Outlaw Run charges into Silver Dollar City - Amusement Today

44 Pages·2013·13.22 MB·English

 Q&A WITH HERSHEY’S WILLIAM SIMPSON — PAGE 26
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NEWS
Vol. 17 • Issue 1 APRIL 2013
Outlaw Run charges into Silver Dollar City
Rocky Mountain
Construction Group
supplies new coaster
STORY: Tim Baldwin
[email protected]
BRANSON, Mo. — Al-
though the setting of Silver
Dollar City may be the 1880s,
it was March 15 of this year
that featured the debut of
Outlaw Run, the park’s new-
est roller coaster. If the reac-
tions of early riders were any
indication, response to the tional wood bed (six layers) of
new attraction is overwhelm- coaster track is crowned with
ingly animated and enthusi- the Topper Track steel rail that
astic. At its media preview, not only delivers a smoother
some comments were heard ride, but allows for dynamic
among theme park observers maneuvers.
that the industry is keeping In addition to its construc-
its eyes on this new brand of tion characteristics, Outlaw
wooden coaster. They should. Run is also groundbreaking in Silver Dollar City’s new Out-
It’s that good. what it does from the stand- law Run thrills riders with
Solidifying their place in point of the rider. No other three upside down barrel
coaster design and erection, wooden coaster has attempted rolls (top) and this first drop
Rocky Mountain Construction acrobatics such as what is seen (right) of 162 feet at 81
Group (RMC) delivers a home in one of the most outrageous- degrees.
run to the beloved Branson ly thrilling layouts ever de- AT/GARY SLADE;
themer. Several aspects make signed. Descriptions don’t do AERIAL SERVICES/CHOPPER
CHARTER, BRANSON
this ride unique, but its con- them justice, particularly tak-
struction is what makes it so en at speeds of up to 68 mph, “It’s a blast!” shouts Di- keep it,” jokes Herschend, In a new expansion at the
innovative. In recent years, but features include several rector of Public Relations Lisa who rode the first train out far end of the park, Outlaw
Rocky Mountain has been overbanked turns — the most Rau, following her first ride. during previews. “We’re not Run explores the outskirts of
providing Topper Track to dramatic at a virtually upside “B-L-A-S-T! Blast! It is so fun.” going to make it a temporary the safe haven of Silver Dollar
parks who are finding mainte- down 153-degrees, surprising Count her among the ride’s installation. It’s with us forev- City. Untamed territory where
nance issues and rough wood- directional changes into the new legion of fans. er,” he laughs. “I’m delighted unlawful rogues may lurk sets
en coaster rides. Outlaw Run terrain’s valleys, a 90-degree Another one would be with the response I see from the stage for the thematic sto-
is the very first wooden coast- swoop turn through the lift, Pete Herschend, co-owner and people who are not a part of ryline for Outlaw Run. As the
er to be built entirely with and a wild double barrel roll co-founder of Silver Dollar Silver Dollar City. They are park’s guests enter the area,
RMC’s Topper Track from finale. The tag line to Outlaw City and Herschend Family really enjoying it a lot.” With an authentic and refurbished
the beginning. Its amazingly Run is “The World’s Most Entertainment. “We just came deep pride, Herschend adds, stagecoach draws people to
smooth ride is expected to last Daring Wood Coaster.” It is from a corporate meeting and “It is a great piece of entertain- the Western Missouri Stage-
years upon years. The tradi- no false claim. we decided we are going to ment.” 4See OUTLAW RUN, page 4
R
APE aterial. 25, 2013 SUBSCRIBE TO CSUOPNETRINSTUOINRMG CSOANVEDRYAGE:
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2013
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
More than records and thrills
During the first full operating weekend
of Silver Dollar City’s new Outlaw Run, it
was clear that park General Manager Brad
Thomas was as giddy as a youngster on
Christmas morning.
His park had debuted their new record-
setting $10 million wooden coaster just a
Slade
few days prior. The coaster, from Rocky
Mountain, was all the buzz in the park by both guests
and long-time employees.
But Brad was quick to point out what the Branson
themer is really all about — its food.
Just down the walkway from the new coaster fun, the
park debuted Crossroads Pizza. This 145-seat sit down
restaurant features hand-tossed (think of it as airtime for
the dough!) oven fired pizza, calzones and other Italian-
style sandwiches.
Not stopping there, across the street is the new
Cokes and Floats stand where guests can mix and match
their favorites together to recreate that float enjoyed as
a child. EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
What may go unnoticed is that the Silver Dollar City
Tourism a key player in economic growth
team did both of these new establishments in-house.
The attention to detail, as seen in hand crafted Coke I attended an attractions of the economy.
barrels, and corresponding theming is a perfect match industry conference in the U.K. The Olympic Legacy was also mentioned as
for the park. Thomas was quick to point out that many recently at which the keynote a major part of the government’s tourism strat-
SDC guests are repeat visitors to the park, and some of speaker was the head of tour- egy as it seeks to build on the tremendous pub-
ism at the government’s De- lic relations opportunities that were generated
those will never get on a single ride. They are at the park
partment of Culture and Media during last year’s games. All in all, therefore, it
simply to visit the park, enjoy the wide variety of food
Studies (DCMS). looks like tourism is at last being taken seriously
and take in as many shows as time allows.
The lady in question dis- by government and is being properly recognized
The Silver Dollar City recipe for success is not built Mellor cussed a number of key issues for the important part it plays in the country’s
around its rides, it’s built around the food, shows and its relating to tourism in her presen- economy.
people. The paying guest is truly the one who benefits, tation but one clear message that came across Which is refreshing, to say the least. Hope-
was that the tourism industry — which obviously fully, though, things can be taken further still and
although you can’t tell that to the employees.
incorporates all types of attractions, including various issues which have been impacting on the
As one candymaker told this publisher, “I was ready
theme parks, seaside piers et al — is key when it industry can also be dealt with to help operators
for a break after the Christmas season. Then when the
comes to growth in the country’s economy. and encourage more growth within the sector.
calendar turned over to March, I was ready to come She stated that “from the government’s per- VAT (Value Added Tax) on the admission price
back to the park, because I know I have baking to do. spective, all departments realize how important to parks is currently at 20 percent, while in other
Baking is my love!” tourism is to the economy,“ providing examples parts of Europe it is significantly lower, in some
such as the fact that it creates GBP90 billion of places just five percent, so a reduction here
Ahh — the sweets...well that’s another story.
direct business per annum and is the third high- would help enormously. Likewise, a fairer playing
—Gary Slade
est export earner for the country. She also gave field when it comes to public projects supported
examples of various initiatives and funding that by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement have been put in place by the DCMS and other I just hope all the positive “noises” I heard
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six when he parts of government to assist the tourism indus- will actually bear fruit for everyone’s long term
first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park and Six Flags
try as a whole, adding that the tourism industry benefit.
Over Texas. His long newspaper career helped lead to
was growing significantly compared to the rest
the launch of AT in 1997.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
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Daily E-mail Newsletter [email protected] Bubba Flint
[email protected] Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
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April 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1893: An accident on the Presented by
Switchback Railway at Blooms-
DRILL
bury Park, Raleigh, North Car-
olina, on April 4, resulted in
multiple injuries, when one car
COMPILED: Janice Witherow
jumped the track, passing onto
Paul Noland, IAAPA the oncoming track, where a
car from the other end had al-
For Paul Noland, taking
ready started. Both cars, loaded
the reins in January as
with school children from a local
president and CEO of
school (St. Mary’s), met at the
IAAPA seemed natural.
lowest point where the crash oc- www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
With vast experience as
curred. Eight children were hurt,
a respected theme park
although no deaths were attrib-
consultant, IAAPA Board
uted to the incident.
Member and former Walt
Disney Parks and Resorts
•1904: A fire on the afternoon of April 11 at Bergen Beach Amuse-
executive, Paul brings a
ment Park, in Brooklyn, New York, almost wiped out the resort on
varied background with
Jamaica Bay. The rising tide and two Brooklyn Rapid Transit trolley
proven results to the
cars, which carried firefighters to the resort, would supply all the
association. Known for
help necessary to extinguish the flames. The New York Times called
his keen business sense,
the two trolley cars the real heroes, as it was impossible to get fire
analytical approach and
equipment to the park by any other means. The L.A. Thompson
passion for the industry,
Newly appointed IAAPA CEO Paul Noland takes a minute Scenic Railway was saved, but the park still suffered about $25,000
Paul is looking forward to
in damages. Firemen said without water, their fight would be over
to enjoy an amusement park favorite for all ages, a game of
taking IAAPA and its mem-
before it even started.
Skee-Ball. No word yet on how his game skills were!
bers on a “great ride” …
working together … into COURTESY IAAPA
•1924: The newest wood coaster at Kennywood Park, West Mifflin,
the future.
Pennsylvania, opened on Sunday, April 18. The Pippin, designed
Right now, the ring tone on my cell phone is …
by John A. Miller, at a cost of $60,000, would follow Miller’s earlier
Title Very boring.
Jack Rabbit, which opened in 1920. In a reversal of the accepted
President and CEO.
standard, the Pippin was built in a valley, with its first drop immedi-
The last book I read was …
ately out of the station into the gully. The final drop would also be
Number of years in the indus- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.
the largest, with the lift in the middle of the course. Today, the lower
try
gully portion still remains, although after modifications in 1968, it is
18. The food I crave most often is …
known today as the highly enjoyable Thunderbolt.
Unfortunately, pizza.
Noland
Best thing about the industry
•1928: The final cash settlements from Westchester County, on
The people that work in it. The concert I would really want front-row
a part of the land acquired for Playland, in Rye, New York was re-
seats to is …
leased in early April. Fred Ponty, who owned Paradise Park re-
Favorite amusement ride The Beatles reunion that never happened.
ceived $536,000 for the property, not including $137,000 for de-
It’s hard to answer in my position and since
vices such as the Old Mill. Appraisal on the John Miller Blue Streak
there are so many great rides in the world, but Coolest celebrity chef …
was for $62,000 to Harry C. Baker of Port Chester, N.Y. In today’s
if I have to pick just one, it is the Santa Cruz I think food should be the celebrity, but I will
dollars, the property alone sold for about $7 million.
Beach Boardwalk Giant Dipper since it was my say that we do have some real family favorites
first roller coaster. from Ina Garten in my house.
•1942: Owner Neville Bayley announced on April 26, that Con-
necticut’s famous Roton Point Park, in South Norwalk, would not
If I wasn’t working in the amusement indus- In 10 years, I hope to be …
reopen in 1942. The park, on Long Island Sound, was comprised of
try, I would be … In the best shape of my life.
over 30-acres, which had been an excursion resort and amusement
Somewhere else in the travel and hospitality
park for New Yorkers and locals, for nearly three-quarters of a cen-
world. My favorite sport to play is …
tury. Neville, who had operated the park for 28 years, suggested
Poker … just kidding, it’s tennis.
that the war effort had hurt the park. The park was placed on the
Biggest challenge facing our industry
market, and all amusements were removed that summer. Today, the
People and families crunched for time. My next vacation will be …
roller coaster station is still used in the public park, a faint reminder
Nice, I’m sure, but unknown at this point.
of better times.
The thing I like most about amusement/wa-
ter park season is … People say I remind them of …
•1963: Sky Hook opened at Six Flags Over Texas on April 20. The
We bring families and friends together. Funny, I don’t get that a lot.
150-foot ride featured two enclosed baskets that hoisted riders into
the air where they could see the skylines of both Dallas and Fort
To me, the most influential person in history If I could be part of any TV family it would
Worth. Manufactured by Von Roll of Switzerland, the ride was actu-
is … be …
ally a cargo crane modified to carry passengers. It formally operated
The world is too diverse to have a single most Modern Family—The Dunphys perhaps, a
at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
influential person. For my money, though, it’s great extended family that takes care of each
—Compiled by Richard Munch, NRCMA and Jeffrey Seifert, AT
hard to beat Abraham Lincoln. other.
Favorite dessert The newspaper I read every day is … TM
Coconut cake or key lime pie. The Wall Street Journal. P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner
Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
[phone]
When I say exercise, you say … All-time best comedian
Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
Where are my running shoes? Tough one, but I would likely go with Bill
Cosby.
Find us on Facebook
The best pizza I have ever eaten was at … facebook.com/amusementtoday
A small Trattoria in Italy. The most useful invention in the last 10
years has to be …
Growing up, my nickname was … The iPhone is the easy answer, but I think, Follow us on Twitter
Well, my actual first name is Royce. With that really, the cases protecting your iPhone which twitter.com/amusementtoday
as a first name you don’t need a nickname. keep you from having to get a new one every
three months are probably the MOST useful!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
G et a free QR Code scanner for your phone
youtube.com/amusementtoday
by visting www.mobiletag.com.
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2013
OUTLAW RUN speeds as first drops are typi-

cally — and dramatically —
Continued from page 1
far larger than the lift height
coach Depot. While roaming itself. In this case, Outlaw Run
the queue, guests pass the of- has a first plunge of 162 feet.
fice of Depot Proprietor Clem Combine that with the fact
Barker, whose wall of ticking that it is the steepest drop on
clocks demonstrates his pas- any wooden coaster at 81 de-
sion for punctuality and the grees, and the makings for a
determination for keeping the nally in our logo we had a gun rollicking adventure are un-
stagecoaches on time. “Take in it, and we passed on that. derway. The wooded land-
the time to notice the subtle And of course, we don’t want scape then permits the coaster
things,” says Rau. “I like the to ‘promote’ outlaws as a posi- to make startling dives and
theming. I like the whole tive thing. We are dedicating curves darting into the val- Riders race past Outlaw Run’s first drop in a blur as the new
wild adventure of the West. a lot of our work to the police leys and through the trees. It is coaster tops out at 68 mph, making it the world’s second fast-
America going out into the force. The whole storyline is marvelously orchestrated and est woodie. AT/GARY SLADE
great adventureland where we getting away safely from the redefines “out of control.” For Mountain could bask in the
didn’t really know where we outlaws.” In April an iconic the park to boast that there is opening day success of his FAST FACTS
were headed. And that’s what monument dedicated to law no other wooden coaster like latest project, but should also
happens on this ride.” Rau enforcement will be installed it, that’s dead on. take considerable pride in his
Name/Park
adds, “That’s one of the cool- adjacent to the ride during a Manby says, “That ride trains. Debuting with Outlaw
Outlaw Run/
est things about Silver Dol- Grand Opening Celebration. never lets you go. It’s a fantas- Run, the “coaches” — as Silver
Silver Dollar City
lar City — when we immerse With the sound of the tic ride. More importantly for Dollar City terms them — are
Branson, Mo.
ourselves in the theming. You crack of a whip and an au- the park, it makes [Silver Dol- of innovative and researched
don’t want to miss anything.” dible “H’yah!!” riders are dis- lar City] a unique experience design. Grubb says “First of all What
When asked about the patched from the depot and whether anyone is 2 to 92. We we had to design the trains to Wooden coaster utilizing
name, President and CEO of engage the lift for its 107-foot have a very complete park be able to handle the amount Topper Track on a wooden
Herschend Family Entertain- climb. But don’t let that height now that will serve the needs of twists we put into the track. structure. Highlights are
ment Joel Manby says, “Our be deceiving. Like virtually all of more and more customers We put suspension systems the steepest drop on a
big issue was whether to have the coasters at Silver Dollar each year.” on the train so the wheels are wooden coaster
guns in the photos with all the City, the park’s hilly terrain Brad Thomas, general always touching the track — (81-degrees) and a 720-
gun issues out there. Origi- always offers greater potential manager of Silver Dollar City, there’s no bouncing back and degree double barrel roll
adds, “Outlaw Run provides forth.” Grubb adds that this (world’s first)
us with something we needed design of train will ride on on a wooden coaster
which was more thrills, more any existing wooden coaster
excitement, more fun, but out there. Height/Length/
keeping it to where it is not Other companies involved Inversions
so intense that mom doesn’t in Outlaw Run were Costasur 107 feet/2,937 feet/3
feel safe and mom doesn’t Inc. of Cincinnati that supplied
Opened/Cost
want to ride it with her kids. the boosters, chain drive as-
March, 15, 2013/
You’ve got three significant sembly and transfer table; Ve-
$10 million
components — you’ve got locity Magnetics, New Castle,
the world’s steepest drop on Pa., supplied the braking sys-
Drop/Maximum Speed/
a wooden coaster, we’ll take tem; and Consign, Hanover,
Airtime Moments
you upside down three times, Md., supplied the control sys-
162 feet at 81 degrees/
and at 68 mph, it is the second tem. In addition, Silver Dollar
68 mph/
fastest wooden coaster on the City installed the mechanical
9 locations during ride
planet.” components.
Fred Grubb of Rocky Both Grubb of Rocky Ride Time/Capacity/
Mountain and Thomas of Sil- Height Requirement
To navigate the twists and ver Dollar City praised one 1 minute, 27 seconds/
turns of Outlaw Run, ride another for the teamwork in- 800-850 riders an hour/
supplier Rocky Mountain volved in putting the project 48 inches
created their own style of together. “The overall expe-
coaster train, shown here. rience was just great,” com- Trains
AT/GARY SLADE ments Thomas. “Our guys 2 trains, 24 passengers per
are accustomed to building train. Each train features
in tough terrain. There’s not U-bar lap restraint &
a lot of soil to work with. You individual fiberglass seats
get past a quarter inch, you hit
Design
solid rock. Putting in all those
Alan Schilke,
footers was a real challenge.
Ride Centerline, LLC
Our guys had to work shoul-
Hyde Park, Utah
der to shoulder with Rocky
Mountain. There were oppor-
Supplier of Record
tunities for friction and there
Fred Grubb,
was no friction. From the 108
Rocky Mountain
degree weather of the summer
Construction Group,
to the frigid temperatures of
Hayden, Utah
the winter, our guys got along.
They were great and they cre-
Other Suppliers
ated this amazing coaster that Costasur Inc., Cincinnati,
a lot of people are going to Ohio/ Velocity Magnetics,
come visit.” New Castle, Pa./Consign
In this case, the good guys LLC, Hanover, Md.
really do win.
April 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2013
April 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
Asian Attractions Expo moves to Beijing for 2014
Industry to convene at the China National Convention Center June, 17-20, 2014
BEIJING, China — The within China is growing at including amusement and Mao Memorial Hall, and the
International Association of a rapid pace with several at- theme park rides; architec- Monument to the People’s
Amusement Parks and At- tractions recently completed tural and design services; and Martyrs. While in Beijing,
tractions (IAAPA) announced and a number of other major coin-operated games, skill Asian Attractions Expo par-
Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) amusement parks in develop- games, and redemption priz- ticipants can visit the Beijing
2014 will take place at the ment, making its capital city, es. Zoo in Xicheng District, fa-
China National Convention Beijing, a logical choice to host Beijing is the second most mous for its traditional land-
Center (CNCC) in Beijing June AAE 2014.” populated city in China, and it scaping and giant pandas,
17-20, 2014. Since 1997, Asian “Beijing’s experience serves as the country’s politi- see the Olympic Water Park,
Attractions Expo has been the as host to the 2008 Olympic cal, educational, and cultural tour the Palace Museum also
premier international trade Games, its area tourist attrac- center, filled with historic sites known as the Forbidden City,
show and conference for the tions, and its history and di- and government institutions. enjoy the Beijing Aquarium,
multibillion-dollar leisure and verse culture make it a perfect tions industry professionals The city is home to Tianan- or experience the attractions
attractions industry in Asia. backdrop for Asian Attrac- from more than 60 nations men Square, in Dongcheng at Beijing Happy Valley, Bei-
“IAAPA is looking for- tions Expo, the attractions in- are expected to participate District, which is surround- jing Shijingshan Amusement
ward to bringing Asian Attrac- dustry’s fastest growing trade in the event. The trade show ed by such landmarks as the Park, or World Park Beijing.
tions Expo to China,” IAAPA show and conference in the floor will showcase products Great Hall of the People, the Also, participants can walk
Vice President, Asia Pacific region,” said IAAPA Presi- from more than 250 compa- Museum of Chinese History, the The Great Wall of China
Operations Andrew Lee said. dent and CEO Paul Noland. nies from around the world the Museum of the Chinese located approximately, 90
“The attractions industry More than 5,000 attrac- in more than 100 categories, Revolution, the Chairman minutes from the capital city.
Tivoli Copenhagen, Sentosa in co-operation agreement
STORY: Andrew Mellor ment provides a platform for the highest level. It is essential
[email protected] both attractions to tap into for us to bring in inspiration
each other’s experiences and from the outside but also to
COPENHAGEN, Den- strengths. The first common inspire others. The first step
mark — Tivoli Gardens Co- project saw Tivoli contribute will be (was) Sentosa Flowers
penhagen, one of the world’s to Sentosa’s annual interna- and other initiatives are in the
oldest amusement parks, and tional Sentosa Flowers festi- pipeline.”
Singapore’s premier Sentosa val, one of its award winning, For Sentosa Develop-
Island resort have entered into signature events, which took ment Corporation, CEO Mike
a two year co-operation agree- place on Sentosa Island in Feb- Barclay commented: “We are
ment. ruary, on the occasion of the very happy to collaborate
The agreement will en- Chinese Lunar New Year. with one of the world’s old-
able Tivoli and Sentosa to Commenting on the ar- est and most famous amuse-
establish closer co-operative rangement, Tivoli A/S CEO ment parks. Through this col-
ties through the exchange of Lars Liebst said: “One of Tivo- laboration, we aim to tap into
best international tourism li’s prime objectives is to be the strengths and advantages
practices, as well as gain in- among Denmark’s best work of our respective leisure of-
sights and inspiration from places and with that in mind, ferings and gain from a con-
each other. The arrangement we have established a strate- structive employee exchange
includes developing feasible gic co-operation with Sentosa, program. This partnership is
collaboration concepts within one of the largest leisure and in line with Sentosa’s growth
the tourism and amusement lifestyle operators in the tour- Sentosa Development Corporation CEO Mike Barclay (left) strategy to continuously set
park sectors, in addition to an ism industry. With a co-oper- and Tivoli A/S CEO Lars Liebst sign the co-operation agree- new benchmarks and pursue
employee exchange program ative partner of Sentosa’s cali- ment. best-in-class service standards
and other cultural and gastro- bre, Tivoli obtains a fantastic COURTESY TIVOLI for the benefit and enjoyment
nomic initiatives. showcase of our capabilities, change program, select Tivoli portunity to increase their of our guests.”
The co-operative agree- and with the employee ex- employees get a unique op- professional competences at
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2013
Gröna Lund set to debut
Europe’s highest StarFlyer
STORY: Andrew Mellor plied by Funtime of Austria,
[email protected] the attraction’s design is in-
spired by architecture from
STOCKHOLM, Sweden
the end of the 19th century
— As part of its 130th anniver-
and uses the Eiffel Tower as
sary celebrations, Gröna Lund
one of its sources of inspira-
amusement park in Stock- (8-meter) long chains. Riding
tion, with a color scheme of
holm, Sweden, is due to open at full speed, passengers will
white and gold. The theme of
its latest new ride on April 27 travel at 43 mph (69 kph) as
the attraction follows the Ste-
in the shape of the Europe’s they circle above the city.
ampunk style — a mix of 19th
highest StarFlyer. “Eclipse takes thrills to
century architecture and sci-
To be named Eclipse, the new heights,” says the park’s
ence fiction with inspiration
new, 400-foot (122-meter) ride manager Peter Osbeck.
from Jules Verne and H.G.
high addition is located at the “Standing an imposing 400 feet
Wells.
park’s waterfront, opposite tall, Eclipse has redefined our
Gröna Lund is the oldest
the Main Stage, and will pro- skyline and will offer guests
amusement park in Sweden
vide a breathtaking experi- a 360-degree, bird’s eye view
and is part of the Parks & Re-
ence as riders soar high above of the capital of Sweden. Not
sorts Scandinavia theme park
Stockholm. The new attraction everyone will dare to ride it,
group, together with Kol-
replaces the Extreme ride. but those who do will admire
mården, Vildmarkshotellet,
Representing an invest- a fantastic view across Stock-
Furuvik, Skara Sommarland
ment of SEK 50 million (USD holm, thanks to the waterfront
and Aquaria Vattenmuseum.
$7.9 million), Eclipse is the location. Luckily it has double
first StarFlyer in Sweden and seats, which means that you’re
is being promoted as a unique not alone up there.”
Gröna Lund’s Eclipse Star-
family attraction, with a height Ride time on Eclipse will
Flyer ride will be the first
requirement of just 47 inches. be two minutes and the ca-
in Sweden and the highest
It features 12 swings with dou- pacity per ride is 24 people.
example in Europe.
ble seats hanging from 26-feet Capacity per hour is 600. Sup-
COURTESY GRONA LUND
DP Leisure Jora Vision to design new Russian park
opens third U.K.
360 Play FEC STORY: Andrew Mellor
[email protected]
LEICESTER, United RIJNSBURG, Netherlands
Kingdom — With two success- — Dutch design and produc-
ful sites already in operation, tion company Jora Vision has
DP Leisure (DPL), operator signed a contract with the Rus-
of the 360 Play family enter- sian company Entertainment
tainment center brand, has Industry Ltd. to begin work
now opened a third venue, in on the new Anapa Theme Park
Leicester, U.K. project.
The latest addition to the Located on the northern
chain is located at the Meridian coast of the Black Sea, Anapa
Leisure Park, just five minutes Theme Park will be “the first
drive from the M1 motorway. themed theme park in Russia”
The site already features a according to Jora Vision, who
Vue cinema, Hollywood Bowl, will be responsible for the de-
David Lloyd Leisure center velopment of the 10 hectare
and a variety of restaurants attraction’s master plan and
and the 360 Play center brings theming design utilizing a
another high quality leisure team of 14 designers and de- Jora Vision’s past projects have covered a wide range of venues and attractions, such as
choice to the mix. velopers. the design and production of the theming for the Safari Ride at Kolmården Zoo in Sweden,
As with the existing sites, Anapa is principally shown here. COURTESY JORA VISION
design and master plan- known as a family holiday cultures and civilizations and Industry Ltd. and start work- tegical value for our company
ning of this latest project, destination, attracting hun- will serve as inspiration for the ing together. We both have in particular and Anapa in
which is housed within an dreds of thousands of families attraction. one common goal — to create general, as it will attract even
18,000-square-foot building, annually, so it is an ideal loca- The park will feature a a unique theme park in Russia. more guests to our sea coast
was carried out by DPL’s sis- tion in which to create and de- wide range of rides and at- We cannot wait.” city. Our choice for a partner
ter company, DP Associates velop new entertainment of- tractions suitable for all ages, Entertainment Industry in production of the park was
(DPA), who also project man- ferings. The design of the park while also incorporating a va- Ltd. is equally pleased with not random. We took into ac-
aged the build, with construc- will take into account the local riety of F&B and merchandise the co-operation between the count Jora Vision’s great expe-
tion commencing in August. landscape and climate and outlets. Jora Vision CEO Jan two companies, CEO Valeriy rience in theme design and the
The new venue offers 360 will be based on stories from Maarten de Raad said: “We Zirinov commenting: “The well co-ordinated team.”
Play’s well established mix of in and around the Black Sea. are very proud to sign the con- establishment of such a park
4See 360 PLAY, page 10 The area has a rich history of tract with the Entertainment has both economical and stra-
April 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
Major new developments for PortAventura waterpark
STORY: Andrew Mellor dren and adults will be able
[email protected] to compete against each other
for the fastest descent, while
SALON, Spain — the success of PortAventura’s
PortAventura will complete Sesame Street themed area
the renovation and extension will also be reflected in the in-
of its Costa Caribe Aquatic troduction into the waterpark
Park, the second park within of a Sesame Street themed pi-
the resort, for the main 2013 rate ship in the children’s pool
season. area. Youngsters will be able
Following the recent ad- to wonder around the decks
dition of the hugely success- of the ship and slide down any
ful SesamoAventura family of the four slides into shallow
area and the Shambhala roller surrounding pool areas. Next
coaster, the highest in Europe, to the children’s pool will be a
the investment will continue Splash Pad play area offering a
with the much-anticipated variety of interactive water jets
Above, This artist’s impres-
Costa Caribe project which for young visitors to play in.
sion of how the new area in
will see the park extended by Connected to the chil-
Port Aventura’s Costa Caribe
14,000 square meters (150,694 dren’s pool will be an adult
waterpark will look. Left: The
square feet), resulting in the Tropical pool, placed at a dif-
proven Sesame Street them-
Aquatic Park covering a to- ferent level to the former to
ing will be brought into the
tal of 50,000 square meters create a waterfall in the chil-
waterpark with the addition
(538,195 square feet). The bud- dren’s area. A waterfall will
of a Sesame Street themed
get for the new area is €10 mil- also be a feature of the adult
pirate ship for younger
lion (U.S. $13.4 million) and it pool to enhance the Caribbean
guests.
is scheduled to open in May. theme of the whole park, while
COURTESY PORTAVENTURA
The project is part of the water beds and invigorating
€75 million (U.S. $101 million) 2002, is a key part of this strat- fall waterslide in Europe, The bump waterslide, also from water effects will be incorpo-
investment plan approved by egy, something that is proved Toboggan, a FreeFall sup- ProSlide, standing at almost rated too. A new snack bar
the resort’s owner, Investin- by the fact that foreign visitors plied by ProSlide, which will 20 meters (66 feet) high and will be another new addition
dustrial, in November last account for over 50 percent of top out at 31 meters (102 feet). taking guests on a 100 meters and with the exception of the
year with the goal of expand- the visitors to the water play- With a 55 degree pitch and a (328 foot) journey. attractions from ProSlide, all
ing and adapting the venue ground, most of these being drop speed of 6 meters (20 In another area of the park other new additions have been
increasingly to an internation- English and Russian. feet) per second it will provide a six lane, ProSlide ProRacer created by PortAventura’s De-
al audience. The waterpark, Among the new attrac- a thrilling and fun experience. waterslide attraction will be velopment Department.
which originally opened in tions will be the highest free Alongside will be a Multi- added, on which both chil-
Huss introduces unique film-based family ride concept
BREMEN, Germany — content of the ride.
German ride manufacturer Guests are seated in the
Huss Park Attractions GmbH enclosed cabin facing out-
has announced the develop- wards, looking through the full
ment of a new ride concept height glass sides of the gon-
(patent pending) that will dola that allow for unrestrict-
provide a unique experience ed views of the surrounding
for visitors to parks and other screen. A seamless 360-degree
attraction destinations. multi-projector film format
The Explorer makes use delivers immersive, high defi-
of Huss’ many years of experi- nition content which is unique
ence in the design and manu- to each installation.
facture of observation towers, Once below the surface,
combining this with an audio guests can enjoy a wide range
visual system and sensory ele- of environments, such as those
ments that together provide beneath the sea, in space, in
an immersive experience in a the eye of a storm or some of
totally enclosed environment. the world’s most spectacular
Utilizing a circular gondo- scenery. The content can also
la similar to those used on the be created as CGI, live action
Huss Park Attractions GmbH has announced the development of the Explorer, a new ride
company’s Sky Tower rides, or a composition of both, the
concept that will will take guests into a variety of exciting environments viewed through
the Explorer will accommo- flexibility of the system being
the full height gondola windows and delivered via a seamless, 360-degree, multi-projector
date up to 70 guests, including one of its key benefits. As a
film format, creating a totally immersive experience.
wheelchair users. The expe- film based attraction, the expe-
COURTESY HUSS
rience begins with a themed rience can be almost anything
pre-show in the queuing area an operator chooses, from account in the design of the proven observation tower tech- also covers a relatively small
as waiting guests watch the a calm, scenic journey to a Explorer, as Mirko J. Schulze, nology, has a high capacity, footprint in combination with
gondola descend dramatically white knuckle thrill ride, while CEO of Huss Park Attractions offers a smooth guest flow for minor requirements on build-
into the ‘earth’ and out of sight refreshing the ride is simple GmbH, explains: “We are gen- loading and unloading, is easy ing construction; even the
beneath a closed iris. The scen- and cost effective with only the uinely excited by the Explorer to maintain, can be enjoyed utilisation of existing building
ery and theming in the pre- media needing to be replaced. concept and believe it ticks all by all ages and is extremely structures is possible.
show section will depend on Huss has taken a num- the right boxes for operators. It flexible as far as changing the
the subject chosen for the core ber of key considerations into is brand new, is based on our experience is concerned. It
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2013
360 PLAY
Bumper Action Amusements
Continued from page 8
and Redemption Plus team up for
creative play and amusement
which has proved so success- industry partnership in Australia
ful at the company’s other
two sites, in Milton Keynes MELBOURNE, Australia — Melbourne’s Bumper Action
and Stevenage. Arranged over Amusements recently announced that the company has part-
two floors, there are four main nered with Redemption Plus of Lenexa, Kansas in the United
zones inside and two outside, States to exclusively supply redemption and incentive mer-
the indoor areas including the chandise to Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and Chil-
360 Street creative play zone, dren’s Entertainment Centers (CECs) across Australia.
made up of individual play Bumper Action Amusements has operated in the sales,
units such as a fire station, service and hire of classic amusements and collectibles for
supermarket, pizza parlour, more than 40 years — offering the best new and vintage
car garage/body shop and pinball machines, video arcade games, sports table games,
dressing up shop. Wurlitzer jukeboxes and neons for the home consumer, cor-
The central indoor feature porate and leisure location based markets. Recently, the
is an active zone designed by DP Leisure has opened its third 360 Play family entertain- company also inked a partnership deal with Castle Golf of
DPA and supplied by the Soft ment center in the U.K. Located at the Meridian Leisure Mesa, Arizona in the U.S. to design and build miniature golf
Brick Co., which incorporates Park, the FEC offers a number of indoor and outdoor activi- courses in large city markets Australia wide.
a three story soft play struc- ties and attractions including mid-size dodgem cars from IE Established in 1996, Redemption Plus is the leading pro-
ture with a host of sliding, Park/Soli Bumper cars. vider of redemption and incentive toys, tools, and training.
climbing, crawling and other COURTESY DP LEISURE Offering a unique mix of staple, licensed and exclusive items,
activities and a skills area with the spring/summer months, seating areas throughout the product range includes novelties, plush toys, sports and sou-
mid-size dodgem cars from will include one designed for building, while the center will venir memorabilia, party goods, homewares and electronics.
IE Park/Soli Bumper cars that very young guests with a sand also offer ‘out of hours’ open- A leading crane operator and counter merchandise manufac-
children can ride on their own play activity area and outdoor ing on specific nights for fami- turer and supplier, the company currently serves the amuse-
or with an adult. A sports seating, and a larger, Club 360 lies with children with special ment, educational, fundraising and specialty retail markets.
zone with sports games and a area catering for the three to needs. “As the exclusive representative of Redemption Plus in
feature carousel, also from IE 10-year-old age group, with The new venue has Australia, this partnership will deliver our growing Australian
Park, along with a party zone water boats, climbing attrac- brought an impressive num- customer base a more diversified offer of quality products at
accommodating a dedicated tions, water play and an events ber of new jobs to the area too, a lower price, ” said Robert Farrell, General Manager of Bum-
area for up to four individual area. A café serving a wide with approximately 50 full per Action Amusements. “With direct shipment to their door,
parties, are also on offer. assortment of drinks, refresh- and part time positions being we can now deliver the kind of product variety and ordering
The two outdoor zones, ments and freshly cooked food created. convenience with special attention to one-of-a-kind merchan-
due for completion in time for choices is also available, as are dise not otherwise available in Australia,” Farrell added.