November 2011 - Amusement Today

68 Pages·2011·17.79 MB·English

TM
Celebrating Our 15th Year
Vol. 15 • Issue 8.2 NOVEMBER 2011
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s carousel turns 100
STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert gigantic natatorium that of-
[email protected]
fered one of the largest heated
saltwater pools ever created.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Other attractions soon fol-
The oldest ride at the Santa lowed including a miniature
Cruz Beach Boardwalk passed steam train that same year, a
the century mark earlier this Thompson Scenic Railway in
summer. 1908 and the Looff Carousel in
Charles I.D. Looff, one of 1911.
the earliest and most success-
ful builders of carousels deliv- Americans fall in love
ered the “Merry Go Round” come a popular pastime. with the ‘Carousel’
to the Boardwalk in August of John Leibrandt opened Though dating back to
1911. the first public bathhouse on France in the mid 16th centu-
Looff, who immigrated the beach in 1865. The Santa ry, it wasn’t until the late 1800s
from Denmark as a young Cruz beach, with its south- and the adaptation of a steam
man, began building carousels ern shore on the north side of engine that carousels became
in 1875, installing his first at Monterey Bay was protected popular.
Mrs. Lucy Vanderveer’s Bath- from the harsh waves typical Americans had become
ing Pavilion at Coney Island, of the west coast and offered a enchanted with these new
The historic Santa
New York City, in 1876. Be- beautiful and serene area with rides in the late 1800s and ear-
Cruz Beach Board-
ing one of the first, many of safe, open-water swimming. ly 1900s and the golden age of
walk Looff Carou-
the subsequent Coney Island Other bathhouses soon fol- carousels is generally consid-
sel celebrated 100
carousel carvers learned their lowed along with restaurants, ered to be from 1905 to 1925.
years of operation
skills from Charles Looff. In curio shops, photo stands and Visitors flocked to the many
this summer. At
1910 he moved his carousel hotels. amusement parks scattered
left, park owner
and ride building factory to In 1904, Fred W. Swan- throughout the country to take
Charles Canfield
Long Beach, California. ton, whose first Santa Cruz a spin on the “painted ponies.”
touches up one of
hotel was destroyed in a fire, Riders and spectators alike
the horses with a
A bathing beach opened the Neptune casino loved the beautiful carved
little paint. Below,
Like many amusement and boardwalk that he pro- horses, the calliope music and
a unique view of
parks at the turn of the 20th moted as the “Atlantic City the glow of the relatively new
the carousel build-
century, the Boardwalk began of the West.” That too was incandescent lights.
ing interior.
as a bathing beach. Americans destroyed in a fire just two It is estimated that as
COURTESY SANTA
were becoming more prosper- years later, but that didn’t stop many as 3,000 carousels were
CRUZ BEACH
ous and less dependent on Swanton. He formed the Santa produced in this short time pe-
BOARDWALK /
constant work. They realized Cruz Beach Company in 1906 riod but less than 175 of those
BOTTOM PHOTO
that recreation was a good and opened an even grander remain in operation today. JEFF DAL PORTO
thing, and swimming had be- casino in 1907, along with a 4See CAROUSEL, page 5
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
100 years of ring grabbing
As this issue of Amusement Today spot-

lights 100 years of the historic Looff carousel
at the beautiful Santa Cruz Beach Board-
walk in Santa Cruz, Calif., it gives us time to
reflect on the how one of the most simple
designs in life is still a serious joy maker.
Slade 100 years ago, that magnificent machine
with its hand-carved horses and attention to
detail, was one heck of a ‘thrill’ ride to go on. Back then,
there were no steel roller coasters, no freefalls, no flipping
every direction you can imagine on a ride.
There was the carousel.
Combine that with the music rolls that the band organ
would play, and you not only had something that every-
one wanted to take a ride on, you had entertainment in
the most purest of forms.
Amusement parks all across the country built some
of the most beautiful structures ever found in parks, just
to house these wonderful machines. Add in some white
lights for the night appeal, and behold, this amusement
ride had transformed into Cinderella, ready to enjoy the
EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
night’s worth of fun.
A record-breaking EAS
What was even more fun is a tradition that has been
kept alive at both Santa Cruz and Knoebels, the grabbing
It’s always good to get out dozen more suppliers and manufacturers to beat
of the brass ring while riding the carousel.
from behind the office desk to the previous year’s EAS total. The show hosted
Some corporate types may say the ring grab is not
visit parks and suppliers or at- over 75 more companies, an impressive percent-
worth the insurance risk. While that may be, all one has to tend industry conferences and age increase by anyone’s standards and proof
do its sit near any of these fine machines that still oper- trade shows and one of the that EAS has truly matured into a key annual
ates their ring grab and one will see joy, laughter and more recent opportunities I had event for the industry — and not just for Euro-
to do this was for the Euro At- peans.
even competition, at all ages, to grab that brass ring as
your horse circles by. Mellor tractions Show (EAS) in London Exhibiting companies came from far and
at the end of September. wide, while attendees also hailed from numerous
This is perhaps the simplest thrill ever found on an
With much of the country in the grip of different countries in Europe and further afield.
amusement ride, yet its is as rare as finding a good Old something of an ‘Indian summer’ at the time of And while the show floor was buzzing, comple-
Mill ride. the show, attendees from overseas could hardly menting this was a significant educational and
Kudos to Santa Cruz, Knoebels, Gillians and others believe they were in the U.K. in such wonderful seminar program, various special events and
for keeping the thrill Brass Ring alive. Your keeping this conditions, at a time of year when the weather tours and a variety of networking opportunities,
is usually much colder (mind you, we Brits could all the various elements coming together to pro-
industry tradition alive for future generations to enjoy is a
hardly believe it either!), but so it was. And the vide an excellent week of interest and opportu-
welcome sight.
very warm, sunny conditions reflected perfectly nity.
Now, go grab yourself a Brass Ring!
on a successful three day event at what has be- The fact that the show moves to a different
—Gary Slade come the premier conference and trade show city each year no doubt also helps to maintain
for the theme park and attractions industry in interest and provide, to some extent, new visi-
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement Europe. tor markets to tap into. Perhaps at some point
London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, an im- the show will settle on a few of the most popular
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six
pressive Victorian building that offered ideal ex- cities/venues, rather than going somewhere new
when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement
hibit areas in two halls, played host to a record each year. But for now at least, the formula works
Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career
number of exhibiting companies and when I say just fine.
helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997.
‘record’ I don’t just mean it hosted a couple of
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
On the cover
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
The beautiful and historic
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] Looff Carousel at the San-
Pam Sherborne
ta Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols
Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising celebrated 100 years of
[phone] [phone] operation this past sum-
[email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected]
Editorial mer season, making it AT’s
John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Beth Jenkins choice for our November
Daily E-mail Newsletter Advertising
[email protected] Bubba Flint [phone] cover.
Cartoonist [email protected] COURTESY SANTA CRUZ
[email protected] BEACH BOARDWALK/
Contributors: Ron Gustafson , Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Jeffrey L. Seifert, Janice Witherow, SHMUEL THALER
Bob Johnson, Brooke Evans, Shmuel Thaler, Rendell Bird, Steve Gzesh, Dan Feicht
November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
NEWSTALK THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
EDITORIAL: Bob Johnson, OABA President
Much has changed since Chicago Expo
Editor’s note: The follow- George Washington Gayle Ferris, age 32,
ing guest editorial is a reprint was working his men long hours. This man with
from Outdoor Amusement “wheels in his head” had approached the Ex-
Business Association President position’s management with the “crazy idea” of
Bob Johnson. The editorial col- building a gigantic amusement wheel, over 264
umn originally ran in the asso- feet high, with 1,368 seats for passengers on his
ciation’s ShowTime September riding device. His wheel, which paid for itself in
2011 magazine. Amusement the four and half months of operation, helped
Johnson
Today thought the column was make the Exposition a financial success.
well written by Bob and worth reprinting. This history is important to all of us, as we
know how important our portable industry’s
My how times change, as evident from this photo taken of
Many people say that America’s carnivals manufacturers and suppliers have been over
the Chance Mfg. booth during the IAAPA trade show and
originated after the Chicago World’s Colum- the years to our fairs, expositions and festivals
convention in 1970.
bian Exposition of 1893, when many indepen- throughout North America. Can you imagine a
COURTESY CHANCE ARCHIVES
dent showmen had built their shows on wagons fair today, on opening day, with its midway rides
which were hauled on railway flatcars to fairs not set up, not inspected, not staffed properly,
•1877: Famous ride engineer Presented by
and festivals in this country. or even some still on their way!
and coaster designer Harry
A year before, in 1892, independent show- Today we have fabulous engineering talent
G. Traver was born on No-
men came by the scores into Chicago. Thou- and creative minds building portable amuse-
vember 25 in Gardner, Illinois.
sands of well-paid construction workers em- ment rides and, more importantly, manufactur-
He founded the Traver Engi-
ployed on the Exposition’s grounds were good ers willing to take huge financial risks to build a
neering Company in 1919 in
customers for the showmen who set up on va- new prototype ride that meets ASTM standards,
Beaver Falls, Pa., and is cred-
cant lots around the downtown area. will pass DOT and amusement ride regulatory
When the Exposition opened on May 1, inspections, and be moved frequently and oper- ited with inventing a number www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
of famous rides including the
1893, many of them moved out to be closer ated efficiently. We have come a long way since
Tumble Bug, Circle Swing, Caterpillar, Laff in the Dark and Auto
to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show tents outside 1893, in only 118 years, to today’s spectacular
ride. From 1925 to 1931 he built some of the most avant-garde
the gates on Sixty-Third Street. That same portable amusement rides, controlled by com-
roller coaster structures ever created. Some were so intense
day, some 500,000 people came through the puters, with redundant safety mechanisms to
that riders often refused to ever get back on, and one closed
gates, with buildings unfinished, most exhibi- provide the highest level of guest safety.
tions not in place, entertainment poorly orga- Once again, we owe our gratitude to this just six years after it was built as it had become a maintenance
nized, and poor food and drink service at outra- industry’s manufacturers and suppliers who nightmare.
geous prices. The only high structures on the help make us look great and help provide the
grounds were the towers of the unfinished “Fer- revenue needed to run your business, and pro- 1985: Six Flags Over Texas extended its operating season
ris Wheel.” mote America’s fairs, festivals and expositions. with the first Holiday in the Park Christmas celebration be-
ginning November 29, the day after Thanksgiving. Eventually
Holiday in the Park was introduced to other parks in the Six
EDITORIAL: Jeffrey Seifert, [email protected] Flags family, and today, parks all over the world hold different
events at Christmastime. The Texas Holiday in the Park remains
Safety verses capacity
the longest running Christmas celebration in North America at
a seasonal park.
This past summer I had the designed with restraining systems with mul-
opportunity to tour multiple tiple redundancies to keep the passenger safe
1991: Tom Rebbie and Bill Dauphinee purchase the Philadel-
amusement and theme parks and secure. Newer machines even have indica-
phia Toboggan Company from its former owner Sam High on
in Germany. It was interesting tor lights to communicate to an operator that
November 27. The 87-year old company is renamed Philadel-
to see how different the parks a restraint is securely locked. Multiple button
phia Toboggan Coasters and Tom Rebbie is appointed Presi-
there are operated when com- dispatches insure that every operator is in
dent. Rebbie who started at PTC in 1977 would eventually buy
pared to their American coun- their proper place and clear of the ride. Is the
out Dauphinee to become the sole owner in 2007.
Seifert terparts. Of course, in Amer- constant babble on the microphone, physical-
ica’s litigious society, no one ly touching each lap bar and tugging on each
2000: Ronald V. Toomer who had just recently retired from
can expect rides to be run as they are over- belt, and the idiosyncratic “visual scan” and
Arrow Dynamics was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame
seas, but perhaps it’s time to take another look five finger count really making the rides being
on November 15. He was honored for his creativity and in-
at how things are being done in America and operated any safer?
novation, which led to a renaissance in coaster development,
ask ourselves is it really necessary? Everyone One could argue that such extreme mea-
unprecedented since the early part of the 20th century. His
wants to make certain that rides are operated sures help to put the riding public at ease, and
dedication to the field contributed to the growth of the entire
in a safe and efficient manner, but it seems demonstrate that a particular park is really
amusement industry.
that over the last decade or so, we’ve gone concerned about their safety. One could also
—Complied by Jeffrey L. Seifert/AT and Richard Munch/NRCMA
seriously overboard on the appearance of argue that these measures do nothing more
safety, and are less concerned with efficiency, than reduce efficiency and throughput and
resulting in rides with extremely poor capacity agitate boarding passengers who are already
TM
performance. irritated with long and slow moving lines. For P.O. Box 5427
5-time Award Winner
In Germany it was not uncommon for one those parks that insist on tugging on every Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
[phone]
or two operators to peruse a train full of rid- lapbar, at the very least make certain there are
Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
ers to make certain their lapbars were in place, enough employees on the ride platform to get
knowing full well that a lapbar in proper po- the job done in a timely manner.
Find us on Facebook
sition is securely locked. On a recent visit to Surely there has to be a compromise. Let’s facebook.com/amusementtoday
a popular American theme park I witnessed hope the American parks exercise some com-
one lone operator individually check each and mon sense and realize that a customer who
every harness and seat belt on a fully loaded waits in long, slow moving lines only to be Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/amusementtoday
32-passenger train. The dismal throughput re- barked at, pulled, pushed and tugged at when
sulted in unnecessarily long lines on what was boarding, is less likely to enjoy their day, and
a light-crowd day for that park. less likely to return to an amusement or theme
G et the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel
For several decades now, rides have been park in the future. http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011
2
MINUTE
DRILL
COMPILED: Janice Witherow
Harold Hudson, AAPRA Associates, LLC
The name Harold Hudson
is almost synonymous with
the amusement industry. He
started out his career in the
business with Six Flags in
St. Louis and spent 21 years
with the company before
forming his own consulting
firm, AAPRA (acronym for All
About Parks, Rides and At-
tractions) Associates, LLC, in
1999. Harold’s professional
experience includes safety,
ride engineering, operations, Harold Hudson with the Texas Giant model, Six Flags Over
maintenance and capital Texas.
management. He is highly in- It’s November. My typical Thanksgiving meal is …
volved with the industry serving on many boards, Turkey and dressing made by Betty Lynn.
committees and task forces mostly with IAAPA
and AIMS. Harold has been the recipient of nu- The last time I danced was …
merous industry awards, authored several industry June 2011, on a cruise.
papers and instructed at his share of presentations
and workshops. All this, and he is a great Texan Pick one: front row tickets to the Super Bowl or
guy with a simple charm and the World Series
good-natured attitude. World Series because the Texas Rangers will be
amusementtoday
there … again, but winning this time.
com
Title
President & CEO, AAPRA On a free evening, you can probably find me
Associates, LLC doing this …
Owner Voirrad, LLC Dinner with friends in a fine Dallas-Fort Worth
Sr. VP Technology, Dynamic restaurant.
Attractions, Inc. Hudson
My neighbors probably think I am …
Number of years in the industry Crazy for not actually retiring!
33 years. I started November of 1978 as manager
of corporate engineering for Six Flags in St. Louis. Hidden talent
I can fix anything.
Best thing about the industry
Unique technology, camaraderie and making If I could go back in time, I would visit this time
people happy! period …
Continental Congress … July 4, 1776.
Favorite amusement ride
Batman the Ride at any Six Flags park. Favorite place to ever vacation …
All of Europe or cruise anywhere.
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I
would be … My Mom always told me …
Head of an electronic widget company or retired if Two things: 1.) Everything comes out in the wash
Betty Lynn (my wife) has any say in the matter! (meaning in the end everyone knows who wears
white hats and who wears black hats). 2.) The
Biggest challenge facing our industry chickens come home to roost (meaning the deeds
Quality workers who have “good service” in their you do will come back to you one way or the
hearts. other).
The thing I like most about amusement/water Coolest buzz word
park season is … Mine is “real quick,” I use it daily.
The parks are “alive.”
I wish I was good at …
A book that everyone should read is … Being patient.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by
Stephen Covey. Favorite dinner meal
Wow, a tough one. I like food … lobster, filet
All-time favorite TV character mignon, pasta, pizza.
Johnny Carson.
On my last birthday I …
The celebrity duo I would most like to see get Almost forgot it was my birthday!
back together is …
Batman and Robin. In one word, I would describe my day yesterday
as …
You live in Texas; three things people should Productive.
see when visiting the Lone Star State are …
Me, the Texas State Fair, Bluebonnets and San
Antonio (I guess that’s four things!).
November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
A tradition that is still alive
today at Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk’s carousel is the
ring grab, shown above.
Above right, a view of the
many beaufitful horses
found on the carousel.
At right, Charles Canfield
makes sure the tradition,
beauty and charm of the
100-year-old Looff carousel
stays intact.
COURTESY SANTA CRUZ
BEACH BOARDWALK
CAROUSEL two standing horses are on the are asked to toss the rings into Part of the charm of the Santa Cruz carousel are the three fully
operational band organs. Shown here is the carousel’s original
outside row next to each of the a large clown’s gaping mouth,
Continued from page 1
band organ, the 1894-built Ruth and Sohn (top) and this rare
chariots. where they are rewarded with
Wurlitzer 165 band organ (above). The park also started this
This particular carousel is flashing lights and bells if they
The Santa Cruz Beach carousel memory wall inside the carousel building.
one of only a few known to be hit the target, but many of the
Merry Go Round AT PHOTOS
a “pure” carousel. All of the rings are taken home as sou-
The Santa Cruz Beach
horses on the ride were pro- venirs. For every six to seven
Merry Go Round is a magnifi-
vided by the same company people who reach for the rings,
cent example of those golden
that built the carousel. Some one is taken home, meaning
age carousels.
horses have had to be replaced that over 85,000 rings have to
It features 73 hand-carved
over the years, but the park be purchased each year.
horses, each one unique. Most
was able to acquire Looff hors- But pilfering rings is noth-
of the horses display their
es from other carousels that ing new — a 1911 photograph
teeth in an open mouth, but
have been dismantled or have shows a sign pleading “Please
six of the steeds are closed-
replaced their wood horses. do not take the rings!” The
mouth — an uncommon style.
ring dispenser is automati-
All of them feature elabo- Grab a ring cally loaded with rings recov-
rate and colorful details: real
It is also one of the few ered from the clown’s mouth
horse tails, muscular bodies
that still features a working via an elaborate mechanism
and decorative jewels. Some
ring dispenser. Although ex- underneath the carousel. Prior
of the horses sport swords at
tremely popular during the to 1950, a park worker called
their sides and most have dec-
golden age, there are, today, a “ring boy” manually recov-
orative garlands around their
perhaps less than a dozen car- ered the rings and fed them
neck. Many of the horses have
ousels in the U.S. where riders into the metal arm. For a brief
items strapped behind their
can reach for the brass ring, time during the 1970s, dis-
saddles such as a fish, lamb, and even fewer have jump- pensing of rings was discon- the Black Forest town of Wald- operated at the Looff carousel
pheasant, horn, jug, blanket, ing horses on the outside row, tinued and ridership plum- kirch, Germany, The rare 96- at San Francisco’s Playland-
or a cluster of fruit. Two Ro- making this particular carou- meted by about 75 percent. key organ includes 342 pipes, at-the-Beach amusement park
man chariots, decorated with sel even more unique. a glockenspiel and percussion for 54 years. The Wurlitzer 165
cherubs and rams, are provid- Originally iron rings were Listen to the music instruments. No one has been was installed in March 2007,
ed for the faint of heart, small dispensed with one or two The carousel was installed able to determine where the and provided music during
children, or women who, be- brass rings included per ride. with a Ruth and Sohn band or- organ spent its first 17 years or the Ruth organ’s refurbish-
cause of their long dresses, did Those lucky few who grabbed gan and it has been providing how it was acquired by Looff. ment.
not wish to straddle a horse. a brass ring were able to ex- music for most of the 100 years A rare Wurlitzer 165 band The Ruth was shipped to
Most of the jumping horses are change it for a prize, often a the ride has been in operation. organ was purchased in 2007 the Stinson Band Organ Com-
mounted in columns of four free ride ticket. Records show the band organ from a private collector. That pany in Bellefontaine, Ohio
with all four horses having Today, the rings are steel, was built in 1894 under the organ, built in 1918 by the Ru- where it was given a major
the same color: white, black, with brass-plated rings used watchful eye of Adolph Ruth dolph Wurlitzer Company of restoration to bring back its ex-
brown, bay, tan or gray. The on special occasions. Riders at the Ruth & Sohn factory in North Tonawanda, New York, 4See CAROUSEL, page 6
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011
CAROUSEL year long with 100 years of

carousel magic. Celebrations
Continued from page 5
have included brass ring days,
a carousel memory wall where
ceptional playing capabilities. friends or loved ones can be
The Ruth also received a new honored or commemorated
façade with carved figures and with a bronze plaque inside
colorful scrollwork, and was the carousel building, a car-
then carefully shipped back to ousel-themed art exhibit and
Santa Cruz. unique carousel centennial
The Boardwalk is also in merchandise.
possession of Wurlitzer 146 Along with 100th anniver-
band organ that was added sary fine art posters and books
to the carousel building ear- are a special-edition 2007
lier this year. Each of the three Boardwalk Carousel bottle
offers a unique sound and of syrah wine from Hallcrest
all three band organs can be Vineyards, and a collector’s
heard as each takes a turn to edition Horse Tale Ale from
play music throughout the Santa Cruz Mountain Brew-
day. Thanks to a new Musical ing. The ale harkens back to
This year, artist Lidia Hasenauer painted this view of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Looff
Instrument Digital Interface 1911 when 25 brewers in the
carousel in honor of its 100 years of operation.
(MIDI) system, the organs can San Francisco area, including
COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK
play contemporary music as one in Santa Cruz, brewed a
well as the old classics. constant maintenance. The hand-carved horses are be- ignated both the Looff Car- California Common or Steam
As it was back at the turn Boardwalk has restored many coming increasingly rare and ousel and the Giant Dipper as Ale.
of the century, not everyone of the beautiful carved steeds, difficult to acquire. In 1911, National Historic Landmarks. Amusement Today salutes
comes to the carousel build- and those that could not be the carousel cost $18,000; now Fewer than 2,500 places bear the Santa Cruz Beach Board-
ing to ride a horse. The organs restored were replaced with a single horse at auction can this national distinction, walk for preserving its his-
themselves are attractions as Looff horses from parks in fetch close to that amount. which recognizes historic toric 1911 Looff Carousel. It
fans gather to watch the his- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina places that possess exception- is one of the few in the world
toric music machines mechan- and Belmont Park in San Di- Suporting cast al value or quality illustrating that has been galloping in its
ically bellow the distinctive ego. Ongoing maintenance Complementing the Looff or interpreting the heritage of original location for more than
calliope music. includes touching up chipped Carousel is the Giant Dipper the United States. 100 years. May it spin guests
paint, frequent polishing of roller coaster, built in 1924 by who come to ride the painted
Maintenance is ongoing the brass poles and mirrors, Charles’ son Arthur Looff. On Celebrating 100 years ponies and reach for the brass
As one would expect, a as well as mechanical adjust- February 24, 1987, the U.S. Santa Cruz Beach Board- ring for many more years to
century-old carousel requires ments and repairs. Antique Secretary of the Interior des- walk has been celebrating all come.
November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
EAS enjoys record-breaking numbers in London
BRIEF
STORY: Andrew Mellor
Severn-Lamb
[email protected]
delivers new train
to major tourist
UNITED KINGDOM —
destination With a record number of ex-
hibiting companies on the

trade show floor and more
OMAN––Leisure and
than 7,000 visitors, this year’s
light urban transport spe-
Euro Attractions Show (EAS),
cialist Severn-Lamb, based
held in London, U.K., proved
in the U.K., has delivered
to be a big success.
a new electric train to one
Organized by the Europe-
of Oman’s premier tourist
an office of the International According to the organiz-
attractions.
Association of Amusement ers, several new exhibitors
The Al Hoota Cave,
Parks and Attractions — IAA- noted that they only expect-
at the foot of the Hajar
PA Europe — EAS 2011 took ed to generate new contacts,
Mountains, began operat-
place at the Olympia Exhibi- but many said that they also
ing the new train for visi-
tion Center, with 336 exhibit- signed contracts and gained
tors in September follow-
ing companies providing the Bob Rippy, chairman of the IAAPA board, opens the 2011 business, while other, more es-
ing the attraction’s annual
familiar plethora of products Euro Attractions Show in London, together with (from left tablished participants, also re-
closure during the months
and services. The event is now to right) Mats Wedin, Roland Mack, Bob Rippy, Will Morey, ported a successful three days.
of July and August for an
established as Europe’s pre- Mario Mamon and Chip Cleary, CEO IAAPA. “The show was excellent
environmental rest.
mier trade show for the theme COURTESY IAAPA for Premier Rides and the in-
The brilliant white,
park and attractions industry terest in our Sky Rocket gen-
custom-designed train,
and the spectacular Victorian European countries, Rus- with this show and the sup- eration of rides was very sig-
built in its entirety at
architecture of the Olympia sia, the U.S., Canada, China, port of the associations in the nificant,” commented Premier
Severn-Lamb’s U.K.
venue provided an excellent Thailand and India. Initial U.K.,” said Mats Wedin, chair- Rides’ Jim Seay. “It would ap-
manufacturing plant in
home for this year’s show. figures showed that 7,053 visi- man of the IAAPA European pear the amusement industry
Warwickshire, carries up
Exhibiting companies tors attended the show from Advisory Committee. “Not has proven recession resistant
to 48 passengers in air
came from throughout the more than 100 countries, with only did we have a record in Europe and that has encour-
conditioned comfort and
world and included 82 U.K.- around 30 percent coming number of exhibitors, we no- aged some significant projects
provides a world-class
based organizations along from the host country. ticed that the European indus- to move forward.”
transportation system for 4See EAS, page 8
with others from numerous “We are extremely pleased try is as vibrant as ever.”
visitors to the Al Hoota
Cave, in addition to
design, operational and
environmental advantag-
es over the existing train.
The new train uses
electricity on demand,
which eliminates the need
for batteries and the
down time for recharg-
ing, improvements which
will increase the poten-
tial number of daily visi-
tors from 760 to 2,000.
Passengers board and
disembark through sliding
doors on either side of the
two carriages. Wheelchair
access is also incorporat-
ed into the cabin design. Janine and Tom Rebbie at the booth of Philadelphia Pictured at the Premier Rides booth are (left to right) Dennis
Toboggan Coasters, Inc. Spiegel, International Theme Park Services, and Premier’s
AT / ANDREW MELLOR Jim Seay and Peter Schnabel.
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011
Italy’s newest themer debuts
STORY: Andrew Mellor
Rainbow Magicland provides a
[email protected]
fully themed experience with an
ITALY — Situated in extensive variety of rides and
Valmontone near Rome, Rain- attractions.
bow Magicland opened in COURTESY RAINBOW MAGICLAND
May this year on a 600,000
square meter site to provide
Italy — and Europe — with its
latest brand new theme park
venue.
Bringing a major park to
the Rome area for the first time
ever, Rainbow Magicland was
designed and built by the Alfa
Park Group, headquartered
The 2011 EAS show boasted the largest number of exhibit- in Brescia and the founder of
ing companies ever at the event. “Miragica – Terra dei Gigan-
AT/ANDREW MELLOR ti” (Giants Land), an amuse-
ment park in Molfetta which
EAS the integration of intellectual opened in April 2009. The
Continued from page 7 property into attractions and group’s latest venture was cre-
human resources, while a Eu- ated at a cost of €300 million
As always, the trade show ropean Legends session and (U.S. $400 million) and as the
was accompanied by a host of waterpark and safety forums name implies, the main theme
additional activities including added to the program. running throughout the venue
a significant education pro- Various networking is ‘magic’ with the overall ef-
gram which covered a number events and a post show tour of fect being something of an ‘en-
of key topics. A major part of some of the U.K.’s major park chanted’ world.
this was the two and a half attractions completed a mem- It is aimed at the family
day Institute for Attraction orable week. market primarily and incor-
Managers as well as sessions Next year’s EAS show porates a number of licensed
covering the use of social me- takes place in Berlin, Germa- brands from the Rainbow
dia platforms by attractions, ny, from October 9-11. Group, such as Winx, Monster
Allergy, Huntik and PopPixie,
JOIN US NEXT YEAR!
along with features that, in themed attractions as well ultra modern planetarium, Il
addition to a host of rides, in- as three theatres and 28 F&B Casetllo di Alfea which is also
.P.I.VGOLBDAESEWT NOA F TTRHIEDC BSKESTE!T2012 cVelriufkudinle wg esni,z cmahradangst iaecnadld cf aaasditrvlieeessn,, tbpuroraewvres- frmaecseittlaeiutri recason,v teso.r fe Adw ah5r0eica,0h 0i s0 fi avsneqo uthaaerreer ufaobsrel ed5., 5a0s0 a v 4eDhi ccliense ims aa.l sPoa arkvianilg-
all set in a multi-dimensional feature, as is a main street Reflecting the main visitor
www.GOLDENTICKETAWARDS.com environment. directly inside the main en- profile, the attractions include
The park incorporates 35 trance, a central lake and an a variety of family rides from
well-known manufacturers
and suppliers. Among these,
Spectacular Rides - Park and Trailer Models Check out our and a central feature to the
park, is Shock - The Steam
roller coasters! Machine, an X-Car launch
coaster from Maurer Söhne,
who has also supplied the Ca-
See us at IAAPA
gliostro, a spinning coaster.
No fewer than four rides were
booth# 4836 supplied by Vekoma, namely
the Olandese Volante (double
mine train), Bomboun (junior
coaster), L’Isol Volante (Flying
Island) and Maison Houdini
(Mad House).
Two further attractions
have come from Intamin, these
being the Yucatan, a spillwa-
ter, and the Drakkar, a rapids
ride, while the Mystica, a 70
G i a n t w h e els 2 0 t o 8 0 m e t e r s Pendulum and loop rides, 12 models maftounterdatthe l areo rfB t teo1or5w t ataehzrtetz r orarniicdd tcieeoa norfosrffo uefmsoreir nl cgSahB.d iAFld-,
dren are also available.
Technical Park North America sales: ITAL INTERNATIONAL LLC The park has proved a
Via dell’Artigianato, 47 45037 Melara (RO) Italy 4117 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 103-358 popular destination since
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] Nashville, TN 37215 - USA opening, with the best at-
e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone] tendance to date being over
Carlo Guglielmi: [email protected] 30,000 visitors during one
weekend.
November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
Fuji-Q breaks another record with Gerstlauer coaster
STORY: Andrew Mellor U.S. $37 million).
[email protected]
The experience begins
with the rider vehicle being
JAPAN — The tallest, fast- launched out of the station
est and longest coaster ever area in one of six, 8-person ve-
built by German manufacturer hicles, straight into a heartline
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides roll which puts riders upside
has proved a big success since down in the dark and takes
its opening at Fuji-Q High- them to a speed of 62 mph
Land near Tokyo, Japan, in (100 kph). Once out in the
July. open the coaster sends guests
Named Takabisha, Japa- through an inverted top hat at
nese for ‘domineering’ or 118 feet high before going into
‘high handed,’ the ride is Ger- the world’s first ‘banana roll.’
stlauer’s latest example of its This one of a kind inversion
popular Euro-Fighter coaster. resembles a giant banana and
This launched model provi- is followed by a flatspin, an
dies riders with a thrill packed 4See FUJI-Q, page 10
experience both in the dark
and out in the open, as well Fuji-Q HighLand’s latest
as featuring a vertical lift hill major attraction, the world
around the mid-point of the record breaking Takabisha
ride. The attraction represents coaster, takes riders through
an investment for the park of seven inversions.
Yen 3 billion (approximately COURTESY GERSTLAUER
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011
FUJI-Q
Pleasurewood Hills owner plans
Continued from page 9
major investment in 2012
airtime hill and breaks. UNITED KINGDOM––Pleasurewood Hills theme park, on
Riders are then faced the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, has secured an investment
with the 141 feet (43 meter) of €1,350,000 (U.S. $1.9 million) that will be used to purchase
high vertical lift, at the top new rides and make further cosmetic enhancements over the
of which awaits a brand new winter.
highlight. The car climbs The investment comes from new park owners, The
to the highest point on the Looping Holding, who took over the park in Jan. 2011.
The money will be spent on a number of enhancements
ride, slides down a slope and
including updating rides, landscaping and theming areas of
comes to a halt just a few
the park, painting, equipping the restaurants with outdoor
meters away from the main
terraces, installing CCTV, adding new queue lanes and adding
drop. The vehicle then be-
a state-of-the-art lighting system to the stage in the Castle
gins to slide forward again to
Theater.
plunge back down to earth.
Improving green credentials is also on the agenda, with
But on Takabisha, riders ex-
water-saving projects and tree planting among the changes
perience the first 121 degree
that visitors will notice when the gates re-open for the 2012
drop on any roller coaster
season on March 31, 2012.
anywhere — a world record!
Attracting new rides is also a large focus of the invest-
The final section of the ment. As well as the Laser Labyrinth (this year’s new attraction
coaster continues to put rid- which opened to the public in time for Halloween) one mega
ers through their paces with Riders on the thrill ride is set to join the park (although details remain secret)
a variety of inversions such Gerstlauer- along with other smaller attractions. Altogether, Pleasurewood
as a dive loop, an inline loop built Hills will open in 2012 with a total of five new attractions.
and an Immelmann loop, Takabisha Alexis Camelin, general manager of Pleasurewood Hills
which together form the big coaster are comments: “At Pleasurewood Hills we recognize that there
Cow Hitch. After 3,280 feet seated in one are areas of the park that require improvement and need
(1,000 meters) of track fea- of six, 8-per- attention, so this investment will allow us to develop these
turing a total of seven in- son vehicles areas. Plus, as ever, our focus will remain on customer safety
in two rows. and enjoyment.”
versions, Takabisha finally
COURTESY Visitor numbers were stable throughout this year with a
slows down and takes riders
GERSTLAUER view to increasing this in 2012.
back in to the darkness of the
Park improvements began when the themer closes for
station building to complete
winter on Oct. 31.
the ride.
ETF Ride Systems ETF’s rides and
P.O. Box 2703
6030 AA Nederweert, Holland
Phone [phone] people movers help...
E-mail [email protected]
ETF-USA Corporation
in creating the unforgettable experience
P.O. Box 2445
Dalton, GA 30722, USA
Phone [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
n ETF Panorama Pedal Plus n ETF Mystic Mover n ETF Flying Birds
Innovative specialist for interactive (dark) rides.
The choice for customized design, reliability,
n ETF Multi Mover
high quality and flexibility.
www.etf.nl