Amusement Today, March 2019

March 2019 Vol 22 Issue 12

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AMUSEMENT VIEWS Page 2

PARKS & FAIRS Pages 8-23

WATER PARKS Pages 24-27

BUSINESS Pages 28-39

SAFETY Pages 40-46

CLASSIFIEDS Page 47

IAAPA FEC SUMMIT RECAP PAGE 38

LAS VEGAS — Completing its first decade as the premier program for the amusement coin-op games and family entertain

Amusement Expo International equips, educates in robust out-of-home market

AT: Dean Lamanna dlamanna amusementtoday com

10th edition of annual trade event unfurls its largest show floor yet

M ga Park sees completion of makeover in Quebec City

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada — As many consumers turn to online shopping, malls are keeping themselves relevant by of

The restored carousel and reworked skating roadway add beauty to the new revamped M ga Parc Inset is the park s ne

AT: Tim Baldwin tbaldwin amusementtoday com

4See MEGA PARK, page 6

The equipment-focused trade show portion of Amusement Expo International takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Cent

4See EXPO, page 4

Amusement Today is an independent, privately-owned trade newspaper published 14 times per year by Amusement Today Inc

Call (817) 460-7220 for advertising, circulation or editorial inquiries

AMUSEMENT VIEWS

FLINT S VIEW: Bubba Flint

AT NOTEBOOK: John W C Robinson, jrobinson amusementtoday com

The amusement industry was founded on family entertainment With beginnings such as trolley parks, picnic groves, and

Staying rooted in the family

Opinions expressed on this page are those of the columinst(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher

This year marks the 35th anniversary of commercial laser tag It s also the fifth year of the Laser Tag Convention s

Enjoying laser focus at Amusement Expo

GUEST OPINION: Erik Guthrie, Curator, Laser Tag Museum

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AT: Janice Witherow

Brian Kilpatrick caught the amusement industry bug 31 years ago when he started as a supervisor at Sea World San Di

Brian Kilpatrick, Adventure Island Sea World Parks & Entertainment

Brian Kilpatrick has developed a true passion for his team and employees at Adventure Island Sea World Parks & Entert

THE INDUSTRY SEEN

DEVON, Pa — Houghton Enterprises's Blake Houghton, who recently turned three years old, is hard at work during the D

Finally a fair amount of rest

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is our largest to date Organizers were expecting to see numbers matching or exceeding last year s event, which set

EXPO Continued from page 1

AEI at a glance

Tuesday, March 26 Registration: 8 a m 5 p m LVCC, North Hall 1 The Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling

Motivational speaker Kindra Hall will deliver the keynote address at AEI 2019, to be headquartered at the Westgate La

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

Adrenaline Amusements 1213 American Alpha Inc 145 American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) 1432 American Change

Amusement Expo International 2019

Exhibitor Listing Las Vegas, Nev

patent application process for a cantilevered seat design concept dating back to 1999, said Jeff Glinter, director o

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MEGA PARK Continued from page 1

Los Bandidos is one of the storylines in Triotech s 200th interactive theater COURTESY TRIOTECH

The hubless wheel from Larson International can be loaded on both sides The rails of Telegraphe, a Cloud Coaster by

Supporting the IAAPA Foundation To the Editor: I just wanted to thank you for the awesome story in EXTRA EXTRA Your

ORLANDO, Fla — After Joel Manby resigned as Chief Executive Officer less than a year ago, SeaWorld Entertainment has

SeaWorld adds new CEO

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7

PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS

Neon Museum stirs Las Vegas nostalgia — page 16 FAIRS — pages 18-23

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FT WORTH, Texas — On February 9, the latest Urban Air Adventure Park to open — now totaling 67 — offers a first: ind

Visitors scale the walls as Leap of Faith (left) dares participants to jump from the elevated platform Maria Goodman

Indoor skydiving is the newest attraction in Urban Air s portfolio COURTESY URBAN AIR

Urban Air Adventure Park launches indoor skydiving in Ft Worth

AT: Tim Baldwin tbaldwin amusementtoday com

A guest soars over the Warrior Obstacle Course, suspended from the ceiling on Sky Rider AT TIM BALDWIN

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ITASCA, Il — Family Entertainment Group (FEG) announced that two of its family fun centers received top honors from

Parties bring local honors to FEG properties

HUNTERSVILLE, N C — With many attractions — including Charlotte, N C s largest arcade — and in partnership with Pla

The recently opened Charlotte, N C location of Frankie's Fun Park (above) sits on more than 21 acres with an 84,000-

Frankie's unveils massive fun park in Charlotte

BEND, Ore — A community s interest in a growing sport and the quest for family entertainment merged in Bend, Ore ,

Multiple levels of fun, sport bounce into Oregon

Active fun is the name of the game at the recently opened Trampoline Zone & Adventure Park COURTESY Trampoline Zone

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va In April, Fun Land of Fredericksburg will complete a 1 2 million expansion of its go-kart trac

Fun Land of Fredericksburg prepares to debut three stories of racing

A groundbreaking was held in December at Fun Land of Fredericksburg as construction began on its go-kart track expans

Funplex invests 4 million to expand East Hanover location

EAST HANOVER, N J — In February, New Jersey s Funplex unveiled enhancements to its popular indoor facility in East H

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13

Keep our amusement park industry strong Buy products and services from these suppliers

AMUSEMENT PARK MARKET PLACE

Picsolve, a leading digital content capture partner for world-class visitor destinations, inked a five-year deal with

an eatery with chef-crafted cuisine and specialty beverages, and a large full-service bar The other facility is comi

Oval

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AT: Pam Sherborne psherborne amusementtoday com

The Netherlands — Mack Rides and Lagotronics Projects combined forces in creating a new ride concept: The Gamestormer

Lagotronics, Mack Rides create interactive adventure

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif — The grand opening of the new attraction The Flyer San Francisco, a flying theater attractio

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Pier 39 opens The Flyer — San Francisco

The grand opening of the new attraction The Flyer San Francisco, a flying theater attraction, took place in January

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - January 10 - Taylor Safford, Ernest Yale and John Alter attend The Flyer Grand Opening at Pier 39 on January 10th 2019 at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - January 10 - Atmosphere at The Flyer Grand Opening at Pier 39 on January 10th 2019 at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)

Warner Bros Studio Tour keeps pace with hit movies

AT: Dean Lamanna dlamanna amusementtoday com

Among the latest exhibits at Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood are costume highlights from Aquaman (left) and Crazy

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LAS VEGAS — A popular attraction preserving Sin City s rich history of glitz, the Neon Museum has seen its attendance

Neon Museum stirs Vegas nostalgia with vintage sign show

AT: Dean Lamanna dlamana amusementtoday com

Year-old projection mapping spectacular Brilliant a big draw

A dynamic, 360-degree outdoor audiovisual presentation, Brilliant artificially — and artfully — relights the iconi

Digital artist Craig Winslow (left) displays some of the tools he used to create the Neon Museum s nighttime spectacu

4See NEON, page 18

LAS VEGAS — After 1,650-man hours to rebuild and install, the re-electrified Hard Rock Caf guitar sign was illuminat

Hard Rock Caf guitar sign illuminated at Neon Museum

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17

BUENA PARK, Calif — A multimillion-dollar attraction centered around an exotic, largely walk-through habitat for but

Immersive butterfly attraction winging to Southern California

Wildlife exhibit aims to open in Buena Park later this year

Butterfly Palladium will combine an all-weather wildlife showcase with educational components, event space and entert

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such a complex canvas of bulbs and neon in the Boneyard, and there s such a depth to it It s not just like flat surf

NEON Continued from page 16

The roadside sign for the Neon Museum s Boneyard Park, created from letters and elements of old Las Vegas signs, is a

LAS VEGAS — Renowned American film director, producer, artist, writer and animator Tim Burton (The Nightmare Before C

Hollywood artist Tim Burton set to star at museum

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

FORT WORTH, Texas — The 23-day Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) enjoyed great turnout and participation Held Ja

Oldest continuously running livestock show a success for Talley Amusements

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

Talley Amusements provided the midway, including 24 kiddie rides AT SAMMY PICCOLA

The Iron Dragon Roller Coaster, Drop Tower (left) and Giant Wheel were popular attractions at the long-running Fort W

The midway went completely cashier-free in 2019, with digital tickets available from Magic Money self-service kiosks

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HARRISBURG, Pa During the 103rd Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Pennsylvania State Showman s Association (PSSA) worked

Showmen and Pa Farm Show team-up, raise scholarship funds

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

Albert Stull and Darlene Packer, both with Packer s Concessions and Allen Bartlebaugh, Bartlebaugh Amusements, took a

HERSHEY, Pa The 32,000 square foot Great American Hall at Hershey Lodge and Convention Center was the venue for th

Nearly 1,600 attend 107th PSACF PSSA convention in Hershey

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

The trade show floor (left) was bustling with activity and 165 exhibitors Santillo s Vince and Gretchen Martino and

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MIDWAYSCENE

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

Utah is one of six states that have no state agency with jurisdiction over amusement rides That may be about to chan

It s a nice honor after all of these years in the amusement business, Gene said of the accolade With more than a h

Davis ready to take Wisdom Rides forward

Merino, Colo — Jared Davis (right) took over the reins of Wisdom Rides last fall from his uncle, Victor Wisdom Sinc

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23

MIDWAYSCENE

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

Utah is one of six states that have no state agency with jurisdiction over amusement rides That may be about to chan

It s a nice honor after all of these years in the amusement business, Gene said of the accolade With more than a h

24 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2019

WATER PARKS & RECREATION

NewsSplash — page 26 Get the Amusement Today app from iTunes and Google Play for instant news

MIAMI, Fla — A year ago, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) announced that CocoCay, the company's private island in

Royal Caribbean Cruises renovates private island paradise

AT: Jeffrey Seifert jseifert amusementtoday com

These aerial views show all of the activities available to guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day CocoCay COURTESY

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The board of supervisors of Washington County, Va , recently voted to support Johnson Commercial Development's (JCD)

NEWSSPLASH

AT: Jeffrey L Seifert jseifert amusementtoday com

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BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS

ON THE MOVE — page 34 OBITUARIES — page 35 MARKET WATCH — page 37

EPS

IISF Show sales activity

A R M (US) Powers Great American Midways Sky Hawk BOJUX 1st Class Amusements Miami (Crazy Dance) Jessop Amusemen

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RIVERVIEW, Fla — Heralded as the largest carnival trade show in the Unites States, the International Independent Sho

51st IISF Show boasts more attractions

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

Some of the numerous rides that were set up on the grounds of the IISF Super Trade Show & Extravaganza On the right

4See IISF, page 30

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

Premier Parks contracts to operate City Museum

ST LOUIS, Mo — Premier Parks, LLC, has announced it will assume operation and management of City Museum in St Loui

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Digital Marketing, Online Ticketing and Websites, H2B Apocalypse Strategies for Industry Survival, and Is Your

IISF Continued from page 28

At left, Alexandra and husband Bob Johnson, the retiring OABA president and CEO, with incoming president, Greg Chieck

Adam Swika (left) stands aside the ticket box for his new four story fun house Jeffrey Richards, IISF president, and

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CAVU Designwerks Flying Theatre opens in China

VICTORIA, B C — CAVU Designwerks Inc (CAVU) an attractions provider that specializes in delivering media-based attr

VICTORIA, B C , Canada — CAVU Designwerks, the Canadian-based provider of elaborately themed ride systems has partner

CAVU Designwerks, Framestore partner taking indoor attractions to next level

AT: Tim Baldwin tbaldwin amusementtoday com

Game Changers introduced as a new genre of rides

Immersive theming, coupled with rider interaction takes a drop ride experience (left) into a different adventure Spe

The path of the dark ride is determined by riders interactions, creating new storylines each ride COURTESY CAVU DES

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33

WINTER HAVEN, Fla — Legoland Florida Resort will open its largest expansion to date, Lego Movie World, later this mo

Legoland Florida Resort is set to open its largest expansion yet

Legoland Florida will open its new expansion — inspired by The Lego Movie and the new The Lego Movie 2: The Second Pa

Lagotronics Projects celebrates 40 years

Madrid, Spain-based Parques Reunidos has named Jos D az as the global leisure park operator s new CEO The board det

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DALLAS, Texas — Hannah Knoebel (back row, second from right) competed recently with the Southern Columbia Cheer Team

Cheers for Hannah Knoebel

ST LOUIS, Mo — A market leader in cashless technology, Intercard is a St Louis-based company with clients in more

Intercard introduces The Edge at FEC Summit

Lagotronics Projects is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019 Founded in 1979, the Lagotronics team has been help

Lagotronics founder, Carlo G rtjes, began as a DJ His appearance on Uncle John's Disco Show led to Lagtronics first

Brandauer summer toboggan runs are used in amusement facilities worldwide Founder Josef Brandauer has opted to trans

Sunkid succeeds Brandauer, becomes mountain coaster provider

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35

Ralph A Coppola, founder, ICE, Inc ORCHARD PARK, N Y — Ralph Anthony Coppola, founder of Innovative Concepts in En

A satisfying, happy industry life

Co-owners of Funtastic Shows, Beverly Burback and her husband, Ron Burback began in the show business in the early 19

Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Hall of Fame inductee 2016, the second woman to have had that ho

PORTLAND, Ore — As a child growing up in West Des Moines, Iowa, a young Beverly Slattery Burback fondly remembers th

Technological advances have improved many parts of their operations and made things much more efficient Our (cashle

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Beverly Burback Co-owner Funtastic Traveling Shows Portland, Ore

Accomplishments and affiliations

A view from the top

Bear Grylls attraction adds Accesso systems ORLANDO — Accesso Technology Group, PLC, a leading technology solutions p

Company,Symbol,Market,Price 02 12 19,High 52-Week,Low 52-week, The Blackstone Group ,BX

Region (U S),As of 02 11 19,Change from 1 year ago,East Coast, 3 031,- 0 080,Midwest, 2 849,- 0 171,Gulf Coast, 2 776

On 02 12 19 1 USD ,0 8851,,EURO,0 7766,,GBP (British Pound),110 50,,JPY (Japanese Yen) ,1 0060,,CHF (Swiss Franc),1

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37

LOST PINES, Texas — Attendees from 35 states and nine countries arrived on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, for the 7t

IAAPA FEC Summit engages operators at sold out three-day event

AT: Tim Baldwin tbaldwin amusementtoday com

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The 7th Annual IAAPA FEC Summit gathered for a group photo outside of the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort COURTESY C

At Austin s Park n Pizza, a golf tournament (left) challenged attendees by substituting putters with other objects a

A customer service panel — (l-r) moderator Christine Buhr, Lee Pitts, Barry Zelickson, Jeremy Hoyum and Michael Brown

Leslie Hutcheson (far right) judges best western wear at the opening night social AT TIM BALDWIN

Christine Buhr and Kim Valadez welcomed everyone to the opening night reception with bandanas (left) Keynote speaker

Attendees could experience many activities at Austin's Park n' Pizza AT TIM BALDWIN

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

AIMS Safety Seminar photo recap — page 43 ASTM honors Jared Krupa — page 45

EPS

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Whether one is an operator of an amusement park, water park or family entertainment center, experiencing the loss of

Surge protection preparation reduces maintenance costs, improves safety

Surge filter protection (insets) can provided reduced maintenance It has created substantial savings for The Main Ev

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41

Myrtle Beach, S C — The National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) 32nd annual Safety Forum, h

2019 NAARSO safety forum sets new attendance record

AT: Pam Sherborne psherborne amusementtoday com

New ropes course safety class proves successful

NSPF and APSP consolidate

ALEXANDRIA, Va — The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)

HOUSTON, Texas Space Center Houston welcomed more than 580 educators from seven countries, 39 states, Puerto Rico a

Nearly 600 educators attend SEEC

42 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2019

Keep our amusement park industry strong Buy products and services from these suppliers

SAFETY MARKET PLACE

During the AIMS Maintenance and Safety Conference held recently in Galveston, Texas, the AIMS International Board of

AIMS Int'l adds Bromilow to Board of Directors

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

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Keep our amusement park industry strong Buy products and services from these suppliers

SAFETY MARKET PLACE

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Premier Rides Sally Dark Rides Swannee River Railroad Co Owen Trailers Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc

AIMS Safety Seminar exhibitors show off services and products

Giulia Battistello, business development, sales manager assistant, and Marco Savegnago, engineering, sales, Auxel, ar

Dale Polley, left, and Brian Sprague, Cryogenic Plastics Inc (CPI), Kyle, Texas, a manufacturer of synthetic resins,

Karen Fox, business development manager, Iriss, Bradenton, Fla , showed off the company's products Iriss focuses on

David Welsh, Martin & Vleminckx (MVR), wanted to make sure AIMS attendees knew that MVR specializes in construction a

Wayne Miller, Zebec Products, Fairfield, Ohio, was on hand showing off the company's water park tubes, rafts and foam

Scott Helce represented After Sales and Services, Whitewater West Industries After Sales and Services is dedicated t

Jaime Maw, customer service manager, and Sean Halligan, both with S&S Sansei Technologies, North Logan, Utah, a desig

Bill Castle, business development manager, Applied Technical Services (ATS), Marietta, Ga , represented ATS at the AI

Roger Berry, Ralph A Alberts Co , a multifaceted custom molders company, talked to clients and friends during the re

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45

Jared Krupa honored by ASTM Int'l

W CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa — ASTM International s committee on amusement rides and devices honored Jared Krupa — principal

Safety on display at 50th annual IISF Trade Show

As Urethane Assoc , Inc says, Let us keep you rolling The company sells new and retreaded wheels for numerous rid

American Earth Anchors offers lightweight, reusable anchors The largest is an alternative to concrete footings Cy H

Todd Kunz, vice president (left), and Scott Kunz, president of Galaxy Amusement Sales displayed a variety of specialt

46 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2019

HARRISBURG, Pa Pennsylvania s amusement ride safety program is designed to ensure all rides operating within the s

Quarterly Ride Safety Advisory Board meeting provides guidance

AT: B Derek Shaw bdshaw amusementtoday com

A recap story on the 25th semi-annual Pa Ride Safety Seminar appearing in the January issue of Amusement Today sugge

March 2019 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47

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Call Len or Earl (908) 526-8009 FAX: (908) 526-4535 www Rides4U com

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