Quassy to fly high in 2017 with new kiddieland
By amusementtoday | November 16, 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. – The lakefront kiddieland at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, Middlebury, Conn., will be taking flight with two new rides for the 2017 season, park officials said today.
Skipper’s Clipper’s, a Pirate Jet ride from SBF/Visa Group, and Up, Up & Away, a Zamperla Samba Balloon, have been purchased by the landmark property, Quassy owners Eric Anderson and George Frantzis II announced during a press conference at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Attractions Expo at the Orange County Convention Center here.
“We’re excited about bringing these two new attractions to the park,” Anderson said during the gathering at the SBF/Visa Group booth on the tradeshow floor. “They represent our continued commitment to reinvesting in the property and improving the guest experience.”
The new rides will be located in a kiddieland area formally occupied by two children’s Hampton Umbrella Rides. Both of those attractions were retired by the park after the close of the 2016 season.
“These are great modern rides for the youngsters,” noted Frantzis. “And unlike the Hamptons, adults may accompany their children on the new rides.”
PIRATE JET – With a capacity of 24 children, or 12 children and six adults, Skipper’s Clipper’s (Pirate Jet) consists of six smartly-themed pirate ships that are gently lifted into the air and revolve around its center drive mechanism.
Each rider has a ship’s wheel (helm) to interact with on the brightly-decorated and lighted vessels.
The ride is manufactured by Visa International of the SBF/Visa Group, Montagnana, Italy. SBF/Visa Group is represented in the U.S. by Rides4U, Somerville, N.J.
UP, UP & AWAY – Quassy named its Zamperla Samba Balloon ride Up, Up & Away and it will be the first attraction of its type in the 20-acre property.
“The unique thing about the ride is that it oscillates – rising and diving as it turns,” Frantzis asserted. “The experience reminds me of our former Octopus ride, but on a smaller scale.”
Each of the eight balloon baskets also spin – controlled by the guests – adding additional thrill to the experience. Up to 32 children – or 16 children and eight adults – may participate on the ride. The attraction has a brilliant computerized light package for added appeal.
Zamperla is headquartered in Altavilla Vincentina, Italy, with U.S. offices Boonton, N.J. The new attractions are expected to be ready for the park’s opening on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
