00
ProSlide delivers slide package
Great Coasters opens
New waterpark a big hit at
racer at Efteling
Iowa's Adventureland Park
Pam Sherborne
Amusement Today
Adventureland Park’s Bill
Fisher, director of marketing,
wasn’t sure how guests would
take to going from a dry park
to a wet park than back to a
dry park with all those things
that go along with that trans-
formation.
Two years ago, that was
one of the questions park of-
ficials in the Altoona, Iowa,
park had when the facility
opened the season with the
RainFortress, a water attrac-
tion with seven slides and a
huge dumping bucket made
by WhiteWater West Indus-
tries, Vancouver, B.C.
PHOTO COURTESY ADVENTURELAND
“I did wonder how they
The new $6 million Adventure Bay Water Park, part of
would like going from the
Adventureland Park, Altoona, Iowa, opened mid-July and
amusement park into the wa-
response was great, according to park officials. Park manage-
ter area, changing into a swim-
suit, getting wet, then chang- ment decided to invent in the waterpark after water elements
ing back out of their swimsuit installed in 2008 and 2009 were met with great success.
PHOTO COURTESY GCII and going back into the amuse-
The race is on! Efteling in The Netherlands debuts Joris ment park,” Fisher said. “As it WWA show
turned out, it didn’t faze them
en de Draak, an exciting new racing coaster from Great preview...page 33
a bit. They loved it.”
Coasters International, Inc. See story page 5.
At that time, park offi-
Euro Attractions Expo cials thought they were put- WWA exhibitor
ting in a water attraction that listing...page 35
Expo preview...page 33
would only lure the young.
4See IOWA, page 3
INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENTP ARKS WATERPARKS BUSINESS MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDS
SEE PAGES 5-10 SEE PAGES 11-18 SEE PAGES 19-32 SEE PAGES 33-40 SEE PAGES 41-47
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NEWSP POSTMASTER:DatPLEASE RUSH!Mailed Thursday, September 30, 201 F2o0r1 h0 oGsotilndge nth Teic ket Awards!
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY October 2010
TM
Gary Slade
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]
It’s time!
Good people will support a charity or cause that they
believe in.
Good people give back in many different ways. Some
will volunteer time, services, or donate needed items, or
they may donate much needed money.
That was the case when Gary and Linda Hays, own-
ers of Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque, N.M.,
donated $25,000 to the National Roller Coaster Museum
& Archives (NRCMA) to help expand the recently com-
pleted archival and storage facility in Plainview, Texas.
As Gary and Linda said, “The NRCMA has taken the
lead in establishing the early beginnings of a museum for
our amusement industry and we wanted to support their
efforts.” Scott Rutherford
Don’t let the words ‘Roller Coaster’ in the museum's
Summer's end
name mislead you. The NRCMA has been acquiring far
more than just roller coaster memorabilia. Water rides to
With a long, brutally hot summer traditional amusement park and its sig-
waterslides, dark rides to kiddie rides, patients to neon
finally fading, I find myself looking nature attraction weren’t worth saving.
signs are all finding their way to the NRCMA.
forward to the cooler weather and men- Well, shame on them. Any time a piece
The NRCMA has much more work to do, many more tally tallying up the highs and lows of of history is salvaged, we all win.
collections to go and secure, more equipment to move, this past season. Though Thanksgiving For the first time in a long while, I made
and countless archival interviews to conduct of our aging is not here quite yet, I’m still rather the trek up north to visit Conneaut. It
grateful for a number industry occur- was a perfect Sunday in late August. A
industry leaders who know, lived and worked ‘our his-
rences that merit mention. Rutherford cool breeze off the lake was filled with
toric past.' To do this, the NRCMA will need much more
Two notables both took place at the raucous sounds of the Penn-Ohio
than a $25,000 gift from one good family, one good park.
New York’s Coney Island: the magnificent Polka Festival down by the water. Though
I t’s time for the amusement industry to determine
Wonder Wheel’s 90th birthday, and the debut of parts of the park still need work, it warmed my
if it wants to preserve our historic past. If not, then lets nearby Luna Park on the old Astroland site. The heart to see so many families strolling along the
move on to other things. However, if the industry does former remains a relevant icon thanks to the midway. Despite the Blue Streak’s opening still
support a museum concept – all the better. Let’s move care it receives from the Vourderis clan while more than a week away, a rather lengthy queue
forward by supporting the NRCMA’s efforts with a real the latter’s success is a direct result of Italian at the ticket booth was a good indication that
ride manufacturer Zamperla’s desire to bring perhaps the amusement gods have once more
museum building full of historic artifacts, exhibits and
the fun back to Coney. Bravo to both! smiled on this little park by the lake.
educational features that both the general public and our
On the historic front, one of the most And on the flip-side of historical happen-
industry employees and professionals can enjoy.
important events was the continuing rebirth ings is the saga of the Geauga Lake Big Dipper.
It’s time for the amusement industry to make a of Pennsylvania’s Conneaut Lake Park high- The latest word on this survivor is that since
financial decision. Good people like Gary and Linda lighted by the reintroduction of the Blue Streak the anonymous owner was unable to sell the
Hays made theirs, to support the museum effort. wooden coaster. This happened because a loyal ride, his decision (as of mid-September) was
group of supporters believed that this park to demolish it. Let’s hope the gods mentioned
What’s yours?
deserved to survive. The Blue Streak finally above step in to shine some love on the Big
—Gary Slade
opened in September after much hard work and Dipper. Like the Blue Streak, it too deserves to
SEE NRCMA $25,000 DONATION STORY...PAGE 16 naysayers saying it couldn’t or even shouldn’t roll once again.
be saved, that this rare example of an American
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October 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
IOWA
Continued from page 1
They found out, yes, the
young loved it, but so did the
older generation. Fisher said
they had guests go to Koko-
mo Kove, which is what they
named that area, ranging in
age from five years to 85.
With that experience in
mind, Adventureland officials
took another leap of faith with
water. The park installed Her-
on Harbor for the 2009 season.
It was geared toward the very
young with a pool that gently
slopes toward the center filled
with hoops, sprays and a huge
plastic heron that squirts out
water.
Again, response was
great.
“So, we decided at the
end of last season to go ahead
and put in a full-blown wa-
terpark,” Fisher said. “We got
with ProSlide (Technology
Inc., headquartered in Ottawa,
PHOTOS COURTESY ADVENTURELAND
Ont.) and expanded beyond
The above overview of Adventureland's new Adventure Bay shows the layout of the waterpark including the quarter-
Kokomo Kove and Heron
Harbor.” mile long lazy river. Park officials boost that lazy river is the largest lazy river in the State of Iowa. It encircles the sandy
After about $6 million beach area and the new 6,000-sq.-ft. pool.
and weeks of planning and
construction, in mid-July just
about all of the water elements
were up and running.
And, still, guests didn’t
seem to mind getting wet and
then getting dry again.
The new waterpark, which
is called Adventure Bay, in-
cludes (all from ProSlide):
•Mach 4 that Adventure-
land renamed the Bermuda
Quadrangle and which in-
cludes four innertube slides
– the Topsy-Turvy, BulletBowl
and two Pipelines;
•Tantrum, a four-person
tube slide the park renamed
the Typhoon;
•Two high-speed slides,
ProSlide’s Plummets, called
Gang Plank and Pirates Slides at the new Adventure Bay include (all from Proslide)
Plunge; and
the Mach 4, which includes four innertube slides; Tantrum,
•A six-lane ProRacer mat
a four-person tube slide; two Plummets, both racing
slide.
slides; and the ProRacer, shown above. The ProRacer is a
The park also includes a
six-lane mat ride.
6,000-sq.-ft. pool called the Pi-
rates Port Pool, the Sand Bar to the fun, Fisher said. Adven- will also increase our season
that includes a sandy beach tureland Park has 34 rides and pass sales because there will
equipped with cabanas, and attractions, including three be more here.”
“the longest lazy river I have roller coasters. Park officials also feel the
ever seen,” said Fisher. Admission price includes waterpark will increase atten-
“It has to be a quarter of both the dry park and the wet dance. The park markets to the
a mile long,” Fisher said. “It park. Prices were increased entire state of Iowa and two
is the longest lazy river in the this year by $4, making admis- counties deep into surround-
state of Iowa.” sion for those 10 years of age ing states.
The Pirates Port Pool is and older $35. “We don’t expect to in-
three feet deep and has a bar “Which we think is a great crease our marketing area, but
at one end. deal,” he said. “People have we feel there is a whole wa-
Adventure Bay's Pirate's Port Pool includes a bar at one
“The waterpark is roughly access to both parks for that. terpark market out there that
end. The 6,000-sq.-ft. pool is only three feet deep, great
four times the size it was last We know the water attractions we can market that we didn’t
for rest and relaxation. The area called Sandy Bar offers a
year,” Fisher said. have increased the stay-time have before,” Fisher said.
Adventure Bay just adds in the park and we think it sandy beach and individual cabanas for guests.
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY October 2010
Best thing about the industry If I was to join the circus, I would hands-down be a …
The excitement of the people, products and parks … it’s Cannon flyer (wouldn’t that be cool?).
a great business.
All-time favorite sports team
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I The New York Yankees.
Compiled by Janice Witherow would be …
Managing my own gym. The most adventurous thing I have done lately is …
Mike Prince
Skydiving … now that certainly was an adventure!
Hawaiian Falls, Mansfield, Texas The thing I like most about amusement/water park
season is … Favorite condiment
Mike Prince’s interesting career
The chaos of it all! Mayonnaise.
path has led him to Hawaiian Falls

in Mansfield, Texas, where he is the
My favorite thing about fall is … Ultimate movie soundtrack
general manager for this successful
Deer-hunting season starts. Notorious.
waterpark. His first job in the industry
was in 1995 with Six Flags Waterworld
The last time I ate fast food was … Do you: stick to your plans or “wing it”?
in California; Mike spent seven years
At Sonic. Stick to my plans (I am an organizer).
with Six Flags before being recalled Prince
to active duty in the US Navy (he has
My all-time best vacation was … The funniest person I know is …
served a total of 22 years altogether) after the September
To Puerta Vallarta – it was beautiful. George Noviski (former neighbor when I lived in
11, 2001 terrorist attacks in America. Mike then started
Florida).
his own landscaping business in Florida before winding
Favorite flavor of ice cream
up at Hawaiian Falls, where he has been for the last five
Mint chocolate chip. The celebrity I would most like to have dinner with
years. His strong work ethic, organizational skills and
is …
sense of adventure make Mike an ideal manager in the
On a typical Sunday morning, you can find me … Rihanna.
amusement industry.
Reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee.
Something make-believe that you wish was real
Title
The one thing I always seem to put off is … Flying.
General Manager.
Yard work!
Number of years in the industry In one word, Halloween is …
14 (It’s been one interesting career ride!). My “must-see” television show is … Awesome!
South Park.
Biggest challenge facing our industry
No doubt about it, the economy. I would best describe my office as …
To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill
Neat and organized.
feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith-
Favorite amusement ride
[email protected] or [phone].
Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn.
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&& MMoorree!!
1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com
October 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
INTERNATIONAL
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PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS
BRIEF GCII racing coaster a major success at Efteling
IAAPA's Asia-Pacific Scott Rutherford
Amusement Today
office gains new
executive director
Pennsylvania-based Great
The International Asso- Coasters International, Inc.
ciation of Amusement Parks has made a name for itself
and Attractions (IAAPA) an- by constructing solid, reliable
nounced Andrew Lee has and – above all – incredibly
been named executive di-
entertaining wooden roller
rector for the trade associa-
coasters in North America, Eu-
tion’s new office in the Asia-
rope and, soon Asia, where the
Pacific region. As the leader
company's first China project
of IAAPA Asia Pacific, Lee
is nearing completion.
is responsible for expanding
This much-admired firm's
and enhancing the associa-
most recent endeavor took
tion’s programs and services
them to Efteling in The Neth-
in the region and will oversee
erlands, one of Europe's most
government relations, com-
highly regarded and popular
munications, membership
theme parks. There they took
development, education, and
on the task of replacing an
Asian Attractions Expo, the
premier conference and trade earlier wooden roller coaster
show for the industry in Asia. (1991-built Pegasus) with
Joris en de Draak's exciting
Lee began on Sept. 16, and something of the high caliber
finale begins with trains
will be based in Hong Kong. that Efteling guests have come
Lee is a veteran of the to expect. skimming the surface of
travel and hospitality indus- The result is Joris en de the park's lake on oppos-
try. He most recently served Draak (George and the Drag- ing turns (top) and then
as director, business ventures on), one of GCII's most origi- coming together in compe-
for a joint alliance between nal designs to date. The ride's tition for a spirited race to
AsiaWorld-Expo, Global theming is based on the story
the finish line.
Sources, and Pico Global Ser- of St. George, who saved the
PHOTOS COURTESY
vices. life of a King's maiden daugh- EFTELING
“Asia has the fastest-
ter by slaying an evil dragon.
growing attractions industry
While a definite racing coaster,
in the world so it is only natu- the ride does not feature mir- the side panels that represent speed of 46 mph., they remain and that, dipping and hopping
ral for IAAPA to open an of-
ror-image courses. Each track the battle between George and parallel for a good distance, toward the rides' back end
fice in the region,” said IAA-
offers something a little differ- the dreaded dragon. roaring through a double-up of where the trains once again
PA Chairman Chip Cleary.
ent while still maintaining a The Joris en de Draak ex- sorts over the station followed head in opposite directions
“IAAPA Asia Pacific extends
healthy air of competition. perience begins with riders by airy camelbacks. Next, the over the surface of the park's
the trade association’s global
Standing 72.5 feet high, boarding either the 'water' trains bank down into right- lake, only to swoop back to-
presence and becomes the as-
Joris en de Draak's two tracks track or the 'vuur' (fire) track. hand swooping turns, and gether for a close, spirited race
sociation’s third regional of-
each measure 2,585 feet long. The trains depart the station si- this is where they suddenly through the dense superstruc-
fice, joining those already es-
The ride utilizes a quartet of multaneously but out of sight diverge, one train diving fur- ture, ultimately hitting the
tablished in Europe and Latin
GCII's 12-car (24-seat) Milleni- of each other until nearly half- ther toward the ground and home brakes – nose to nose –
America.”
Lee will report directly to um Flyer trains, the company's way up the seven-story lifts. the other quickly leaping over amid laughter and squeals of
Charles Bray, president and exclusive and ultra-flexible Once over the crest, they veer its counterpart. delight.
CEO of IAAPA, and will work rolling stock, which are abso- away, tearing around oppos- What follows is plenty of Each of Efteling's attrac-
closely with the IAAPA Asian lutely necessary for the com- ing U-turns and then finally the twisted, quirky trackwork tions are crafted with thematic
Advisory Committee. His e- plex, twisted layouts that GCII come together, racing side-by- for which GCII is renowned elements that tell a story, effec-
mail is: [email protected]. devises. This particular set of side down the first drop. Hav- and admired. Each train does tively engaging the eye as well
trains sport graphic reliefs on ing attained their maximum it own thing, banking this way 4See EFTELING, page 6
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY October 2010
EFTELING about the station and queues
as well as the aforementioned
Continued from page 5
embellishments to the trains'
as physically entertaining the side panels. Particularly im-
body. Joris en de Draak carries pressive also are the monstrous
on that tradition with plenty of animatronic dragon whose tail
medieval attributes sprinkled slaps the water barely missing
a speeding train as well as the
FAST FACTS nighttime illumination that
transforms the coaster's struc-
ture into a colorful, intricate
Ride/Park
light show. Such is the magic
Joris en de Draak/
of Efteling.
Efteling
Though Joris en de Draak
Kaatsheuvel,
is aimed squarely at families,
The Netherlands
GCII's Clair Hain, Jr., Jeff Pike
and their competent crew de-
Type
livered a ride that appeals to
Wooden Racing Roller
Efteling's demographic as well
Coaster
as seasoned thrillseekers. The
ride is characterized by con-
Height/Length/Speed
sistent speed, rapid changes
72.5 feet
of direction and equal doses
2,585 feet (each track)
of lateral Gs on the turns and
46 mph
the all-important airtime that
many riders crave.
Trains/Capacity
GCII's Manager of Pro-
Four Millennium Flyers/
curement and Assembly Di-
24 passengers per train
rector Chris M. Gray spoke
PHOTO COURTESY ROBB ALVEY
to Amusement Today about the
Designer/Builder Two 12-car Millennium Flyer trains crest the lifts on Joris en de Draak, Efteling's new
company's newest thriller and
Great Coasters wooden racing roller coaster supplied by Great Coasters International, Inc.
what it was like to work with
International, Inc./
Efteling. "Joris en de Draak view," said Gray. "Their entire what makes Efteling a very eling for commissioning a
Sunbury, Pa.
was a great project to be a part staff understands what it takes special place and Joris en de world-class ride, and to GCII
of, and Efteling had to be one to get a job done all the way Draak one of the greatest rac- for producing yet another
Opened
of the friendliest parks to work down to the tiniest detail. If ing coasters in the world." amazing work of wooden
July 1, 2010
with from a vendors point of you think about it, details are Congratulations to Eft- coaster art.
October 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
Australian Waterslides
completes Funfields project
Andrew Mellor
AWL also continues to
Amusement Today develop its products and has
recently introduced the KIPS
The latest waterpark proj- range (Kids Interactive Play
ect to be completed by Austra- Structures). This is a range of The second of the tan-
lian Waterslides and Leisure high quality children’s play dem tube raft rides at
(AWL) was commissioned at pool equipment constructed
Funfields Recreation Park
the end of August in the com- in stainless steel and fiberglass
opened to the public in
pany’s home country. and designed to “look good
early September.
The attraction is the second for a very long time,” accord-
element of a tandem tube raft ing to company managing di- PHOTOS COURTESY AUSTRALIAN
ride at Funfields Recreation rector Annette Matthews. WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE
Park in Whittlesea, in Victo-
ria, Australia, 40 kilometers
(25 miles) north of Melbourne.
AWL originally became in-
volved with the development
of the park in 2009 when it
was contracted to design two
tandem tube raft rides, the
first of which was installed
and opened in September of
the same year. A short time lat-
er the company was engaged
once again to manufacture and
install a second raft ride which
runs alongside the first, creat-
ing a double slide attraction.
Named Wipe Out at the
park, the latest addition pro-
vides riders with a 130 meters
(426 foot) long experience of
twists and turns down a trans-
lucent tube, ending with a big
splash down. The park is also
planning to add a small chil-
dren’s activity pool at some
point in the future, another in-
stallation AWL is hoping to be
involved with.
In addition to the work at
Funfields Park, AWL has also
recently completed various
other projects in Australia, in-
cluding the delivery of the fi-
berglass for three waterslides
to be installed in the Tea Tree
Gully Aquatic Centre in Ad-
elaide, South Australia, where
installation was due to begin
on September 21. The compa-
ny has also recently completed
the design drawings for anoth-
er project in Melbourne, at the
Glen Eira Aquatic Centre, hav-
ing submitted the successful
tender for this, while it is also
working on slide installations
in various Indonesian islands
through its exclusive agent in
Indonesia.
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8 AMUSEMENT TODAY October 2010
WhiteWater sends 30 meter tall waterslide to Hanwha Resort in South Korea
WhiteWater International any other ride in its class. appears to hover just above
LLC., based in Richmond, The Hanwha installa- the ground.
B.C., Canada, recently an- tion site – a small space on “Introducing a new multi-
nounced the completion of the roof of a partially under- person attraction is always
the first Abyss waterslide, ground building – posed a extremely exciting,” says
marketed as the largest and daunting challenge to White- WhiteWater CEO Geoff Chut-
most thrilling waterslide at- Water engineers. To minimize ter. “This time, the installa-
traction in the world. The weight and conform to the tion conditions were particu-
Abyss opened at Hanwha Re- limited footprint, WhiteWa- larly challenging, but thanks
sort in South Korea in August ter developed an advanced to a shared vision of success
2010. lightweight exo-structure that and a highly collaborative
Standing nearly 30 me- actually improves the visual working relationship with the
ters tall and using high capac- appeal of traditional funnel Hanwha Resort management
ity four or six person rafts, the rides by reducing the amount team, we were able to open
Abyss towers over other wa- of visible steel. Angled con- this new attraction on time
terpark attractions. Its inno- crete footings and pilings and on budget. Guests will
PHOTO COURTESY WHITEWATER vative design features bigger bear most of the weight. The love the Abyss for the unique
The Abyss, the newest waterslide from WhiteWater, drops, higher walls and more result is a massive orange, entertainment experience it
stands in at an impressive 30 meters tall. near-vertical oscillations than blue and silver structure that offers.”
Turkey's Aquafantasy Waterpark adds two Polin waterslides
Aquafantasy Waterpark, offers a more flexible design
located in Izmir, Turkey, is configuration. A conveyor sys-
part of the Aqua Fantasy Ho- tem is adapted at Aquafantasy
tel and Spa built on 45-acres of Waterpark to take the rafts to
land. The waterpark celebrat- the top of the slide structure
ed its 10th year by adding two where guests will then board
unique water rides designed, the raft"
manufactured and installed The second ride that was
by Polin Waterparks and Pool added to the park in May was
Systems. the Wave Slide. Wave Slide is
The slides, a family raft- one of Polin’s uphill designed
ing slide and a wave slide, are rides. Wave Slide has a steep
both constructed of Light-Res- entry point which provides
in Transfer Molding (L-RTM). riders with the thrill of free
Polin's L-RTM slides are differ- falling. Riders first experience
ent than the other slide series a steep, initial drop before be-
in terms of their distinctive de- ing propelled uphill vertically.
sign and their ride path. Riders then experience another
Polin Waterparks and Pool reverse path taking them back
Systems oversaw all design, and forth several times before
engineering, production and the tube stops at the bottom of
installation tasks of the water- the waterslide.
slides which opened at Aqua- “In the continually evolv-
fantasy in May. Polin, based ing and renewing waterpark
in Kocaeli, Turkey, is market- industry, the world’s premier
ing the park's Family Rafting parks like Aquafantasy Water-
Slide to be the longest L-RTM park are after the most attrac-
manufactured family slide in tive, exciting, appealing rides"
the world with its 222 meters Pakis said. "Polin is committed
(728 foot) length. to providing the best quality
"The Family Rafting Slide product and service through
makes it possible to share the investing in research and de-
entertainment and excitement velopment and will continue
together with the family and to further expand its L-RTM
friends. Since waterpark expe- line while introducing new
rience is a family type of enter- signature rides and innova-
tainment, family slides are of tions in fiberglass production
crucial importance and a great to parks like Aquafantasy.”
addition with their being high Askin Altiparmak, the
capacity rides." said Sohret general coordinator of Aqua
Pakis, marketing manager for Fantasy Hotel and Spa states
Polin. "One can experience the that “The new slides enhanced
joy of twists, turns and drops the adrenaline and excitement
as a whole family in 2 to 4 pas- thrill for our guests. We are
senger circular inflatable rafts very satisfied with these addi-
PHOTOS COURTESY POLIN
travel the course. The slide tions.”
Polin recently delivered two waterslides to the popular Aquafantasy Waterpark in Izmir,
path is very exciting. Thanks •www.polin.com.tr.
turkey. The slides both feature Polin's Light-Resin Transfer Molding.
to different slope angels, it
October 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY October 2010