COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR NEW THEMED AREA TORNADO SPRINGS AT PAULTONS PARK

BY GABRIELLE

MK Themed Attractions, the award-winning theming experts, have been busy of late, preparing Paultons Park in Hampshire for its new Tornado Springs area.

The immersive themed area is due to open in May 2020.

Covering the 5000 sq. mt. area in paint and producing approximately 500 props, MK Themed Attractions has been gradually transforming the area from bricks and wall constructions to a heavy themed immersive experience designed to resemble American in the 1950s.

A principle element of the theming are tornados, which regularly hit the harsh environment and weather conditions of Tornados Springs.

James Mancey, operations director at Paultons Park, spoke about the progress on the new area. “We are really excited to finally see all the months of planning and preparation starting and come together and are very much looking forward to progressing on to the final part of the development.

“MK Themed Attractions is now here on site to add the attention to detail and quality of finish that will add the magic to bring Tornado Springs to life,” said Mancey.

As well as the transformation of the themed area, new rides are being installed in the park.

Casper Damkier, technical manager at MK Themed Attractions, commented: “We are at the moment installing props and theming for the indoor queuing areas including the new Spinning Coaster.

“It’s a great milestone of the project that we are finally able to start decorating the area after focusing on the artistic painting of the project,” Damkier added.

EUROPA-PARK OPENS ITS DOORS TO WINTER MAGIC

BY GABRIELLE

Europa-Park, the largest theme park in Germany, has opened its doors to its Winter Magic celebration. The theme park’s 15 European themed areas are now home to thousands of lights, baubles and a forest of snow-covered pine trees.

Guests can enjoy going on many of the park’s rollercoasters and attractions, including the new multimedia dark ride, Snorri Touren, which takes thrill-seekers on a mystical journey.

One highlight of the Portuguese themed area is the colourful Ferris wheel known as ‘Bellevue,’ which offers incredible views over the rest of the park. In the Spanish themed area, there is a wealth of striking ice sculptures, while in the Scandinavia area, guests can have fun on a large ice rink on the lake, where there is the opportunity for cross-country skiing and mini-ski bob.

In addition to the rides, guests can witness a fun-filled winter show programme. Around 300 artists from around the world have ascended on Europa Park to perform in the Winter Show. The Greek themed area is playing host to the Circus Revue, where artists, dressed in lavish costumes, perform on the ground and in the air. The park’s Ice Stadium is home to the ice show ‘Surpr’Ice with the Son of Santa Claus,’ where Father Christmas’s son attempts to steal the magic book from the golden vault.

Visitors can also tuck into many festive culinary delights and meander round the atmospheric Christmas market, where winter delicacies and other treasures from around the entire European continent are being sold.

Winter Magic is open every day from November 23, 2019 to January 6, 2020, except on December 24 – 25.

SLOTZILLA PARTNERS WITH MAGIC MEMORIES TO CREATE NEW CAPTURING EXPERIENCE

BY GABRIELLE

SlotZilla, the slot-inspired zipline attraction in Las Vegas, has teamed up with Magic Memories, specialists in creating personalised content for the attractions industry, to capture attraction-goers in full swing as they whizz down the zipline located above the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.

SlotZilla is the largest slot machine-inspired zipline attraction in the world. The popular attraction features many Las Vegas icons, including a martini glass, an oversized dice, pink flamingos and coins.

Working alongside Magic Memories, SlotZilla can provide guests with a variety of images and video content so they can fondly relive their zipline adventure like never before.

Dynamic images are captured on the Magic Memories’ Skycam experience, which is located at the entrance to the zipline entrance, while the company’s automated capture technology takes videos of guests throughout the ride.

Using new touchscreen kiosks, guests can have easy access to their fun-filled memories. The images can be stored and instantly shared on social media on mobile phones via the Magic Memories’ mobile platform, MyMemories.

Visitors can purchase additional ticket packages when going on SlotZilla, which include their digital photos, automated video products, or both.

Mike Weber, Magic Memories vice president of sales in North America, commented: “SlotZilla is a completely unique and thrilling attraction that allows guests to see downtown Las Vegas like never before. With so many great photo opportunities throughout the attraction, there was a clear opportunity to further enhance the customer experience to ensure guests get access to images and videos they wouldn’t be able to capture themselves.

“By thoroughly understanding Slotzilla’s goals for the guest experience, plus for the brand, we are able to create content that will really surprise and delight guests. Getting this mix right, along with new ticketing initiatives will enable much higher guest participation, increased sharing of the Slotzilla brand through social channels and the ability to create new revenue streams that we were previously unable to unlock,” Weber continued.

Patrick Hughes, president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience, said: “By partnering with Magic Memories, we will be able to provide keepsakes as unique as our attraction. We’re especially excited by MyMemories, the Magic Memories mobile platform, as it will allow our guests the chance to instantly share their experience with friends and family.”

DRAKEN IS COMING TO FURUVIK IN 2020

BY GABRIELLE

A new family rollercoaster known as Draken – the Dragon – is to open at Furuvik amusement park in Sweden in 2020.

The rollercoaster is manufactured by the German amusement ride manufacturer company, Zierer.

With a height restriction of just 95cm when accompanied with an adult, the whole family, young and old, will be able to enjoy Draken.

Designed for younger visitors as well as older ones, Draken will enable families visiting Furuvik to experience a fun ride together. As Nina Tano, CEO of Furuvik, commented: “We are so pleased to be able to present a brand new and beautiful roller coaster to our younger guests next year. The Draken will be a perfect addition for the families of children who visit our amusement park.”

Draken reaches a maximum speed of 30km/h, boasts a track length of 128 metres and a height of 4.5 metres. The ride has a capacity of 12 people, with six guests sitting in each train.

Furuvik’s new rollercoaster is set to open on May 16, 2020.

Asides Draken, Zierer has manufactured the Nyckelpigan family rollercoaster and the Lyktan ride at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, among other rides.

RAINFOREST-THEMED WATERPARK TO OPEN IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

BY GABRIELLE

Gamuda Land, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, has announced plans to open an 18-acre rainforest-themed waterpark in Selangor, Malaysia.

On November 21, 2019, a tree planting ceremony took place to mark the start of construction of the waterpark.

According to Gamuda Land, the waterpark will feature 18 water rides with special features, a 300-metre lazy river, simulated surfing, a twin surf beach pool with private cabanas, interactive waterplays, as well as stage performances and a four-star hotel.

Approximately 70% of the waterpark will be planted with tropical trees and shrubs.

Aaron Soo, director of leisure and hospitality at Gamuda Land, commented on the new site: “Most of the attractions we have selected will either be the world’s first, Asia’s first or Malaysia’s first, to be built and operated by Gamuda Land following The Global Association for the Attractions (IAAPA) safety standards.

“For example, there will be the first water ride with VR (virtual reality) and the first interactive slide in Malaysia,” said Soo.

A total of RM350m is to be invested into the rainforest-themed waterpark by the development company, RM90m of which will be spent on installation of the rides.

“We want to differentiate ourselves from others. Our strategy is to introduce rides that are currently not available on the market, so that we could be the leader,” Soo added.

The waterpark will be located at the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township in Selangor

CAVU DESIGNWERKS LAUNCHES INTELLIGENT TRACKLESS DARK RIDE VEHICLE

BY GABRIELLE

Media-based attractions specialist, CAVU Designwerks, has unveiled its intelligent trackless dark ride vehicle, the first of its kind in the industry.

The trackless vehicle features intelligent self-driving units, which are used in warehouse facilities in the manufacturing sector. CAVU’s self-driving vehicles (SDV) are intelligent, autonomous and can adapt to different environments.

With proprietary software technology built into each vehicle, the need for power cables, tracks and wire systems of the floor is eliminated. There is also no requirement for external infrastructure for navigation, show equipment integration, sets and other attraction vehicles. The SDVs are also able to identify objects in their path and navigate around them.

CAVU’s intelligent dark ride vehicles enable theme park operators to provide visitors with a dark ride experience that relies on significantly less infrastructure and space than other dark ride vehicles.

The vehicles are available to two models – standard and plus. With the standard model, a total of eight passengers can fit into the car, which can rotate 360 degrees, and move forwards and backwards. The plus model seats six passengers and is equipped with three DOF motion, with roll, heave and pitch. The plus vehicle also comes with up to ten onboard special effects.

Mark Stepanian, VP innovation and engineering for CAVU, spoke about the new intelligent vehicles for dark rides: “As an integrator, CAVU’s method of developing a new ride system is to take an existing proven technology and integrate that into our rides.

“CAVU is partnering with a leader in industrial robotics technology to use their proven autonomous self-driving platform as the base of our trackless dark ride vehicle,” Stepanian added.

CAVU’s self-driving vehicles were launched at the IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando.

DREAMWORKS’ ‘TROLLS’ TO TAKE PART IN UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD’S RUNNING UNIVERSAL RACE

BY GABRIELLE

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Running Universal Race in 2020 is to have some rather colourful and unusual looking participants joining the runners.

DreamWorks’ ‘Trolls’ are to take part in the 10K, 5K and Kids 1K races in the Running Universal Race.

Runners and their supporters will be entertained by the much-loved characters from the animated film from 2016, ahead of its sequel “Trolls World Tour.”

Amongst the crowds of runners will be Branch, Poppy, Guy Diamond, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Princess Fiona, Alex and King Julien, as well as Po and Tigress.

Participants in the races will receive a “Trolls” drawstring backpack, with a Running Universal t-shirt, and a finisher’s medal.

The race will finish at Universal CityWalk and a celebration ceremony will take place on the 5 Towers Stage.

The Running Universal Race is being held on Sunday April 26, 2020 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

SERVICE AND YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARDS RECOGNISE INDUSTRY TALENT AT IAAPA EXPO 2019

BY GABRIELLE

Recognising talent within the global amusement industry, the Service Award winners and the Young Professional of the Year Award winners were announced during the annual GM and Owners’ Breakfast at IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando.

The Service Awards honours individuals for their outstanding contributions to the worldwide attractions industry. Winners of this year’s IAAPA Service Award recipients were Greg O’Neill of Leisure and Amusement Services, Queensland, Australia, Geoff Chutter of WhiteWater in British Columbia, Canada and Ash Smart, ICAE, of Harbour Park in Littlehampton, UK.

Also honoured at this year’s IAAP Expo Orlando, during the Kickoff Event, was Hank Salemi, park president of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, who picked up a special Service Award.

The IAAPA Young Professional of the Year Award awards young members under the age of 35 who show a commitment to the global attractions industry through strong leadership, teamwork, and integrity.

Michael Browning, CEO and founder of Urban Air Adventure Park, in Dallas, Texas, was the recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award 2019.

TWO GLOBAL ATTRACTION INDUSTRY PIONEERS INDUCTED INTO IAAPA HALL OF FAME

BY GABRIELLE

Two global attractions industry legends have been inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame at the 2019 IAAPA Expo Orlando. Frederick “Fred” Langford and Alberto Zamperla were given the honour for the contributions they have made and what they have accomplished in the worldwide attractions industry.

Fred Langford is a designer and architect and is widely considered to be the creator of the modern-day waterslide. Throughout the industry, Fred’s work is recognised as being the ‘gold standard’ for waterslide design.

Langford was the first to use fibreglass in the construction of waterslides, which replaced concrete, an innovation which has become the foundation of elevated waterslides in waterparks across the globe. Another of Langford’s landmark innovations, was the creation of self-supporting beams, which allow waterslides to be longer, providing guests with an experience that resembles a rollercoaster ride.

Alberto Zamperla took over the Zamperla Company in 1994 and helped the family business grow from manufacturing around 50 rides a year, to more than 200. Alberto has also worked to bring international safety manufacturing standards to the company’s facility in China, while simultaneously significantly improving rider accessibility.

In 2014, Zamperla donated “Lori’s Magical Ride” to Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. The ride enables children with disabilities to experience a thrilling attraction. Alberto Zamperla has also worked to support the global attractions industry, serving as the founder and first chairman of the European Suppliers Association (EAASI), which later became the organisation that created the Euro Attractions Show, known today as IAAPA Expo Europe.

The IAAPA Hall of Fame was founded in 1990 as a means of honouring icons and innovators for their significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of the global attractions industry.

AMANDA THOMPSON OBE NAMED IAAPA 2020 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

BY GABRIELLE

Amanda Thompson OBE, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, has been named IAAPA’s 2020 Chairman of the Board of Directors. The announcement was made during the Kickoff Event at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Thompson has a lifetime of experience and knowledge within the industry. In 1896, Thompson’s great-grandfather, William Bean, established Blackpool Pleasure Beach. In 1931, her grandfather, Leonard Thompson, took over as leader of the amusement park, a role that her father Geoffrey oversaw from 1976 to 2004. From 2004 onwards, Amanda has been the iconic Pleasure Beach’s CEO.

Thompson’s appointment as IAAPA Chairman of the Board is historical in the sense she is the second member of the same family to have chaired the trade association, is the first female Chair from Europe and only the third woman in the IAAPA’s history.

In 1982, Thompson founded Stageworks Worldwide Productions, a subsidiary of Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ltd. that creates shows around the world. As well as being president of Stageworks, Thompson is producer and director of the Hot Ice Show in Blackpool.

The industry veteran has been an IAAPA member for decades and has chaired IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Regional Advisory Committee. She has also served as a member of IAAPA’s Executive Finance, Membership, and Entertainment Committees.

In 2012, Thompson received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honour for her services to tourism in 2012. She is also a Patron of Blackpool’s world-famous Grand Theatre and the Blackpool Civic Trust.