CARNIVAL MAGIC THEME PARK DUE TO OPEN IN PHUKET IN 2020

 BY GABRIELLE

Phuket FantaSea, the cultural theme park in Phuket, Thailand, is to open a new theme park called Carnival Magic.

Hailed as the world’s first Thai carnival theme park, Carnival Magic will extend across a staggering 40 acres.

The opening of Carnival Magic will coincide with Phuket FantaSea’s 20th anniversary. The attraction site is expected to cost $160 million and pull in more than 1 million tourists annually, bringing an annual revenue of at least THB 1P.5 billion.

Carnival Magic will feature four principle zones, the Bird of Paradise Restaurant, a buffet-style eatery, the Carnival Fun Fair, with themed shopping arcades, games, street dancing and family-friendly rides, the River Palace Theatre stadium, with a 2,000-person capacity, and the Kingdom of Lights, where the park’s gardens and landscapes are adorned with more than 40 million lights.

A luxury dining experience will be on offer at the River of Bliss Restaurant, which boasts a design inspired by the Loy Loy Krathong festival, a tradition Thai celebration.

Carnival Magic is due to open at Phuket FantaSea in early 2020.

TRIOTECH’S XD DARK RIDE CELEBRATES 40,000-PLAYER MILESTONE AT PINBALLZ ARCADE

 BY GABRIELLE

Triotech, the leading developer of media-based attractions, is celebrating the milestone of attracting 45,000 players onto its XD Dark Ride interactive theatre at the Pinballz Arcade in Austin, Texas.

The XD Dark Ride is an 8-seat attraction, which was installed at Pinballz Arcade in May 2017. The ride is centred on a unique competitive scoring system, which allows players to play against themselves or in groups.

In celebration of the milestone, the entertainment site has welcomed a new addition to it’s the XD Dark Ride’s movie selection, the Carnival.

Eric Beauregard, vice president of global sales at Triotech, spoke about the Carnival, stating:

“Carnival has enjoyed great success since we launched it last November. In only five months, already more than 77,000 players worldwide have experienced this thrilling adventure. It’s a great addition to Pinballz XD Dark Ride library, especially with the Halloween season coming.

“We’re committed to offering a new movie every year. We’re excited to reveal the new one at IAAPA Expo in Orlando in November!”

Darren Sophn, CEO of Pinballz, commented:

“We love working with Triotech, they are always responsive, their equipment is very reliable, and the XD Dark Ride has been a great investment. It is very popular amongst our visitors, people often want to replay to have a higher score than their friends, so we’re thrilled to be able to add Carnival to our movie selection.”

NEW RETAIL AND LEISURE RESORT PLANNED FOR COSTA DEL SOL

BY GABRIELLE

Intu, specialists in helping retailers and brands flourish, is planning to open a 2.5m sq. ft. retail and leisure centre on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

The 800-million-euro resort will be known as intu Costa del Sol and will feature theme park rides and attractions, as well as open-air skiing, an aquarium and hotels.

Combining retail, leisure and hospitality, intu Costa del Sol will be home to over 20 leisure activities, two hotels, 70-plus restaurants, a beach club, and a 5,000-person concert venue.

Located in Torremolinos in the Malaga province of southern Spain, the new resort will be made up of eight different areas, a year-round circus, extensive parks and gardens and the largest urban farm in Spain.

The go ahead for intu Costa del Sol was awarded in September 2019. Work will commence on the park in 2020, with opening scheduled for 2023.

Matthew Roberts, chief executive of intu, commented: “This significant milestone opens the door to the next stage of the project.”

“intu Costa del Sol will be a resort like no other, bringing together international brands and global visitors in an unforgettable location surrounded by the very best in entertainment and leisure.

“We are having positive discussions with brands eager to join the scheme, as well as potential partners to help bring the project to fruition,” Roberts added.

The leisure, retail and hospitality site is expected to attract more than 23 million visitors a year.

CHRISTIE LASER PROJECTORS HELP BRING ‘EL SUEÑO DE TOLEDO’ TO LIFE

BY GABRIELLE

Christie Digital Systems, a global visual and audio technologies company, has helped to bring ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ to life by equipping the stage show at Spain’s new Puy du Fou España historical theme park with 28 laser projections.

The historical theme park is currently under construction and is due to open in spring 2021. Locals have the chance to preview ‘El Sueño de Toledo’, a spectacular night-time show that relives more than 1,500 years of Spanish history.

Christie’s laser projectors are installed in the theme park’s three towers and light up the walls, buildings, bridges, churches, trees, rivers, windmills and stones, which make up the set that includes 1,400 sq. mt. of projection area.

The set took eight months to complete and creates a dramatic backdrop for iconic characters from Spain’s diverse history to appear on stage, including Reccared I, Alfonso VI, Alfonso X the Wise, Al Ma’mun, Isabella of Castile, as well as Christopher Columbus, Emperor Charles V, and Miguel de Cervantes.

The show lasts for 75 minutes and can accommodate an audience of 4,000. Dancing, battle scenes and performances are heightened by special effects, lighting, music, projects, water screens and fireworks.

Olivier Girard, technical director at Puy du Fou España, spoke about the collaboration with Christie. “Since 2009, Christie has been one of our main suppliers and at the current moment we have over 100 of the brand’s projectors, including models from the J Series, Boxer, GS and now, also, the HS Series,” said Girand.

“The choice was a foregone conclusion because our relationship with Christie is very solid and rewarding. We were also swayed by the fact that Christie has an office in Madrid – just one hour from Toledo – which offers us technical support at all times, thus guaranteeing us its unparalleled level of service,” Girand added.

AHOY THERE CAPTAIN! ‘YEAR OF THE PIRATE’ IS COMING TO LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT IN 2020

BY GABRIELLE

Pirate fans heading to Legoland Florida Resort in 2020 are in for a treat, as the theme park is planning a jam-packed  pirate season of pirate-themed event days, an all-new pirate water ski show, pirate fun at Legoland Water Park, and, of course, the grand opening of the Pirate Island Hotel.

The pirate-themed hotel is due to open on April 17. The hotel will feature 150 Lego-filled rooms, a heated pool, hundreds of Lego models, in-room Lego treasure hunts and memorable character experiences.

The Pirate Island Hotel will also be home to the Shipwreck Restaurant, offering family dining to guests.

The park’s new Pirate Water Ski Show Adventure is opening on April 18 and will be the only Legoland Resort water ski show in the world. This pirate adventure will feature skiing acrobatics, water stunts and many more surprises.

On the weekends of April 18 to 19, 25 to 26 and May 2 to 3, action-packed PirateFest events will be held, where wannabe pirates of all ages can learn to walk like a pirate, talk like a pirate and holiday like a pirate.

Visitors at these exclusive weekends will receive a ‘pirate passport’ and have the chance to meet pirate characters, experience resort-wide activities and tuck into a scurvy pirate brunch.

WORLD OF RIDES LAUNCHES THE BABY LADYBIRD TRAIN

BY GABRIELLE

World of Rides, a leading supplier to fairground operators and amusement parks, is to launch its new Baby Ladybird Train at the Farm and Holiday Parks Exhibition, which is taking place at the NEC on November 6 and 7, 2019.

The launch of the battery-operated Baby Ladybird Train is part of the amusement park supplier’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Unlike World of Rides’ existing battery rides, which are capable of seating either two children between the ages of 3 and 12, or a parent and child, Baby Labybird Trains are single seat rides.

While the supplier’s two children and parent and child rides are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the Baby Ladybird Trains are for indoor use only.

The Baby Ladybird Trains are designed for the 3 to 8-year-old market. Each train follows a pre-set track around vibrantly themed baseboards. The attraction comes with a colourful perimeter safety fence with an entrance gate and is fitted with sound effects, lights and a control unit.

Each train is also equipped with a 12v high-output, long-life battery and a 12v fully automated battery charger.

In the event of a child standing up, or if someone stands in front of the trains as they are still in motion, sensors fitted on the ride will automatically stop the attraction. An emergency stop/start button is also located to the rear of the train.

World of Rides’ Baby Ladybird Train attraction requires a footprint of just 3m x 4m, making it a realistic choice of attraction for indoor amusement sites of any size.

PARADROPVR CITY FLYER SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS MAPIC AWARD

BY GABRIELLE

The ParadropVR City Flyer, an innovative immersive attraction, has been shortlisted for the Best Leisure Concept in the 2019 MAPIC Awards.

The MAPIC Awards recognise and reward the most pioneering and best retailers and projects within the retail real estate industry.

The ParadropVR City Flyer was developed by Frontgrid Ltd, as a means of giving leading retail and leisure destinations a revenue and footfall increase, by proving them with a unique, fun and memorable shareworthy experience to guests.

The world’s first ParadropVR City Flyer attraction opened this year at King Power Mahanakhon in Bangkok in July. Taking visitors on an immersive journey flying over the most exciting cities in the world in a virtual reality game, the attraction has received outstanding feedback from visitors.

The MAPIC awards’ panel consists of leading experts from the retail real estate industry. The experts recently met in Paris to review entries and shortlist the finalists.

Talking about the decision to shortlist the ParadropVR City Flyer for the awards, Matt Wells, CEO of Frontgrid Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that ParadropVR City Flyer has been selected as a finalist for Leisure Concept of the Year in the 2019 MAPIC Awards. Our first installation at King Power Mahanakhon has been a resounding success, both in terms of guest satisfaction and initial results.”

“As a premium, interactive experience with great pulling power, ParadropVR City Flyer has huge potential to help leisure and retail destinations attract new visitors by offering a unique, innovative and highly shareable experience to guests. It’s great to see innovation in this sector being recognised – I hope the MAPIC judges and delegates vote for ParadropVR City Flyer when the final judging takes place!” Wells added.

Marc Begassat, managing director at King Power Mahanakhon, said: “We are truly delighted to be the first in the world to offer this unique experience at our iconic landmark destination.

“Mahanakhon SkyRides adds a new element of adventure and excitement that complements the range of premium leisure and retail activities at King Power Mahanakhon.”

EPIC UNIVERSE DUE TO OPEN AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT IN 2023

BY GABRIELLE

Epic Universe, the fourth theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, is set to open in 2023. The new site is designed to bring a another “level of experience” to visitors.

Epic universe will be situated adjacent to the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando. As well as an entertainment centre, the theme park will feature hotels, restaurants and shops.

Details about the themed areas at Epic Universe have yet to be revealed, but Universal has hinted that the park will enable guests to experience “beloved stories” within “vibrant lands.”

The new theme park is also expected to feature attractions based on the much-loved stories of The Secret Life of Pets and How to Train Your Dragon.

Rides related to Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are also dubbed to be featured at Epic Universe.

Talking about the inspiration behind the new site, Tom Williams, chairman and CEO for Universal Parks and Resorts, said: “Our vision for Epic Universe is historic.”

SILVERSTONE EXPERIENCE OFFICIALLY OPENS TO PUBLIC

BY GABRIELLE

The highly awaited Silverstone Experience has finally opened to the public in Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

The attraction was originally set to open in July 2020.

The £20 million Silverstone Experience involves fans of motorsport embarking on a 2.5-hour interactive journey through the history of the iconic motor racing track and British motor racing.

Set within a refurbished Second World War RAF hangar, located at the main entrance of the Silverstone Circuit, the attraction relives inspiring stories of human endeavours and motor racing rivalries through a series of interactive display, film and imagery.

Former British racing driver and winner of five Grand Prix, John Watson, alongside three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, visited the site ahead of the opening of the attraction.

Watson commented: “For me it’s a walk down memory lane, but if you look to the future generations it’s about education and inspiration.

“I first visited Silverstone as a spectator in 1966 and 53 years later it’s mind-blowing to see the growth and evolution,” Watson added.

Franchitti shares Watson’s enthusiasm for the Silverstone Experience, saying: “To see the cars, the race suits, helmets and paperwork is brilliant. I think this is going to inspire a new generation to really get involved in racing.”

Sally Reynolds, CEO of Silverstone Heritage Ltd, said: “My favourite part of the exhibition is the Tech Lab, where we have got lots of interactive exhibits that explain how to design a world-beating racing car or motorcycle.

“It explains how gears and engines work, what you need to do to make the fastest car and keep it safe – we even have our own wind tunnel!”

RAAPA EXPO AUTUMN 2019 ENJOYS A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

BY GABRIELLE

RAAPA Expo Autumn 2019 enjoys a successful year

This year’s RAAPA Expo Autumn was a success on all accounts. What was the 13th Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) event, took place on October 2 to October 4.

The exposition was held at the Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva (VDHKH), a permanent general-purpose trade show in Russia.

Around 100 companies from Russia, Belarus, Italy, China and Turkey attended the exhibition. Many well-known companies exhibited, including Polin Waterparks, Italpark, RIF, Avira, Eastern European Company, RAZAP, Air Palace, among others.

The theme of this year’s event was centred on the principle requirements of modern-day amusement parks. This covered a broad range of sub themes, including park attractions, game simulators, virtual reality, rope parks, slot machines, climbing walls, trampolines, shooting galleries, automation systems, waterparks, thematic design, vending equipment, access control devices, ride certification, personnel training, festival event organisation, and more.

More than 1,500 specialists within the theme park industry visited RAAPA Expo Autumn 2019 over the three days, keen to watch leading experts present educational training sessions and seminars on topical issues.

Such seminars included the ‘Amusement Park and Indoor Entertainment Centres Operations Management,’ which was moderated by Taras Buryak and Oleg Tagirov, and ‘Ways to Improve the Operational Performance of a Family Entertainment Centre: Modern Tool and Techniques,’ moderated by Pavel Timets and Pavel Kovsharov.

A key feature of the event was a discussion titled ‘Entertainment Business in the New Economic Conditions,’ which attracted a large number of attendees. The presentation saw the mayor of Lipetsk, Eygenia Uvarkina, present a program for the development of park in the city of Lipetsk.

Ride safety was also discussed in detail at the ‘Legal and Illegal Amusement Rides Supervision – How to Protect Your Business’ seminar, which was moderated by Vladimir Gnezdilov.

The 22nd ‘Amusement Rides and Entertainment Equipment RAAPA Expo 2020’ international exhibition is taking place from March 12 to March 14, 2020, at the VDNH in Moscow.