Archive For 2011
This year’s IAAPA Expo marks the debut of a new family-style zipline called the Soaring Eagle. Created by industry veteran Stan Checketts, the Eagle does away with harnesses in favor of an actual ride vehicle that seats two people. Furthermore, the Eagle only requires one operator because it ends at the same place it starts. […]
Amusement Today Inc. Publisher Gary Slade has announced that beginning with the January 2012 issue of Amusement Today, advertisers and subscribers will each see a rate increase. The increase is the first in more than five years. “We have tried to hold our prices for as long as possible, but with numerous increases at both […]
On Tuesday, November 15, John P.C. Collins became the newest living inductee to the IAAPA Hall of Fame at the IAAPA Attractions Expo being held in Orlando, Fla. Collins is an internationally respected icon with 30 years of experience. Having developed Barry Island Pleasure Park in Wales with his brother. Collins eventually joined the Tussauds […]
Samuel High III passed away at his Sellersville, Pa. residence on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. He was 77. Born March 8, 1934 in Jenkintown, Pa., Sam was the son of the late Samuel H. and Betty (Knipe) High, Jr. He graduated from Germantown Academy in 1951 and earned his BS from Temple University in 1956. […]
For the first time in its history, Germany’s biggest theme park surpassed the four million visitors mark during the 2011 summer season. September and October were among the most successful months since the opening of Europa-Park 36 years ago. Overnights stays as well as the conference business also experienced significant growth. Roland Mack, managing partner […]
Lo-Q has announced that it has signed an agreement to pilot the company’s new smartphone-based ticketing and queuing solution, Q-smart, at one of The London Eye. The three month pilot, starting on Dec. 1, will see Lo-Q’s proprietary Q-smart technology at this landmark U.K. attraction, which is [owned and] operated by The Merlin Entertainment Group […]
The East Coast Bowling Centers Convention (ECBCC) proved once again to be the premier regional trade show in the bowling industry. The annual meeting of bowling centers owners, managers and industry professionals was held on Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk at Trump’s Taj Mahal October 10 – 12, 2011, and despite a weak economy, officials say […]
Early this morning, Silver Springs animal care team discovered one of the park’s two giraffes, Kimba, had passed away. She was 29 years old. At this time the cause of death is unknown and a Necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause. The lifespan of a giraffe is typically 30-35 years. Kimba was born […]
Dollywood marked another construction milestone on its $20 million Wild Eagle wing coaster as installation of the 3,127-foot track was completed last week. Wild Eagle is the first of its kind in the U.S. and set to open March 24, 2012. The new coaster’s innovative floorless design positions riders on the ‘wings’ along either side […]
On Halloween, SeaWorld San Diego marked a major milestone in the construction of its new-for-2012 Manta double LSM launch coaster. Eight months since construction began, the first track section was set into place. Crews have a total of 98 sections to set with most are expected be installed by the end of the year. The […]
