July 2010 - Amusement Today

22 AMUSEMENT TODAY July 2010WILDEBEESTContinued from page 19ri. Among the park’s installationsare seven large attractionsby ProSlide, and Wildebeeststands as the most remarkable.“Wildebeest is the most thrilling,”says Gobel of all the waterpark’sadditions.”It’s easilyaccessible,” she says of the watercoaster. On this attraction,there are no stairs or towersfor guests to climb. “It’s guestfriendly.”While Splashin’ Safaridoes have some attractionsthat guests in wheelchairs canenter at zero depth —BahariRiver, Bahari wave pool andtreehouse play areas— Wildebeestmarks the first bigthrill ride for such guests.Amusement Today asked Gobelif this was something guestswere asking for or if it was adirection Holiday World andSplashin’ Safari wanted totake for them. “It’s somethingwe wanted to do for them. Ourguests in wheelchairs love itand usually get right aroundto ride it again.”At 1,710 feet Wildebeestclaims a record for longestwater coaster. Admittedly, thisincludes the conveyor rideup where typically just raftstake that belted journey alone.However, guests seem to enjoythe anticipation involved withthe climb, not to mention thelack of having to climb stairsto reach the top.The total ride takes closeto two and a half minutes tocomplete. Once positioned ingroups of four, riders boardinline boats that take a slowclimb to the top of the waterslide.In all, 10 boats (out of 14)supplied by ZPro Watersportsare used while the ride is in operation.Once dropped into thelayout at the apex of the conveyorsystem, riders are rollickingalong between splashingcurves, misty tunnels anddramatic drops. One of themost unique aspects to theride is that the forces that rocketpassengers uphill are deliveredthrough hydromagnetics.Eight sections of LIMs propelboats uphill in ghostly fashiongaining speed as they climb.This can deliver moments ofweightlessness, which coasterenthusiasts lovingly term “airtime.”Referencing the park’smassive wooden coaster, someenthusiasts were heard to saythat Wildebeest is The Voyageof waterslides.Indeed. The tangled layoutis brilliantly balanced withdiving curves, dramatic drops,sudden tunnels and splashybanking. Joe Radomile, acoaster enthusiast from Philadelphia,says, “I like it in theSplashin’ Safari has hired on live musical talent for guestsin the waterpark. The Beachcombers offer four performancesof surf music six days a week throughout the summer.AT PHOTOS / TIM BALDWINAbove, riders are propelled up one of Wildebeest’s eightuphill launched sections. Below, boats are transferred easilyfrom the exit platform to the loading dock via an automatedsystem.back. The ride just keeps comingat you with all these greatdrops.” Two of the ride’s dropsplunge into tunnels.The Voyage wooden rollercoaster was the most expensiveattraction put into the park.The new Wildebeest comes insecond at $5.5 million. Thatseems like a significant sumfor a waterpark attraction, butjust by observing the crowds,Splashin’ Safari is integral tomost people’s visit to HolidayWorld. Throngs of sun worshippersspread out amongthe massive complex of attractions.Having a high capacityattraction such as Wildebeestseems like a solid move for thepark.Public relations directorPaula Werne can recall writinga press release in 1992 whenHoliday World was introducingSplashin’ Safari. “It was intendedto be a five year projectwith a final cost of $3 million.”Exceeding expectations far beyondwhat was ever imagined,Splashin’ Safari has grown toenormous proportions. “Thejoke was on us.”Park President Will Kochalso chuckles, “Paula has beensuggesting the name Wildebeestfor new rides for eightyears.” Remarking on her lackof support for the name, Kochadds, “Paula just got pickedon. We just laughed.”“I got the last laugh,” Wernechimes in. And park managementagrees, the name hascaught on.Editor’s note: As fate wouldhave it, the above quote from WillKoch became his final contributionto Amusement Today. Thebeloved father, friend and parkowner passed away less than aweek after this interview. He willbe greatly missed. Like anyoneelse fortunate enough to haveknown him, we at AT will missWill’s wit, trademark smile andlaugh.