Rebirth of Luna Park: Coney Island's 100-day miracle - Amusement

48 Pages·2012·11.18 MB·English

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Vol. 14, Issue 5 AUGUST 2010 $5.00
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opens $9 million Haunted Castle
Amusement
R & R Creative, Sally Corp.,
cerned about the big whimsi- industry
I.E. Park all contribute to cal clock and the gravedig-
success of new dark ride gers. mourns loss of
“So, we brought some of
Pam ShPearmbo rSnheerborne these elements in, refurbished two legends
AmuseAmmeunste Tmoednat yToday them to make them look fresh,
and then incorporated them
Santa Cruz Beach Board- into the new Haunted Castle,”
walk has some very loyal fans. said Brigid Fuller, communi-
So, when it came time to design cations director, Santa Cruz pic
and construct the 100-year-old Beach Boardwalk. “These
park’s new Haunted Castle things were important so we
dark ride, those fans’ wishes didn’t want to neglect some of
were taken into consideration. our most loyal fans.”
For example, many fans But, then the park, R & R
were concerned about the gi- Creative Amusement Designs, Harold Chance
PHOTO COURTESY R & R CREATIVE
ant black spider that donned Inc., Anaheim, Calif., and Sally
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s new Haunted Castle 1921-2010
the former haunted castle ride Corp., Jacksonville, Fla., along
since 1972. Others were con- 4See CASTLE, page 4 represents $9 million in frighting thrills for its guests. Chance Rides
Rebirth of Luna Park: Coney Island’s 100-day miracle Manufacturing Co.
Wichita, Kan.
Zamperla provides
Over the years, much of
18 rides for new park the magic slowly seeped out
of Coney Island until all that
Scott Rutherford remained was the Cyclone pic
Amusement Today wooden roller coaster, Deno’s
Wonder Wheel, a handful of
Luna Park. The very men-
private concessions and, of
tion of the name conjures
course, Astroland Park. When
whimsical visions of Coney
the latter suffered an indignant
Island during its heyday.
death in 2008, there seemed
Stan Nelson
Opened on the site of the for-
very little left to draw summer-
mer Sea Lion Park in 1903, the 1923-2010
time visitors to Coney Island.
original Luna was built during
But that all changed when the Joyland Park
a time when electric lighting
new Luna Park opened this Wichita, Kan.
was an absolute novelty and
past Memorial Day weekend.
people were eager to try just
about anything for a thrill. The
Turning of the tide AT PHOTO/GARY SLADE SEE STORIES
popular park lasted until 1944
The story of how Luna After a 66-year absence, the rides and thrills are back at
when a devastating fire wiped PAGE 34
4See LUNA, page 5 Luna Park, thanks to 18 rides from Zamperla.
it out.
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2010
TM
Gary Slade
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]
A leap of faith
Sometimes you have to have a little faith.
Faith is what Valerio Ferrari, president of Zamperla Inc.
and the team at Central Amusement International LLC (CAI),
had to have when bidding on the contract with the city of New
York for the redevelopment of amusements on a three-plus acre
site at Coney Island.
The idea that the city first wanted to bring the Coney
Island area back to its glory was introduced to the amusement
industry by the city during the November 2008 IAAPA show in
Orlando. From there the city met with interested parties before
selecting their final choice, in this case CAI.
It was during this time that Ferrari would test his faith.
The city wanted the new park open by Memorial Day weekend
2010. Yet the final contract would not be awarded until Janu-
ary 2010. Calculate another 30 days to get the t’s crossed and i’s
Scott Rutherford
dotted on a contract and the winner is now looking at a 100-
day window to open a new park. Traditional wooden roller coasters: an endangered species?
Ferrari, Zamperla and CAI had the faith they would be
given the winning bid to redevelop a site directly across the
The debut of the wooden roller replaced by preformed sections of Rocky
street from the famed Cyclone and next door to the historic coaster Colossus, which opened in 2001 Mountain Construction’s steel I-Box
Wonder Wheel. Their faith was so strong that in Oct. 2009 the at Germany’s Heide Park, caused an track. Like the four hybrids mentioned
ride orders were placed with Zamperla to begin construction unexpected ripple in the amusement in- earlier, the result will undoubtedly be a
on what they hoped would be a delivery of 18 rides, right out dustry. Designed by Ing.-Büro Stengel wildly popular and entertaining ride.
of the Zamperla catalog. for Intamin AG, and built by Ingenieur- But at what cost to tradition? Like the
That faith, or some may say gut feeling, turned out to be Holzbau Cordes, this towering ride early German carousel carvers who lov-
the right choice as the city of New York awarded the devel- looked like a normal wooden coaster, but Rutherford ingly fashioned magnificent steeds from
opment contract to CAI on Jan. 10, 2010. Now the real work what set it apart from its brethren was its solid blocks of wood, today’s coaster
would begin. In just 100 days, CAI was able to open a new prefabricated wooden track. Unlike tradi- trackers are true artisans. They careful-
$15 million park. It would be called Luna Park in honor of tional wooden laminated track that has been an ly hand-cut their wooden track, incrementally
industry staple for more than a century, this new building up the layers, shaping it to conform to
the historic park that once graced Coney Island. The massive
development produced rails so precise (thanks to the designer’s detailed instructions. The result is
pinwheel entry would be rebuilt. CAI would build a park that
laser cutting, machining and gluing) that they felt that magnificent, rough-and-tumble experience
is colorful and clean, and one that now sees families out for an
like a steel coaster. we call a wooden roller coaster.
afternoon or night of fun and thrills. Throw in the fact that 230
Three more of these hybrids followed: Bald- Despite all the perceived advantages in these
seasonal jobs were created and its clear, that with a little faith,
er, Liseberg; El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure; new forms of tracking technology, many purists
good things will happen.
and T-Express, Everland. These rides are some (myself included) are pondering the future of the
The city has built a new subway station at Coney Island.
of the most intense psuedo-wooden coasters out true wooden coaster. Those machines built with
They have built a new beach boardwalk complete with new
there. With a powerful ride experience includ- laminated wooden track and steel running wheels
public bathrooms. A new minor leaague baseball stadium
ing sustained negative-Gs, they’re the adrenaline suddenly seem rare and all the more precious.
has been built. Demolation is scheduled for old and outdated junkie’s dream machines. Thankfully, a few entities remain – Great
buildings. More new development, including more rides, are And now we have the next step in wooden Coasters International, The Gravity Group and
on the way. coaster evolution: the transfiguring of the Texas Martin & Vleminckx and Leonard Adams – who
All because the city of New York and CAI were willing to Giant at Six Flags Over Texas. To combat this super each in their own unique manner carry on the
take a leap of faith, together, for the benefit of Coney Island. twister’s outrageous maintenance requirements, tradition established by their predecessors. May
—Gary Slade the ride will re-open in 2011 with its wooden track they continue to practice their art.
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August 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
Favorite amusement park ride Favorite drink in the morning
My favorite of all-time is The Hammer, which is no longer A Tasse Latte Macchiato … a yummy vanilla/caramel
at Wonderland. Currently, I’d have to say, my favorite coffee.
ride is our Texas Tornado.
If I could watch only one TV show, it would be …
Compiled by Janice Witherow If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … Bones.
Bored! Seriously, I’d be a CPA or a Spanish teacher.
Rebecca Parker
Favorite family activity
Wonderland Park, Amarillo, Texas The thing I like most about amusement park season is … Swimming and riding rides with my two children.
The constant activity and excitement that the park brings.
For Rebecca Parker, working at What part of the day do you feel most creative?
Wonderland Park is all in the family. The Favorite kind of sandwich Definitely mid-to-late afternoon. I am not a morning
daughter of Paul and Paula Borchardt, Reuben … my parents got me hooked on this! person!
owners of the Amarillo, Texas amuse-
ment park, Rebecca grew up on the My ideal day off is spent … Are you: a spontaneous soul or do you have to have
midway and fell in love with the business Reading, swimming and hanging out with my family. everything mapped out?
at an early age. Now the controller of Actually, a little bit of both.
Wonderland Park, she puts her degree as Least favorite holiday
Parker
a certified public accountant to good use. Oh gosh, I guess I’d have to say Presidents’ Day! My childhood ambition was to …
Rebecca is an avid football fan, active Be in international business.
member of her church and her Texas charm allows her to If I was lost in the woods with nothing but an army
carry on a conversation with just about anyone! knife, I could make a … French fries or Tater tots?
Carving in the trees to show that I’ve been in that location Tater tots.
Title … maybe it would help guide me in some way!
Controller If I could have any celebrity as a neighbor, it would be …
The last time I went swimming was … Bill O’Reilly of FOX News … that would be interesting!
Number of years with Wonderland Park About three months ago at an indoor pool.
Forever! I grew up at the park … my first paycheck was Favorite childhood movie
actually when I was 11 years old! I have been full-time for Do you eat out or cook at home most often? Sleeping Beauty and then later on, Gone with the Wind.
15 years. It’s about even. My husband, Randy, is a great cook, so
when we eat at home, he usually is our chef. When it comes to college football, I cheer for …
Best thing about the industry University of Oklahoma Sooners, and as a graduate of
It’s fun. Everywhere you look, people are enjoying them- I feel most comfortable when … Texas A & M, the Aggies!
selves. Hopefully, we are giving them one of their best I am at the park or at my church.
days of the summer.
My mother always told me … To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill
Biggest challenge facing our industry “One attracts more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith-
The paperwork and all of the pending legislation.
[email protected] or [phone].
CCrreeaattiivvee MMaarrkkeettiinngg
JJiinngglleess
BBrrooCChhuurreess && aarrttwwoorrkk
PPhhoottooggrraaPPhhyy
iinntteerrnneett ssoolluuttiioonnss
PPrrooMMoottiioonnss
ggrroouuPP ssaalleess ttrraaiinniinngg
&& MMoorree!!
1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2010
CASTLE “The park wanted to hold the park completely removed
on to some of the flavor of the existing haunted dark ride.
Continued from page 1
the old Haunted Castle, like Then, contractors dug into the
with several other amusement the pop-up characters,” said ground to create a basement.
industry corporations, began Rick Bastrup, one of the own- That 10,000-sq.-ft. basement
creating a whole new ride. ers of R & R Creative Design. now houses the new Haunted
The end product opened “So, we did incorporate those Castle. The street level floor
June 4, 2010, to the tune of $9 things into the ride, but also and the second floor houses
million. gave them a brand new ride.” administrative offices. The
“We have had some very The actual construction of addition of more office space
good feedback so far,” Full- the building that would house will eventually open up other
er said. “It has been going the new attraction created a spaces on the property to en-
great.” unique challenge. Santa Cruz able future additions.
Santa Cruz and R & R Beach Boardwalk is long and The new Haunted Castle
Creative Design began work- narrow, located between the loads on the Boardwalk level,
ing together on the project in beach and railroad tracks. So, and then descends to enter the
the spring of 2006. Santa Cruz space is limited. In addition, castle. The ride also ascends
officials wanted to retain the the city of Santa Cruz imposes on a ramp to the loading sta-
historical aspects of the park height restrictions. tion.
while providing the latest in Once the attraction’s con- “That was probably the
technology and ride systems. cept and design was finalized, most challenging part of the
design for us,” Bastrup said.
“You have to have something
going on when the riders are
going down and when they
are going back up again.”
When the ride starts, rid-
ers descend backwards down
a spiral where they are met by
floating phantoms and black
light affects.
As riders begin their as-
cent to the loading station,
a hooded guillotine master
meets them. This is one of the
favorite characters of Rich Hill,
a designer with Sally Corpora-
tion.
“That character is a great
animatronic,” Hill said. “We
were able to give him 15
movements with about five
cylinders. That is pretty good
use of the client’s money.”
PHOTOS COURTESY R & R CREATIVE
The guillotine master pulls
Scenes from inside Haunted Castle, the new, $9 million
on a rope and hoists a large
metal guillotine overhead and dark ride at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, include top to
laughs at the riders. Just as the bottom: No dinner party is complete without a winekeeper
car passes under the guillo- and the many barrels of liquid refreshment. To keep the
tine, he drops the huge blade. uninvited guests out, this banquet knight stands watch.
There is a loud crash and the R & R Creative Design brainstormed the ride, with assistance
lights go out. Riders are then
from Sally Corp. I.E. Park supplied the vehicles.
hit with a large blast of air sim-
ulating being hit by the blade. “There is no blood, but castle, they pass through an
Another important de- some good scares,” Hill said. entry hall and are greeted by
sign feature was creating a “When I rode it, I was the ghostly floating king. The
spooky ride and a family ride behind a car with four girls projected king characters were
at the same. The park wanted about 12 or 13 years old,” Bas- produced by Fox Productions,
a spooky atmosphere spiced trup said. “They laughed the Gold River, Calif.
with humor. whole time. They would get The cars pass through
That was a fun part for a little scared, but it was a fun dungeons, a wine cellar, the
Sally Corporation’s design scary. That was exactly what kitchen, through the dining
team. Sally was responsible we were trying to create.” room where the Royal Ban-
for all the animatronics. Once riders enter the 4See CASTLE, page 5
August 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
LUNA
Founded in 2001, Central Amusement
Continued from page 1
wins bid to develop new Luna Park
Park came into being is as
impressive as the facility it- CAI was established in 2001 by Alberto Zamperla, Val-
self. Once Central Amuse- erio Ferrari, and Peter Pelle (a group of amusement park in-
ment International, LLC was dustry veterans) who had a vision of establishing a seasonal
informed by the City of New amusement park in New York City’s Central Park. That
York that it had won the bid vision came to fruition in the summer of 2003, with rides
to provide the attractions for provided by Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. CAI’s first amuse-
Luna Park (beating American ment park opened its gates for business: Victorian Gardens
would-be operators such as at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Seven successful years
Ripley Entertainment, Great later, this amusement park has become a staple of the New
Wolf Resorts, Six Flags, the York City summer scene, operating daily from Memorial
Rockwell Group, Palace Enter- Day weekend to mid-September. With a full-time staff of six
PHOTO COURTESY R & R CREATIVE tainment and Premier Rides), people and a seasonal staff of 80, CAI is proud to have pro-
When Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk decided to create a new the company had but 100 days vided more than 1.8 million rides for the 140,000-plus Victo-
Haunted Castle dark ride, they did so with a new building to make it all happen. In a nut- rian Gardens’ guests during the 2009 season.
and all new scenes inside. What didn’t change was some of shell, this Herculean under- On Memorial Day weekend of 2010 CAI opened Luna
the history that the old ride was famous for on its exterior. taking amounted to clearing/ Park at Coney Island, it’s second amusement park in New
prepping the site, building/ York City at the legendary and iconic amusement area known
A giant black spider and whimsical clock were just a few
installing/testing rides, hiring as Coney Island. Luna Park features 19 rides, 6 interactive
of the props saved from the old structure and rebuilt with
staff, booking entertainment games, 5 food points, retail, and live entertainment.
the new building.
and finally opening the gates
CASTLE
Sally’s biggest fan to visitors. And this all had to
treated to surprise Continued from page 4 be accomplished in less than
15 weeks.
during opening
With a dogged determina-
quet awaits, into a fireplace,
tion, CAI pulled off something
and through back doors of
Two young fans of Santa the fireplace into the murky that many said could not be
Cruz Beach Boardwalk were swamp behind the castle. done, and the result is nothing
special guests during the of- Riders then go over a bridge, short of impressive.
ficial opening ceremonies for “Even though I’ve always
through a graveyard, and then
the new Haunted Castle on been completely confident in
back in the castle through the
June 4. Nine-year-old Taylor both CAI’s and Zamperla’s
Royal Kennel.
Andre and 15-year-old ACE capabilities and expertise I
In the wine cellar, rid-
member Nicholas Laschke- was still impressed and com- AT PHOTO/GARY SLADE
ers view a skeleton bartender
watsch — both big-time dark pletely satisfied with the entire Helping make Luna Park a success in its first season
pouring wine into a skull while
ride enthusiasts — were in- team’s commitment and what is the CAI management team of, l to r: Fernando Ve-
a skeleton cat hits the skull
troduced to the crowd, pre- with its paw. In the kitchen, a we were able to accomplish as lasquez, general manager; Beau Berni, operations
sented with design concept a result,” said Luna Park Gen-
chef is cooking a scary rabbit. manager; Johanna Orozco-Zaki, sales and marketing
renderings of the Haunted eral Manager Fernando Ve-
A head pops up out of a salad manager and David Galst, operations manager.
Castle, and got to take the lasquez. “I feel proud and hon-
bowl on the dining table and
first ride with Santa Cruz ored to have been in a position
a bust of the king comes alive
President Charles Canfield. that enabled me to participate homage to the entrance of the Zamperla prototype, Air Race;
and taunts the riders. A seven-
Although both youngsters in the design and construction original Luna. Though gated, the Electro Spin, a Mega Disk
foot swamp monster lurks
and their families had been of Luna Park.” there is no entrance fee. The ‘O’; Eclipse, Discovery pendu-
under the bridge. A storm
invited to the opening, nei- facility offers a clean and or- lum ride; Brooklyn Flyer, Ver-
of thunder and lightning oc-
ther one was expecting to be Grand Opening dered environment with plen- tical Swing; and the Tickler, a
curs while riders go through
treated as a VIP, so they were
On the former three-acre ty of courteous, uniformed spinning Wild Mouse coaster
the graveyard equipped with
blown away by the event.
Asroland site, sandwiched be- employees that appear to gen- named for Coney’s old Virgin-
gravediggers.
Taylor Andre, who says
tween the Cyclone and Won- uinely enjoy their positions. ia Reel-style ride.
Another character in the
he’s Sally Corporation’s No.
der Wheel, Luna Park is a vi- Luna Park features 19 The park provides even
graveyard is dressed as a San-
1 fan, has loved dark rides
brant explosion of color, sight rides, all from Zamperla (ex- more rides for families with
ta Cruz Beach Boardwalk em-
since he was old enough to
and sound. The main gate on cept the Reverchon log flume children. Along with the
ployee. He sits up when riders
ride them; and since he and
Surf Avenue is dominated by relocated from Seattle’s Fun 40-foot-tall Reverchon Wild
pass and says, “I’m not dead
his family live only 30 min-
a whirling pinwheel and cres- Forest). Topping the list in the River Flume, these include
utes from Santa Cruz Beach yet!”
cent moon design, which pays thrills department is a new some of Zamperla’s most
Boardwalk, he gets to in- Riders then enter the
popular equipment such as
dulge his passion frequent- boarding station where they Core Cashless announces installation
Big Top Express train ride;
ly. His two favorite rides at exit the attraction.
Tea Party tea cup ride; Balloon
Santa Cruz are Sally’s inter- The track and ride convey- of cashless system at Luna Park
Expedition, Samba Balloon;
active Ghost Blasters and the ances were built by I.E. Park in
Circus Coaster, family coaster;
Haunted Castle. At home, he Italy.
Core Cashless, based in Lenexa, Kan., announced the instal- and the Coney Island Hang
draws dark ride designs and The sets for the castle,
lation of their comprehensive cashless system at Luna Park, a Glider, Kite Flyer.
builds models in a basement swamp and graveyard were
new facility in Coney Island, N.Y., which opened Memorial Day Amusement Today spoke
workshop. In June 2008, he built and installed by Duncan
weekend. The Core system installation was completed just prior with Velasquez about guests
and his dad, Dr. Anthony Design Inc., Santa Rosa, Calif.
to opening and has already greatly impacted the efficiency and as well as the community’s
Andre, flew to Jacksonville, Fuller said actual construc-
expediency of admissions and the total guest experience along reaction to the park’s open-
Florida, to visit the Sally fa- tion of the project began last
cility and spend time with fall, so “we sort of fast tracked with enhanced management of park operations. ing. “We are very pleased and
members of the design team. that part.” All aspects of Luna Park’s operations, including ride admis- humbled by all the positive
The following year, they “It has been giving some sions, concessions, merchandise sales, group sales, season pass- responses and the warm wel-
traveled to Denver to expe- good scares, but no one is run- es & employee time management, are administered by the use come we have received from
rience the new Ghost Blast- ning away from it, just so ter- of Core Cashless’ technology. our guests,” he said. “In part,
ers II at Elitch Gardens. rified,” Fuller said. “That was •www.corecashless.com. thanks to this project’s high
4See LUNA, page 6
exactly what we wanted.”
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2010
LUNA PARK PHOTO COURTESY CHARLES DENSON ARCHIVE; AT PHOTOS/GARY SLADE
In its heyday, Luna Park was known as much for its outrageous rides and thrills as it was for its mas-
sive front entrance, shown here. Today, Luna Park brings a piece of that history alive with a recre-
ation of that entry sign, but this time complete with a modern day LED light computer program.
LUNA Dubois (Juggling Unicyclist);
Eric Sprague (Lizardman); RJ
Continued from page 5
Lewis (Juggling Stiltwalker/
profile has generated a tremen- Fire Eater); and Harley New-
dous amount of public curios- man (Bladewalker)
ity and anticipation which has Future plans for the park in-
a whole led to a very positive clude additional food venues on
response from our customers as the boardwalk end of the prop-
well as the local community. erty as well as a possible dark
“Our main focus on a daily ride for the 2011 season. “For
basis is to run an operation that this year we are already working
guarantees our customers safe- on building a restaurant which
ty, and not only meets but also will be located at the corner of
surpasses their expectations. We Surf Ave and West 10th Street.
want to set the bar for quality of We have also begun working
service and continue to offer our on the design and projections
customers state of the art attrac- for the development of Scream
tions within a friendly, safe and Zone which will bring four new
clean environment, all the while extreme thrill attractions,” said
maintaining Coney Island’s Velasquez.
unique identity and lively spirit
for which it is known.” Coney Island’s rebound
Surrounding businesses are
Food and entertainment reaping the benefits of the new-
Dining options at Luna Park ly opened Luna Park. Carol Hill
are varied and streetwise. These Albert, who operates the histori-
appetizing offering include: cal Cyclone wooden roller coast-
•Swirls – Soft serve ice er next door, said that Memorial
cream accompanied by a variety Day weekend profits were up 40
of sauces, dry and wet toppings percent over the same time last
and freshly made waffle cones; year. Other concessionaires are
•Poparazzi – Buttered Pop- reporting similar increases in
corn, Beach Corn, Cajun Corn, patronage this summer, which
Lemonade; makes the Luna Park project a
•Incredible Edibles – Candy win-win situation for everyone
apples, cotton candy, lemonade involved.
and ICEE; It appears that CAI’s open-
•The Dog Hut – Nathans ing of Luna Park along with
Hot Dogs and Luna Lager (Luna the other projects in the works
Park’s local Brew); and (including two new roller coast-
•Luna BBQ – Luna Smokey ers for an upcoming develop-
BBQ, Slow Smoked BBQ, Pulled ment on the opposite side of the
Puerco, New York Brisket served Brooklyn Cyclones baseball field
on a Brioche Roll with Melting – a customized Zamperla Moto
Pot, Sauces, Frizzled Onion and Coaster with ponies and next-
City Slaw Fried Dill Pickles with gen version of the Volare flying
Smoked Garlic Remoulade coaster) are the jump-start that
On the live entertainment Coney Island has been needing
front, Luna Park is featuring a for its long-awaited rebirth. Luna Park, clockwise from
long list of regular acts: Sam- “I see a very promising fu-
top left: Park overview
mie & Tudie (Clown/Comedy ture which really is what mo-
from Samba Tower; the
Show); Jenny and Her Hoola tivates us to continue working
Tickler spinning mouse
Hoops (Hula Hoop Show); King hard and investing. We want
Henry (Magic/Comedy Show); Luna Park, as well as our future coaster; first-of-its-kind
Louie the Loser’/Muggsy attractions to become icons of Air Race; gift shop; win-
McGuirk (Clown Magic Show); success within the amusement ning at a game; Electro
Chris Capehart (Magic/Illusion industry,” concluded Velasquez.
Spin, Mega Disk ‘O’; Circus
Show); R.J. Lewis (Magic/Illu- “I think as we move forward
Coaster and Luna Park
sion Show); Cowboy Chris Mc- into the future, the continued
comes alive at night with
Daniel (Wild West Show); Will commitment and effort of all
Shaw (Juggling Show); Ravi those involved is what will the use of 1000s of LEDs
the Scorpion Mystic (Contor- bring Coney Island back the ac- on the rides and buildings.
tionist); Marcus Monroe (Jug- claimed grandeur and splendor
gler Extraordinaire); Michael that it had in its heyday.” AT PHOTOS/GARY SLADE
August 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
www.AmusementToday.com
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS
BRIEF Toverland adds Metallbau Emmeln swing ride
Holiday Park's new
Andrew Mellor
water stunt show
Amusement Today
wows audiences
The Dutch park Toverland
Since its debut in 1983,
has added two new attrac-
the Aqua Stadium at Holi-
tions for the 2010 season as
day Park, Hassloch, Ger-
part of its plans to signifi-
many, has been the site of
cantly expand the Troy area of
a number of inventive and
the venue next year – and as a
immensely popular water
prelude to the introduction of
ski shows. Among the ac-
a major new ride in 2011 in the
colades, the park was hon-
same area.
ored in 2004 with IAAPA's
One of the new rides,
Big E Award. The 2010 sea-
Scorpios!, has been installed
son continues that tradi-
in a new, authentic harbour
tion with the introduction
setting and is a Pirate Ship
of the park's newest pro-
attraction from German com-
duction, Jim Pond H2.0.
pany Metallbau Emmeln.
Written by American
Swinging to a height of 15
producer/director Greg
meters (49 feet) and opened
Dolph, Holiday Park's spec-
on July 8, the name derives
tacular new water stunt
from the scorpion theming of
show - touted by Holiday
the ride which reaches a speed
Park as the only such show
of 42 kph (26 mph), making it
in Europe – finds 'Her Maj-
one of the highest and fastest
esty's top spy, Jim Pond'
moving Pirate Ships in the
involved in a high energy,
Benelux region. Moreover, the PHOTOS COURTESY TOVERLAND
interactive presentation
angle reached by Scorpios is The Scorpios! ride is set in a new harbour themed section of the Troy area of Toverland.
featuring actors, Formula 1
75 degrees, whereas most such The swinging boat ride features a 75-degree swing radius, more than other similar rides.
speed boats, airboats, stunt-
attractions go to 60 degrees, Germany’s Metallbau Emmeln supplied the ride.
men and water ski athletes
thus providing more “air
from the U.S., Canada and A second new ride has (Horses of Ithaka), also from dren’s attraction offers a ride
time” than other similar rides.
Germany. also debuted in the same area Metallbau Emmeln. With the on a Greek horse alongside
Seating capacity is 42, giving
Not only is Holiday for 2010 in the shape of a horse aim of adding more variety dunes and old bridges.
an hourly capacity of approxi-
Park's new show winning track, Paarden van Ithaka for the whole family, this chil- 4See TOVERLAND, page 10
mately 800.
over audiences this season,
it also caught the atten- Martin & Vleminckx announce new element for China racing coaster
tion of Germany's Freizeit-
park Tester Team (www.
Martin & Vleminckx have py Valley, Shanghai, in 2009. tions that place riders’ heads
freizeitpark-tester.de).
begun to release details on The as-yet-unnamed ride and arms pointed toward
Founded in 1994, FTT is an
a new racing wooden roller will feature duel 105-foot-tall each other,\ – hence the
independent association
coaster project the company lift hills with track lengths of ‘High Five’ reference.
that evaluates amusement
is handling for OCT Park 3,720 and 3,914 feet respec- According to MVR offi-
park rides and shows, par-
in Wuhan, China. Slated to tively. cials, the High Five is but one
ticularly from the point of
make its debut in late sum- Working closely with its maneuvers – the High Five of the wooden coaster inno-
view of families and chil-
mer 2011, the new ride will design and engineering part- – should prove a highlight vations they are working on.
dren. Shortly after the start
be double the length of the ners, Ohio-based The Gravity of the OCT racing coaster. Others will be announced at
of the 2010, FTT presented
3,819-foot-long Fireball, Chi- Group, MVR is developing The element finds the trains the upcoming IAAPA trade
Holiday Park with its pres-
na’s first wooden coaster that a number of innovative ele- (TGG’s new Timberliners) on show in Orlando this No-
tigious Top-Show Award
MVR opened at OCT’s Hap- ments. One of these unique vertically banked track sec- vember.
award for Jim Pond H2.0
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2010
Liseberg Tower set for thrilling revamp from Intamin/Ride Trade
Andrew Mellor
Amusement Today
Sweden’s Liseberg Park is
to transform one of its existing
attractions into a major thrill
ride for the 2011 season.
The 116 meter (380 feet)
high Liseberg Tower, which
has served as an observation
tower for the past 20 years,
is to be rebuilt into Europe’s
tallest freefall tower ride and
renamed AtmosFear in time
for the beginning of next
season. To be converted by
Intamin/Ride Trade from
Liechtenstein, the new attrac-
tion will begin underground
in the basement of the tower
from where the gondola will
take approximately 90 seconds
to reach the top of the struc-
ture. The return journey will,
of course, be rather quicker PHOTOS COURTESY LISEBERG
with riders experiencing the AtmosFear will take riders up to a mind boggling 116
sensation of free falling for meters before dropping them back down to earth. Above,
just over three seconds as they guests will begin their experience on the new tower ride
reach speeds of over 110 kph below ground level.
(68 mph). During braking,
passengers will be subjected meters (10 feet) in diameter and Höjdskräcken from S&S free fall ride is very narrow, (Uppskjutet) and Turbo Drop
to a maximum G-force of 4G. and the seats will project 3 already in operation. but our goal is to be able to (Höjdskräcken) will be consi-
As opposed to the previ- meters from the outside of the “AtmosFear is not for those present this to the public by dered a walk in the park com-
ous gondola in which passen- structure. Riders will be able who are of a cautious nature,” mid-April 2011. The ride itself pared to AtmosFear.”
gers were completely enclosed, to see the whole of Gothenberg commented Mats Wedin, is a challenge for everyone As well as carrying out
the new gondola will seat up from the top and the ride has president of Liseberg. “It will who decides to go 146 meters the work on AtmosFear,
to 36 riders out in the open air now been closed to the public, definitely be the most thrilling (479 feet) above sea level, with Intamin/Ride Trade has also
with their legs dangling freely with work on the transforma- attraction at Liseberg.” your legs dangling free before been responsible for several
below them. Ride time will tion already under way. “This ride will be a real you fall down into the base- other attractions at Liseberg in
be approximately two minutes When complete, challenge,” added Liseberg ment of the building. This will the past, including the Balder
and should provide an hourly AtmosFear will be the third marketing director Pelle be the ultimate height attrac- wooden coaster, the Kållerado
capacity of 600 riders. free fall tower ride on the Johannisson. ”The time frame tion at Liseberg which means rapids ride and the Kanonen
The tower itself is 3.1 park, with the Uppskjutet for rebuilding the tower to a that rides like Space Shot steel coaster.
Pirates land at Germany’s Heide-Park
A new-look Pirate Bay with 12 additional water can- best theme park and placed
area was introduced to guests nons being situated around it within the top three of all
this year at Heide-Park in the outside of the ride for fir- German attractions, based on
Soltau, Germany, one of the ing back at the passing boats. the high quality of its facilities,
venues within the Merlin The newly developed infrastructure, environment
Entertainments Group. area, targeting the family mar- and family friendliness. The
Opened at the start of the ket in particular, represents park was purchased in 2002 by
season, the area, which is situ- an investment of €3m (US the Tussauds Group, becom-
ated in the centre of the park $3.8 million) and also features ing part of Merlin following
and close to the Port Royal a brand new pirate show as the organization’s takeover of
hotel, incorporates a variety another element. And for Tussauds.
of pirate themed features, the 2011, further developments
centerpiece of which is the for Pirate Bay are also in hand, Above right, the center-
newly introduced ToPiLauLa with a major new attraction
piece of Heide-Park’s Pirate
– battle, a River Battle style due to be added, although in
Bay is the new ToPiLauLa
ride built by Mack Rides. With typical Merlin style details of
water ride from Mack
a ‘track’ length of 170 meters exactly what this will be –
Rides. At right, Heide-
(558 feet) and a duration of ‘another big ride’ - are a close-
Park’s general manager
five minutes, the ride has ly guarded secret.
eight suitably themed boats Heide-Park first opened Hannes W. Mairinger and
which accommodate up to in 1978 and has since become German actress Mirja du
eight riders, all of whom have one of the leading theme/ Mont sample the new
a water cannon to fire as they amusement parks in Germany. ToPiLauLa on the ride’s
travel through the attraction. Indeed, an independent opening day.  
Spectators – or ‘lousy landlub- organization recently rated PHOTOS COURTESY
bers’ – can also join in the fun, the resort as North Germany’s HEIDE-PARK
August 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
Polin equipment shines at Vietnam’s largest waterpark
When Vietnam’s Vinpearl
Amusement Park, Nha Trang
City, decided to expand the
facility with the addition of a
waterpark, officials selected
Turkey-based Polin Water-
parks and Pool Systems to de-
sign, supply and construct the
many waterslides and related
equipment. The result is Vin-
pearl, an impressive attraction
of the kind never before seen
in Vietnam.
Located on Hon Tre Is-
land, Vinpearl is Vietnam’s
largest and only beach-side
waterpark. “Looking from
the aspects of both landscape
and the design of waterslides,
Vinpearl is like Heaven,” said
Polin architect Mine Pakis.
Vinpearl, Vietnam’s largest
“There is an unbelievable in-
tegration with nature. You can and only beach-side water-
hear the screams of the riders park, is a showcase for Turk-
that come from Tsunami Slide ish-based Polin Waterparks
but you cannot see the whole and Pool Systems as shown
slide, just the exit since trees in this park view at right, and
and flowers conceal much of
the five images below.
the ride.”
PHOTOS COURTESY POLIN
Vinpearl offers a total of
20 Polin waterslides including beautiful effects and an unfor- The park also utilizes a cable car or ferry to go to Vin- decided to expand the park
rafting rides, inner tube rides, gettable riding experience as unique admission system to pearl and back, play all kinds with several more family wa-
bowl rides, family raft ride, the natural daylight permeates help streamline visitors’ expe- of indoor and outdoor games ter attractions in 2011. Next
six-lane head-first mat racing the slide and produces a har- rience. “Vinpearl Amusement in the amusement park, do the season Polin will provide the
ride, plus a lazy river, a wave- monious colorful effect inside Park now uses package cards, waterpark unlimited times, facility with both a Family
pool, an interactive waterplay the tunnel when combined which are the first to be used and enjoy their time visiting Turbolance Waterslide and a
area, splash pools, and several with the flow of water. These in Vietnam,” said Doan Nhu our wonderful Underwater Surf Stream.
activity pools. effects take on different forms Anh Tuan, general manager World.” For more details on these
The park is a showcase depending on the strength and of Vinpearl Waterpark. “With So impressed with Polin’s and all Polin products, visit:
of Polin’s popular Kids Play direction of the daylight. this card, guests can use a work, Vinpearl operators have www.polin.com.tr.
Products. The attractions in-
clude Octopus slide, Snake
slide, Turtle slide, Rabbit slide,
Mini Rainbow slide, Clown
shower, Penguin shower,
Mushroom, Whale fountain
and an Aquatower.
One of the unique aspects
of the Vinpearl waterslides is
Polin’s application of Natural
Light Effects (NLE). The NLE
system allows Polin to create
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2010
TOVERLAND
Simworx plays role in success of Futuroscope attraction
Continued from page 7
As mentioned the two France’s popular Futuro- sensory physical effects in the the attraction in a 25-seat car- a key role in the huge success
new rides for the current sea- scope theme park has turned theater. All these attributes riage that mimics the flight of of the new attraction.
son represent a preview of to motion simulation plat- combine to absorb visitors the lady buggies, the insect- “Our motion simulator
more to come in 2011, the year forms from Simworx to pro- in what is an original digital shaped vehicles in the Mini- platforms are wowing guests
the park marks its 10th anni- vide key elements in one of work from Besson and his moy world. There are four at Futuroscope on the new
versary, and commenting on its latest attractions. first theme park attraction. carriages on two levels in the Arthur, the 4-D Adventure at-
the on-going developments in Arthur, the 4-D Adven- After an interactive and theater, facing the gigantic traction,” said Simworx Man-
the Troy area. ture, was introduced at the instructive walk through the hemispherical IMAX Dome aging Director Terry Monk-
Managing Director park for 2010 and takes guests world of the Minimoys, visi- screen. A pre-recorded, syn- ton. “We have carried out a
Caroline Maessen said, “With into the fairytale world of the tors join Arthur on a hair-rais- chronised program moves major overhaul of the existing
the wooden roller coaster Minimoys, tiny beings living ing race against time back to each carriage along three axis ride with a new control sys-
Troy we started a new area in a hidden life beneath the soil, the human world. As soon as to rise, descend, tilt left and tem, motion programming
Toverland within the Greek riding on the back of flying guests enter the theater build- right and forward and back- and, of course, the platforms
mythology and we want to
lady buggies. Created by film ing they immediately step ward in time with the on- themselves, which have
develop it more and more.”
director by Luc Besson and into the world of the Mini- screen action. The feeling of played a key role in the suc-
This will involve a new
based on the Arthur and the moys, recreated in four differ- flying through the air is rein- cess of the attraction. Hand
and much larger, more spec-
Minimoys trilogy, the new at- ent zones and a world where forced by a breeze against the on heart, I believe it’s the best
tacular attraction being intro-
traction boasts a combination life is lived underground and face, while a number of new motion simulator attraction
duced next year and although
of technologies. These include among the plants. The effect is and original effects add to the after Universal’s Spiderman
no official details of what this
the 3-D animated film viewed to immerse visitors in a whole experience. and we are delighted to have
will be have been announced,
on a 9,700-squarefoot IMAX new dimension, making them The theater was previ- contributed to that achieve-
apart from the fact that it will
dome screen, synchronised feel they have shrunk and be- ously home to Race for Atlantis ment.”
be called Odysseus, specula-
motion simulator platforms, come Minimoys. and the Simworx motion sim-
tion is that it will be another
from Simworx, and multi- Visitors travel through ulator platforms have played
coaster.