Iceland's new FEC

FEBRUARY 2012Iceland’snew FECSBF-Visa raises theroof in ReykjavikGary GoddardLandora IstanbulFerrari World Check-up+more!

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www.parkworld-online.comParkWordFebruary 2012It’s now more than a year since the doors wereopened to the vast adrenaline charged, air-conditionedplayground that is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (FWAD). A good opportunitythen for a bit of analysis, which is exactly what we do on pages 30 and 31with the help of local attraction expert Phil Taylor and others.When I visited for the launch last winter, the park actually had somethingof a serene atmosphere, lacking the obvious intensity of motor racing.Then again, Formula 1 has always bored rather than excited me, so even aV8 engine wouldn’t rev me up.The real reason the venue was so quiet was that the ruler of Ras AlKhaimah had just died and the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE) was inmourning. Therefore the grand opening ceremony had been postponedand there were just us international media shaking around inside the86,000 square metre building. Everyone else had taken a pit-stop.Fortunately I did get to experience Formula Rossa, the world’s fastestrollercoaster – a title a lesser motorsport attraction in Germany has yet tosteal. That did rev me up. Opening soon will be Viaggio In Italia (“SoaringOver Italy”), the last major attraction to feature as part of the FWAD line-up.I have not yet returned to Ferrari World and seen it full with payingguests. Farah Leisure Parks Management, the park’s operator, does notrelease attendance figures or targets publicly, however general managerGlenn Davidson tells us, “hundreds of thousands” visited in the first year.It’s also a bit simplistic simply to judge the attraction simply on suchnumbers. Now owned by the Abu Dhabi government, it has a wider role toplay in promoting the Emirate, and in particular Yas Island, as anupcoming leisure destination.Billed as the biggest theme park launch ever in the Middle East, FerrariWorld has come to fruition where others have failed. Now it is up to theYas Island waterpark and probable Legoland and Universal parks in Dubaito develop the UAE market further. For the good of the region and thegood of the industry it is important they succeed.Owen Ralph - EditorEditor Owen Ralph (+44 161 438 2934)parkworld@btopenworld.comNorth American Editor Paul Ruben (+1 585 381 1012)parkw@rochester.rr.comContributors this issue Dennis Speigel, Stephen Candy,Eugene GerdenSales Manager Mark Burgess (+44 1622 699124)parkworld@datateam.co.ukPublishing Director Paul Ryderpryder@datateam.co.ukManaging Director Parvez Kayanip.kayani@datateam.co.ukPublication Secretary/ Jennifer York (+44 1622 699109)Subscriptions parkworld@datateam.co.ukHead OfficeFEBRUARY 2012ISSN: 1462-4796© Copyright 2012: all materials in thispublication remain the copyright of DatateamBusiness Media and no part of it may bereproduced without the written permission ofthe proprietors.A request to insert an advertisement isdeemed to be an acceptance of DatateamBusiness Media Ltd’s conditions of trading,copies of which are available on request.Datateam Business Media LtdLondon Road, Maidstone,Kent, ME16 8LY, UKTel: +44 1622 687031Fax: +44 1622 757646www.datateam.co.ukMember of:@ParkWorldMag FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comFront GateParkPatrolEveryday scenes through the operator’s1 2 3 45eye6325024 26Figuresof Fun2038284113per cent – increase in park revenue duringthe first three quarters of 2011/12 atCompagnie des Alpes. The French groupsold several smaller parks and addedFuturoscope to its portfolio last season60anniversary season in 2012 at Efteling inthe Netherlands1) Water Wars. We were one of the first parks to invest in this pay-as-you-play attraction and it is agreat addition on a hot day. We’ve even incorporated it into some corporate team-building events to getsome added mileage out of it.2) Our S&S Frog Hopper ride is great for the younger children and we placed our new SBF drop tower(for older kids and adults) strategically next to it. Both are great rides for a park like Quassy.3) We purchased this Chance portable Yo-Yo ride in 2004 and it is the first large swing ride to operate inthe park. It’s a major attraction for us, considering that our demographic is families with pre-teens.4) Quassy purchased this drop tower for the 2010 season. We sat down with SBF at the Rides-4-Ubooth at IAAPA Attractions Expo in Las Vegas and designed the ride to some specifications we wanted,including the colour scheme. It was also the first tower built by SBF with a state-of-the-art LED lightingsystem on it. Not only is it a fantastic family ride, but a spectacular light show after dark! SBF deliveredon time and the product has met our expectations.5) This used to be our ice cream stand. After constructing a new ice cream parlour four years ago, wemoved the “Toy Shack” to this location, which is great at catching the guests as they exitthe park. We do exceptionally well at the stand on evenings when we can sell light-upnovelties.6) Blue sky. We had a season which was just incredible – thanks in large to dry, warmweather. We hope everyone in the industry has a great year in 2012, and with a littleluck we’ll see more blue than grey skies this summer.Eric Anderson, Quassy Amusement Park, Connecticut (USA)76metres – height of new Shambhala coasteropening this season at Port Aventura inSpain. The B&M ride will becomeEurope’s tallest and fastest coaster1980year Jaws attraction opened at UniversalStudios Florida. The boat ride closed forgood on January 2 this year2,000,000,000pounds sterling – tourism marketrepresented by visitors with disabilities inEnglandProduced in association with AECOM.www.aecom.com/economicsUps &DownsFlorida Frenzy - Islands ofAdventure, Legoland Florida and threeof the four parks at Walt Disney Worldhad to temporarily restrict access overthe Christmas holiday period due tolarge crowdsNo Contest - A competition to design anew waterslide for Wild Wadi in Dubai hasbeen revealed as fake by the park’s generalmanager. The bogus online contest asked fora DHS183 ($50/€38) entry feePhantasy Threat - The generalmanager of Phantasialand has warnedthe German park may no longer beviable without a 28-hectare expansion.Opposition from environmental groupsmeans approval is still not forthcomingGreat Mall of China -Premier Rides is to supply asignature coaster to the largestmixed use development in theworld, the Great Mall ofChina, opening 2013Down Under Down Under -Australia’s Warner Bros Movie World haslaunched the country’s steepest inverteddrop coaster, Green Lantern by S&SFEBRUARY 20125

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comParkHoppin’with Paul RubenWindy WonderlandDid you know that most Americans don’t have passports? Onlyabout 6% do. That’s probably a good thing, so we don’t visit andannoy the rest of the world more than we already do. But as aresult, the traffic line on the bridge into Canada, where we nowneed passports to enter, was much shorter than in past years.Actually, we don’t need passports to enter Canada, but we needthem to return to the US and since the Canadians don’t want usstranded after our money has been spent there, they ask to see ourpassports when we arrive.I was on my way to Canada’s Wonderland to ride and report onits new attraction last season, WindSeeker. It’s a towering chairswing by Mondial. Four were installed at Cedar Fair-owned parks in2011, with a further two to follow this coming season.Canada’s Wonderland was my closest. Located outside Toronto, itis the fastest growing park in the CedarFair chain. Toronto’s population isexploding, thanks primarily toimmigration, and the park’s attendanceis a beneficiary. Under vice-presidentand general manager Norm Pirtovshek’sguidance, it continues to add more highcapacity rides. WindSeeker will befollowed this year by the 306ft-tallLeviathan coaster.On WindSeeker, as many as 64 riderssit in open two-passenger swings withtheir feet dangling in the breeze. Theswings rotate around the 30-storeycentre column as you slowly ascend thetower. At the top, you are treated todramatic views of the surroundinglandscape as you take a 60-secondflight at a 45-degree angle at a speedof 25 to 30 mph (40 to 50kmh).I climbed aboard, floated upwards, and began to circle as in thephoto above. It felt as if I was soaring quietly in a glider, except thesame damn scene came around every seven and a half seconds. Itwas a hot day, but 300ft (91m) in the air, with the wind brushingyour face, it felt cool.WindSeeker is promoted as a thrill ride, but unless you have afear of heights to generate an adrenaline rush, it is not. Rather, itwas smooth with none of the bumps and lurching turns of many ofthe rides below. It was serene. I could have remained aloft all day ifthey had let me. I could see and identify the landmark rides in thepark. I marvelled at the ever expanding rows of nearby housingwhere, when the park first opened 30 years earlier, there had beenonly cow pastures. To the south I could see downtown Toronto, LakeOntario beyond, and even the US. What a view!Mondial offers several shorter and lower capacity versions, and ofcourse we mustn’t forget the similar rides offered by othermanufacturers, notably Funtime with its pioneering Star Flyer. It gotme thinking. If the classic chair swing can be rejuvenated by lifting itskyward, are there other flat rides that would benefit from the towertreatment? Like riding prone on your stomach, arms outstretched,alongside the gulls? Or on twirling tea cups? The mind races. Andthen gets dizzy ...ewww.A Lotte water!New waterpark planned in KoreaSouth Korea’s Lotte Group is to build anew waterpark in Kimhae near Busan. Theproject will include a US$22 millionpackage of attractions from WhiteWater,the largest ever order for the Canadiansupplier. Dubbed the Lotte WorldWaterpark, completion is anticipated forMay 2013.Included will be WhiteWater’s newFamily Rattler and Family Python, twoA rendering for the waterparkMEGAtube rides, a Family Boomerango,AquaLoop, Abyss, 8-Lane Whizzard, Family Raft Ride, Dueling Master Blasters,speed slide and body slides. Also planned is a 35-metre pneumatic surf wavepool, an 18-metre indoor family wave pool, a double FlowRider and twoPolynesian-themed AquaPlay multi-level play structures."WhiteWater is thrilled to have been chosen as the supplier and manufacturerfor Lotte World Waterpark,” confirms the company’s CEO, Geoff Chutter. “Thisproject will be a wonderful showcase of WhiteWater's signature attractions and weare proud to be part of such an industry leading project."*The Lotte Group has chosen International Theme Park Services (ITPS) to work onan analysis and strategic planning for its original Lotte World indoor/outdoor themepark in Seoul. “We are enormously happy that the Lotte World team has onceagain chosen ITPS to assistthem in their investment andgrowth into the future,” saysITPS president DennisSpeigel. “We were part ofthe original conceptdevelopment team for LotteWorld, providing feasibilityanalysis, pre-openingoperations planning, stafftraining and on-sitemanagement for threeLotte World in Seoulyears.”Wet ’n’ Tame!Well known for its high thrill waterslides and multi-person attractions, Wet ‘n’Wild Orlando is to add a family focused attraction for this coming summer.Covering an area of one acre (400,000 square metres), the sandcastlethemedwater playground will be the largest of its kind in Florida.The interactive attraction will be built on the site of Wet ‘n’ Wild’s currentkids park, where it will span two pools, standing 60ft (20m) in height, spreadover two levels. Featured will be 17 slides and over 100 soakers, jets, waterfallsand water cannons.Recognised by theWorld WaterparkAssociation as theworld’s first waterpark,Wet ‘n’ Wild Orlandowas founded in 1977by Sea Worldentrepreneur GeorgeMillay. Now owned byNBCUniversal, todayit features over 15themed attractions.6FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comPark NewsParkBloggin’by Dennis SpeigelFeel the intensity and thriveOur industry has always been identified with certain intensities, but inrecent years additional factors have had a real impact on parkattendance. First, I believe we are weather intensive.While we always have to deal with various weather patterns, we haveseen in recent years how extreme wetness and extreme heat can affectattendance patterns to detrimental impact. In the US, we have seenproblematic patterns of rain hit in the spring, causing parks to open to ata slow pace. Many times this can be made up for in the regular season.However, if a park gets hit with follow up heatwaves, it is more difficult.This weather pattern happened to many North American parks during the2009 season, which was already being affected by the economicdownturn. For the most part, operators “plan for the worst and hope forthe best” when it comes to weather. A park needs to factor in thehistorical patterns and hope that there is not some cataclysmic orextraordinary pattern during the season.Reaching a park is fuel intensive for our guests. The price of gasolinehas had an enormous impact on attendance at both destination resortand regional theme parks in recent years. As an industry, we are affectedby both car and plane travel. When prices go up, attendance slows.People remain immobile and wait for prices to drop before they begantheir normal visitation patterns.Thirdly, I believe our industry is labour intensive. Typically, staffaccount for approximately 50% of a park’s operating budget. They areour single biggest expense – and are not getting any cheaper.In the USA, the current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. When it wasincreased to this level in 2009 from the previous $6.55 per hour, one ofour largest operators reported an annual staff bill of over $5 million inone season. While the seasonal theme park industry in North Americahas a special dispensation for minimum wage, competition from otheremployers means parks are often forced to pay minimum wage andabove. Therefore, we continue to be – due to the large workforceassociated with park operation – a hugely labour intensive business. I seeno signs of this changing.Our industry is also capital intensive. Amusement parks thrive onrepeat business – both within a season and from season to season. Inthis mature industry, most markets have been penetrated as deeply aspossible. It is fair to say that a park’s effort is tomaintain current market penetration while, throughthe process of capital expansion, increase attendance throughreasonable cost effective product additions.Reasonable is the key word here. Today a major attraction such as alarge steel coaster can cost between $15 and$30 million. How do you continue to committhe proper amount of capital expenditurewhile growing the business? First, you mustprotect your market. If you are a teen-drivenpark, you must continue to provide productwhich will bring them back again and again.You must also present product to appealother demographics that will help you grow.No matter which group a park chooses totarget, investments are expensive. When achain like Six Flags or Cedar Fair spreads itsannual capital expenditures across all of itsparks, the “burn factor” happens quiterapidly. Yet without these annual or semiannualinvestments, attendance begins tostall and, ultimately, decline.Finally, and regrettably, we have alsobecome discount intensive. Many parkshave become reliant on intense discountingMajor steel coasters arecapital intensiveto stem declines in attendance. The old adage, “I will accept the dilutionif it is offset by volume” has not held up. Large discounts have erodedprofitability. A new formula for controlling and replacing discounts shouldbe a priority for our industry. At ITPS, we believe that “yieldmanagement” or “dynamic pricing” offers a viable tool towardscontrolling discounting in future. You can read my thoughts on thissubject at bit.ly/A2vAqP.As we as strive to grow and become more profitable as an industry,we must be alert to these intense, somewhat volatile, factors. Theorganisations that manage these intensities will be those that thrive infuture.Dennis Speigel is president of International Theme Park Services (ITPS)FEBRUARY 20127

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comPlay’n’LearnNew attractions in the UK and USA fuse education withentertainment in their own unique wayCourtney: one of MindiLipschultz’s charactersfeatured in the gameEco ChallengeDesigned to teach children about environmentallyfriendlychoices in food shopping and recycling, EcoChallenge is a new immersive game at theDiscovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California.Produced by Cinnabar with media content byMindi Lipschultz, it features three zones – DiscoveryMarket, Race to Recycle and Eco Garage – with sixlife-size animated characters that guide playersthroughout the experience.Discovery Market is central to the attraction, alife-size recreation of a grocery store, complete withtouch screen-enhanced shopping carts andinteractive scanners. It is where most of theanimated characters are found. At theentrance,’Sandra’ prompts visitors to grab ashopping cart. Shoppers choose a shopping listfrom the in-built monitor and move around thestore, where they respond to questions on thescreens, select products and scan barcodes from theshelves to submit their answers.According to the answers given, special treatsand effects are triggered throughout the gameincluding photographs of star players on the SuperShopper Wall (a bank of monitors) and, if allquestions are answered correctly, a custom coinembossed featuring one of the characters from thegame. Kids are encouraged to play numerous timesto collect them all.Much time and attention was spent on thecharacters by Lipschultz: “I wanted to createcharacters that kids could identify with andremember,” she explains. “We made them quirky andmemorable. Courtney, for example, awakens fromher Zen-like meditation of floating fruit when visitorssummon her by pushing the ‘Help’ button, whileSusie, a forceful young clerk with purple-streaked hairemphasises her points with a meat cleaver in handand rails against Styrofoam packaging.”Eco Challenge wasrealised by the DiscoveryCenter with assistance from OCWaste and Recycling. As well as Cinnabar andLipschultz, suppliers included BBI Engineering (A/Vsystems/mechanical interfaces), Wall StreetProductions (software) and Artifact Design(character animation).“The exhibit teaches kids about eco-choices, andthey go home and teach their parents,” concludesLipschultz. “I like that – it builds a better future anda better now.“discoverycube.org/ecocrew360 PlayA new FEC has opened in the UK aimed at kids.360 Play in Stevenage is the second in a plannedchain of venues from DP Leisure and at 24,000 sqft is approximately a third larger than the originaloutlet in Milton Keynes.Children can enjoy a rage of activities spreadacross three areas, centring on physical play,creative play and skills play. In the centre of thebuilding a three-tier play structure incorporating awide range of slides, climbing elements, tubes, ballzones and more. Beneath this is a bumper car trackLuigi’s Pizza Parlour forms part of 360 StreetKids enjoy the derby race from Elton Gameswith floor-pick-up by the Italian manufacturer IEPark. The ride forms part of the Skills Zone, whichalso features a carousel and various hands-onactivities.A smaller play structure, aimed at the under 4s,features in another area of the building togetherwith a play garden and junior carousel. Adjacentsits 360 Street, a signature feature of the FEC.Based around a similar format to Kidzania, visitorsengage in role play inside scaled down shops andbusinesses including Luigi’s Pizza Parlour, Vets andPets, a dressing-up shop, fire station, car body shopand more.Additional facilities located throughout 360 Playinclude a café, classroom and party zone. Anoutdoor zone, Club 360, is set to open in June,featuring sand and water play, soft play and anevents area.“We have created what we believe to be anengaging, entertaining and inspiring familyorientatedfacility,” says DP managing directorDuncan Phillips. “It’ a great site to be on with anexcellent catchment area.”360play.uk.comBumper cars and play structure in the Skills Zone8 FEBRUARY 2012

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comLegoland Deutschland 10To celebrate its 10th anniversary season in 2012,Legoland Deutschland is to debut a Gerstlauer SkyFlyer and a new themed area within Miniland.In keeping with Legoland’s core values, FlyingNinjago will feature an element of interactivity asriders operate wings either side of their seat tochange the orientation of the gondola. The 22-metre-tall attraction will be located within the LittleAsia section of the park in Günzburg, Bavaria. It isone of three Sky Flyers Gerstlauer is installing for thecoming season.Just in time for Legoland’s birthday on May 17,visitors to the park’s Miniland area will be able todiscover six scenes based around Lego’s new Ninjagotoy range. Built from thousands of Lego bricks, thenew exhibits will be available exclusively at theGerman park until November 4. Further eventsincluding a martial arts show and acts from theChinese State Circus will get guests in the Ninjagospirit.Meanwhile in the Star Wars section of Miniland, alife-size Lego model of the dark warrior Darth Maulwill be added. Therewill also be a newaddition toLegoland Atlantisby Sea Life, TiefseeAbenteur (DeepSea Adventure),LegolandDeutschlandreopens for the season onMarch 24.Flying NinjagoWodan WonderIAAPA chairman and Europa-Park managing director Roland Mack is picturedwith son and strategic director Michael Mack as construction continues on hispark’s new wooden rollercoaster. The ride, which is located within the Icelandthemed area of the park in the Black Forest, southern Germany, will be calledWodan and is set to open for the start of the season on March 31. Thethrilling ride is the work of Great Coasters International and features morethan 1km of track, including a first drop of roughly 40-metres.Adventure river forOcean BreezeJiust one year after the largest expansion in park’s history, America’s OceanBreeze Waterpark in Virginia Beach is adding a new section for the 2012season, anchored by an adventure river ride from the Aquatic DevelopmentGroup.On the 1,000ft (305m) long river, guests will be able to settle into a tubeand drift in a steady current, through waves and past waterfalls, spray featuresand geysers. Using previously undeveloped land, the new look area will alsocontain a expansive bar and grill, deck area, cabanas and restrooms.Ocean Breeze Waterpark was purchased in January 2011 by aninvestment group led by the former Six Flags executives Gary Story andKieran Burke. That same season they added a giant multi-slide complex anda new children’s play area.SkyJet atSkyline ParkBavaria’s Skyline Park will start the 2012 seasonwith a Zierer Star Shape called Sky Jet. Thewhite-knuckle 360ª pendulum ride stands 30-metres tall and was formerly known as Bling inits days at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (as picturedhere).It’s a return to Germany for the ride, whichwas built at the Zierer factory in Neuhausen andsupplied new to the British park in June 2004 asthe last major attraction launched by GeoffreyThompson.Skyline Park is owned by the Löwenthal familyand features over 50 attractions including thesignature Sky Wheel, the first ever SkyLoop byMaurer Söhne.skylinepark.de10 FEBRUARY 2012

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comMaja on HolidayConstruction has started at Holliday World, Hassloch, Germany, on a new themedarea called Majaland. The €9 million addition to the park follows the introductionlast season of Maja the Bee attractions at sister parks in Belgium operated byStudio 100 under the Plopsa brand.The new land at Holiday Park will cover a 30,000 square metres and feature 11family-focused attractions including Schmetterlingsflug (Butterfly Flight) and Tulpen(Tulip) Splash. A new entrance is also planned for the park featuring Studio 100characters including Wickie the Viking and Tabaluga.Pictured here getting work underway are Plopsa park group managing directorSteven van der Kerkhof (right) with construction manager Luc van der Biest. Thenew land will be available for the start of the season on March 31.Ocean Park marksanniversary withrecord attendanceFresh from clocking up its highest ever attendance,Hong Kong’s home-grown theme park was due tocelebrate its 35th birthday with a special float inCathy Pacific’s Chinese New Year Night Parade onJanuary 23.The float showcased new areas of the parkincluding Polar Adventure and Thrill Mountainalongside signature animals such as the dolphin,harbour seal and giant panda as it wished thepeople of Hong Kong a lucky and prosperousYear of the Dragon.In the fiscal yearending June 30,2011, Ocean Parkrecorded nearly 5.9million guests – a16% increase overthe previous year.Park revenue alsobroke the billiondollar mark for thevery first time,finishing the year atHK1.2 billion.Disney castmember enjoys55 years’ serviceOscar Martinez, who recently celebrated his 55thyear as a “cast member” at Disneyland inCalifornia, has been honoured with a SnowWhite-themed service award.Martinez, a cook at Carnation Café on MainStreet USA, began his Disney career as a busdriver and is the first Walt Disney Parks & Resortsemployee to achieve the 55-year milestone. Overthe last half century, he has trained thousandsmore cast members and has become a favouriteof the many guests who visit him year after year.Merlin identifiestakeover target inAsia-PacificBuilding on its acquisition last year of theSydney Attractions Group, MerlinEntertainments wants to increase its foothold inthe Asia-Pacific region with the proposedacquisition of the Living and Leisure AustraliaGroup (LLA).Subsidiary Merlin Australia has made arecommended takeover offer for the group,which operates nine leisure attractions in theregion including aquariums in Melbourne andthe Gold Coast in Australia, Bangkok,Shanghai and Busan, South Korea. The groupalso boasts a number of winter sports resortsand treetop adventures in Australia plus amanagement contract in Dubai.“The acquisition of LLA would open up newmarkets to us and facilitate the continuing rollout of the Sea Life, Madame Tussauds, Eye andLegoland brands in the Asia Pacific region,”notes Merlin chief executive Nick Varney.livingandleisure.com.au12 FEBRUARY 2012

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comMakeover for MadameTussauds Las VegasHollyer Projects from the UK has been retained torefurbish Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. The 13-yearoldattraction at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casinowill be brought up to date in two phases.The first phase will include a refurbishment of thebox office/entrance, complete with red carpet to giveguests the impression of entering a star studdedcelebrity event. The Speed room will become theBlackpoolTower overhaulcontinuesHaving overhauled the inside of Blackpool Tower,Merlin Entertainments and Blackpool Council areto pay attention to the outside with a dazzling newfrontage planned for the landmark British touristattraction.Revealing the original building which has beenhidden for years, stained glass and terracottatiling will be restored and a glass-fronted canopyput in place at the promenade entrance. Thework is expected to be completed over the nextyear, along with the painting of the tower’s legs.“It will make the front of the tower lookfantastic and will complement the work done bythe council in creating the Comedy Carpet andthe new headland,” says Iain Hawkins, head ofMerlin’s Blackpool cluster.theblackpooltower.comA taste of the new look exteriorFilm room, showcasing movies either based on orfilmed in Las Vegas, and the Sports room is also setfor an expansion.The second phase will include an update of theMusic room and the introduction of a Historicalroom, combined with a Behind The Scenes areathat will detail the creation process of thewaxworks.ScareCON 2012Europe’s onlyconference andtrade show forthe scareattractionsindustry returnson May 10, thistime inBlackpool.Now in its fifthyear, Scarecon atthe Norbreck Castle Hotel promises an extensiveseminar/workshop programme, trade stands, acostumed ScareBall and frights in the night forguests staying in a “ScareRoom”!Delegates are promised knowledge and insightfrom some of the biggest scare providers in theUK and beyond, in addition to practical tips totake away and apply at their own attractions. Atthe end of the daytime programme, Scareconmorphs into a ghoulish party as delegates lettheir hair down over dinner and a drink at theScareBall, where they can practice their bestmonster dance.The disccounted day rate starts at just £50inclusive of seminars, workshops, exhibits, food,drink, wifi and health club access. Discounts willalso be provided to local attractions, theBlackpool Tower Dungeon, Carnesky’s GhostTrain and Pasaje del Terror at the Pleasure Beachlikely to be of particular interest to Scarecondelegates.scarecon.co.ukA taste of the new look interiorGovernment fattensup Barcelona park forprivatisationAccording to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, theBarcelona government has approved plans topump €15.5 million ($20.8m) into Tibidaboahead of a proposed privatisation.As part of the new investment a Ferris Wheelwill open at the hilltop amusement park,offering spectacular views out over the Catalancapital. Money will also be used to help reducedebt and increase promotion.The park was acquired by the Barcelonaauthorities in 2002 and had been experiencinga steady climb in numbers until 2010 when afatal ride accident affected year-on-yearattendance by around 50%.tibidabo.catPremier Rides takes on projects in China and IndiaPremier Rides has been selected to design andmanufacture a launch coaster as a signatureattraction of the largest mixed-use development inthe world, the Great Mall of China. Furthermore theride, commissioned by the Berjaya Great Mall ofChina Co, will be the tallest indoor rollercoaster inthe world.The attraction will be designed and built in theUnited States and exported to China, where it willintegrate many exciting and unique elements.Currently, the tallest indoor coaster is the 136ft-tall(41m) Mindbender at the West Edmonton Mall inCanada.Located only 25km from Beijing International Airportin Yanjiao City, Heibei Province, the 76-acre Mall ofChina will feature shops, entertainment venues, atheme park and waterpark, making the a landmark inthe region. The project is slated to open in 2013.Meanwhile Premier Rides will become part of theteam creating a major new theme park in Indiafollowing an agreement with local partner AdlabsEntertainment. The as yet unnamed park will debutat a location to be announced in the near future.Adlabs founder Manmohan Shetty says he intendsto bring to India a world class theme park unlikeanything seen in the country before. Soundspromising!FOLLOW PARK WORLD ON TWITTER@ParkWorldMag14 FEBRUARY 2012

Park Newswww.parkworld-online.comSafari ChallengeInteractive fun for zoos and theme parksSafari Challenge is aninteractive treasure huntcombining fun physical andmental challenges across athemed adventure course.Scanning a wristband atterminals throughout thecourse (as pictured), playersmust find and the endangeredanimals and complete a seriesof tasks to collect points. Theexpedition takes them through rainforest, desert,savannah and swamp. However due to climatechange, some of the animals may not be in the zonesexpected! Tasks offered as part of the experienceinclude the Monkey Mayhem hang/swing game andCobra Strike reaction test.This family-orientated attraction requires a minimumspace of 8,000 square feet and can be retrofitted intoexisting playgrounds or structures. The random gamesequence is a key feature ensuring that each playerwill only experience up to a third of the entire arenaper game, encouraging repeat play.Operators can also use Safari Challenge to offercustomised education programmes to schools, evenuploading special questions and tasks to tie in withthe curriculum. Well suited to zoos and theme parks,other themes are of course available on request.1st Attractions, the British company marketing theattraction will provide full design and support services.Customers are then free to use their preferredsuppliers for theming and construction, or 1st canarrange this on a turnkey basis. Ride EntertainmentSystems will be handling sales for the USA.Several zoos and theme parks are alreadyinterested in the concept. Having partnered with BBCWorldwide, 1st Attractions hopes to launch a versionof the attraction based around the TV show Deadly60 in early 2013. In the meantime you can see avideo of the game on the 1st Attractions website.1stattractions.comTimberplay atKidzworldSand and water tops the bill in anextensive outdoor play area at thenew-look Kidzworld in Cornwall,England.Provided by Timberplay, theSmugglers Cove attraction allowschildren to move water uphill using anarray of pumps and channels.Alongside this is the Treetop Scramble,a bespoke playground with wobblywalkways and a steel tunnel slide.Kidzworld also offers dedicated babyand toddler areas, cannon blasters,dodgems, mini golf and a choice ofslides.Located in the town of St Austell,Kidzworld has been a leading attraction in this popular tourist area for severalyears, but has recently undergone a huge redevelopment programme,doubling in size. Featured are both indoor and outdoor play areas, with noheight restrictions.kidzworld.co.ukIAAPA promises action on IPIAAPA president and CEO Chip Cleary met with officers from a selection ofinternational trade associations recently to discuss breaches of intellectual property(IP) rights and copying of amusement equipment.Exhibitors at each of IAAPA’s international trade shows (IAAPA Attractions Expo,Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show) who are proven to be displayingequipment, graphics or literature which shows copied items may be forced toremove the offending equipment or materials from the booth, or have the boothclosed down entirely.A judge will be assigned to the task at each event and the breaches of IP willjudged against a register of complaint and digital archive administered by theAssociation Industry Council of Europe (AICE). For details of how to have yourcompany’s materials included in the digital archive contact Gerry Robinson:ales@alesuk.orgUniversal Orlando 2012This year Universal Orlando will debut more newentertainment than during any other year in its history. Cinematic SpectacularBeginning this month (February), is a new showfrom the Blue Man Group within the CityWalkentertainment district. Fresh elements include the BlueMen interacting with “GiPads,” a funny and insightfullook at contemporary communication vehicles, and apulsating new finale with an original music score.The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Manreopens in March at Islands of Adventure. It will featureall-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, high tech3D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio andlighting. The re-animation of the ride film will include a new level of detail and acameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.Superstar Parade opens spring at Universal Studios Florida withcharacters from Despicable Me, Hop, Dora & Diego and SpongeBob.Also opening spring at Universal Studios will be Cinematic Spectacular :100 Years of Movie Memories. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this nightlymultimedia spectacular will celebrate the most powerful and emotionalmoments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Performed on waterfallscreens within the park’s lagoon, the show will be surrounded by colourfulfountains and pyrotechnics.Replacing Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast simulator, Despicable MeMinion Mayhem is a new 3D adventure opeing during the summer atUniversal Studios.Other new experiences opening this year at Universal Orlando Resortinclude Hollywood Drive-In Golf at CityWalk, an elaborately themed 36-hole miniature golf experience, and a new SpongeBob shop.aDespicable Me Minion Mayhem16 FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comPark NewsPax seeks wheelpartnersThe Russian ride manufacturerPax Design is offering to partnerwith developers keen to buildan observation wheel butwithout the funds to do so. Paxwill supply the ride if the partnersupplies the land andinfrastructure. Revenue will besplit 50:50.The company says it canbuild wheels varying from 40 to180-metres in height. A 140-metre construction will open in2012 in a Russian city to beconfirmed.Separately, Pax has announced that it plans to stopproduction of rollercoasters, concentrating on rides for its ownpark at the All Russia Exhibition Centre in Moscow.Technical Spark!There’s a new ride on the horizon from the Italianmanufacturer Technical Park. Wild Spark promises family funwith plenty of bounce, and the ride pattern will be familiar toanyone who has seen similar attractions in action on theSpanish “Feria” circuit.The 16-metre diameter ride features 14 three-seater cars,providing a total passenger capacity of 42. In response tocustomer requests, Technical Park is supplying the ride withover-the-shoulder restraints so that it is accessible to a broadrange of riders. The ride’s integral pneumatic system hasbeen sourced from Spain.The first unit will be a trailer-mounted version scheduledfor autumn delivery to Germany pending TÜV certification.Park models are also available, together with fiberglass propsand theming.KernelsJapan’s Tokyo Disney Resort will open ToyStory Mania! this summer. The ride, which hasalready been a hit at Disney’s parks in the States,will feature as part of Toyville Trolley Park, a newarea of Tokyo DisneySea themed as an oldfashionedamusement park.After road-testing a temporary version of itswaxworks attraction in Tokyo, MerlinEntertainments it is to open a permanent MadameTussauds in the Japanese capital. The full sizeMadame Tussauds Tokyo will join Merlin’sLegoland Discovery Centre at the Decks TokyoBeach Mall when it opens in spring 2013.A Huss Enterprise and a Fabbri drop tower willappear as part of the line-up for 2012 atPleasurewood Hills in England. The Enterprisewas acquired from Henk Bembon at LoudounCastle in Scotland, while the 40-metre tower ridewas formerly travelled by showman MichaelWallis. Located near the town of Lowestoft,Pleasurewood Hills sold last year to from oneFrench operator to another, Looping Holdingtaking control after Compagnie des Alpes decidedto dispose of some its smaller parks acrossEurope.Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, WisconsinDells, Wisconsin, has opened an indoor NorthernLights Sky Ropes Course from Ropes Courses Inc.New York’s Darien Lake has named BobMontgomery as its new vice-president and generalmanager. Montgomery has been employed byHerschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the park’snew management company, for over a decade,and also boasts experience at Legoland, Toronto'sCN Tower and Canada's Wonderland. Workingwith Montgomery will be assistant generalmanager Chris Thorpe. Darien Lake also gets anew director of marketing in the shape of SteveHallowell.Cassandra Weber has been named GeneralManager of Legoland Discovery CenterChicago. Opened in 2008, the attraction wasthe first LDC outlet from Merlin Entertainments inNorth America. Relocating from Bloomington,Minnesota, Weber joins the LDC Chicago after 11years with Merlin’s Sea Life Minnesota Aquariumin the Mall of America.Rich Hill, who joined Sally Corporation 12years ago as an artist, has been promoted to theposition of senior designer. Hill works directly withDrew Hunter, vice-president of creative design, onall aspects of conceptualisation and design for thecompany’s interactive dark rides, animatronics,and exhibits.Bombay Amusement Rides (BAL) recentlycompleted a Sky Swinger (wave swinger) for JawaTimur park in Indonesia, and also has four SkyKopter rides on order, for customers in the USA(3) and India.The North American ride manufacturer Larsonhas sold two Flying Scooters, one each in the USAand Canada. A Jumping Jumbo, a Super Shotand a Fireball are also on order. A flea market inHouston, Texas, has ordered a Star Dancerobservation tower. Larson is also finishing work ontwo trains for Knoebel's new Flying Turns inPennsylvania, while five rides are in forrefurbishment.As well as a Loop Fighter for a British showman,Technical Park will also supply a version of the ridein 2012 for the Finnish amusement parkTykimäkki.Former director of engineering at PARCManagement, Jeff Glinter has joined PremierRides in the same capacity. Glinter, who startedhis career with General Motors, also providedengineering expertise and constructionmanagement for Six Flags, as well as serving assenior project engineer on EPCOT’s Test Track.The British train builder and people-movingspecialist Severn Lamb currently has five trainsin production. Ranging from 32 to 144 passengercapacity, they are on order for customers in SouthKorea, India, Indonesia (2) and Qatar.The first TapeMyDay video capture system lookslikely to go into operation during 2012 at a snowdome in the Netherlands. Talks are also ongoingwith several Dutch theme parks.Lo-Q has extended its contract with Six Flagsand will continue to supply its Q-bot virtualqueuing system under the guise of ‘Flash Pass’ to11 parks in North America. Following a successfultial at Six Flags White Water waterpark in Atlantalast summer, Lo-Q will also install its Q-bandsystem at seven other waterpark sites across theUnited States as quickly as possible. The Q-banduses a waterproof RFID wristband.WhiteWater has introduced the industry’s first10-year warranty against waterslide fading and“chalking,” offering superior gloss retention,increased durability and very low maintenance.TAA Industries is to complete somesupplementary theming for the Krake (Octopus)coaster at Heide Park in Germany. Elsewhere inEurope there is work planned at Hansa Park in thenorth of Germany, Conny Land in Switzerland,Studio 100/Plopsaland in Belgium and CenterParcs’ new Aquariuz resort in the French Alps.”Right now though,” notes TAA president UdoWeisenburger, “2013 is actually looking muchbusier than 2013. A lot of parks seem to beleaving things to the last minute for the comingseason.”Magic Memories, the New Zealand-basedtourism photography company, is to beginoperations in the USA. The company offersattraction visitors a detailed account of their day ina booklet, online and via social media withouteven having to bring a camera. Led by StuartNorris and John Wikstrom, Magic Memories nowhas some 70 operations in mainland Europe,South Africa, New Zealand and Australia,partnering with operators including MerlinEntertainments. Its new US general manager isJustin Ward, while The Kreisler Group will assistwith marketing.FEBRUARY 201217

Party Peoplewww.parkworld-online.com12BALPPACELEBRATESPark owners, operators and suppliersfrom the UK and beyond toasted 75years of the British Association of LeisureParks, Piers & Attractions (BALPPA) at ananniversary dinner last month inLondon. Draper’s Hall provided themagnificent backdrop to theproceedings on January 23, attended byaround 150 members and guests. Withsuch good food, good company and goodtimes, the evening was over in a flash –but not before Park World had chance toget these shots(All names left to right)1) The magnificent interior of Draper’s Hall2) John Collins OBE says Grace3) BALPPA’s outgoing membership servicesmanager Hannah Carmichael receives aleaving present from chairman AdrianMahon (it was an iPad by the way)6534) BALPPA chairmen past and present: JohnCollins, Gary Smart, Adrian Mahon, David Cam,Richard Pawley, Colin Dawson, John Bollom,Roland Mack (IAAPA chairman) and Tim Batstone5) Guests parade through for dinner6) Richard Pawley with Harry Pass and PeterHodgson of Elegant Clutter (interior designersof the Drayton Manor Hotel)7) IAAPA Europe’s Karen Staley with Steveand Amanda Thompson OBE from PleasureBeach Blackpool and Tim Batsone of HBLeisure748) Nick Farmer, BALPPA’s longest-servingtrade associate member, with OmniTicket’somnipresent John Davies8In next month’s Park Worldwe feature an exclusive75th anniversary interviewwith leading lights fromBALPPA. Don’t miss it!18FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comProduct News

Park PeopleQ LinesGary Goddard 10 years of TheGary Goddard entered theparks and attractionsbusiness in the early ‘70swhen he directed theHoop Dee Doo dinnershow at Walt Disney Worldbefore becoming one thecompany’s youngest everImagineers. In 1980 heleft Disney to form his owncompany, Gary GoddardProductions, followed bythe LandmarkEntertainment Group (withTony Christopher) and laterThe Goddard Group.Goddard’s credits includesuch notable projects asThe Amazing Adventuresof Spider-Man andTerminator 2 3-D forUniversal Orlando, TheForum Shops at Caesar’sPalace and Star Trek: TheExperience in Las Vegas,The Georgia Aquarium,Glow in the Park andMonster Mansion for SixFlags and most recentlythe two billion dollarGalaxy Resort & Casino inMacau. Now 57 years ofage, Goddard’sentertainment career hasalso included producerroles on several Broadwayshows, director of the1987 movie Masters of theUniverse and severaltelevision shows. TheCalifornia-based attractiondesigner revels inovercoming his critics, andalways has something tosay. To mark the 10thanniversary of TheGoddard Group in 2012,we bring you this exclusiveinterview.What did you learn from your days atDisney?Being that I was 24 when I started at Disney as anImagineer, every day you learned something new. Butno one “taught” you anything – you simply had tojump in and soak up as much as you could. I wasfortunate to have some great people all rooting andlooking out for me; and I worked hard too. Here area few lessons I learned:•From Marc Davis – How to stage a ride (or AAshow) for maximum effect. Always look for a designthat will read immediately with people, because inour business we don’t have the time that film andtheatre do to make an impression. You cannot tell astory in a ride, but there has to be a thread thatworks its way through and you still need to have abeginning, a middle and an end.•From Herb Ryman – In designing for theme parks“theme” is not enough, in fact it is barely acceptable.A design must be “lived in” and have somethingdifferent. To simply copy existing designs and recreatethem elsewhere doesn’t work; out of thecontext of their original location they will be sterileand have no meaning.•From John Hench – The “gestalt” (form) isimportant for any design – not just the front layer –but the background, the setting, and the particularenvironment and context within which the design willexist.•From Marty Sklar – Be on time to meetings. Don’tmiss deadlines.•From John DeCuir Snr – Don’t be afraid of beingepic in your thinking. Think big. Think not just out ofthe box, but assume there is no box.•From Rolly Crump – A sense of humour should beevident in the design, or in the attraction. Humourmakes everything better.•From Claude Coates – The importance of colourin design and how colour affects the mood of ascene, and how it can be used to create emotionalreactions in the audience.•From Collin Cambell – “Always add a sixth fingerto every presentation.” Since the executives have tohave something to point to and criticise, this makes iteasier and faster. As in “wow, you’re right, she has sixfingers – I’ll fix that.”•From Al Bertino – Timing is everything. Alwayslook for gags – for ideas that make a show or ridefunny, surprising or inspiring. “And kid, do you realisehow lucky we are to get paid to have fun and to workon these shows and rides? We have the best job inthe world.”I have not been at Walt Disney Imagineering forover 25 years, but back then it wasn’t run by thecorporate suits. Or if it was (behind the scenes) theydid not interfere with the creative flow. I rememberwhen Marc Davis told me, “Walt used to say, if thepencil pushers are ever put in charge of this place, itwill all fall apart Marc.” With massive misfires likeCalifornia Adventure, Hong Kong Disneyland andWalt Disney Studios in Paris, it’s pretty clear that thepencil pushers have indeed taken over. That beingsaid, I am very hopeful that with John Lasseter nowactively involved, the creative designers will beallowed more control, and that we will soon see anew generation of great creative innovation. Equallycool is that James Cameron will be leading theImagineers on an entirely new journey with Avatar.How can small parks create “wow’experiences?It’s not as much about the budget as it is aboutbeing creative. I have seen a number of “smaller”attractions or elements over the years that were notterribly expensive, and yet had a major impact onaudiences. It’s about being clever with what youhave. And contrary to what many people believe, weSix Flags’ Glow in the Park parade20FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comPark PeopleGoddard Grouphave done smaller projects at The Goddard Group. We approach everyproject as a unique puzzle that needs to be solved within the challengesof the budget, schedule and other limitations. And I can tell you this –playing “safe” is the way to lose. I think people like to have a sense ofwonder when coming to theme parks, resorts, or other destinations. Togive them a sense of wonder again has become increasingly difficultwhen the internet and other media tend to bombard people withinformation, images, user reviews and observations of everything.How do you ensure the finished project is faithful to youroriginal design?The thing about making a great project of any kind, in any medium isthis: nothing is set in stone until it finally opens to the public. If you trulyfreeze the “approved concept” and execute solely upon the initialdesign, without allowing each new team member to add his or herstrengths to it, then you kill the baby in the process and wind up with asterile and bland end result. But any great production needs to have asingle voice at the top who is committed to bring that vision to life, andwho understands that certain twists and turns will take place along theway. My greatest successes have been those that had detractors alongthe way.Other than some of the more obvious projects, what aresome of your career highlights?The Georgia Aquarium is something I am very proud of, in particularthe way we conceptualised a more theatrical approach to thepresentations there, getting rid of the typical linear progression of otheraquariums and creating a new “hub and spoke” layout.Hershey’s Really Big 3D Show was ground-breaking at the time, andhas proven to be a hit at Hershey’s Chocolate World for over adecade. The Conan Sword & Sorcery Spectacular we produced forUniversal in 1983 is something I am highly proud of to this very day,together with the Saniro Puroland and Harmonyland parks in Japan.And I loved the Ghostbusters Spooktacular at Universal Studios Floridawhere we created the world’s biggest Pepper’s Ghost illusion with liveactors. In recent years, the Glow in the Park parades for Six Flags werereally dynamic.Choose two non-park projects that were important to youand tell us whyFirst, The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas. It’s hard tobelieve now, but at the time no one thought a mall would work in LasVegas. The only mall in Vegas then was the Fashion Show and it wasan unmitigated disaster. Giving up Caesar’s last prime property on thestrip for a shopping mall? Caesar’s then chairman/CEO Henry Glucksaid no and sent the developer to me. We created an experience thathad shopping as the star. It opened and immediately became the mostsuccessful mall in America based upon sales per square foot.Then there is The Galaxy Resort & Casino in Macau. We deliberatelycreated a concept that was Asian inspired, rather than Vegas as priorcasino operators had done. We wanted something that would becomean iconic destination resort and the new symbol of Macau’s Cotai Strip,replacing The Venetian, which was – let’s be honest – simply a rehashof The Venetian in Las Vegas, and not necessarily the right concept forMacau. Management was split, with one group pushing for somethingFEBRUARY 2012‘My amazing Spider-Manadventure’The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at UniversalOrlando’s Islands of Adventure remains one of GaryGoddard’s biggest calling cards. Here he explainshow this iconic 3D/4D dark ride, due to berelaunched later this year, came into beingJay Stein, who was overseeing the development ofIslands of Adventure as chairman and CEO ofUniversal Recreation, felt that Spider-Man, along withthe Hulk, were the best known Marvel superheroes atthat time. He said, “Give us a concept for thesuperhero land, with ideas for attractions, but we know we have to have aSpider-Man ride.” That was about it. Now, I had grown up on Marvel (andDC) comics, and I knew them inside and out; I was ready for this.We started development, I think, back in 1993. My first thoughts – asalways – were story and creative, not technology-based. However, we werealso in the midst of creating Terminator 2 3-D, so had pushed Universal intothe 3D world. I set out to figure out what this big dark ride based on Spider-Man, would be. The world of super heroes is dynamic, colourful and biggerthan life. Most of all, if you really imagine the experience of reading acomic, it is in your face. What kind of ride system would be to deliver thiskind of action?The technologies available at the time were all unacceptable. Animatronicswere too tame, 2D projection with show action animation would allow forsome film footage, but it could not penetrate the rider’s space. Then I startedthinking about effects like fire, wind, rain, smoke, fog, steam and so on, butremember, in a typical ride, nothing can come within about four to six feet(1.2 to 2-metres) of the vehicle. Then, in the midst of a T2 3-D meeting, Irealised why not have 3D on a ride? This way we could bring the action intothe ride vehicle and literally have “in your face” action; the 3D combined with4D effects would form the next step in “total immersive storytelling.”I met with Jay and told him I thought the world’s first 3D/4D ride way theonly successful way to create a superhero story. I took him through someinitial beats, like Doc OC bursting through the walls with flaming torches onhis tentacles and us feeling the heat. I already had the Green Goblin gag inmind, with the flaming pumpkin that he throws in 3D, resulting in a real timeexplosion of fire. Jay said he loved it, but would it work? I said yes it would,but from that moment on the internal management at Universal would doeverything they could to try and convince Jay, Barry Upson and others to killthe project (“3D in a ride will never work”). Later Scott Trowbridge wasbrought on board and thankfully he ‘got it’, championed the project andcarried the torch forward into production.When it opened, the LA Times described the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man as, “The best theme park ride in the world, melding story andtechnology in a way that surpasses Disney’s top efforts.”Since then we’ve had projects like Curse of Darkastle at Busch GardensWilliamsburg, and others. Darkastle is clearly a rip off of the Spider-Mantechnology and concept, and for what it is, it’s pretty darn good. But theycertainly did not take the concept of a 4D ride to the next level, rather theycreated a classic “spook house” version. It certainly demonstrated to theindustry that you could do a 3D/4D attraction at a cost far less than what ittook to achieve Spider-Man.I definitely want to see the Transformers ride at Universal Studios Singaporeand plan to on my next trip to Asia. Transformers has the best chance ofbeing at least equal to Spider-Man, at least on the surface, because you havea compelling mythology that can work well within the 4D medium. From whatI hear so far, it seems to be effective. The key to this kind of attraction isto elevate it above being just another 3D/4D in the story and set up,with a unique journey that has unexpected moments along the way.21

Park Peoplewww.parkworld-online.com“HarryPotter brokeall the rulesand won, in amajor way.That’s alesson for theindustry –break out ofthe normalyardsticksthat theexecutiveshold up asmargins forfailure, don’tbe afraid tobe bold, andperhaps youwill be wildlyrewarded”more European. I am happy to say chairman FrancisLui stuck with the original vision and the results havebeen spectacular. In less than a year, the Galaxy hasbecome one of the three most profitable casinos inthis Special Administrative Region of China, andwinner of “World’s Best Casino/Integrated Resort” atthe International Gaming Awards in London.Are there many projects that didn’t goaccording to plan?At Landmark we did all of the concept and designthrough to schematic work for Jurassic Park: The Rideat Islands of Adventure, however Universal hired awayseveral key people and decided to produce it on theirown. While I think a lot of that ride came out well, Ihave always felt that they never fully succeeded ingetting the completely immersive atmosphere that wehad envisioned.Then there was SS Admiral. Six Flags disagreed withour concept to transform a former ship into a floatingshowpiece in St Louis, Missouri. We envisioned aplace that would reignite memories for locals thatrode that vessel went up and down the river, withadded live entertainment, restaurants, clubs and bars.The company actually wanted to create a kind of“theme park without rides” – ball crawls for the kids,animatronic shows; the kind you would see in thenearby Six Flags park. There are times when yousimply have to say no to the client, even if it meanswalking away, and this was one of them.You are working on some very excitingresort projects in Asia and Eastern Europe,but is there also a danger of some projectsbeing simply too ambitious to be built orsurvive once open?Well of course that is always a possibility. We areworking on four mega theme parks in China rightnow – all destination resorts with hotels, waterparksand all the other offerings a destination resortrequires. I am not sure all of them will be built, buttwo of them have already started construction.Everyone wants a Disney or Universal scale park,but they don’t understand the complexities of runningand operating these kind of large enterprises. Wehave a great understanding and appreciation for theoperations side of things and do our best to work upconcepts and plans that have all the basics – back ofhouse, tech support as required and notes onoperation requirements. And we always try to bring inteams to show the kind of operating personnel andplanning required.What new technology or story-tellingtechnique most excites you right now?I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface of 4Dattractions yet. After Terminator 2 3-D and Spider-Man at Universal, we had something with the X-Menwhich would have been yet another leap forward. Fora while, Universal’s corporate culture shifted awayfrom 3D/4D and back to more traditional approachesto things; coasters, a shooting gallery ride, and so on.It was good to see that with Harry Potter, they shiftedback into a more adventurous role – and of course ithelped that the IP owner was able to force a level ofquality and detail that I think would have been lackinghad it been a straight ahead licence. Having themotion picture art director on as the final say in termsof quality and design added such a great degree ofintegrity and detail to that project.Harry Potter broke all the rules and won, in a majorway. That’s a lesson for the industry – break out of thenormal yardsticks that the executives hold up asmargins for failure, don’t be afraid to be bold, tocreate things the world has never experienced before,and perhaps you will be wildly rewarded.What’s next?We are at work now on a spectacular new project inMacau which, when it opens, I am confident willbecome the number one destination there (with TheGalaxy becoming a strong number two of course). Orperhaps they will vie for market supremacy whichwould be fine with me as well!We are also putting a big new 4D attraction intoproduction. This standalone venue will be like nothingelse in the world and it will be located in the heart ofTimes Square in New York.Whatever we do, whether it’s a ride, a resort, aBroadway show or a movie, I am always trying togive people that sense of wonder. It’s like a greatmagic trick really – How did they do that? Did yousee that? That was so amazing! You have to go andsee this!garygoddard.comThe Goddard-designed Galaxy in Macau, recently voted “World’s Best Casino/Integrated Resort”For news of some of Gary Goddard’s other upcomingprojects see bit.ly/ADsEcK24 FEBRUARY 2012

Park Profilewww.parkworld-online.comLandora is the name of Turkey’s first theme park, currently in soft opening phaseat the new ORA shopping and leisure complex in the capital of Istanbul.Park World takes an exclusive look with the help of designer Valerio MazzoliStudios (VMS) and ride supplier IE ParkLandoraThemed family fun in IstanbulBELOW: The park’s two coastersLocated on a 70,000 square metre site on theEuropean side of the city centre, this newdevelopment features direct subway, light railand bus access and is only four minutes from theTrans European Motorway and the E-5 arterial road,or 15 minutes from either of Istanbul’s two airports.Construction was overseen by the ORA IstanbulReal Estate Investment and Development Co. As wellas the theme park, visitors can also enjoy the ORAOutlet, ORA Arena and ORA Hotel featuring both aCrowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express.Guests at the Crowne Plaza can enjoy all daydining in a restaurant overlooking Landora. Thisfantasy park spans 21,000 square metres spreadover two levels and comes complete with a storybooktheme and mascot devised by Valerio Mazzoli’s sonDavide Simon. VMS’ role also included the parkmasterplan and all design work. And yes, that castledoes look a bit like another but, hey, Mazzoli hasdone his time as a Disney Imagineer and who was heto tell the client what to do?“This was a major commitment for me,” declaresthe Italian designer, now based in Orlando. “Isupervised the site, working with a professional teamincluding project manager Enis Arkayin, a closefriend with extensive experience. During my visits Ineeded to check the quality of the work, make anymodifications necessary and completely rebuild theparts that weren’t compliant with the design.”The opening of the park was handled by DennisSpeigel and his team at International Theme ParkServices (ITPS) with park management overseen byThomas Kaferie. IE Park supplied a package of 20rides including a 12-gonola Balloon Wheel, 16-metre Drop Tower, Flume Ride, Carousel, CrazyDragon, Fire Fighter, Convoy Cars, Old Timer Cars,Swing Ride, Rocking Noah’s Ark, Mini Telecombat,Mini Carousel, Submarine Ride, Boat Ride, miniswing ship, mini carousel, mini-wheel and dinosaurthemedbumper cars. Also featured is a JuniorCoaster from Vekoma (as seen below).“Istanbul is a wonderful, cosmopolitan city,”remarks IE Park’s Andrea Munari, who has beenworking in the country for 15 years. “ORA is a primesite which we believe will mark a turning point for thetheme park business in Turkey and actually for all theBalkan and Anatolian region.”According to Munari, 17 of the 20 rides are nowopen, with the indoor portion of the park now fulloperational. The official launch is scheduledsometime around April when the hotels and shoppingcentre should be complete. Until now, Turkey boastedseveral “Luna Park” style operations, but no themedattractions.landoratemalipark.com.tr26FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comPark Profile“Istanbul isa wonderful,cosmopolitancity. ORA is aprime sitewhich webelieve willmark aturning pointfor the themepark businessin Turkey andfor all theBalkan andAnatolian”regionAndrea Munari, IE ParkFEBRUARY 201227

FEC ProfileSBF’s Midi Dance Partydominantes this viewA Midi Dance Party 360° bySBF-Visa is one of theheadline attractions atIceland’s newest andbrightest familyentertainment centre (FEC)FEC owners IngibjörgGuðmundsdóttir and EythorGudjonssonEythor Gudjonsson with YannickMaes from KCCRides andattractionsKCC tailored the attraction mixat Skemmtigardurinn for thelocal market, with an eye tosomething for everyone, fromtoddler and kids to teenagersand adults. The lower floorincludes eye-catching attractionssuch as SBF/Visa’s Midi DanceParty 360° and kids’ drop tower,a soft play area, Comfylandexperience, IE Park bumper cars,and a“7D” XD Theater from TrioTech, the venue’s highest earningattraction. Upstairs, guests canenjoy games galore including alaser tag area, video andredemption games, billiardtables, darts and Highway 66mini bowling.SkemmtigardurinnBig news in IcelandSpanning two floors of Reykjavik’s largestshopping mall, Skemmtigardurinn opened aftera very tight design and construction period.According to KCC Entertainment Design, the Belgiancompany that specialises in FECs, the initial designwas only started back in April 2011, with constructionbeginning on site in June.Enjoying a strong co-operation with KCC was theSBF-Visa group, which supplied two rides including theMidi Dance Party 360°, which occupies a prominentposition in the FEC. This beautifully lit 13-metre-tallattraction narrowly misses the shopping mall’s roof,providing an exciting experience for both rides andspectators. “At first view it always makes visitors gasp,”notes SBF-Visa’s Tommy Frison.Located in an empty part of the Smaralind mallpreviously used for events, large crowds gathered forthe opening of Skemmtigardurinn back in Novemberas owners Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and EythorGudjonsson, former actor and national handballchampion, were joined by the Icelandic minister oftourism and industry.“We live in a rather cold climate so we thought itwould be great to open an indoor FEC,” Gudjonssontells Park World. “There are not many other parks orFECs in Iceland and most of them are small.”Covering 2,300 square metres, the new FECfeatures a family-orientated mix of attractionsimmersed in a jungle theme. Inside this tropical, airconditionedenvironment visitors may even forget theyare in one of the world’s most northerly countries!“We themed the FEC as a jungle because wewanted our customers to experience something totallydifferent when they walk in,” notes Gudjonsson.Iceland has gone through some tough times in the lastthree years so and we wanted to create the ambitious,exotic venue that Icelanders deserve to have.”“We are aiming at attracting two-thirds of theIcelandic nation,” continues the FEC’s owner. “It is aquite small market since there are only 320,000people living in the country, however Icelanders tendto be high spending consumers and we are rankednumber one in the world for cinema per capita. Sofar the FEC has been very successful.skemmtigardur.isJungle-themed playBumper cars28FEBRUARY 2012

Park Analysis12 Month Check UpFERRARI WORLDIt was billed as the biggesttheme park launch ever inthe Middle East, the onethat would truly test thewater for the developmentof large scale familyentertainment projects inthe United Arab Emirates(UAE). Just over a yearsince the officialinauguration of FerrariWorld Abu Dhabi (FWAD),the jury is still out.The park’s sleek rooftogether with attractionssuch as the world’s fastestrollercoaster stand aspowerful symbols of itsambition, not to mentionthat of Abu Dhabi itself.Developed by AldarProperties and operated byFarah Leisure ParksManagement under alicensing deal with Ferrari,the park was acquiredtogether with other YasIsland assets by the AbuDhabi government in early2011. This December, stafflosses and managementchanges were announcedas a result of revisedFWAD operating hours.Yet Farah is pressingahead with construction ofthe adjacent YasWaterworld Aqua Park asYas Island develops into amajor leisure destination.Elsewhere there are reportsof a possible AdventureWorld Abu Dhabi resortfrom the Luxembourgcompany Les Palm.With more than 12months’ operation underits bright red roof, ParkWorld assesses the viabilityof Ferrari World and itswider influence on theUAE attractions industry.We start with the personalviews of Phil Taylor, theman responsible for settingup the successful Ski Dubaiin the neighbouringEmirate of the samename.STRUCTUREFerrari World is an 86,000 square metre attraction setbeneath a 200,000 sq m roof surrounded by morethan 450,000 sq m of landscaping and infrastructure.The inefficiency of this arrangement is noteworthy. It’salso interesting to note that the attraction part ofFerrari World is the same size as the O2 (‘MillenniumDome’) in London.From an investment and experience perspective, adisproportionate amount of the cost has gone into thebuilding. Little of the scale, clever design or aerialpleasure of the building can be appreciated from theground; close up the building is industrial, dark andunattractive, particularly on the inside.Many of the individual attractions within FerrariWorld are media-based and are buildings within abuilding. A wide range of exciting, alternativestructural forms that would have worked with thecontent and not against it could, therefore, havebeen considered, including solutions that would haveallowed more light in. Can it be sorted out? Yes, butit will take more investment and the right people todo it.CONTENTThe really good thing about Ferrari World is that it’san indoor attraction, which is a major plus in thispart of the world. The venue tends to be marketed asa theme park but, as it stands, it could be consideredto have more of the characteristics of a museum. Theattractions have a strong informational bias, there isa low level of theming and many of the attractionsare hidden away inside buildings or run outside themain building. The overall experience has a low levelof repeatability.It is understood that management is working hardto address the ride reliability/availability issues thathave harmed the reputation of the venue and thatshortly the last of the attractions that weren’t ready onopening day, such as Viaggio In Italia (Soaring OverItaly), will open.I might argue that not being creative enough orwww.parkworld-online.comLittle of the clever design of the building can be appreciatedfrom the groundopen enough about the way the Ferrari brand hasbeen interpreted has, in the end, worked againstFerrari and not for them. My motivation for a visitwas to have fun with my family but I’d say that whenwe left I somehow had less desire to own a Ferrarithan when I went in.To borrow a line from Shrek – Ferrari World is,“like an onion, it has layers.” First impressions can bedisappointing but as you spend more time there thequality of the offers and the care with which theattraction has been designed all start to shinethrough. I’d say it has the potential to be the rightproduct in the right location, but it isn’t there yet.The single biggest requirement Ferrari World has toaddress, therefore, in addition to getting all the ridesworking, is to create an atmosphere and ambience offun by making it much more like a theme park by,perhaps, taking itself a little less seriously.THEMEThere’s no doubt it would have been easier to createan attraction with broader appeal using a range ofthemes rather than a single theme but there’s nooverall reason why a single theme can’t work. Given ablank sheet of paper, however, I doubt a conceptbased on the Ferrari legend would have the naturalchoice for the first major theme park in the region.Ferrari is a very adult, male-orientated brand, andspeed, cars, engines and racing are all very malefocused themes30FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comPark AnalysisWATERPARK POTENTIALAn analysis I did a few years ago indicated a totalmarket penetration for visits to waterparks in the USAof around 22%. Yas Waterworld Aqua Park will takethe projected figure for the UAE close to 17%. If weput aside cultural differences, this suggests thatthere’s room in the market for it.However, a standalone waterpark that is not partof an established, popular resort has to work veryhard to succeed. In this context, I’d say that at themoment there are more factors working against awaterpark at Yas Island than for it.It will be interesting to see what unique ideas thewaterpark is bringing to grow the market rather thanjust cannibalise it. If it’s just more of the same whywould anyone from Dubai drive past Wild Wadi orAquaventure to visit Yas Island?UAE POTENTIALThe fundamental opportunity for the UAE to create aregional tourism hub hasn’t changed. Of the orderof 300-400 million people live within a three hourflight time of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Tourism withinFormula Rossa: the world’s fastest rollercoasterThe Official WordGlenn Davidson, generalmanager for Farah Leisure Parks,offers an official response on behalfof Ferrari WorldFerrari World Abu Dhabi (FWAD)has had a successful first year ofoperation with hundreds ofthousands of guests, in particularfamilies and local residents,enjoying the unique rides at attractions. With more than20 rides and attractions, FWAD is a great day out forevery member of the family and is already proving a veryentertaining day out in the UAE.As with all theme parks, we continue to grow andimprove as we learn each day about the guests’ needsand requirements inside this amazing space. Alongsideour stakeholders across Abu Dhabi and particularly YasIsland, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is becoming an integral'must visit' attraction.Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster, hasalready become one of the most talked about rides in theglobal theme park industry and guests are coming from farand wide to experience the thrill of reaching 240kmh inthe region is strong and the market still has a lot ofgrowth potential. Look at how Singapore has had tokeep pushing itself over the last 40 years to getwhere it is now. Disney is just celebrating 40 years inFlorida. These things take time, patience andpersistence.Strategically, I would say that the job of FerrariWorld was to be part of a critical mass ofentertainment aimed at making the UAE the “Floridaof the Middle East” not lead the strategy.Unfortunately, none of the other parks have yet beenbuilt and Ferrari World has still to live up to itspotential.Yas Island has got to up its game, and Dubailandmust also find a way to move forward, by developingUniversal Studios and Legoland for example. TheUAE has chosen to develop tourism as part of itslong-term development strategy. For a number ofreasons the timetable has had to be adjusted, butfor all of us involved in the leisure industry we wantthem to succeed.ENCOURAGING SIGNSFerrari World has significantly increased itsmarketing presence lately, in Dubai at least, so theproject is a lot more visible and front-of-mind thanwhen it first opened. Having made such a level ofinvestment it’s better all round if it starts to pull itsweight. What the park does do is act as a reminder,if we all needed one, of the real challenges and risksinvolved in trying to create prototype, world-classattractions.Phil Taylor is managing director of Team Leisure, whichprovides consulting, project management and operationalservices to worldwide developers and owners of leisurebusinesses and visitor attractions. Based in Dubai, thecompany works with government and private clientsthroughout the Middle East and beyondteam-leisure.comunder five seconds, as well as immersing themselves in theFerrari story of passion, history and technical innovation.With the development of Yas Waterworld Aqua Park justnext door to FWAD, due for completion in the fourthquarter of 2012, and the on-going work to complete theYas Mall, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is ideally placed tobecome a market leader and drive increased visitors asYas Island continues to grow as an exciting leisuredestination. We look forward to many more buoyant yearsas we expand and grow.Yas Waterworld Aqua Park: opening later this year“Tourismwithin theUAE region isstrong andthe marketstill has a lotof potential.Look at howSingapore hashad to keeppushing itselfto get whereit is now.Disney is justcelebrating40 years inFlorida. Thesethings taketime, patienceandpersistence”The spacious interior of Ferrari WorldFEBRUARY 201231

Park Planningwww.parkworld-online.comMaking fun in MoscowNew parks proposed – but is the market there?Following the introduction ofa new state programmecalled “Development ofleisure and tourism industryin Russia during the periodof 2012-2016 years,” theMoscow government ismulling over a couple ofambitious park projects.Eugene Gerden reportsExpert opinionMoscow has long needed a large and modernamusement park. The implementation ofsuch a project could be very important forthe country’s amusement industry, taking into accountthat at present the capital lags far behind many othermajor metropolitan markets in terms of the number ofparks and their technical condition.While the idea to build a “Disneyland” in the USSRwas proposed by the communist leader NikitaKhrushchev in 1960s, the project was neverimplemented. After the collapse of the USSR and theend of a series political and economical crisises inRussia, the city’s government decided to resumeimplementation of the project. However, what we havetoday is a selection of smaller amusement parks withno theming, plus a few newer family entertainmentscentres (FECs).There is a possibility that the first Russian theme parkcould be started in the Lower Mnevniki (north west)district of Moscow. According to plans lodged with thecity authorities by Arabian investors, the new parkwould cost up to USD$3.5 billion and cover an areaof 316 hectares. The ambitious attendance target isreported as between 50,000-70,000 visitors per day.Deputy mayor of Moscow, Lyudmila Shevtsova saysthe project will be adapted to the cold Russianclimate, which means that the majority of itsattractions could be indoors, similar to Lotte World inHow realistic are the new projects proposed in Moscow, and could Gorky Parksave the day? Park World asked Igor Rodionov, the Russian Association ofAmusement Parks & Attractions’ new first vice-president, for his expert opinionMoscow’s amusement parks are visited by more than 15.5 million people annually.In 2011, the municipal government provided a substantial amount of money for reconstructionand improvement of these parks, and is planning to implement further improvements. In fact, the“Development of leisure and tourism industry for 2012-2016” programme is the first timeMoscow authorities have paid so much attention to our industry.In terms of infrastructure, a lot of development has been made at Gorky Park with the aim ofrecapturing its original historic appearance. The park’s function will be changed significantly andit is intended that, for the most part, it will be a place for the calm recreation of city dwellers. It isworth noting that there are no amusement rides in Gorky Park at the moment.The most extreme ride area in Moscow is now located at the VVTs (All-Russian ExhibitionCentre). One of the most popular amusement areas within the capital, here Izmailovo Park andSokolniki Park offer a variety of amusement rides, including rollercoasters and a giant Ferris wheel.Nowadays, indoor entertainment complexes are actively being built in Russia, including twofairly large indoor theme parks that have already opened in Moscow. Another opened in StPetersburg and there are also some interesting projects being implemented in the regions.However, at present there is not, unfortunately, one single large theme park in Russia. Majortourist destinations such as Moscow and St Petersburg seem quite fitting places for theimplementation of a theme park, and information about huge projects for the capital periodicallyappear in the media. For example, there is “Magic Kingdom Russia“ in Lower Mnevniki (ashighlighted on this page), detailed information on which has yet to be been confirmed.Taking shape in Sochi, host city for the next Winter Olympics, is “Sochi-Park”, which should beopen by the start of games in February 2014. This park may well become the first Russian themepark on an international level, open year round.raapa.ruMoscow’s largest ride area is currently located at the VVTs(All-Russia Exhibition Centre)Seoul, South Korea. However the prospect of anundercover park on this scale has already sparkedprotests among some Russian analysts, who believesuch a facility would feature a small number ofattractions, in favour of gaming machines.Another large theme park has been proposed in theshape of Magic World Russia, which would occupy anarea over 240 hectares and comprise multiple themepark concepts as well as hotels, retail, dining andother entertainment. The $2.5 billion development byMIG 2000 would be located around 50km north ofMoscow and realised with the assistance of severalcompanies from California including The GoddardGroup, ProFun and Brand Studios.There is always the possibility that the first Russiantheme park could be built on the site of Gorky Park,which remains one of the most visited destinations inMoscow but has long been in need of renovation.However it is understood that any transformation ofthis site may take place through the modernisation ofits existing infrastructure, not necessarily through theimplementation of new rides and attractions.While Alexander Timofeev, CEO of MTDevelopment, one of Russia’s leading commercialproperty developers, says the payback period of theproject could be in the range of seven to 10 years,other believe each of these projects may not be paidback even in the long term.According to Vladimir Gnezdilov, director of theRussian Association of Amusement Parks andAttractions (RAAPA), the first Russian theme park mayalso be faced with a low demand from local citizens,due to Russian living standards and the purchasingpower of the local population.Today, the number of people who regularly attendamusement parks in Moscow remains relatibely low,due to high ticket prices and lack of internationaltourists, who visit the Russian capital mainly forbusiness reasons. The biggest challenge will be tochage such habits in order to stimiulate the market forthe kind of projects that are being proposed.Eugene Gerden is a freelance journalist based inMoscow.32FEBRUARY 2012

Advertorialwww.parkworld-online.comHow to Sell TicketsEverywhereThrough One SystemConsumers want to buy tickets on theirphones, online, on-site and everywhere inbetween. But to park operators, offering thatsounds like adding one more software systemto the five that already don’t communicate.With RTP, part of Active Network, you can selltickets in all of these places and bring youroperations under one roof at the same time.All of your park visitors are different. Somewant to buy tickets on their laptops orsmartphones while others prefer the oldfashionedticket booth. RTP helps youaccommodate all of your visitor preferencesfrom one system. That way, when theteenager scans her mobile ticket and thefather buys tickets at the kiosk, you can track34 FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comAdvertorialall the data in one place behind the scenes.Plus, when your visitors enter the park nearlyline-free, you can run rentals, retail, food andbeverage, and other sales through the samesystem.With all of your customer data in one realtimedashboard, you’ll make smarterdecisions and communicate more effectivelyfor their next visit to the park.To learn more about how your new mobileapps can start talking to your snack shack,visit rtp.com/parks.FEBRUARY 201235

Ride Guidewww.parkworld-online.comProducts and services for parks and attractionsSYM 026 BY EVOTEKThis professional dynamic simulation platform on threerotation axes features a control system, in the loophardware and high precision mechanics direct fromFormula One. This allows for quick reaction movementsand acceleration, providing a very realistic drivingexperience.Manufactured by Riker Ltd using an exclusive EvotekEngineering design, the Sym 026 is designed anddivided into modules (or subgroups) in order to allowthe evolution of each part. The result is extremelycompact and elegant with considerable advantages fortransport, installation and service.evotekus.comGAME PATROL BY CREATIVE WORKSThis self-contained mobile gaming trailer – or “FEC onwheels” – can accommodate up to 16 players.The interior is extremely functional, offering featuressuch as Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii consoles, LEDtelevision screens, internet access points, media devices,LED lighting, leather couches, heating/air conditioningand more. Creative Works apparently took inspirationfrom bowling facilities, limousines and nightclubs indesigning the interior.Wrapped with colourful game-branded graphics,characters and logos, venues even have the option tobrand the trailer with their company logo.creativeworks.comLOCKER LINK BY SMARTE CARTEAre ride lockers a revenue stream or a service to your guests? They can,of course, be both, but if your guests don’t have the right change or areasked to pay too many times chances are they will stop using them.A new system developed by the American company Smarte Cartetogether with Core Cashless Kiosks aims to address both these issues.After buying a wristband from a self-service kiosk, guests are free usedifferent lockers throughout the property all day long. Locker Link alsoallows multiple guests in a party to share the same lockers.The wristbands can be used with Smarte Locke 1000series electronic lockers and barcode access points. TheLocker Link kiosk can be configured to accept cardpayments, cash or barcoded coupons and is provided ona free installation, revenue-share basis.Demonstrating the system at IAAPA Attractions Expo inOrlando, Smarte Carte was running it with a sensible $2per day fee for unlimited locker use, although this is ofcourse up to the operator. The company is also workingwith Core on a park-wide cashless payment model usingthe same wristbands.CONNECT 4BY BAYTEK GAMESThs classic family boardgame has been rebornas a coin-operatedarcade machine. Twoplayers take turns todrop ‘discs’ into the gridusing buttons on thestation before them. Thefirst to get four in a rowof their chosen colour,red or blue, is thewinner. Alternatively, asingle player can takeon the computer. Eitherway, redemption ticketsare dispatched as prizes,and players can win bigin a bonus round.baytekgames.comANIMATION BRAINBY ANIMALIVEIt’s never been easier – or more cost effective – tointeract with your visitors in CGI form than with thislatest product by Animalive.As guests talk to the character on screen, theoperator activates a series of pre-programmedmovements and gestures on a simple touchscreen.The previous system used more complicated motioncapture technology. A camera keeps an eye on theaudience so the operator can interact as if they werein the room.Each system comes complete with a choice of eightanimated characters, including a panda, spaceman,princess and fairy. Custom characters can of coursebe commissioned on request.animalive.comsmartecarte.comcorecashless.com36FEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comRide GuideCINEBOX 3DBY OPEN AIR CINEMAThis theatre-quality movie technology brings 3Dpictures to the backyard, amusement park orpractically anywhere else.Included in the package is a giant inflatable moviescreen (multiple sizes available with projectionsurfaces ranging from 9 to more than 40ft wide), a3D-compatible projector, 3D blu-ray/DVD discplayer, projector adapter, 3D glasses, sound mixer,speakers, cables, carrying case and a blower fan tokeep the screen constantly inflated.openaircinema.usPROTRAXX 16BY ALCORN MCBRIDEThis new 16 channel solid-sate audio controller plays eight independent stereo tracks from a singleeconomical rack mount unit. With no moving parts or PC-based software, it provides parks and attractionswith a robust solution for continuous MP3 playback. Hours of audio clips can be stored on CompactFlashcards for years of reliable service. Enhanced features include Ethernet for remote updating andmicrophone/auxiliary inputs for zone paging. 20 units are already in use at Legoland Florida.alcorn.comWATER WEBBY TECHNIFLEXMade up of a grid of rain curtains, Water Web providesa maze for waterpark guests, with curtains acting asbarriers. With the push of a button or programmed cue,the maze can instantly change configuration.During the day Water Web can act as a play feature,but at night it can function as a mesmerising show withcolour change lighting and projected images.Interest is apparently very high and Technifex isworking on a number of proposals and hopes to haveseveral installations in 2012 according to companypresident Monty Lunde.technifexproducts.comFEBRUARY 201237

Calendarwww.parkworld-online.comShowGuideExhibitions and networking for amusement professionals• March 1 to 3IAAPI Amusement ExpoBombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India+91 22 6523 1643info@iaapi.orgwww.iaapi.org• March 9 to 11CIAE Guangzhou ExpoChina Import & Export Complex,Guangzhou, China+86 20 22106418sales@grandeurhk.comwww.chinaamusement.com• March 14 to 16China Attractions ExpoBeijing Exhibition Centre, China+44 1298 813148caapa@leisureandattractions.comwww.caapa.org• March 21TILEzoneLondon Transport Museum, UK+44 1885 846181tile@andrich.comwww.tileweb.org• March 21 to 23RAAPA ExpoAll Russia Exhibition Centre (VVTs), Moscow, Russia+44 1905 360165raapa@raapa.ruwww.raapa.ru• April 17 to 19DEAL 2012Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE+971 4 3435777jacob@iec.aewww.themeparksdubai.com• May 2 to 7HauntconMonroeville Convention Center, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, USA+1 877 467 5786info@hauntcon.comwww.hauntcon.com• May 10ScareconNorbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, UK+44 7712 440361info@scarecon.co.ukwww.scarecon.co.ukMore events at www.parkworld-online.comFEBRUARY 2012

www.parkworld-online.comProduct NewsNEW THRILL RIDES“XLR8”Extreme acceleration • high speed experience1.5 hours set up • 16 persons capacityROTATINGSEATS!SICKO120 degree swing2 semi-trailers • set up without crane24 persons capacity • 85 ft. height

Web GuideOnline resources for the amusement industryB UMPERC ARSL EISUREE NGINEERINGR IDEST HEMING AND D ESIGNwww.candsrides.bizC ASHLESS S YSTEMSwww.garmendale.co.ukM AZESwww.prestonbarbieri.comwww.jaravision.comwww.embedcard.comMAZESwww.amazenmazes.comwww.wiegandslide.comT HEMING AND D ESIGNC OIN H ANDLINGE QUIPMENTPARENT & CHILDB ATTERY R IDESwww.pax.ruwww.sarner.comT RADE A SSOCIATIONSwww.cumminsallison.co.ukwww.worldofrides.comP EOPLE M OVERSwww.ridesandfun.comwww.alesuk.orgD ARKR IDESwww.sbfrides.comT ICKETINGwww.dottotrains.comwww.sallycorp.comE NTERTAINMENT D ESIGNwww.technicalpark.comwww.accesso.comwww.kcc.bewww.severn-lamb.comP LANNING& DESIGNwww.mack-rides.comwww.gatewayticketing.comE XHIBITIONSwww.hauntcom.comFAMILY/CHILDRENSENTERTAINMENT C ENTRESwww.forrec.comP LAY S TRUCTURESwww.intaminworldwide.comwww.nationalticket.comwww.omniticket.comV ISITOR V IDEO S YSTEMwww.iplayco.comwww.vekoma.comwww.whitehutchinson.comR EVIEWS AND I NFORMATIONS HOWSwww.tapemyday.comH IGHWAY66 COINO PERATED S CALED D OWNB OWLING S OLUTIONSR IDESwww.falconshow.comW ATERR IDESwww.amusement.qubicaamf.comI NTERACTIVE P ROJECTD ISPLAY4 D A TTRACTIONS &S IMULATORSwww.simworx.co.ukS NOW& ICEwww.Interlink-lg.comW ATER R IDES & PARKSwww.proslide.comwww.eyeclick.comwww.gerstlauer-rides.comwww.vanegdom.nlI NTERACTIVER IDESwww.mondialrides.comwww.snow.bizS PECIALIST P RINTINGwww.whitewaterwest.comwww.trio-tech.comwww.tschu-tschu.dewww.syndicateprinters.comwww.wiegand-maelzer.deFEBRUARY 201241