Outlaw Run charges into Silver Dollar City - Amusement Today

April 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23AQUA TALKERSContinued from page 22to $45,000 price tag for a single,standard Aqua Talkerscharacter package is “a reasonablyeconomical way todo something unique.” Parkowners must provide somebasic infrastructure in theform of water and conduitrun to the installation location,plus a nearby concealed placein which an operator can usethe option of working the controlsmanually,Bastrup noted that MauiMax is already extending hiscelebrity status at HawaiianFalls. “Along with this character,we’re doing merchandising— like mugs and T-shirts.There’s a lot of opportunity forfurther branding with AquaTalkers: their promotional andstorytelling potential is unlimited.And it can all be appliedand customized to the existingmascot of a park or other entity.”For R&R Creative, whosehighly personalized servicehas led to its close relationshipswith Santa Cruz BeachBoardwalk and Palace Entertainmentas well as to numerousprojects nationally andaround the world, the AquaTalkers concept is anotherextension of its wholesomebrand of family entertainment.The company’s gabbybrainchild also supports theone key thing the team haslearned in its decades of industrywork: the importanceof creating a memorable connectionbetween person andplace.“Tastes change and technologychanges, but fundamentallyand universally,people like to be entertained,”Bastrup said. “What we’ve alwaysworked hard at doing —whether it’s something with asimple theme, like a miniaturegolf course, or an elaboratedark ride — is take people intoa different environment thatallows them to have fun andlaugh. Details matter, as doemotions and reactions. Andin this business, you don’tneed vast amounts of moneyto deliver that.“There are now a couplegenerations of parkgoers whoare enjoying some our designs.And for us, that feels great.”Aqua Talkers concept drawings by R&R Creative Amusement Designs illustrate the versatilityof the animatronic characters’ theming and placement.COURTESY R&R CREATIVE AMUSMENT DESIGNSR&R CreativeAmusement DesignsfoundersRichard Ferrin andRick Bastrup showoff their animatronicmotormouth /fountain, Maui Max,at Hawaiian FallsWaterpark inMansfield, Texas.COURTESYR&R CREATIVEAMUSEMENTDESIGNS