September 2010 - Amusement Today

40 Pages·2012·11.82 MB·English

TM
www.AmusementToday.com
Vol. 14, Issue 6.1 SEPTEMBER 2010 $5.00
BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill had impact on amusement facilities
Although oil spill did not hit all beach areas, lost tourism resulted in lost business for many facilties and attractions
Pam Sherborne
Pam Sherborne nance, and operations for the many educational pro-
Amusement TodayAmusement Today grams come from offerings inside the museum, such
as admission into the Imax theater.
Scenes of oil gushing from a broken well deep “So, we are very much tied to visitation,” Rags-
below the surface of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico dale said.
were common beginning in the first couple of weeks Ragsdale started to see the drop in May. It was
after British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon rig ex- worse in June and then more so in July. She estimated
ploded on April 20. those two months were between 20-25 percent down
The explosion killed 11 platform workers and from 2009.
uncapped a well that some reports now estimate re- The Gulfarium, an aquarium located right on the
leased 4.9 million barrels of oil before efforts to finally beach on Okaloosa Island, Fla., at Ft. Walton Beach,
stop the oil seemed successful at the first of August. Fla., is down by 50 percent.
Photos of sunbathers on the white sandy beaches “We have filed a BP claim and we have filed
of the Gulf shores and in the background workers in amended BP claims,” said Tammy Abrams, public
hazardous materials suits cleaning up oil hit the news relations, the first week in August. “We have been
and almost immediately cancellations at hotels, mo- heavily, heavily impacted. And, we have had only a
tels, resorts, condominiums, and attractions began. When the track of the oil became clear, areas east few little tar balls here and there. I was out on the
Tar balls and oil sheens seen on the pristine wa- of the well site started feeling the pinch. beach yesterday and it was absolutely gorgeous. The
ters in some regions of the gulf scared away the one “About 90 percent of our business is based on waters were a lovely aqua color. It was just beautiful.
thing many along the Gulf coast rely on — tourism. tourism,” said Ron Hardy, an owner of the Gulf But, people are scared.”
Even though it appeared the oil had stopped, as World Marine Park, Panama City Beach. “We are sig- No cutbacks have had to be made so far, Abrams
more tourists began to head back to the shores and nificantly off. We are down between 23 to 25 percent said, but some budgetary changes were implement-
more fishing areas reopened, from Louisiana to as in the main part of our season.” ed. Those changes impacted the hiring of seasonal
far east as Apalachicola, Fla., Gulf businesses were Hardy represented one of the few attractions employees.
feeling the impact from that oil whether or not it had along the Gulf coast to speak publicly with AT about “We just didn’t hire as many this summer,” she
shown up on their shores. the impact. With so many claims against BP still be- said. “During these summers months, May-August,
Amusement attractions were right in there with ing negotiated for lost revenues, some representa- we make the majority of our income for the rest of
the rest of the businesses that rely heavily on sum- tives from amusement attractions are apparently the year.”
mer visitors. keeping their cards close to their chests. With the facility located on the beach, water from
Confusion on which way the oil would track at But, when final numbers are in, it won’t be a very the Gulf is run through a filtration system and is used
the onset of the Deepwater Horizon explosion led to a good season for many. in the tanks for the marine life. They haven’t had any
few cancellations west of the well site, along the Tex- “We were actually up for the first part of 2010,” problems.
as seaboard. Jeffrey Siebert, communications direc- said Shelley Ragsdale, public relations/marketing, Chip Cleary, senior vice president, Palace Enter-
tor, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, said he did hear those National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Fla. tainment, which owns Big Kahuna Waterpark, Des-
reports. But, the Schlitterbahn parks in both St. Padre “Last year, our attendance was just under 760,000. tin, Fla., one hour east of Pensacola, said: “On behalf
Island and Galveston Island were not impacted. We were on target to hit about 800,000 this year. Now, of Palace Entertainment, it (the oil) has had a very
“There was some initial confusion,” Siebert said. I think we will end our season in the low 700,000s.” large impact on our business this summer and on the
“But, both parks have held their own and business This Pensacola museum, which opened in 1962, Destin region. It is too early to tell right now what
looks to be on par with last year.” has free admission. Funds for renovations, mainte- 4See OIL, page 4
INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENTP ARKS WATERPARKS BUSINESS MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDS
SEE PAGES 5-10 SEE PAGES 11-18 SEE PAGES 19-24 SEE PAGES 25-32 SEE PAGES 33-39
R al. 010
PAPE Dated materi August 30, 2
WS TER:USH!nday, Register now to attend at www.goldenticketawards.com!
NE POSTMASPLEASE RMailed Mo @
9602 # TIMREP .P GOLDEN TICKET 20
XT HTROW .TF .I.V AWARDS 10
DIAP
BEST OF THE BEST!
EGATSOP SU
DTS TRSRP
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010
TM
Gary Slade
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]
Industry members to gather at
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
for Golden Ticket Awards
Preparations
for Amusement
Today’s coveted .P GOLDEN TICKET 20
Golden Ticket .I AWARDS 10
.V
Awards are well
BEST OF THE BEST!
under way, and
the host park for
the two-day event,
the beautiful Busch Gardens Williamsburg, is hard
Andrew Mellor
at work rolling out the red carpet for industry at-
tendees who will visit on Friday and Saturday, Sept. The importance of being original
10-11. This is a “don’t miss” industry gathering (not
The opportunity to hear industry delegates to differentiate their venues
to mention always a great time with a lot of laughs!).
leaders speak at different events and from one another rather than doing the
Special behind-the-scenes tours and a social
provide their expert and knowledge- same thing. Of course many operators
reception is being planned to kick-off the event on
able insights into the many aspects of do strive to be different and work hard
September 10, while other activities such as guided the theme park and visitor attraction to provide guests with original ideas,
park tours, a day of experiencing Busch Gardens industry is always one worthwhile tak- but there are also venues that often do
ing. pretty much the same thing as they’ve
Williamsburg in operation, and, of course, the an-
Recently I attended the Vision XS Mellor seen elsewhere with little or no effort to
ticipated awards show, will entertain attendees on
attraction operator’s conference in the put their own stamp on it.
September 11. U.K. which this year played host to a number Creating your own identity is important
To check out the itinerary for the Golden Ticket of ‘A’ list speakers, including two industry leg- in all walks of life and none more so than in
ends in Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of a place where you want to attract visitors time
Awards, as well as to register, please log on to
BRC Imagination Arts, and John Holland, for- and time again. Guests to theme parks and oth-
www.goldenticketawards.com. This event is
mer general manager of Animal Kingdom and er types of visitor attractions go to a number of
reserved for working professionals in the park and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida. venues each year. If all they get are the same or
amusement industry. Representatives from parks Both, of course, provided inspirational and similar experiences then they are going to start
thought provoking presentations, discussing looking elsewhere for their entertainment and
and attractions, manufacturers, suppliers, consul-
the importance of reaching into the hearts of the days out. With constantly increasing competi-
tants and more will come together to celebrate
audience, being original and empowering staff tion for the leisure dollar, euro, pound, etc., be-
another industry season – all in the name of fun. through great leadership, among other things. ing original has never been so important.
This is the 13th annual year for the Golden Ticket And it was the point about being original, Audiences are more sophisticated and sim-
discussed by Rogers, and the observations he ply won’t put up with seeing the same things
Awards; they are presented to the “Best of the Best”
made on the effects of globalization on the in- repeated in the facilities they visit. They are
in the amusement industry and are calculated from
dustry that was one of many I thought about constantly demanding more and better prod-
an international poll conducted by the industry later. He noted that very often it was a case of ucts and being original will ensure parks cater
trade publication Amusement Today. the same solution for everything and urged to that demand.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF ADDRESS, SUBSCRIPTION, POSTMASTER INFORMATION
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Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement
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Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit
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September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
Favorite amusement ride To me, the scariest movie monster of all-time is …
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man …and my ran- Is Joan Rivers considered a monster?
goon red 64 ½ Mustang Convertible.
The concert I would love a backstage pass to would be …
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … Pink Floyd.
Compiled by Janice Witherow Commissioned to write a book on 50 “must-do” relax-
ing, romantic and rowdy adventures to add to your life’s Pick one: country house or big-city condo
Denise Weston
“Bucket List.” Extensive research needed! Country house on Golden Pond complete with Hepburn
Creative Kingdoms / MagiQuest and Fonda.
Biggest challenge facing our industry
Denise Weston sure knows how to Fear of trying new concepts and attractions due to eco- Ten years ago, I was …
have fun! In fact, some say she revolu- nomic pressures. Dreaming of families creating magic together.
tionized the art of play by discovering an
inventive concept that combines comput- The thing I like most about amusement/water park sea- I can’t stand being around people who …
er play and physical activity for children son is … Have contagious diseases.
with MagiQuest, the world’s largest live Show us the money!
action game. A trained psychologist, My family’s ultimate road trip game is …
Denise has used her talents to consult for My first car was … “In my Jewish grandmother’s trunk there is a …”
Weston
companies such as Hasbro and Disney; A big Ford van with the back seats taken out replaced by
plus she has authored three books and beanbags. What is a seat belt?! The magazine cover I would most like to appear on
written more than 75 articles on play, toys, family enter- would be …
tainment, family travel and parenting. In 1999, she helped A recent life-changing moment for me was … Fortune, Travel and Leisure, Time and Sports Illustrated.
found Creative Kingdom. As a mother of three, Denise Realizing I wasn’t 7 years old anymore. But 8 isn’t so bad. Which means I must have done something outrageous.
has plenty of inspiration from her children. Her sense of
humor is obvious … and a big key to her success. Coolest ocean creature My least favorite word is …
My daughter Emily scuba diving with me. IMPOSSIBLE.
Title If I was a secret agent, my code name would be … I am afraid of …
Director of Imagination and President Creative Kingdoms/ I can’t tell you! It’ll blow my cover. Not spending enough time with my parents who live in the
MagiQuest. Midwest. (OK, that got me to call them and plan our next
The magical power I wish I had is … adventure).
Number of years in the industry I don’t have to wish. Have you seen my collection of magic
21. wands? The all-time best ad slogan hands-down is …
Sometimes you feel like a nut…sometimes you don’t.
Best thing about the industry It’s September! My favorite fall activity is …
Amusement Today! OK, enough sucking up. The opportuni- Road trip with family and friends seeing autumn colors To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill
ty to entertain families by letting your imagination go wild. and then skipping through the leaves.
feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith-
[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 September 2010
OIL
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Continued from page 1
Passion for a park
that total impact will be.”
Other businesses in Destin
Dear Editor: tendance is down because of
were also reporting losses. Ho-
The county of Westchester, sticker shock. No park has
tels and condominium rentals
New York has a crown jewel gone from a free gate to a paid
were down by as much as 30
[Rye Playland] by the sound. gate without experiencing at
percent, according to some re-
It is a tarnished jewel as po- least a temporary decline in
ports.
litical football has been played attendance.
In Panama City Beach,
with it for ages. And because In a perfect world, the
about 60 miles east of Des-
it is subject to political foot- county would either hire park
tin, Buddy Wilkes, owner of
ball, it has never lived up to professionals to run the park
Shipwreck Island waterpark,
the promise it offers. or a company that runs tra-
said his business is down this
It was not always that ditional amusement parks.
summer, but he feels, at least
way. When the citizens of Would the owner of a grocery
for him, it may have more to
Westchester County first com- store hire someone to manage
do with the local school calen-
missioned Playland, it was his store that had no experi-
dar than any oil tar balls or the PHOTO COURTESY OF GULFARIUM
left to an industry veteran to ence in groceries? But they
threat thereof. Gulfarium, located along the Gulf of Mexico on Okaloosa
design and operate the park. cannot hire just any profes-
“There were maybe four Island near Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has seen a drop of at-
Frank Darling came up with a sionals. They must hire those
or five tar balls reported on tendance this summer of up to 50 percent due to the Gulf
design so good that even Walt with a passion for the business.
the beach so far this summer,”
oil disaster. Officials say there have been very few small Disney visited to get ideas for It would be nice to get some-
Wilkes said, at the first of Au-
tar balls on the beach there, but the perception has scared his little project, Disneyland. It one from a park like Knoebels
gust.
tourists away. has significance enough that it where the gate is still free. A
Right after this interview,
has been designated a national professional from there would
however, over the weekend of paign and came up with some cas in New Orleans were not
historic landmark. understand how to make a free
Aug. 6-8, there were reports promotions.” interested in giving comments
At some point, the county gate amusement park work. I
of tar balls washing ashore in One successful promotion for this story.
took over. With parks, recre- feel the tradition of a free gate
the Panama City Beach area. for them this summer was tied The New Orleans Con-
ation and conservation per- must be restored in order to
A news report from the local to the Florida Lottery. People vention and Visitors Bureau
sonnel trying to run a park, drive attendance. Someone
ABC affiliate there reported who purchased Florida lottery stated in several reports that
the passion was gone. The who has a passion for running
tar balls ranging in size from tickets and didn’t win could tourism was still going strong.
Airplane Coaster was torn the park and understands the
as small as a penny to as large bring their losing tickets to the It seems people were still vis-
down because of negligence in dynamics of a free park is es-
as a softball were collected by waterpark and receive a $5 off iting New Orleans, but were
the maintenance area. sential to making Playland the
cleanup crews that descended discount towards admission. skittish about eating seafood,
I was lucky enough to success it can be.
quickly on the beaches. In all, “We had a ton of these,” he according to the Louisiana
work at the legendary park There is profit in Playland.
over the three days, there were said. “When we look at what Seafood Promotion and Mar-
when Joe Montalto was the The concessionaires who run
about 35 pounds collected, ac- could have been we are really keting Board, who found their
director. He had a passion the food outlets, the games and
cording to the report. pleased at where we are right business way down.
for the park and did much to the gift outlets are for profit.
Yet, school schedules are now in the season. In fact, if Repeated attempts to
improve the park’s infrastruc- It is a shame that the county
still Wilkes’s nemesis. Schools you can hold your own this reach management at The
ture. Joe brought in new rides does not take some of those
in the Panama City Beach area year, that is really good.” Track Family Recreation Cen-
to attract guests. Joe brought operations. Also, Playland’s
got out for the summer break Wilkes also said that the ter and Waterville USA, both
in business people from out- budget includes hundreds of
June 10 and were scheduled to Panama City Beach Conven- located in Gulf Shores, Ala.,
side the county to run the park thousands of dollars for the
return Aug. 11 this year. tion and Visitors Bureau re- went unanswered.
professionally. buses to run to it. Does any
“That is a 70-day window ceived $1 million of a $20 mil- Kim Chapman, public re-
When Joe Montalto retired, other business in Westchester
for us,” Wilkes said. “That lion payment made by BP to lations manager, Alabama Gulf
another parks, recreation and County pay this amount for
doesn’t give us much time.” the State of Florida to promote Coast Convention and Visitors
conservation manager came to buses to stop at them? Other
In the initial several weeks tourism. With that, the Pan- Bureau, responded by send-
the park. He tried the political charges get put on Playland’s
after the Deepwater Horizon ama City Beach CVB created ing tourism figures for the first
tactic of saying that Playland budget. Get the politics out
explosion, Wilkes said the several promotions. portion of the 2010 season.
was not an amusement park. and hire professionals to run
Panama City Beach area did Management at Gulf Taxable lodging rentals
It was a county park that just the park and a jewel will be
begin to see cancellations. World Marine Park staff has for May 2010, reached more
happened to have amusement saved.
“Some said they were see- done what it could to draw in than $20 million, a 7.3 percent
rides. And the management Bay Beach Amusement
ing cancellations of up to four its share of the local Panama decrease from $22 million col-
changed to treating Playland Park in Green Bay Wiscon-
to one and then later 10 to City Beach visitors. But, many lected in May 2009. Taxable
as just another park. The per- sin is run by the municipality
one,” he said. “But, when they of its programs begin filling retail sales topped $51 million
sonnel who had a passion for parks and recreation depart-
realized it hadn’t come back, up early in the year, as they for May 2010, which is a 4.3
the business were pushed out ment. It is so successful that
some of the people started are reservation-only, such as percent decrease from $53 mil-
along with those from the out- more land has been purchased
coming back. We began a very the dolphin swim. People be- lion for May 2009.
side of the parks system. and a wooden coaster is being
aggressive marketing cam- gan canceling reservations “While June taxes are be-
New management did not moved from a defunct park.
not long after the oil started ing processed, hotel and con-
look at the history of Playland. Just as many government bod-
heading in that direction, even dominium occupancy rates for
EXTRA! EXTRA! It had Marriott Corporation ies run waterparks, thus an
though it hadn’t reached his the month allude to a 20 to 30
run the park for a few seasons amusement park can be run
YOUR DESKTOP EDITION! shores. percent decrease,” information
in an attempt to return to the successfully by a government
FREE “Even our more popular released from the Gulf Shores, roots of the company. But pol- entity with the right leader-
educational programs, like the Orange Beach CVB stated.
iticians could not stay out of ship.
Dolphin Camp and Vet Camp, “Hotels were filled more than
NEWS the mix and did not approve
are down as much as 35 per- 60 percent while condomini-
of the spending to bring Play- Toby Higgs
cent,” Hardy said. ums were about 44 percent full.
land back to its former glory. Sanger, Texas
Management at some These rates show a decrease of
The one mistake that Marriott higgsamusement@
EVERY DAY other Gulf shore attractions 22.7 percent and 38.4 percent,
made was to start charging a yahoo.com
couldn’t be reached for com- respectively, when compared
Sign up at gate fee. The current regime
ments. Officials at the Audu- to June 2009.”
www.AmusementToday.com has repeated that mistake. At-
bon Aquarium of the Ameri-
September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
INTERNATIONAL
www.AmusementToday.com
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS
BRIEF Asian Attractions Expo pulls in record numbers
Nickelodeon Land
Andrew Mellor
first time the Asian Attrac-
to open in 2011at
Amusement Today tions Show has been held in
Blackpool Beach Malaysia. But we couldn’t
Held in Kuala Lumpur, have predicted this would be
Malaysia, in mid-July, this the greatest and largest show
Nickelodeon and Black-
pool Pleasure Beach, one of year’s IAAPA Asian Attrac- ever in Asia. As the co-host,
Britain's top tourist attrac- tions Expo turned out to be a we are very satisfied with the
tions, recently announced a record breaking event – and results. The show outcome
licensing partnership to de- in more ways than one! was beyond expectations.”
velop the first Nickelodeon- The four day conference For the Australian Amuse-
branded attraction in the and trade show, held at the ment Leisure and Recreation
U.K. Nickelodeon's popu- Kuala Lumpur Convention Association (AALARA), asso-
lar shows and characters Center, broke previous event ciation President Robert Brad-
will come to life with more records for the total number ley said, “It was a tremendous
than 14 attractions covering of participants and buyers opportunity for our group of
an area of 6-acres at Plea- in attendance, the size of the over 120 to represent the Aus-
sure Beach. Construction trade show floor and atten- tralian industry at this major
on "Nickelodeon Land" will dance figures for the confer- event attended by the Asian
begin this fall and the grand ence program. attractions industry and lead-
A total of 212 exhibiting
opening is scheduled for the The organizers estimated ers of industry from Europe
companies took part in the
spring of 2011. that approximately 4,750 peo- and the United States. The
2010 Asian show, show-
"Blackpool Pleasure ple participated in the event, feedback I received from the
casing a wide variety of
Beach is a first-class amuse- including 3,250 buyers from many Australian delegates
equipment and services.
ment park and popular des- 40 countries, representing a who attended was a fabulous
tination for families in the 34 percent increase in the total event providing an interesting Below, IAAPA President
U.K.," said Gerald Raines, number of buying companies and insightful education pro- Charlie Bray chats to MAAT-
Senior Director, Nickel- and an 11 percent increase in gram, diverse trade exhibi- FA President Dato Richard
odeon Theme Parks and At- the total number of buyers tion, fun evening social func- Koh over dinner during the
tractions. "This is an ideal when compared to the previ- tions at Aquaria and Sunway IAAPA Asian Attractions
location for Nickelodeon ous year’s event. Lagoon in an exciting city Expo.
and a great opportunity to “We are extremely pleased undergoing a huge amount PHOTOS COURTESY IAAPA
expand our global presence. with the record-breaking re- of growth in attractions and
We look forward to offering sults for Asian Attractions development. I am sure we all
the Pleasure Beach patrons
Expo 2010 in Kuala Lum- brought back great ideas for
experiences that are unique
pur,” said IAAPA Chairman our businesses.”
to Nickelodeon and based
Chip Cleary. “Our co-hosts, The trade show itself saw
on fan favorites like Sponge-
MAATFA and AALARA, an impressive increase in the
Bob SquarePants and Dora
and our sponsors, Arihant, number of exhibiting compa-
the Explorer."
Jack Rouse Associates and nies taking part, with this be-
Under the terms of the
Kraftwerk, provided signifi- ing up almost 50 percent on
agreement, Nickelodeon
cant support for this year’s the 2009 show. A total of 212
will bring its characters, in-
event and played a key role in companies took part.
teractive shows, and signa-
that success. For that, we are Asian Attractions Expo
ture green slime to Pleasure
grateful.” 2011 will be held at the con-
Beach. "Nickelodeon Land"
Dato’ Richard Koh, Presi- vention center at Singapore’s
also will feature new rides,
dent of Malaysian Association new destination resort, Re-
attractions, retail shops,
of Amusement Themepark sorts World Sentosa, from
games and food service es-
and Family Attractions June 21-24.
tablishments.
(MAATFA) said: “This is the
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010
U.K. seaside venues add 4D
KMG’s XXL swings into Belgium
effects theatres from Simworx
Two U.K. venues have
opened exciting new family
attractions for the 2010 season
from 4D effects theatre special-
ist Simworx.
The Grand Pier in Weston-
Super-Mare, near Bristol, and
Great Yarmouth Pleasure
Beach on the Suffolk coast,
have both added new 4D ef-
fects theatres from the U.K.
based specialist, adding more
family fun and excitement and
a totally new type of attraction
to their offerings.
Devastated by a fire in
July 2008, the Grand Pier is on
schedule to re-open this sum-
mer/early fall following a £39
million rebuilding program,
which includes state-of-the-art
rides and attractions. Among
these is a new, 51-seat, 4D ef-
fects theatre from Simworx,
who have completed a full
turnkey project, incorporating
the theatre into the new Pavil-
ion building.
Featuring grandstand
seating, the theatre also uti-
PHOTOS COURTESY KMG lises full HD 3D projection, a
The new XXL portable swing ride from KMG Europe BV Christie high definition sound
serves as a major highlight of the annual Sinksenfoor system, special effects lighting
in Antwerp, Belgium. Owned by showman Jack Do- and numerous 4D effects, such
www.amusementtoday.com PHOTOS COURTESY SIMWORX
tremont, XXL holds 20 passengers per ride cycle, swings as seat vibration, water spray, The Great Yarmouth Pleasue Beach is showing two 4D
leg ticklers, wind blowers, low
to a height of 148 feet and can be set up in six hours films from U.K. supplier Simworx.
smoke and bubbles. Several
by four workman. The ride sports an LED light package
SUBSCRIBE TODAY RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACfiKlEmDs wISilSl UbeE Sav PaiElaRbl eY wEAhRich high numSbTerA oYf rIeNpFeaOtR vMisiEtoDrs award winning World War II
and theming provided by EK Atelier of Germany.
can be changed on a regular who come to the pier. Those epic The Mission, the fast ac-
basis to take into account the due to be shown include the tion paced Ravine Racer and
the fun-filled, award winning
pirate adventure Curse of Skull
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(cid:82) New Subscription
choosing a supplier,” said pier
(cid:82) Renewal FIRST AND LAST NAME CREDIT CARD NUMBER owner Kerry Michael. “We are
(cid:82) Change of Address delighted with the results and
I’m sure our visitors will enjoy
COMPANY NAME EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE
USA OUTSIDE USA the experience for many years
(cid:82) One Year $50 $70 to come.”
(cid:82) Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD(Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) At Great Yarmouth Plea-
sure Beach, Simworx has in-
(cid:82) Three Years $130 $190
stalled a 30-seat 4D effects
CITY,STATE,ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER(REQUIRED) theatre which is the first such
(cid:82) Payment Enclosed
attraction in the area. Opened
in June, the attraction is
COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS
Charge to Credit Card: housed in an existing building
(cid:82) which previously accommo-
FREE SIGN ME UP FOR FREEEMAILNEWS
QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOPEDITION dated a simulator ride from
(cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82)
another supplier and was to-
tally revamped with the latest
technology relating to the new
YES! I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO theatre. This again includes a
MAKE A THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES.MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG
PRESERVING Christie high definition sound
ROLLER COASTER DONATION (cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82) (cid:82) system, special effects lighting
HISTORY $10 $25 $50 OTHER AMOUNT: $
and various 4D effects, such as
seat vibration, leg ticklers, wa-
4See SIMWORX, page 9
September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010
Maurer Söhne coasters highlight new Italian park
Andrew Mellor
Amusement Today
Germany coaster special-
ist Maurer Söhne is currently
involved in a number of dif-
ferent projects around the
world, including the installa-
tion of two coasters at the new
Rainbow Magicland park be-
ing built in Valmontone near
Rome, Italy.
The new park is being
developed at a cost of €300
million (approximately U.S.
$396 million) and among the
many rides and attractions on
offer will be an X-Car Launch
Coaster and a Spinning Coast-
er (SC) from Maurer Söhne. PHOTOS COURTESY MAURER SÖHNE
The SC3000 will be an in- Above left: The Maurer Söhne Spinning Coaster takes shape at the new Rainbow Magicland park in Italy. Above right:
door coaster covering a base
The track on the Maurer Söhne Spinning Coaster takes riders outside the building in a short “panorama curve” section,
area of 40 meters by 60 meters
as can be seen in the top right of this image.
(179 feet by 131 feet) and will
feature a short section of track layout stretching a total of 430 and reach a height of 35 me- Coaster for Bobbejaanland in park in Germany, which will
that takes riders outside the meters (1.411 feet). The maxi- ters. It is set to take passen- Belgium which is due to open go under the name of "Freis-
building, a “panorama curve” mum height of the ride will be gers from 0 to 100 kph in 2.5 in the spring of 2011. This will chütz" and incorporate a new
at one corner of the building, 17 meters (56 feet) and hourly seconds and will have a ride feature a 420 meter (1,378 foot) concept of brake and LSM
according to the company. capacity will be 850 riders uti- duration of 80 seconds. Five long tack, stand 16 meters (52.5 in one element. Track length
The ride will feature two lizing seven cars. Maximum trains will be used providing feet) high, and will have a ca- will be 480 meters (1,574 feet),
lifts, the first located shortly speed will be 58 kph (36 mph) a capacity of approximately pacity of 800 riders per hour height 35 meters (115 feet) and
after the station and the sec- and a ride time of 75 seconds. 1,000 riders. using six cars. Additionally, top speed 80 kph (50 mph).
ond just before riders return The launch coaster (ac- Other projects in which and also planned for opening One X-Car train with 12 seats
to the station. In between will cording to unofficial sources) Maurer Söhne is currently in spring next year, is a new will be used.
be a narrow and twisting track will be 750 meters in length involved include a Spinning launch coaster for the Bayern-
Amusement Technical completes variety of projects for 2010 season
With the 2010 season now and a newly developed vehi- in the U.K.
in full swing, U.K. amusement cle anti-collision system have Amusement Technical’s
ride manufacturer Amusement been added. product range also includes a
Technical has announced the The anti-collision sys- number of rides and sales of
completion of a range of proj- tem is, in fact, part of a retro- these continue to be buoyant.
ects for a variety of attraction fit safety product range the Among new installations for
venues, while also introduc- company is developing in re- the 2010 season are two rides
ing several new “off the shelf” sponse to feedback from both at Atlantis Adventure Park,
safety related products. operators and ride inspectors Atlantic Village, in Devon,
At Camelot theme park in for the need for such devices U.K., where a Honey Pot Bears
north west England, Amuse- to reduce even further the pos- children’s round ride and a
ment Technical has completed sibility of incidents occurring dolphin themed mini-Pirate
the full refurbishment of the on different amusement ride Ship are to open shortly.
park’s 33-seat Pirate Ship ride, devices. Additionally, the com-
while also carrying out con- “In discussions we’ve had pany’s range features several
tinued maintenance on the with ride operators and in- other children’s and family
Knightmare roller coaster. At spectors it’s become clear that rides, such as the Rodeo Trail
PHOTO COURTESY AMUSEMENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Knowsley Safari Park, also the creation of a range of safe- and Jungle Safari, with more
New at Atlantis Adventure Park this season is this Honey
in the north west area, the ty products which can be retro recent additions being a mid-
Pot Bears children's round ride and a dolphin themed
company has refurbished the fitted to rides to help further size panoramic tower, a Big
mini-Pirate Ship ride (not shown) from Amusement Tech-
venue’s mini-Pirate Ship and alleviate a number of poten- Wheel, a monorail system, a
nical Solutions.
Severn-Lamb built train. tial hazards, would be a real dark ride transportation sys-
On the south coast, at Fun- benefit for individuals and for ally useful product to offer. also being provided is an au- tem and a Wave Swinger. All
land Hayling Island, Amuse- the industry as a whole,” com- “There are a number of tomated railway crossing for are manufactured at the com-
ment Technical has completed mented Amusement Techni- issues that need solutions ‘off park train rides. This will ac- pany’s premises in Preston,
the full refurbishment of the cal owner and director Sean the shelf’ to improve different tivate when a train approach- Lancashire, while Amusement
park’s Breakdance ride, in- Brian. “The anti-collision sys- aspects of different rides and es a section of track at which Technical also provides a va-
cluding a full upgrade of the tem, for example, is an ‘off the we are targeting these with guests cross and will feature riety of specialist engineering
drive and control system, shelf’ product for any multi- these latest ideas,” he added. bells, flashing lights and other and refurbishment services to
while it has also carried out car transport system powered There will be five products warnings to alert those in the the global ride industry.
work on the Ghost Train on from a rail. There is nothing in the range initially, while in vicinity that a train is coming. •www.amusement tech-
the South Pier in Blackpool, similar on the market at pres- addition to these a custom- The first of these has already nicalsolutions.co.uk
where a new control system ent and I believe it will be a re- made safety product now been installed at Twycross Zoo
September 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
SIMWORX Melbourne’s Luna Park introducing Shrek show
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Continued from page 6
To mark the upcom- ... but Shrek has forgot-
YOUR DESKTOP EDITION!
ing spring school holi- ten all about their special
ter spray, wind and bubbles.
days, Melbourne, Aus- day. Princess Fiona makes FREE
The films to be shown in
tralia’s Luna Park will a heartfelt wish, which is
the Great Yarmouth theatre
present a live stage show overheard by a Frankie the
are Curse of Skull Rock and a
— Stompin’ the Swamp — Funky Fairytale Fairy, who NEWS
new film currently in pro-
featuring characters from sets out to help.
duction called Dracula 4D, a
DreamWorks Animation’s Stompin’ the Swamp will
“spooky” action comedy suit-
popular Shrek film series. run daily from Sept. 18 un-
able for all the family. The
two films will be alternated Stompin’ the Swamp til. Oct. 3, 2010. EVERY DAY
tells the tale of Shrek and More details on historic
throughout the season.
“This has been something Princess Fiona’s wed- Luna Park can be found at: Sign up at
ding anniversary. Fiona evening of dancing and mu- www.lunapark.com.au.
we’ve been looking at for a www.AmusementToday.com
dreams of a romantic sic with her one true love
couple of years,” comment-
ed Great Yarmouth Pleasure
Beach Managing Director
Albert Jones, “in particular
because of the weather in
the early and late part of the
season; we are trying to add
more indoor attractions. It ca-
ters for all ages from toddlers
to senior citizens, as well as
being accessible by the dis-
abled. 3D is ‘in’ at the mo-
ment, too, so it’s good to do
something topical and that
the public is talking about.
“We went to the IAAPA
show in the U.S. last year
and looked at several differ-
ent suppliers but decided to
go with Simworx,” he con-
tinued. “The new theatre re-
places a motion simulator we
had previously and we’ve
done all the building works
and design on the outside to
Simworx’s specifications. We
are having two films, Curse
of Skull Rock and Dracula 4D,
and will probably run each
one every couple of hours.
We wanted two films so we
can cater for repeat visitors,
which we get a lot of, and
give them something differ-
ent to watch.”
Commenting on the two
projects, Simworx Manag-
ing Director Terry Monkton
said: “I’m delighted to have
secured these two quite dif-
ferent projects at two of the
U.K.’s most popular seaside
resorts. It’s been a pleasure to
be involved in the re-building
plans at the Grand Pier in
Weston-super-Mare and I’m
sure our theatre there will be-
come a very popular part of
the overall experience provid-
ed. At Great Yarmouth, again
we’re very proud to bring to
a traditional seaside amuse-
ment park an attraction which
features some of the latest,
state-of-the-art technology
which I feel will add another
dimension to the vast array of
rides and attractions on offer.
I’m confident both projects
will be very successful.”
•www.simworx.co.uk.
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY September 2010