Two traditional family-owned parks to expand - Amusement Today

88 Pages·2012·25.37 MB·English


AIMS NEWS AND NOTES — PAGE 54
TM
www.amusementtoday.com
Vol. 16 • Issue 8.2 NOVEMBER 2012
Two traditional family-owned parks to expand
PAUL NELSON: Waldameer Park announces 2013 plans; 10-year expansion
STORY: Scott Rutherford area.
[email protected]
In addi-
tion to the
ERIE, Pa. — With autumn
new ride,
in full swing and winter on
Waldameer
the way, Waldameer Park &
and The
Water World have closed for
G r a v i t y
the 2012 season. But there is no
Nelson
Group are
slowing down at the nation’s
partnering to
10th oldest amusement park
make repairs and modifica-
as workers are already prepar-
tions to the park’s signature
ing for the 2013 season and
ride, The Ravine Flyer II. After
beyond.
five seasons of great drops,
First up for next season
thrills, and airtime, parts
is the addition of a Bertazzon
of the wood track and steel
Musik Express that will be
structure will be replaced and
placed in front of the park’s
tightened it to make sure it
Merry-Go-Round picnic shel-
is in top form for 2013. The
ter and be surrounded by
engineers from The Gravity
flower gardens, a large water
Group along with a large car-
fountain, and plenty of new Aerial view of Waldameer Park illustrates the current property (red) and the recent land
penter crew will make tweaks
benches. The park’s 21 year- acquisition (yellow) as well as the lakefront parcel (blue), which will be developed as an
and minor adjustments to
old Eli Bridge Scrambler will extension of the main park over the next 10 years at a cost of more than $20 million. The
the ride that will make the
be moved slightly to fit the purchase included seven acres that houses the 58-room Inn at Presque Isle as well as a
coaster — ranked as number
new ride, giving more room group of rental homes known as the Cottages at Presque Isle.
4See WALDAMEER, page 6
for guests to enjoy the new COURTESY WALDAMEER PARK
ADRIENNE RHODES: Lake Winnepesaukah unveils plans for new waterpark
This artistic ren- STORY: Scott Rutherford re s e a rc h-
dering illustrates [email protected] ing various
the major multi- CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. waterparks
million water- — Lake Winnepesaukah for a number
park expansion Amusement Park officials of years, we
coming to Lake have announced they will add are thrilled
Winnepesaukah a water entertainment addi- by the plans
in summer 2013. tion to the park’s attraction that have been Rhodes
To be constructed lineup for summer 2013. The developed by
on the west side five-acre waterpark expan- our award-winning team of
of the property sion will be situated on the designers.”
near the park’s west side of the property near The multi-million dollar
signature Cannon the park’s signature Cannon waterpark will feature a lazy
Ball wooden roller Ball wooden roller coaster. river, wave lagoon, flume body
coaster, the water- Construction is slated to begin slides, enclosed tube slides
park will feature this January and be complete and side-by-side racer slides,
a lazy river, wave by next summer. and a splash park for toddlers.
lagoon, flume body “We have looked for the It will also offer covered and
slides, enclosed right opportunity to expand uncovered lounge seating,
tube slides and Lake Winnie and give our retail shops, concessions and
side-by-side racer guests even more reasons to a changing facility. The facility
slides, and a splash come back and more ways is being designed by architect
park for toddlers to have fun,” said Talley Christopher M. Jones of North
along with other Green, public relations direc- Palm Beach, Florida and
amenities. tor. “Within a 250 mile radius Aquatic Development Group
COURTESY LAKE our customer base continues of Cahoes, N.Y., both of which
WINNEPESAUKAH /
to increase, enhancing tourism have extensive waterpark
AQUATIC DEV.
in the Chattanooga area. After 4See WINNIE, page 6
GROUP
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2012
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Tidbits
As most already know, the State Fair of
Texas icon, Big Tex, burned on the last Fri-
day of this year’s fair. Fire investigators have
now ruled the fire was started by an electri-
cal short in one of Big Tex’s boots, which
caused the fire trail to shoot up the electri-
cal wiring that goes to his animated mouth.
Slade
State Fair officials have already announced
that a new version of Big Tex will be ready for next year’s
fair, and he will be bigger and better than ever before!
•
Kudos go out to Six Flags Over Texas for taking
advantage of the beautiful fall weather and hiring Baynum
Painting to repaint both the legendary Shock Wave
roller coaster and the La Vibora bobsled ride. The colors
are stunning and we’re sure the guests will take notice!
Thanks to Jim Reid-Anderson for making this happen —
keep the paint rollers rolling!
•
It was sad to see two great tower rides come down
recently by controlled explosions in an effort to make
room for new attractions. Cedar Point removed their EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected]
Von Roll observation tower, laying it down perfectly in a Hello Dolly!
trench built in the adjacent beach. Same goes for the Six
Flags Over Texas parachute drop which came crashing As the lingering effects of approach their positions and guests is inspiring.
down on the site of the recently removed Boomerang another wickedly hot summer This interaction doesn’t feel forced or artificial,
finally began to wane, I found and that’s a credit to the their leadership and
coaster, landing 11.5 inches from the planned center
myself eagerly looking forward training.
mark. This was the second ride demolition I’ve witnessed
to Amusement Today’s 15th In addition to the obvious grandeur of
first hand, and I’m still not used to the sound of that big
Golden Ticket Awards ceremo- the venue, an absolute highlight of the 2012
“bang,” nor are all the car alarms! ny, which was slated for early GTAs was the willing participation of the park’s
• September in Pigeon Forge, esteemed co-owner and ambassador, the legend-
Congratulations to John Arie for breaking ground Rutherford Tennessee. ary Ms. Dolly Parton. This unconventional and
While the GTA event is beloved entertainer accentuated our show to
on his park expansion at his I-Drive location in Orlando.
designed to acknowledge and honor “The Best the point that it may never be equaled. It really
In a tourist market where high-tech and very expensive
of the Best” in the amusement industry, it has was that incredible. Not only did she join in the
themed rides rule, it will be a breath of fresh air to be also become an end-of-season, pre-IAAPA soiree performance of one of her songs, she continually
able to go ride our amusement industry classics like the for colleagues in “the business.” These fine folks appeared on stage when Dollywood was awarded
Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson’s first to build since the purchase of are dedicated people who work very hard at what each of its five wholly-deserved Golden Tickets,
Sellner) or a GCII wooden coaster. We wish John and his they do. Over the years, many of these business and she bantered easily with presenters, winners
contacts turned into friendships. And it is these and AT Publisher Gary Slade.
team all the best on their new adventure.
wonderful people I always look forward to seeing Another pinnacle of the ceremony was
—Gary Slade in a casual setting, which is something we all need Ms. Parton’s appearance at a lavish post-show
after a busy summer season. reception where, with a park photographer and
Our host park for the GTAs this year studio lighting, she tirelessly accommodated each
Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement was, of course, Dollywood. This incomparable and every attendee by posing with them for a
gem nestled in the picturesque Great Smoky personal photo.
Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six when
Mountains is truly one-of-kind. I’ve been fre- Like Dollywood itself, Ms. Parton is a
he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park and Six
quenting Dollywood for years, and with each genuine, 100 percent first class act. She’s the real
Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career helped lead to
visit, I find yet something else that impresses me. deal. I count myself fortunate to have, for a brief
the launch of AT in 1997.
The manner in which the park’s many employees instant, basked in her glittering starlight.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola
Gary Slade, Founder
Editorial Accounting / Circulation
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
[email protected] [phone]
[phone]
[email protected] Deliveries Member of:
[email protected]
Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,
Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA,
NAARSO and IISF
[email protected] Advertising
Web & Graphic Design
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John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. Editorial APlmeaussee malelonwt Tuopd taoy ,s iPx.O w.e Beoksx f5o4r 2y7o,u Ar rsluinbgstcornip, tiToenx ares q7u6e0s0t5 t-o5 4b2e7 p. rYoocuers sceadn caenllde dth ceh feircskt iisss yuoeu mr raeilceedip. t.
[email protected] Bubba Flint
Daily E-mail Newsletter
[email protected] Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
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Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2012, with all rights reserved.
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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas
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November 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
NEWSTALK MAILBAG
EDITORIAL: Tim Baldwin, [email protected]
On the 2012 GTA’s...
Line jumping IS permitted
Dear Gary, the first time. It is a wonderful Gary,
S o m e- to get it from them. Witness I wanted to comment park with great storytelling. I wanted to reach out and
thing struck the success of cabana rentals. on the recent Golden Ticket Once again, thank you so say that I thought the Gold-
me as truly There’s also the (indirectly in- Awards. Dollywood did such much for your recognition of en Tickets was a wonderful
ironic in one sulting) preferred parking as a wonderful job of hosting all Disney California Adventure. event.
of my park well. Neither of these impact of us that they certainly de- We are truly honored. Thanks I appreciate everything
visits this my visit if I choose not to in- serve a huge thank you from for the extra Golden Tickets. you all did. It was great get-
year. While vest in these particular perks. everyone who attended. They We are sharing the duplicates ting to meet you. Don’t be a
Baldwin visiting a And I should clearly say certainly met the mark of ev- with each of the partner stronger at Dollywood!
park that I I’ve enjoyed this perk on an ery park who has hosted the groups that worked on the Michelle Dillon
thought looked great and occasion or two. Sadly, I tried GTA since I started attend- DCA transformation to have Executive Assistant
was running well, the hap- not to make eye contact with
ing all of whom have done an one for their teams. Office of the President
penstance of two signs being those I was cutting by like
absolutely outstanding job of Thanks again! & VP/GM
juxtaposed right next to each they were some kind of street
hosting and catering to our Mary M. Niven Dollywood
other brought forth a laugh. panhandler not worthy of my
every need. All with smiles Vice President, Disney’s
One had an admonishing gaze, and subsequently hat-
and impressive congeniality. California Adventure &
tone saying that “Line jump- ed myself for it.
But I’d like to especially Guest Services Hi Gary,
ing is not allowed,” while the I spoke with a friend in
thank Dollywood and the Thank you so much for
next sign was for the park’s the industry who said his park
wonderful Miss Dolly Parton organizing such a wonderful
new Fast Lane program that people at the time were inves-
who made this year’s event Gary, event! It was just perfect!
showed you how to do just tigating new revenue streams.
an unprecedented success. Congratulations on an- Brian and Jan King
that. Comical. When this “pay to jump the
She was as lovely inside as out other great Golden Ticket Recreation Engineering, Inc.
In late 1999, Disney intro- lines” idea was presented, it
and so gracious to join us on- event. Every year it seems
duced the Fast Pass. So inno- was decided that as long as
stage for your special Golden to get better-attended and
vative and guest friendly was it had minimal impact on the
Heart Award, not to men- even more publicity, which Gary,
this concept, it was no sur- regular guests, then it was
tion to stand for all of those is great for the publication. Thanks again for an
prise the amusement indus- agreeable. After leaving this
pictures with the attendees. We appreciate you bringing outstanding Golden Ticket
try took notice. As with just friend, I queued up for one
That was really above and people together each fall, I event. I thought you would
about any creative idea, those of the park’s roller coasters
beyond the call of duty and am really glad this has turned like to see this thank you ad
that attempted to follow the only to find every other train
a terrific surprise for all of into a new September tradi- that we run in several San An-
ride reservation system con- was reserved for this “elite”
us. Her friendliness, grace, tion. tonio area newspapers.
cept analyzed, minimalized brand of guests. Not only was
and distorted the original this not a minimal impact, it smiles and humor spoke vol- Adam Sandy Have a great day,
idea. And what was that? To was a huge impact instantly umes about her personality Ride Entertainment Group Jeffrey A. Siebert
allow guests to spend more doubling my wait time. As which is most likely unparal- of Companies Schlitterbahn
time enjoying the park and I’ve travelled more and more, leled in the music and acting Waterpark Resorts
less time in line. I find all these systems flawed industry.
Today, a variety of sys- in one way or another. Usually A big thank you to you, Gary,
tems are in place — wrist- capacity is affected, efficiency your staff, Amusement Today I wanted to say thank On the NRCMA Exhibit...
bands, handstamps, robots, is diminished and logic might and to Dollywood and Dolly, you. It was my first Golden
tickets…you name it. What just be thrown out the win- herself, for an unforgettable Ticket event, so I wasn’t sure Hi Gary,
went wrong (and that’s a mat- dow. In most cases, rides just experience at the Golden what was expected — thanks It’s amazing what reflec-
ter of my opinion and not don’t run as well. Loading is Ticket Awards 2012! for your help. Also thank you tions the power of a photo
the parks) is that we’ve now slowed, seats go out empty With best regards, for the awards — especially can elicit. When I saw the
evolved the idea into break- and moods are frustrated. Patty A. Sullivan the “Turnstile Award!” What Matterhorn Bobsled cars that
ing the park guests into a If any park thinks this is just President/CEO an honor it was for me to ac- you’re receiving from Disney-
caste system. Those that are a minor — and acceptable Eli Bridge Company cept for SeaWorld San Diego. land for your roller coaster
more affluent get to cut in — inconvenience, just look After working at the park for museum, I immediately re-
line over those that earn a at the faces in the long lines 27 years, it sure meant a lot called the years I spent as a
more modest, traditional fam- queued up as they watch the Sir Gary, to be a part of a winning mo- ride operator on that attrac-
ily income. Years ago when privileged waltz past them. It Congratulations on an- ment! tion. I recalled the duties of
one park trying to introduce now seems to appear to the other amazing Golden Tick- I look forward to working ensuring guests were prop-
such a program and was be- guest that efficiency has tak-
ets event. I have heard glow- with you in the future and I erly seated, running the con-
ing berated by the public, the en a back seat to profits and
ing reports on all that your hope to see you soon. trol panel and even “running
park spokesman tried to put that the parks have adopted
team did to continue your Safe travels! the track” before and after
a PR spin on it saying “this is a the attitude that “if you don’t
legacy of a reputable and re- Rick Schuiteman park operation. It was my first
service our guests have been want to wait in long lines then
spected awards process and VP, Entertainment amusement park experience,
asking for.” Well, not exactly. shell out more money.”
ceremony. Well done!!! SeaWorld San Diego and it was there that I learned
Many guests had travelled to There is one theme
Sincerely, the importance of teamwork,
Disney parks and enjoyed the park chain where the sys-
Brad Thomas cooperation and loyalty. Con-
convenience of the Fast Pass tem works. Visit a Disney
General Manager Hi Gary, gratulations on this great ac-
system in place there. It is un- park. The reason is Fast Pass
Silver Dollar City Congratulations for a quisition and the future of
fathomable that any custom- wasn’t introduced as a rev-
great event. Thank you for the museum!”
ers would ask a park to come enue stream, but as a guest
the award — it really means a Sydne (Huwaidi) Purvis
up with a convenience that service. It can’t be both. My
Hi Gary, lot to us! I’ve been telling ev- Communications Manager
they would have to pay more hat’s off to the Disney Com-
What a great weekend! eryone at Walt Disney Imagi- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
for. A lot more, as a matter of pany for resisting the urge
Your team and Dollywood neering about it!
fact. to divide their guests into
did a wonderful job of wel- Kathy A. Mangum
I have no problem with classes. When they say “Have
coming everyone here for VP, Executive Producer
parks looking to find profits. a magical day!” it includes ev-
the Golden Tickets. I enjoyed Creative Development
If there are people willing to erybody.
experiencing Dollywood for Walt Disney Imagineering
spend, there are various ways
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2012
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
Amusement Today takes a Presented by
break from our usual “This
Month in History column” to DRILL
take a look instead at some
of the significant acquisitions
COMPILED: Janice Witherow
made by the NRCMA over the
Erick Elliott, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
past year.
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org
Erick Elliott loves his job.
•The NRCMA has continued to
And it shows. Anyone
digitize historic photos, videos, postcards and other images.
who has met Erick has felt
Highlights include photos of Arrow Development’s early his-
his passion and pride for
tory from the Ron Toomer collection; conversion of early Ar-
what he does, while his
row promotional films to digital format; photos of rides from
cool-as-a-cucumber de-
the Sellner collection including the very first Tilt-A-Whirl; and
meanor and broad smile
historic photographs and postcards of Frontier City courtesy
are obvious giveaways
of Steven Ball. To date, NRCMA has scanned over 8,000 items. that he is one of the good
guys. Erick began his
•Three rare, German-built mouse cars from one of the earliest Busch Gardens Williams-
all-steel Mack Wild Mouse coasters that operated for almost burg career in the gen-
30 years at Playland at the PNE in Vancouver, Canada. eral services department,
Erick has been with Busch Gardens Williamsburg for 20 years.
where he worked for 17
•Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster cars from Morey’s years before joining the
I always need help with …
Piers — one of the earliest rides of that type. park’s operations department. He now serves
Getting good gifts for my wife.
as director of operations for this beautiful
Virginia amusement park, and in his role, Erick
If you could invite one famous person to
is responsible for overseeing the zoological,
dinner, who would it be?
landscape and grounds operations.
Jesus ... who better to ask about the myster-
ies of life!?
Title
Director, Operations.
The best new television show this fall seems
to be …
Number of years in the
Last Resort … previews look promising.
industry
20 at Busch Gardens Wil-
You are at the mall. Where do we find you?
liamsburg and Water Country
I would be with my wife and daughter if I
USA.
Elliott were at the mall … so the answer is EVERY-
WHERE.
Best thing about the indus-
try
If you could have a conversation with any
Engaging with a variety of people (guests and
animal, which one would it be?
employees).
All of our animals at Busch Gardens … I
would like to know if they are truly happy.
Favorite amusement ride
Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Williams-
My favorite time of day is …
burg.
Mornings … each day brings something new
•Above, a Giovanola-built train from Hersheypark’s Super- and exciting in our industry!
If I wasn’t working in the amusement indus-
dooperlooper custom Anton Schwarzkopf coaster.
try, I would be …
The last thing I lost was …
College or professional football coach.
•A Von Roll aerial ropeway car from Six Flags Great Adven- I am constantly losing my hair! Fortunately
ture. it’s genetics and not park stress!
Biggest challenge facing our industry
Economic volatility.
•Four Schwarzkopf Wildcat cars and sections of track from On a Saturday evening, you can usually find
Cedar Point’s Wildcat coaster. me …
The thing I like most about amusement/wa-
Spending time with the family … if not work-
ter park season is …
• An entire 1954 Schiff kiddie coaster from Fun Spot USA. Being outdoors. ing.
If I didn’t live in Virginia, I would live …
•Two sleds and a section of trough from Cedar Point’s Ava- All-time favorite meal
Good question … I’m still thinking.
lanche Run/Disaster Transport, an Intamin bobsled-type ride. My mom’s baked macaroni and cheese.
These were the only 10-passenger bobsled vehicles and the
What season best describes your personal-
largest trough track ever constructed by Intamin. The first thing I do in the morning is …
ity?
Check the weather.
Fall … cool and consistent.
•From Wonderland Park in Texas: an original O.D. Hopkins
log flume boat from the first The coolest view I have ever seen from an
The household chore I really don’t mind
log flume constructed by O.D. airplane would have to be …
doing is …
Glacier Park Mountains in Montana.
Hopkins. Also, two restored Laundry … my wife doesn’t do well ironing.
vehicles — a Carl Miler Mouse Of course, that could be on purpose.
If you could have only three movies in your
car and Pinfari Zyklon car.
collection, what would they be?
Are you more of planner or a spontaneous
“Saving Private Ryan,” “Gladiator” and
•A two-car train from Disney- kind of guy?
“Glory.”
land’s Matterhorn, the first Planner. I actually added completing this
coaster to utilize tubular steel interview on my outlook calendar.
What do you notice first when meeting
tracks, which revolutionized
someone?
steel coasters and the amuse- We are well into football season. What
Eyes (facial expression).
ment industry. team do you root for the most?
America’s Team … the Dallas Cowboys!
—Compiled for NRCMA by Jeffrey Seifert
November 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
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Year 51
Grateful &
Better Than Ever
God
Bless
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2012
WALDAMEER park. We have purchased five head-first mat ride. Another

pieces of property in the last level will have a four-person
Continued from page 1
few years totaling ten acres. inner tube slide that will enter
six in AT’s 2012 Golden Ticket “The rezoning and into a bowl and then splash
Awards — even smoother, a special Waldameer bill down. Besides this there will
faster and more thrilling than that was passed by the be many upgrades such as
ever before. Pennsylvania Senate, House of new locker areas, showers,
Additionally, modifi- Representatives and signed by changing stations, etc.
cations are planned for the the state governor will allow “Then we will be visiting
park’s 100-foot Giant Gondola us to use our five plus acres our waterfront property. You
Wheel, which was supplied we have on Lake Erie giving will ride down a trolley car
by Chance Rides. The iconic us a total of 52 acres. that descends 70 feet from the
attraction will be dismantled “For the 2013 season, top to the lower level on the
and shipped back to Wichita, we will be spending about lake. To return to the top there
Kan. where Chance will refur- six million dollars with pur- will be another trolley to take
bish the wheel’s outer rim, Park owner Paul Nelson explains that the next part of chase of land and an expan- you up. At the bottom you will
rebuild the center hub and Waldameer’s expansion, beginning in 2014, will concentrate sion of a new ride section at find a boat ride that will make
paint the wheel to provide on the waterpark with the addition of an enormous wave Waldameer. Then it will be on use of the 70 foot slope. You
next year’s riders with safe pool with a center divider island; a large zero-depth entry to the next part of our expan- will be ramped up to the top
and relaxing views of Lake children’s play area; a new tower complex that will feature sion, which has a budget of and come racing down into a
Erie and nearby Presque Isle a four-person head-first mat ride and a four-person inner about 20 million dollars. The large pool at the bottom, cre-
State Park. tube/bowl slide; and numerous upgrades such as new locker wave pool will be very large ating a wave and most likely
with a divider island in the soaking everyone. At the bot-
areas, showers and changing stations. AT FILE
Future expansion middle so that on weekdays tom we are also planning a
Waldameer’s owner, Paul Waldameer’s purchase earlier the base of a slope overlook- we will be able to open up family ride for both kids and
Nelson, 78, who started work- this fall of more than seven- ing Lake Erie owned by the only one side but on busy parents to ride together. Plus
ing at the park at age 11, is acres of land and structures Nelson family. days and weekends both sides one other new thrill ride yet
well aware that his park must that included the 58-room Here, Nelson shares with will be open. We saw this to be chosen. There will be an
continually add new attrac- Inn at Presque Isle as well as AT readers his vision of what’s while visiting Holiday World eating area overlooking Lake
tions and expand if it’s going surrounding acreage that cur- in store for Waldameer Park in in Indiana and really liked it. Erie where guests can sit and
to remain relevant and profit- rently houses a mobile home the coming years. “This year “Next up is a large zero eat and enjoy the beautiful
able. With the 2013 improve- park near the motel and a we have obtained new zoning entry children’s play area sunsets on the lake. Last but
ments well underway, Nelson group of rental homes known from our township. The new probably to be purchased from not least, a restroom will be
is steering Waldameer toward as the Cottages at Presque zoning covers all the land we ProSlide the following year. found in the area.
an even brighter future with Isle. The plan also includes own and we are now zoned Our older three children’s “With all the above
the announcement of an ambi- a large wave pool slated to ‘Commercial Recreation.’ This pools will be eliminated and expansions, Waldameer Park
tious $20 million expansion open at Water World in 2014 permits Waldameer Park to in this section a new tower will will turn into a two-day visit
plan. and the eventual development do all the major expansion be built. Off of this tower at with plenty to do,” concluded
Kicking this off was of a five-acre wooded area at needed in a good amusement one level will be a four-person Nelson.
WINNIE

FAST FACTS
Continued from page 1
Park/Expansion
development experience. Construction will be
Lake Winnepesaukah, Chattanooga, Tenn./ New multi-million dollar
overseen by Aquatic Builders, Ltd. Chattanooga-
5-acre waterpark to open summer 2013 on the west side of the park
based CapitalMark Bank & Trust will finance the
property near the Cannon Ball roller coaster; entry to waterpark is in-
expansion.
cluded with amusement park admission
“The waterpark addition to Lake Winnie
represents a continued commitment to the guest
Features
experience that only a select few amusement
Adventure River; beach lagoon; flume body slides; enclosed tube slides;
parks have undertaken. We are pleased to assist
splash park for toddlers; covered and uncovered lounge seating; retail
them in their efforts to provide first-rate attrac-
and concessions and changing area with lockers
tions,” said Jim Dunn, vice president of Aquatic
Development Group.
Projected number of additional employees
Kenneth Dyer, CapitalMark’s Southeast
50-60 seasonal/100 temporary construction jobs
Tennessee president states, “We are proud to
be involved in this exciting addition to Lake
Investment
Winnepesaukah, which has forever been the mark
Financed by CapitalMark Bank & Trust
of family fun for Chattanooga and surrounding
areas. We are impressed with Lake Winnie’s pru-
Architect
dent management spanning multiple generations.
Christopher M. Jones Architects + Planners • Christopher Jones has been
CapitalMark excels as a partner to help our clients
the principal and owner of his own Architectural Design and Consulting
grow their businesses; thus, it gives us great satis-
Firm since 1998. His projects include the Rapids Waterpark in West Palm
faction to see Lake Winnie embark on this signifi-
Beach, Fla.; Cool Runnings Waterpark in Negril, Jamaica; Okeeheelee
cant and perfectly complimentary expansion.”
Park and Recreational Complex and numerous other projects.
Lake Winnepesaukah attracts hundreds of
thousands of visitors each year and is one of the
A key component of Lake largest employers in Catoosa County, Georgia. Master Planning, Design And Engineering
Winnepesaukah’s new The park expansion is expected to create more Aquatic Development Group (ADG)
waterpark is the lengthy than 100 temporary construction jobs and approx- •With more than 50 years of industry experience,
Adventure River, from imately 50-60 seasonal park jobs upon comple- ADG has designed, engineered and built
Aquatic Development tion. more than 100 waterparks in North America.
Group. Waterpark admission will be included in Lake
COURTESY Builder
Winnepesaukah’s admission price, and the water-
LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH / Aquatic Builders, Ltd. with local contractors
park will be accessible through the main park
AQUATIC DEV. GROUP
entrance.
November 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
Attendance records broken at largest EAS event ever
STORY: Andrew Mellor
[email protected]
Above, Roland Mack and
Ernst Burgbacher mark the
BERLIN, Germany — The
official opening of the Euro
2012 Euro Attractions Show
Attractions Show 2012 in
(EAS) took place in Berlin,
Berlin, accompanied by the
Germany, from October 9 –
IAAPA board of directors.
11, with the event recording
From left are Chip Cleary,
the largest number of exhibi-
Will Morey, Paul Noland
tors in its history in addition
(who takes over from Chip
to welcoming more visitors
Cleary as IAAPA President
than at any previous such
and CEO on January 1,
event.
2013), Rob Norris, Ernst
Held in the Messe Berlin,
Burgbacher, Roland Mack,
the leading trade show for the
Mario Mamon and Gerardo
theme park and attractions
Arteaga Cerda. At right,
industry in Europe brought
IAAPA Chairman Roland
together almost all the ma-
Mack welcomes attendees to
jor ride manufacturers from
EAS 2012. Far right, Moser’s
around Europe in addition to
Rides from Italy provided
many others from across the
one of the fully operational
world, while a wide range of
rides at the show. Bottom
other equipment and services
right, EAS 2012 was spread
was on offer from an equally
throughout a total of five
impressive selection of manu-
halls within the Messe Berlin.
facturers and suppliers. More
AT/ANDREW MELLOR
than 100 product and service
categories were represented eventually topping out at 367. (as before, this figure includes
by companies from over 100 This compares to 336 in 2011 all exhibiting staff, show visi-
different countries, providing and 260 in 2010, showing a tors and special guests). The
everything from roller coast- continued — and impressive total number of qualified buy-
ers and water rides, through — growth rate for what has ers rose to 5,770 (from 4,779 in
4D cinemas and ticketing sys- become a key event in the in- 2012).
tems to plush toys and slush dustry calendar, despite its And the continued growth
ice. proximity to the annual IAA- and success of the show was
Indeed, such was the de- PA Expo held in the U.S. reflected on the show floor.
mand for space on the show The total preliminary “We’ve been pleasantly
floor that IAAPA organizers number of attendees regis- surprised,” said Scott Snyder
added a fifth hall to EAS in tered for the show was also of Zebec Water Sports in Ohio.
the weeks leading up to the significantly up on last year’s “We’ve had a lot of activity
event, with the total num- event, with 8,131 registrants in and seen some serious buyers.
ber of exhibiting companies 2012 compared to 7,053 in 2011 4See EAS, page 8
IAAPA
BOOTH
2749
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2012
Exhibiting their collection John Wood and Fitz Otis at the booth of Sally Corporation Pictured on the Dynamic Attractions booth are (from left)
of tubes and rafts from U.S. showcase one of the company’s popular animated dark ride Manfred Meier of Kraftwerk and Dynamic Attractions’ Har-
company Zebec were Scott figures. old Hudson and Peter Schnabel.
and Noy Snyder.
AT/ANDREW MELLOR
(all photos)
EAS
Continued from page 7
We’ve seen some existing cus-
tomers and some new ones,
with visitors from Poland,
the U.K., Germany, Sweden,
Austria, France, Saudi Arabia,
Ghana and elsewhere. The
Always in the mood to show off for the camera, Jeff Pike of The S&S Worldwide team at EAS included (from left) Eckart
show here in Berlin is much
Great Coasters International shows off his Big Fun compact Schulz, Gerald Ryan, Kevin Rohwer and Cristiano Marchetti.
better than London.”
coaster model.
At Garmendale Engineer-
ing in the U.K., David Shelmer- side the trade show was a sig- EAS also witnessed the a much more elaborate official ogy and Federal Government
dine commented: “We’ve been nificant conference program holding of the fifth annual opening ceremony being held. Commissioner for SMEs and
run off our feet. On the first in addition to a host of spe- IAAPA Europe safety forum, Previously taking the form of Tourism. The ribbon cutting
day we didn’t stop all day and cial events. A two and a half along with an indoor play/ a short speech by the IAAPA followed, with Mack and
have been really pleased with day Institute for Attractions FEC conference day, while Chairman followed by a rib- Burgbacher being joined by
the response we’ve had.” Managers provided a “crash tours of local attractions, in- bon cutting ceremony, this other IAAPA officials for the
And it was a similar story course” in attractions manage- cluding the Tropical Islands year saw the occasion take on task.
for U.S. company S&S, where ment while some of the other, indoor waterpark and the a more theatrical note, with The first day closed with
Kevin Rohwer noted: “We’ve regular sessions covered top- Filmpark Babelsberg added entertainment on stage and an opening reception, akin to
seen some quality visitors ics such as social media, pric- further to the educational op- speeches from IAAPA Chair- that held at the IAAPA Expo
on the booth, such as a ma- ing and yield management, portunities on offer. man Roland Mack and special in the U.S., which was again
jor global group, an English emerging markets, managing Special events were also guest Ernst Burgbacher, Par- highlighted by live entertain-
group and others. I really en- guest complaints, Halloween a key part of the overall pro- liamentary State Secretary to ment and concluded with an
joy the shows in Europe.” holiday events and trends in gram at this year’s EAS, and the German Federal Minister impressive fireworks display.
As always, running along- F&B management. for the first time at the show, of Economics and Technol- A young professionals recep-
tion was also held on the same
Check out our evening.
Spectacular Rides - Park and Trailer Models
The second day of EAS be-
gan with a leadership break-
roller coasters! fast at which the leaders of
two of Europe’s largest theme
See us at IAAPA parks discussed the past, pres-
ent and future of their opera-
tions, along with their “green”
booth# 2847
strategies. IAAPA Chairman
Roland Mack, managing part-
ner of Germany’s Europa-
Park, and Francesco Aldecoa,
managing director of Port
Aventura in Spain, provided
attendees with fascinating in-
sights into each of these major
attractions.
Completing activities at
G i a n t w h e els 2 0 t o 8 0 m e t e r s New: Pegaasnuds a 1f6fo sredaatb, lmeore portable Pendulu1m2 manodd elolsop rides, tpatmhotot aesevn t2ni ys0Edi’1Atse 2 esS smoe tvwmooeuisentt rh to wptwfh ohnaepios ocu rhaptl haptphreor rrorenatveut tiG ndrdaeieatcrdyy--
tions. These included Heide
Technical Park North America sales: ITAL INTERNATIONAL LLC
Park Resort, Hansa-Park and
Via dell’Artigianato, 47 45037 Melara (RO) Italy 4117 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 103-358
Hagenbecks Tierpark.
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone] Nashville, TN 37215 - USA
The 2013 EAS will be held
e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
in Paris, France, from Septem-
Carlo Guglielmi: [email protected]
ber 18 – 20.
November 2012 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
New themed ride at BPB promises A Grand Day Out
STORY: Andrew Mellor The park’s design and en- represents a significant invest-
[email protected]
gineering teams are working ment in the park and we know
with creators Aardman on the the characters will be a huge
UNITED KINGDOM — ride which, utilizing several hit with the families who come
Blackpool Pleasure Beach of the daring pair’s adventure and visit Pleasure Beach.”
(BPB) in the U.K. will become stories, will take visitors on The Gold Mine ride had
home to two British icons in a trip through A Grand Day been one of BPB’s most popu-
2013 when a new Wallace and Out, a visit to the Wrong Trou- lar family rides for 40 years.
Gromit family ride opens in sers, on A Close Shave and A Built by Arrow Dynamics, it
place of one of the park’s most Matter of Loaf or Death. The opened in 1972 and featured
well-known attractions. experience will be almost four a host of scenes based on the
The popular pair will be minutes in duration and will Old West and prospecting for
the central characters in the take in dozens of well-loved gold, such as a mine shaft and
new Thrill-O-Matic ride which scenes from the Wallace and miners carrying out a variety
is currently under construc- Gromit films. of tasks. The coaster-like track
tion and will replace the Gold The riveting ride will pro- on which the mine train ve-
Mine dark ride which closed vide a fun packed experience hicles ran intermingled with
at the end of the 2011 season. for all the family, while an ac- other attractions including the
The new attraction, which rep- companying shop will enable The new Wallace and Gromit themed ride will take riders River Caves and the Magno-
resents an investment of £5.25 guests to take home suitably into the heart of some of the duo’s adventures. lia Café and the four minute
million, is set to open next themed merchandise. COURTESY BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH long adventure was an ideal
year and will feature all the Commenting on the new family dark ride which will be
best loved characters from the attraction, Blackpool Pleasure Amanda Thompson said: “We Wallace and Gromit to Plea- missed by many BPB patrons.
Wallace and Gromit films. Beach Managing Director are delighted to be welcoming sure Beach. Thrill-O-Matic
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2012
Legoland opens in Malaysia
STORY: Andrew Mellor other Legoland parks, are to
[email protected]
be found at this latest incar-
MALAYSIA — The first nation. Among these are the
Legoland park in Asia, and Big Shop, Driving School,
the sixth in the world, made visitors. An excellent infra- Boating School, Lego City
its debut on September 15 structure network will en- Rescue Academy, Dino Is-
when Legoland Malaysia able visitors from Singapore land water ride, Kid Power
was officially opened in the to arrive within 15 minutes Towers, Duplo Express,
heart of the Iskandar region. from the Tuas Second Link Observation Tower, The
The family theme park by road and 45 minutes Dragon and the Dragon’s
is owned by Themed At- from Changi Airport. Simi- Apprentice coasters, the
tractions and Resorts Sdn larly, the north-south high- Royal Joust, the Aquazone Above, Legoland Malaysia is the sixth Legoland park to be
Bhd (RAR), Iskandar Invest- way provides easy access Wave Racers and the Project opened around the world. Below, Siegfried Boerst, general
ment Berhad (IIB) and Mer- for local visitors. X coaster, to name but a few. manager of Legoland Malaysia, is shown here with the Lego-
lin Entertainments Group As is the case at its sister Siegfried Boerst, gen- land Express.
and is operated by Mer- parks, Legoland Malaysia eral manager of Legoland COURTESY LEGOLAND MALAYSIA
lin. Designed, as are all the is divided into a number of Malaysia, said: “Legoland
Legoland parks, for families themed areas. On arrival, Malaysia has been designed
with children aged two to 12 guests first enter The Be- to include the most popular
years old, it covers an area ginning, the entrance area, rides and attractions from
of 76-acres (31-hectares) and after which they can choose Legoland parks around the
features more than 40 inter- from Lego City, the re- world. It is a truly world
active rides, shows and at- nowned Miniland featuring class experience. But it is also
tractions. miniature reproductions of tailored to the local environ-
The park’s strategic lo- Malaysia’s landmarks and ment. Everything from food
cation at the centre of Ma- other Asian icons, Land of to landscaping caters to the
laysia’s rapidly developing Adventure, Imagination, local tastes and climate. Sep-
Iskandar region not only Lego Kingdom and Lego tember 15 is a landmark day
makes it accessible but also Technic. for everyone who’s worked
an attractive proposition to Familiar rides and at- to make Legoland possible
both local and international tractions, similar to those in here in Malaysia.”
Live at IAAPA 2012 Orlando:
NEW! World First
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