Parks in transition - Amusement Today

44 Pages·2012·13.15 MB·English

TM
Vol. 16 • Issue 1 APRIL 2012
Parks in transition
Steel Pier initiates three-year, $102 million redo, expansion
STORY: Dean Lamanna Group last summer, call for a
Special to Amusement Today
$102 million renovation and
expansion to be completed by
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — 2015.
With a history anchored in the The Steel Pier project is
shifting sands and fortunes part of a proposed 10-year
of Atlantic City for 114 years, citywide redevelopment push
Steel Pier — that storied icon called the Tourism District
of diving horses and daredevil Master Plan. Established last
amusements — is further for- year, it includes the revitaliza-
tifying its berth on the Jersey tion of the entire boardwalk.
Shore. “This is the beginning of
New plans for the amuse- Atlantic City’s renaissance,”
ment landmark unveiled in said Anthony Catanoso, presi-
February by Steel Pier As- dent of Steel Pier Associates,
sociates, which parlayed its whose long-held mission has
tenuous, two-decade Steel Pier been to promote the resort’s Steel Pier’s 2013 season will bring a Funtime StarFlyer tower,
tenancy into ownership with tradition of family amuse- an Intamin ZacSpin coaster or similar ride, and a nightclub in
its purchase of the 1,000-foot- ments alongside its latter-day the 20,000-square-foot skybridge connecting the pier to the
long structure for $4.3 million gambling industry. “It’s go- Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort across the boardwalk.
from Trump Entertainment 4See STEEL PIER, page 4 COURTESY STEELMAN PARTNERS
Palace Ent. acquires Noah’s Ark Lease approval moves Kentucky park
closer to possible 2013 re-opening
NEWPORT BEACH, Ca- World,” Noah’s Ark is the re- CEO, comments, “We are very LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On us and the community at large
lif. — Festival Fun Parks LLC, gion’s most popular family happy to be adding such an February 23 a unanimous vote for their tremendous cheers of
doing business as Palace En- attraction and has two hotels iconic waterpark to Palace’s by the Kentucky State Fair support.”
tertainment, announced on on the property featuring over array of family parks across Board to approve a lease with Following the lease ap-
March 2 that it completed the 300 rooms. the nation. We understand Bluegrass Boardwalk, Inc. proval, Bluegrass Boardwalk’s
acquisition of Noah’s Ark wa- Noah’s Ark offers the how important this park is moved the reopening of the next steps are to secure financ-
terpark, located in the popu- greatest variety of water rides within the Wisconsin Dells closed 57-acre amusement and ing and continue the appli-
lar, family vacation spot of in the nation, including the community, and we are dedi- waterpark (formally Six Flags cation process for economic
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Black Anaconda watercoast- cated to enhancing the Noah’s Kentucky Kingdom) in Louis- development incentives from
Noah’s Ark bills itself as er. The Travel Channel hailed Ark brand. We look forward ville closer to reality. Kentucky’s Tourism Cabinet.
America’s largest waterpark Noah’s Ark as “The place for to meeting our new neighbors “We can’t wait to get start- Bluegrass Boardwalk will not
with 70 acres, 51 water at- water in the Midwest,” and and community leaders and ed!” says Bluegrass Board- request public monies from
tractions, including two wave TripAdvisor.com named Wis- forging lasting relationships walk’s Dan Koch. “We’ve the Kentucky Legislature.
pools and two lazy rivers plus consin Dells the number one and partnerships.” got a lot of work to do to get Bluegrass Boardwalk’s
dozens of other various at- family vacation destination in Tim Gantz, one of Noah’s the park reopened in just 15 plans are to invest $15-$20 mil-
tractions. Located in the city the U.S. Ark’s previous owners stated, months, but we’ll get it done. lion to reopen the park in May
of Wisconsin Dells, known as Fernando Eiroa, Palace “When we considered the sale We’d like to thank the fair of 2013, with continued invest-
the “Waterpark Capital of the Entertainment’s President and 4See PALACE, page 4 board for putting their faith in 4See KENTUCKY, page 4
R
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2012
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Slow economy?
Amusement industry analysts have always
reminded us that in tough financial times,
the amusement industry is usually the one
industry that thrives.
As North Americans see the price of fuel
continue to rise and their finances con-
tinue to shrink from the lack of an improv-
Slade
ing economy, it appears the analysts may
indeed be correct again.
While it’s too early in the new season to project how
guests will attend or spend at parks this summer season,
one trend has certinly emerged, and that’s spending by
the parks.
This summer, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, SeaWorld
San Diego, Canada’s Wonderland, Dollywood and Six
Flags Great America are all rolling out multi-million dollar
state-of-the-art roller coasters to draw guests in.
The Disneyland Resort is wrapping up a massive, and
perhaps the biggest expansion on property ever, with the
June launch of its new Cars Land. Sister park, the Magic
Kingdom in Orlando begins opening phases of its new
Fantasyland expansion and overhaul. SeaWorld San EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected]
Antonio is wrapping up a complete makeover and massive
Here comes the sun
expansion of its waterpark, transforming it into its
Aquatica brand. Legoland Florida reopens a bigger and Spring is upon us. This is ers. The off-season is when these teams work
better waterpark this summer. And then, Landry’s the time of year that folks in the away from the public eye.
reveals plans for its new $60 million Pleasure Pier, opening outdoor entertainment busi- But then there are the year-round parks,
this Memorial Day weekend, that will mark the return of ness prepare and look forward those facilities in south Florida and California that
to. Though the downtime after operate 365 days a year. Here the maintenance
amusements to Galveston.
a long, hot summer season may crews have only the late night and early morning
But the spending is not stopping there. Plans have
be a welcome respite, those who hours to take care of business. Somehow they do
already been announced by the Arie family to expand
live and breathe the amuse- it and make if look effortless.
Rutherford
its Action Park facility in Orlando for next season. The ment industry can hardly wait This past February, while enjoying a much-
Catanoso family of N.J. Steel Pier fame has announced a for “Opening Day.” They begin to get antsy once needed winter break at Walt Disney World, I found
$102 million redo and makeover of the Atlantic City Pier the traditional winter holidays are finished. And by myself walking through the Magic Kingdom and
the end of February and the beginning of March, contemplating the Herculean effort that must go
amusement park. Universal Orlando has removed Jaws to
many are chomping at the bit to get back out into keeping this place in such perpetual pristine
make room for a new major attraction. And those are just
there. condition. Not a flower is out of place, not a single
the projects AT is allowed to talk about.
Though some employees at the seasonal light bulb on an attraction or building is allowed
Slow economy during a political campaign year? One
parks may have enjoyed several months off, the to remain dark. If construction is going on –– as is
would not know it by the announced spending plans in same cannot be said for those who work behind the case with the current Fantasyland expansion
the amusement industry. the scenes. I’m referring to the construction and –– Disney makes every effort possible to keep
maintenance crews who kick into high gear once the guests separate from the disarray behind The
—Gary Slade
the summer crowds have moved on to more se- Wall. They are masters at maintaining the illusion
date diversions. These are the people who make and keeping the magic alive for their guests.
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement
it happen. The high-flying steel workers who con- So, kudos to the unsung heroes who toil in
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six struct their towering edifices like enormous erec- the dark of night and less than ideal weather con-
when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement tor sets, and the carpenters and craftsmen who ditions to maintain and bring to life the rides and
Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career hammer and drill to lovingly build the complex attractions that summer guests expect and enjoy.
helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. constructions that become wooden roller coast- Have a great season!
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
[phone] [email protected] [phone]
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John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Bubba Flint
Daily E-mail Newsletter Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
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April 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
• 1921: John H. Stavin sold Presented by
Glen Island Park, in New Ro-
DRILL
chelle, N.Y. in early April for
residential development. Lo-
COMPILED: Janice Witherow cally, the park had been lost
in the competition with Rye
Patty Beazley, When Pigs Fly, LLC
Beach Park, as well as Starlight
Park and Clason Point Park in
Patty Beazley began her
The Bronx, N.Y. The high-end
career in the amusement
homes never materialized, but
industry as a front-line em-
today the park is part of the
ployee for Opryland USA
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
Westchester County Parks sys-
Theme Park in Nashville,
tem, along with the parkland
and at the closing of this
famed park in 1997, she surrounding Playland.
had worked her way up
to the position of director •1932: In mid-April, fire at Conneaut Lake Park, Pennsylvania
of operations. She then destroyed three buildings and damaged several concessions, in-
took on the responsibil- cluding destroying the roof of the Merry-go-Round building and
ity of general manager at parts of the old Scenic Railway. The coaster was rebuilt and
Nashville Shores Water would eventually be replaced by the Edward Vettel Blue Streak,
Park and by 2002, she Zamperla’s Ramon Rosario and Patty Beazley with Win which has become one of the nation’s greatest coaster preserva-
and business partner Pigs Fly ham it up onstage during the 2011 Golden tion stories.
Cindee Huddy established
Ticket Awards at Holiday World. Beazley is also active
the company When Pigs •1972: Exactly 40 years ago this month, Kings Island amusement
in AIMS International and her annual ROTC safety train-
Fly, LLC, a hospitality and park in what was then Deerfield Township, Ohio opened to the
safety consulting business. ing course each year. AT FILE public on April 29. The 364-acre theme park was built by the Taft
Patty serves as the educa- It’s April! The best thing about springtime is … Broadcasting Company. Taft had purchased Cincinnati’s Coney
tion chairperson and safety seminar director Seeing the trees, flowers and peonies bloom Island in 1969, but with no room to expand, and repeated flood-
for AIMS; in addition, she is an active member in my yard! ing from the Ohio River, Taft decided to move the park inland.
of IAAPA, WWA and ASTM and has been The company originally purchased 1,600 acres of property about
awarded several honors for her impressive In one word, what’s your take on reality TV? 25 miles north of Cincinnati. With the exception of the existing
seminar presentations. Full of life and energy, Really? wooden roller coasters, most of the rides at Coney Island were
Patty is also just plain fun to be around! moved to the new park.
All-time best ballgame food
Title A great hotdog with a cold beer. (Okay, that’s •1987: After five years of private ownership following a lever-
Co-owner and CEO. two!). aged buyout, Cedar Fair returned to public ownership as a mas-
ter limited partnership with an initial public offering on April 29.
Number of years in the Favorite outdoor activity Trading commenced on the New York Stock Exchange under the
industry
Working in the yard or taking a long walk. stock symbol “FUN” at $10 per unit.
35 years.
I always wanted to learn how to … •1998: Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22 as the
Best thing about the industry Beazley Play the piano. fourth theme park at Walt Disney World. The 500-acre park is
Meeting new friends all over
the largest single Disney theme park in the world, and the only
the world. My favorite place to talk on the phone is … one themed around animal conservation. The park consists of
On my deck. seven themed areas all surrounding the park’s centerpiece, the
Favorite amusement ride
Tree of Life, a 145-foot tall artificial tree. The park attracts an
Any carousel. In 20 years, I hope to be … estimated 9.6 million visitors per year, which ranks as the seventh
Retired, traveling and hopefully I have made most attended theme park in the world.
If I wasn’t working in the amusement
an impact on our industry.
industry, I would be
•2000: It was a taxing day for preservationists, when on April 15,
Teaching any Psychology class at the post- You live in Nashville. What three things
the Charles I.D. Looff carousel at Whalom Park in Lunenburg,
secondary level. should everyone see in your hometown city?
Mass. was auctioned off piece by piece by Norton Auctioneers.
Grand Ole Opry, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and
It was a last-ditch effort by the struggling park to raise money to
Biggest challenge facing our industry
the Country Music Hall of Fame.
continue to operate. However, Whalom Park closed at the end of
Understanding and motivating the genera-
that year. The Looff carousel featured a menagerie of 56 animals
tional workforce. When I meet someone for the first time, I
and horses hand carved by Looff and his associates over a period
notice …
of several years, with some horses believed to have dated back to
The thing I like most about amusement/
His or her eyes and teeth.
the 1880s. The 50-foot carousel was assembled around 1909 or
water park season is …

1910 and came to Whalom Park between 1912 and 1914 where
Meeting the guests and overcoming any chal- Growing up, my favorite band was …
it operated for more than 88 years.
lenges of the day! Earth, Wind & Fire.
Favorite fruit It’s Saturday night. Where would we
Pineapple. typically find you? P.O. Box 5427 TM
5-time Award Winner
Entertaining friends while grilling out on the Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
The last item I purchased for more than deck to be followed by poker. [phone]
$100 was … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
Microsoft 2011 for my Mac. The worst movie I have seen lately is …
Find us on Facebook
I can’t think of a worst, but I thought
facebook.com/amusementtoday
The hobby I have that would probably
“Bridesmaids” was one of the funniest!
surprise most people is …
I love to do yard work, and I have a vegetable Ultimate fried food
Follow us on Twitter
garden every year. Chicken (hey, I’m from the South!). twitter.com/amusementtoday
Favorite national newscaster If I was famous, my stage name would be …
Retired NBC anchor, Tom Brokaw. You got me on this one! 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 2012
STEEL PIER

Continued from page 1
ing to be a family-friendly
resort with an adult compo-
nent, instead of the other way
around.”
Initial improvements at
Steel Pier will get underway
with the 2012 summer sea-
son. Most visible will be the
addition of six rides: a Fab-
bri Booster, a Zamperla Dune
Buggie, a Bertazzon Swing
Carousel, and – all from Italy-
based SBF Visa Group – a Midi
Dance Party 360, an Airborne
Shot and an Octopus.
A general pier makeover
includes new facades, a refin-
ished deck, new electrical in-
frastructure and lighting, and
new office and storage build-
ings. A beer garden and an ar-
cade will also be installed on
the first level of the pier’s or-
By 2015, Steel Pier will be 65 percent enclosed for year-round operation. It will include a 2000-seat venue and a 200-foot
nate entrance pavilion.
Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and an LED billboard. COURTESY STEELMAN PARTNERS
Catanoso walked AT
through the three main year- club and café. On the pier’s dame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. and public performances. Not returning to Atlantic
long phases of the project, seaward end, an Intamin Zac- A 200-foot Ferris wheel with “Three major entertainment City: Steel Pier’s legendary
which will begin immediately Spin coaster or similar attrac- 42 climate-controlled gondolas companies are interested in diving horse attraction, last
after next Labor Day and see tion will replace the helipad, for year-round use and a huge managing it,” he said. seen in 1993. Plans to revive
the eventual enclosure of 65 which will be relocated to the LED billboard radiating from According to Catanoso, $6 the show as part of the current
percent of the pier for all-sea- roof of the entrance pavilion, its hub will be installed atop million of this season’s total pier renovation were dropped
son use, along with a 25 per- and a nearly 400-foot-tall Star- this structure. $15-20 million investment is following opposition by ani-
cent increase in usable square Flyer swing ride from Funtime Phase 3, to be completed coming from the Casino Re- mal rights activists and others.
footage. All plans are tentative. Group will be added. for the 2015 season, doubles investment Development Au- “We are a family opera-
Phase 1, to be completed Phase 2, to be completed the enclosed portion of the thority (CRDA). As the proj- tion, and we’ve been in Atlan-
for the 2013 season, transforms for the 2014 season, adds a pier. The additional structure ect progresses, it will have a tic City for 20 years delivering
the 20,000-square-foot third new, two-level structure ex- will house on its upper level blend of traditional financing, wholesome family entertain-
level of the pier’s entrance pa- tending from the entrance what Catanoso calls “the most CRDA financing and state Eco- ment and giving back to the
vilion – an enclosed bridge con- pavilion that will enclose one exciting part of the project”— nomic Development Author- community,” Catanoso said.
necting Steel Pier to the Trump third of the pier’s rides and, on the Marine Ballroom, a mul- ity grants, and it will rely ad- “We’re not going to do any-
Taj Mahal Casino Resort across its second level, will house re- tipurpose venue with up to ditionally on the equity of the thing that will impugn our
the boardwalk – into a night- tail, a café and possibly a Ma- 2,000 seats for private events company’s partners. reputation.”
PALACE KENTUCKY
First look: Fun Spot America, Orlando, Fla.
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
of the park, we were excited ment in future years.
that a company such as Pal- “We’re bringing our busi-
ace, with so much experience ness model of exceptional
in waterparks, theme parks, safety, cleanliness, friendliness
animal parks and family enter- and value for families,” says
tainment centers, would come Natalie Koch, a partner in the
to this area,” added former co- new park development. “That
owner Dan Gantz. “ We look means free soft drinks, free
forward to the future success sunscreen and free use of in-
of Noah’s Ark, its employees, ner tubes.”
and see this as a positive move Bluegrass Boardwalk,
for the area as a whole. Inc. is a partnership of four
Palace Entertainment is members of the Koch fam-
one of the leading leisure park ily in Santa Claus, Indiana:
operators in the United States. Holiday World president Dan
With parks located in 11 states, Koch, his sister Natalie Koch,
Project approval from the Orlando (Florida) City Commission was granted in early March
Palace Entertainment contin- their cousin Kathy Kamp, and
for Fun Spot America to continue its $20 million expansion that will enlarge the Fun
ues its expansion of brands her husband, Michael Kamp,
Spot Action Park from five acres to 15 acres just off International Drive in Orlnado. The
within the family entertain- who is a General Manager at
highlights of the rendering shown here are: GCII wooden coaster, addition of in-house-
ment sector and greets over 13 Holiday World. Dan, Natalie
built go-kart track (noted as green track), S&S Screamin’ Swing (from Wild Adventures)
million visitors annually. Pal- and Kathy are grandchildren
and Chance Rides double deck Carrousel (from Cypress Gardens) and a duel SkyCoaster
ace Entertainment was found- of Holiday World’s founder,
(from MGM Grand Adventures) to open in early 2013. A waterpark featuring equipment
ed in 1998 then purchased in Louis J. Koch, who opened the
from SplashTacular is still in development with no opening date scheduled. On tap for
2007 by Parques Reunidos of park (originally called Santa
2014 will be a Vekoma family suspended coaster and a wide mix of rides from American
Madrid Spain. Claus Land) in 1946.
ride suppliers to round out the thrill factor. COURTESY FUN SPOT AMERICA
April 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
High dive, ice shows a highlight this
season at Pleasure Beach Blackpool
Reporter’s
STORY: Andrew Mellor
Notebook [email protected]
ENGLAND — Pleasure Beach
Tibidabo still
Blackpool, in northwest England,
recovering
opened for the 2012 season in early
SPAIN — Tibidabo amuse- February with the promise of a range
ment park in Barcelona record- of new attractions to keep visitors en-
ed a loss of €1.5 million in 2011 tertained throughout the year.
despite a gain of 40,000 visitors The promotion of Wow Weekends
— a 10 percent increase over got things off to an early start with a
the previous year. The atten- range of special offers to tempt guests
dance figure is an improvement to the venue in February, with the park
over 2010, when the park had open during weekends and the school
a deficit of 2.2 million and lost half term week. Weekend opening was
34 percent of its visitors, drop- also offered in March before the season
ping from 617,903 in 2009 to got into full swing in April.
402,009. Among the new attractions set for
The decline is blamed on the main part of the season will be a
the July 2010 collapse of El Pen- special troupe of Mexican Olympic
dulo, an Italian-made swinging high divers, La Quebrada, who will
pendulum ride, in which a 15- bring their unique show to the park
year old girl was killed. in July in a purpose-built arena in the The Hot Ice show at
The park is aiming to reach shadow of The Big One roller coaster. Pleasure Beach Blackpool
600,000 visitors, a “magic num- The troupe’s performances have will mark its 75th produc-
ber” which officials claim is key wowed audiences around the world tion in 2012. Below, The
to the recovery the iconic park. with death-defying high dives from iconic Revolution looping
“It’s the ideal figure for the heights of up to 25 meters (81 feet) coaster will be given a
park to give us the needed eco- and the routine combines comedy, fire new industrial look
nomic balance. If not for the ac- and Olympic dives. They will perform this year.
cident, this is the figure the park their first dive on July 16 and continue COURTESY PLEASURE
would get,” said city councilor until September 2. BEACH BLACKPOOL
Joan Puigdollers And staying with the live enter-
tainment offering, the park’s famous
Quoted Hot Ice ice skating show will celebrate
its 75th production in 2012 when En-
tice will be skating its way on to the
“China is getting to a
ice. Featuring more than 30 skaters
time where a high from around the world, the latest ice
quality project can and show will feature over 400 stunning
will be built there.” costumes along with music, lasers and
pyrotechnic effects. A “jaw dropping
illusion of the senses” is promised with
—Ikonic Entertainment Group’s
world-class performers taking to the
co-founder and CEO
ice for the show which premieres on
Tony Christopher
July 4, with both matinee and evening
said on his company’s
performances.
agreement to design
Another special occasion will be
and develop the largest
the first birthday of Nickelodeon Land,
theme park in China
which will take place on May 4. The
4See BLACKPOOL, page 6
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2012
CDA revokes share transfer for sale of Fort Fun
STORY: Andrew Mellor resentatives of One World Group, the purchaser of 280,000 visitors during the financial year 2010/11. It
[email protected]
the Fort Fun park, were suspected of producing false recorded sales of €5.7 million (U.S. $7.5 million) and
documents concerning the bank guarantee associ- generated an EBITDA of €560,000 (U.S. $735,000) for
GERMANY — France based Compagnie de ated with payment of the balance of the transaction the same period.
Alpes (CDA), operator of numerous leisure sites in- price (€5.75 million, U.S. $7.5 million), to take place CDA is a major player in the European leisure
cluding leisure parks and ski areas around Europe, on January 31, 2012. industry, operating 11 leading ski areas in the Alps
has announced the revocation of the share transfer “To protect its interests on a precautionary basis and 15 leisure parks, including Parc Astérix, Walibi
executed for the sale of its Fort Fun Abenteuerland and by virtue of a provision specific to German law, parks and Futuroscope. One World Group is a Ger-
due to irregularities which have come to light since CDA has sent the buyer a notification of the revoca- man family company held by Ms. Catherine Ziegler
the signing of the sale contracts. tion of the share transfer executed at the time of the and her son. It made its debut in the amusement
In early January this year, the company an- transaction. Fort Fun will be thus reincorporated into park sector in 2006, focusing on attraction design
nounced that it had signed contracts for the sale of the group’s scope of consolidation as of January 31, and masterplanning for parks. For several years the
Fort Fun in Germany to the German organization 2012, pending further information as to the outcome group has been looking into the possibilities of es-
One World Group. However, a press release issued of this situation.” tablishing a park or taking over an existing site in
by CDA at the very end of January states that “CDA Fort Fun became part of CDA upon the takeover Germany.
has been informed by German authorities that rep- of Grévin & Cie in 2002. The park hosted almost
Funtura FEC opens at Ukraine mall
STORY: Andrew Mellor
[email protected]
UKRAINE — A large new
indoor family entertainment
center has opened at the Do-
netsk City Mall in the Ukraine
as part of the venue’s second
phase of development.
Situated on the top floor of
the building, the new FEC was
designed and created by Bel-
gium-based KCC Entertain-
ment Design and is the larg-
est development of its kind in
the Eastern European country.
Previously, there was a small
video arcade area and the mall
already had a bowling center
and cinema.
A view of Funtura’s ice rink, ice bar and games areas.
The new FEC covers an
ALL COURTESY KCC ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN
area of almost 10,000 square
meters (107,639 square feet)
and accommodates more a Half Pipe (one of the first Jumper, carousel, trampolines
than 25 rides and attractions, in the world), Sidewinder and Airborne Shot from SBF/
including a 1,000 square me- and GyroLoop from Moser’s VISA; mini bowling from Qu-
ters (10,764 square foot) ice Rides; a Rotating Drop Tower, bica AMF; a 5Di Theatre from
rink. Other key attractions are Top Dancer, bumper cars, Jolly Alterface; an FX simulator
from FX Simulation; a Max
BLACKPOOL ning new ‘industrial’ look, Flight from MaxFlight; a Com-

and Pleasure Beach Managing fyland area by Comfyland;
Continued from page 5
Director Amanda Thompson, and soft play from Cheers.
new themed area, featuring 12 OBE, said: “2012 is already A selection of novelty and
rides, made a big impact when going to be a memorable year redemption games are also
it debuted last year and when with the Olympics and the Di- on offer and there is a toddler
the rest of the park closes at 5 amond Jubilee taking place. At area for the youngest visitors.
The Funtura FEC is the largest venue of its kind in the Ukraine
p.m. on the day, Nickelodeon Pleasure Beach we have our Funtura therefore caters to all
and accommodates a wide range of attractions suitable for
Land will stay open until 7 very own celebrations. We are ages and interests and the at-
almost all ages. COURTESY KCC ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN
p.m. A birthday cake cutting really looking forward to wel- tractions mix is complemented
ceremony will also mark the coming the high divers to the by a themed family restaurant,
day. park and I am sure they will food court, ice bar and restau-
One of the park’s most fa- be a huge success. Celebrat- rant/lounge.
mous rides will also be treated ing Nickelodeon Land’s first The theming behind the
to a transformation, with the birthday will be fun and we project is based on the story of
iconic Revolution looping are looking forward to the rest a tropical island that becomes
coaster being given a stun- of 2012 being a huge success.” a new civilization when it
meets an ice boulder. Funtura
Find even more news at: becomes a refuge for animals
of all kind, a lost paradise in-
amusementtoday habited by animals from all
com
over the world that each have
a unique story.
April 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
Los Angeles-based Ikonic launches major China project
STORY: Andrew Mellor The agreement will feature
[email protected]
Ikonic as the master designer
and project manager for a se-
CHINA — The Ikonic ries of projects commissioned
Entertainment Group has an- by Taichi Lake Group. These
nounced that it has reached a include the Kung Fu themed
co-operation agreement with park at Wudang Mountain,
Shiyan, China-based Taichi an amusement park in Qing-
Lake Group to design and zhou, Shandong Province, a
develop what is to become live show combining Daoist
China’s largest theme park and Taichi Kung Fu culture
and world class leisure resort with western entertainment
project. concepts and high-tech spe-
The U.S. $3.1 billion proj- cial effects, with Ikonic as the
ect, set in Hubei Province’s producer and master contrac-
Wudang Mountain region, tor, a documentary on Daoism
will see Ikonic provide mas- and Taichi King Fu with Ikonic
ter planning, concept creation, as co-producer with a Holly-
schematic design, design de- wood studio, a touring show
velopment and construction of Daoist and Taichi King Fu
oversight services in support culture at U.S. colleges and
of the project’s entertainment a video game featuring Taichi
related components, which King Fu legends, with Ikonic
include a Taichi Kung Fu as the producer of both the lat-
themed park, a $50 million ter elements.
live show and related media “We’ve been working in
production and publishing, China for over 15 years and
totalling over $300 million. have seen a lot of changes,
The Wudang Mountain area but China is getting to a time
is the birthplace of Taichi King where a high quality project
Fu, an important center of can and will be built there,”
Chinese Daoist culture and a said Ikonic co-founder and
thriving commercial hub. CEO Tony Christopher. “I be-
Ikonic is a new company lieve China deserves a high Ikonic’s Chinese project will
formed in Los Angeles to pro- quality project such as this feature a mix of entertain-
vide the total project turnkey which will be based around ment, education and Chi-
services to the entertainment a mix of entertainment, edu- nese culture and include this
real estate business in China. cation and Chinese culture. Kids Zone Bridge, above,
The company is the brain- I think once this happens, and Tea House Tree House
child of Tony Christopher, the theme parks in China will find at right.
founder and CEO of Land- a big success. COURTESY IKONIC
mark Entertainment Group, “Our Kung Fu themed ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
and Jack Chen, a Chinese- park is interesting because the
American businessman and area we are developing near able for the Chinese Market.
founder and CEO of Trans- Wudang Mountain is known “In China now culture is
world Capital Group (TCG), for the development of Taichi a pillar industry. The central
a financial advisory and in- and Taichi Kung Fu. But it will government is pushing the
vestment firm specializing in be an internationally based further development of cul-
cross-border business devel- park and I think it will hit the ture as a strategic develop- really interested in delivering gies and culture as the corner-
opment and transaction man- cultural aspect perfectly and ment direction that they are Chinese culture to the world stone of this strategy.”
agement in China. be very entertaining and suit- moving forward in. They are utilizing different technolo-
Severn-Lamb joins Clifton Cowley Group
UNITED KINGDON — Severn- portfolio companies with a focus on for Severn-Lamb,” said Managing and that of our clients.”
Lamb, the specialist light urban and servicing technology businesses. Director Patrick Severn Lamb, “and As a result of joining the group,
leisure transport systems manufac- In Severn-Lamb’s case, the new we have quickly seen a variety of CCG has sponsored a re-launch of
turer, has joined the Clifton Cowley partnership has brought numer- benefits in being involved with them, the Severn-Lamb brand, which has
Group (CCG), also based in the U.K., ous benefits to both the company as will our clients. The group incor- included a review of the products
in a move that will enable the com- itself and its global client base. It has porates a number of companies, sev- and services on offer, the design of an
pany to further develop and grow enabled an extension of the prod- eral with unique skills and expertise, updated logo for a more modern look
as it combines its existing design, ucts and services on offer while also and we have been able to make use of and a push for further diversification
engineering and manufacturing skills providing Severn-Lamb with the these as part of the group. into other market areas. In addition to
with the larger organization’s wide- opportunity to collaborate with an “As well as bringing our own the familiar leisure and resort sectors,
spread expertise. engineering consultancy company, as manufacturing and engineering Severn-Lamb is now also promoting
Clifton Cowley is a group of well as taking advantage of in-house expertise to the group, we are also more actively into the light urban
technology, intellectual property, marketing capabilities, additional helping to open up new potential and special purpose vehicle sectors,
engineering, manufacturing, design, funding resources and all the addi- market areas for CCG as a whole. It’s as well as growing it’s engineering
chartered accountancy and market- tional benefits that come with being therefore a great partnership for all and support services division which
ing specialists who work to develop involved in a diverse group. parties and I’m looking forward to covers all types of engineering, refur-
and grow innovative ventures. The “Joining the Clifton Cowley developing Severn-Lamb further in bishment, maintenance, repair and
group invests in and develops their Group has been a significant move the future for the company’s benefit service work.
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2012
April 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
PARKS & ATTRACTIONS
RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS
Branson tornado doesn’t stop the
music, the fun or the season opening
Reporter’s
STORY: Pam Sherborne claimed “Live Music Capital of the and intensity for the time of the year.
Notebook [email protected]
World,” during the wee hours of Feb. The deaths were reported in Indiana,
29 hitting several of the area’s the- Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Illinois
Foundation poured on BRANSON, Mo. – Lynn Berry, aters and attractions, and residential and Georgia, but significant damages
largest observation wheel director of public relations, Branson areas. More than 30 injuries were re- were reported, of course, in Missouri
Chamber of Commerce and Conven- ported in Branson. and Tennessee. As it moved eastward,
in Western Hemisphere
tion and Visitors Bureau, feels her But, damage was apparently there were storm-related damages in
city was saved by what could have minimal as city officials announced Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The
been a severe blow for the economy the city was up and running and and North Carolina.
massive foundation for what will
here and the people that call it home. ready for visitors just five days after Branson has a population of
be the largest observation wheel
in the Western Hemisphere, and “We were really blessed,” Berry the tornado hit. 10,500, but during tourist season,
third largest in the world, was said, following a deadly outbreak of Branson was just one of numer- that number can swell to 70,000 and
poured on March 1 in Las Vegas, tornadoes that ripped through ar- ous cities that were hit by the storm more. Tourist season normally starts
Nev. across from Mandalay Bay. eas from the Gulf Coast to the Great outbreaks that trekked across areas here the first weekend in March. The
SkyVue is a 500-foot tall Lakes and resulted in more than 35 on Feb. 29 and March 2 and 3, the storm outbreak just skirted that time-
wheel that will feature 32, deaths in five different states. “Noth- more deadly coming March 2. More table. City officials believe one reason
24-passenger gondolas and of- ing was totally devastated here. We than 100 tornadoes were reported. there were no fatalities here was be-
fer two HD LED Multi Media dis- are fine. We are now dealing with the Weather experts have called the out- cause the tourists hadn’t yet arrived.
plays in the center of the Wheel, construction.” break, where tornadoes were report- Branson is full of an array of at-
measuring 50,000 square feet. An EF-2 twister bounced around ed from the Gulf Coast to the Great tractions. There are approximately
The wheel is being devel- the City of Branson, the self-pro- Lakes and eastward, unusual in size 4See TORNADO, page 10
oped by Howard Bulloch and
David Gaffin, both of Compass Circus Circus remodels rooms, adds attraction
Investments. Also on board are
Keith Robertson, president of
JKR & Associates, John Woods, LAS VEGAS, In addition
president of Norcross Construc- Nev. — Circus Cir- to the redesigned
tion, LLC and LEDCOR, the man- cus Las Vegas re- rooms, Circus Cir-
ufacturer of the wheel. cently unveiled a cus also recently
The SkyVue wheel is sched- series of remodeled 15-story tower, these accommodations welcomed The
uled to open July 4, 2013. guest rooms and welcomed its newest feature classic furnishings, pillow-top Chuck Jones Experience to its roster of
attraction, The Chuck Jones Experi- mattresses, 40-inch flat-screen TVs and on-site entertainment options.
Quoted ence. Wi-Fi Internet access. Guests also have Guests are engaged with interac-
More than 1,900 guest rooms in the the option of choosing a Large King tive exhibits, displays and learning op-
Casino and Skyrise Towers have been room featuring an expanded seating portunities as they travel through the
“We wanted to do
remodeled, offering guests a fresh se- area for added comfort. art, life and mind of legendary anima-
something more with lection of accommodations. Refreshed and rejuvenated, the tor Chuck Jones. As a four-time Acad-
“The newly redesigned rooms em- rooms in the 29-story Skyrise Tower emy Award recipient, Jones is best
Pirates and make a
body the personality of Circus Circus welcome guests with jewel tones, known for creating Looney Tunes and
big ride with a and how we want our guests to feel while providing easy access to the re- Merrie Melodies shorts, Tom & Jerry car-
big splash!” during their stay,” said Don Thrasher, laxation of the hotel’s pools and the ex- toons and the TV version of Dr. Seuss’
president and chief operating officer citement of The Adventuredome. For How the Grinch Stole Christmas, along
of Circus Circus. “We’ve incorporated additional guest comfort, flat-screen with many other animated classics.
—Legoland California Project
modern touches and design elements TVs, pillow-top mattresses and Wi- At The Chuck Jones Experience,
Designer Lindsay Burroughs
while maintaining the classic comfort Fi Internet access combine to create a special workshops and lectures on the
said on the addition of Pirate
that keeps guests coming back to our memorable stay. art of animation, screenings of several
Reef, the first ever junior-sized
hotel time after time.” The remodeled rooms are part of Jones’ animated films and a never-be-
Shoot the Chute from
Contemporary jewel and earth an overall re-fresh at Circus Circus that fore-seen collection of more than 250
Hopkins Rides
tones welcome guests into the Ca- also includes new wallpaper and car- drawings, doodles and paintings are
sino Tower rooms. Nestled within the pet throughout the property. sure to entertain visitors of all ages.
Creating Memories & Profitability
• abc rides switzerland
• Cogan Kiddie Rides Train
• Moser Rides Z oo
•• WUsaetdtm Raidne Tsr &ai nGsames N ashville
www.intermarkridegroup.com Voodoo Interactive Raft, abc rides Hoopla, Moser Rides Wattman Mini Express
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2012
TORNADO
AMUSEMENT Universal Orlando’s creative team
Continued from page 9
MARKET PLACE previews new Spider-Man
20 area attractions. There are
50-plus live entertainment
theaters and 200 hotels. The
Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture
tornado did cause damage
to five or six of the city’s 50-
SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C.
plus theaters, and 12 to 15 of
the city’s 200 hotels.
106 Burnham Intervale Road
Contoocook, N.H. 03229 Attractions that were
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
still closed March 6 when
this story was written were
•Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways
the Branson Auto Museum,
•Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides
Flash Country Indoor and
•New ride control systems and modifications
Lost Treasure Golf.
•Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee A WWII Mustang that sat
in front of the Branson Veter-
[phone]
Parts and Service Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton ans Museum was blown off
its base and into the parking
lot.
Members of the Universal creative team at Universal
Orlando Resort preview some of the new enhancements “It’s not back up yet but
being made to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man we have cleaned it,” she said.
including all-new 4K digital high definition animation, Popular attractions, in-
sophisticated 3-D projection systems, a new music score cluding Silver Dollar City, Ti-
and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses. The glasses, tanic Branson, White Water,
seen here, feature new lenses made of dichroic filters and the Showboat Branson
for amazing color and clarity, and allow guests to experi- Belle, escaped unscathed.
ence hundreds of new details within the towering visual According to a Branson
spaces. The award-winning attraction re-opened to the local news report, damaged
public on March 8, 2012. venues included the Bald-
COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO knobbers Jamboree show,
where the opening was to
be postponed until March
8; The Americana Theatre,
which had a projected re-
opening around April 15;
and the Branson Variety The-
ater.
Structural Technologies Inc
There also was some
damage to the city’s conven-
New Construction
tion center.
Renovations
Daily Maintenance “The damage to the con-
Relocations vention center was centered
Track Replacement in the walkway connector
Demolition between the convention cen-
Inspections ter and the Hilton Hotel,”
Emergency Work Berry said. “There is a lot of
glass there which blew out,
380 Bad Man Hill Rd. • Paxinos, Pa 17860
therefore damaging the in-
[phone] or [phone]
side. The hotel had a lot of
[email protected]
windows broken out which
allowed rain to come into
the rooms. The hotel will be
SIGN UP NOW AT closed about 90 days, which
WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM will affect our convention
business.”
From
Berry said they have
tried to keep people in-
Amusement Todaynow brings you formed through the Cham-
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Berry was also reported
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www.AmusementToday.com saying earlier that: “Dolly
817-460-7220 Parton’s Dixie Stampede
or call:
didn’t have a flower out of its
flower beds, but Dick Clark’s
American Bandstand The-
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ater, right across the street,
Buy products and services from these suppliers.
had significant damage.”