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spread tradition — PAGE 42
July 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 4 www.amusementtoday.com
Kentucky Kingdom returns with successful re-opening
STORY: Tim Baldwin
[email protected]
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fol-
lowing a preview weekend,
Kentucky Kingdom reopened
its gates, and residents of Lou-
isville could once again enjoy
amusement park thrills in their
hometown. Dormant since 2010,
rumors circulated for years with
various proposals surfacing to
reopen the park. Finally, a new
life for the park officially began
on May 24, 2014. Returning fans,
or those who were simply curi-
ous, found much among the
line-up to offer brand new fam-
ily fun. Top row, l to r: Overbanked turns and airtime hills thrill riders on the new Lightning Run roller coaster from Chance Rides.
Guests control their own ride the Larson-built Professor John’s Flying Machines. Bottom row, l to r: Zamperla’s new Rock-A-
The past Bye swings ride takes the old porch swing to a whole new level. Guests can choose from three different water slide experi-
There aren’t many parks ences on the Wikiwiki slide complex from ProSlide. AT/GARY SLADE & TIM BALDWIN
that have quite the storied past
claimed by
K e n t u c k y
Kingdom. Its
actual origins
began in 1987,
as a small
group of inves-
tors wished to
Hart
develop leased
property on the
Kentucky State Fairgrounds into
more of a regional amusement
park. A small assortment of
rides occupied 10 acres, but the
venture only lasted a year before
falling into financial ruin.
Investor Ed Hart stepped
in and redeveloped the park for
a 1990 opening. Newer, bigger pended looping coaster in the well-received wooden coaster Kentucky Kingdom was rel- at the end of the 1997 season the
rides materialized and the park U.S., Intamin’s first next-genera- from Dinn & Summers, who ishing great success in the 1990s. rights to operate Kentucky King-
was on track for a steady jour- tion drop tower, the world’s tall- were ushering in a new dawn of So much so, that Premier Parks dom were sold to Premier for $64
ney of financial and attendance est stand-up coaster and a rare woodies at the time. The addition sought out Hart to buy the park million. The following April, Pre-
growth throughout the 1990s. Waikiki Wave ride from Vekoma of a waterpark — Hurricane Bay and make it part of its expanding mier Parks purchased the entire
During Hart’s tenure, many cut- called The Quake. Among initial — was eventually established, chain of entertainment venues. Six Flags chain and in June of that
ting edge rides were installed offerings was the 1990 debut of broadening the customer experi- At the time, Premier was gob- same year the bluegrass themer
including the first Vekoma sus- Thunder Run, a rollicking and ence during a day at the park. bling up numerous parks and 4See KENTUCKY, page 4
R 14
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2014
NEWSTALK
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Patent comes full circle
With the popularity of the trap door cap-
sules on today’s water slides skyrocketing, it
makes one feel a bit old to know that such an
idea has now come full circle.
Yes indeed, the concept of dropping
someone through a trap door and into the
water slide hidden underneath is not new.
Slade
The idea dates back to 1990 when
George Millay invented and patented the first Bomb Bay at
his Wet ‘n Wild Orlando water park. The same slide concept
would later be introduced at the second Wet ‘n Wild park in
Arlington, Texas for the 1991 season.
Millay came up the concept though his connection to
the military. The Bomb Bay was designed to operate like the
area in the fuselage of a military plane from which bombs
are dropped. And in this case, the dropped ammunition is
truly “alive.”
Millay worked with his long-time design and develop-
ment guy, Bill Getz, to mount the launch capsule on top of
both park’s existing Der Stuka 75-foot tall drop slides. Rid-
ers stand in the capsule and the entry door is closed by the
operator. From the control panel, the capsule is then rolled
out over the slide’s freefall drop area. A few seconds later
EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
the trap door is released and the slider then truly knows
Overnight stays on the rise
what “bombs away” feels like.
Although the Bomb Bay was bit clunky, and very me- One aspect of park opera- hotels at all the company’s Legoland resorts,
chanical, the slide experience was an instant hit, and was tion that many park owners fre- for example, as well as at other parks in the
another symbol of a Millay creation being way ahead of its quently mention when talking group, was a key strategy for the business
time in those early years of the water park industry. about future plans and expan- and it is one that is clearly paying dividends.
When Millay’s original patent expired a few years ago, sion is accommodation facili- Indeed, at Merlin’s Chessington World of
it opened the market for suppliers to improve that proven ties. Adventures in the U.K., a second hotel is now
Be it hotels, log cabins, being added following the success of the first
concept with newer modern versions. This year alone North
chalets, camp grounds or some- which opened just a couple of years ago. That
American suppliers delivered trap door slides to the market Mellor
thing else, I get the impression speaks for itself.
in record numbers: ProSlide with 25 units and WhiteWater
that offering a place to stay overnight is some- Hotels, of course, open up a range of other
West with 11 units.
thing pretty much every park owner would like opportunities too, not least the fact that they
Millay said in a 1991 Wet ‘n Wild Arlington press re-
to be able to do, so that guests stay on site can be operated all year round and therefore
lease: “The premise of a bomb being dropped from an
longer and therefore, hopefully, spend more provide parks with a useful source of income
airplane came to us as the logical answer. Unlike any other
money. in what for many would normally be the closed
attraction we have, the start is taken completely out of the
I’ve done a good number of interviews season. The market for social and corporate
passengers’ control and put into the hands of the ride op-
with park owners/operators over the past events can also be tapped when a park has the
erator and gravity. This results in several very tense, anxious few years and increasingly interviewees have right facilities to offer this sector, so it can be a
moments during which the passenger literally sweats it out, espoused the benefits of offering accommo- lucrative side to an attraction’s business.
suspended high above the ground, waiting for the plunge dation, and if your attraction is large enough, We are clearly going to see more and more
to occur.” then it is clearly a good route to take. Not only parks adding accommodation options, and not
Those words from Millay are still fitting today, for all do guests pay for the privilege of staying for a just because the venues themselves require
the parks that continue to add the trap door capsule drop night or two but in many cases they will use the longer visits for guests to enjoy all the facili-
slides, with the rider sweating it out — wondering just when onsite restaurants and shops, so it’s something ties on offer. The short break market in general
the door will open. of a win/win situation. is growing each year, so parks are in an ideal
We’ve come full circle, as Millay’s creative concepts con- Talking to Merlin Entertainments CEO Nick position to take advantage of this. And I’m sure
Varney recently, he explained that building they will.
tinue to thrill water park guests today.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Dean Lamanna Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
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[email protected] [email protected] Bubba Flint
Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
Tim Baldwin Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth,
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Editorial Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved.
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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas
Contributors: Ron Gustafson, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, B. Derek Shaw, Janice Witherow 76005-5427.
July 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
THIS MONTH
2
MINUTE
IN HISTORY
DRILL
Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum
COMPILED: Richard Munch
COMPILED: Janice Witherow
Bonnie Rabjohn — Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor •1913: On July 6, a freak accident at Palisades Amusement Park,
Fort Lee, New Jersey, killed two and injured nearly 30 riders. Dur-
Hard work, loyalty and pa-
ing a packed Sunday, the joys of a cool summer evening on the Big
tience have sure paid off for
Scenic (Railway) quickly turned to horror. A train stalled in one of the
Bonnie Rabjohn. As someone
who began her amusement lower hills, only to be rear-ended minutes later by the following train.
industry career nearly 30 Investigators speculated that a power loss may have caused a safety
years ago in a food stand at signal failure.
Six Flags Magic Mountain,
Bonnie now finds herself right
•1922: In mid-July, Arthur Jarvis, the engineer who had produced
at home serving as Park Presi-
some of the largest roller coasters at the time and who would become
dent of this same California
manager of Coney Island’s popular Luna Park, in Brooklyn, New York,
park. Her strong communica-
tions and marketing back- announced plans to build the largest Scenic Railway ever construct-
ground are ideal for leading ed, on a site in Coney Island. Already in the planning stages, he was
Six Flags Magic Mountain keen on moving the remains of the closed roller coaster in Brighton
into the future. Bonnie is an Beach (about 2 miles east of Luna Park) which he had built in 1910.
active industry and community
What did eventually open in May 1924 was not as big as planned
volunteer participating on
and was built along a thin strip of land on the west side of the Luna
many committees, especially
for IAAPA and the Boys and property. It acquired the unique name Mile Sky Chaser, a play on the
Girls Clubs. Her outgoing original moniker, Chase Thru the Clouds.
spirit and can-do attitude are
Favorite candy bar…
obvious characteristics that certainly have contributed •1935: One of the country’s great parks, Palisades Amusement
I’m not a huge sweets eater, but my favorite is Turtles.
to her success. And none better than our very own handmade Turtles Park, had been the scene of many fires over the course of its 75-year

from our Coaster Candy Kitchen. history. On July 1, a rapidly shifting fire, fanned by breezes off the
Title
Hudson River, cut a path through the New Jersey park late in the
Park President.
It is 8 p.m. Where would we typically find you? afternoon. It left in its wake the charred ruins of 15 concessions along
Number of years in the industry Hmmm … depends on time of year. But most of the the midway, and for a time, threatened the entire amusement park.
time, I’m cooking dinner or enjoying a summer walk
29, but who is counting! I started Fortunately no lives were lost, but about one-eighth of the park was
through the park.
at SFMM as a seasonal food ser- destroyed.
vice hostess flipping hamburgers! You have just met Oprah… what do you say?
I admire her work ethic. She totally shaped who she •1974: Warner LeRoy, the son of Mervyn LeRoy (producer of the
Best thing about the industry
is today and has made a difference in many people’s film Wizard of Oz), realized part of his dream project when Great
It’s such a fun industry. I love
walking the Park/s and seeing all lives. She should be commended for taking risks, em- Adventure Theme Park, in Jackson, New Jersey, opened on July 1.
the smiling faces as our guests powering women, and bringing out the best in people. Financed mainly by the Hardwicke Companies, Inc., LeRoy did much
spend time with family and friends of the concept planning himself, creating a themed park with tremen-
Rabjohn For me, the ideal Sunday morning consists of…
… making memories. dous dynamics and fantasy architecture. The site, established ideally
An early morning run or hike along the hills overlooking
the ocean. between Philadelphia and New York, contained both the Enchanted
Favorite amusement ride
Forest amusement area and a drive through safari park. The park was
I have a huge affinity for roller coasters, and I have to
My all-time favorite restaurant would have to be… crowded the first season, with visitors clamoring to see the new en-
say my new favorite is Full Throttle (at SFMM). It’s an
amazing ride where the marketing hype of “world’s tall- This is the hardest question of the bunch. In Los terprise, although not all of LeRoy’s concepts ever made it past the
est loop” truly paid off. Angeles, I’m a huge Pizzeria Mozza fan. But probably drawing boards. Only a few years later, the park was sold to the
my all-time favorite dining experience to date was an
Six Flags Corporation. Today, during its 40th anniversary, Six Flags
over-the-top Chef’s Table extravaganza on the Island of
If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I Great Adventure still contains several of the original buildings and
Anguilla … perfectly paired amazing food and wine.
would be… attractions, including the wonderful Yum Yum Palace, Carousel and
A chef with my own restaurant … maybe part of a Bed
The magazine I flip through most often is… Runaway Mine Train.
and Breakfast in Wine Country. I just love to cook and
Who has time to flip through magazines anymore? It
entertain.
would have to be Bon Appetit. •1999: With the success of relocating a wooden roller coaster from
Biggest challenge facing our industry San Antonio, Texas to Knoebel’s Amusement Resort in Elysburg,
The longest flight I have ever taken was…
Probably the price of “WOW” and innovation – keep- Pennsylvania still fresh in their minds, the Knoebel family would try
12 hours to Europe. But further destinations are calling
ing our industry and our product relevant. again in 1999 to add another ride to their growing collection of
my name!
scream machines. Led by Richard ‘Dick’ Knoebel , the Knoebels
The thing I like most about amusement/water park
The one television show I never miss is… team visited the original Elitch Gardens (1890-1994) in Denver to
season is…
While my girls were at home: “American Idol.” Now ascertain the condition of the former Mr. Twister, which had been
Opening Day of a new coaster or new attraction. It
likely stems from my PR roots, but there’s no greater that they are in college, it is “Iron Chef” or anything on dormant for four years. Based on its condition and space limitations,
Food Network. “Breaking Bad” was also a standout,
feeling than getting positive guest reactions to all the Knoebels felt it was not feasible to move the structure, and a new
but I watched it all on DVD … all 5 seasons in about
hard work and tremendous team effort that it takes to ride based on the original design would be adapted to the smaller
a month.
go from conception to reality. footprint. The new version, with two lifts, was designed by the park’s
In one word, my office is … John Fetterman, built under the supervision of Leonard Adams Jr.
Pick one: a picnic in the park or a power business
Inviting. The ride, including the terrific and powerful double helix, opened on
lunch…
July 24 and is a favorite with guests today.
Definitely picnic in the park! In fact we actually have
I have always wanted to visit…
picnics with our entire staff where we spend time
Paris … our next European adventure.
together and they can ask anything about the business.
It’s a great chance to interact with our employees one-
Least favorite household chore
on-one. Dishes. So the rule is whoever cooks, the other cleans. P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner
Arlington, Texas 76005-5427
My favorite place to take a nap is…
You live in California … do you head for the beach [phone]
On a beautiful California beach listening to the surf.
or mountains? Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)
Fortunately I don’t have to choose. In Southern Cali-
When it comes to wine, do you prefer red or white? Find us on Facebook
fornia it’s the best of both worlds … hiking on a trail
Red! California Reds, of course. facebook.com/amusementtoday
in the mountains that overlooks the beautiful Pacific
ocean. It’s just breath-taking scenery.
The last time I wore blue jeans was…
What do you mean last time … I’m wearing jeans right
now! I love jeans … it’s what I really miss about the Ten years from now, I hope to be… Follow us on Twitter
Still making a difference to the people around me, still twitter.com/amusementtoday
“shoulder season” … Casual Fridays.
helping to develop the future leaders of our company
and still adding value to our industry.
My biggest worry is…
Without a doubt, it’s about ensuring our guests and Subscribe to our YouTube channel
G et a free QR Code scanner for your phone
employees are happy and safe. youtube.com/amusementtoday
by visting www.mobiletag.com.
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2014
KENTUCKY caused an adjustment of queue moval of the stand-up coaster,
The New Kentucky Kingdom lines when needed here and an impressive expansion of Hur-
Continued from page 1
and Hurricane Bay there. ricane Bay is wowing guests.
was rebranded as Six Flags Ken- Enter Ed Hart once again. Admittedly, the park had a So impressive, any waterpark
tucky Kingdom, the first of sev- Once the lengthy, and some- challenge on its hands. Six Flags would be pleased to have just a
eral Premier properties that were times difficult, negotiations had removed some key rides, single component of it. Numer-
eventually “flagged.” The park with the Kentucky State Fair and others were either shuttered ous major attractions are intro-
would remain as such until the Board were complete and Hart or in need of significant mainte- duced, along with new ameni-
close of the 2009 season. Several was fully committed to the Ken- the park opening. nance. As it turns out, the park ties and eateries. Three slide
factors, including an unfortunate tucky Kingdom project, he reas- Bill Hargrave, assistant gen- has achieved a good balance of complexes from ProSlide include
injury in 2007, caused a change sembled, with astonishing ease, eral manager, tells Amusement returning favorites and a broad the Wikiwiki Wai tower featur-
in attendance. Amid difficulties much of the team that helped Today, “The most rewarding selection of new attractions. Ken- ing a twisting enclosed slide, a
negotiating with the Kentucky him redevelop the park back in part of my job is people stopping tucky Kingdom re-opened with cannon bowl and a tantrum tor-
State Fair Board in February of 1990. Everything was in place in us all the time and thanking us 54 rides/water attractions rang- nado slide. All three can be en-
2010, Six Flags terminated its the spring of 2013 to begin work for opening the park. They are ing from small children’s rides to joyed in either double or single
agreement and entered legal dis- on reopening the park in May of telling us what a great job we its newest thriller — Lightning rider tubes. The tallest complex
cussions to separate themselves 2014. did.” He does share that early Run, a new steel roller coaster is second in height at the park
from the property. Although Needless to say, the com- on there were teething pains. by Chance Rides Manufacturing only to the giant Ferris wheel.
multiple proposals to reopen the munity was thrilled. The park “We have a lot of people in the (see sidebar). Wave Runner is a six-story triple
park were presented to the Fair enjoyed great season pass sales. park; probably more than we ex- The most dramatic changes dip speed slide that is sure to
Board, it took almost three years With 110,000 sold, more than pected,” Hargrave adds. While come within the waterpark. On offer weightlessness, and Deep
before one was accepted. 80,000 were purchased prior to a good problem to have, it has the location vacated by the re- 4See KENTUCKY, page 6
Lightning Run — Chance serves up big screams
FAST FACTS
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — While ing an incredible amount of
Park/Name
refurbishing existing coasters airtime into Lightning Run —
Kentucky Kingdom
was well underway, it made 11 times. Outrageous nega-
Lousiville, Kentucky/
Lightning Run sense to offer something tive Gs are becoming Schilke’s
new and dynamic as Ken- claim to fame, and this new in-
What tucky Kingdom prepared to stallation is one more on the
Non looping GT-X coaster
welcome new and returning list of crowd-pleasing favor-
guests. The park turned to ites.
Features
11 points of negative G air Chance Rides for their newest Brian Ondrey, president
time; maximum G-Force of thriller. of Irvine Ondrey Engineer-
4.5 g’s; 120-degrees of As a complement to the ing, tells AT, “Lightning Run’s
maximum banking on track
wooden coaster, Thunder Run, control system features what’s
the new steel twister is named quickly becoming an industry
Track
44 inch wide guage track to Lightning Run, giving the park standard: computer monitor-
allow vehciles to sit lower to both ‘Thunder and Lighting’ ing of lapbar position and of
ride’s centerline as Ed Hart, park president individual seat lapbar control.
proclaimed. And a twister it It also utilizes an Allen-Bradley
Height/Length/Speed
is. To best describe the ride’s GuardLogix Integrated Safety
100 feet/2,500 feet long/
55 mph layout, one merely needs to System, which is an innovative
picture an inflated balloon system that ensures a failsafe
Trains/Capacity that has just been let go. With PLC.”
2 trains of 5 car (20 total
compact, banked turns incor- The ride was being pre-
passengers)/ 800 pph
porated into steep drops and viewed by a group of Ameri-
Interesting Facts airtime-inducing speed hills, can Coaster Enthusiasts a
Ride not only makes use of a ride on Lightning Run dem- week prior to the park’s official
the former Schwarzkopf onstrates just what an out- opening. When Amusement
Shuttle Loop Loading
of-control experience can be Today asked Dick Chance
Station, but also reuses
created in limited space and where ACEers would prefer to
several of the former
coasters ride footings on a budget. The first drop ride, he responds, “The back
including one that was used is frighteningly steep at 80 car has the most airtime.”
to support the vertical loop degrees taken from a lift hill That needn’t be a big con-
height of 100 feet. It provides cern as the early reviews were
Opening
a 4G pullout at the bottom nothing short of sheer raves
May 17, 2014 preview;
May 24, 2014 official opening and 1.5 negative Gs over the from the enthusiast communi-
second hill. One of the more ty, noting every seat delivered
Supplier signature moves is a close- the goods.
Chance Rides Chance Ride’s Lightning Run packs big-time thrills into a
to-the-ground maneuver that The queue does offer a
Wichita, Kansas small, compact layout. The new track system and vehicles
zips riders through a right- test seat, as most coasters do.
provide a silky-smooth, speedy ride. AT/GARY SLADE
Supporting Suppliers left-right directional change Larger guests should heed its
Profile and vehicle design: configuration at high speed. they get off, ‘Wow. I wasn’t allows the cars to sit wider placement as the fit is snug.
Ride Centerline (Alan Schilke); It’s hysterical and is followed expecting the ride to be that and lower, according to Dick The restraint system is de-
Structural Engineering,
by a triple dose of airtime fi- intense.’ And it is — intense,” Chance. He is quite pleased signed to accommodate pas-
Glynn Geotec (Mark Glenn);
nale before hitting the mag- emphasizes Binker. With its with the totally redesigned sengers placed in a “Z” posi-
Vehicle Padding,
Ralph S. Alberts; netic brakes. smaller footprint, the ride vehicles, and was even fur- tion allowing the train design
Magnetic Braking, Lesly Binker, director of packs a thrilling punch within thermore pleased that with all to negotiate inversions if de-
Velocity Magnetics, Inc.; operations, tells AT about the 2,500 feet of track. the parties involved with the sired. Chance hinted that the
Vehicle Wheels,
guest reaction. “The surprise Expanding on previous many components, the coast- next one manufactured would
Uremet, Corp.;
and the thrill — I think people knowledge from the Mor- er was completed and ready have a barrel roll heading into
Safety System;
Irvine Ondrey Engineering looking at the footprint of the gan era, Chance widened to roll two weeks early. the brake run.
Source: Chance Rides ride are not quite prepared the gauge of the track from Alan Schilke of Ride Cen- —Tim Baldwin
for it. People are saying when 38 inches to 44 inches. This terline is credited for design-
July 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2014
KENTUCKY sliders. Bar stools, cocktail tables Twisted Twins Custom Coast-
and rooftop shading make for a ers Inc. dueling wooden coaster
Continued from page 4
relaxing location to take in the (1998) will be restored in 2016.
surrounding views. Stations that While the park looks ready now,
Water Dive is an intimidating make free sunscreen available more landscaping in progress is
trap-door, drop-capsule water- are also welcome additions. evident.
slide that sends riders plummet- “Two of our cabanas are Season passes were intro-
ing 12 stories, the tallest of such exclusively committed to corpo- duced at $59.95 last fall. “We
type slides in all of North Amer- rations,” says John Mulchahy, were the first park to make the
ica. The final tower — Plummet director of marketing and com- purchase available completely
Summit — is a 52-foot, four pas- munications. “In this market, online. Everything was on the
senger family raft ride, most of that is perceived as having a ‘sky computer. You could even up-
which is enclosed. This tower box.’ It’s more of a perk for the Hurricane Bay’s massive wave pool is visible from the park’s load your own photo,” says Mul-
includes a conveyor for the large employees.” 150-foot observation wheel. The Thunder Run wooden chahy. “If you did that, we could
rafts. Various manufacturers have coaster is visible in the background. AT/TIM BALDWIN actually mail out activated pass-
Other aspects of the Hurri- provided additional rides. Lar- time visitors will remember Kingdom Nachos. Here the torti- es before the park even opened.
cane Bay expansion include Ad- son International has delivered a Hart’s original tagline: Kentucky lla chips are loaded with smoked Many families had them in time
venture River, a second tubing drop tower and Flying Scooters Kingdom — The Thrill Park. brisket or pulled barbeque pork for Christmas under the tree.”
river for the waterpark. Aquatic ride, Majestic provided the bum- One approach to this new with a basil tomato salsa, com- Acknowledging the tech-
Development Group installed a per cars, and Zamperla has new direction is value. Park officials plemented with cheese, jala- nology of today allows much
family wave lagoon, also a sec- children’s rides on offer. The want to make sure families find penos and sour cream. Food is more advantages than when the
ond for the park. Loren Wing- park is also the first to debut Rio the park affordable fun. In ad- provided fresh daily from local team first redeveloped the prop-
feld, aquatics manager, finds the as a 5D adventure with a 3D film dition to admission discounts vendors, and main menu items erty almost 25 years ago, specific
new family wave pool particu- with various effects. In all, 20 of via local partners, the park has are all prepared in-house. The codes can be given to each busi-
larly a hit with him. “It is not the the 54 rides/attractions are new priced its food offerings at rea- brisket is smoked right on the ness partner or visiting group
flashiest thing, but it has really for 2014. sonable levels. Season pass premises. that allows discount tickets to be
drawn in a lot of families. The holders get deeper discounts printed right at home utilizing
Big Kahuna (the park’s original A new view on meals, which include $1 soft The future computers, and there is no lon-
larger wave pool) has such large With a well-rounded com- drinks. Confident in the great gains ger a need for physical tickets to
waves, it is more adventurous. plement of attractions to offer Food and Beverage Manager they’ve made and appreciative be provided to each group.
The smaller waves really draw guests of any age, Kentucky Aaron Banks is one of the newer of the outpouring of support When speaking to AT,
in families and they pull right Kingdom has entered a newer team members. “The expecta- from the community, manage- Mulcahy laughs, “When Ed
up and settle down.” Cabanas, a strategic phase of its business tion was to have great food,” ment still is cognizant of the gathered us the first time in 1990,
lounging beach, new restrooms model — marketing to Mom. he says when being brought on steps yet to take. The park map the lure was ‘This is a once-in-a-
and snack eateries round out Mulcahy states, “Make Mom board. “The challenge was to cre- is straightforward, recognizing lifetime opportunity to redevelop
most of the expansion. However, happy. We will continue to be ate incredible menus with great that the refurbishment of the the park.’” With the success seen
pushing the cool factor is the successful if we please Mom and pricing. I feel we’ve pretty much suspended looping coaster and so far, Kentucky Kingdom might
Hurricane Bay Beach Club, a bar make it one of the most afford- done that.” His favorite is what river rapids ride are underway find lightning can indeed strike
and food outlet specializing in able parks in the region.” Long he claims is the flagship item — and both will debut in 2015. The twice.
July 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
Monkey Mayhem
Tilt-A-Whirl
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Star Dancer
Giant Loop
Jumpin’ Jumbos
Super Shot
Dizzy Dragons
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Flying Scooters
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8 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2014
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July 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
INTERNATIONAL
Fons Jurgens named new chairman and CEO for Dutch attraction Efteling — See Page 10
New landmark attraction now open at Denmark’s Legoland
ABC Rides provides indoor freefall rides;
Mini-Friends firgures, mirror maze included
meters (42 inches) and over.
STORY: Andrew Mellor
Ghost: The Haunted
[email protected]
House is the latest feature
BILLUND, Denmark — in the historical part of
Legoland Billund Resort has Legoland – Legoredo Town
added to its range of family – where guests can also ad-
attractions for the 2014 sea- mire the legendary Indian
son with the addition of a Chief Sitting Bull and the
new haunted walk-through faces of four presidents on
and ride experience. Mount Rushmore. With
Ghost: The Haunted its impressive 15 meter (49
House takes guests through foot) roof ridge, it will also
a haunted building as they become a landmark that
explore different rooms fea- is visible from outside the
turing monsters and ghosts park.
before boarding one of the “Since construction
Crazy Professor’s two float- work began in August 2013,
ing machines — freefall a large number of builders,
rides — which plummet technicians and others have
them towards the ground worked hard to create this
from a height of 8 meters unique house,” said Chris- Above, Legoland Billund Resort’s latest major attraction, Ghost: The Haunted House, pro-
(26.2 feet). tian Woller, CEO of Lego- vides a new haunted and drop ride experience for guests to enjoy. Below, the new attraction
The two-story haunted land Billund. “We were joins the Chief Sitting Bull (right) and the Mount Rushmore four U.S. president in the Lego-
redo Town area. COURTESY LEGOLAND BILLUND RESORT
house covers an area of 800 therefore happy to finally
square meters (8,611 square welcome guests inside. We
feet) and features an inter- are very proud of the result,
active Lego experience with and judging by the smiles
149 specially designed Lego and thrills of the many chil-
models hidden in unexpect- dren, Ghost will definitely
ed places, combined with become a smash-hit attrac-
the thrilling freefall rides, tion.”
which were provided by the Ghost: The Haunted
Swiss company ABC Rides. House was officially opened
The park’s latest addi- by Denmark’s Minister for
tion incorporates nine Lego Social Affairs, Manu Sa-
scenes with interactive reen, assisted by children
features and as well as the from the Children’s Aid
various models inside also Foundation, who along
features 28 different, 80 cen- with those from other simi-
timeters (2.6 foot) tall Lego lar children’s organizations
Mini-Friends figures. And and other young people
along with the drop towers, were present to take up the
the building also features park’s traditional invitation
a 50 square meters (538 to enjoy the park on the day
square foot) mirror maze. prior to the season’s official
The height requirement for opening day.
the attraction is 110 centi-
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2014
Fons Jurgens named new chairman and CEO for Dutch attraction Efteling
STORY: Andrew Mellor the future.
[email protected] “A steady increase in
visitor numbers is therefore
KAATSHEUVEL, The essential,” according to Ju-
Netherlands — The world rgens. “This calls for con-
famous Efteling in The Neth- tinued phased investment
erland has appointed Fons in our park. An important
Jurgens as its new CEO and spearhead of this approach is
chairman of the board of di- raising the quality of existing
rectors. attractions, shows, shops and
Under Jurgens’ leader- catering outlets. In addition,
ship Efteling aims to become during the summer of 2015
an international destination we will open a dive coaster
with 5 million visitors by the — a spectacular roller coaster
year 2020, through the imple- that will thrill visitors with a
mentation of a phased pro- 37.5 meter (123 foot) freefall.
gram of growth. During the This provides an extra chal-
Fons Jurgens (left) is the new CEO and chairman of the board at Efteling in The Netherlands,
first phase, Efteling will invest lenge for teenage visitors, in
shown above. COURTESY EFTELING
in a new attraction and the ex- particular, while increasing
pansion of the Efteling Village our range of attractions.” tion of an extra 400 beds, and In addition to the ap- director, while, after 24 years
Bosrijk holiday park over the In order to attract more new cottages and apartments pointment of Jurgens, other as President of Efteling’s su-
next few years. guests from abroad to spend will be completed and ready changes to the board of direc- pervisory board, Berry Be-
Efteling has established several days at the park, Eft- to take their first visitors by tors and supervisory board melmans stepped down upon
itself as one of Europe’s larg- eling will also expand its ac- the summer of 2015. The su- were also recently ratified. completion of his final term of
est and most popular theme commodation offering over pervisory board of Efteling Among these, Coen Bertens, office. He has been succeeded
park destinations and is seek- the coming years. Efteling has approved an investment formerly adjunct director of by Henk Kivits, who has been
ing to independently main- Village Bosrijk, which opened of €36 million (U.S. $49,010 operations, has been appoint- supporting the board of direc-
tain its position among Eu- in December 2009, will be fur- million) in the first phase of ed as a member of the board tors for some time in his role
rope’s leading theme parks in ther developed with the addi- this latest program of growth. of directors and operational as delegated commissioner.
PortAventura opens world’s longest interactive boat ride
Mack Rides provides
ride system; concept
and storyline by
PGAV Destinations
BARCELONA, Spain,
— PortAventura’s newest at-
traction, Angkor: Adventure
in the Lost Kingdom, sets the
world record for the longest
interactive boat ride.
While Germany’s Mack
Rides provided the ride sys-
tem and hardware for An-
gkor, PGAV Destinations,
based in St. Louis, Mo., origi-
The 984-foot-long Angkor: Adventure in the Lost Kingdom
nated the concept and basis of
at Spain’s Port-Aventura is billed as the world’s longest inter-
design for the new attraction
active boat ride. It was supplied by Germany’s Mack Rides
including thematic storyline
with concept and storyline by PGAV Destinations.
and content, site planning and
COURTESY PGAV DESTINATIONS
layout.
“We are thrilled to of- along the river’s shores. They project lead. “We really think
fer this brand new adven- then encounter a native vil- it’ll be loved as one of the
ture for our family visitors to lage in the second act, inspired most unique experiences that
PortAventura,” said Sergio by river villages throughout the park has to offer. It’s been
Feder, president and CEO of Thailand, where they’re chal- a pure joy to work on this at-
PortAventura. “Angkor is ab- lenged to blast a variety of traction with Port-Aventura.”
solutely the most immersive characters and targets with Valerio Mazzoli Studios
interactive boat ride on the water. In the third and final completed the final theming
planet and establishes a new, act of the 984-foot-long adven- package, and PortAventura’s
expandable themed zone for concept we introduced with til you’re on the boat and deep ture, the course doubles back Design and Engineering De-
PortAventura!” Angkor,” said Josh Rodgri- within the hidden jungle.” in close proximity, and guests partment managed the project
Angkor revolutionizes guez, attraction designer with Guests embark on their are flooded in a water battle execution. Angkor is the latest
the traditional interactive boat PGAV Destinations. “We still three-phase adventure from with the other boats. result of a master plan created
ride by creating a winding, show just enough of the ride an Angkor Wat-inspired tem- “It’s really exciting to see for PortAventura by PGAV
mysterious path through a lost from the main walking path to ple. The path guides them just how well Angkor turned Destinations, whom also de-
jungle. “The hidden path of an intrigue and excite guests, but through a lush jungle, where out,” said John Kemper, signed the original park and
interactive boat ride is a new the rest remains a surprise un- they meet numerous creatures PGAV Destinations VP and Hotel Gold River.