January 2011 - Amusement Today

CompleteIAAPA WrapupPages 29-38www.AmusementToday.comTMVol. 14, Issue 10 JANUARY 2011 $5.00Scheduled for Jan. 30 to Feb. 4 in Orlando, Fla.NAARSO expects good turnout for 24th annual safety seminarMary Wade BurnsideAmusement TodayIn October, a 53-year-oldman was killed on the It’s aSmall World attraction at DisneylandParis when someonestarted the ride while he wasworking on it and he becametrapped under a boat.That’s just the type ofaccident that could — andshould— have been prevented,said James Barber, chair ofthe communications committeeof the National Associationof Amusement Ride Safety Officials(NAARSO) and a pastpresident and member of thecertification board.“That’s where the industryhas to continue to emphasizethe safety of those individualsand keep them safe,” Barbersaid. “There’s an old adagethat many times, people are sofamiliar with a ride and that’swhen they become careless.That’s not generally the case,but it happens. It happens athome when you are steppingon a chair instead of a stepladder.We all do stupid things.We try to emphasize that youhave to stay safe yourself beforeyou can keep the publicsafe.”Ride inspectors can dothat by following “lockout/INTERNATIONALSEE PAGES 5-8tagout” procedures as setforth by the U.S. OccupationalSafety and Health Administration(OSHA) in which alock is placed on a ride’s startingmechanism and a note isplaced on it explaining not tostart up the ride. If there arefive workers on a ride, thereare five locks, Barber said.“The machine is not starteduntil the last lock is removed,”Barber said.Lockout/tagout proceduresare just one of many topicsthat will be covered fromJan. 30 to Feb. 4 during the24th Annual NAARSO SafetySeminar that will be held atthe International Palms Resortin Orlando, Fla.About 60 to 70 classes willbe taught during the four daysof instruction. Participantsalso will have the opportunityto get hands-on training atUniversal Studios on Feb. 2.“We were excited that Universalasked us to come in,”said Connie Patton, NAAR-SO’s office manager. “It’s agreat hands-on activity.”Participants will not learnabout the working amusementrides at the park but insteadwill attend workshops in theback shops where they will beable to deal with electrical carsand the welding shop.AMUSEMENT PARKSSEE PAGES 9-16“It will be more of an advancedsituation,” Patton said.“Last year we were in FamilyKingdom Park at MyrtleBeach, and at that park theydivided our attendees intogroups and each group wentto a ride and were asked,‘What do you think the inspectionpoints on this ride are?’They would say, ‘This and thisand this,’ and we would say,‘This is what the manufacturerrecommendation is and this iswhat you should be looking atso they could see those pointson the ride.”Attendees will be dividedinto two tracks: newcomerswho never have attended aNAARSO seminar before andthose who have NAARSO certificationwho need continuingeducation to keep their certificationcurrent.“With our program, onthe Monday and Tuesday, wedivide attendees into a primaryset of classes for those individualswho are new to theWATERPARKSSEE PAGES 17-24SEE RELATED SAFETY STORIES: PAGE 25: AIMS SEMINAR A SUCCESS PAGE 25: ASTM HONORS GREG HALEindustry or have never beento NAARSO before and thereis a secondary set of classesfor those who hold NAARSOcertification,” Patton said.“They can pick classes that aremore challenging and more indepth.”NAARSO certificationlasts for two years and thenthe individual must get 32hours of continuing educationto renew the certificationfor another two years, Pattonsaid.Those who are “new to theindustry” must have a highschool diploma or equivalencyplus one year in the industry,or, without a high schooldiploma, three years in the industry,Patton said.As different states havedifferent requirements for theirinspectors, NAARSO certificationhas different interpretationdepending on the area theinspector will be practicing.NAARSO keeps current withASTM International standardsBUSINESSSEE PAGES 25-38and incorporates those guidelinesinto the classes, Pattonsaid.“Some states require anybodythat’s doing inspectionson rides to be NAARSO-certified,”Barber said. “That wasnever our intention when westarted this program, but wetake it to heart when we sayour certification standards arehigh enough to ensure thatcertificate holders have metcertain requirements.”That includes a writtenexamination as well as documentedtime in the industry,Barber said.Massachusetts is one statethat requires NAARSO certificationfor ride inspectors, Barberadded.Florida, for instance, Pattonsaid, requires inspectorsto have 40 hours of continuingeducation each year. InMissouri, if the inspector hasa NAARSO certification, theyturn in an application and4See NAARSO, page 4MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDSSEE PAGES 39-47NEWSPAPERPOSTMASTER: Dated material.PLEASE RUSH!Mailed Monday, December 20, 2010Tracking IAAPA'sshow attendanceFAST FACTS2006 — Atlanta, Ga. — 20,5002007 — Orlando, Fla. — 26,5002008 — Orlando, Fla. — 23,800PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDFT. WORTH TXPERMIT # 20692009 — Las Vegas, Nev. — 23,850 (14,600 buyers)2010 — Orlando, Fla. — 25,000 (14,800 buyers)

2 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011TMGary SladeFounder and Publishergslade@amusementtoday.comTime for stabilityThe recently concluded WWA and IAAPA trade showsat the end of 2010, both finished with good, strong, positiveshows. Attitudes were upbeat. New orders were being bothplanned and placed. In general the mood was good. And that issomething this industry (in the U.S.) has not seen in a numberof years.Despite the long list of bad things that have happened tothis industry in recent years, many positives continue to outweighthe negatives. The shortsighted closing of Geauga Lakewas offset by the long-range vision to bring Coney Island backto its glorious heyday. Phase one of that plan came to life thisyear with the opening of Luna Park. The poor managementdecisions that led to the rise and very quick fall of Hard RockPark will be offset by the new vision Merlin has to transformthe historic Cypress Gardens into Legoland Florida. And whilethe indoor waterpark growth may have slowed a bit, new waterparkscontinue to spring up, especially in the partnershipsprivate operators are enjoying with municipalities, who arestuck with aging city pools.But several park chains continue to tread on unstableground and need to find stability in a hurry.While Six Flags may have emerged from bankruptcy, it isfar from being healthy. The parks continue to show their ageand are still in need of paint and infrastructure improvements.While this had been an area of great improvement under MarkShapiro’s guidance, only time will tell if the new leadershipwill keep this train on the proper tracks.Another park chain, Cedar Fair, continues to make newslike a daytime television soap. The internet chatter is 24/7 onwhat will happen with its CEO/board seat dispute. Only timewill tell how this drama will play out.And that leads us to the group of CNL-owned parks thatwere formally managed by Parc Management. Numerous suppliersremain unpaid for services or products provided, thusplacing these parks on a pre-pay status. The CNL ownershipgroup, having just given Parc the boot, must now choose itsnew management firm wisely, and one that has the best interestof its parks, and its paying customers in mind. If they don’t, theroad to recovery will need GPS assistance.This industry needs stability in both its management staff,operations and in its ownership of parks. It’s time to put theguests first again and that starts with STABILITY at ALL levels.—Gary SladeTim BaldwinIAAPA Expo presented “What’s New” on many levelsThe IAAPA trade show this pastNovember had such a good vibe going, itwas really rewarding to feel the renewedenergy permeating throughout the show.With a recovering, but tentative, economybeing brought back to the show, it is almosttime to give the expo a fresh look.For vendors, the November show issomewhat of a return to the old annualgrind. It’s necessary for business, but with the rightsynergy with the customers, IAAPA can be hugelyinvigorating. It appeared that was being felt thistime around. Vendors and exhibitors were brightlyoptimistic.For the customers and buyers, it is easy tofall into a trap of darting into the show, seeingwho you planned to see, and then getting out. It’sunfortunate when time constraints, or the sensethat the show is the “same old thing,” take hold ofour time dedicated to the show. As demonstratedin the various pages of coverage in this issue ofAmusement Today, there are new things to be foundat the show. Established manufacturers are rollingout new products, new rides, and expanding theircatalogue of attractions. New vendors are addingto the resources available to our industry. If one buttakes the time to seriously give the vast networkof vendors a strong look, new sources of revenue,Baldwinfresh ideas at theming, original conceptsand more efficient ways of doing businessare all on display.AT took note of some intriguing newideas presented on the floor. For an outlookon some of the engaging new exhibitorson the trade show floor this pastNovember, AT will begin a series of articlesin February’s issue on what might be somefresh new ideas that happen to be a good fit foryou.High marks also have to be given to the IAAPAorganization for a solid selection of classes, workshopsand seminars for its membership. Classesranging from crisis control to new social medianetworking, as well as presentations on the industry’spast to training your staff for the future — itwas there. Attendees had to feel these offeringswere time well spent. It’s a great service IAAPAoffers its members. Be sure to utilize it to your bestadvantage in the shows to come.As we all head into a brand new year, make amental note to give the next trade show, whetherit be IAAPA next November, or something elsein between, a hard look when attending. Makea commitment to give it a fresh set of eyes. Younever know when amazing new answers are rightin front of you.Gary SladePublisher and Editor-in-Chief(817) 460-7220gslade@amusementtoday.comADVERTISINGSue Nichols(615) 662-0252P.O. Box 238Pegram, Tenn. 37143snichols@amusementtoday.comBeth Jenkins(615) 794-72882040 Belmont CircleFranklin, Tenn. 37069bjenkins@amusementtoday.comAMUSEMENT TODAY STAFFAWARD WINNER1997 • 1999 • 2000 • 2002 • 2004NEWSPAPER PRODUCTIONStacey Childress / Affinity CommunicationsGraphic Designschildress@affinitymm.comTerry Lind / TLCreative DesignWebsite Design & Maintenanceterrance@tlcreativedesign.comJohn Robinson / W.H.R. Inc.Daily E-mail Newsletterjohnwcrobinson@cinci.rr.comContributors: Andrew Mellor, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc.Sammy PiccolaAccounting / Circulationspiccola@amusementtoday.comEDITORIALTim Baldwintbaldwin@amusementtoday.comScott Rutherfordsrutherford@amusementtoday.comPam Sherborne(615) 221-5149psherborne@amusementtoday.comBubba FlintCartoonistbflint@amusementtoday.comADDRESS, SUBSCRIPTION, POSTMASTER INFORMATIONMailing AddressP.O. Box 5427Arlington, Texas 76005-5427•(817) 460-7220Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)Deliveries2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203Arlington, Texas 76011•Member of:IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA and IALEISubscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years(28 issues) $90/$130; 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order(U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington,Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please allow up to six weeksfor your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed.Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by AmusementToday Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (PermitNo. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and itsrelated Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked by Amusement Today 2010, withall rights reserved.POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427,Arlington, Texas 76005-5427.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3Jim SeayPremier RidesCompiled by Janice WitherowJim Seay first explored the limits offlight technology while working in theaerospace industry as a project engineerfor Hughes Aircraft in the 1980s. Today,as president of Premier Rides, Jim’spassion for flight continues, and he hasapplied his “aero” expertise to designsome of the most innovative amusementrides in the business, such as the LIMpoweredroller coaster and the LiquidSeayand Water coasters. He serves as chairman of the ASTMF24 Committee, sits on the board of directors for AIMSand is very involved with several IAAPA committees.When you meet Jim, you know you’ve met a friend; plushis zest for life, genuine interest in people and knowledgemake him a true asset to the industry.TitlePresident.Number of years with Premier Rides15 years.Biggest challenge facing our industryThe transition from the traditional family owner wholives and breathes the park business 24 hours a day to thehedge fund owners who apply a different set of criteriafor evaluation success.Favorite amusement rideRevenge of the Mummy due to its prototypical nature,technological innovation, and outstanding ride experience.Best thing about the industryLifelong friendships I’ve made, and the pure joy one seesin guests who ride our attractions.If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would …Still be in the aerospace industry with Howard Hughes’company Hughes Aircraft.The thing I like most about amusement/waterparkseason is …It’s much like the first day of the baseball or footballseason; the eternal optimism for a great season.Three things I always carry in my briefcase are …The newest generation laptop, my iPad, and the currentissue of Flying Magazine.The funniest thing that has happened to me lately is …While hiking on the shore in Connecticut on ThanksgivingDay, I ran into a group of bird fanatics in full gear who weretracking a rare tropical bird who was obviously migratingthe wrong way. When asked if I was there for the bird, Iresponded that I was there to eat the bird later at dinner; theywere not amused.Pick one: Mediterranean cruise or skiing in SwitzerlandSkiing in Switzerland, of course, since I was born inGeneva.It is 8 p.m. Where would we typically find you?On a commercial plane traveling to or from either a clientor industry event.My favorite place to hang out is …The small, Eastern Shore fishing village of Crisfield thatis best reached by small plane. The locals live a simplelifestyle that revolves around the size of the crab and thelength of the Rockfish.When it comes to wine, do you prefer red or white?Red. It makes it harder for my doctor to argue against.My biggest worry is …Not exceeding the expectations of my customers.You live in Maryland. The one place everyone shouldsee who visits your state is …The Chesapeake Bay, especially on the Eastern Shore,which has spectacular wildlife.For me, the ideal Sunday morning consists of …Brunch with my friends at my house prior to heading toM&T Stadium for a Ravens football game.My all-time favorite restaurant would have to be …Asia De Cuba Restaurant at the Mondrian Hotel in WestHollywood, California.Facebook: a necessity or a nuisance?Both.It’s January! What’s your New Year’s resolution?To continue to prove the economic doomsayers wrongand exceed expectations.To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drillfeature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwitherow@amusementtoday.comor (419) 357-3520.Creative MarketingJinglesBroChures & artworkPhotograPhyinternet solutionsProMotionsgrouP sales training& More!1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com

4 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011As many as 70 classes onamusement ride safety arescheduled during the 24thannual NAARSO safetyseminar in Orlando,Jan. 30 to Feb. 4.PHOTOS COURTESYNAARSONAARSOContinued from page 1they can inspect amusementrides in Missouri.“Each state is individuallycreating how they are usingcertification programs withinthe industry,” Patton said.In addition to the lockout/tagoutprocedures thatBarber will go over with students,they also will have theopportunity to learn aboutsuch important topics at hydraulicsand such wide rangingsubjects as coaster chainmaintenance to dealing withthe media. A full brochure listingall the classes can be foundat NAARSO’s website, www.naarso.com.Barber noted that oneteacher will be well-knownindustry insider and hydraulicsexpert David Collins, whohas worked at Disneyland inCalifornia “and all over theworld.”After a week of classesand the hands-on day at UniversalStudios, participantswill have the opportunity fora four-hour intense study review,Patton said.“That’s basically a fourhourclass in which the instructorgoes over a large range ofsubjects that are applicable tothe amusement industry andrecap things that are electricalin nature and hydraulic in natureand what the individualmight find on the certificationexam,” she said.Then the students can takeeither the Level I or Level IIexams Friday afternoon.Tuition with NAARSOmembership is $425 and withoutis $475.Patton does not know howmany participants to expectfor the seminar. Last year, 185attended, which organizersthought was good consideringthe economy and more thananticipated.“Last year, we thought ifwe can get 150, we’d be doinggood because a large numberof states have had to cut backon people who could travel.When we got 185, we were delighted.“In light of the economyand that we still have statesthat are having budget crunches,we are going in with thesame attitude. If we can get150, we’ll be happy with thenumbers. But we sure wouldlove to have more.”

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5INTERNATIONALwww.AmusementToday.comPARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERSBRIEFEfteling plansnew section,dark ride in 2012Still reeling from thesuccess of the 2010 installationof Joris en de Draak(a GCII-designed racing/dueling wooden rollercoaster), officials at Efteling,located in Kaatsheuvel,The Netherlands, arealready looking to the future.The park announcedin late September that theyhad received permission tocreate a new section of thepark that would mark thepark's 60th anniversary.Slated to open in stages,the new section locatedwithin the Pardoes Promenadeand Efteling Brinkarea of the park will becalled Realm of Fantasy.It will open in 2012 andwill include a new themedrestaurant dubbed PollesKitchen.In 2013, the secondphase will debut and includeHearts Garden, alarge dark ride that willutilize Vekoma's intriguingPandora's Box ride system.According to reports,Hartenhof will featurelarge sets of seats that canmove both vertically andlaterally as they relocatefrom scene to scene withinthe dark ride building.The Realm of Fantasy isexpected to carry a price tagof $57.8 million (€42.5 million),which would make itthe most expensive attractionin Efteling's history.Holiday Park purchase brings Plopsa brand to GermanyAndrew MellorAmusement TodayIn a move that will seethe Plopsa brand of parks takingroot in another Europeancountry, Germany’s HolidayPark has been purchased bythe Belgium based Studio 100,owners of the Plopsa groupof indoor and outdoor themeparks.Having been establishedin 1971 by the Schneider family,Holiday Park grew to becomeone of the leading attractionparks in Germany, andcelebrates its 40th anniversaryin 2011. However, with no familymembers coming throughto take over the running of thepark, the decision was taken tosell.“I am glad that HolidayPark will further grow in thePlopsa group successfully,”commented Wolfgang Schneider,former managing partnerof the venue.The deal was concludedbetween Schneider and PlopsaGroup managing directorSteve Van den Kerkhof, whosaid of the acquisition: “Wewanted to expand the Plopsabrand into Germany. We haveone big outdoor park and threeindoor parks in Belgium, andin Germany we were lookingfor an outdoor park that wasnot too big and therefore tooexpensive. There are not somany parks for sale that areneither too big or too small soHoliday Park was ideal. Thereare 20 million people withina two to two and a half hourdrive of the park and a lot ofland around the site which wecan use for growth.And he added: “A dedicatedtheme park in Germanyin which we can also give ahome to the Studio100 mediacharacters such as Maya theBee and Vicky the Viking is alogical strategy.”Holiday Park will clearlybe transformed over a periodof time as it is developed intoa Plopsa themed park and Vanden Kerkhof explained howthis will work.“There is a difference betweenshort and long termchanges. For 2011 we will tryto have some Maya the Beepresence, such as a live show,along with costume charactersof Maya and Vicki the Vikingto meet and greet visitors. Wewill look to change the contenton some of the existing rides,so that we move from an attractionpark to a theme park,and will start this process onexisting rides and then begin4See PLOPSA, page 6PHOTO COURTESYPLOPSA/STUDIO 100Plopsa Group managing directorSteve Van den Kerkhofand Studio 100 characterPlop.Dreamworld's Tower of Terror gets a revampDreamworld’s revamped Tower ofTerror ride offers guests a newexperience and new thrills thanks toa new vehicle from Intamin and a newtunnel section added to the launcharea of the ride.PHOTO COURTESYDREAMWORLDAndrew MellorAmusement TodayAustralia’s Dreamworldhas re-launched its popularTower of Terror ride, adding anew twist to one of the country’smost iconic scream machines.Dubbed Tower of TerrorII, the Intamin-built ride,which first opened at the parkin 1997, has been “reloadedand reversed,” literally, to offerthrill seekers a brand newexperience. Originally takingriders out of the loading stationin a front facing direction,the revamped ride now seesriders harnessed into the ridevehicle in the depths of theTower’s “lair” in a darkenedvoid. As the ride programbegins, guests wait in silencefor a few millisecondsbefore being blasted backwardsout of a 206 meter(676 foot) tunnel and reachingup to 161 kph (100 mph)in just seven seconds. Theythen soar 100 meters (328feet) into the air where theydangle for a few seconds ofweightlessness before plummetingback down to earthface first and back into whatlooks like a very narrowtunnel entrance, to return tothe loading station.4See TOWER, page 6

6 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011PLOPSAContinued from page 5to introduce new ones. Wewant to get the characters in assoon as possible so we have aunique selling position at thepark.”The plan is to have threeor four Plopsa themed venuesin Germany within the nextfive years, with one large outdoorpark and three indoorparks, as is the case in theBenelux countries. A figure of100 million Euros ($130.5 millionUSD) is set to be investedby Studio 100 in Germany by2016, in park acquisition/creationand development, witha target of 2.5 million visitorsoverall by the same year.TOWERContinued from page 5Tower of Terror II maintainsits use of a single, 14passenger vehicle on the ride,which has a duration of 27seconds. Total ride cycle time(load, unload) is between twoand a half and three minutes.“The Tower of Terror hasbeen a rite of passage for almostevery Australian teenagerand the re-launched ridewill build on that terror factor,”commented DreamworldCEO Noel Dempsey. “It incorporatesthree major fears— high speeds, falling fromgreat heights and dark, confinedspaces. Instead of facingthe sky, all you see is theground, first disappearing fastand then rapidly approachingas you plummet towards thetunnel.”In addition to supplyingthe ride originally, Intaminalso worked with the park’sengineering team on the attraction’srefit.AMUSEMENT TODAYCLASSIFIEDSYOUR USED RIDEMARKETPLACEOscar Bruch's Bellevuewheel highlights Europa'sholiday celebrationGermany's Europa Park,decked out in plenty of holidayfinery, had a new star duringthe holiday season — theBellevue big wheel.Rising majestically overthe rocky landscape of thepark's Iceland section — openduring the winter for the firsttime — Bellevue's colorfullighting is reflected below inthe waters of the Mack-designedWhale Adventures –Splash Tours.Owned by German showmanOscar Bruch, this classicattraction was designed inArt Nouveau style and builtby Nauta-Bussink. The Bruchfamily has featured the Bellevuewheel on the fair circuitsince 1994. The massive ridefeatures 42 gondolas that providestunning views of EuropaPark and its holiday decorations.The ride was in operationat Europa for the durationof the holiday event, whichruns through Jan. 9, 2011.Oscar Bruch's majestic Bellevuewheel is a highlightof the holiday celebrationunderway at Germany's EuropaPark. The 180-foot-tallNauta-Bussink-designedwheel will operate at Europathrough Jan. 9, 2011.PHOTO COURTESYEUROPA PARKPremier Rides to supply LIM coaster to IndonesiaTrans Studio recently announcedthat Premier Rideshas been selected to build thesignature attraction for thenew Trans Studio Theme Parkat Bundung Supermal in Indonesia.Premier was chosen afteran exhaustive search. Thiswill be the first launch coasterin Indonesia using a LIM magneticpropulsion system.The unnamed ride is quitesimilar to Premier's Mr. Freezecoasters at Six Flags OverTexas and Six Flags St. Louis.When the ride starts, the trainis accelerated with LIMs, going0 to 70 mph in 3.8 seconds.After the train leaves the stationit immediately shoots upinto an inverted top hat element.Riders then race downthe second half of the top hatinto a 180-degree turn to theright. Next, they rocket up avertical tower where they experiencenear 0-G conditions.Just before the track ends, thetrain comes to a stop and is acceleratedbackwards throughthe entire course.Budiman Wijaya, directorof Trans Studio, commentedon the quality of Premier’sproducts: “We were very impressedwith the quality andreliability of Premier’s workwhen we recently visited Revengeof the Mummy at UniversalStudios Singapore. Weespecially like the dedicationshown by Premier’s personnelworking and meeting all of theclient’s goals.”Wijaya added, “Our mallproject will be one of our nation’smost exciting destinationsand we have chosenPremier’s coaster to assure weare offering the best availableproduct to our guests.”Jim Seay, president of PremierRides said, “It is an incrediblehonor for Premier beingselected for the Trans Studioproject. Premier has investeda significant effort expandinginto the Asian market whichwe see as both exciting and dynamic.Indonesia’s economyis strong and we are honoredto be working with one of theleading and most respectedcompanies in the region.”RENDERING COURTESY PREMIER RIDESPremier Rides has been selected to provide a new LIMlaunch coaster for Indonesia's Trans Studio Theme Parkat Bundung Supermal. The new ride will be similar to Premier'sMr. Freeze coasters at Six Flags Over Texas and SixFlags St. Louis.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7Start your engines! Ferrari World opens in Abu DhabiAndrew MellorAmusement TodayThe world’s largest indoortheme park debuted at the beginningof November whenFerrari World Abu Dhabiopened its doors to the public.Situated on Yas Island, a2,500 hectare island dedicatedto “leisure, entertainment andlifestyle,” Ferrari World AbuDhabi has been developed byAldar Properties PJSC, AbuDhabi’s leading property development,management andinvestment company, and ismanaged by Farah LeisureParks Management LLC, ajoint venture between AldarProperties PJSC and ProFunManagement Group, Inc.With more than 20 ridesand attractions, including theworld’s fastest roller coaster,housed under a spectacular200,000 square-meter (2.15million-square-foot) roof, FerrariWorld Abu Dhabi was designedby Benoy and the ridesand attractions by Jack RouseAssociates. The project is a celebrationof Ferrari’s past, presentand future that indulgesthe senses with eye-catchingsurroundings, authentic aromas,distinctive sounds of Italyand some of the world’s mostinnovative rides.On entering the park,guests are first struck by thesheer scale of the interior structurespanning 86,000 squaremeters(926,000 square-feet).A huge crystal-glazed funnelat the heart of the park is thecentrepiece of the buildingand home to the Huss-builtG-Force tower ride which firesriders up and out of the buildingto a height of 62 meters (203feet) before dropping themPHOTOS COURTESY FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABIClockwise from top left: The Huss-built G-Force tower ride fires guests to the top of a62 meter high tower from the central funnel within the park building; the impressiveroof structure of Ferrari World covers 200,000 square-meters; the Formula Rossa coasterfrom Intamin is the fastest coaster ride in the world registering a top speed of 149 mph,and The Scuderia Challenge gives visitors a real race car experience on Cruden suppliedsimulators as used by F1 drivers for practice purposes.back down to earth again. is the Maurer Söhne FioranoFormula Rossa, the world’s GT Challenge, on which twofastest roller coaster, capable F430 Spider themed coasterof a top speed of 240 kph (149 trains race each other on amph), was supplied by Swiss 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) long,company Intamin. With a twin track experience.track length of 2,000 m (6,562 Ferrari World Abu Dhabifeet) and a maximum height of is dedicated to providing a52 meters (170 feet), it features family oriented experience,four trains themed as a Ferrari with a range of attractions forF1 car and with four, four-seatercars per train. Also on offer tion to the thrill rides.parents and children in addi-Uniqueand innovative attractions includethe Galleria Ferrari andMade in Maranello, which celebratethe passion, excellence,performance and technologicalinnovation so synonymouswith Ferrari. Galleria Ferrari isthe world’s largest Ferrari galleryoutside Maranello, whileMade in Maranello providesan opportunity to go behindthe doors of the Ferrari factoryin Maranello, a privilege previouslyonly enjoyed by Ferrariowners.Formula One enthusiastsare well catered for with theDriving with Champions simulator,while they also havethe opportunity to be part ofthe pit crew at the Paddock.Fans can also dictate race dayby choosing tactics and strategiesat the interactive Pit Wall.Guests of all ages can escapeinto the fantasy world ofNello at Speed of Magic, a 4Dfilm attraction, while they willbe dwarfed by the oversizedcomponents of the V12 waterflume ride, on which they ridethrough the grill of a Ferrari599 and into the engine beforebeing fired out of the exhaust.For the very young thereis the Ferrari Academy, thetwo part driving and racingschool complete with juniorrace track and driving circuit.Additionally, the Junior TrainingCamp provides a suitablythemed interactive soft playarea. Authentic Italian diningand interactive shoppingexperiences, including theworld’s largest Ferrari store,add yet more to the overall experience.“Ferrari World Abu Dhabioffers an exhilarating experiencefor families and fansalike which they will cherishforever,” said park managerAndy Keeling. “There’s moreto Ferrari World Abu Dhabithan the thrill of speed racingand powerful cars. The parkcelebrates Ferrari’s past andpresent and pays homage toits Italian roots in a bespokeand innovative way, from thestunning structure through tothe attractions and various experiencesoffered.”For even more unique thrills, the Fiorano GT Challenge, supplied by Germany's Maurer Sohne, offers a twin track coaster experience.

8 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9AMUSEMENT PARKSwww.AmusementToday.comFEC’S ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERSBRIEFGeauga Lake'sSupreme carouselheaded toWorlds of FunThe historic Supremecarousel that operated atOhio's Geauga Lake formore than 70 summers isgetting a makeover and anew home for the 2011 season— World's of Fun.Originally carved andassembled in 1926 by M.C.Illions, this beautiful machinefeatures 64 horsesand two chariots. One ofonly five Supreme modelsIllions ever created, thecarousel made its debut atthe Philadelphia Sesquicentennialwhere it operatedfor the duration of thefair. In 1927 it was movedto Birmingham, Ala. Aftera restoration at New York'sConey Island, the carouselfound its way to GeaugaLake where it entertainedgenerations of riders from1937 until the park closedin 2007.The carousel has beenundergoing a complete restorationat Mansfield, OhiobasedCarousel Works, Inc.in anticipation of its imminentMissouri reintroductionthis spring. The machine'srehab can be viewedon an upcoming episode ofUltimate Restorations (www.urtvshow.com).According to WOF officials,the park's Festhauscatering venue will be removedto make way for thecarousel's installation.Canobie Lake adding Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter coasterNew steel coastermeets Salem's strictsound restrictionsNew Hampshire's CanobieLake Park will be the recipientof a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter for the 2011 season.The new compact loopingcoaster, appropriately dubbedUntamed, will make its NewEngland debut this spring.The 1,184-foot-long loopingcoaster (a Euro-FighterModel 320+) will feature a 72-foot vertical lift and beyondvertical(97-degree) first drop.After the initial plunge, thetwo-car trains, which eachseat eight riders in two rows,will zip around a tight layoutthat includes three inversions— a vertical loop, an Immelmann,and a zero-g roll.Like many of the rides andattractions at Canobie LakePark, Untamed will feature anumber of unique thematic effectsincluding a rustic, highly-detailedlog house-stylestation and vertical supportspainted to resemble a forest ofbirch trees. Untamed will bevirtually identical to two otherEuro-Fighter Model 320scurrently in operation: Falconat Duinrell, The Netherlands;and Rage at Adventure Island,the U.K. The new ride willserve as a replacement for theRockin' Rider, an SDC Galaxicoaster that operated at thepark from 1970 until 2004.Obtaining approval forthe new ride was no easyfeat for Canobie Lake due torestrictive noise limitationsimposed on the park by thetown in which it resides. Parkofficials had to prove to theSalem, N.H. Planning BoardNew Hampshire's Canobie Lake Park willintroduce a Gerstlauer Euro-fighter forthe 2011 season. The compact layout willinclude a vertical lift, 97-degree first dropand three inversions.RENDERINGS COURTESY RIDE ENTERTAINMENTthat the new coaster wouldactually be one of the quietestavailable. Amusement Todayspoke about the sound requirementswith Adam Sandyof Ride Entertainment Group.REG respresents Gerstlauer’sprojects in the Western Hemisphere.“Canobie Lake Park’sissue was that the town ofSalem has some extremelystrict sound regulations forthe property. Canobie hired acompany that specialized insound studies at public venueslike amusement parks andrace tracks," explained Sandy."Siegfried Gerstlauer and I mettheir team at Duinrell AmusementPark in the Netherlands.There, sound recordings ofthe ‘Falcon’, a Euro-Fighter320+ identical to Canobie’snew ride, were taken and theresulting data showed thatthe noise levels were withinthe parameters set by the city.Because strict noise standardsare more common in Europe,a silent-running coaster is aconcept that Gerstlauer perfectedsome time ago, but theCanobie Lark Park project wasthe first time this issue wascritical in the United States.Gerstlauer was extremelyproud that their product roseto the challenge and allowedCanobie to offer its guests theunique beyond-vertical thrillsof the Euro-Fighter."Canobie Lake opens forthe 2011 season on April 23.—Scott Rutherford

10 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011AMUSEMENTMARKET PLACEAerial Tramway Design & Manufacture106 Burnham Intervale RoadContoocook, N.H. 03229Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447•Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways•Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides•New ride control systems and modifications•Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guaranteeParts and ServiceMagnetic Brake RetrofitThe best stop is a smooth one. EMG is proud tobe the exclusive representative for VelocityMagnetics magnetic retrofit braking systems.SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C.Replacement ChainAs the representative for Elecon Chain EMG canprovide replacement chain, sprockets and drivesystems for roller coasters, water rides, and flat rides.Custom Spare PartsIf you are having trouble finding a pump,commutator or piece from an old ride contact EMG.We have the ability to track down and source ridesfrom any era.ENTERTAINMENTGROUP OF COMPANIES(603) 746-4446Jerry Pendleton or Dan PendletonENTERTAINMENTMANAGEMENT GROUPEntertainment Management Group1-410-643-9300, ext. 303Sales@RideEntertainment.comADVERTISEHERE!$175 COLOR • $125 B/WBest value in printKeep our amusement park industry strong!Buy products and services from these suppliers.Myrtle Beach getting Chance Giant WheelChance Morgan will supplya R60 Giant Wheel for anew development on MyrtleBeach, South Carolina's famedGrand Strand for the 2011 season.Opening in May at MyrtleBeach Landing, the R60 GiantWheel (dubbed SkyWheel)will stand 187-feet-tall andspan two oceanfront lots alongOcean Boulevard, on the northside of Plyler Park. It has beenspecifically designed to include42 glass-enclosed, temperature-controlledgondolasthat can hold up to six passengerseach.The SkyWheel at MyrtleBeach Landing is an excitingnew addition to the GrandStrand area, along with thenewly renovated Myrtle BeachBoardwalk and Promenade.Plans for the SkyWheel atMyrtle Beach Landing’s upcominglaunch include a fullservice restaurant, observationdeck overlooking the oceanand gift shop. The SkyWheelRENDERING COURTESY CHANCE MORGANThe SkyWheel at Myrtle Beach Landing — a new ChanceMorgan R60 Giant Wheel — will debut on the Grand Strandin May 2011. The 187-foot-tall ride will feature 42 glassenclosed,temperature-controlled gondolas that hold upto six passengers each.at Myrtle Beach Landing willalso incorporate a one-of-akindprogrammable LED lightshow in the evening.The only Giant Wheel ofits kind in the United States,this family-friendly attractionis sure to become an iconicQuassy unveils new coaster logoQuassy Amusement Park,Middlebury, Conn., has unveiledthe logo for the WoodenWarrior, its new-for-2011wooden roller coaster. Thedesign has been in the worksfor several months within thepark’s art department.The coaster’s name reflectsthe Native American heritageof the 103-year-old propertywhich is situated on LakeQuassapaug, which means'Great Pond' or 'Rock Pond'.Designed by The GravityGroup, the Wooden Warrior isunder construction and slatedfor a spring 2011 debut.Waldameer adding three Zamperla ridesPennsylvania's Waldameer Park has announced a substantialexpansion in the works for the 2011 season that willoffer three new rides and a relaxing park area.The new section — located on the edge of the bluff overlookingLake Erie beside Waldameer's award-winning RavineFlyer II wooden roller coaster — will be home to a trio of familyrides supplied by Italian manufacturer Zamperla. The newrides include the Flying Swings (Wave Carousel); SS Wally(Rocking Tug); and Wendy's Tea Party (Mini Tea Cup).Amusement Today spoke with Waldameer's Steve Gormanabout the expansion. "We are developing a new section of thepark called the 'North End' between the Sea Dragon the RavineFlyer II," said Gorman. 'The Flying Swings is an eyecatchingride that can accommodate children 36-48 inches tallriding with an adult. The Rocking Tug and Tea Cup rides haveproven to be popular rides for children and their older familymembers. This new section will continue our traditional parkatmosphere with a water fountain, flower gardens, bronzestatues and benches."Construction on the new area is already underway withina loop of the park's train tracks and will be ready when Waldameeropens for the 2011 season on May 7.staple for Myrtle Beach. TheSkyWheel at Myrtle BeachLanding is owned by MyrtleBeach SkyWheel, LLC, a jointventure between Koch DevelopmentCo. and Pacific Development,both of St. Louis, Mo.Alabama Adventurenames Chutes rideAlabama Adventurehas announced the nameof its new-for-2011 Shootthe-Chutesattraction:BuzzSaw Falls.“Alabama Adventureis absolutely thrilled aboutthe addition of BuzzSawFalls. We are looking forwardto a great season in2011 with plenty of funand thrills for the wholefamily, including our ConcertSeries, theme park andwaterpark,” said AlabamaAdventure General Manager,E.J. Randolph.BuzzSaw Falls wassold through New Hampshire-basedSkyTransManufacturing, LLC andwill now be supplied byFlorida-basedHopkinsRides LLC. Hopkins RidesCOO Chuck Bingham announcedthat the waterride company had broughtback two long time Hopkinsicons, Jerry Pendletonand Jim Glover, to helpthe company with salesand service of the Hopkinsproduct line.The 610-foot-long ridewill be located adjacent tothe park's kiddie rides areaand will stand just over50-feet-tall. It will utilizetwo large boats, each withseating for 20 guests.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11San Diego Coaster Company assuresBelmont's Giant Dipper is financially soundIn light of the current news that thelandlord of San Diego's Belmont Park, WaveHouse Belmont Park LLC, filed for Chapter11 protection in November 2010, the owners,management and employees of the SanDiego Coaster Company wanted to be sureits friends, colleagues and vendors in theamusement industry understand that it hasno affect on the Coaster Company, operatorsof the historic Giant Dipper roller coasterand other attractions located within the footprintof Belmont Park.The San Diego Coaster Company holdsa separate land lease with the city of San Diegofor the Giant Dipper roller coaster andother rides as well as leasing property fromWave House Belmont Park LLC.“We appreciate the outpouring of concernon our behalf,” said Wendy Crain, generalmanager, San Diego Coaster Company.“We want everyone to know that the CoasterCompany, historical Giant Dipper as well asall the other rides we operate, are not involvedin the current situation and that weare financially solvent.”The San Diego Coaster Company hasseen record attendance every year over thelast three years, despite a challenged economy.The San Diego Coaster Company recentlyintroduced a brand new ride from MoserManufacturing this past fall called ControlFreak and known in the industry as a GyroLoop 2+2. In addition, they are looking forwardto the installation of another new Unicoastersupplied by Chance Morgan Manufacturing.For additional information on the SanDiego Coaster Company, visit: www.belmontpark.com.Chance Morgan Unicoastergoes west to Belmont ParkJust as this issue wasgoing to press, ChanceMorgan's second Unicoasterwas undergoing finalfactory testing before beingdelivered to the San DiegoCoaster Company at BelmontPark in San Diego’shistoric Mission Beach.Dubbed Octotron bythe park, this new ride featureseight rotating armswith two passenger vehicleson each arm. Thissetup allows each vehicle’spassengers to control theirown spin, both in the forwardor backward direction.PHOTO COURTESYCHANCE MORGANMike and Dick Chance testout the seats on ChanceMorgan's second Unicoaster,which is joiningthe ride lineup at San Diego’sBelmont Park.Super ShotFlying ScootersBig RidesSmall SpacesPO BOX 638Plainview, Texas 79072(806) 293-1353www.larsonintl.comStar DancerGiant Loop

12 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011Waterfront district among plans for Downtown DisneyPleasure Island atFlorida's Walt Disney WorldResort is about to be reimaginedasHyperion Wharf, anostalgic yet modern takeon an early 20thcentury port city andamusement pier.RENDERING COURTESYWDW RESORTPreserve the past by investing in the...Work will soon begin on acompletely re-imagined PleasureIsland and other one-ofa-kindexperiences as Florida'sWalt Disney World Resortcontinues to bring new storiesto life at Downtown Disney.Combined, the projects are expectedto create an estimated1,200 new jobs over the nextthree years.“We have made great progresssince first announcing ourvision to bring new shopping,dining and entertainmentexperiences to DowntownDisney, many of which can’tbe found anywhere else andhave already become guest favorites,”said Keith Bradford,vice president of DowntownDisney. “We look forward toproviding even more ways forour guests to enjoy DowntownDisney, while at the same timecreating new jobs for CentralFloridians.A nostalgic yet moderntake on an early 20th centuryport city and amusement pierwill evolve Pleasure Islandinto Hyperion Wharf. By day,the bustling port district willdraw guests in with its stylishboutiques and innovative restaurantsand by night, thou-4See DISNEY, page 14Plainview, Texaswww.amusementtoday.comTODAYIPTION FORMiptionddressUSAclosedCard:OUTSIDE USA$50 $70$90 $130$130 $190PRESERVINGROLLER COASTERwww.amusementtoday.comRECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEARSUBSCRIBE TODAYSTAY INFORMEDTO SUBSCRIBE YES! I wish to MAIL invest THIS FORM in TO: AMUSEMENT the National TODAY • P.O. Roller BOX 5427 • Coaster ARLINGTON, TEXAS Museum 76005 USAFAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.comName_____________________________FIRST AND LAST NAMECREDIT CARD NUMBERTitle_____________________________SUBSCRIPTION FORMCOMPANY NAMECompany_________________________ NewEXPIRATIONSubscriptionDATE3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODETO SUBSCRIBEADDRESSAddress___________________________SUBSCRIPTION RenewalNAME FORMAS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) New Subscription Change of AddressCITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code)TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED)_______________________________ RenewalFIRST USAND LAST OUTSIDE NAME USACOUNTRYEMAIL ADDRESSEmail_____________________________ Change of Address One Year $50 $70FREESIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWSQUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS!EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITIONPhone___________________________ COMPANY NAMEUSA OUTSIDE Two Years USA $90 $130Today’s One Year Date______________________$50 Three $70Years $130 $190I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TOTHE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORGMAKE A YES!Two Years $90 $130ADDRESSDONATION Three Years $130 Payment $190OTHER Enclosed AMOUNT: $www.amusementtoday.comRECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEARSTAY INFORMEDMAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USATO SUBSCRIBEFAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.comMAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USAFAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.comFIRST AND LAST NAMECREDIT CARD NUMBERCOMPANY NAMECREDIT CARD NUMBEREXPIRATION DATE3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODEADDRESSEXPIRATION DATENAME 3-4 DIGIT AS IT SECURITY APPEARS CODE ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name)CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and NAME Postal AS Code) IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name TELEPHONE and/or Cardholder NUMBER Name) (REQUIRED)CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal COUNTRY Code)TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) EMAIL ADDRESS Payment Enclosed Charge to Credit Card:Donate today!FREESIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWSCOUNTRYEMAIL ADDRESSQUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS!Charge to Credit Card: EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION FREESIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWSCard#_____________________________ QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION Exp. Date________ Security Code_________I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TOTHE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORGSignature__________________________PRESERVING MAKE A YES!ROLLER COASTER I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TOPlease make checks payable to NRCMA and return this form to:THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORGPRESERVINGHISTORYMAKE A YES! DONATIONNRCMA, P.O. Box 5424, Arlington, TX 76005-5424, USA $10 $25 $50 Thank you for your support! OTHER AMOUNT: $ROLLER COASTERYour gift is tax deductible to the extent provided by law.HISTORY $10 $25 $50 SUBSCRIBE TODAYRECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEARHISTORY DONATION $10 $25 $50 OTHER AMOUNT: $STAY INFORMED

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14 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRENDERING COURTESY WDW RESORTNumerous new or renovated retail shops and merchandise vignettes, as well as additionalatmosphere and entertainment will be featured throughout Downtown Disney.DISNEYContinued from page 12sands of lights will transformthe area into an electric wonderland.Taking its name from Hyperion,the Greek god of light,as well as the street on whichWalt Disney built his firstmajor animation studio, thewharf district also will featurea lakeside park and enhancedpedestrian walkways. Its diverseeateries will expand diningavailability at DowntownDisney by more than 25 percent.“Hyperion Wharf will offerguests of all ages a vibrantatmosphere and new experiencesthat can be enjoyed bySilver Dollar City's 50 yearscaptured in newly released bookPHOTO COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY“50 Years of Making Memories” is a 128-page hardbackkeepsake book full of memories of the last 50 years atone of America's best-loved theme parks - Silver DollarCity. The book is a collection of photos from SilverDollar City and the Springfield News-Leader archives,including historic and previously unpublished photos,plus photos submitted by park guests. The bookoffers a glimpse at how the park has grown throughthe years, the people who helped it grow and themany reasons families visit the park year after year.Books are $24.99 each, available at Silver Dollar City,and at www.news-leader.com/SDCbook. Silver DollarCity and The News-Leader are donating 50 percent ofthe book profits to the Silver Dollar City Foundationand the Education Foundation of the Ozarks to supportkids and families in the Ozarks.day or by night,” said Bradford.“Whether looking for agreat place to dine with thewhole family or a place to relaxand enjoy live music, HyperionWharf will providethe perfect setting for gueststo make new memories withus.”In addition to the newwharf district, numerous otherprojects are underway atDowntown Disney, including:•An extensive renovationof Lego Imagination Center,which will increase its overallfootprint by nearly 3,500square-feet and add newLego exterior models featuringscenes from classic Disneymovies.•Enhancements at AMCthat will take the movie-goingexperience at Downtown Disneyto the next level with newdigital technology, a paradigmshiftingConcession Stand ofthe Future and Florida’s firstFork & Screen Theater; and•Numerous new or renovatedretail shops and merchandisevignettes, as well asadditional atmosphere entertainment,throughout DowntownDisney.Combined, these projectsare expected to create an estimated600 construction jobs,500 restaurant, retail and entertainmentjobs and support100 vendor and supplier jobs.EXTRA! EXTRA!YOUR DESKTOP EDITION!FREENEWSEVERY DAYSign up atwww.AmusementToday.com

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January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17WATERPARKSwww.AmusementToday.comAQUATIC CENTERS INDOOR FACILITIES RESORTS REVENUESUPPLIERSBRIEFMichigan's Adventureadding WhiteWaterplay structure in 2011Michigan's Adventureplans to introduce BeachParty, a giant interactivewaterplay attraction to itsWildWater Adventure Waterparkfor the 2011 season.Supplied by Canada'sWhiteWater West IndustriesLtd., Beach Party willfeature the first-of-its-kindgiant geyser, which blastswater over 90 feet in the air.During the eruption guestswill see a column of waterapproximately 20 inches indiameter gradually risingin the air, towering overthe multi-level play area toa height of approximately95 feet before it rains downover the attraction.The new multi-levelBeach Party will incorporateover 150 play features,including eight waterslides, water jets, watercurtains, pipe falls, waterwheels, and several netbridges. Guests will be ableto drench each other withfire hose jets and interactivewater guns."This amazing new'splashtastic' water area thatboasts geysers, gadgets andsuper-drenching slides willentertain guests of all ages.This is a spectacular additionto Michigan's largestwaterpark," said CamilleJourden-Mark, vice presidentand general managerof Michigan's Adventure.AquaPlay to be WhiteWater largest play structureHawaiian Falls breaks ground on Roanoke, Texas parkThe Roanoke (Texas) Fire Departmentrecently delivered the first wave tothe new Hawaiian Falls Roanoke duringa special ceremony with a host of cityand civic leaders attending. The 300-footplume of water launched from a RoanokeFire Department hook and ladder rig signaledthe beginning of construction onthe 10-acre waterpark. Located on ByronNelson Boulevard (Business 114) nextdoor to the Fire Station, Hawaiian Falls isscheduled to open Memorial Day weekend2011.“We’re honored to bring HawaiianFalls’ brand of family entertainment toRoanoke,” said David Busch, presidentand CEO of Hawaiian Falls. “Our goal isto bring families closer together throughgood, clean family fun. We want to be agood corporate citizen and hope our waterparkwill become a favorite place tocreate lasting memories. ”The $10 million waterpark is a jointventure between Hawaiian Falls and theCity of Roanoke. The city will own thepark and Hawaiian Falls will operate itOverview shows massive AquaPlaystructure as focal point in center of the$10 million waterpark.under a long-term lease."We welcome this exciting new projectand the many new opportunities itrepresents,” said Roanoke Mayor CarlE. Scooter" Gierisch, Jr. “Hawaiian Fallswill provide family fun and recreation forall of our residents. We are particularlyexcited to have a business partner likeHawaiian Falls that centers their businessaround those that we hold most dear tous."At the heart of Hawaiian Falls Roanokewill be Water World, WhiteWater'slargest AquaPlay structure. The six-storyinteractive playground will have 20 slides,including a three-lane racer, a family Boomerangoraft ride and several body slides,500-gallon and 1,000-gallon dump buckets,numerous interactive pulleys, wheelsand water features. In addition, the parkwill have a 16,000-square-foot wavepool,a lazy river with rapids and geysers and awater walkway.Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will employabout 175 people during the season. It willalso contribute an estimated $10 millionannually to the local economy. The parkexpects to attract about 175,000 guestseach year.Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will host“Dive-In” movies and concerts during theseason, and will offer private cabanas fordaily rental, corporate picnic and groupareas, birthday party rooms and a varietyof food and beverage options.RENDERINGS COURTESY HAWAIIAN FALLSThe newest Hawaiian Falls park will feature WhiteWater's largest AquaPlay structure, complete with 20 slides and twodumping buckets.

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January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19WhiteWater West attractions highlight Calypso WaterparkCalypso Waterpark turnedon the taps as promised onJune 7, 2010 and soaked thecrowds with plenty of adventures.Located near Canada’scapital city — Ottawa, Ontario— the park stands outvibrantly on 100 acres andhas capacity for up to 12,000guests. The country’s newestand largest theme waterparkoffers something for everyone,and is highlighted with plentyof WhiteWater West’s signatureattractions, many of themfirsts in Canada.Among these firsts andquickly becoming the mostpopular attraction is the FamilyBoomerango. Families andgroups of up to six can also dosome 'Canyon Rafting' togetheron the Family Raft Ride.Dr. Dunk’s Turbo Laboffers the choice of four cleverlythemed bowl slides thatwill keep guests' excitementat peak levels as they swirlaround in The Frosty Drop,The Hot Dip, The Steamer andThe Acid Test. Also high inthrills are the free-fall speedslides and an eight-lane Whizzardmat racer that the parkhas aptly christened The FastTrack.Calypso's younger guestsfind plenty of action over atThe Pirates AquaPlay interactiveplay structure, whichfeatures a giant tipping bucketand swashbuckling piratetheme.PHOTOS COURTESY WHITEWATER WESTCanada's new Calypso Waterpark features plenty of attractionsand equipment from WhiteWater West including(clockwise from top left) a Family Boomerango/FamilyRaft Ride, four themed bowl slides, a speed slide towerand AquaPlay interactive play structure.Massive WhiteWater slide complex at Calypso to be tallest in North AmericaRENDERINGS COURTESY WHITEWATERThe Calypso Waterpark, near Ottawa, will expand in 2011 with what it says will be North America's tallest free-standing waterslide tower. The new$5 million tower attraction from WhiteWater West will stand 90 feet tall and feature 10 waterslides on the single tower. The top of the tower willshowcase four high speed waterslides (two will use four-passenger single row seating boats while two will use two-passenger double donut innertubes).The middle of the tower will house two AquaLoop slides, while the tower's lowest level feature four coiled body slides.

20 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011SplashTacular introduces new slide series at trade showsSplashTacular Inc. introduceda series of innovativewaterslide enhancementproducts at the October WorldWaterpark Association conventionand the NovemberInternational Association ofAmusement Parks and AttractionsExpo.SplashTacular feels itsnew SplashEnhancements seriesnot only advances the visualappeal of waterslides forboth riders and spectators, butthey significantly increase the‘fun factor’ as riders will beable to race against themselvesand others while competingfor the highest score.“For more than 16 yearsSplashTacular has manufacturedwaterslides and attractionsthat drive attendance andrevenue to clients’ venues,”said Steve Levine, founder andpresident of SplashTacular.“We will continue to combineinnovation with fun and safefeatures to create waterslidesand structures that fit everybudget.”Attendees had the opportunityto explore SplashTacular'sfirst three of its newSplashEnhancements products:•SplashChallenge enhancesthe waterslide experienceby offering riders the opportunityto easily compete againstthemselves or other riders forthe fastest ride time. In addition,SplashChallenge offersan optional feature that allowsriders to score points by locatingand touching bright, colorfultarget sensors inside theIdlewild adding wave poolThough winter may be in full swing, officials at Pennsylvania'sIdlewild & SoakZone are already planning fornext summer. The park's aging swimming pool, which wasbuilt in 1931, will be replaced with a modern wave pooland 'beach' area complete with private cabanas for the 2011season."This wave pool is a thrilling addition that will take theexcitement of the SoakZone to a whole new level for ourguests," said Jeff Croushore, park spokesperson. "We've alreadybeen recognized as the 'Best Children's Park' [AmusementToday 2010 Golden Ticket Awards], but this attraction'sappeal to kids and adults, will help bolster Idlewild's reputationof being one of the best parks for the entire family."The new 280,600-gallon wave pool will feature a zerodepthentry at its shallow end and a depth of six feet atits deepest. Following intermittent periods of calm waterconditions, a signal will sound and the pool will generatewaves at timed intervals, allowing swimmers to ride thetide. The park plans to keep the velocity of the waves ata level that will offer a thrill to older guests but still allowyounger children to enjoy the fun.In an effort to ensure the safety of guests, Idlewild'snew wave pool will feature a number of unique features:•Underwater cameras will provide views of the deepestsection of the pool with constant monitoring from lifeguards.•State-of-the-art sanitation and filtration systems includingthe latest in ultraviolet technology.•The wave pool will be barrier-enclosed with a singlecontrolled access monitored by lifeguardsIdlewild's new wave pool is being made possible bya number of well-known entities including: InternationalAquatic Design (architect); WaveTek by Aquatic DevelopmentGroup (wave generating equipment); Gateway Engineers(engineers); USA Inc. (main builder); and NeptuneBenson, Inc. (filtration system).slide while competing for thefastest time. Competitors andspectators view the top 10 resultson a 24-inch color monitorafter riders cross the finishline.•SplashLightning makesits debut as a thrill ride lightshow. Featuring multiple preprogrammedlighting effectswithin the waterslide, Splash-Lightning reinvents the bodyand raft slide experience into aSplashTacular Inc. introduceda series of innovativewaterslide enhancementproducts at both therecent WWA and IAAPAtrade shows. The SplashEnhancementsseries includesSplashLightning, shownby day, then by night, andSplashGlass for waterslides.PHOTOS COURTESYSPLASHTACULARcomplete entertaining ‘show’for both the riders and thespectators with multi-sensoryexperiences including pulsingand gyrating lights andspecial effects. The system isuser-friendly, affordable anddesigned to withstand harshoutdoor and indoor environments.•SplashGlass brings theopportunity to completelycustomize the appearance ofwaterslides by illuminatingthe inside with vibrant rings,shapes and icons in almostany shape or color of the rainbow.A nearly transparent colorlessoption is also available.SplashGlass offers the abilityto blend multiple translucentcolors into each individual segmentof a waterslide. Whetherthrough an undersea theme,convincing train tracks, playfulcreatures or even a parklogo, SplashGlass immersesguests into the waterpark experiencelike never before withcreatively themed options. Inaddition, the slide exteriorscan be themed with a uniqueapplication of high quality,ornate images or graphicallywrap an entire waterslide withpatterns such as tree bark,camouflage or animal prints.“Additional products willsoon be added to the Splash-Enhancements series,” saidLevine. “Our focus is to redefinethe waterslide experienceby developing ideas that consistentlyattract customers toour clients’ attractions.”•www.splashtacular.com.One Systems makes splash in SingaporeWhen the newly builtWave House on Sentosa Islandin Singapore decided toinstall a sound reinforcementsystem to enhance the experienceof their Californiathemedsurf park, they choseproducts from NashvillebasedOne Systems, a leadingmanufacturer of directweather loudspeakers.In addition to the mostadvanced wave-riding, surfingsimulation machinesin the world, Wave HouseSentosa also features a hammockgarden, an indoor restaurant,a rooftop terrace,a number of outdoor bars,and a beach area with palmtrees on white sands. Dueto its layout and the largesize of the outdoor park,Wave House Sentosa knewit needed a sound systemthat could reproduce musicand speech with clarity andpower, but also sustain harshweather conditions and highUV exposure. It also neededto provide even coveragethroughout the expansiveindoor/outdoor themepark, yet be well controlledenough to not disturb neigh-PHOTO COURTESYONE SYSTEMThe Wave House on SentosaIsland in Singaporeinstalled a sound reinforcementsystem around theirsurf park attraction fromNashville, Tenn.-based OneSystem.boring hotel patrons. Singaporedistributor and systemsintegrator Trektech selectedand specified One Systems’direct weather speakers tobe installed throughout thefacility.The installation included88 One Systems speakersused around Wave HouseSentosa’s expansive outdoorarea. The 112IM 12-inchtwo-way and 115TW 15-inchtwo-way speakers providedsound for the main rides, andare flown from lighting andsound towers. The outdoordance patio is equipped with24 108IM eight-inch two-wayspeakers that are augmentedby 12 118Sub-W single 18-inch subwoofer systems andfour 218Sub-W dual 18-inchsubwoofers. The perimeterand mezzanine areas of therestaurant/bar (includingthe second floor LalangeLounge) feature 106IM sixinchtwo-way speaker systems.Sentosa’s high annualrainfall, its proximity to theocean and harsh UV exposurewould challenge nearlyall speakers, but those conditionsare exactly why OneSystems loudspeakers wereselected. TrekTech’s ColinQuck said, “the One Systemsspeakers were designed toperform beautifully in extremeweather conditionsand have exceeded all expectationsof our customer.”•www.onesystems.com.

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January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25BUSINESSwww.AmusementToday.comREVENUE PEOPLE RESORTS AIMS INTL. SUPPLIERSBRIEFChance Morganintroduces newWind Wheelwind turbineThe WindWheel is anew, patent pending windturbine from Chance Morgan,Inc. The WindWheel'sinnovative features and efficientdesign make it idealfor amusement parks andattractions looking to savemoney on electricity andpromote a 'green' image.The unique featuresof the 150-foot-tall Wind-Wheel offer substantiallyimproved performanceover conventional tri-bladewind turbines. The innovativeouter rim providessupport for the blades bothat the root and the tip, anddirectly transfers energyfrom the blades to the generatorsfrom the outer rim.This design eliminates theneed for complicated, highmaintenance, and expensivegearboxes on conventionalwind turbines.•www.chancewind.com.Chance WindWheel2010 AIMS Safety Seminar in Orlando another successSeminar attendanceup nine percent;SeaWorld hosts eventfor all AIMS attendeesMary Mary Wade Wade Burnside BurnsideAmusement Amusement Today TodayCombining the annualAIMS Safety Seminar with theIAAPA convention seems todraw more participants whowant to learn more about rideoperation and maintenancewhile also checking out theextravaganza that the InternationalAssn. of AmusementParks puts on every year.“A lot of them found it rewarding,”said Patty Beazley,the education and seminar directorfor Amusement IndustryManufacturers & SuppliersInternational (AIMS). “Fora lot of them, it was the firsttime to attend an IAAPA tradeshow. They were mesmerizedby how big it was.”The seminar took placefrom Nov. 13 to 18 at the OrangeCounty Convention Centerin Orlando, Fla., the samelocation as IAAPA. Last yearwas the first time the AIMSsafety seminar was held to coincidewith IAAPA — at the2009 location in Las Vegas —in order to give participants anopportunity to check out theexpo.In addition to ride operationand maintenance courses,this year, AIMS introduced rideinspector classes as well. Theentire event had 235 attendees,112 of whom took tests. Twenty-fourof those took the newride inspector certification test,“which is a large number forthe first year out of the chute,”Beazley said. “We just startedmarketing it this past springand summer, so for us to comeup with 24 people, that was ahuge thing. I think it will onlyincrease the growth.”Participants had asked forthe inspector classes, Beazleysaid.“We listened to what everyonewanted from us,” she said.“There was a great need for aninspector track. We feel like weare the leaders in education inthe amusement industry, so wewent forth with it.“It was a huge success.We had 112 people go throughcertification overall, in operations,maintenance, inspectorsand aquatics, and out of that,24 went for their inspectioncertification, which is a largenumber for the first year out ofthe chute.”Mark Moore, president ofAIMS, said attendance was upnine percent over last year.“It was great, because theattendees of the seminar wereable to also attend the IAAPAexpo,” he said.More than 200 classes weretaught, Moore said, and in additionto ride inspection certification,AIMS offers tests in rideoperation, ride maintenanceand aquatics.“A lot of it is hands-on,”Moore said. “We used some ofthe rides at the IAAPA Expofor our training.”Participants also went toSeaWorld for a hands-on weldingclass, Moore added, “andwe had a hands-on fiberglassclass at a local supplier.”In addition to the weldingclass at SeaWorld, Beazleynoted that participants got abehind-the scenes tour of thepark after it closed.Plus, “We had a lovely dinnerand they gave us a ride on4See AIMS, page 26ASTM honors Disney's Greg Hale for safety standards workAt their recent meeting in Scottsdale,Ariz., ASTM International Committee F24on Amusement Rides and Devices presentedthe Dr. Richard H. “Doc” BrownMemorial Exceptional Service Award toGreg B. Hale, chief safety officer and vicepresident of worldwide safety and accessibilityfor Walt Disney Parks and Resortsin Lake Buena Vista, Fla.Hale was recognized for his numerouscontributions to improving the levelof safety within the amusement industry;his high level of integrity, fairness andtechnical expertise; and for his dedicationand outstanding efforts in promoting theworldwide use, application and adoptionof Committee F24 standards. A memberof ASTM International since 1989, Halecurrently serves on the F24 executivecommittee and as chairman of SubcommitteeF24.80 on Harmonization. He isalso a member of Committee F15 on ConsumerProducts.Hale joined Walt Disney World Co.in 1988 and has held several key positionssince then, including director of facilitiesand attractions for regulatory complianceand director of ride and show engineering.Prior to assuming his current role,he was vice president of design and engineeringand regulatory compliance.As chief safety officer and vice presidentof worldwide safety and accessibility,Hale leads a global team of ride design,operations, maintenance and safetyprofessionals around the world that keepDisney on the leading edge of theme parksafety, with a focus on accessibility forguests with disabilities and technologyadvancements.A graduate of the University of Mississippi,Oxford Miss., Hale is a licensedprofessional engineer in the state of Floridaand has been recognized for his workon accessibility standards for personswith disabilities and for amusement ridesafety standards and training. He servesas chairman of the International Associationof Amusement Parks and Attractions(IAAPA) Safety and Maintenance Committeeand International Standards HarmonizationCommittee and on the boardof delegates of the National Safety Council.Established in 1978, ASTM InternationalCommittee F24 on Amusement4See ASTM, page 26

26 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011AIMSContinued from page 25Manta, their new roller coaster,”she said. “It was a big thrillto be able to attend anotherpark and see their behind-thescenesand be able to visit.”Being in Orlando as opposedto Las Vegas, whereIAAPA was held last year, givesAIMS participants more opportunityto visit other parks.“From my understanding,they got a lot of feedback thatLas Vegas wasn’t as accessibleas the Orlando site,” Beazleysaid. “Orlando has many attractionsand so many othervenues that you can visit whileyou are there.”Part of the appeal of theAIMS safety seminar, Beazleysaid, is the opportunity to networkwith people in the industryfrom parks big and small.“We have municipalitiesthat have aquatics plusprivately-owned parks, smallparks, medium and large corporateparks, so it’s alwaysvery rewarding when you canget into a platform where youcan discuss these issues andfind out what works for otherpeople,” she said. “You canwalk away from AIMS knowingwhat’s working and everyonewalks away taking the bestpractices from parks whetherbig or small.”New classes included anew track for mobile shows,Beazley said.“We had 30 to 40 new classesthat we incorporated intothe educational curriculumacross the board,” she said.Although there was anopening night reception forAIMS attendees, one differencein the schedule over last yearwas fewer evening events.“Attendees felt that whenwe had so many planned activitiesat night, they could notgo out and do additional networking,”Beazley said. “Wedid have an AIMS reception onthe opening night to welcomeeverybody, and it was verywell-attended by membersand attendees.”As for next year, the planwill be for the AIMS safetyseminar to be held at the OrlandoConference Center againto coincide with the IAAPAExpo, but exact dates have notbeen set.More plans will be madewhen AIMS officials meetin New Orleans prior to theASTM meeting, Beazley said.“One nice thing we do iswe review the seminar andwe see what works and whatdidn’t work. We always tweakit.”ASTMContinued from page 25Rides and Devices developstest methods, performancespecifications, definitions,maintenance, operations,and practices and guides foramusement rides and devices.Membership in the committeeis open to all who are passionateabout safety in the amusementindustry.Visit the F24 Web site(www.astm.org/COMMIT/F24.htm) for more information.ASTM International, basedin West Conshohocken, Pa., isone of the largest internationalstandards development anddelivery systems in the world.PHOTO COURTESY ASTMJim Seay, left, president,Premier Rides, and chairmanof ASTM InternationalCommittee F24 on AmusementRides and Devices,presents Greg Hale, WaltDisney Parks and Resortswith the 2010 Doc BrownAward.EXTRA! EXTRA!YOUR DESKTOP EDITION!FREENEWSEVERY DAYSign up atwww.AmusementToday.com

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27Amusement Management Partners gets contract for FEC'sCNL Lifestyle Properties, Parc Management end lease relationshipScott RutherfordAmusement TodayCNL Lifestyle PropertiesInc. has reached an agreementregarding the early terminationof Parc Management’sleases on 18 attractions andfamily entertainment centerscurrently operated by PARC.CNL Lifestyle Propertieshas already entered an agreementwith Amusement ManagementPartners (AMP), acompany chaired by formerRipley’s Believe it or Not CEORobert Masterson, to manageeight FECs.“CNL Lifestyle Propertiesis one of North America’s leadingowners of lifestyle properties,”said Masterson. “We’reproud of CNL Lifestyle Properties’confidence in the AMPmanagement team and lookforward to a growing relationshipbuilt on the success wecan bring to its properties.”AMP assumed managmentduties of the FEC propertieson December 1, 2010.The Real Estate InvestmentTrusts (REIT) is nowevaluating new operatingstrategies with leading experiencedmanagement teams forthe eight theme parks. CNLLifestyle Properties expectsnew management companiesto be in place well in advanceof the start of the 2011 season.In the last few years, CNLLifestyle Properties has investedsignificant capital toexpand and strengthen theseattractions, investing in newrides and other guest amenities.As part of its ongoingprogram of capital investmentand park improvement, theREIT is in the final stages ofplanning various new attractionsfor these parks for the2011 season.“Since our acquisition ofthese properties in 2007, CNLLifestyle Properties has remaineddedicated to their successand ensuring they providefun and memorable experiencesto guests in a family-focusedenvironment,” said ByronCarlock, president and CEO ofCNL Lifestyle Properties. “Weare excited about the changesthat are planned for 2011 andwill continue to seek ways toimprove these parks and buildupon the wonderful experiencesthey provide to the localcommunities we serve. We arealso committed to ensuringthese properties are managedby industry-leading managementteams.”CNL Lifestyle Propertiesexpects no adverse changesin the consumer experience,employment levels or communityinvolvement due to themanagement transition. Sincethere is no change in ownership,season passes alreadypurchased for the 2011 seasonwill be honored.The affected attractions include:Elitch Gardens (Denver,Colo.); Frontier City (OklahomaCity, Okla.); White WaterBay (Oklahoma City, Okla.);Waterworld (Concord, Calif.);Wild Waves & Enchanted Village(Seattle, Wash.); DarienLake (Buffalo, N.Y.); Splashtown(Houston, Texas), andMagic Springs and CrystalFalls (Hot Springs, Ark.)AMP will manage thefollowing FECs: Zuma FunCenters in Charlotte, N.C.,Knoxville, Tenn. and two locationsin Houston, Texas;Mountasia Family Fun Center,North Richland Hills, Texas;two Fiddlesticks Fun Centersin Tempe, Ariz., and CamelotPark, Bakersfield, Calif.Parc is committed to assistingto make the transitionto new management companiesas smooth as possible.Parc plans to focus on its existingoperations including NA-SCAR SpeedParks and on developmentand managementopportunities, both domesticallyand internationally.As details surrounding thissituation continuedto beannounced inearly December,AmusementToday arrangeda briefQ&A withCaffeyCurt Caffey,vice presidentof CNL Lifestyle Properties.Caffey oversees the attractionsfor CNL.Why were these propertiespulled from Parc? Wasthere a specific reason?"As reported in its 10Qfiling, Parc defaulted on itslease and loan obligations. Asettlement was reached betweenParc and CNL LifestyleProperties, under the terms ofwhich the leases were terminated.The 10Q can be foundat: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/"With the 2011 season rapidlyapproaching, what is thetime frame for finding a newoperator?"New management teamsin the eight parks not includedin the management deal withAmusement ManagementPartners are expected to beannounced in early January.CNL Lifestyle Properties isalready in discussions withmany potential managers. Itis likely that multiple managementcompanies will be chosen.All of the managementteams being considered haveexperience managing multiplevenues."What qualities is CNLlooking for in a new operator?"CNL Lifestyle Propertiesis looking for managementthat is well capitalized, hasdeep experience in operatingmultiple venues, is customerfocused and has a good trackrecord of safety."As of press time, this is themost recent information AThas obtained regarding thissituation. As this story continuesto develop AT will postnews updates on both its Website (www.amusementtoday.com and its daily email newsupdate (Extra! Extra! DesktopEdition).CNL Lifestyle Properties,Inc., formerly CNL IncomeProperties, Inc., is a real estateinvestment trust that owns aportfolio of 121 properties inthe United States and Canadain the lifestyle and recreationsectors. Headquartered inOrlando, Fla., CNL LifestyleProperties specializes in theacquisition of ski and mountainlifestyle, attractions, golf,marinas and additional lifestyleproperties.•www.CNLLifestyleREIT.com.Hershey Entertainment announces sale of Dutch WonderlandHershey Entertainment & ResortsCompany (HE&R), in conjunction withPalace Entertainment, the U.S. subsidiaryof Parques Reunidos (Palace), hasannounced the completion of a salesagreement for the sale of Dutch WonderlandAmusement Park and relatedproperties in Lancaster County, Pa, toPalace.Formal negotiations regarding thepotential sale have been ongoing sincethe parties entered into a letter of intentin May of this year. HE&R purchasedthe Dutch Wonderland complex,including the Old Mill StreamCampground, in 2001 from the Clarkfamily, who founded Dutch Wonderlandin 1963.“We were attracted to Dutch Wonderlandbecause of its position as anoutstanding family amusement park– especially for families with youngerchildren. It is our goal to continue tooperate the park in a manner whichmaintains its impeccable reputation,focusing onthe highestlevel of customercareand memorableexperienceforwhich DutchWonderlandis known,”said FernandoEiroa,CEO of Palace Entertainment. “We arevery sensitive to the unique positionthat Dutch Wonderland has within itscommunity. We will strive to maintainand enhance the Dutch Wonderlandbrand, while keeping the special familyappeal of the park.”Palace Entertainment is the nation’slargest operator of waterparks and familyentertainment centers. Based in California,Palace operates a total of sevenamusement parks, 10 waterparks and21 family entertainment centers in 11states. It hasthree themeparks andone waterparkin Pennsylvania:Kennywood,Idlewild,Soak Zoneand Sandcastle.In total,Palace Entertainmenthosts over 14 million visitorsannually at 38 locations across theUnited States.Parques Reunidos is an internationalentertainment operator thatwith this new acquisition operates intotal 70 theme parks, water parks, zoologicalparks and family entertainmentcenters around the world, distributedin 10 countries mainly throughout Europeand the USA. Parques Reunidosis the second largest leisure park operatorin Europe and the third largestworldwide.“While Dutch Wonderland wasn’tadvertised as being for sale, it didn’tsurprise us that we received this offerfrom such a well regarded operatorin the amusement industry, given theoutstanding brand reputation that thepark maintains,” said Ted J. Kleisner,CEO of HE&R. “It was a very difficultdecision for us to make; however, thesale will allow us to continue to focusall of our resources and energy on ouroperations in Hershey.”During the past 10 years, HE&Rhas prioritized the enhancement andgrowth of its legacy properties in Hershey,including marquee expansions atThe Hotel Hershey and Hersheypark.The proceeds from the sale will beused to continue that growth strategyfor 'Destination Hershey' for both theshort and long term.The change in ownership was effectiveNov. 12, 2010.

28 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011This information is believed to beaccurate, but is not guaranteed.Returns provided do not includereinvestment or dividends.Riding the MarketEast Coast 3.206 0.414Midwest 3.175 0.433Gulf Coast 3.132 0.406Rocky Mountain 3.276 0.470West Coast 3.321 0.437California 3.352 0.410Prices per gallon; Information provided by U.S. Department of EnergyStock Prices 52 weeksCompany Name 12/08/10 High LowSTOCK EXCHANGE: NYSE, OTC BB*, NASDAQ**, SYDNEY ASX***Cedar Fair L.P. FUN $14.76 $15.80 $8.57MGM Mirage MGM $13.78 $16.66 $8.92Six Flags Ent. Corp. SIX $55.00 $55.00 $31.85CBS Corp. CBS $17.98 $18.20 $12.26Walt Disney Co. DIS $36.97 $38.00 $28.71Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. WOLF** $2.51 $3.75 $1.78Blackstone Group BX $13.89 $15.49 $8.93Village Roadshow AU:VRL*** $2.40 $2.63 $1.70NBC Universal GE $17.04 $19.70 $13.75Region As of Change from(U.S.) 12/06/10 year agoON-HIGHWAYDIESEL PRICES$$$TOP 7 MOST TRADEDCURRENCIESOn 12/08/10 $1 USD =0.75014 EURO0.63448 GBP (British Pound)82.77827 JPY (Japanese Yen)0.98103 CHF (Swiss Franc)1.00917 AUD (Australian Dollar)1.00559 CAD (Canadian Dollar)Funtown Splashtown USA namesCory Hutchinson as general managerCory HutchinsonCory Hutchinson has beennamed general manager ofMaine's Funtown SplashtownUSA. Hutchinson previouslyheld the position of generalmanager of Splashtown USAwaterpark for the company.In this expanded role,Hutchinson will now overseethe day-to-day operations ofboth parks, and will continue tooversee future development ofthe waterpark property."As both Funtown USA andSplashtown USA continue togrow, Cory has stepped up andreally demonstrated that he isready for this new challenge,"said Kenneth D. Cormier, presidentand CEO, Funtown SplashtownUSA. "Over the years, hiscommitment to safety at thepark and the industry has beenexemplary. I am confident thatin this new role, he will bringeven greater contributions to theorganization as a whole. I lookforward to working more closelywith him as the park continuesto grow."Two waterpark assistantmanagers were promoted at thesame time. William Gagnonand Rebecca King, both longtime employees of the waterparkhave been named waterpark operationsmanagers. Gagnon andKing will oversee the operationsof Splashtown USA. BenjaminSantos-Rogers, who has been inthe position of park operationsmanager since 2008, is now ridepark operations manager, overseeingthe operations of FuntownUSA.Hutchinson started withFuntown Splashtown USA inMay 1996 as manager of the thennewly acquired SplashtownUSA Water Park. Since his tenurebegan, he has been involvedwith three major expansions in1999, 2003 and 2007. Hutchinsonreceived his Certified Pool Operatorcertificate from the WorldWaterpark Association (WWA)in October 1997, and his AquaticFacilities Operator certificate,also from the WWA in October2004. He was elected to FuntownSplashtown USA's Boardof Directors in 2000. Hutchinsonalso serves on the New EnglandAssociation of AmusementParks and Attractions (NEAA-PA) Board of Directors since2005, and is the current First VicePresident of the Association.Hutchinson attended HobartCollege in Geneva, NewYork and graduated from WaynfleteSchool in Portland, Mainein 1991.PEOPLE WATCHAEP’s Gary Henley retires, Chuck Haley joins RWSGary Henley, president and executive producerof American Entertainment Productions, Inc.(AEP) based in Columbus, Ohio, has announcedthat he is retiring after 37 years in the industry.Henley’s work and dedication to the entertainmentindustry will be kept alive as Chuck Haley, artisticdirector and choreographer of AEP, joins RWS andAssociates Entertainment, Inc.“I’m excited to get to spend more time with myfamily and while I will certainly miss my work, I’mHenleyhappy that Chuck Haley will continue working with AEP’s clientsunder the auspices of RWS and Associates,” said Henley. “I knowAEP’s clients will be well cared for in their hands. It’s really an idealarrangement for all parties.”The life of AEP began in 1973 when Henley assembled a musicgroup called ‘Life’ that quickly became popular on the conventionand fair circuit. More musical groups were added as the companygrew into a full-service music production company, creating showsfor theme parks, cruise ships, fairs, festivals, the Department of Defense,and corporate conventions. AEP groups have appeared alongsidemany top entertainers, including Bill Cosby, Dolly Parton, JayLeno and Barbara Eden. Henley has mounted countless shows overthe decades, entertaining audiences around the world.“Gary is a wonderful man whose presence never fails to brightena room,” said Ryan Stana, CEO and executive producer of RWS andAssociates. “He has worked tirelessly for decades and I can’t think ofanyone who more deserves the time to relax with his family.”Haley, who has directed and choreographed shows for AEP sincethe early 90s, will continue his career with RWS and Associates. Heholds a BA in vocal performance and a minor in dance from the Universityof Nevada, Las Vegas. Haley spent many years performingin productions on the famed Las Vegas strip, on cruise ships, and atnumerous theme parks before becoming a full time director/choreographer.Stana adds, “We’re very excited to have Chuck join our team. Weknow he will be a wonderful asset.”Merlin announces senior appointmentsAs part of Merlin Entertainment’s expansive U.S. growth plans, thecompany announced the creation of three key senior regional positions inits Midway operating Group – Divisional Director, Midway Attractions,Merlin USA, which will be filled by Janine DiGioacchino, former generalmanager of Madame Tussauds New York and Madame TussaudsWashington D.C.; Director of Marketing, Midway Attractions, MerlinUSA, which will be taken by Rosemary del Prado, previously MadameTussauds New York and Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.’s Directorof Marketing; and Director of Finance, Midway Attractions, Merlin USA,which will be filled by Sarah Reed, promoted from Finance Director atMadame Tussauds New York.As the world’s fastest growing visitor attraction group, Merlin hascreated the new positions in order to increase its U.S. presence throughthe opening of new Midway attractions (attractions with an averagedwell time of 2 – 3 hours), development of strategic business partnershipsand increased promotional efforts.In addition to the new regional positions, Merlin Entertainments haspromoted Bret Pidgeon, former general manager of Madame TussaudsShanghai and Hong Kong, to general manager at Madame Tussauds NewYork; Dan Rogoski, former Director of Trade Sales at Madame TussaudsNew York, to general manager, Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.; andColin Thomas, to general manager, Madame Tussauds Hollywood.“Merlin Entertainments has been uniquely successful in developingand rolling out mid-sized attractions in key markets across the globe,”said Merlin Entertainments Midway Managing Director, Glenn Earlam.“As demonstrated by the considerable growth over the past several yearsat Madame Tussauds New York and Las Vegas, we are ready and excitedto aggressively continue our expansion in the U.S. Merlin Entertainmentsis confident that the talent, ideas and expertise of our home-grown, U.S.management team will significantly contribute to the continued successof the U.S. Midway business.”Birth announcementGreg and Megan Morrow announced the birth of their son,Cameron Thomas Morrow, at 6 lbs. 4 oz. on September 23 at 4:45 p.m.Greg is the Retail and Games Manager at Lake Winnepesaukah,Rossville, Ga. and the son of the late Tom Morrow, former OperationsManager at Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH.Congratulations to Greg and Meg on the birth of their son!EMAIL PEOPLE NEWS TO: GSLADE@AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM

IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOJanuary 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 292010 IAAPA Expo brought out the best and morePam SherborneAmusement TodayThere seemed to be a collectiveand almost audible sighof relief coming from the tradeshow floor on the first day ofthe 2010 International Associationof Amusement Parks andAttractionsExpo.The 2010IAAPA Expowas heldNov. 15-19 atthe OrangeCounty ConventionCenter,Orlando, Fla. This was thefirst year of a 10-year contractIAAPA signed with the conventioncenter to host the show until2019. Last year, the conventionwas held in Las Vegas.Exhibitors and attendeesalike seemed happy to be backin Orlando.“We are doing a lot betterthis year,” said Ramon Rosario,Zamperla, Boonton, N.J. “We aregetting some great contacts andhave signed some contracts.”“I had more people comeby the booth on the first day ofthis show than in all four daysat Vegas last year,” said TomRebbie, Philadelphia Toboggan,Hatfield, Pa.Outgoing IAAPA ChairmanChip Cleary, Splish Splash/PalaceEntertainment/Parques Reunidos,Riverhead, N.Y., said,to much applause, at the KickoffEvent Tuesday morning ofthe event: “This proves the oldadage wrong. What happens inVegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.”Numbers released in lateNovember showed that therewere about 25,000 people at thisyear’s show. That includes approximately14,800 buyers from96 nations around the world.The Orange County ConventionCenter estimated that the fivedayevent had a $47.7 millioneconomic impact on the Orlando/OrangeCounty region.Other IAAPA numbers indicatedthere were 6,484 buyingcompanies and 1,140 exhibitingAT PHOTO/DAVID LIPNICKYNumbers released in late November showed that therewere about 25,000 people at the 2010 IAAPA Expo in Orlando.That includes approximately 14,800 buyers from 96nations around the world. There were 6,484 buying companiesand 1,140 exhibiting companies.companies.The North and South Hallsof the convention center hostedthe 1,140 exhibiting companiesthat were displaying their innovativenew products andservices on 453,100 net squarefeetof space on the floor. Theyrepresented 33 countries aroundthe world and showcased newtechnologies, rides, ticketingsystems, merchandise, food andbeverage concepts, games ofskill and much more.In addition, expo attendeesparticipated in 104 educationprograms including sessionson industry trends, behind-thescenestours at Orlando attractions,institute programs andshow floor vendor tours.Attendance at the educationprograms was 8,800. Twonew highlights of this year’sprogram included the Rookiesand Newcomers program forFECs and the Social Media Symposium.Sixty-eight people participatedin the day-and-a-halflongRookies and Newcomersprogram and attendance at theSocial Media Symposium was520.At the conclusion of thisyear’s show, Charles Bray,IAAPA president and CEO, said:“It’s good to be back home herein Orlando. We’ve had a greatshow. There’s an overall senseof optimism in the industry.Exhibit sales are strong and attractionsindustry leaders camehere to buy. We had outstandingparticipation in our educationconference and the social eventswere a big hit. I think these resultsreinforce the fact that Orlandois the right location forour event.”Victor Wisdom, Wisdom,Industries Inc., Sterling, Colo.,said there seemed to be a morepositive attitude at this year’sshow.“We are talking to customersthis year,” Wisdom said. “Forthe last two years, it seemed tobe all doom and gloom, but notso much this year.”Patty Sullivan, Eli BridgeCompany, Jacksonville, Ill., alsofelt the better vibes given byIAAPA attendees this year.“It just seems to be a betterattitude all over this year,” Sullivansaid.Cody Downs, sales, WaterlooTent and Tarp, Waterloo,Iowa, said they had been verybusy showcasing their newproduct, a solar powered vinylpanel called the Solar Quad.“We have seen a lot of interest,”Downs said. “We havebeen working on this conceptfor about a year. It was originallyused in the military so theycould have electricity anywherethey were.”The solar powered vinylpanels can be attached to tenttops, drawing in solar powerthat runs into a battery enablingthe running of such things asfans and lights.“The first carnival we hadto bite so far is Butler Amusements(Fairfield, Calif.),” Downssaid.National Ticket Company,Paxinos, Pa., sales representativeRobert Anderson said alsosaw a more enthusiastic crowdthis year.“There seems to be morestart up companies,” he said.“It’s been great.”First-time exhibitors, althoughperhaps not start-upcompanies, found the optimisticattitude at the show welcoming.“It’s been an amazing showfor us,” said Crystal Colwell,Fruktsno, Kitchener, Ont. “Wethought we had enough bowls,but we ran out of them on thefirst day and had to go buysome more.”The family-run companywas serving up flavored snowthat was mechanically shavedoff a cylinder of the frozen treat.Flavors included mango, strawberry,chocolate, coconut, passionfruit and tropical.“We can basically do anyflavor,” Colwell said.Another first-time exhibitor,Randy McDonald, FunctioneeringInteractive Technologies,Cambridge, Ont., founda lot of interest in his productssuch as the bench that madenoises whenever someone satdown on it. as well as interactivetouch screens. He designsthe electronics for these types ofproducts as well as for informationaltouch screens.“I have done some controllersfor Empex Water Toys andsome family entertainment centers,”McDonald said. “This isthe first time I have exhibitedat IAAPA and I have been verybusy.”4See EXPO, page 30AT PHOTO/JEFFREY SEIFERTAttendees at the 2010 IAAPA Expo made an evening ofshopping and dining in Hogsmeade Village and flyingalong Harry Potter on the "Harry Potter and the ForbiddenJourney" ride at Islands of Adventure's "The WizardingWorld of Harry Potter."Factory Wholesale Pricing! • Over 100 Designs Available! • Ask us about our show specials!VISIT USATGIBTOWNBOOTH763Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: sales@sippersbydesign.com • www.sippersbydesign.com

30 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOIAAPA charity golf tournament raises $58,000 for GKTWOn Sunday, Nov. 14, 150 attractions industry professionalsraised $58,000 for Give Kids The World(GKTW) by participating in the eighth annual IAAPAInternational Charity Golf Tournament at Hawk'sLanding Golf Club at the Orlando World Center MarriottResort. The tournament, which sold out in mid-October, allowed participants to network, socialize,and enjoy a round of golf to benefit GKTW, a charityorganization that creates dreamlike vacations for childrenwith life-threatening illnesses. The event was thefirst of five GKTW fundraising events to take placeduring IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010, the largest conferenceand trade show for the worldwide attractionsindustry.Placing in first was the foursome comprised ofAndrew Callies, Christian Vozza, Giorgio Vozza,and Tyson Vozza with Congo River Golf in TraverseCity, Mich. Second place was the group from Ripley’sEntertainment in Orlando, Fla.: John Corcoran, ScottLine, Jim Pattison Jr., and Billy Roosa.Players from Germany, Lichtenstein, the UnitedKingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines,Canada, and the United States participated.“The Village has sold itself to this industry — everybodyknows about it and feels good about it,” saidJohn Graff, the tournament’s co-chairman. “This isjust one of the many ways we support it.”“Today is the perfect way to start the week. Playersengage in friendly competition and network, allwhile supporting a great cause,” said Charlie Bray,president and CEO of IAAPA. “IAAPA is proud tosupport Give Kids The World and their efforts to bringjoy into the lives of children with life-threatening illnessesand their families.”“Each year we look forward to the Annual IAA-PA/Give Kids The World Golf Tournament,” saidGKTW President Pamela Landwirth. “Our dearestfriends from the entire amusement industry cometogether and raise an incredible amount of moneyfor the precious children we serve. We just can’t saythank you enough.”IAAPA has partnered with GKTW for more than15 years to raise donations and coordinate amusementpark and attraction visits for children with lifethreateningillnesses. The golf tournament, 5K FunRun and 1K Walk, car raffle, and other events held inconjunction with IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010, havebeen established so the attractions industry can makesignificant financial contributions to the Village.Leisure Labs LLC was the Gold Sponsor for thetournament. Allied Specialty Insurance, Inc. was aSilver Sponsor and Ride Entertainment Group was aBronze Sponsor.The next IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournamentis planned during IAAPA Attractions Expo2011, Nov. 14 – 18 in Orlando, Florida. Players orcompanies interested in participating in or sponsoringthe tournament should contact Diane Williamsvia email at dwilliams@IAAPA.org, or by calling (703)836-4800.EXPOContinued from page 29Dekra-Lite Industries, SantaAna, Calif., was also a firsttimerthis year at IAAPA. Thiscompany was displaying theirnew line of LED lighting theycalled snow. The movement inthe lights creates a perceptionthat it is falling. The companydecorated the plaza at the LosAngeles’ Staples Center forChristmas 2009 with the snowlights. They were only intendedas holiday decorations, butcenter management ended upwanting to keep them up untilJune 2010.Del Sol has been in businessabout 15 years, but chosethis year to exhibit for the firsttime at IAAPA.“This is the first time weare launching in the amusementpark industry,” said the company’sBen Carter. “We have beenvery busy.”The company, based in Sandy,Utah, is one of the largest retailersin the Caribbean and hasshops on many cruise ships.“Everything under ourbrand changes color in the sun,”Carter said.Ripley’s Believe It or Not,which hadn’t exhibited at theIAAPA trade show in 11 years,decided to create quite a buzzwith a large exhibit area anddaily press conferences.“The last time we had abooth was 11 years ago when wehad just 11 attractions,” said TimO’Brien, vice president of communications.“Now, we have 85attractions in 11 countries.”O’Brien said Ripley’s decidedto exhibit this year in an effortto get the Ripley’s brand backout front in people’s minds.”Ripley’s won the ImageAward in the category of BestExhibit at IAAPA AttractionsExpo 2010.The tradeshow was definitelya highlight for IAAPA attendees,but there were certainlyothers. The education programproved to be very popular withits array of sessions and workshops.Some of those included:Best Practices in Loss Prevention;Photo Gifts – Going Beyondthe Picture; Fishing forGroup Sales; the Age of the ConsumerCapitalism and Its impacton Your Bottom Line; Howto Improve Investments in NewAttractions; Branded Food andRestaurant Concepts – Are theyRight for your Facility; 10-PointCountdown to Safety Success;Reduce Your Souvenir ApparelInventory Costs – Produce It In-House; Reboot – The InformationTechnology Panel; and TheCoaching Workshop – How toCommunicate and Motivate in aCoaching Style.Then, there was an abundanceof receptions, luncheonsand dinners for socializing andnetworking.The 8th annual IAAPA InternationalCharity Golf Tournamentraised $58,000 for GiveKids The World. The tournamentwas held at the Hawk’sLanding Golf Club at the OrlandoWorld Center MarriottResort.A highlight for all those attendingthe Tuesday morningKick-Off Event was a visit byDolly Parton, who accepted theprestigious Applause Awardgiven to her namesake park,Dollywood, Pigeon Forge,Tenn. The Applause Awardrecognizes one facility in theworld for overall excellence,including outstanding management,operations and creativeaccomplishments. It is awardedby Liseberg Amusement Park,Sweden, every other year.Another highlight was theTuesday Disney’s HollywoodStudios Tour, which includedseeing the inside of entertainmentproduction from costumedesign to on stage. Participateswere able to visit the costumingdepartment and Disney’scomputer-aided design process.Participates also were able to seethe sets of several live Disneyproductions and take part in a“talk back” with Disney productionstaff.The Thursday eveningevent at Universal Studio’sWizarding World of Harry Potterwas also exciting. Those attendingthis event were able toget an inside look at UniversalOrlando’s latest immersive experience.IAAPA guests dinedand shopped in HogsmeadeVillage and were able to ride theHarry Potter and the ForbiddenJourney, Dragon Challenge, andthe Flight of the Hippogriff.The convention proved tohave something for everyone inthe amusement industry, fromthe debut of new products toshows to education to networkingto experiencing local attractions.And, Bill Sweet, Perky’sPizza, also provided somethingfor those attending the tradeshowthis year as usual. Heserved 4,576 slices of pizza with15 gallons of sauce, 120 poundsof cheese, 20 pounds of pepperoni,and 30 pounds of Italiansausage.Perky’s won IAAPA’s BestExhibit in the category forbooths between 100-200 squarefeet.LARC donates pencil tree to GKTWAT PHOTO/GARY SLADELeisure & Recreation Concept's Michael A. Jenkins, right,presents Susie Storey, Give Kids The World Village, withtheir pencil tree following the conclusion of the IAAPAExpo. The tree was inspired by an 8-year old child whooriginally designed the concept for a Dallas, Texas NeimanMarcus store. The tree was auctioned off as a charity eventand purchased by Dallas-based LARC. The tree has beendisplayed for two IAAPA shows before being donated toGKTW. LARC felt it was appropriate for a tree dreamed andinspired by a child to have a permanent home in a facilitythat makes children smile and celebrates Christmas once aweek year round. And just for the record, there are 10,249pencils that make up the pencil tree.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31

32 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDORide manufacturers enjoy positive attitudes, increased attendancePam SherborneAmusement TodayThe tradeshow of the IAA-PA Expo is traditionally a placewhere the new is debuted andthe successful is staged for display.Amusement ride manufacturersdefinitely kept up withtradition for the 2010 show.And, there were severalnew rides debuted.Take Fabbri Group for example.That company had plannedto debut a new ride at the MinnesotaState Fair this year, butsince production was delayed,the new ride debuted at thisyear’s show. Called the Daytona,the round ride is an interactiveride that enables kidswith one adult or two kids tosit in a Daytona-styled car and,by steering the wheel of the car,extend or shorten the arm ontowhich the car is attached. Inthis way, the cars are not onlyrunning round, but also can besteered from left to right or theother way around.Michael Wood, independentride owner, had purchasedthe Daytona on display at theshow.Jeff Miller, Fabbri, said,although U.S. sales have beenslow, he has made some sales tointernational customers.“We are negotiating withsome U.S. customers,” he said.“We’ll just have to see whathappens after the show.”S&S Worldwide Inc., Logan,Utah, debuted the company’snew line-up of kiddierides. The outdoor IAAPA spacedisplay focused on the newAT PHOTOS/PAM SHERBORNES&S Worldwide Inc., Logan,Utah, debuted the company’snew line-up of kiddierides. This is the JungleSwing. It was purchased bySilverwood, Athol, Id., duringthe IAAPA Expo.“rain forest critter” collection.One was the new Jungle Swingand the other, the updated FrogHopper. Both were sold to Silverwood,Athol, Id., during theshow. The Jungle Swing, whichseats eight persons, has an hourlycapacity of between 320-384.It is 22 feet (6.71 meters) tallwith a 70-degree angle swing.“For the Frog Hopper, wehave updated the mechanicalsystems and freshened up thelook with things such as LEDlighting,” said Kathy Archer,manager, marketing/smallrides sales. “We didn’t increasethe price for the ride even withthe updates.“We have been surprisedAT PHOTOS/GARY SLADERide manufacturers at the 2010 IAAPA Expo found the increased number of attendees alsoincreased the number of inquiries on new and existing products. Found on the floor was, left,Fabbri, exhibiting its new Daytona ride at the show's Outdoor Midway and Zamperla featuringa Luna Park model highlighting the rides it operated at the first year New York park.BLD Oriental Co., Japan, showcased its line of the colorfulYu Kids PlaySystem. The play elements spin and includesuch features as a small slide with water running undertransparent plastic. This actually gives the look of an ac-that these rides are getting somuch attention from zoos thisyear,” she added.S&S also featured a fullsized,four-passenger-wide vehiclefor the high-thrill (80 mph,135 kph) launch coaster.Chance Morgan, Wichita,Kan., was displaying the newgondola for the R66 (66 metersor 217 feet tall) Wheel, said DickChance.“The attitude of everyonehas been much more positivethis year,” Chance said. “Wealso are showcasing our newUnicoaster ride, a family thrillride.”The new 16-passenger Unicoaster,with an interactive ridercontrolled spin, has a footprintthat can fit almost any location.Zamperla, Boonton, N.J.,planned to keep things on asmall scale this year, but was ableto showcase the entire selectionof rides from the new Luna Parkat Coney Island, N.Y. Accordingto Zamperla’s Ramon Rosario,his staff came up with the displayfor the booth that entaileda layout map of the park. Then,where each ride was located onthe map, a small monitor risingfrom the map on a pole showedthe ride in motion.“We didn’t want to bringin the rides, so this was a greatway to show them off,” Rosariosaid. “The show is going a lotbetter this year than last. We aremaking some great contacts andhave signed some contracts.”The Holland-based Mondialwas displaying, among otherproducts, the Mistral, a pendulumride that can swing up to120 degrees and reach a heightof 131 feet (40 meters). Passen-tual small-sized water slide.gers on this ride are either lookingup into the sky or towardsthe ground during the swingand revolving action up to aspeed of 47 mph (75 kmh). Becauseof the long airtime, ridersexperience a spectacular senseof weightlessness at the top ofthe swing. The Mistral is loadedonto three trailers, which alsoare used as the foundation ofthe ride.Mondial also was featuringthe Wind Seeker, which combinesthe rotating movements ofa swing with the extreme heightof a tower ride. The 32 armsof the ride are connected to ahinge point, so each arm is freeto swing out. At the end of eacharm there is a gondola, whichcan seat two passengers. Withthe suspended free swing, riderscome as close to actually flyingas passengers can get. Theheight of the ride can be either213 feet (65 meters) or 328 feet(100 meters). Capacity can be 24,36, 50 or 64 seats.Theo van Zwieten, Mondialsales manager, said the showwas going well.“We have gotten a few goodleads,” van Zwieten said. “Wewill see what happens after theshow.”BLD Oriental Co., Japan,showcased its line of the colorfulYu Kids PlaySystem. The playelements spin and include suchfeatures as a small slide withwater running under transparentplastic. This actually givesthe look of an actual small-sizedwater slide. Company presidentYasushi Ochi was on hand duringthe show and stayed busyanswering questions and showingproduct features.Len Soled, Rides-4-U,Somerville, N.J., showcased andsold several rides this year. Herepresents SBF and Visa InternationalGroup as well asKMG. He also sells used rides.The SBF new Airborne Shot wasexhibited at the 2010 IAAPAevent. It was sold to Gillian’sWonderland, Ocean City, N.J.The Airborne Shot has anoperating dimension of 43 feet(13.2 meters) by 23 (7 meters).The ride has eight vehicles with16 seats and an hourly capacityof 40 riders. The arms are able topop up to a 90-degree angle. Itcan be customized so riders cancontrol the popping or it can beoperator-controlled.The Airborne Shot at IAA-PA was the park model, butSoled expects to have a trailermountedversion ready for theInternational IndependentShowmen’s League Extravaganza,Gibsonton, Fla., set torun Feb. 8-12.Soled also displayed a VISAride called the Heli Hopper.“This is a tower ride whereriders get to pedal up and assoon as they stop, they free fallwith a magnetic brake stoppingaction,” he said.During the show, Soled alsosold LED lighting packages toKeansburg (N.J.) AmusementPark, for the Chance Pharaoh’sFury, as well as for a ZiererWave Swinger at Lake Compounce,Bristol, Conn.Jeff Novotny, Larson International,Plainview, Texas, is inthe development stage of a newride, but he didn’t show it thisyear at IAAPA.“We aren’t going to marketit until we have everything upand running,” said Novotny,prior to the Orlando event.He felt the show went well4See RIDES, page 38

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOWaterpark suppliers busier than ever at IAAPATim BaldwinAmusement TodayJim Goldhardt, generalmanager for Z-Pro Watersports,has seen the waterpark industrygrow for 29 years now. "Iwas the guy who introducedPVC inner tubes in 1981," reflectsGoldhardt, rememberingwhen the origins of waterparkswere simply body flumes. "I createdthe figure 8 tubes, the bulletshaped tubes, pear shapedtubes..." If the 2010 IAAPA tradeshow was any indication, thewaterpark industry, along withGoldhardt, will continue to seeamazing growth.Comparing the show to theprevious year in Vegas, Goldhardtcomments, "I'm not sureif the traffic has been tremendouslybetter, but it is heavier."He also was of the opinion thatthe business attitude was muchstronger in Orlando.In addition to their large arrayof tubes available, Z-Prowas also proud to introduce newupgraded life jackets. The newbaby-safe life jacket is gearedtoward those young children upto 30 pounds. "It's much morecomfortable than a traditional50 pound vest," says Goldhardt,mentioning the other variousaspects that make it a better vestfor toddlers. "It's a great retailitem for shops, as well."All over the trade showfloor there were many new conceptsand products to permeatethe waterpark industry. PolinWaterparks & Pool Systemswas introducing Splashcinema,an interactive 4D film for waterparks.Polin is working withKraftwerk of Austria, a leaderin 4D/5D systems. Splashcinemauses movies based on waterthemes that guests experienceAT PHOTOS/TIM BALDWINAbove left, Jim Goldhardt of Z-Pro Sports is pleased withthe advancements made in the new 30-pound toddler lifevest. Above right, WhiteWater displayed a massive ringof fiberglass showing off the actual size of the company'snew MegaTube.while in their swimsuits. Obviously,the idea is to get wet. "Wewere looking for something different,something innovative,"says Sohret Pakis of Polin.Movies based on motion, usingmoving platforms, typicallyrun about five to seven minutes.When spoken language is added,movies last 10-12 minutes.A minimum of 12 seats is requiredfor the project, but Polinrecommends at least 24. There isno limitation to the maximumnumber of seats. Guests get wetwith water coming from in frontof them and above. Of note,there is no electricity in the theaterroom containing the guests.All films are themed to water:fish, turtles, submarines, pirateships, etc. The first Splashcinemais going into AquapulcoWaterpark in Austria, openingin May. Pakis reports, "Systemsusing 24 seat theaters cost approximately300,000 euros."Among Polin's impressivewaterslides are also dynamicnew sellers. Their first King Cobradual waterslide was sold toRussia and two more contractswere about to be finalized inFrance and the Ukraine at thetime of the trade show. A newvariation available called RacerTwin Turbolance elongates theexperience with a racing theme.Family slides and black holesare still the company's strongestsellers. Polin uses a resintransfer molding (RTM) processtermed Magic Shine thatnot only makes the surfacesshiny on both sides, but deliversvisual effects such as coloredstripes using only natural sunlightwithout the need for anyelectricity or maintenance. Polinreaches a milestone of 35 yearsof service in 2011.WhiteWater West hadSplashtacular's new high-capacity Splash Rally has excitementfor riders as they race each other through a figure-8multi-lane course before crossing the checker board finishline.ProSlide had intricate models of their entire line of productsto give prospective buyers a full 3-D like view of theirnumberous slide concepts.steady business all week. Currentlythe company is promotingnumerous products. A recentsuccessful attraction hasbeen the looping waterslide.WhiteWater has sold morethan 30 looping slides, all withthe trap door feature. A newerconcept is the company's Mega-Tube. Three variations are availablewhich lets each park decidethe best fit for their particularfacility. Two 20-foot diametermodels are available. The Viperhas passengers journeying intwo or three passenger tubes.The Python requires a conveyoras larger rafts seating four tosix riders are used. The largestMegaTube, called Anaconda, is30 feet in diameter. In additionto the back-and-forth half-pipemotion, the intriguing idea behindthe MegaTube is that amore typical waterslide can alsotravel through it.WhiteWater is also proud oftheir SilkTek products. Althoughthe SilkTek technology has beenaround with WhiteWater forseveral years, the translucentversion was introduced in 2009.The translucent slides are soclear, people can read throughit. "The folks at the Water Cubeliked SilkTek and the Aqua-Loop," says David Bogdonov."It was obviously a high profilejob. We were keen to be involvedwith it." The Water Cube usedmultiple vendors. WhiteWaterprovided two attractions to theOlympic facility.Splashtacular has beenaround since 1994, but is fairlyyoung when it comes to exhibitingat IAAPA. As the largestU.S.-based waterslide manufacturer,the company does 60to 70 projects a year, but sharesthat many new potential clientsPolin's 35th year of service will debut the massive Twin Turbolance, a variation on theirrecent King Cobra attraction, but with a different finish added. 4See WATERPARKS, page 34

34 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011WATERPARKSContinued from page 33ask why they haven't heard ofSplashtacular before. With anattractive booth and innovativenew products on the market,that could change rapidly.One of the sharpest new ideasfrom the firm is Splash Rally. Ahigh capacity racing slide usesa NASCAR thematic and incorporatessome original conceptsby having all riders start at thesame time from a 60-foot towerby using a conveyor start, aswell as a curving and twistinglayout that lets guests "jockey"for position. A fun new anglefor the finale is that the winningraft slides in first with all otherlanes getting a rain shower finish.Projected capacity is 1,400passengers an hour. Other innovativeproducts are the newRush 360 that has trap doorstarts to two opposing chutesthat drop them simultaneouslyinto a swirling bowl. DBL BowlsEye uses a larger 45-foot diameterbowl that uses two exitsinstead of one that safely allowstwo rafts to be in the bowl at onetime. African River Adventureis also a totally new idea that involvestheming, 4D movie technologyand special effects — allbefore being launched into awaterslide voyage.Ed Snyder of Zebec WaterSports reflects on the Orlandoshow and years past. "Waterparksused to send multiple employees.Today they send fewerwhich reduces the number ofbuyers." Snyder adds, "But wesee the people we want to see."Zebec currently has products in80 countries. In addition to theabundance of tubes and rafts,new this year is a slide paddingfor pool entry. "It is much moreresilient than a spray padding,"says Snyder. "There's been a lotof interest." He points out that itis simple in nature, but no onehas really invested in developingsomething this practical before.ProSlide Technology hasto be considered one of thepower players in the industryand their new line of productsreflects that. A new HydromagneticMammoth slide (sixpersons) has already been soldand a two-person HydromagneticHornet are both new versionsof the innovative uphillwaterslide concept that havegarnered ProSlide numerousawards these past years. TheBowling Alley joins Tantrum Alleyas four-passenger attractionsthat use more than one featureelement to create high thrill waterslideexperiences. Wild WadiAT PHOTOS/TIM BALDWINEmpex Watertoys displayedcomponents of their newAqua Circus. This "clown"has wiggling hair that childrencontrol.will feature the world's firstBowling Alley. The recent TopsyTurvy attraction won a BestNew Waterslide Product for2010 from IAAPA. The TornadoWave is a quarter of the popularTornado funnel that gives asingle undulation sensation at amuch smaller price point. Threehave been sold for 2011 — two inChina and one in Korea. Krakenis a new variation of the headfirstracer. Finally, Super Loopsis a trap door waterslide thatuses a horizontal loop insteadof an inclined loop. There is nodeceleration on the ride experience,nor are there any weightrestrictions."An hour-and-a-half beforethe start of the show we got averbal on a big contract. It setthe stage for the IAAPA show,"says Phil Hayles of ProSlide."It's been very strong." Haylespoints out the heavy explosionof business the industry is currentlyexperiencing in Asia.At Aquatic DevelopmentGroup, Ray Lauenstein reportsthat the company has projectsin both the U.S. and Canada for2011. "All three days have hada steady flow," said LauensteinIAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOmid-week. David Keim says theweek is a mix of prior leads andnew contacts. When asked if hewas happy with the Orlandoshow, Keim replied, "Very muchso."Empex Water Toys wasasked to develop somethingcustomized for the Water Cubein China. "They wanted a 'jellyfish feel' to the whole thing,"says Wyeth Tracy. "Forrec dida wonderful job for them." Empexspecializes in very organic,rounded play elements thatgive their products a whimsicalstyle. One of their more excitingrecent projects was the 12,000square foot children's waterplayground at Beach Park inBrazil. It was dubbed the AquaCircus. Within, one of the morecomical elements was a clownthemed feature that allowedchildren to make the hair on theclowns spray and wiggle. "We'reempowering the children tomake something happen," saysTracy of the various interactiveelements.Reflecting on the Orlandoshow, "People here look likethey're ready to spend again,"says Tracy. "People are serious."He's probably right. Evenmanufacturers typically not associatedwith waterparks aregetting contracts. Mack Rides,typically known for roller coastersand flat rides, has recentlysigned a contract for a Twist 'NSplash. This is a teacup styleride that lowers into water andguests take aim squirting eachother with cannons while spinning.Even spectators take aimfrom the shore. While the companyhas sold the ride to amusementand theme parks, one waterparkin Europe has purchasedone — thinking outside the boxand getting guests wet in newways.And new directions for thewaterpark industry is a goodthing. If the IAAPA show is anyindication, creativity seems tobe at an all time high.Mack Rides enters the waterpark arena with a sale of theirTwist 'N Splash to a waterpark in Europe.AT PHOTO/DAVID LIPNICKYDolly Parton accepts the coveted Applause Award givento Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., from Mats Wedin,president CEO Liseberg Group and Chairman of theLiseberg Applause Award Board of Governors, duringthe IAAPA expo in Orlando last November.Dollywood wins prestigiousApplause Award at IAAPATennessee's Dollywoodreceived the 2010 ApplauseAward during a special ceremonyat the InternationalAssociation of AmusementParks and Attractions Expo(IAAPA), Nov. 16-19, Orlando,Fla.The Applause Award, themost prestigious award withinthe amusement and themepark industry, honors a parkwhose management, operationsand creative accomplishmentshave inspired theindustry with its foresight,originality and sound businessdevelopment. The awardis presented every other yearby Liseberg AmusementPark located in Gothenburg,Sweden. For this 2010 award,Dollywood competed withAlton Towers in the U.K. andPhantasialand in Germanyfor the honor.Entertainment legendand Dollywood owner DollyParton accepted the awardfor the park. “We are so honoredto win this award,” Partonsaid. “Our success overthe last 25 years is because ofthe great team at Dollywoodthat I lovingly call my otherfamily. All those folks backhome cooking, cleaning, entertainingand landscaping– I am proud of every oneof them.” Dollywood’s ApplauseAward comes as thepark completes a successfuland eventful 25th anniversaryseason.Parton said she felt theshows, the amusement areasand the Eagle Sanctuary arejust some of the things thatmake the park so unique.“I am very proud,” shesaid.Twenty-five years agowhen Parton set forth to establishthe park, there weresome naysayers, she said.“But, I knew it was agood idea,” she said. “In thatpart of Tennessee, there wereso many people having somany problems. I had beenwaiting to do something forthat area to create more jobs,to give back to that area “When asked by AT whatcomes next, Parton said, “I’llalways be dreaming. But, atree with many leaves hasto have good roots to startwith.”Mats Wedin, presidentand CEO, Liseberg Groupand chairman of the LisebergApplause Award Boardof Governors said, duringthe presentation: “This trulyunique park shows an outstandinglevel of quality, especiallyregarding originalityof theming in shows, rides,landscaping and attractions.The friendliness of staffand cleanliness of the parkis extraordinary and this,combined with a dedicatedleadership honoring familyvalues, sets a tremendous exampleto the whole industry.—Complied fromAT staff reports

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35

36 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOCoaster manufacturers enjoy a good show at IAAPATim BaldwinAmusement TodayCommenting on the IAAPAtrade show being in Orlandofor ten years, "I think it's a greatidea," says Tom Rebbie, presidentof Philadelphia TobogganCoasters — IAAPA's longestrunning exhibitor. "I did morebusiness the first day than I didthe entire week of Vegas [IAAPA2009]." While opinions variedon the decision to contract withFlorida for an entire decade, virtuallyall vendors agreed withRebbie — business was good atthe trade show. Rebbie was extremelypleased by the close ofthe show.Rocky Mountain Constructionwas a first time exhibitor. JacobKilcup of Rocky Mountainsays, "We've had a lot of peoplein here this week. We've had avery good reception." The firm'snew "Topper Track" was cleverlydesigned into benches picnictable-style for the booth. RockyMountain is gaining huge attentionon the high-profile projectof the new Texas Giant at SixFlags Over Texas. AmusementToday talked with engineer AlanSchilke who has envisioned thereawakening of the legendarycoaster next spring. "We're nottrying to change what a woodcoaster is, we want to make everyday feel like opening day."He goes on to explain that theI-Box track is designed to reprofilea ride. The Topper Trackis intended to take care of troublespots, not re-doing an entirecoaster. Both approaches garneredRocky Mountain heavyfoot traffic at their booth.The Gravity Group wasenjoying their biggest year yet.With four projects on the horizonfor 2011, not to mention thedebut of the Timberliner trains,the company is quite busy. Thefirst racing coaster in ChinaAT PHOTOS (BOTH PAGES)/TIM BALDWIN AND DAVID LIPNICKYLeft to right: The Gravity Group is experiencing their busiest year ever with four projects for 2011; PTC's Tom Rebbiewas very pleased to have the show return to Orlando and Great Coasters International is wrapping up an exciting projectin China for the OCT East resort.debuts the company's unique"High Five" moment whereriders raised hands turn andtilt toward each other as tracksbank 90 degrees. Korey Kiepertof The Gravity Group saysthat won't be all that peoplewill remember. "I think the ridein general has so many twistsand turns and moments whenyou are racing and dueling...Ithink people will remember itfor the entire experience," saysKiepert. In addition to the HappyValley project, The GravityGroup has projects designed forQuassy Amusement Park inConnecticut; the re-creation ofZippin Pippin for Bay Beach inWisconsin; and Twister at Sweden'sGröna Lund. Each projectlooks to be completely uniquefor the firm, as well as containingits own challenges. Three ofthe coasters debut with the newTimberliner trains. Larry Bill ofThe Gravity Group said, "We'vehad lots of traffic and discussionabout 2012."Also on the wooden coasterfront is Great Coasters International.With the ambitiousand amazing-looking projectat Knight Valley in Shenzhen,China, the company's reputationfor amazing twisters takeson a whole new dynamic withthis dramatic physical setting."It's built on a freakin' mountain,"laughs GCII's Jeff Pike."It makes it the coolest freakin'wooden coaster I've ever seen.It's a spectacular setting." Indeed.As construction works itsway to its conclusion, the OCTEast Resort is sure to be thrilledwith the upcoming result. Thepark is situated on a mountainsidethat encompasses about 800feet of elevation change. ChrisGray of Great Coasters says oneof the challenges to the ride wasthe shipment of materials. "Inthe beginning, we were goingto try to ship everything overin six shipments. We ended upneeding eight. We shipped 75containers with 80 percent ofthat being lumber. The trainswere contained in the eightshipment." Gray also adds, "Wenow have 32 [Millennium Flyer]trains operating out there rightnow."Left to right: The Drifting Car from Premier Rides allows the back of the car to slide 12inches each direction when taking the turns; S&S Worldwide debuted their new 4-riderwide launched coaster vehicle and Technical Park promoted their new comfortable vehiclefor their Rock 'N Roll coaster.Wrapping up exhibitingwooden coaster suppliers is thefirm of Martin & Vlemincx. TheMVR booth was busy throughoutthe show. "It has been agood week," said Paul Voyer,senior project manager. TheHigh Five project gained a lot ofattention. "Every time we mentionit, they don't believe it ispossible." MVR's projects wereclearly evident through severalmodels. The OCT and ZippinPippin projects are partneredwith The Gravity Group, buta wooden shuttle coaster wasalso displayed. Voyer explainsthat it would be a magneticallylaunched coaster with a coupleof speed hills. The customercould decide on the height andlength and could have a woodencoaster experience in whateverspace the park had availablein a simple and lower costsituation.On the steel coaster side ofthings, Intamin proudly displayedan IAAPA award for BestNew Product, which was givento the company's "freefall minetrain coaster" they launchedat Alton Towers this past season.In addition, when asked ofother 2010 projects that Intimanwas proud of, Sascha Czibulkasays, "The Kings Dominion rideis certainly worth mentioning,given the ride's dimensions."Kings Dominion opened a 305-foot tall mega coaster this pastseason.Looking ahead, Intaminhas rides lined up for the foreseeablefuture. Coming off theIAAPA award, the next freefallcoaster looks to headed to Europein 2012. However, closerthan that are several projectsfor 2011 that include a launchedcoaster for Busch Gardens Tampanext spring, the first ZacSpincoaster in the U.S. at Six FlagsMagic Mountain, and a newtype of impulse coaster thatseats 32 passengers on the sidesof the track wingrider style andthe end spikes curve slightly inwardin somewhat of an Omegafashion. Also a 40 meter SurfRider is headed for Saudi Arabia.For 2011 Intamin's projectsfor Europe center around towersand water rides.Vekoma Rides ManufacturingB.V. is also extremelybusy for the year ahead. Coasterprojects include a mine train forIsla Magica in Spain, a customdesigned indoor family coasterand the first Big Air coasterfor Taiwan, an indoor customdesignedmotorbike coaster forRed Sun in China, a mine trainand junior coaster for RainbowMagicland Rome, a juniorcoaster for ORA Theme Park inTurkey, an under wraps juniorboomerang coaster for DraytonManor in the U.K., and aGiant Inverted Boomerang inJin Jian Park in China. Proj-4See COASTERS, page 37

IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOJanuary 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37Left to right: This smaller scale model of Rocky Mountain Construction's I-box track demonstrates the innovation being used on the new Texas Giantat Six Flags Over Texas; B&M displayed its Flying Coaster vehicle from SeaWorld's Manta ride; Maurer's new LED speed-driven Fire Wheel was nothingshort of dazzling and the men of Zamperla were eager to share the success of the Coney Island Luna Park project, their new Air Race ride as well asnew expansion plans for next year.COASTERSContinued from page 36ects also include an announcedlaunched coaster in Europe andfour earmarked coasters for theproposed I-Drive hardcore thrillpark planned for Orlando whichwould include a launched coaster,looping coaster, Stingray anda new mega-coaster in development.Other projects includefamily coasters in Europe.Also of note is Vekoma'scommitment to redesigned vehiclesfor the rider's comfort.The suspended looping coasterand junior suspended coasterhave already seen successful resultswith redesigned restraints.Now a newly redesigned restraintsystem for Arrow trainswith an update to comfort andquality is available. A four-widefamily launched train vehicle isalso in development.Premier Rides is combiningtwo of their establishedproducts into a new design forTrans Studio Theme Park inIndonesia. The success of the12-passenger trains on Kennywood'sSky Rocket for 2010 willbe incorporated into a launchedshuttle coaster which includesa vertical spike that Premierhas already included on the Mr.Freeze coasters in the U.S. Alsoon display in the Premier Ridesbooth was the Drifting Coastervehicle. The rear of the vehicledrifts 12 inches each directioncreating a skid effect as ridersspeed around the corners. Thisvehicle would be used on a linearmagnetic launched coasterswith a low to the ground layoutcreating a racing sensation.Mack Rides, which buildsnumerous types of rides, alsohas coaster projects in theworks. Bob Dean of LeisureLabs, which represents Mack inthe U.S. said the IAAPA showwas good for Mack. Since theopening of the extremely popularBlue Fire LSM launchedcoaster at Europa Park in 2009,"We've had numerous inquiries,some are considerably smallerthan Blue Fire and some havebeen considerably larger," saysDean. Mack's 2011 coaster projectswere as yet unannouncedat the time of the show. Whileit would appear that Mack willhave coaster projects on mostof the major continents in theyears ahead, he did allude to alarge U.S. project in 2012. "We'reamazingly busy. We're very closeto being full through 2012."With nine coaster projectsfor 2011, Gerstlauer AmusementRides is also hard at work.Nine installations for 2011 arein progress. For the U.S., projectsinclude two Euro-Fightersat Canobie Lake and Six FlagsOver Georgia. Three new customdesigned (to resemble 1961Cadillacs) trains have been deliveredto Six Flags Over Texasfor the new Texas Giant. Germanyalso has three projects — afamily coaster for Hansa Park, afamily shuttle coaster for Ruhpolding,and an undisclosedproject at Movie Park. "We areparticularly excited because weare introducing two new familycoaster concepts," says SiegfriedGerstlauer, the company's managingdirector. "We have gone toa trailered design that allows fora high-capacity one-train operation."An undisclosed project inEurope will be a 20-passengerfamily coaster. Plopsa Coo inBelgium will be receiving a newspinning coaster. Finally, Gerstlauer'slargest roller coasteris the still-unnamed launchedEuro-Fighter to appear somewherein Asia. This coaster willdebut the four-tube track, whichthe company says will save thecustomer considerable expensein foundation costs.Zamperla enjoyed successwith its rebirth of Luna Park atConey Island. Two more coasterswill be added to the facility nextyear. A refurbished and relocatedVolare flying coaster fromDenver will be brought onlinein addition to a new launchedcoaster similar to Knott's PonyExpress. Ramon Rosario states,"It will be themed and marketedas a new age Steeplechase." AlbertoZamperla himself adds,"The city of New York is veryhappy. We're doing very well inConey Island. More people arecoming to the area. We're lookingfor more area to expand."Alberto Zamperla estimatesfour or five Zamperlacoasters to be installed worldwidein 2011. The firm is also introducingnew product to theirline. An Extreme 3 InvertedCoaster is a suspended loopingcoaster standing at 35 meters(115 feet) in height with a layoutof 600 meters (1968.5 feet)long. The ride features three inversionsand the company hasworked with Werner Stengel onthe engineering. They are alsointroducing a spinning coasterwith a 24 passenger train. Alsoin the works is a dive coasterstanding around 125 feet talland near 1,200 feet in length.Perhaps the slickest thingto be seen on the floor wasfrom Germany's Maurer Söhne.Dubbed FireWheels, thesenew coaster wheels utilize LEDlights that require no batteries,but a special system allows brilliantpatterns to emerge as thecoaster reaches higher speeds.Picture a falling star as a trainloadof riders plunge towardthe ground. It's dazzling. Comingoff of the opening of a racingcoaster at Ferrari World in theUAE, Maurer Söhne has nineroller coaster projects on thehorizon. The recently openedAbu Dhabi project was the firstracing coaster in the MiddleEast and the varying programsmade each circuit unpredictableas parallel tracks have competitive"races" reaching 60 mph.Other new projects will includea spinning coaster at RainbowMagic Land in Rome, plus anLSM launched X-car coaster thatfeatures a non-inverting loop.A launch coaster is going intoBayern Park in Germany andseveral other Sky Loops andspinning coasters are underwayelsewhere for the company.Maurer reports that they haveroller coasters commissioned inEurope and Asia.In regards to smaller coasters,Fred Miler of E&F Milersaid early in the week he wasseeing much more traffic than inthe previous year in Vegas. Preston& Barbieri were promotinga smaller double racing familycoaster. Technical Park had ondisplay a new vehicle for theircompact Rock 'N Roll coasterthat was designed for total comfortof the rider.Kathy Archer of S&SWorldwide, Inc. summed upthe week beautifully. "There isa very positive energy here,"says Archer. S&S featured a new4-wide 24 passenger coastervehicle as their new standardlaunched train. The launchgoes from 0 to 80 mph. Threepneumatically launched coasterprojects are headed for China.A Fourth Dimension coaster isunderway for China's DinosaurPark and an El Loco model isin the works for Fraispertuis inFrance in 2011. The long awaitedhigh-speed Nürburgring projectopens May of 2011. It will openin excess of 100 mph, and thenafter summer will kick it up anotch to higher speeds."Orlando is the perfect settingfor this show," Archer adds."It's friendly here. It's a goodhabit for every November."Left: Siegfied Gerstlauer of Gerstlauer Amusement Ridesshows off one of the company's numerous versions of itspopular Euro-Fighter coaster designs. Right: This modelshows the unique High Five element that both Martin &Vlemincx and The Gravity Group are featuring on theirjoint venture in China.

38 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011IAAPA 2010 - ORLANDOBob Rogers, Will Koch, Don Clayton, Daniel Burnham get HOF honorsThe International Associationof Amusement Parks and Attractions(IAAPA) inducted BobRogers, Will Koch, Don Clayton,and Daniel Burnham into theIAAPA Hall of Fame. The Hallof Fame honors leaders, legends,and pioneers for their significantand lasting contributions to theworldwide attractions industry.The awards were presented Nov.16 during the Kickoff Event forIAAPA Attractions Expo 2010Conference and Trade Show inOrlando.Bob Rogers,BRC Imagination ArtsOver thecourse of his40-plus-yearcareer in the attractionsindustry,Bob Rogershas alwayscreated magic.His first job wasworking in theRogersMagic Shop at Disneyland; hismost recent accomplishment wason a bit grander scale — overseeingthe creative development oftwo pavilions at World Expo 2010in Shanghai that dazzled morethan 10 million visitors in just sixmonths.Rogers is the founder andchief creative officer of BRC ImaginationArts, based in Burbank,Calif.. His firm has won hundredsof awards while working withsuch high-profile clients as Ford,General Motors, NASA, UniversalStudios, Volkswagen, and TheWalt Disney Company.One of Rogers’ signature creations,'Holavision,' debuted atWorld Expo 1986 in Vancouveras part of his 'Spirit Lodge' showand allowed live actors to interactwith floating images.Will Koch,Holiday World& Splashin’ SafariIn an erawhen somefamily-ownedamusementparks struggledto survive, WillKoch thrived.The formerowner and Kochpresident ofHoliday World & Splashin’ Safariin Santa Claus, Indiana, tookwhat was once a small roadsideattraction and transformed it intoa high-profile theme park that setan attendance record with nearly1.2 million visitors in 2010.Under Koch’s leadership,Holiday World added its sisterwaterpark, Splashin’ Safari, alongwith several world-renownedwooden roller coasters; the latest,2006's The Voyage, regularly topsenthusiast polls as the best woodencoaster in North America.Koch was a savvy marketer.He enhanced Holiday World’sfamily-friendly atmosphere byoffering free parking, sodas, andsunscreen to all guests and he insistedthe park be 'open' with fansand the press alike. Under Koch’sleadership, Holiday World wasone of the first major theme parksto actively embrace social mediathrough blogs and Twitter, amongother online platforms. Koch diedon June 13, 2010 at the age of 48.William A. Koch Sr., Will’sfather, is also a member of theIAAPA Hall of Fame.Don Clayton,Putt-Putt Golf and GamesAs the founder of Putt-Putt,Don Clayton not only revolutionizedthe miniature golf businessbut helped create what we nowknow as the family entertainmentcenter industry. His firstPutt-Putt Golf Course openedJune 21, 1954, in Fayetteville,N.C., with an emphasis on bothfun and friendly competition. Thecourse paid for itself in less thana month; two years later, Claytonhelped open his first seven franchises,which started a Putt-Puttcraze that swept the United Statesand beyond.Clayton founded the ProfessionalPutters Association in 1960and began to host tournamentsthat drew massive attention; in1968 he paid out a then-recordfirst-prize award of $100,000.He also founded Putt-Putt WorldMagazine and hosted the Putt-Putttelevision series.Clayton was also a leaderand innovator in the business,adding the first video game roomto a Putt-Putt in 1978. He helpeddevelop the first indoor/outdoorputting surface, wrote numerousbest-practice articles for industrypublications, and was an activemember of IAAPA for many yearsbefore his death in 1996.Daniel Hudson Burnham, ChicagoWorld’s FairAs seen by the tens of millionsof visitors to World Expo2010 in Shanghai, World’s Fairscan have a tremendous impacton the attractions industry. Thisyear, IAAPA inducts a man whois credited with shaping the industrymore than a century ago asoverseer of the 1893 World’s Fairin Chicago.Daniel Hudson Burnham, arenowned architect and plannerat the turn of the 20th century,created the Midway Plaisanceat the Chicago fair, a mile-longwalkway lined with an assortmentof amusement concessions,live shows, rides, and the world’sfirst Ferris wheel. Burnham’sMidway is credited with shiftingthe amusement industry from sedateattractions based on naturalfeatures to more invigorating creationsthat continue to dominatethe industry today. The Chicagofair Midway also was used as inspirationfor New York’s ConeyIsland amusements. Burnhamdied in 1912.RIDESContinued from page 32for him, with the improvementof attitude and increase in attendance.Wisdom Industries, Sterling,Colo., showcased its newspinning coaster arm at theIAAPA show as well as featuredits popular monster truck ride,one-truck Himalaya and theSally Corporation, Jacksonville,Fla., showcased severalof their products at the2010 IAAPA Expo, includingthis one. The company alsofeatured brand new technologysuch as that usedfor the new Power Blast X.AT PHOTOS/PAM SHERBORNELen Soled, Rides-4-U, Somerville, N.J., debuted his newLED-lighted booth entrance this year at the IAAPA Expothis year. Soled was very pleased with ride sales at thisyear's show.Beetle Bobs.A.R.M., Wintersville, Ohio,was continuing to see interest inthe Vertigo Swing tower and theSuper Shot. The company hada Vertigo on display at IAAPA,which belonged to Myers InternationalMidways, Gibsonton,Fla. The Vertigo comes in twotrailer-mounted models, 100 feet(30.48 meters) and 80 feet (24.38meters). The company also sellsa park model, which is 140 feet(42.67 meters).Sally Corp., Jacksonville,Fla., featured a variety of itsproducts in its booth this year.Rich Hill, Sally designer,showed off some of Sally’s technologyin the booth. The screammachine was on hand and Hilldisplayed how it worked, includinghow loud to scream.The scream activates additionaltargets allowing passengers toscore more points.Hill also displayed Sally’sbrand new dark ride technology,Power Blast X, where passengersare totally immersed inthe story and includes interactivevideo and animatronics.Not only are passengers capableof shooting at the targets, butthe targets also shoot back.In the dark ride, playerstravel to a far-away galaxy tobattle marauding space piratesintent on stealing all the energyin the universe. The ride areaIAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 by the numbers•25,000 people from 96 nations attended the event•A standing room-only crowd of more than 1,400 people attendedthe Kickoff Event•8,800 attendees participated in the 104 education programs•520 attended in the new Social Media Symposium•1,140 companies from 33 countries exhibited at the show•850 Expo participants attended the Opening Reception•A sellout crowd of 400 enjoyed the keynote address by UniversalParks and Resorts Chairman and CEO Tom Williams at theGM and Owners’ Breakfast•2,200 people enjoyed IAAPA Celebrates at The WizardingWorld of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure•150 young professionals attended a reception at Cuba LibreRestaurant•Fundraising events held in conjunction with the Expo raisedmore than $73,000 for Give Kids The World, the Kissimmee, Fla.,resort for children with life-threatening illnesses:—150 golfers and sponsors raised $58,000 in the 8th AnnualIAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament—90 runners and walkers raised $2,200 in the IAAPA 5KFun Run & 1K Walk—10 people rode in the first IAAPA Motorcycle Run andraised $2,100—Expo participants purchased raffle tickets for a HondaCivic Hybrid to raise $11,000. John Huish from Huish Family FunCenters was the lucky winner of the new car—35 people volunteered at the village during IAAPA’sAngels in Action Volunteer Dayruns about 8,000 square feet (743square meters), but can go up to20,000 square feet (1,881 squaremeters). Typically, track lengthwill be 501 feet (152 meters).There are 12 ride vehicles withfour and six passenger seats.“This is completely newtechnology,” Hill said. “There isvideo and 3D game play. We cancustomize the ride size to whateveris needed.”

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39MIDWAYwww.AmusementToday.comCARNIVALSBRIEFBlackie is backfor the 2011Minn. State FairIt looks like the500-pound, eight-foot-tallblack Angus steer constructedout of fiberglasswill be available, onceagain, for the daily paradesat the Minnesota State Fair,St. Paul.The steer, named Blackie,has been an annual stapleto the parades. But thieves,which stole the large structurein early August, 2010took the attraction awayfrom the 2010 fairgoers.According to a newsstory on www.startribune.com, the steer sculpturewas made and owned bySt. Paul’s Norb Anderson.Blackie had been parked onits trailer a block from hishome.Anderson began makingfiberglass animals in1972. He and his partnersold the company, whichwas located in Sparta, Wis.,two years ago. The newsreport stated that Anderson,76, still works for thecompany and “has a smallmenagerie of fiberglass animalsavailable for rent.”The steer was foundnorth of Cambridge, Minn.Anderson was quotedin the startribune.com storyas saying: “I think somebodyjust dropped it thereand was glad to have itoff their truck. The fair istickled to death to have itback.”The 2011 MinnesotaState Fair is set for Aug. 25-Sept. 5.FAIRS FESTIVALS REVENUESUPPLIERSTo be supplied by Intamin Ltd.State Fair of Texas adding 500-foot tower for 2011Pam SherborneAmusement TodayRusty Fitzgerald, operationsmanager, State Fair ofTexas, Dallas, confirmed atthe IAAPA show in Novemberthat the State Fair has contractedwith Maryland-basedIntamin Ltd. to construct a500-foot observation tower onthe fairgrounds.The observation towerwill be called the Top of TexasTower. It will hold 100 passengersas it ascends to its apex.Completion of the $11 millionproject is expected for 2012with the anticipated openingof the Summer Midway. Totalconstruction time is about 18months.“That is what we are hoping,”Fitzgerald said. “Theobservation tower should bedone by then. As far as theopening of the Summer Midway,we have to have anothergood fair first.”The 2010 State Fair of Texas,which ran Sept. 24-Oct. 17,was a huge success. Fair visitorsspent $37 million on foodand amusement rides, breakingall previous records. Thistotal represents revenue fromcoupon sales (State Fair currencyfor food and rides). The2007 fair had set the previousrecord when visitors spent$29,174,230.Fair officials have beentalking about a SummerMidway and hopes are thatwill come to fruition in 2012.Fitzgerald said preliminaryplans for the Summer Midwayinclude having about 25 ridesopen from May through August.“I think it will probablybe a combination of the fairpurchasing more rides and usbringing some in,” Fitzgeraldsaid. “We just don’t know thedetails yet.”But, the State Fair hasbeen looking for a landmarkand they feel they have foundit with the Top of Texas Tower.The Texas Star is 212 feethigh. The observation towerwill stand almost 300 feettaller and will include a $1million LED lighting extravaganza.The passenger gondolaRusty Fitzgerald, center,director of operations/special projects, State Fairof Texas, Dallas, confirmedto AT that the Texas fair hascontracted with IntaminLtd. for a 500-foot, $11million observation tower.Here, with Fitzgerald, isSandor Kernacs, left, andVictor Fabbri, right, bothwith Intamin, during therecently held IAAPAshow in Orlando.AT PHOTO/GARY SLADE;RENDERING COURTESY STATEFAIR OF TEXASwill reach a hight of 367 feet.Hourly capacity is estimatedat 1,300 riders.“You will be able to seea long way from the top,”Fitzgerald said.The tower will be locatedon the edge of the midway.“The foundation will behuge,” Fitzgerald said. “It willtake about 300 concrete loads.It will be 60 feet-by-60 feet and40 feet deep.“We are really excitedabout this project,” said SandorKernacs, Intamin Ltd. “Itwill be perfect. It will be anexcellent show piece for theState Fair of Texas and for Dallas.”Fitzgerald said they hopeto have a section of the towercompleted by the 2011 fair, setfor Sept. 30-Oct. 23, to givefairgoers a first glimpse.

40 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011Western Fairs Association gears up for annual conventionSUBSCRIBE TODAYSUBSCRIPTION FORMNew SubscriptionRenewalChange of AddressUSA OUTSIDE USA One Year $50 $70 Two Years $90 $130 Three Years $130 $190Pam SherborneAmusement TodayPayment EnclosedCharge to Credit Card: PRESERVINGROLLER COASTERAs the more than 1,200fair CEOs, directors, staff andfair-related professionals fromthe western U.S. and Canadadescend upon Reno, Nev., thismonth for the Western FairsAssociation Convention andTrade Show, there will be manyconcerns on their minds.But hopefully attendeeswill also find some help andempathy and share in successeswhile viewing entertainment,attending educationsessions, and visiting with servicecompanies and suppliersat the trade show. The event isset for Jan. 16-19 at the GrandSierra Resort.Carrie Wright, marketingdirector for the WFA, said, inearly December, registrationwas up and running, and expectationswere high.“We haveabout 140booths representingentertainersto ticketcompaniesto flag companies,”Wright said. “The themefor the convention is ‘Connect’which is what we want to do.We want to connect our fairmembers with our servicemembers.”Wright said they plan tocelebrate the 200th anniversaryof fairs, the first, she said,being held in 1811.“We want to bring outwhat fairs have done overthese years,” she said.Wright also said they wereexcited about having HuellHowser as the keynote speakerduring the WFA January ing how theyevent. Howser has a series www.amusementtoday.comon will come upRECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEARPBS in California called “California’sGold.” He spent thelast year on a statewide tourof fairs for his new series, California’sGolden Fairs.TO SUBSCRIBEFIRST AND LAST NAMECOMPANY NAMEADDRESSCITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code)COUNTRYMAKE ADONATIONQUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220YES!Wright“He toured 11 of California’sfairs,” Wright said. “Thatseries will air in the spring.”The WFA will offer a widearray of receptions, meet andgreets, as well as educationsessions such as panels of expertsdiscussing points of successfulfair operations.And, yes, there will beconcerns discussed among industrymembers.Some of those will be onthe carnival side. Harry Mason,Brass Ring AmusementsMidway of Fun, Oroville,Calif., and the carnival divisionrepresentative for WFA,said there aresome regulatoryissues inCalifornia thathave the carnivalsin thatstate wonder-Masonwith the extra money thatthe new regulations will costthem.Mason said the state ofMAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USAFAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.comCREDIT CARD NUMBEREXPIRATION DATENAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name)TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED)EMAIL ADDRESSFREENEWS!3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODESIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWSEXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITIONI WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TOTHE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORGHISTORY $10 $25 $50 California’s Division of OccupationalSafety and Health hasproposed new fees for portableride inspections. He saidthese new fees are expected tobe implemented in 2011. Thesechanges include increasing theexisting hourly fee from $125to $195 per hour. In addition, aflat fee of $25 to $1,475 per ridewill be accessed depending onthe ride classification.Time spent inspecting hasalso increased.“Since 2008, the inspectorsare now required to do a completeaudit of the ride whichis requiring a tremendousamount of paperwork and isincreasing the time it takesthem to do an inspection twoto three times,” Mason said.“Then, there also will be anincrease in workman’s comp.It is expected to increase 27percent. This increase is notjust for carnivals, but also forall California businesses. But,with the inspection fees andthe increase in workman’scomp, I can expect to pay outanother $100,000 in fees nextyear. Where is that money goingto come from?”Mason said the WFA hasbeen very helpful in lobbyingfor the industry in California.“Being a member of theWFA and attending the conventionshas been a great benefitfor our industry,” he said.It gives, he said, those inthe industrySTAYan opportunityINFORMEDtonetwork with others.OTHER AMOUNT: $EXHIBITORSWestern Fairs Association2010 Trade ShowReno, Nev.Exhibiting Companies•A Walk On The Wild SideAdmit One ProductsAll Star Mechanical BullsAll-Alaskan Event Ent.Alley Cats Music, Inc.Allied Specialty InsuranceAtlas RoboticsBalloonacyBecky's CreationsBerk Concession SupplyCFSACody Beebe and TheCrooksCNE CreationsDr. Solar's Medicine ShowEquity CommerceEtixEvolution TicketingGist SilversmithsGreat American Animal Ent.Haas & Wilkerson InsuranceHarmony ArtistsHot Rods BandKaleido-TainmentKen McMeans PresentsKids Pedal Tractor PullsKitchen CraftMain Street Banner USAMartech Systems, Inc.Matt Sorensen Can Art, LLCNevada GunfightersnQativOff The Wall SafetyPacific Tractor Pullers Assn.Play With GravityPowerhouse!!!Puppets & PlayersLittle TheatreRocket's K-9 Comets FrisbeeDog StarsSplash DogsStroud EnterprisesSuper ScienceTEC Productions, Inc.Tennessee River BandThat's Entertainment Inc.The Amazing HarmonatrasThe Magic of Frank ThurstonTheater 16, Inc.Tina Gassert, Inc.UMS Banking/Fair Payment ProcessingUngerboeck Systems Intl.West Coast EmergencyAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COMAMUSEMENTTODAY.COM

The 2010 Louisiana StateFair, Shreveport, whichran Oct. 21-Nov. 7, set anall-time attendance recordthis year. Revenue was upacross the board includingon the midway, whichwas provided by LoweryCarnival Co., Gulf Shores,Ala. The carnival providedabout 60 rides for theevent and will be back forthe 2011 Louisiana fair.PHOTOS COURTESYLOUISIANA STATE FAIR2010 State Fairof Louisianasets new recordsJanuary 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41Great weather and greatsupport from partners attributedto the record-setting attendancereached at the 2010State Fair of Louisiana, Shreveport.The fair, which ran Oct. 21-Nov. 7, drew 450,630 people.“We had our best yearever,” said Chris Giordano,fair president and generalmanager. “The fair broke allrecords with the largest attendance,largest gate and largestcarnival gross. We were up 10percent overall over last year’sfigures.”Lowery Carnival Co., GulfShores, Ala., provided themidway with approximately60 rides along with 2,196 feet(669.34 meters) of food andgames. New rides for thefair included the Vertigo, byA.R.M., and a Fabbri Eclipse.Giordano said they havecontracted with Lowery for the2011 fair.“We don’t do a multi-yearcontract,” he said. “If everythinggoes well, we contract foranother year. Lowery broughtus our largest carnival grossthis year.”New attractions included:World Championship BlacksmithsCompetition; Dock-Dogs; The Green Planet ScienceShow; Amazing Marlo MagicShow; Fresh Kidz Breakdancers,Rock-it Robot, and a specialHispanic Heritage Daynamed “A Taste of Mexico.”Giordano said the economyin his area of the countryhas improved with severalnew businesses opening.“The gas industry has gottenbig down there and so hasthe movie production business,”he said. “In the last fewyears, we’ve had 10 to 12 moviesfilm out here.”—Pam Sherborne

42 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011Seen in Orlando!Photos, by AT's David Lipnicky, were taken at the Outdoor Amusement Business Association's receptionand a reception hosted by owners of Fun Spot U.S.A., Kissimmee, Fla., and Rides-4-U, Somerville, N.J.The OABA reception during the IAAPA reception is always a goodtime for industry members to stay in touch. Here, doing just that, arefrom left, Ron and Beverly Burback, Funtastic Shows, Portland, Ore.,and Jay Strates, Strates Shows, Orlando, Fla., and OABA director.This threesome posed for the AT camera at the OABA reception. Fromleft, are David Norton, Norton Auctioneers of Michigan Inc., Coldwater,Mich.; Tim O’Brien, Ripley’s Believe It or Not; and Steve Burns,Norton Auctioneers of Michigan.This group gathered together to catch up on industry news and have agood time at the OABA reception. From left, are Lorelei Schoendienst, Luehrs’Ideal Rides, Belleville, Ill., and OABA director; Mary Chris Piche, AlliedInsurance Co.; Andy Schoendienest, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides; Alex Johnson, wifeof OABA President Bob Johnson; and Jean Clair, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides andOABA trustee.Steve VanderVorste, right, independent ride operator, takes a breakwith his family and colleagues. From left are his son, Brian Vander-Vorste; his wife, Pat VanderVorste; daughter Stephanie VanderVorste;Guy McDaniel, and Mark Hernandez.It was a family affair for, from left, Dave, Debby and Jason Helm, Helm& Sons Amusements, Colton, Calif., at the OABA reception.Having a great time together are, from left, Connie Featherston,Goldstar Amusements, Minneapolis, Minn.; Donnie Massie, AlpineAmusements, Naperville, Ill.; Mike Featherston, Goldstar Amusements;Mary Johnson, Fantasy Amusements Co., Arlington Heights,Ill.; and Michael Wood, independent ride owner and OABA boardmember.Michael Lauther, left, and Zack Royal, both of Reithoffer Shows, Gibsonton,Fla., enjoy the OABA reception. Lauther is an OABA director.John and Lois Arie, left, owners, Fun Spot U.S.A., Kissimmee, Fla., andpartners Nancy Buckley and Len Soled, Rides 4-U, Somerville, N.J.,hosted a reception during the IAAPA expo in Orlando last November.The reception took place at Fun Spot U.S.A. Here, they took sometime to pose for the AT camera.Tim Casper, left, PBJ Happee Days Shows, Marion, Ark., and GaryOtterbacher, Lifetime Bunkhouses, spend time socializing during areception hosted by Fun Spot U.S.A., Kissimmee, Fla., and Rides-4-U,Somerville, N.J., during the IAAPA expo last November.Gene Chaffee, left, and Kim Ross, Wade Shows, Livonia, Mich., andIvan Arnold, Arnold Amusements, Traverse City, Mich., and in chargeof the International Independent Showmen’s association annualtradeshow, Gibsonston, Fla., are seen here at the reception hostedby Fun Spot U.S.A., Kissimmee, Fla., and Rides-4-U, Somerville, N.J.,during the IAAPA expo last November.Seen at the OABA reception were, from left, Tammie Renfro, RedboneProducts, Pacific, Mo.; Jeanne McDonagh, McDonagh Amusements,Chesaning, Mich.; Dan Kroeger, Gold Medal Products Inc., Cincinnati,Ill., and OABA treasurer; Debbie Powers, Powers Great American Midways,Corfu, N.Y.; and Joe Zumsteg, Classic Toy Co., Cleveland, Ohio.Posing for the AT camera at the OABA reception are, from left, BillJohnson, Fantasy Amusement Co., Arlington Heights, Ill., and incomingOABA chair; Sam Johnston, second vice president, Showmen’sLeague of America; Sue Nichols, AT Sales; Bob Johnson, OABA president;and Joe Burum, executive secretary, SLA.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43State/regional fair meetings for Jan. & Feb. 2011JANUARY 2011Jan. 5-7: South CarolinaAssociation of Fairs and NorthCarolina Association of AgriculturalFairs Combined annualConvention, SherationMyrtle Beach ConventionCenter, Myrtle Beach, SouthCarolina.Jan. 6-9: Ohio Fair ManagersAssociation AnnualConvention, Hyatt RegencyHotel/Crowne Plaza Hotel,Columbus, Ohio.Jan. 6-9: Oregon Fairs AssociationAnnual Convention,Salem Conference Center, Salem,Oregon.Jan 6-9: Texas Associationof Fairs Annual Convention,Renaissance Austin Hotel,Austin, Texas.Jan. 7 & 8: Virginia Associationof Fairs Annual Convention,The Homestead, HotSprings, Virginia.Jan. 7-9: Indiana Associationof Fairs, Festivals andEvents Annual Convention,Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis,Indiana.Jan. 7-9: Kansas Fairs AssociationAnnual Convention,Topeka, Kansas.Jan. 8 & 9: Manitoba Associationof Ag Societies AnnualConvention.Jan. 9-12: Wisconsin Associationof Fairs Annual Convention,Chula Vista Resort,Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.Jan. 12-15: Kentucky Associationof Fairs and HorseShows Annual Convention,Galt House Hotel and Suites,Louisville, Kentucky.Jan. 13-15: Michigan Associationof Fairs & ExhibitionsAnnual Convention, AmwayGrand Plaza Hotel & DeVosPlace, Grand Rapids, Michigan.Jan. 14 & 15: West VirginiaAssociation of Fairs & FestivalsAnnual Convention.Jan. 14-16: Minnesota Federationof County Fairs AnnualConvention, Sheraton Hotel,Bloomington, Minnesota.Jan. 14-17: New York StateAssociation of AgriculturalFairs Annual Convention,Rochester Riverside ConventionCenter, Rochester, NewYork.Jan. 16-19: Western FairsAssociation Annual Conventionand Trade Show, GrandSierra Resport, Reno, Nevada.Jan. 19-22: PennsylvaniaState Association of CountyFairs Annual Convention,Hershey Lodge & ConventionCenter, Hershey, Pennsylvania.Jan. 20-22: Georgia Associationof Agricultural Fairs &Expositions Annual Convention,Atlanta Airport MarriottHotel, Atlanta, Georgia.Jan. 20-22: Tennessee Associationof Fairs Annual Convention,Nashville AirportMarriott, Nashville, Tennessee.Jan. 21-23: Nebraska Associationof Fair ManagersAnnual Convention, RamadaInn, Kearney, Nebraska.Jan. 27-30: Missouri Associationof Fairs and FestivalsAnnual Convention, HolidayInn, Columbia, MissouriJanuary 29: Utah Associationof Fairs & Events AnnualMeeting, Utah State Fairpark,Salt Lake City, Utah.FEBRUARY 2011Feb. 3-6: Louisiana Associationof Fairs & Festivals AnnualConvention.February 5: Vermont/NewHampshire Agricultural FairsAssociation Annual Meeting,Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee,Vermont.Feb. 7-9: NICA/FareFoods Food Show & BusinessExpo, Embassy Suites Tampa,Tampa, Florida.Feb. 17-19: Ontario Associationof Agricultural SocietiesAnnual Convention, RoyalYork Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.

44 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2011MIDWAYMARKET PLACECarnival owners make purchasesfrom Rides-4-U at IAAPA ExpoBates Brothers Amusements, Wintersville,making purchases at the IAAPA show.Ohio, walked away from the Interna-Drew Exposition, Augusta, Ga., alsotional Association of Amusement Parks and made a purchase, said Soled. That carnivalAttractions (IAAPA) Expo last November in purchased a KMG X-Factory. Delivery is expectedOrlando with an SBF Flying Dragoon ride.September 2011.The ride, brokered through Len Soled, “This ride has a 700 person per hour capacity,”Rides-4-U, Somerville, N.J., was delivered tosaid Robby Tucker, KMG represen-the Bates Brothers lot the week of Thanksgivingtative. “It is carried on one single trailer.”said Brad Dallman, who operates Majestic Midways, York, Pa., purchasedone of Bates Brothers’ two units with his an LED lighting package from Soled for thewife Michelle Bates Dallman. She is carnival carnival’s Chance Century Wheel. The carnivalowner Eric Bates’ daughter.is also looking at an SBF Chopper Train.“We purchased the ride at the show,” “We aren’t really looking for anythingDallman said. “My wife has always wanted else at this time,” said the company’s Scotta kiddie boat ride so her dad bought it.” Inners. “We are in the process of expandingAnd, Dallman said, the Flying Dragoonand modifying our paint departmentride is just one of those rides that fits just to bring us up to EPA (U.S. Environmentalabout anywhere on the midway.Protection Agency) standards. Once we are“We also have an Eli Bridge kiddie Fer-finished, we are told, we will have one of theFrederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1ris Wheel,” Dallman said. “Those two ridesare great filler rides. They fit anywhere.”Bates Brothers wasn’t the only carnivallargest compliant paint booths on this sideof the Mississippi.”—Pam Sherborne“The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America”“World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.”• Financing and Leasing Available• Trades Considered• Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags• 6 New Slides In Stock• Have 20 Used Rides• 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide• 65 Ft. Fiberglass SlideFREDERIKSENINDUSTRIES, INC.5212 St. Paul St.Tampa, Florida 33619(813) 628-4545FAX (813) 621-3679www.funslide.comWAPELLO is the One!Built in the USA to Your Needs!Let Wapello high-performance products go towork for you. Give us a call or write today.Custom sizes, shapes and colors.Wapello Fabrications Company201 North Second Street • Wapello, IA 52653(319) 523-8371 • wafabco@louisacomm.netKeep our carnival and fair industry strong!Buy products and services from these suppliers.

January 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45SBF/VISASky LoopVISADog RideSBF/VISAAirborn ShotSBF/VISADrop N TwistSBF/VISAWild RaftKMGInversionSBF/VISASuper LoopSBF/VISASurf’s UpKMGFreak OutVisit UsOn The Web:www.Rides4U.com“LED Lites from Rides 4U are phenomenal, flawless and trouble free.We leave the lights on our Ferris wheel all night as a billboard for ourpark. Our lights even make the early morning traffic reports now.”John Arie — Fun Spot Action Park — Orlando, Fla.GO GREEN WITH LED LITES!• ENERGY EFFICIENT• REDUCES POWER COSTS• LONG LIFE LED BULBS• EXTREME VISIBILITY• HIGHEST QUALITYENERGY SAVING FACT:OLD LIGHTS ONLY ON ONE SIDEOF WHEEL USED 120 AMPS.LED LITES ON BOTH SIDESOF WHEEL USES JUST 16 AMPS!LED LITES CAN BE INSTALLED ON VIRTUALLYANY RIDE AND ATTRACTIONAT AMUSEMENT PARKS AND CARNIVALSUPGRADE CLASSIC RIDES ANDATTRACTIONS WITHMONEY-SAVING LED LITES.FERRIS WHEELS, SCRAMBLERS,PARATROOPERS...YOU NAME IT!ASK ABOUT GOVERNMENT REBATES FORPRE-MANDATORY ENERGY SAVING LEDCONVERSIONS (ALREADY STANDARD IN EUROPE)ATTRACT AND DAZZLE GUESTS!PROGRAMMABLELIGHT SHOW CIRCUITRY–THEME LED LITES FOR EVENTS& HOLIDAYS: FOURTH OF JULY,HALLOWEEN, CHRISTMASAND MORE

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