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Manufacturers optimistic for good IISF trade shoMary Wade Burnside

Amusement Today

EXHIBITOR LISTING ..PAGE 26

Bob’s Space Racers will be taking five mobile gametrailers to the InternationalIndependent Showmen’sFoundation Trade Show andExtravaganva, which will beheld Feb. 9-13 in Gibsonton,

Fla. If that seems optimistic fora product that often is the lastone a carnival patron will paymoney to play, then opera-tions manager Tony Cassata ishappy to own up to that. “We did IAAPA (theInternational Assn. ofAmusement Parks andAttractions) in Las Vegas thisyear, and believe it or not,we had one of the biggestshows we’ve ever had,” saidCassata of the Daytona Beach,Fla. amusement game man-

ufacturer. “We were caughtoff guard, which was a goodthing. So our activity over theholidays has been very busy.” While the economy might be a factor that will promptsome potential customers tokeep their wallets in theirpockets, Cassata believes thereare others who are seeing a brighter future. “To tell you the truth, a lotof people are saying, ‘We’retired of listening to this on the

TV and the radio. We’re goingforward with a new attitudefor 2010.’ I have park people

traveling and carnival peopletraveling. We sold a new piece,a double-decker water game,the Water Whopper.” Cassata admits that ifcustomers are playing games,then things must look up. “We’re at the bottom endof the totem pole,” he said.“People pay to get into thepark or the carnival, they payfor rides and they pay forfood. Games are the last itemon the list. But good operatorsare coming up with differentmerchandise to entice people

to play games, or they’re com-ing up with different bargains.If a game is $3, they are charg-ing two for $5 or whatever ittakes to get the person up tothe counter.” Victor Wisdom, presi-dent of Wisdom Rides, alsoexpressed optimism forthis year’s extravaganza atGibtown. “I would hope to do bet-ter this year,” he said. “Wealways hope for that. People

survived last year. Maybethey just barely survived, butthe sky didn’t fall in. I thinkpeople are more relaxed thana year ago. There was all thisgloom and doom throughoutthe country, not just in theindustry but everything. ButI think a lot of shows made itthrough.”

The Sterling, Colo.-basedcompany anticipates havingtwo rides at the show, a mon-ster truck kiddie ride and aCobra conversion. Last year,Wisdom had three rides atGibtown. “We’re looking forwardto seeing the customers wehaven’t seen in a while,”Wisdom said. Although the economywas a universal problem lastyear, many carnivals encoun-tered weather that some saywas worse than the financial

woes the country encoun-tered.“The weather was the

real problem,” Wisdom said.“Pretty much the people I talk-ed to that got good weatheroverall said they were as goodor better than the year before.The problem was, others hadmonths of tragic weather. Thatwas a serious problem forpeople throughout the year.But they did make it through.I think a lot of people are more

AT FILE P

Most manufacturers exhibiting at this year’s IISF

show, Feb. 9-13, believe business will be good and

the economy is showing signs of improving.

optimistic that it was a flukyyear as far as the weather.” Lisa Dominique, ownerof Miami-based Sippers ByDesign, also said that theeconomy can work in favor ofthe industry to which she pro-vides plastic drinkware andstadium cups with prints onthem. “I’m hoping it’s goingto get better this year,” saidDominique, who will havea booth at Gibtown with “a

lot of product,” includinalien sipper, cowboy and longneck yards.

“I think a lot of sttioners are going to mothe carnivals and festivaI think it’s going to pickDominique said. “Instepeople traveling and out of state, I think fairfestivals are going to be a lot better.” Carlo Guglielmi,

4See IISF, p


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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY February 2010

The second decade of the 21st cen-tury is upon us, and with it comes plentyof challenges. Chief among these is theweather, which has long been a concernand determining factor for outdoor enter-tainment operations. Old Man Winterhas been having his way these pastfew months with much of the northernhemisphere. Arctic blasts wreaked havocthroughout much of Europe, closing landmarkssuch as the Eiffel Tower and disrupting inter-national air traffic and commerce for extendedperiods.

Here in North America, it was much thesame story. One of the most brutal winters inmemory swept down from Canada, freezingall in its path and hampering everything fromtransportation to agriculture. Icicles danglingfrom Florida’s citrus trees along with gloves andheavy coats at Walt Disney World perfectly illus-trated these strange climatic events.

Despite the sustained adverse weather, theaffected amusement and theme parks had norecourse but to push on with the knowledge thatspringtime and its warmer weather will eventu-ally arrive.

While many areas of the U.S. are still brav-

ing the cold, snow and torrential several parks and traveling shows southern half of the lower 48 are tto prepare their facilities and equipfor a rapidly approaching season.

Fortunately, northern parksKennywood and Knoebels still hfew months to get things in order bthey open their 2010 attractions

several southern facilities are racing againclock to wrap it up. Among the parks intring major multi-million dollar roller coasteCarowinds and Kings Dominion. Construcrews battled the worst of nature’s wrath effort to complete their towering rides in rtime. Both Intimidator steel coasters (B&MIntamin-supplied respectively) are now plete and should begin testing by the timread this in preparation for their much apated late March/early April debuts.

Soon enough – hopefully – winterfinally bow to spring, and before we knsummer will be here. And that’s when thfun begins again.

Here’s to wishing everyone best of luca spectacular 2010 season!

Gary Slade

Founder and [email protected]

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A new season is at handScott Rutherford

Rutherford

The up and down roller coaster like ride that CypressGardens has been on the last several years appears to beheading into a non-stop full speed run, thanks to U.K.-basedMerlin Entertainments. The well respected theme park company announcedthat it had sealed the deal to purchased the WinterHaven, Fla. theme park and plans to rebrand the facility intoLegoland Florida for the 2011 season. Cypress Gardens firstopened on Jan. 2, 1936 featuring 8,000 varieties of plantsfrom more than 90 different countries. It was founded byDick Pope. All three elements of the property will remain,the theme park, the waterpark and most importantly thehistoric botanical gardens will give the Florida Legoland auniqueness that none of the other Legoland parks can ever

duplicate. While we are sure that Merlin will treat the gardenswith respect and manicure them into an even greater beautythan they have been before, Amusement Today urges Merlinto look at two other pieces of Florida history that must bekept in the new designs for the property. Cypress Gardens was built on the gardens. It wasalso built on the water ski show and the famous pyramid ofskies it became known for. The water ski show firstdebuted in 1943 in front of a crowd of military soldiers.Soon after, Cypress Gardens was named the “Water SkiCapital of the World.” Up until the last few years, the parkalso held the record for the world’s longest continuouslyrunning entertainment show. If the gardens are the heart ofCypress Gardens, then the ski show is it’s soul and must be

included for future generations, young and old, to enjoy. Another historical attraction that must be saved is theStarliner wooden roller coaster. Operating for more than41 years at the Miracle Strip Amusement Park in PanamaCity, Fla. this classic, but simple out-and-back, was movedto Cypress Gardens by then owner Kent Buescher where itthrilled guests once again. Florida is not known as a wood-en roller coaster state, but the Starliner is a woodie worthyof keeping and one that MANY age groups enjoy riding.

—Gary Slade

Cypress Gardens is saved, again


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February 2010 AMUSEMENT TODA

IISFContinued from page 1

manager of Nashville-basedItal International, also believesthe bad weather harmed car-nivals and amusement parksmore than the economy. “A lot of carnivals wererained out,” he said. “Theyneed to recuperate as much

money as they can.” Ital International willhave two booths at Gibtown,subletting one to ride manu-facturer Bertazzon. “They’ve been exhibiting with us therefor many years,” Guglielmisaid. Ital will not have rides atGibtown but instead photo-graphs, as well as a bumpercar and a carousel horse. Usedrides have gotten more interestfrom customers recently thannew ones, Guglielmi said. “Expectations are alwaysgood,” he added. “Let’s hopethey come true. We’re antici-pating more business for usedrides. It’s getting late for new.We might not be able to deliv-er early if the order is placedin February. For a major newride, it’s getting late.” Eli Bridge also will not betaking any rides to Gibtown.“We’ve pretty much been run-ning an indoor booth,” saidgeneral manager Tim Noland.“It’s been quite a while sincewe’ve taken an actual ridedown.” The manufacturer has seen

a bit of a slowdown, Nolandsaid, but he hopes that startsto get reversed. “I hope we have a goodturnout,” he said. “It’s hard toguess how people are doing.We’ve had mixed feedback.” Tom Chestnut of ChestnutIdentity Apparel sees businesson the upswing. “The economy has takena turn,” Chestnut said. “We’reoptimistic that things aregoing to continue to get bet-ter. It seems like things havepicked up.” Taking several piecesdown to Gibtown will beLen Soled of Somerville, N.J.- based-Rides-4-U, who plansto exhibit a Choco Cup ride,manufactured by SBF. Thisride has already been sold to A& P Enterprise Shows, Custer,Wis. He will exhibit a newSBF Puppy Love mini pirateship that has been purchased by Beauce Carnival, Quebec,Canada. He will bring twotrains, the Chopper Train

and the Hillbilly Train.Mike Featherston, Gold StarAmusements, Minneapolis,has purchased the Chopper. Ji mm y Ot te rb ac he r,Otterbacher Shows, Riverview,Fla., has bought the Hillbillytrain. Both trains are manufac-tured by VISA. In addition, Soled plansto have a large display of

the LED lights he offers. Thedisplay will include the LEDpackage he installed on theMulligan Wheel, owned byCorky Powers, Powers Great

American Midways, Corfu,N.Y.

“In addition, I will behosting a cocktail party from7-9 p.m., Thursday, during theGibtown show,” he said.

Teresa Rimes, the trea-surer/secretary of theInternational IndependentShowmen’s Assn., did not havepotential attendance numbers

for the event. Last year, about8,000 people attended.“We were very happy for

what we got with the econo-my,” she said.

In mid-January, Rimes didnot have numbers of exhibi-tors or rides, although shesaid at that point the IISF had90 contracts for the inside and50 for the outside. “That doesn’t really meananything because some com-panies have 19 booths andothers have only one,” shesaid.

As for the timing of theevent, it suits Dominiqueof Sippers By Design, whoexpressed that the new yearseems to make people more

willing to get down to ness. “It’s at a perfect timyear,” she said. “In Febeverybody is going outhe marketplace and vals are opening up. very good show whereget the buyers that are bright then and there. IAis great, but at that tim

year before Christmas, paren’t ready to make a sion. You’ve got to folloafter the holidays.”


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Compiled by Janice Witherow

Steve GormanWaldameer Park and Water World

To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Dri feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at [email protected] or (419) 357-3520.

A former mechanical engineer for

General Electric (GE), Steve Gormanfound his career taking an unexpectedturn to the amusement industry 15 yearsago, and he hasn’t looked back since.As president and general manager ofWaldameer Park in Erie, Pa., Steve is re-sponsible for all aspects of the park, andwith his relaxed approach, smart busi-ness sense and attention to detail, it’seasy to see why he’s had success. Steve is past-presidentof the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association and has

been a guest speaker for sessions ranging from the IAAPAExpo and NTSB to classroom talks and the FAA.

TitlePresident/General Manager.

Number of years with Waldameer Park

15 years.

Best thing about the industryProviding family fun to our guests, and the networkingamong the parks.

Favorite amusement rideThe Ravine Flyer II of course!

If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be …Still working as a mechanical engineer at GE.

Biggest challenge facing our industryGovernment, at all levels, hindering growth.

The thing I like most about amusement/water parkseason is …That it is a season! The non-operating months give youthe opportunity to recover, review, and plan for improve-ment. The last time I ate fast food was …Saturday after the IAAPA Expo. We went to the HooverDam and Boulder City and stopped at Taco Bell.

My all-time best vacation was …A four-week journey around the U.S. after college, beforeentering the real-world at GE.

My hidden talent is …Wood carving – although it’s still hidden because I don’tcarve enough! I’m also a serious Masters indoor trackcompetitor and placed 9th in my age group in both the400m and 800m races at last year’s U.S. Championship.

Favorite avor of ice creamMoose Tracks. But – put any ice cream over a warm

brownie and I’ll devour it.

Pick one: hot air balloon ride or deep sea divingEasy – Hot air balloon ride (still on my list to do), since Ihave a fear of big sh and sharks.

For me, the worst outdoor chore is …Cleaning up the dog poop in our yard.

The one thing I always seem to put off is …(See above answer!) – Cleaning up the dog poop in our yard.

On a typical Sunday morning, you can nd me …Running.

Coolest animal at the zooMonkeys, they’re fun to watch.

My “must-see” television show is …“24” – Jack Bauer is always running out of time.

I would best describe my kitchen as …The room where most activity occurs: homework, npaper reading, mail review, bill paying, and of coursdining. It’s also our dog’s room.

Three things I would pack on a camping tripMy pillow (I have a hard time with different pillowsrunning shoes and shorts, and my wife.

The book I would recommend everyone reading whave to be …“The Hobbit.”

If I was to join the circus, I would hands-down be A trapeze artist, wouldn’t that be fun?

The song that reminds me most of my life is …“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen.

Favorite sports teamBoston Red Sox.

I really love my …Wife Nancy, who is my best friend, and my three chi

Gorman

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INTERNATIONALPARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS

BRIEF More adventure coming to Europa-Park’s IcelanAndrew Mellor Amusement Today

Pro-Fun to manage Egyptian theme parAndrew Mellor

Amusement Today

PHOTO COURTESY EUROPA PARK

Europa-Park’s Iceland area will get a new water ride from

Mack Rides for the 2010 season.

PHOTO COURTESY PR

The main entrance to the new Suzanne Mubarak FPark in Cairo, Egypt, begins to take shape.

Germany’s Europa-Park isadding another large attrac-tion to its constantly expand-ing ride portfolio in 2010 withthe addition of a new fam-ily ride in the Iceland themedarea. The new WhaleAdventures – Splash Tourswater ride, to be built by MackRides, will take visitors bothyoung and old on what is

being described as “an excit-ing expedition” through thewaters around the volcanicisland of Iceland, encounter-ing whales and other sea crea-tures on the way. But, not sur-prisingly, there is a little moreto the ride than just that, witheach of the eight person boats

featuring eight water canenabling passengers towater at guests in other as well as spectators wataround the ride, who ca join in with a number of based water cannons t back at those on the boat Each vessel is themthe style of a whale wat boat and accommodatepassengers on each sidto 10 boats will be used oride, all of them equippedwater cannons, and the

rounding theming will an Icelandic fishing haEntry to the attraction be via the Icelandic buiAnd for guests who pto observe the action above, and avoid gettinga colourful lighthouse fe

ProFun ManagementGroup has been chosen bythe Heliopolis Association ofEgypt to provide operationalmanagement and strategicdirection for the new SuzanneMubarak Family Park in Cairo,Egypt. Currently under construc-tion in an area designated as“new Cairo,” the new park is being overseen by Egypt’s FirstLady, Her Excellency SuzanneMubarak, and will be the firstof its kind in the world thatfully combines both educa-tion-museum quality learningand interactive programs ina family entertainment theme

park garden setting. The new park, set withina 28 hectare (approximately 70

acres) site, will provide visi-tors with a unique educationaland entertainment experiencethrough learning, fun and par-ticipatory activities. Openingis planned for mid 2010 andthe park will be part of a hugenew residential and busi-ness community called “newCairo,” situated 20 minutesnorth of Cairo InternationalAirport. The experience providedin the park will target bothchildren and adults and willfeature a range of learningactivities and workshops inaddition to rides, live shows,

HIT Entertainment

enjoys continuing

global success

HIT Entertainment, oneof the world’s leading inde-pendent children’s entertain-ment producers and rightsowners, has enjoyed a stel-lar year across its attrac-tions business, with a seriesof successful launches andnew partnerships around theworld. Performance high-

lights include impressivevisitor numbers at ThomasLand, Drayton Manor Parkand at the newly openedThomas Land, Shin-Misato,as well as the recent dealsigning for Asia’s first LittleBig Club at the Family IndoorThemepark, Puteri Harbour. HIT Entertainment is fast becoming a key player amongthe world’s independent branded attractions licensors.The company’s three coreattractions’ properties com-prise Thomas Land, ThomasTown and The Little Big Club,all based around some of its

most popular and well lovedchildren’s brands. Terri Ruffley, V.P.live events & attractions,HIT Entertainment said,“Attractions are a significantpart of HIT Entertainment’s business plan and over thepast three seasons we have been developing a series ofcore products from our port-folio of well loved brands.Thomas Town, Thomas Landand the Little Big Club haveall proved to be highly suc-cessful attractions and look-ing ahead we plan to exploitthem further, working with

new partners in marketswhere our brands are alreadyloved."

4See EUROPA, p

4See PRO-FUN, page 6


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can be climbed for a bird’s eyeview. Iceland made its debutin the park in the spring of2009, which was highlighted by the opening of the Blue Firelaunch coaster.

For 2010, in addition to

the new water ride, a newGazprom themed world area,located next to the Blue Firecoaster, will be added. It willtake visitors on a journeythrough the world of energyto learn how energy is gener-ated, transported and used,with the Russian energy sup-plier also having been signedup as a new sponsor at thepark.

EUROPAContinued from page 5

attractions, merchandise andfood outlets. The park willalso host a variety of groupfunctions for schools, birth-days, meetings, exhibitionsand special events. Commenti ng onCalifornia-based ProFun’sselection, company Presidentand CEO David H. Schmittsaid: “We are extremelypleased to have been select-ed by Egypt’s HeliopolisAssociation as their choicefrom a worldwide search fora management and operationsgroup to open and manage

this very high profile project.The new park, or edu-tain-ment center as it is currentlyreferred to, is being overseen by Egypt’s First Lady, HerExcellency Suzanne Mubarak,and she is very active in allphases of the project activi-ties.” ProFun has formed aCairo-based operation, Pro-Fun Egypt Ltd., to work withthe Heliopolis Association toopen and manage the newpark and has appointed MikePatrick as Pro-Fun Egypt’sexecutive project director tomanage the park’s on-site, dayto day pre-opening tasks aswell as staffing and operationsrequirements.

PRO-FUNContinued from page 5

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Dreamworld marks Australian theme park ‘firsAndrew Mellor

Amusement Today

A new live show at theAustralian theme parkDreamworld has been enter-taining guests with a uniquemix of action, music and fun. For a four week peri-

od from December 26 to January 22, MTV Plugs IntoDreamworld – Summer Seriescombined some of the nation’smost recognizable faces to“mash” together the best ofMTV in a highly charged andentertaining live show whichwas part stunt show, part gameshow. Packed with “pumpedup music” and lots of fun, the30 minute show took the bestelements from the MTV chan-nel to a live theme park audi-ence, three times a day in theDreamworld studios.

MTV Networks Australiamanaging director Dave Sibleycommented that the new show“encapsulates all of the action,music and glamour you havecome to expect from MTV,all wrapped up in an amaz-ing live theatre-style show,”

while Dreamworld CEO NoelDempsey, commenting prior tothe opening of the show, said:“Every Dreamworld guestwill be entertained – fromBoomers to Gen Xers, Gen Ysand younger. It’s the union ofthe biggest youth brand in theworld with the biggest theme

park in the country.” A stunt team performedthroughout the show whiletying the action together on astunning stage set, and “drop-ping the most pumping tunes”at the same time, was a DJhost and a variety of Aussiecelebrity guests. Features ofthe show included extreme bike stunts, break dancing,crazy quiz show segments andhumorous pranks. And in a special count-down to 2010 event, NewYear’s Eve at Dreamworld

fused “rock with rides” whenthe park presented a line-upof a host of alternative bandsfor its Amped NYE specialover-18 event, at the sametime opening its usual arrayof white-knuckle rides.

PHOTO COURTESY DREAMW

Dreamworld MTV dancers dressed in killer boots an

nature bling, the face of MTV and one of the hottest y

presenters in the country. Ruby Rose, helped launc

new MTV Plugs into Dreamworld - Summer Series.

Red Star announces opening of new film proje Animation studio Red Star, based in Sheffield, England,has showcased its hugely suc-cessful 3-D animation in a pairof prestigious 4-D film projectswhich recently opened at two

major British visitor attractionvenues. In July, The BeatlesStory in Liverpool debutedFab 4-D , a 4-D film experi-ence that takes visitors on anexciting journey through themusic of the world’s biggest band, while in June, London’sScience Museum openedLegend of Apollo , an immersive4-D experience celebrating the40th anniversary of the Apollomoon landings.

Fab 4-D is the major attrac-tion at the newly opened

Beatles Story Pier Head inLiverpool. Following the suc-cess of the Beatles Story’s firstsite at the Albert Docks, TheBeatles Story Pier Head is asecond venue housed in thenew Mersey Ferries termi-nal building on Liverpool’sfamous waterfront. Fab 4-D is an immersivefilm experience in which visi-tors are seated in a speciallyconstructed theater to watch astereoscopic 3-D film that takesthem on a journey through theBeatles’ music of the world’s

biggest band. The expeis enhanced by imme4-D effects, with guests splashed with water asdive on the Yellow Submand smelling strawberr

Strawberry Fields. Thetheater itself was installsimulation and effects thspecialist Simworx. At the Science Muin London, Legend of Ais the inaugural film toin the new Force Fieldater. Currently celebrati100th anniversary, the SMuseum is world renofor its unrivalled collectspace artifacts and thetheater, installed by MetrEntertainment, providestors with a 3-D film expe

with the added dimens4-D special effects. The film follows the ature of the Apollo 15 mfrom take off to landing omoon and the exploring moon’s surface, culminatits triumphant return to Significantly, the film’s tecal consultant was DavScott, former commandthe Apollo 15 moon lanwho ensured the film rately depicted an astronexperience.

IMAGES COURTESY RED STAR

The Beatles and the Apollo 15 mission to the moon are

highlighted in two new immersive 4-D theater attractions

introduced this year in England by animation studio Red

Star.


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Park to become Legoland Florida

Merlin acquires historic Cypress Gardens Merlin Entertainments , based in the U.K., announcedon Jan. 21 a planned multi-mil-lion dollar investment in the biggest family tourist centerin the world with the plannedopening of Legoland Florida.

Merlin has purchased thehistoric Cypress Gardens inWinter Haven Florida fromproperty investment companyLand South Group and willopen Legoland Florida on thesite at the end of 2011. The deal to buy the 145-acre site includes the freeholdon the current theme park andwaterpark as well as an oper-ating lease in perpetuity onthe historic botanical gardens.Merlin plans a significant multi-million dollar investment overa number of years, up to and beyond opening, in what will

be the biggest Legoland themepark to date. In line with thegroup’s “resort” strategy forits theme parks this is likelyto include both accommoda-tions and the addition of fur-ther branded attractions fromthe Merlin portfolio. This will build on the $100 million thathas been invested over the lastfew years in improved infra-structure on the site.

A proven concept The Florida develop-ment will be Merlin’s sec-ond Legoland park in NorthAmerica and will play animportant role in the group’scontinued growth in the US.It will provide a full-day, yearround, theme park experiencegeared towards families withchildren between the ages oftwo and 12. Its design willmirror the successful conceptof the four existing Legolandparks in Denmark, Germany,U.K. and California. However,as with the other four, it willalso have its own unique“twist” reflecting its stunninglocation and its Florida heri-

tage. The decision to open aLegoland park in Florida fol-lows considerable researchin the area by Merlin over anumber of years. This indi-cated a high recognition of theLegoland park brand and a90-percent-plus intention tovisit by families in this tar-get market. The issue thereforehas been to find the ideal site.Cypress Gardens has long beena popular location for millionsof visitors. Merlin believesits central Florida location,

approximately 30 minutesfrom Orlando and also close toTampa, is the perfect site for aleisure brand as powerful andcompelling as Legoland.

The development fol-lows the outstanding success

of Legoland California whichopened in 1999. LegolandCalifornia was recently votedthe country’s best children’stheme park by AmusementToday for the sixth year run-ning. It is also recognizedas the fastest growing themepark in the U.S., enjoying anincrease in visitor numbersyear-on-year, including a six-percent increase in 2009.

Legoland Florida will bethe biggest Legoland park everopened and will offer a uniquemix of more than 50 rides,shows and attractions, includ-ing spectacular Lego modelsand other interactive elementsfor the whole family to enjoytogether.

The park is expected tocreate more than 1,000 new jobs by opening; as well as boosting the Florida economythrough the use of local con-tractors for development.

Nick Varney, chief execu-tive of Merlin Entertainments,said, “Legoland Florida will beone of the most exciting andimportant projects Merlin hasever developed. It is a unique

opportunity for us as Florida isthe biggest family tourist cen-ter in the world. We have beenlooking for the right site therefor some time and in WinterHaven we plan to create oneof the best and certainly most beautiful, theme parks in theworld. Legoland Californiahas already proven how muchU.S. families love the uniqueLegoland concept. Now we are bringing that fun and experi-ence to a much wider audience- the millions of U.S. and inter-national visitors who come to

Florida every year.” John Jakobsen, managingdirector of Merlin’s LegolandParks Operating Group, said,“Legoland parks are based onthe universally popular Legotoy products and offer fami-

lies the opportunity to let theirimaginations run free and become completely involved inLego experiences. A Legolandpark is the ultimate platform toshowcase the Lego values andthe endless possibilities of theLego idea. Legoland Floridawill add a completely unique,exciting dimension and expe-rience for families visiting thearea.”

Florida’s Governor, CharlieCrist, was pleased with theannouncement that Legolandwas coming to his state thatis known for its selection ofparks and attractions. “We are delighted at thisnews. We are extremely happythat the future of CypressGardens is secure. Legoland isone of the most exciting namesin family attractions and a wel-come new addition to Florida,”Crist said. Merlin did not releaseany details during the pressannouncement about the typesof rides that will be installed atthe park, but it is believed thatthe facility will have the typi-cal Lego-themed rides found

in its other properties.Rides-4-U and ItalInternational continue to listthe last of the rides that arefor sale from the CypressGardens property. See ride liston page 12. Merlin officials didnot release any details on thestatus of the historic Starlinerwooden roller coaster or theFlying Island. It was also unknown atpress time if Merlin plans tokeep the ever-popular water skishow as part of the Legolandentertainment package.

AT FILE PHOTO

Along with the gardens, Cypress Gardens was known for

its water ski show and their famous pyramid formation.

History of Cypress Garden Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Haven, Fla., opeon January 2, 1936, as a botanical garden planted by Dick

Julie Pope. Over the years, it became one of the biggest atttions in Florida, known for its water ski shows, lush gardand Southern Belle models. It became known as the “Water Ski Capital of the Wo

because many of the sport’s landmark firsts and oveworld records broken there. Numerous movies were filme

the park, including portions of This is Cinerama , the first ture filmed in the wide-screen format, and a string of EsWilliams films and TV specials in the 1950s and 1960s. Wtheir addition of a custom photography boat named MCover Girl in the early 1960s, the park became a popular for the filming of television commercials. Competition for guests increased after Walt Disney WResort opened nearby in 1971. In the early 1980s, the Poretired and transferred the park to their son, Dick Pope, Jr In the 1980s, book publisher Harcourt, Brace, Jovanopurchased the park along with SeaWorld, Circus World (rebuilt as Boardwalk & Baseball) and Stars Hall of Fame,sold most of the businesses to Anheuser-Busch in 1989. Bucontinued to operate Cypress Gardens until April 1, 1when a group of the park’s managers led by Bill Reyn

bought the property. Under president and CEO Reynolds, the park oper

until April 13, 2003, when it closed after a prolonged tourdecline following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attaImmediately the Friends of Cypress Gardens was foundedled by Burma Davis Posey. Within three and a half months,grass-roots effort raised $13.5 million and saved the park. On February 22, 2004, Adventure Parks Group, ow

by Kent Buescher, purchased the property and renameCypress Gardens Adventure Park. The purchase of the amment park portion of the Cypress Gardens property was of a larger conservation transaction. In that transaction,entire 150-acre site was purchased from its previous owFirst Gardens, L.C., by The Trust for Public Land, a naticonservation organization. TPL then sold a conservation ement over the entire property to the state of Florida, wPolk County, purchased the 30-acre gardens portion ofproperty, less the development rights conveyed in the seasement. Adventure Parks Group purchased the balanc

the property, also subject to the conservation easement. Buescher’s plan to reopen the park in September 2004delayed by damages created by hurricanes Charley, Franand Jeanne. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park finally opein November 2004. One of its new attractions, the TrHurricane roller coaster, was named for the tumultuous stseason. The adjacent Splash Island waterpark opened in 2 In September 2006, Adventure Parks Group filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the Florida site followapproximately $30 million in damages sustained by the 2hurricanes. Land South Adventures, a subsidiary of Mulberry, Flor

based Land South Holdings, purchased Cypress Gardens bankruptcy auction on October 16, 2007, for $16.9 million, ling Buescher as interim manager until Baker Leisure GrouOrlando, Florida, took over park operations in January 20 On November 10, 2008, Land South Holdings announ

the temporary closure of the park, which was shut doNovember 17 of that year. It reopened on March 28, 2009, wan expanded waterpark named Splash Island. The animhowever, were gone, and the rides did not operate or already been removed.

On September 23, 2009, owner Land South Holdings Lannounced that the park was closing immediately, saying all avenues to keep the park open had been explored but they were unable to find a way to “keep the park runninits traditional form.” The newest chapter in the park’s history was wrwhen it was announced on January 15, 2010, that the worsecond largest theme park and attraction operator U.K.-baMerlin Entertainments bought Cypress Gardens with intenuse the site for the fifth Legoland. Legoland Florida will dein 2011.


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10/32


AMUSEMENTMARKET PLACE

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Boondocks Fun Center recently expand-ed its use of VitalCAST digital signage toits newest facility in Kaysville, Utah. TexasDigital was once again chosen as the provid-er to deliver state-of-the-art information andentertainment to the facility, which offersminiature golf, bumper boats, two go-carttracks, laser tag, arcade, 20 lanes of bowlingand more. The Kaysville center opened inlate 2009. The Boondocks installation includesseven 47-inch vertical LCD screens: two atthe ticketing area, two at the bowling coun-ter and two at the snack bar, as well as oneat the bowling vestibule. Additionally, three47-inch vertical LCDs are in polished alumi-num freestanding LCD enclosures, one double-sided unit by the entry walkway and onesingle-sided unit by the restaurant entrance.Four 47-inch horizontal LCDs show enter-tainment content by the dining area. Allthe screens run Texas Digital’s VitalCASTsoftware, which allows pricing, imagery andother features on the displays to be updated

automatically and simultaneously with afew clicks of the mouse. “We loved the improved ability to com-municate with our guests that digital signagehas provided. It is a clean and dynamicmedium that has allowed us to get rid of

the messy signs that previously clutup our sales counters. In addition to ing our offerings up to date, digital make it possible to better recognize gr birthdays and other distinguished guethey arrive,” said Damon Day, vice dent of Boondocks Fun Center. “We VitalCAST because of the feature set,of use and customer support. We usdifferent digital signage application ipast that was not easy to use nor wadequately supported. This experiencgiven us an even greater appreciatioVitalCAST and Texas Digital’s approadigital signs.” This is Texas Digital’s second installat Boondocks Fun Centers; the first wDraper, Utah. Boondocks will expanddigital signage usage to another locatiColorado in 2010. “Texas Digital is pleased that BoondFun Center, named World’s Best FaEntertainment Center in 2007 by IAAPAselected our solution to drive their LCD

at another location,” said Dennis Davipresident and COO of Texas Digital. “Iwonderful opportunity to be a part ofimpressive facilities, and we look forwaworking with them on future projects.”

Boondocks FEC teams up with Texas Digi

Santa’s Village

Calif. theme park

creator J. Putnam

Henck dies at 91

J. Putnam Hencknative of Los Angwho spent his life inmountains and creaan iconic, winter-themSanta’s Village amument park that pre-daDisneyland, died Janat his Rimforest, Chome. He was 91. Henck and actress/singer wPamela Wright opeSanta’s Village in the Bernardino Mountaon Memorial D

1955, six weeks beDisneyland’s debThe park included Bumble Bee MonoWhirling Christmas TGingerbread House, Welcome House. park closed in 19though several of

buildings remain as was at least one of its nature 15-foot cancanes.

OBITUARY


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February 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY

Busch Gardens Tampa opening new Sesame Street are This spring, BuschGardens Tampa Bay wel-comes families to an all-new,Sesame Street-themed areafeaturing Elmo, Big Birdand all their friends. SesameStreet Safari of Fun will befilled with rides, shows andmemorable adventures thatcelebrate the spirit of Africaas Sesame Street and BuschGardens unite to create asignature attraction foundnowhere else.

“This new attraction isgoing to be unlike anythingfamilies have encountered

before, with unique African-inspired costumes for Elmo,Big Bird and their friends, andexciting adventures for fami-lies to share,” says DonnieMills, Busch Gardens’ execu-tive vice president and gen-eral manager. “With the addi-tion of Sesame Street Safariof Fun, Busch Gardens trulyhas something for all ages,and this new destination in

the park is certain to be a hitamong families and kids.” Sesame Street Safari ofFun is being created whereLand of the Dragons existed,and will double the area’scurrent size to 2.5 acres. Thenew section’s major attrac-tions will include: Air Grover,a Zierer junior roller coast-er; and Bert & Ernie’s WaterHole, a waterplay area filledwith bubblers, geysers, jets,dumping buckets and more.Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Mephotography studio giveskids the chance to share ahug and a smile with SesameStreet friends, and musicalperformances bring safaritales to life.

In addition to the ridesand play areas, guests willalso be able to watch theirfavorite characters on the

big screen. “Sesame Streetpresents Lights, Camera,Imagination!” will run in thepark’s 4-D theater, located

RENDERING COURTESY BUSCH GAR

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Land of the Dragons area will be replaced with Ses

Street Safari of Fun for the 2010 season. Air Grover, a Zierer junior coaster, and B

Ernie’s Water Hole, a waterplay area, are the anchor attractions.

in Timbuktu. The new 4-Dmovie brings Sesame StreetMuppets’ adventures to lifewith zany 3-D gags and spe-

cial effects like wind, waterand other surprises.

Families will be able toshare breakfast and lunch

with Elmo and his frienselect days at an outdooing facility adjacent to SeStreet Safari of Fun.


12/32


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CLM acquires inspector training program CLM Entertainment recently announcedthat it had acquired the Certified RiskEvaluator (CRE) Program from GlynnBarclay & Associates (GBA). The CRE pro-gram was created by GBA in 1989 as atraining program for individuals to con-duct inspections of amusement facilities forinsurance companies. Since that time, GBA

has certified hundreds of individuals withthe CRE program. The program has a prov-en record of success over the past 20 yearsand a CRE is also an approved inspector inseveral states. “The CRE program has undergone acomplete overhaul” said Alan Ramsay, pres-ident / CEO of CLM Entertainment. “Inaddition, the 40-hour program is in its finalstages of accreditation by a university inorder that attendees can obtain CEU’s.” Theprogram was previously accredited by OldDominion University when GBA conductedthe CRE program. The CRE program is comprised of a corecurriculum focusing on items such as basic

Risk Management terminology, National FireProtection Standards, (NFPA), OccupationalSafety & Health Administration (OSHA)Codes and general related knowledge onelectricity, physics, hydraulics and more. “One of the unique features of the re-done program is that there are over 15 elec-tive modules that someone can take after

they have completed the core program. Withthe CRE needing so much information to doan effective job, the modules are a perfectway to dedicate the appropriate amount oftime to study each specialty” said Ramsay.Some module topics include amusementrides and devices with a heavy focus onASTM F24 Standards, water parks, FECs,

Ski / Snow tubing facilities and a dozenmore. Ramsay noted that the industry haschanged dramatically over the last decadeand CLM Entertainment is proud to bring aprogram to the amusement industry that has

been proven to improve safety and reducelosses to facilities and insurance companies.“While there are other wonderful and alsovery successful certification programs suchas the National Association of AmusementRide Safety Officials (NAARSO) AmusementRide Inspector, our program goes severalsteps further.” CLM Entertainment is finalizing thecourse materials and will be conducting

its first CRE certification program in earlyspring of 2010. “Glynn Barclay and GBA was aheadof its time when this program was created20 years ago and now CLM Entertainmentis proud to continue its success and mak-ing our already safe industry even safer,“Ramsay concluded.

Kennywood coaster named

Kennywood’s new Premier Rides-designed Sky Rocke

use LSM technology to launch riders from 0 to 50 m

in three seconds. The 2,100-foot-long compact co

is being constructed on the site of the park’s fo

Turnpike ride and will open this spring.

RENDERINGS COURTESY

KENNYWOOD


13/32


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15/32



WATERPARKSAQUATIC CENTERS INDOOR FACILITIES RESORTS SUPPLIERSREVENUE

BRIEF

HAVE WATERPARKS NEWS OF INTEREST? EMAIL IT TO US AT: [email protected]

Legoland California to add new waterpark, sho The earliest glimpse ofthe world’s first Lego-themedwaterpark was unveiled Jan. 8to media and invited guests atLegoland California Resort’sannual press conference. Athree-story banner featur-ing an artist’s rendering ofLegoland Water Park wasraised during a presentation by Resort General ManagerPeter Ronchetti who revealedWater Park details as well as business results for 2009 andplans to launch “A Clutch

Powers 4-D Adventure.” “2009 was a record yearhere at Legoland CaliforniaResort,” said Ronchetti dur-ing the press conference.“We celebrated the park’stenth birthday on March 20and launched a brand newBob the Builder 4-D movie.The Inauguration scene inMiniland U.S.A. made head-lines around the world andour new Dune Raiders slideattraction added a fun newelement to Land of Adventure.And over at Sea Life, we addedSharks Revealed – a great newexhibit teaching kids all aboutthe life cycle and evolution ofsharks.” Ronchetti continued,“Many theme parks acrossthe country have reported dif-ficult trading and necessarycost control actions as a resultof the challenging economicclimate over recent months.So we feel very fortunate withall of the expansion here atLegoland California Resort, to be able to report that our atten-dance continues to grow.” Ronchetti reported that

2009 marked six years of con-tinuous growth for LegolandCalifornia with a six percentgrowth in attendance over2008. He also reported guestsatisfaction ratings in the highnineties, a statistic rarely heardin the amusement park indus-try. The 2009 season was alsothe first full year of opera-tion for Sea Life Carlsbad, theaquarium located next doorto Legoland California. The

Aquarium welcomed sever-al hundred thousand guestsmaking it the third highestattended Sea Life Aquarium ofthe 29 Sea Life centers world-wide. “Legoland CaliforniaResort expects continued suc-cess in 2010 with the invest-ment of more than $15 mil-lion dollars into the resort,”said Ronchetti as he describedplans for Legoland Water Parkand “A Clutch Powers 4-DAdventure.”

The 5.5-acre LegolandWater Park opens in June2010 and will be located atthe north end of LegolandCalifornia behind Fun Town.The entrance will be located between the Factory Tour andthe Adventurer’s Club. Gearedfor families with children ages2–12, Legoland Water Parkfeatures a six-person raft slide,single-person tube slides, bodyslides, a lazy river and hands-on toddler areas. At press time, suppliersto the new waterpark had not been announced. “Legoland Water Parkwill be lots of fun, construc-tive play including slides,Lego friends and, the feature Iam personally the most excit-ed about – the Build-a-Raftconcept where kids custom-ize their own raft made ofsoft Lego bricks before float-ing down a lazy river,” saidRonchetti. Bill Vollbrecht, mastermodel builder-turned proj-ect designer for LegolandCalifornia also spoke duringthe event. Vollbrecht, who is

the lead designer for the WaterPark, built a Lego model asinspiration for the Water Parkdesign. Vollbrecht unveiledthat original model during thepress conference as well. “When designing theworld’s first Lego themedwaterpark, what better wayto start than to take it froma child’s perspective,” saidVollbrecht. “Imagine a child beginning to build a fun Legotower that they could actually

play inside with their fam-ily. They would dump out a bucket of bricks of every colorand combination, and createa fantastic, imagination-filledworld. And that’s exactly whatI was able to create beginningwith these Lego models weare showing you today.” Legoland Californiaguests will be able to upgradetheir park tickets to include

Legoland Water Park for just$10. The Water Park will also be included in the price ofWater Park Hopper tickets andResort Hopper tickets whichinclude Sea Life Aquarium aswell. Water Park admissionwill also be included in ResortMemberships. Just in time for SpringBreak, “A Clutch Powers 4-DAdventure”premieres Mar. 19.Clutch Powers is a brand newcharacter from Lego and is the

best builder and explothe Lego universe. The crworld of Lego comes to this 10-minute show featamazing 3-D effects comwith rain, wind and a Lego monster for an apacked and fun 4-D adverunning daily in Lego Place. Ryan McPartlin,plays Dr. Awesome on N“Chuck” is the voice of C

Powers.“Lego Racers 4-D” w

opened in 2002, will being to accommodate CPowers. “Bob the Buand the Roller Coaster”“Spellbreaker 4-D” willtinue to run daily in Show Place. Additionally, LegCalifornia Resort is laing a new Web site: wLegolandWaterPark.com

PHOTO COURTESY LEGOLAND CALIFO

Artist’s rendering of the new Legoland Water Parkrently under construction at Legoland California. Th

acre facility, which is geared toward visitors 2-12 y

old, opens in June 2010.

Great Wolf Resorts

reaches agreement

for new Great Wolf

Lodge in Pittsburgh

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.,announced that it has signeda letter of intent relatedto the proposed develop-ment of a Great Wolf Lodgeresort adjacent to TheGalleria at Pittsburgh Millsin Tarentum, Pa., outside ofPittsburgh. The resort will be developed by ZamiasServices, Inc. Great Wolf Resorts willreceive license fees for useof the Great Wolf Lodge brand name and otherintellectual property atthe resort, and will receivemanagement fees to operatethe resort on behalf of theowner. It will also adviseon certain development-related matters. The resortwill be owned by a joint-venture, with the companyreceiving a small minority

equity interest for its devel-opment-related services.The Pittsburgh resort will be the company’s third thatit manages and in which itdoes not have a majorityownership interest. “As part of the com-pany’s long-term strategyto pursue license-and-man-agement transactions, weare very excited about thedevelopment of a new GreatWolf Lodge resort whichwill be connected to TheGalleria at Pittsburgh Mills.The resort will provide thearea’s many residents adistinctive and memorableyear-round vacation experi-ence,” said Kim Schaefer,chief executive officer.“Great Wolf Lodge is a lead-ing family entertainment brand, and we believe thereare numerous opportunitiessuch as this to leverage our brand, business model andexpertise.”


16/32


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18/32


WATERPARKSMARKET PLACE

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ProSlide Topsy-Turvy going to Aquati SeaWorld’s Aquaticawaterpark is adding its firstattraction since it openedalmost two years ago. The“Omaka Rocka,” whichtranslates to “rocking river,”is ProSlide’s innovativenew Topsy-Turvy Surprise

Adventure two-seat tubingride.

Omaka Rocka will featuretwo slides with three open fun-nels on each that let enoughlight in so that riders can seethe next thrilling twist andturn. Riders travel in two-seattubes through enclosed sec-tions before dropping into eachfunnel that replicate the half-pipe experience of extremesports. They will experiencenear weightlessness as theygo up one side and back downthe funnel before going into

the dark enclosed sections andinto the next funnel. Aquatica is a one-of-a-

kind waterpark that could onlycome from SeaWorld. Inspired by a whimsical take on theSouth Seas, Aquatica immers-

es guests in the playfulness ofthe sea, taking them in, overand under the water with the

world’s most unique rides and animal encouAquatica mixes animal riences, waters from sere

extreme, high speed wslide thrills and wide, s beaches.

PHOTO COURTESY AQU

SeaWorld’s Aquatica waterpark is constructing the wo

first Topsy-Turvy Surprise Adventure from ProSlide

new attraction is slated to open in March.

Raging Waters San Dimas addin

Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror Raging Waters in SanDimas, Calf. will be the nextPalace Entertainment prop-erty to install Dr. Von Dark’sTunnel of Terror attraction.Both New York’s Splish Splashand North Carolina’s Wet’n

Wild Emerald Pointe debutedthe ride in 2009. At the heart of RagingWater’s newest slide is ahighly-themed TantrumTwistfrom Canada’s ProSlideTechnologies. As with the other two ver-sions that opened last season,the adventure begins at thelaboratory of the sinister Dr.Von Dark. Two test subjects board a special “whirly tube”facing in opposite directionsthat force the tube to spinwhile it slides.

Without warning, theyplunge into total darkness anddown a 40-foot drop. Ridersaccelerate at lightning speedthrough a pitch-dark tunnel,when out of nowhere the bot-tom of the ride completelydrops out. Careening wildly,the tubes are propelled backand forth up the steep bankedsides while spinning the wholetime. With a watery blast, theyenter the upper hemisphereof the fully enclosed TornadoFunnel and are catapultedthrough back-to-back “verti-

PHOTO COURTESY RAGING W

Raging Water’s Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror i

west coast’s first example of a ProSlide’s highly-the

TantrumTwist waterslide. Two units made their d

last year at Palace Entertainments’ Wet ’n’ Wild Em

Pointe and Splish Splash waterparks.

cal” banks, spinning two com-plete 360 rotations while beingheld by the tornado’s power-ful centrifugal force. Ridersare then jettisoned down themouth of the funnel, down

towards the certain doomis projected on a special ewater curtain completelyering the only escape rou •www.ragingwaters

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19/32



BUSINESSREVENUE PEOPLE RESORTS AIMS INTL. SUPPLIERS

BRIEFInternational Bowling Campus opens in Arlington, Tex For the first time in the5,000-year history of thesport, the bowling indus-try will be united under oneroof with the grand openingof the International BowlingCampus (IBC) in Arlington,Texas, an unprecedentedevent in sports history. TheIBC, located at 621 Six FlagsDrive, is in close proximityto the new Dallas CowboysStadium, the Rangers Ballparkand Six Flags Over Texas. The100,000-plus square-foot IBCcomplex will house more than200 employees. On Jan. 25, thecampus opened its doors witha historic ribbon-cutting cere-mony attended by a gatheringof national and local celebri-ties.

The campus will serve ashome to the new and expand-ed International BowlingMuseum and Hall of Fame.The state-of-the-art museumwill feature interactive dis-plays and exhibits along withrare, one-of-a-kind items fromthe various eras dating backto 3,200 B.C. The IBC will

also house the InternationalTraining and Research Center(ITRC) and an expansive proshop making it the premier proshop of the bowling industry.Additionally, the IBC will actas the central operating facili-ty for the Bowling Proprietors’Association of America (BPAA)and the United States BowlingCongress (USBC). “The InternationalBowling Campus marks a firstin sports and its impact on the bowling industry simply can-not be understated. Bringingtogether all of the leadingentities in bowling under asingle roof is a tremendous

step forward in uniting andstrengthening our industry,”said Steve Johnson, executivedirector of the BPAA. “With

already more than 69.3 mil-lion bowlers in the U.S. alone,the opening of the IBC sets thestage for a new era of growthfor bowling and signifies theincredible worldwide resur-gence in popularity that bowl-ing has seen in recent years.” “The grand opening ofthe International BowlingCampus is a historic eventthat ushers in a thrilling newera for bowling. Through thecreation of the IBC, whichincludes the first InternationalTraining and Research Center,we have a world-class facil-ity that enables us to offertremendous resources to help

enhance the sport of bowlingacross all levels of play,” saidStu Upson, executive directorof the USBC. “Additionally,

working side-by-side with theBPAA will further enable usto enhance and strengthen thesport of bowling on a locallevel.”

In addition to the BPAAand USBC, the InternationalBowling Campus willinclude:

•International BowlingMuseum and Hall of Fame– formerly located in St.Louis, Mo., the InternationalBowling Museum and Hallof Fame collects, preservesand displays the 5,000-yearhistory that has lead to thesport of bowling’s worldwidesuccess. In addition to outlin-

ing the history of bowthe completely interactivcentury International BoMuseum and Hall of will focus on the conterary era of the sport, spcally its youth programinternational competitiomuseum will also housCelebrity Hall of Fame eit, including inductees Swann, Jerome Bettis andCandiotti. Custom boindustry merchandise branded memorabilia wavailable at “Spare Parunique concept in mustores. •International Traand Research Center (– A United States OlyCommittee-recognized ing center, the ITRC willas a world-class trainingity for professional andteur bowlers, and will in20 lanes for training, restesting and television bcasts (of the 20 lanes, six be used exclusively to tecertify bowling equipprior to worldwide dis

tion, replicating all lane ctions). The center’s resarea will include cuttingtools such as a roboticthrower, a computerizetracking system and a of-the-art biomechanics age designed to analyze a bowling movements anequipment. The center wthe training home for USA, Junior Team USA, national teams, numeroulege and high school and elite coaches. The campus also be home to International Bow

Morey's Piers

featured in newly

released book

In honor of the piers'40th anniversary, A Wild Ride – The Story of Morey's Piers,Planet Earth's Greatest SeasideAmusement Park is a newlarge-format book that chron-icles the origins of the MoreyFamily empire on the New Jersey shore as it grew from asingle gravity slide concession

to its status today as one of thegreatest family-owned amuse-ment operations anywhere. Written by Jack Wrightof Cape May-based Exit ZeroPublishing, with heavy inputfrom the Morey Organizationitself, A Wild Ride is a heart-felt examination of the upsand downs of Morey's Piers.Included in the text are fea-tures on many of the rides andattractions that helped distin-guish Morey's Piers from thecompetition. Sporting 192 pages sepa-rated into 12 chapters withattention-grabbing names

like Monster Attractions andTacky and Proud Of It, A WildRide is packed with a wonder-ful collection of black & whiteand color images that effec-tively capture the inceptionand evolution of the Moreyempire.

"This book is a celebra-tion of our history and ourfounders’ vision," said MoreyExecutive Vice President, JackMorey.

A Wild Ride can be pur-chased at the new MoreyStore, located on Morey’sPiers, for $19.95 plus tax. Formore information contact

Lindsey Young at (609) 846-1065.

PHOTO COURTESY BPAA

Arlington, Texas is the new home of the International

Training and Research Center for bowling as well as the

International Museum and Hall of Fame. The 100,000-plus

square-foot Bowling Campus opened on Jan. 25.

4See BOWLING, pag


20/32


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EMAIL NEWS BRIEFS TO: GSLADEAMUSEMENTTODAY.COM

Stock Prices 52 weeksCompany Name 01/19/10 High Low

BRYAN T. POPE Attorney at Law

Defending the amusement industry for over 25 years

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Cedar Fair L.P. FUN $11.94 $13.97 $5

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CBS Corp. CBS $13.43 $14.56 $3

Walt Disney Co. DIS $31.01 $32.75 $15

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. WOLF** $2.42 $3.95 $1

Landry’s Restaurants LNY $21.30 $22.19 $3

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NBC Universal GE $16.54 $17.52 $5

BOWLING Continued from page 20

Pro Shop and InstructorsAssociation (IBPSIA), theSchool for Bowling CenterManagement, the Billiardand Bowling Institute ofAmerica (BBIA), BowlingNews Network (BNN), StrikeTen Entertainment (STE),Bowling Writers’ Associationof America (BWAA) and TheBowling Foundation. “The new facility will bring events such as the BPAABowling Summit, InternationalBowl Expo in 2011 and numer-ous nationally televised bowl-ing competitions, which willenhance Arlington’s reputa-tion as a leading Southwestern

tourism destination,” saidDr. Robert Cluck, mayor ofArlington. The grand opening eventswere held in conjunction withthe BPAA’s Bowling Summit,which was attended by pro-prietors representing thou-sands of bowling centers fromacross the U.S. as well as theindustry’s leading manufac-turers and suppliers.

•www.international bowl-ingcampus.com.

Sue Nichols joins Chestnut as sales rep Sue Nichols has joined Chestnut IdentityApparel, Inc. as an East Coast sales representativeas of January 2010. Chestnut Identity Apparelprovides uniforms for amusement parks, carnivals,fairs and concessionaires through its www.amuse-mentline.com division. Nichols will continue her duties as an adver-tising sales representative for Amusement Today

and is a noted artist specializing in amusementpark, carnival and fair artwork and merchandise via her Web site:www.5centride.com. Prior to joining the Amusement Today ad sales team in 2004,Nichols worked for Amusement Business magazine for many years.She began her career in the amusement industry in 1981 withNational Ticket Company.

Terrie Zajo promoted to GM spot at Great Wolf Mason Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., announced that Terrie M. Zajo has beenpromoted to general manager of Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island inMason, Ohio.

Zajo is responsible for the successful daily operation and man-agement of the 401, all-suite Great Wolf Lodge and its more than 450team members. She brings over 25 years of experience in the enter-tainment industry to her new position.

Zajo began her career with Great Wolf Lodge as the assistant

general manager when the resort opened in 2006. She is on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Warren and ClintonCounties, Great Wolf Resorts’ charity of choice. She is also on the

board of directors for the Warren County Convention and VisitorsBureau.

Prior to joining Great Wolf Lodge, Zajo was employed byParamount’s Kings Island for 22 years. Most recently, she servedas vice president of resale where she was responsible for all in parkspending in the departments of F&B, retail, games and attractions.Zajo holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Cincinnati.

Previously, Patrick Alvarez was the general manager of GreatWolf Lodge in Mason. Alvarez now serves as general managerfor the company’s Great Wolf Lodge resort located in the PoconoMountains, Pennsylvania.

Space Center Houston fills two key positions Space Center Houston, The official visitors center for Johnson

Space Center has named Melanie Johnson , as direc-tor of education and Richard H. “Dick” Sanger asdirector of development. Dr. Johnson received her Bachelor’s degree inInternational Trade/French from Auburn University,a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management fromthe University of Houston and a Doctoral degree inEducation from Texas Southern University.

“We are excited about having Dr. Johnson’sexperience in these relevant areas to support thegoals of Space Center Houston and NASA’s JohnsonSpace Center”, states Richard Allen, president andCEO of Space Center Houston. Dr. Johnson comes to Space Center Houstonfrom serving as faculty development director forthe Art Institute of Houston.

Richard H. “Dick” Sanger joins Space Center

Houston as director of development. Locatedin Houston since 1990, he was the co-founder and CEO of ABTManagement, Inc. and most recently, served as vice president ofadministration and corporate/board secretary for Eagle Broadband.As an independent contractor, Dick has been working on specialprojects with Space Center Houston over the past few months. Richard Allen said, “I am excited about adding Dick to our staff.His experience will serve him well in his new position where he will

be responsible for the development of new sources of funds, workingto grow the size of the Board and add committees to help develop-ment of Space Center Houston’s important mission.” Sanger has been an active member of Bay Area HoustonEconomic Partnership and has been chairman of their InternationalBusiness Development Committee since 1998.

Nichols

Johnson

Sanger

Benchmark Games sees

major order for 2010 Benchmark Games officials recently announced textensive orders for game equipment came as a resof the manufacturer’s involvement at the InternatioAssociation of Amusement Parks and Attractions ExpoLas Vegas.

“Between our domestic distributors, export custoers, and our national account customers, we had a terrNovember,” said Al Kress, Benchmark co-owner. “We looking forward to a great 2010 with a large backlogorders going into January and a major order alreadyhand for delivery in the second quarter of 2010.” Of note, the popular Pop-It X-Treme 8.5 model caught the attention of arcades and FECs on a worldw basis. Other new products for 2010 include Red Hot SinWheel Deal X-Treme and PokerKard along with otfavorites such as Slam-a-Winner X-Treme, Red Hot FireIce, and Tickets-to-Prizes. Game machine add-ons gain

popularity are the Receipt Printer for Ticket-to-Prizes, Ticket Emulator and the Card Dispenser.

Benchmark Games prides itself in creating attractand quality games for the amusement industry. All gamcarry a one-year ‘front to back and top to bottom’ wranty. Benchmark continues to work in developing gamwith favorable price points. In 2009, their creations wsoundly accepted and proven revenue winners. The coming year should be a real winner for Benchmand those businesses willing and able to invest in the vpopular and profitable games. The Florida based gammanufacturer is expanding its new line of products tcontinue to be tested and released in 2010. Currently fnew titles are out on test.


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IAAPA 2009 - LAS VEGAS

IAAPA Expo exhibitors honore The 2009 Best Exhibitor Awardswere presented during IAAPAAttractions Expo 2009, taking placeat the Las Vegas Convention Centerin Las Vegas, Nevada. Exhibitorhonors consist of the Image Awardfor most attractive trade show booth

and Exhibitor Awards, divided intosub-categories based on booth size. The 2009 Image Award waspresented to Environs , Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla. as the companywhich represented the best overall booth from a visual perspective. First place and honorable

mention winners for Best ExhibitorAwards in the following categoriesincluded:

100 – 200 square feet First Place: Get in Line ,Pittsburgh, Pa.

Honorable Mention: Perky’sPizza , Oldsmar, Fla.

300 – 500 square feet First Place: Environs, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. Honorable Mention: AdrianFisher Design, Ltd., Portman

Lodge, Durweston, Dorset, U

600 – 1,000 square feet First Place: SplashTEntertainment, La Quinta, C

Honorable MenFunovation, Inc., Boulder, C

1,100+ square feet First Place: WhiteWaterIndustries, Ltd. , Richmond, Columbia, Canada. Honorable MeMagiQuest , Tillamook, Ore.

Top FEC’s recognized Magic Planet Kuwait and iT’Zin Houston, Texas won the title of2009 Top Family EntertainmentCenters (FECs) of the World dur-ing the FEC Reception at IAAPAAttractions Expo 2009 held in Las

Vegas, Nev. Judges from IAAPA’sFEC Committee evaluated thenominees on operational efficien-cy, décor and ambiance, market-ing savvy, and managerial perfor-mance. iT’Z Family Food and Fun in Houston, Texas, features videoand redemption games, family

rides like “Disk’O” and the “iT’ZExpress” train, bumper cars, bowl-ing, and party rooms dedicated tosports, cartoons, and family mov-ies. Guests enjoy gourmet pizzasand a soup, salad, and potato-

bar in dining rooms adorned withchandeliers, big screen televisions,and wireless Internet connections.The facility specializes in corpo-rate events and birthday parties,and offers e-invitations for cus-tomers to download through theirweb site.

Magic Planet Kuwait in

Kuwait, is operated by MajiFuttaim Leisure and enterall ages. Located in The AvenKuwait’s largest shopping cethe facility includes a 4D the bowling, billiards, arcade gam

food court, and thrill rides ining “Smash Bugs,” bumper designed especially for kids“Grasshopper” tower ride; the “Crazy Caterpillar” flcart. Magic Planet also emphasafety, and equips its “fun teemployees with a variety of ting.

Entertainment recognized with Big IAAPA presented its annual BigE entertainment awards during therecently held IAAPA Attractions Expoin Las Vegas, Nev. In its eleventh year, the awards

honor the best in live entertainmentat amusement parks and attractionsthroughout the world. Held at theRenaissance Las Vegas Hotel, the cer-emony kicked off with Las Vegas-grandeur featuring performances by“Jubilee!” show girls, “Le GrandeCirque” performers, and popular LasVegas magician Jason Byrne. The 15 categories recognizedproductions, individual perform-ers, sports, edutainment, and spirit.The Big E Awards were sponsored

by Heartbeat Productions, Inc., MattDavenport Productions, Inc., andRWS and Associates Entertainment,Inc.

This year’s Big E award winnersare:

Best Overall Production More Than

$2 million Winner: “The Gift of Angels,”Universal Studios Japan , Osaka City,Osaka, Japan. Honorable Mention: “MagicalStarlight Parade,” Universal StudiosJapan , Osaka City, Osaka, Japan.

Best Overall Production$1 million – $2 million

Winner: “Hot Ice,” BlackpoolPleasure Beach , Blackpool, U.K.

Best Overall Production$500,001 – $1 million

Winner: “Forbidden,” BlackpoolPleasure Beach , Blackpool, U.K.

Honorable Mention: “Cirque dela Mer,” Sea World San Diego , San

Diego, Calif.

Best Overall Production$300,001 – $500,000

Winner: “Take Flight - An AvianAdventure,” San Diego Zoo , SanDiego, Calif. Honorable Mention: “MattHoffman’s Danger DefyingDaredevils,” Six Flags MagicMountain , Valencia, Calif.


Winner: “Headin’ West,” SilverDollar City , Branson, Mo.

Honorable Mention: “ChristianFarla Live! Magic Show,” WalibiWorld , Biddinghuizen, Netherlands.


Winner: “Pure Country Radio,”Six Flags Over Georgia , Atlanta, Ga.

Honorable Mention: “The JeerkShow,” Silver Dollar City , Branson,

Mo.


Winner: “The Soda Pops,”Hersheypark , Hershey, Pa.

Honorable Mention: “CreatureFeature,” Six Flags Fiesta Texas , SanAntonio, Texas.

Best Overall Production,$25,000 or Less

Winner: “Bunsen & The Burners,”Hersheypark , Hershey, Pa. Honorable Mention: “GrandTournament of Champions,”LegolandCalifornia , Carlsbad, Calif.

Best Atmosphere/Street Performer

Winner: “Funsation CelebrDutch Wonderland , Lancaster,

Honorable Mention: Tones,” Dollywood , Pigeon Tenn.

Best Sports Show Winner: “Brown EntertainCirque Magnifque,” Santa CruzBoardwalk , Santa Cruz, Calif.

Honorable Mention: “Wonderland on Ice,” SilveTheme Park , Athol, Idaho.

Best LiveEdutainment Show

Winner: “Creature AdveStarring The Kratt BroDollywood , Pigeon Forge, Ten Honorable Mention: “TheRumble - Going Green EditioFlags Great Adventure; Jackso

Heartbeat Award Winner: “Sha-Kon-O-Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Ten

Spirit Award Winner: Chris Ambraz,Gardens Tampa , Tampa, Fla.

Best Female Performer Winner: Renee Schee, SixFiesta Texas , San Antonio, Tex Honorable Mention: SamFreistat, Hersheypark , HPenn.

Best Male Performer Winner: Gabriel Dollywood , Pigeon Forge, Ten Honorable Mention: WoKwan, Ocean Park Hong Aberdeen, Hong Kong.

Interactive GPS gaming

software transforms parks

into real-life game boards Ranger Quest is a choose-your-own-adventure stylegame that offers players the

opportunity to craft their ownexperience according to pref-erence and skill level as theywait in long queues or explorea venue.

Played using the GPSRanger handheld video tourguide device equipped withGPS technology, visitorsassume a character role andfollow video clues, answertrivia questions and solveFlash-based games and puz-zles to earn points and worktheir way towards unravel-ing the mystery at hand. Each

Ranger Quest game is custom-ized to the venue or destina-tion hosting it and containsunique characters and plots.Destinations can offer suchthemed missions as a WildWest adventure, safari hunt,international spy mission, orpirate’s bounty, to name just afew options.

Participants can play bythemselves or compete againstfamily and friends, earningpoints as the game advances.Utilizing GPS technology, thegame is easily integrated withexisting landmarks and points

of interest within a themepark, zoo or city tourism zone.BarZ Adventures, an Austin,Texas-based GPS multime-dia tour company created thenew experiential software tooffer an interactive activitythat engages visitors as theyexplore destinations at theirown pace.

“We are excited to launchthe Ranger Quest multiplayergame system to venues andattractions worldwide. RangerQuest is a group activity thathas been designed to enhance

the fun and excitement ofa visit to any venue in theworld. Ranger Quest, alongwith our educational andengaging tour guide products,offers increased options forour customers and their visi-tors. We are especially pleasedto have the award-winningInternational Spy Museumoffer the first Ranger Questgaming experience,” said W.Lee Little, BarZ Adventuresfounder and CEO. The GPS Ranger hardware

device utilized to play theRanger Quest game featuresa 4-inch sunlight viewabletouch screen, dual-speakerstereo system and the abilityto use headphones. The sys-tem supports full-color video,audio, still photography,musical soundtrack, anima-tion and Flash-based games.All of these elements com- bine to create an experiencewhere players interact with

the device and their surround-ings in an electronic cat-and-mouse game that’s part scav-enger hunt, part “Clue.”

Venues purchase the sys-tem and develop the custom-ized content in coordinationwith BarZ; the resultant expe-riences can then be offeredas fee-based activities or com-plimentary with the price ofadmission if desired. Venuescan incorporate maps to facili-ties and concessions, as wellas GPS-triggered ads and pro-motions for gift shops, res-

taurants and concessions. Thehandheld devices can also be used for GPS multime-dia tours that are less for theadventurous tourist and morefor the “intellectually curi-ous,” enabling several visitoroptions to be available on onesystem. BarZ Adventures cur-rently has GPS Ranger toursat a variety of national parks,zoos, attractions and historiccities across the nation. •www.barzadventures.com.

PHOTO COURTESY RANGER QUEST

Ranger Quest uses a hand-

held video tour guide device

equipped with GPS technol-

ogy to allow guests to playgames as they wait in long

queues.


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IAAPA 2009 - LAS VEGAS

Waterpark award winners announced Two attractions won the title of 2009 Must-SeeWaterparks on Nov. 18, during IAAPA Attractions Expo2009 in Las Vegas, Nev. The award recognizes outstand-ing waterparks throughout the world which providevisitors with unique and memorable experiences, top-notch guest service, operations, and safety. Dollywood’s Splash Country won first place and

West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark was honoredas runner-up during the Waterpark Meet-and-Greet,which kicked off the Waterpark & Resort educationprogram at the Expo. Awards are judged by the IAAPAWaterpark Committee, made up of waterpark opera-tors and managers from around the world. “Both Splash Country and World Waterpark arewell-deserving and truly go above-and-beyond whenputting the customer first,” says Andy Maurek, assis-tant manager of safety operations at Hyland Hills WaterWorld in Colorado and chair of the IAAPA WaterparksCommittee. Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee, United States, opened in 2001 in Tennessee’sGreat Smoky Mountains. Its attractions include “TheCascades” leisure pool, themed with rock grottosand bubbling fountains; “Downbound Float Trip,” amore than half-million gallon-lazy river; “Big BearPlunge” raft ride; and “The Butterfly” and “SwiftwaterRun,” which are large waterslide attractions. The parkrecently incorporated a cashless wristband paymentsystem and also features shaded “Canopies” and

“Retreats”—private areas for guests with lounge chairs,satellite television, ceiling fans, dining tables, and adirect phone line to food and beverage service. SplashCountry’s goal is to expand its offerings as technologyadvances, while still maintaining the Southern hospi-tality and natural landscape of the Smoky Mountains.

Founded in 1986, World Waterpark in West

Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is openyear-round and features a 2.7 million gallon-wave pooland more than 20 waterslides, including “Howler” and“Sky Screamer,” which propels riders up to 32 milesper hour. The indoor park is viewable from two levelsin North America’s largest shopping and entertainmentcenter and entertains more than 560,000 guests eachyear. Its attractions include a permanent indoor bun-gee jump, zip line, and indoor fireworks at the park’sannual “New Year’s Eve Family Beach Party.” The facil-ity recently added Caribbean Cove, a 6,000-square-footinteractive waterplay area for families and children,and it plans to add new slides and renovate its chang-ing rooms next. The park is known for creating an82-degree, year-round beach environment for familieson the landlocked Canadian prairies. Previous winners of the prestigious award includeCaribbean Bay in Kyeonggi-Do, South Korea, andMorey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey, USA, in2008; and Chimelong Waterpark in Guangzhou, China,Splish Splah in Calverton, New York, USA, and Hyland

Hills Water World in Denver, Colorado, USA in 2007.

Spirit of Excellence awards presented Six Spirit of Excellence awards were presented by IAAPA during the recently held 2009 IAAPAAttractions Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. The awards rec-ognize IAAPA member-facilities dedicated to excel-lence in training and professional development andto showcase attractions with leading human resourceprograms. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla., wonthe Best Employee Recognition Program category. Its“World Class Summer” program, designed to createa simple yet impactful reward system, incorporatedthe Guest Satisfaction Challenge, which measured

service areas of employee courtesy, park cleanliness,park arrival process, attraction line speed, culinarysatisfaction, and merchandise satisfaction. Progresswas tracked, published, and rewarded each week,and team members could easily follow result

At February 2010 Web

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