Waldameer's Water World

launches Rocket Blast water coaster

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

ERIE, Pa. — This past June, Waldameer’s Water World opened Rocket Blast, a water coaster from ProSlide Technology of Ottawa, Ontario. As the name implies, the coaster utilizes ProSlide’s patented RocketBlast water propulsion mechanics to propel four-person inline rafts uphill with jets of water strategically placed alongside the sides of the water trough.

Rocket Blast is a significant installation for the family-owned park. At a reported $9 million, it is the biggest investment in the park’s history, and it comes just a few years after the opening of Rally Racer, a massive, six-lane mat-racer, also from ProSlide.

In order to experience Rocket Blast, guests must first make the trek up a 67.6-foot slide tower — 116 steps total. The rafts are transported to the top via a conveyor lift. Once assembled into groups, up to four riders board the inline rafts to begin their journey.

After getting a green light indicating all is clear, the riders on the raft begin their journey by entering an enclosed tube and then accelerate through a right-hand turn. Riders then burst into daylight as they encounter the first saucer section, where they will make a quick turn to the left while experiencing increased G-forces as the raft careens through the saucer. The exit to the saucer leads into the first uphill blast. The same series of elements is repeated with an enclosed right-hand turn followed by a left-turn saucer. Following the second saucer, riders are surprised by a quick drop that leads to the second uphill blast. The exit to this blast leads immediately into a right-turn saucer, followed by another surprise drop and then the third and final blast. From there, an enclosed tube winds its way back down into the final splash pool, where an attendant will assist riders as they exit. The attendant then directs the raft onto the conveyor, where it is transported back to the top of the tower.

Before opening the new attraction to the public, Waldameer invited family and friends to test the slide, run the crew through their paces and work out any operational issues. Approximately 150 guests got to enjoy the slide over the two-day soft opening.

At a media preview, just prior to the official opening, Park President Steve Gorman told news reporters, “We are so glad that we are just about ready to turn the switch and have people come ride this ride because I think the public will really, really enjoy it.”

The ride’s opening came just a few weeks after the passing of Gorman’s father-in-law, Paul Nelson, who was the long-time owner and visionary of Waldameer Park & Water World. In his final weeks, Nelson oversaw the installation and near-completion of Rocket Blast. While the ride is a professional milestone for Gorman, it's also a personal one, as Rocket Blast was the last ride he and Nelson worked on together.

At 831 feet, Rocket Blast is the longest slide at the park, almost twice as long as any other slide at Water World, according to Gorman. The slide earned Waldameer a Golden Ticket Award for Best New Water Park Ride of 2023.

“We are thrilled that Rocket Blast won the Golden Ticket for Best New Water Park Attraction,” said Gorman. “For our family, it's somewhat bittersweet because this was the final attraction that Paul Nelson selected to install before passing away in late May, three weeks before it opened. He personally was the driver in all additions and upgrades to Waldameer for the last 60-plus years. We still have three generations of family members managing the park and will try our best to continue his legacy. Paul would have loved to have ridden this amazing water coaster and seen the positive reactions of our guests. They love the twists and turns and the wet splashes of the blast sections. Designing and installing this slide so close to existing slides and buildings was quite a feat, but ProSlide and USA, Inc. managed to succeed and provide Waldameer with a winner that will be loved for years.”

Nelson started at the park in 1945 when he was just 11 years of age. The previous park owner, Alex Moeller adopted Nelson, who worked his way through the ranks to become general manager. When Moeller died in 1965, he willed the park to Nelson.

Under Nelson, the park expanded to include waterslides. Water World debuted in 1986 with two waterslides provided by Molded Fiberglass Company of nearby Union City along with a children’s play area. The expansion paid off, and the water park breathed new life into the park with record seasons closing out the decade. Attractions were added over the years, and then in 2015, Water World doubled in size with the addition of a giant wave pool. That was the beginning of an aggressive expansion leading to the installation of the massive Rally Racer in 2020 followed by Rocket Blast just three years later.

2023 WWA Symposium, Trade Show headed to the Big Easy for learning, fun

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The 43rd World Waterpark Association's (WWA) Symposium and Trade Show, is set to return to the Big Easy Oct. 24-27, a place the event hasn't been to since 2016.

As the WWA's largest annual event, the Symposium and Trade Show provides hundreds of water park professionals with an opportunity to come together in one city to share ideas, address challenges and prepare for what’s new and next in the upcoming year.

The Symposium and Trade Show will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana.

"Attendance is coming in strong," said Rick Root, WWA president.

Registration was still open and more signing up was expected.

In addition, Root said the trade show floor at the WWA Symposium will be filled with the products and services that water park owners, operators and developers use on a daily basis. He is expecting about 350 booths representing about 200 different companies.

"In addition, this year we have a record number of sponsorships," Root said. "We are very pleased with the tremendous amount of support for us this year."

One highlight of the WWA event is the careful focus the WWA event planners give the overall agenda. There are an abundant amount of opportunities for attendees to learn from experts in their fields, as well as other attendees and exhibitors.

Educational sessions, workshops and committee meetings take place at different times throughout the entire four days of the event. The only time other activities aren't scheduled is during the actual trade show hours. The trade show runs two days, 12:30-6:30 p.m., Oct. 25 and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oct. 26.

Although, officially, the start date of the WWA Symposium and Trade Show is October 24, there are related events and certification courses that begin on October 22, with the first of the two-day Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Course. It concludes the next day, October 23.

Also on October 22, is the first day of the two-day Certified Pool Operator Certification Course, which also will conclude October 23.

The first of the three-day Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Licensing Program begins October 22. It continues all day on October 23 and concludes October 24.

There will be a series of WWA University offerings to kick off the official opening of the symposium on October 24. Those university courses are Water Park Design, Development and Expansion Workshop; Ready, Set, Go: A Guide to Getting Started Workshop; Water Park Maintenance School and Food and Beverage School, which is new this year.

The StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Supervisor Course will run all day on October 24.

The popular WWA Annual Golf Tournament is set for the afternoon of October 24. It will be held at the Lakewood Golf Club.

Committee meetings, as well as other educational programming, will take place the next morning, October 25.

New this year to the committee line-up is the Food and Beverage Committee.

"Some of our food and beverage members have been meeting virtually on a monthly basis for about two years," Root said. "We have decided to make this an official committee this year."

Another new committee added this year is the Northern Africa Committee.

"There is a lot of interest in both of these new committees," Root said.

Other committees set to meet include the Safety Committee, Resort Committee, Public Sector Committee and Smaller Park Meeting.

The Opening Session is also set for this day, just prior to the opening of the trade show. During this hour-long event, attendees will hear updates from the WWA’s board of directors, honor Hall of Fame inductees and Board Award winners and review the most recent industry news from 2023.

Topics of the educational programming that takes place over the next days will span the gamut of interests this year. One new area is in de-escalation techniques. Root said Capt. Hayden Brown, of the Livingston Parish SO Training Academy, New Orleans, will be on hand to conduct sessions on this subject.

A sampling of other topics include: Sink Or Swim: How To Navigate Legal And Operational Issues And Stay Afloat; the Evolution Of Next-Level Waterpark Theming and Design; CDC Guidance For Surf Venues; How To Create and Leverage Short Form Video Content; How To Create Usable Maintenance And Capital Improvement Plans; Creating Waves: A Conversation About Surf and Brand Mindful Litigation Strategies In The Era Of Cancel Culture.

In addition, more topics include: Water park Engineering For Risk Mitigation And Operations; Managing Aquatic Related Emergencies — A Full Lifecycle Approach To Preparedness; Do You Need A Hammer Or A Socket Wrench? Lessons Learned In Leadership; Dive Into Success: New And Improved Strategies For Group Sales And Birthday Parties; Mental Health First Aid; Here’s The 4-1-1 On Employing 14- And 15-Year-Olds; Building The Bench: Identifying And Developing Upcoming Industry Leaders and Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook.

The WWA Opening Session is set for the morning of October 25. The Welcome Reception is set for that afternoon on the trade show floor.

The Annual Reunion Party is planned for the evening of October 25 at Generations Hall, an events venue in downtown New Orleans.

It is the premier networking opportunity provided at the WWA Symposium. Shuttles provide transportation to the event.

And while the Reunion Party is a primary networking opportunity, the WWA has built in many times for industry attendees to get together.

Aside from luncheons where attendees and exhibitors can chat, the WWA booth will host specific times for various experts to be on hand to talk with attendees. For example, there will be representatives from the public sector, safety, technology and innovation, education and marketing, to name a few.

•waterparks.org

Collaboration is essential to finding sustainable solutions

INDUSTRY VOICE: Andrew Chafatelli, WWA and Rocking Horse Ranch Resort

Were you recently hit by an increase in insurance premiums? Rising insurance costs have plagued our businesses. While it may not bring immediate relief, recognizing that you are not facing this issue alone will hopefully drive collective action and collaboration. To address the situation, various associations, including the World Waterpark Association, have created their own insurance programs. 

Further efforts are needed to ensure our industry can continue to access affordable and comprehensive coverage. A collaboration between insurance providers, associations and regulatory bodies is essential to find sustainable solutions that protect businesses while ensuring the financial viability of the insurance industry.  

Insurance companies and their actuarial teams have valuable access to vast amounts of data regarding the risks associated with their respective sectors. The potential of harnessing this data and utilizing it to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of claims cannot be overstated. However, insurers often exhibit hesitancy when it comes to sharing this valuable information. 

Many view data as a competitive advantage and privacy concerns related to sensitive customer information as well as regulatory constraints further hinder sharing data. However, recognizing that data sharing and collaboration can drive innovation, benefits the industry as a whole.

By forming strategic partnerships, leveraging data analytics technologies and safeguarding data exchange, insurance carriers can unlock the full potential of data-driven decision making, leading to enhanced efficiency, improved industry safety and defensibility strategies. 

Augmenting the safety of our future patrons is of utmost importance, even though it may appear daunting. By prioritizing their well-being, we are making responsible decisions that will benefit insurers and the insured. Investing in the collaboration yields positive outcomes, leading to improved loss ratios, increased profitability and ensuring a prosperous and safe future for all.

No longer the off-season

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

This was always the time of year when parks took on a new look of lifelessness. Vibrant colors gave way to tarps and leafless trees, crowded midways became desolate slabs of concrete and the promise of summer fun fell silent as only maintenance crews and office staff populated parks.

Industry executives and suppliers start gathering regularly during this time of year for the annual trade shows and expos as "the business of fun" finds itself getting down to its more traditional business side.

However, recent years have brought change to the industry as a whole. Fall festivals keep families coming through the turnstiles throughout September and October. Many parks turn spooky — and some, downright terrifying — not from the silence of the rides but from the arrival of haunts and ghouls to give guests something more to scream about. Even the chillier winter months don't stop the festive lights, snowy treats and jolly shows of the various Christmas holiday celebrations.

And, when it comes down to it, why should the fun stop? Let's be honest, the "business" side of the "the business of fun" has been something all industry insiders have looked forward to since they stepped foot into this one-of-a-kind industry. Expos are educational, but they are also loaded with chances to celebrate, network and enjoy the company of our amusement industry family. New attractions are on display — and often available to be experienced. New tastes are on the showfloors waiting to be sampled. New ways to bring smiles to guests' faces — and, of course, generate revenue — are in abundance.

The holiday celebrations within our attractions have extended the operating season for our guests, but there never really was an off-season for those of us working in the industry. The festivals, haunts and winter extravaganzas are just our way of sharing the year-round fun we've all been experiencing with our loyal guests. There is no off-season. Be it a unique celebration or an expo, it's always the season of fun.

Big enough for Big Bear

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — During the recent 2023 Golden Ticket Awards ceremonies held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, attendees enjoyed an opening reception held in the park's popular Wildwood Grove area. The evening included socializing, networking, food, drinks and even private ride times on some of the area's popular attractions. Brian Knoebel of Knoebel's Amusement Resort celebrated when he discovered he met the height requirement to ride the new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster, which would take home the Golden Ticket for Best Family Coaster of 2023. AT/JOHN W.C. Robinson

Bolliger & Mabillard to supply Iron Menace coaster to Dorney Park

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — It has been more than a decade since Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom introduced a new roller coaster. Ironically, that coaster came and went after six seasons. Fans of the park felt Dorney Park was due. In 2024, coaster fans will finally jump aboard something new — and it is a major investment.

Capitalizing on the history of steel manufacturing in Pennsylvania, Iron Menace will have a story to tell.

“All parties involved in this project, both locally and nationally, felt strongly that we need to be a park that represents the proud history and people of the Lehigh Valley,” said Ryan Eldredge, public relations manager. “As we begin to transition into a future of precisely themed rides, entertainment and areas, we felt as though a callback to the steel industry was absolutely necessary. Further, understanding that legacy and what it means and how it feels or looks to Lehigh Valley residents was critical. I believe you’ll see that reflected in the pride in which we tell the story of the ride, the care with which we construct all elements of it and the tones we utilize to capture the imagination of all our guests.”

Dorney Park spins the backstory this way: In the early 1900s, Scottish businessman Hiram S. McTavish opened McTavish Steel Mill, a direct competitor to Bethlehem Steel Company. Greed dictated McTavish’s every move, and he was well known to prioritize profits above people. With an eye on maximizing output, McTavish created a massive hauler he dubbed “Iron Menace,” a device the steel industry had never seen. The rail transporter moved workers and ore at record volumes and dizzying speeds.

As all good stories go, a mystery surrounds the steel baron’s disappearance. Following the closure of McTavish Steel Mill, all that remains are rusty relics and the Iron Menace.

“The station itself and a number of buildings around the ride will be themed out to the rich industrial heritage of the Lehigh Valley, giving our guests the feeling of walking through an old area steel yard,” Eldridge said.

Iron Menace is supplied by Bolliger & Mabillard. It will be a dive coaster from the Swiss firm’s portfolio. It will be the seventh dive coaster from B&M in North America, and 17th globally.

“The Iron Menace project has been one of passion and collaboration for a little over a year, but to be clear, Dorney Park and Cedar Fair have had continuing discussions about a signature ride that would help propel the park into a bold future of fun and entertainment,” noted Eldridge.

Standing at 160 feet tall, Iron Menace will have an imposing presence at the lower level of the park’s sloped terrain. The ride will feature the customary hold brake at the precipice of the first drop. Following that hanging moment of adrenaline, riders plunge beyond vertical at 95 degrees down a 152-foot drop, reaching a top speed of 64 mph.

“The park, our guests, our community and the theme park industry at large are bubbling with excitement. We have received an overwhelming number of positive and encouraging messages since we announced, and it’s truly remarkable to see the impact an investment like this can have on the parties listed previously,” Eldredge told Amusement Today. “Additionally, we have seen an uptick in attendance, pass sales and social media followers since news broke of the Iron Menace project.”

The coaster layout will feature four inversions throughout its 2,169 feet of track. The layout is customized to Dorney Park. Each vehicle seats three rows of seven riders, making for 21 per car. Passengers will flip upside down through an Immelmann inversion, zero-G roll, a tilted loop and a corkscrew.

When the coaster opens next spring, Dorney Park will have eight roller coasters in its arsenal.

Hot Wheels Bone Shaker opening in 2024 with Mattel Adventure Park

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Pulse-pounding Hot Wheels rollercoasters and a life-size Barbie Beach House are just a few of the attractions underway at Mattel Adventure Park, which will become Arizona’s first fully themed indoor/outdoor amusement park upon opening in 2024.

Set to open just south of State Farm Stadium in Glendale at VAI Resort, Mattel Adventure Park will welcome guests 365 days a year and serve as a year-round Arizona entertainment destination showcasing the full spectrum of the iconic toymaker’s expansive portfolio of brands. The uniquely designed, massive, nine-acre park combines inspiration from Mattel, Epic Resort Destinations and other industry-leading partners in amusements and entertainment. Substantially indoors, the park’s attractions load and unload inside a fully air-conditioned space, making the park a comfortable, family-friendly destination at any time of year.

Mattel Adventure Park will include two fully themed Hot Wheels rollercoasters: Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer. Designed to delight kids and adults of all ages, the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker themed ride will be the first-ever family coaster to feature the famous hot rod’s skull design; it climbs 84 feet in the air. The double-looping Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer guarantees a serious adrenaline boost for guests seeking an even higher-octane experience. The Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer features a double loop and two corkscrews, qualifying it as the first coaster of its kind in Arizona.

"Mattel Adventure Park is an amazing opportunity to bring our beloved brands to life," said Julie Freeland, senior director of global location based entertainment at Mattel. “Construction is underway and substantial progress has been made on what will give fans of all ages a day of thrills and nostalgia. We’re especially excited for families to experience the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker roller coaster.”

“Mattel Adventure Park features a unique and strategic year-round indoor/outdoor design providing acres of air-conditioned space to ensure a cool guest experience all summer long here in the heat of Arizona,” said Mark Cornell, president at Epic Resort Destinations. “Our Attractions Development team are simply redefining the entertainment channel by bringing Mattel’s powerhouse, evergreen brands to life like never before. This hand-picked, gifted team continues to find truly innovative ways to create pioneering attractions that are certain to bring continuous fun for the whole family.”

While these and other Hot Wheels-themed attractions promise full-throttle fun for race enthusiasts of all ages, there is also plenty in store for park guests from other favorite Mattel brands, including Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor, with seven family-friendly experiential attractions; a full-scale Barbie Beach House where Barbie fans can get a closer look inside Barbie’s iconic closet in the Barbie Dream Closet Experience; and Masters of the Universe fans can fight for Eternia in a massive, laser tag arena as well as a mini golf experience featuring nine holes inspired by beloved Mattel games such as Magic 8 Ball and Pictionary.

“Watching the excitement build as these mega attractions are being installed in Glendale has been tremendous, and we promise, you’ve never seen a park quite like this one,” added Cornell.

Halloween Horror Nights open for Golden Ticket-winning scares

AT: David Fake

Special to Amusement Today

ORLANDO — The world’s premier Halloween event and 15-time Golden Ticket Award winner is back for its 32nd year with 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, live entertainment, dead-fully delicious food and beverage offerings. This year Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida runs a record-breaking 48 nights from September 1 through November 4.

While there is no overarching theme this year, there is a new “icon” for 2023, Dr. Oddfellow, who not only has his own themed house, but also carries an “odd” connection to each of the five scare zones.

Universal Creative, in its true creative genius, also connects Oddfellow and his backstory to Halloween Horror Nights’ original icon, Jack the Clown.

Oddfellow’s fictional back story is told throughout Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins house. The house explains that Oddfellow's Grand Circus & Exposition would travel across the country throughout the 1930s, showcasing various circus and freakshow acts. On a fateful day during the Dust Bowl of 1939, Dr. Oddfellow would stop in a rural Midwest town and set up his carnival. He advertised his carnival with posters across the town to entice curious and unsuspecting patrons to visit his carnival. Once there, he would kidnap, torture and force them to participate in grotesque carnival "acts," eventually sacrificing them in order to capture their souls with his Cane of Souls, to harness the power of the Zodiac. He would then mutilate their corpses, contorting their bodies in ways that mimicked the 12 Zodiac signs. Once he sacrificied enough souls to the Zodiac, he adorned the carnival with Zodiac symbols to complete the ritual and gain immortality.

Coincidentally, it was during this same period that Jack the Clown confessed to the murders of 13 children, whom he hid in Jack-in-the-box displays in Dr. Oddfellow's House of Horrors. Fearing capture and wanting to cover his tracks, Dr. Oddfellow killed Jack the Clown and stuffed him in a box, like Jack did to his victims. Before he was murdered, Jack the Clown would scratch Dr. Oddfellow, permanently scarring him and causing some of his blood to drip onto Jack the Clown, granting the dying clown the same immortality as Oddfellow.

Ne’er-be-well-intended locals who snuck into the carnival to see the sights late at night would discover the sinister true nature of Dr. Oddfellow's purpose, only to also meet their fate at the hand of Oddfellow, who sent their souls into another plane of existence, to maintain his secret.

After the carnage and mayhem in each town, Dr. Oddfellow would cover his tracks by burning every trace of his name, including all posters and billboards advertising the carnival and flee to another unsuspecting town to create chaos with his newly gained powers and immortality.

In addition to the Oddfellow house, there are four other Universal original houses: Yeti: Campground Kills, The Darkest Deal, Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings and Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate. The last of which tells a unique story that is based on the much-loved but now defunct Dueling Dragons suspended roller coasters designed by Bollinger and Mabillard which operated at Universal’s Islands of Adventure from 1999 until 2017, experiencing a name change in 2011 when it reopened with new theming as Dragons Challenge within the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land.

There are also five existing IP-themed houses – Stranger Things 4, The Exorcist: Believer, Universal Monsters: Unmasked, Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count and The Last of Us, inspired by Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game as they join a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into a new threat, the “Infected.”

Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, “The Last of Us” video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. Guests can now immerse themselves in an experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world. 

It was “The Last of Us” video game creator and Naughty Dog Co-Studio Head and Head of Creative, Neil Druckmann, who planted the seed for turning the game into a haunted house by tweeting his idea several years ago after visiting Halloween Horror Nights with his family.

“I was amazed at how much traction the tweet received, and even more surprised when after only a few days, Universal Creative reached out to me to see if I was serious about the idea. I was,” said Druckmann.

While not an official part of Halloween Horror Nights, an ominous presence can be found in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal Studios Florida, as Death Eaters appear for the first time ever in Diagon Alley on select dates that correspond with the run of the Halloween event. The J.K. Rowling IP has never participated in Halloween Horror Nights in any manner before, even though the themed land is open for the event.

Halloween in the Sky show featuring 400 drones comes to Holiday World

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — Holiday World's 2023 Happy Halloween Weekends will feature Halloween in the Sky, a brand-new, 400-drone spectacular every Saturday night from September 23 to October 28.

Happy Halloween Weekends is Holiday World's family-friendly fall event that runs weekends through October 29. The event includes the rides of Holiday World, plus Halloween-themed shows, food and attractions, including a 12-acre corn maze.

"The fun doesn't stop at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari just because we are weekends only," said Director of Entertainment and fourth-generation Owner Lauren Crosby. "Between Kids World [which ran until September 16] and Happy Halloween Weekends, there's a ton of family fun packed into the rest of the season!"

Halloween in the Sky will begin at 7:45 p.m. — September 23 through October 28 — and is included with guest admission. The brand-new show will feature a new generation of drones that are brighter.

"Guests can't get enough of our drone show," added Crosby. "It is something so incredible that you must see to believe. The newest generation of drones is truly stunning!"

•holidayworld.com

Wild Adventures expands Great Pumpkin LumiNights

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures announced additions to its Great Pumpkin LumiNights event, including a pumpkin carving gallery and a new area with activities for kids. The park's third annual Great Pumpkin LumiNights began September 22 and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 29. This year's event will include the new LumiNight Legends Pumpkin Gallery, which stars 150 carved foam pumpkins. These remarkable creations include depictions of famous Georgians, regional icons and beloved members of Wild Adventures' animal family from renowned pumpkin carver Jim Morey. COURTESY WILD ADVENTURES

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America announces two attractions

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Nickelodeon Universe has announced two new attractions will debut at Mall of America within the next year. The fun-filled rides feature beloved characters Boots from Dora the Explorer and Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Construction on the rides will begin this fall.

“Nickelodeon Universe is a place for fans to let their imagination run wild by seeing their favorite characters come to life, while enjoying thrilling and playful rides,” said Jill Renslow, chief business development and marketing officer at Mall of America.

Get ready to go on an adventure with Boots. Boots’ Banana Swing will allow guests to monkey around as they swing along with Boots through the breathtaking rainforest treetops. The fantastical ride is set to open this holiday season just in time for winter break.

Visitors will soon be able to take flight on Fly with Appa, where they will climb aboard their very own sky bison and feel the rush of exhilaration as they take to the skies, enjoying stunning aerial views while traveling up, down and all around. These loyal and loving creatures use airbending to navigate air currents with their tails, allowing them to fly. Fly with Appa is set to open during spring break 2024.

“The addition of Boots’ Banana Swing and Fly with Appa are sure to provide a new element of excitement and special family memories for years to come,” added Renslow. “Whether you’re young or young at heart, we can’t wait for everyone to experience our newest attractions.”

Those aren’t the only changes guests can expect to find during their upcoming visits to Nickelodeon Universe, as Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler will be moving to a new location in the park. Although the ride will be temporarily closed when construction begins on the new attractions, it will reopen for riders this holiday season.

Nickelodeon Universe celebrated 15 years of fun at Mall of America this past March. Nickelodeon Universe opened its doors on March 15, 2008. Since its opening, millions of guests have visited the one-of-a-kind destination featuring nearly 30 rides and attractions. The seven-acre theme park is home to many of Nickelodeon’s globally beloved characters from the brand’s iconic franchises.

Vekoma family boomerang to anchor expansion

Kings Island to make award-winning kids’ area bigger in 2024

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

MASON, Ohio — Kings Island has reached the age where multiple generations of visitors have grown up with the park. That loyalty is continually created with new guests at a young age. Kings Island’s kids’ area, Planet Snoopy, has been an award-winning section of the park. It has a lot to offer, but there are new attractions coming for 2024.

Partnering with Vekoma, the park will be adding a new roller coaster to the lineup. Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will be the first family boomerang coaster in the Cedar Fair chain.

“With four coasters already in Planet Snoopy, we wanted a coaster that was different and unique to add to the collection,” said Mike Koontz, vice president and general manager. “In addition, we wanted an accessible coaster that kids at least 38 inches tall, their older siblings, parents and grandparents could enjoy riding together. The Vekoma family boomerang coaster is a great fit and meets all those requirements. Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers gives riders a unique experience as it lifts the soap box cars backward up a 70-foot spike hill and then plunges the train back down through the station traveling at 37 mph. The train crosses the ’finish line,’ climbs the second spike hill, and then travels backward around the same course for a total of 1,400 feet.”

Vekoma has enjoyed great success with the family boomerang coaster since the original opened at Drayton Manor in 2011. The offering has found enormous popularity in Europe and Asia over the last decade but has eluded North America. Among the multiple installations globally in 2024, two will finally appear in the United States; Kings Island boasts one of them.

Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will be the fourth roller coaster in the Planet Snoopy kids’ area. (Of note, the park promotes the Zamperla Disk’O Coaster as a fifth “roller coaster experience.”) The coaster will be the anchor to a new section called Camp Snoopy.

“Our biggest challenge was to position Snoopy’s Soapbox Racers in an area that connected it with the new Camp Snoopy theme without removing or retiring any existing rides as part of the project,” Koontz told Amusement Today. “The space between the Flying Ace Aerial Chase junior suspended coaster and the existing Peanuts theater was ideal, and the only building we had to retire was a food snack stand. We were able to incorporate not only the new coaster, but also our log flume ride, suspended coaster and the existing outdoor show theater into the new Camp Snoopy area footprint.”

In addition to the new coaster, kids of all ages will have a chance to become full-fledged members of the Beagle Scouts at Camp Snoopy. Beagle Scout Acres, the official headquarters of the troop, will provide more outdoor summer camp fun and activities. In this new shaded, nature-themed play area, kids and their families will be able to explore and play on their own among turfed mounds and grassy areas, filled with camping equipment to play in, climb over and crawl through. The park will offer “camptivities,” and, on an innovative note, young ones can work to earn merit badges with lofty goals such as sharing, working together and helping someone in need. Parents can engage or sit back in the shade and enjoy a snack while their children take in what Beagle Scout Acres has to offer.

“Beagle Scout Acres is an exciting addition to the Camp Snoopy area. Other Cedar Fair parks have incorporated similar active play areas for younger kids while providing their parents with a comfortable space to sit and relax,” said Koontz. “This new shaded, nature-themed space will be located primarily under the existing Peanuts theater canopy but will also extend out to some of the surrounding spaces adjacent to the theatre. With this new area, we really want kids to be able to explore and play on their own, while feeling as though they’re at the ultimate summer camp with their family. We’re also excited to introduce a series of entertaining camp activities led by members of the Peanuts gang that both kids and parents will enjoy together.”

Snoopy’s Box Car Racers is suitable for the family. The low height requirement is something that has gained momentum in the industry.

A single train is pulled backward up an incline before being released to rush through the station and navigate curves and spirals. After reaching a reverse point, the 20-passenger train loses momentum and completes the 672 feet of track in reverse. The roller coaster is accented by camp-style landscaping, rocks and a ranger’s tower.

Kings Island will soon have bragging rights as “Kids Coaster Capital” as the most kids roller coasters in one park in the United States that parents can ride with their children.

Once opened, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will give Kings Island 15 roller coasters.

“Camp Snoopy is just what families visiting Kings Island have been looking for,” said Koontz. “We’ve designed this new immersive area to feel like a day at camp where families can spend time with each other in a variety of ways, from the thrill of a new coaster to exploring and relaxing in the great outdoors with their favorite Peanuts characters.”

Gravity Group, Intamin, Vekoma, Zamperla supply 2024 attractions

Six Flags theme parks roll out largest investment since 2019

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

ARLINGTON, Texas — Since the pandemic created a global situation, Six Flags Entertainment has opted for a modified strategy in investments in new attractions. However, 2024 looks to be the chain’s largest investment since 2019.

Six Flags Great Escape will debut the only new wooden roller coaster in North America in 2024. Designed by The Gravity Group, the family wooden coaster will replace the park’s Alpine Bobsled, which was manufactured in 1984. The new coaster is dubbed Bobcat.

“Six Flags and specifically Great Escape were very excited about the designs of our family coasters. They thought that the size and style of these would be just right for their audience, providing a fun ride experience for all ages of the family,” said Michael Graham, principal, The Gravity Group.

“Sometimes retiring an older attraction is a necessary part of the process,” noted Jennifer Mance, marketing, Six Flags Great Escape. “In the case of Alpine Bobsled, it was also important that we find an attraction to deliver family thrills but was not so weather dependent.”

Owing to the trackless nature of the retired bobsled ride, which closed on September 4, rain could cause the ride to cease operation. The new coaster will utilize the site.

“The layout of the Alpine Bobsled did impact the design of The Bobcat,” Graham told Amusement Today. “The park wanted to use the site of the bobsled ride without disturbing other attractions. There was also discussion about possibly reusing Alpine Bobsled’s station, which had a direct influence on the location of the lift hill and brake run for the ride. If you look at an aerial view of the site, The Bobcat fits the site like a glove.” 

“Bobcat will be the first new coaster at The Great Escape since 2003,” said Mance. “Its size and scope, including the all-natural wood and quintessential coaster design, make it the perfect fit in the current Bobsled location. The Bobcat brings a thrilling family coaster addition to the Six Flags Great Escape coaster lineup for both coaster beginners and long-time enthusiasts. The Gravity Group has an incredible reputation in the industry, and we are thrilled to begin the partnership with them.”

The track length will be 1,412 feet, with a height of 55 feet. Two 12-passenger trains will run at 40 mph.

“I am most looking forward to the second hill,” said Graham. “The train will fly over the brake run with great airtime and then dive under the double-down with a fantastic ‘head-chopper’ [effect], where the track creates the illusion of a really tight opening that the train needs to pass through.”

“Bobcat’s 42-inch height restriction allows for new coaster enthusiasts to fall in love with wooden roller coasters before taking on The Comet!” added Mance.

Six Flags Over Georgia will be the site of Intamin’s first Ultra Surf.

“We introduced the ride in 2021. This Ultra Surf installation is the first worldwide,” said Sascha Czibulka, executive vice president, Intamin.

The park hosted a naming contest for the new coaster. The ride features a single platform of two rotating 10-seat spindles. The vehicle races the 20 passengers forward and backward up two reverse spikes with a speed bump in the middle. The project includes water features, but the vehicle itself doesn’t come in contact with the water.

“These water effects elevate the experience for both riders and spectators alike, allowing for a number of different fountain patterns,” noted Czibulka. “Speeding through a water vortex tunnel, creating a water wall, or riding right through a water curtain — the optional installation of these interactive water features allows for a controlled degree of how wet you want your riders to get or simply allows for adaptions to the seasonal weather situation.”

Intamin points out that these effects are not restricted to water. Customers can theme the ride to a number of other elements, enhance it with fire shows, add a fog tunnel or dedicate the whole ride to a fantasy figure. 

Six Flags Great Adventure is adding the first Vekoma Super Boomerang in North America. Called Flash: Vertical Velocity, the ride launches riders both forward and backward up the side of a central tower — twice. Offering serious hangtime and multiple inversions, the attraction will be the park’s 15th roller coaster.

“The Super Boomerang will not only be the first in North America, but also the first model of our new generation of Vekoma’s thrill LSM launch coasters in the States,” said Ricardo Tonding Etges, vice president of sales, Vekoma. “This was long awaited by theme park fans and coaster enthusiasts. The Super Boomerang combines a state-of-the-art and extremely comfortable ride vehicle, cutting edge drive system and a unique track layout full of airtime, four inversions and multiple launches. The first Super Boomerang opened in Asia earlier this year and is considered by many the best shuttle coaster ever.”

Etges added, “The quantity and variety of elements in such a compact layout will definitely be a surprise for the guests. Airtime, multiple inversions, triple launch tower, vertical stall, forwards and backwards elements, all blended in one ride. The visual impact of the ride is also remarkable, with its 170-foot tall tower and the other elements up high. There are a couple of other surprises with the ride vehicle, but I will wait for Six Flags to talk about them!”

In addition, Great Adventure is taking advantage of its animal safari setting and creating Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, a new luxury “glamping” experience, just feet away from giraffes. The overnight experience will offer fine dining and a state-of-the-art spa.

Six Flags America is introducing a rethemed land. The former Coyote Creek will be transformed into SteamTown. The steampunk-themed area will reimagine three attractions (bumper cars, rapids ride and suspended coaster, which will receive new trains) and introduce a brand-new ride. SteamWhirler will be a NebulaZ ride provided by Zamperla.

The ride has become a hot seller for the Italian company. When asked why it has been so popular, Sales Director Ramon Rosario, told AT: “Two words: Broad appeal.  The global market was ready for a new, unique attraction that accommodates most guests walking onto any property. Not only is the NebulaZ a great experience for riders, but it is also a great off-ride visual for guests waiting or who do not ride. It creates a gathering point in parks of all sizes for families while providing an excellent opportunity to ride together. We only introduced the ride to the market in 2019, lost all of 2020 from a global perspective, and delivered nearly 40 units with various well-designed themes.”

SteamTown will also see the return of a large, air-conditioned eatery, as well as the wildly popular stunt show. A new quick-service dining experience is also being added.

Zamperla is also the supplier for three new rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. In addition to a NebulaZ, the San Antonio theme park will add a family drop tower and an overhead observation ride, which will feature a train with a sleek retro look.

“Seeing some of our evergreen attractions like the Aerial Ride gain new traction with some redesigns and a high level of custom theming is fun,” said Rosario. “The last train model done in the U.S. was for the American Dream, and now we're ecstatic to provide a bird's-eye view of the new DC area at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.”

“We wanted to create a visually stunning ride vehicle where your entire group can sit together (four guests per cabin, 16 per train, two trains for 32 guests), and produce a covered cabin to offer shade and keep our guests happy while they ride high in comfort and style,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “The three new rides were selected by using guest research, industry trends and by moving forward our multigenerational strategic initiatives — building experiences everyone in the family can enjoy together.”

In addition to the new rides, other rides will receive a DC Comics makeover, which will make the former children’s area into more of a family-friendly section of superhero-themed attractions.

“Five rides are being rethemed, so we can offer a consistent storytelling experience. All of the existing rides will receive new names and a brand-new thematic look,” Siebert told AT. “Our new Kid Flash Cosmic Coaster will open this fall. Once we complete our Fright Fest event in October, our current kids’ area will shut down in phases to begin construction of our new expansion of the DC Universe. The entire area will be closed at times for construction.”

Both Six Flags Great America and Six Flags St. Louis will receive a Giga Discovery from Zamperla, which have been popular additions at Six Flags parks.

“Height and speed are King and Queen,” said Rosario. “[Both parks] are getting world record-level thrills in the Giga Discovery.  At nearly 175 feet tall in operation and nearly 75 mph, our pendulums pack a punch like no other. The programming for the ride also allows for a more sensational ride experience compared to other pendulums on the market. The repeat acquisitions have a wonderful undertone that speaks to the relationship between our organizations.”

 Six Flags Over Texas is reinvesting in its history. The park debuted the industry’s very first log flume in 1963. It was so popular that the park added a second installation in 1968. Both flumes only run on the busiest days, so the park is cleverly adding a new lift that will connect them, thus creating the longest log flume ever built by Arrow Development. Upgrades and thematic enhancements will come with the experience.

Extreme Engineering's Rocky Top Glider opens in Tennessee

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. ­— Extreme Engineering's new cloud coaster installion opening in early October at the Wilderness at the Smokies, Sevierville, Tennessee, is offering a new concept unlike anything Extreme Engineering has done before.

Called the Rocky Top Glider, riders soar in a suspended vehicle over and throughout Wilderness at the Smokies Adventure Forest family entertainment center. It engages riders and guests below, enhancing the experience for all.

"The coaster goes over the adventure park, then through a wall and out over the miniature golf course," Phil Wilson, chief development officer, Extreme Engineering. "It is interacting with the activities below. We have never done that before, going from room to room like that."

Wilderness at the Smokies sits in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country with over 11 million visitors a year. Its offerings include 234 Stone Hill guest rooms, 472 River Lodge suites, 20 Villas, an indoor water park, two seasonal outdoor water parks and the indoor family adventure center, Adventure Forest.

The Rocky Top Glider features 400 linear feet of track with two lift hills. A raised platform launches riders at a starting height of 18 feet, with maximum heights of approximately 25 feet in the air.

Guests who are at least 42 inches in height will be able to ride the new attraction. The maximum ride weight will be 250 pounds per seat.

The family coaster is mostly suspended in the Adventure Forest’s ceiling, reducing the amount of necessary structure needed for operation. The overall layout allows the operator to achieve moderate to quick cycle times, allowing many riders per hour.

Pete Tennis, the resort's managing director said: "We are super excited about adding the Rocky Top Glider to Adventure Forest. We think our guests are absolutely going to love soaring over our different attractions. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Adventure Forest remained open during construction.

Wilderness at the Smokies also features a variety of dining and shopping, as well as a 36-hole championship golf course adjacent to the resort and more than 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space adjacent to Stone Hill Lodge.

As a year-round water park vacation destination, Wilderness at the Smokies delivers an exciting lodging and entertainment option for families vacationing in the Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg/ Sevierville region.

Extreme Engineering is a global supplier in family-friendly attractions, such coasters, ziplines, climbing walls and mobile adventure. The company also offers shade structures coming out with a new type, the FLX Shade, late last year.

•extremeengineering.com

•wildernessatthesmokies.com

AEM consulting on $60 million development of entertainment properties

BUFFALO, N.Y.. — Strategic consultant Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM) has been selected by award-winning golf ball manufacturer OnCore Golf Technology and its affiliated ShotClub Social, LLC real estate development partner to guide the construction of two entertainment complexes in Buffalo, New York, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Each 40,000-square-foot facility, which will trade under the name ShotClub Social, powered by OnCore, will contain 60 golf driving range bays, a fully interactive range gameboard, OnCore’s exclusive GENiUS ball technology, artificial-intelligence-based on-site swing instruction, duckpin bowling and a host of amusement game, simulator and virtual reality attraction offerings.

AEM’s Managing Partner Jerry Merola commented: “OnCore Golf Technology has the history, know-how and bandwidth in the golf ball and technology sectors which, when combined with ShotClub Social’s development track record of notable projects, will evolve the golf driving range experience to a new level not yet achieved within the sector. We look forward to bringing this dynamic experience to the communities of Buffalo and Knoxville in the near future.”

“We’re very excited to be working with AEM and our local development partners in Buffalo and Knoxville on what we have spent the past several years refining and preparing for launch,” added ShotClub Social’s CEO Doug Swift. “The interest in off-course golf has reached record levels and the emergence of exciting new technologies to make the driving range experience both fun and instructional will make this a destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.”

Dreambox360º experience is set to open on Las Vegas Strip in early 2024

LAS VEGAS — Dreambox360º, the immersive and intimate 5D projection experience, announced it will open at The LINQ Promenade on the Las Vegas Strip in early 2024. Developed by the team behind Minus5º Icebar, Dreambox360º will offer several captivating adventures, including The Arctic Ghost Ship: A Quest in Search of the Lost Rum, The Weekend Trip — a psychedelic-inspired experience — and more.

“As passive projection attractions continue to grow in popularity, we aim to spearhead the future of storytelling by producing an even more personalized and action-packed experience with Dreambox360º,” said Noel Bowman, owner, Dreambox360º. “Combining smaller, more intimate crowds with 5D elements will create an immersive atmosphere that you can actually feel, unlike anything seen before. We cannot wait for visitors to enjoy this concept next year.”

Featuring a 15-minute original, animated adventure, The Arctic Ghost Ship experience will invite guests to sip cocktails with Captain Flint McGreggor as they embark on a quest for the lost rum. Surrounded by 360 degrees of cutting-edge visuals and sound, guests will become even more immersed in this unique journey with 5D effects such as rain, mist, wind and more.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Dreambox360º will transform into The Weekend Trip – a psychedelic experience that will offer mind-blowing, trippy projections, a live DJ, open bar featuring an array of libations and 5D effects such as thunderstorms and blizzards.

Distinctive from other projection attractions around the globe, Dreambox360º is designed for small audiences of up to 35 to create an even more intimate and immersive atmosphere.

The versatile space will also be customizable for corporate events and product launches with branded logos and imagery. Bespoke slideshows can also be produced for personal celebrations and private events such as engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions and more.

Guests must be 12 or older to visit the attraction.

•dreambox360.com

Minnesota State Fair has 6th best attendance in 164-year history

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The 12-day Minnesota State Fair saw 1,835,826 people through the turnstiles, down 6,400 from last year. It was, however, the sixth best-attended fair in its history.

“This was my first fair as CEO, and I was more awe-inspired by the dedication of so many than I could have imagined —the dedication of fair fans, staff, volunteers, vendors, livestock exhibitors, competitors, safety and security partners and so many others who went above and beyond to be a part of an amazing fair experience despite some challenging high temperatures,” said fair CEO Renee Alexander. “All of us across the state came together to celebrate one of the best Great Minnesota Get-Togethers.”

The fair has operated its own in-house, independent carnival midway for the past 28 years, utilizing the equipment and services of multiple providers. In 2023, a total of 56 rides and 45 games were operated by 19 different ride companies and 11 different game owners/operators in the main midway and Kidway areas. There were 26 rides on the Mighty Midway and 30 rides in Kidway.

The 19 independents included: Alamo Amusements (six rides); Arnold Amusements (three); B-Thrilled Attractions (two); D & K Amusements (four); Fair Ride Entertainment, LLC (five); Family Entertainment, (two); Fun Attractions, LLC (two); Gopher State Expositions, Inc. (five); Iconic Midway Rides, LLC (two); Joyrides, Inc. (two); Lauther Amusements (three); Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways, Inc. (two); Prime Pacific Entertainment, LLC (three); Skerbeck Entertainment Group, Inc. (four); State Fair Spectaculars, LLC (two); Tinsley Amusements, Inc. (two); Wanderlust Technical, LLC (two); Wood Entertainment Company (three) and Michael F. Wood (one). Iconic Midway Rides, owned by Marina Zaitshak, played this spot for the first time.

A Pump and Jump (Zamperla) was brought in by D & K Amusements; Beach Shack (also Zamperla), Iconic Midway Rides were new to the Kidway, while Infinity (a larger Larson International loop) was new to the main midway (also Iconic Midway Rides).

A few of the more popular rides included the Crazy Mouse Spinning Coaster (Reverchon), Wood Entertainment Company; Iron Dragon Roller Coaster (Interpark), State Fair Spectaculars and Wave Swinger (Zierer), Fair Ride Entertainment.

“Our experience with all of our mobile amusement industry ride and game business partners was outstanding,” said Alexander.

Pre-fair discount gate admission tickets were available for $15. Once the fair started, there were numerous discount days including opening day, two senior days, two kid days and military appreciation day. On both ride midways, there were four ride and game promotion days, and four different days offered special pricing before 1 p.m. There also was a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, a deals, drawings and giveaways guide and a last chance flier for specials closing day.

The fair had a $510,000 media buy budget, which was spent on traditional TV and radio; digital media including local site direct, premium video and connected TV, programmatic, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok); bus sides; outdoor digital boards; and targeted print. The primary focus was on the seven-county metro area, with secondary focus on larger communities in greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

All told, there were 500 food items (more than 80 on-a-stick) with 34 new foods and seven new food vendors. A few of the new offerings included bacon wrapped waffle dogs, basil hummus with spicy walnut topping, cheese curd stuffed pizza pretzel, chicken Momo with tomato chutney, fried butternut squash ravioli, hot honey cheese sticks, pickle fries, smoked beef arepa and walleye fritter pops.

The Minnesota State Fair’s agricultural and creative competitions drew more than 33,000 entries this year, with competitors vying for a share of ribbons, trophies and special awards and nearly $2 million in prize money. The Miracle of Birth Center welcomed 156 newborn animals, including 122 piglets, 10 calves and 24 lambs. This year was the 50th annual amateur talent contest. More than 1,700 singers, dancers, jugglers, instrumentalists and others have auditioned over the past five decades for this showcase of Minnesota’s most talented. The fair had its first sensory-friendly morning at Mighty Midway and Kidway. It was provided to better accommodate those with sensory sensitivities by reducing light brightness and sound volume on a fair day.

Total grandstand attendance was 110,543. Some of the acts included Duran Duran: Future Past with special guests Bastille and Nile Rodgers and Chic; Jonas Brothers with special guest Lawrence. Sold out concerts included The Chicks with special guest Wild Rivers; Keith Urban with special guest Lindsay Ell and Brandi Carlisle with special guest Wynonna Judd. There were over 900 free entertainment shows throughout the dozen days of fair operation — all included with gate admission.

Each year, the fair operates an employment center that does hiring throughout the summer leading up to the start of the fair. In addition, they held a job fair on July 26.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting more than two million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 days of fun ending Labor Day.

The 2024 fair takes place August 22 through September 2.

•mnstatefair.org

Silverwood Theme Park announces forthcoming park expansion

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

ATHOL, Idaho — Coming off another great season, Silverwood Theme Park located in Athol, Idaho, announced August 24, a $15 million expansion that will include a dueling water coaster that will be added to the theme park’s Boulder Beach.

Park officials added that the 3.86 acres being developed in the water area will also include a large food pavilion, kid slides with a splash pad, and another restroom.

“The decision to expand Boulder Beach was driven by a deep understanding of the importance of creating unforgettable experiences for our valued guests,” said Stephanie Sampson, public relations manager at Silverwood. “We wanted to create a space that not only offered thrilling attractions, but also immersed our visitors in a world of natural wonder and enchantment.”

The new section has been officially named Emerald Forest. The new water coaster, touted as the first dueling coaster on the west coast, has been named Eagle Hunt. It is being manufactured by Proslide Technology, Ottawa, Ontario.

It will be able to put through 720 riders per hour. Park officials said this will not only be the longest water slide in all of Boulder Beach, but at 925 feet, it will be the longest dueling water coaster in the nation.

Another feature that will make it unique to the property itself will be it’s eagle theme and race-against-the-clock capabilities.

This new section in Boulder Beach will also have the Salmon Run splash pad area that will feature eight different slides for kids to choose from. Also from ProSlide, these slides range from 36 to 82 feet long and six feet to nine feet tall.

Silverwood has plans to improve efficiency with its new food pavilion, officially named Rapids Grill. This grab-and-go location can theoretically serve up to 1,200 guests per hour, which will help with food wait times and the overall guest experience. The large kitchen is expected to produce more food than all of the other food options in the park combined.

Private cabanas is another feature that will be to add to this expansion, guests indicated that cabanas are coveted during the summer. With this expansion, the park will add 32 new private cabanas and five new group cabanas that can hold up to 20 guests each.

“I think that the best part of all of this is that we really have included everyone in this thought process,” said Jordan Carter, director of marketing and entertainment. “When planning this expansion, we listened to the feedback of our guests and by adding the food pavilion, a kid slide area, more cabanas and another slide, we are getting everyone’s needs taken care of.”

Silverwood Theme Park debuted several new additions to the park this year. A new variety show at the park’s High Moon Saloon debuted in June along with several new food offerings. Those new food offerings included pulled pork and ham and swiss sliders and a hummus plate with pita, carrots and celery.

Idaho Nachoes were added to the menu this season at the Kool Cactus location.

A brand new train show was created this season as well. Called the Silver Mine Shoot Out, the train show was a hit.

In addition, the park’s Treehouse climbing attraction was repainted, and mulch made from recycled tires was used as ground covering instead of gravel.

Silverwood Theme Park is located in northern Idaho about 180 miles northeast of the Tri-Cities. Gary Norton, owner and founder of the park, is still a big part of the management there along with other family members.

The park had a partial season in 2020, due to COVID-19, but when it reopened in 2021, a new single-rail steel roller coaster, Stunt Pilot, came on line. Park officials attributed the Rocky Mountain Construction coaster with the 803,000 attendance number for 2021, which was a record for the park.

In 2023, June and July attendance was on track with the record setting 2021 season. However, a wetter than usual August, and nearby wildfires, flattened those early season increases to on par with 2022 numbers.

Throughout the last three decades, Silverwood has been dedicated to making sure that families from all around have a beautiful and memorable spot to come and enjoy themselves.

•silverwoodthemepark.com

Wavegarden to install an inland surf

beach within its home country of Spain

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

MADRID, Spain — The capital of Spain will soon be home to one of Europe’s largest artificial urban beaches with surfing waves generated by Wavegarden, the Spanish engineering company that supplies large-scale, manmade surf pools. The project will cover a vast area of four hectares (9.88 acres).

The Spanish capital has always been known for its vibrant culture, imposing architecture, and passionate love for sports. Madrid is preparing to add a new jewel to its crown — one of Europe's most significant sports complexes and within that, a massive surf park.

The Wavegarden installation is a part of the Ciudad del Deporte (Sports City) project being developed by Atlético de Madrid — a Spanish professional football (soccer) club in collaboration with Stoneweg — a real estate developer headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, along with Teras Capital — a Madrid-based telecommunications investment company. The sports city complex is being built around the football club’s existing Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium. It will eventually include training facilities, including multiple soccer fields; a smaller, 6,000-seat stadium for the women’s and reserve teams; an athletic track; indoor paddleball courts and the aforementioned surf cove, along with other sports facilities. The entire project is estimated to cost €200 million ($213 million).

The waves produced by the Wavegarden Cove technology are suitable for everyone, from beginners to experts. Wavegarden’s Wave Menu has more than 20 types of waves, ranging in size and power from half a meter to two meters (20 inches to six feet).

Similar to other recent projects, the Madrid lagoon will be divided into two halves, each capable of producing different types of waves at the same time. Beginners can learn how to surf with gentle waves in one half of the pool, while experts can hone their skills with larger waves in the other half.

Wavegarden's noise-free, wave-generating technology can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, depending on the wave setting and operational requirements. The machinery is capable of running in non-stop mode and can produce sets of waves of almost any desired quantity. This high frequency of quality waves ensures there´s plenty for everyone without the need to compete with fellow surfers.

Wavegarden is also focused on economic and environmental sustainability. Despite the massive size of the installations, studies reveal that Wavegarden’s technology consumes less energy than the popular pneumatic wave generation equipment typically used for wave pools. The mechanical system employed by the Wavegarden Cove requires less than one kilowatt-hour per wave. Very little energy is lost in the transmission of forces and part of the energy is recovered and reused. Snow-plow-like "wavefoils" move back and forth on underwater tracks, generating ocean-like waves. As the waves reach the end of the pool, some of the energy generated by those waves is recovered in order to minimize electricity use and to help power the water treatment system. For this project, the possibility of recycling water from the sports city is being considered.

To keep the water crystal clear and hygienically safe, each Wavegarden Cove is supplied with its own state-of-the-art water treatment system. Designed specifically for wave lagoons, the system is based on a series of sustainable treatments including fine filtration, ozone and UV disinfection, and low chemical chlorination.

Over the past 18 years, Wavegarden’s development team has grown to more than 60 full-time staff members. The firm consists of engineers, architects, computer science and fluid dynamic experts, along with water treatment specialists and those responsible for business development and operations. The company headquarters' near San Sebastian, Spain, and has its own Wavegarden demo and testing pool.

Moosehorn Falls to debut at

Canada's Wonderland in 2024

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

VAUGHAN, Ont. — Officials at Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario, announced in August that a new attractions will be available to guests in 2024.

Called Moosehorn Falls, the attraction is a Boomerango from WhiteWater West Industries, Vancouver, British Columbia. It is located in the park's 20-acre water venue, Splash Works Waterpark.

With a zero-gravity wall summit, Canada's Wonderland officials are excited about the new water park addition.

“We’re excited to provide attractions that our guests can enjoy together, and Moosehorn Falls will be a perfect water park adventure for families and friends,” said Phil Liggett, general manager at Canada’s Wonderland.

The attraction is a new expedition within Splash Works. The rafts will have the capacity to take up to six guests down a rushing river cascade of twists, turns and drops before being propelled to the summit of a zero-gravity, 42-foot-tall wall.

As rafters crest the vertical apex in a moment of weightlessness, the rafts will reverse direction and send them downstream to a crystal-clear pool where their journey ends with a breathtaking splash.

Moosehorn Falls is inspired by waterfalls on the Broad River along the Moosehorn Trail in Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, within the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Region.

“The new water slide is the park’s latest addition of Canadian-themed attractions, venues and events,” Liggett said. “As Canada’s premier amusement park, we want to celebrate the best this country has to offer, including its natural diversity, as well as the adventurous spirit of its people.”

Suitable for all ages. WhiteWater West has over 5,000 project installations worldwide.

Story Land to grow park with water park addition from Vortex

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

GLEN, N.H. — Story Land, one of the top five finalists for Best Family Park in Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, is growing. A previous Oceans of Fun sprayground area will be replaced with something bigger and bolder in 2024. Moo Lagoon will be the park’s first introduction of water park attractions.

Story Land is planning for all members of the herd to find something to enjoy in the farm-themed water park. Parents will find places to relax, kids will like the interactive features, and a waterslide tower will cater to various ages.

The attractions will be themed to a farm, which will help engage kids in imagination.

Vortex is the supplier of the attractions. Moo Lagoon will feature a slide tower with three slides of varying height, a play structure with a tipping bucket and a splash pad.

“Working with the people at Story Land to create the new Moo Lagoon Splashpad has been a total blast!” said Terry Dubuc, director of business development, Vortex. “There’s something for everybody from ground level play, dumping features, elevated play structures and waterslides — sure to provide those memorable moments! The new splash pad will be sure to Moo-ve  you!“

“The splash pad has so many activities,” said Eric Dziedzic, general manager. “It’s a water park perfect for our demographic. It totally rounds out our offerings here. The one thing we have been missing for years is that cooldown on a hot day.”

With the introduction of the water area, a nearby building will be repurposed as a changing area, and a store will be able to sell beach towels and swimwear for families who came unprepared.

“It’s a [retail opportunity] we’ve never been able to capitalize on,” noted Dziedzic.

Story Land is operated by Palace Entertainment. Moo Lagoon is seen as a first step.

“It’s the perfect size park to start with,” said Jerry Brick, director of construction and maintenance, Palace. “But there is opportunity down the road. We made sure we didn’t box ourselves in; we have space to continue.”

Hampton Creative did the design for the park, and Wet Engineering will be handling the filtration.

The cow theme makes it fun.

“It’s all about research,” Dziedizic told Amusement Today. “We as a group sat down, knowing we wanted to do a water park. We gave four or five options out to the public, and they voted on a farm-themed water park. I’m udderly excited with the choice.”

“I have a three-year-old,” said Lauren Fullerton, marketing. “I think it gives the guests more opportunity regardless of weather. Right now, we don’t have a hot-weather element to cool down. It will round us out. Kids love water; from a mom’s perspective, that’s important. The big thing at Story Land is that no ride is ‘just’ for kids. The whole point is to make memories with your children and you ride with your children. So, we want parents in the water park playing with their kids. But there are places to lounge too.”

A farm motif will transform area structures with a new look, and an eatery will be added.

Other than the sprayground, no other rides are being retired, however, a Tilt-A-Whirl and Flying Skooters will be relocated. The park will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024. It’s a perfect opportunity to party until the cows come home.

Land of Legends opens record-breaking RocketBlast Water Coaster

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

SERIK/ANTALYA, Turkey — This past summer, the Land of Legends theme park opened Turtle Coaster, a record-breaking RocketBlast coaster. Supplied by ProSlide Technology of Ottawa, Ontario, and with a length of 433 meters (1,421 feet), it is the longest single-lane RocketBlast water coaster in the world.

Turtle Coaster was a collaborative effort with Creative Studio Berlin bringing together ProSlide’s cutting-edge technology and creative theming to produce a unique water coaster that was specifically tailored to the Land of Legends site. Chris Lange, creative executive and owner of Creative Studio Berlin, was responsible for the design of the project. He has previously worked with ProSlide on the theming at Europa-Park’s Rulantica water park in Rust, Germany.

The rainbow-colored Turtle Coaster revitalized the former Secret Lagoon which has now become Tropic Lagoon with the new water coaster as its central feature. A massive, vibrant, multi-colored fiberglass and fabric “turtle” is suspended over the queue and the station to provide shade and cover to guests waiting in line and boarding. The entire queue and station are on a raised terrace, eliminating the need for a slide tower.

Although turtles are usually thought of as methodical, slow-moving creatures, the Turtle Coaster is anything but. Passengers board four-person inline rafts via a moving conveyor. Following a small drop off the station belt, riders are accelerated along a flat section utilizing ProSlide’s patented water propulsion “blast” technology. The FlatBlast section is immediately followed by an uphill booster, allowing the raft full of riders to gain elevation for the multiple drops, curves and uphill blasts that follow.

The slide includes ProSlide’s patented saucer sections — high-speed curves along an outer wall with a flat section in the center to provide an open feel. Placed in a series, the high-speed curves in opposite directions mimic the feeling of slaloming down a ski slope. In total, riders experience one FlatBlast, eight uphill blast sections, four saucer sections, open and closed tube sections and cumulative drops of 42.7 meters (140 feet). The last blast section brings riders to the final water-filled flume where they can regain their composure as they gently float around a U-shaped curve back to a conveyor belt that brings them to the loading station. Unlike some other water coasters, there are no stair towers to climb nor any belt-driven lift hills.

Land of Legends Theme Park opened in 2016 as a joint venture with Turkey’s Rixos Hotels; Dubai-based Emaar Properties and Dragone Productions based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Luxembourg. Dragone Productions is led by Franco Dragone, formerly with Cirque du Soleil. The idea behind the imaginatively themed park is that a meteor fell to earth, spawning a variety of worlds, each rooted in a different legend. The Dragone Gate, which separates the Kingdom Hotel from the park, is a portal to those worlds.

The original Land of Aqua opened with more than 40 slides and 70 water-based attractions including splash pads, waterplay structures, lazy and action rivers, along with multiple pools — including wave and surf pools. An adjoining waterfront kingdom featured animal shows; animal encounters; boat trips and Mythical Journey, an underwater walk among tropical fish. The two areas have since been integrated into Aqua Land and a new area, Secret Lagoon (now Tropic Lagoon), was added.

Belek, a neighborhood of the Serik district, where Land of Legends is located, is a major resort town that attracts more than 30 million visitors per year. The area is famous for its spas and mineral waters that flow from seven springs; it has attracted visitors for thousands of years. The city is home to more than 30 four-star and five-star hotels, as well as the ancient Roman Aspendos Theater, a 2,000-year-old amphitheater that holds 20,000 people. It is still used to this day to host open-air classical ballet and opera festivals.

Legacy signed to design, build new Uzbekistan water park resort

Hollywood, Calif., and Tashkent, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent will soon be home to a world-class integrated resort that will feature unique water attractions, a thematic hotel, immersive dining and live entertainment among other experiences. Legacy Entertainment, a global entertainment design firm responsible for many of the world’s top new theme parks and destinations built over the last two decades, has been signed to design and build a groundbreaking water park to anchor the resort.

The upcoming complex will be located on the way to the city’s New Tashkent District and is being designed with a scope and scale intended to draw visitors not only from the local market, but from surrounding nations as well.

A formal ceremony was held in Tashkent on July 18, in which Eric Carnagey, Legacy Entertainment’s chief business development officer and co-founder, signed the deal.

Regarding this massive new project, Carnagey said: “World-class entertainment projects like this can be transformational for a community. Once complete, this new resort will supercharge tourism, create hundreds or even thousands of jobs, and enrich the lives of the people of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, as well as Central Asia.”

Following an international search, Legacy Entertainment was selected for the groundbreaking water park, upon the company’s track record of successful projects including work with Cirque du Soleil, Six Flags, Lotte and Haichang, as well as the company's experience designing integrated resorts for Macau.

•legacyentertainment.com

Midway provider Strates Shows celebrating Centennial of Smiles

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — It all started with two kiddie rides and grew from there.

In May 1923, Greek immigrant James E. Strates started Southern Tier Shows, in Bath, New York. In time, his reputation for running a clean, honest and entertaining carnival allowed him to turn a collection of over-the-road wagons and rigs into a railroad caravan that traveled up and down the eastern seaboard. In 1932, the carnival was officially renamed the James E. Strates Shows and two years later traveled by rail for the first time.

E. James Strates took over leadership of the show following the passing of his father in 1959. These days the operation is known as Strates Shows, Inc., owned and run by third and fourth generation family members. Prior to the pandemic, 61 rail cars and 34 trucks transported equipment for the 400 employees and families who operate the rides, games and concessions. The rail operation is currently suspended; however, the trucking side is in full swing and has been beefed up.

The show has been celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout this year at the various fairs and carnivals it has played. The celebration continues during the 2024 season, culminating at the Erie County Fair, Hamburg, New York, next August, when the show will be playing there for the 100th time. The carnival uses “Centennial of Smiles” as its theme.

One hundred free minutes of rides were offered for the midway at numerous spots including the Osceola County Fair, Sanford, Florida; Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; York State Fair, Pennsylvania; Lake County Fair, Eustis, Florida, Southwest Georgia Regional Fair, Albany and North Florida Fair, Tallahassee.

“The promotion was highly successful at the fairs we worked with,” said Marty Biniasz, manager of fair and community development. “It was a cold and windy day at Erie County, however attendance was strong, salvaging that day.” The Champlain Valley Fair, Essex Junction, Vermont had its single best day with the promotion.

There were many celebrations given to the carnival all season. “We have been honored by fairs and fair boards with anniversary cakes and proclamations in honor of our 100th year in operation,” said Biniasz.

“We have been humbled by the way our partner fairs have honored our history,” said Jimmy Strates. “The relationships we have created with the fairs and communities over the last 100 years are very special and something we do not take for granted.”

In July, State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey, created a motorized cake replica of a Wave Swinger ride standing over eight feet tall. It was created by TLC’s Cake Boss show host, Bartolo "Buddy" Valastro Jr. He owns Carlo's Bakery, a family-owned bakery that is the location used in the show.

A selfie photo op was made available to York State Fair fairgoers with a car from the Zyklon roller coaster car featuring special signage in the background.

The New York State Fair, Syracuse, had a special Strates Shows historical display inside the fair’s Art & Home Center. It included vintage pictures and signage alongside a 50-car, scale model of the James E. Strates Shows train, circa 1964. The model, owned by William Pfeifer of Rochester, includes 12 coaches, two animal cars and 36 flat cars filled with colorful wagons, rides and equipment that was typical of a Strates train from the 1960s. There were also numerous miniature rides on display.

The Circus Model Builders of Central New York Hoxie Tucker Ring #73 had a tribute to Strates Shows as part of its annual state fair display. The organization’s exhibit featured more than 3,000 square feet of model circuses, model carnivals and historic posters.

During the Erie County Fair, a poster contest was held. Graphic artist Crista Sukkenik had her design selected as the 2024 Erie County Fair commemorative poster contest winner. The design honors Strates Shows, as it marks 100 years of providing the midway at that fair in 2024. A special expanded exhibit will be there next year.

100th anniversary buttons have been given out throughout the season to fair attendees. A series of four limited-edition T-shirts was created. They feature graphics from the 1940s, a 1970s crew member “jumpsuit” design, one that pays homage to the 1980s crew clothing and a color scheme used on the Strates Shows train. All have the 100th logo on the right sleeve. In the works are a 100th anniversary Strate Shows poster, a pictorial history book, and an O gauge scale toy train replica of the rail cars and engine.

For the upcoming spring 2024 fair and carnival route, the show is working with its locations to incorporate a Strates Shows competitive category with Lego blocks, photo exhibits and other fine arts department exhibits.

Over the decades, Strates Shows has brought many innovations to the carnival industry, including cooperative promotions, a centralized ticket system, advance ticket sales and the FunCard electronic ticketing system that utilizes bar codes to control access to carnival rides on the midway and provides seamless, transparent accounting to partners.

“After 100 Years, the show is still focused on quality,” said Susan Strates Magid. “When my father E. James Strates took over the reins of his father’s show, he had one goal in mind — not to be the biggest, but the BEST. He was an innovator in the outdoor amusement business as he identified changes in demographics, spending habits and customer expectations. The result was to bring Strates Shows, and the whole carnival industry, into the big-business, high-tech world of modern family entertainment. This is a legacy that continues to drive the industry and Strates Shows forward to this day.”

The next 100 years look bright for the show that started with two kiddie rides and lots of determination.

•stratescarnivalcompany.com

Connecticut hosts successful

NEAAPA Summer Meeting

and Golf Tournament

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — NEAAPA’s 110th Anniversary Summer Meeting and Golf Tournament, held over two days on July 24 and 25, drew more than 80 attendees to Central Connecticut to network with colleagues and get a behind-the-scenes peek at two historic parks: Quassy Amusement & Waterpark at 115 seasons and Lake Compounce Theme Park at 177 seasons.

“Fore!”

Monday, July 24, started at the beautiful Lyman Orchard Golf Club in Middlefield, Connecticut. Sixteen participants got out their clubs to raise funds for NEAAPA’s Pinnacle Scholarship Program, which is awarded to an employee whose post-secondary education is leading them to a career in the attractions industry. This year’s recipient will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Over $1,500 was raised during the tournament, which will help to expand the program and fund future scholarships.

“This event is designed to be fun,” said Golf Committee Chairman, Pete Barto. A few NEAAPA members were introduced to the game of golf for the very first time at this tournament. “We welcome every skill level to play in this tournament, although we do require that players have fun.” Even Cyle the Crocodile from Lake Compounce and NEAAPA Secretary Ed Hodgdon made celebrity appearances and were able to get into the action as additional golfers helping groups on one of the holes.

In addition to having NXT Capture on-site taking photos of the action, the tournament featured a raffle for a Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Watch (sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance), a hole-in-one contest on all par-threes for a $500 Callaway Gift Card (sponsored by PB Amusement), and a number of on-course contests (sponsored by Tatvam Analytics by NetServ), like the Wheel of Destiny, evened the playing field and added a little levity by having golfers do wacky tasks like playing a hole on one leg or having to play the hole with only one club. Also sponsoring this year was the 2022 NEAAPA Golf Tournament Champions – The Killer Bs.

Capturing the title again this year was the Killer B’s: Melissa Bamford of Baynum Solutions, Newport, Kentucky; Pete Barto of PB Amusement, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Bradford Doolittle of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Fairway, Kansas and Brian Knoebel of Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

Time at the parks!

The afternoon brought attendees to Quassy Amusement & Waterpark where park co-owners George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson greeted attendees as they arrived at the park. While some guests hit the attractions like Rocket Rapids, Frantic and new-for-2023, Super Himalaya, others went on a behind-the-scenes tour of their park, led by Frantzis and Anderson.

In the park’s Fieldside Pavilion, a reception featuring “Quassy Calamari,” steamers and charcuterie was held where attendees got to mingle and network. Jim Sisti, a slight-of-hand magician and historian of his craft, entertained the group with close-up magic. As the evening went on, the park rolled out an appetizing dinner which included lobster rolls, a carving station and barbecued spareribs. To cap off the day, guests got exclusive ride time on the park’s coaster, Wooden Warrior.

On Tuesday, July 25, Lake Compounce opened its doors to Summer Meeting, where guests got a chance to experience many of the park’s signature attractions, like Boulder Dash, Venus Vortex and Phobia. Park management, including new General Manager Doug Hemphill, was on hand to greet attendees before the park opened for the day. Attendees made their way to the Lakeside Pavilions, either by walking, taking the 1911 Trolley or the Compounce Railway for the Board of Directors meeting and lunch.

During the meeting, NEAAPA President Chris Nicoli welcomed everyone and thanked the parks and sponsors. Updates were given on state legislation, future events and NEAAPA Academy Online Training. Following a delicious buffet lunch of BBQ chickens, hamburgers and hot dogs, guests made their way through the park on various tours, including maintenance, in-park revenue and events.

Attendees were treated to two bags full of goodies provided by sponsors and the hosting parks, including a vacuum mug from Rhode Island Novelty, a reversible spider from Premier Rides in honor of Phobia at Lake Compounce, a sloth from Quassy and homemade fudge from Lake Compounce.

Sponsors of the Summer Meeting included: Premier Rides, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida; Amusement Entertainment Risk Insurance Agency, Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire; Tatvam Analytics by NetServ, Alpharetta, Georgia; Rhode Island Novelty, Fall River, Massachusettes and Hodgdon Consulting, Scarborough, Maine.

—Ed Hodgdon, NEAAPA

Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company announced the appointment of Val McGee as the company's senior vice president of revenue. McGee brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished 30-year career in the hospitality and family entertainment industries.

As the company continues to successfully open Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, McGee's role will predominantly be focused on the destination-based asset vertical and the experiences that will be offered as part of the Village development. McGee's work will center around the maximization of revenue growth while creating a more seamless guest experience. She will also lead efforts to create and integrate revenue streams throughout the company's diverse business verticals which include media and gaming.

"We are delighted to welcome Val McGee as our senior vice president of revenue," said Michael Crawford, president and CEO of HOFV. "Val's track record of successfully leading top line innovation, revenue generation and operational excellence is unparalleled in the industry. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences and driving growth across all of our business verticals and to supporting the optimization of the company's financial performance and overall profitability."

Stern Pinball, Inc. (SPI) announced the appointments of Josh Henderson as game software developer and Joseph Marchfield as marketing manager as part of the company's organizational commitment to investing in all processes of its rapidly growing business.

Henderson, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a B.S. in Computer Science, has had an accomplished background in competitive pinball. A two-time Illinois State Pinball Champion and PAPA 2012-14 finalist, he was previously ranked among the top 25 players in the world. With his high-level tournament experience and passion for rules design, Henderson will help develop and release content for current and future Stern Pinball games as a game software developer.

Bringing more than 15 years of marketing, media and business management experience for Miller Brewing, NBC Universal, CME Group as well as his own entrepreneurial ventures, Joseph Marchfield is looking forward to delivering consumer growth and marketing strategies for Stern, reporting and working directly with Director of Marketing Zach Sharpe. A graduate of Colorado State University majoring in Journalism, Marchfield returned to his hometown of Chicago to help build brands and businesses, developing ecommerce, marketing and media products in entertainment, finance and sporting goods industries.

Canadian design firm Forrec has named Linda Hung as its new vice president of business development. Hung, who is working with Forrec for 25 years, will assume the position on October 1 from Mattew Dawson, who is leaving the company. Hung will be responsible for developing, coordinating and leading all sales and business development strategies and initiatives from then on.

“Linda’s strong relationships with the clients, vendors and consultants that make up our dynamic industry reach all corners of the globe and encompass multiple sectors,” stated Forrec CEO Cale Heit. “Her deep understanding of our business, key partner relationships and the wider industry make her the perfect fit for this role.”

“I’m excited to continue building the best teams in the business, collaborating with our partners and deepening our client relationships to translate their needs into unique and transformative destinations and experiences,” said Hung.

Storyland Studios has announced that Sean Featonby has been promoted to head of business development for Europe and the U.K.

Featonby’s promotion follows two years of growth for the company. Throughout this time, he has continually proved his commitment to quality and to serving his clients, his colleagues and the themed entertainment sector.

As head of business development for Europe and the U.K., Featonby will be lead on the management of both new and current relationships, with the main objective of providing all visitors to Storyland Studios with a market-leading experience.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role as head of business development for Europe and the U.K. at Storyland Studios,”shared Featonby. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on our successes, connect with new clients and partners, and continue delivering exceptional themed entertainment experiences to a region we have not actively developed but has organically grown.

Featonby will report to Marlene Toussaint, who was recently appointed as director of business development. Toussaint has worked with top IP companies such as Mattel, Feld Entertainment and The Walt Disney Company. This experience further strengthens the Storyland Studios’ strategic development team.

Intercard has hired Steven Guignon as its house accounts manager. He will work on the inside sales team along with key accounts manager Chris Deusinger.

An experienced small businessman, Guigon has expertise in growing business-to-businnes sales from existing accounts. A U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain, Guigon most recently handled sales for Alaska Luxury Tours, a company he co-founded. In 2022 the company made $1.7 million in sales providing luxury whale watching tours for 11 major cruise lines. Prior to Alaska Luxury Tours, Guigon was a cruise ship captain in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Guigon also has extensive experience in tech sales. For several years, he was an area sales manager for AT&T, managing five retail stores across the Midwest.

“Steve has over 20 years of experience in sales and relationship building as a sales executive and business owner,” said Bill Allen, North America sales manager for Intercard. “His skill in growing sales with existing customers will be a great asset to Intercard as we continue to expand our inside sales operation.”

Amusement park owner Richard Williams passes

WASHINGTON, Utah — Richard James Williams, 92, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023, of natural causes. Known to friends and family as "Dick," Williams was born on May 12, 1931, in Panguitch, Utah, to James Clarence (Shupe) Williams and Cecil Dean Norton Williams. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he grew up in the idyllic small town of Panguitch, playing with friends, helping his neighbors during the Great Depression, and going fishing with his father on Panguitch Lake.

After moving to Salt Lake City with his family during World War II, he worked for Liberty Park where he developed a love for the amusement park business. During his life, Williams owned and operated three amusement parks: one in Kearns, Utah; one in Murray, Utah; and culminating with the Fun Spot in Boise, Idaho.

Williams served in the United States Navy during the Korean War before returning home to marry and start his family. He studied education at the University of Utah while working for El Paso Natural Gas Company but loved to hunt and fish, preferring to be outdoors to any other activity.

Williams is survived by his wife, Shauna Marie Williams (Washington, Utah), her four children with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, four children — from his first marriage to Laverne Nonpariel Crowley — Richard Shane Williams, Lance Clenné Williams, Darren James Williams and Wendy Cecilia Anderson, a stepson from his second marriage to Marion Sharpe Barber, Dan Barber (Jackie), a close family friend Michael Tase, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

New Ellis Aquatic Vigilance System provides end-to-end monitoring

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

MAITLAND, Fla. — Ellis Aquatic Innovations (EAI), a member of the Ellis & Associates family of aquatic safety and risk management consulting services, combined three decades of knowledge, research and advanced innovation in creating its newest innovation, Ellis Aquatic Vigilance System (EAVS).

The veteran aquatic safety company is touting EAVS as the world’s most complete drowning prevention and facility security vigilance system.

And the system does seem to have the total package.

EAVS utilizes high definition "smart" cameras strategically placed to monitor movement on land, on the water and under water to help identify items before they become a problem. The system is able to do this by capturing live video and using analytics that "learn” to identify patterns and behaviors specific to each client facility.

Working in conjunction with a control room operator, this unique aptitude creates a situation that alerts lifeguards to a potential issue, even those that are out of sight of the lifeguards at duty stations.

Point by point, this is some of what EAVS does:

•EAVS gives the lifeguard safety team an additional set of "eyes" on attractions to provide an increased level of safety.

•Cameras enable EAVS operators and supervisory personnel to see activity above and below the water, on deck, and the perimeter via the onsite control room and remotely.

•Select analytic alerts are programmed to aid safety, increase response time, provide backup and give insight into live and evolving situations.

"For all of us in the industry, regardless of our roles, safety is the most important priority in everything we do," said Larry Newell, chief operating officer, EAI. "Ellis and Associates was founded to elevate safety for aquatic facility guests and for lifeguards. The introduction of EAVS leverages new and emerging technology to give lifeguards, supervisors, managers and even security personnel an extra set of eyes that provide enhanced safety for facility guests."

Water parks, resorts, municipal pools and aquatic facilities of any size can now offer this higher level of safety and security, because the cameras see what a lifeguard can’t.

Employing analytic high-definition cameras with thermal capability, EAVS can monitor property and pools day and night, offering perimeter security in addition to aquatic safety.

Systems are completely scalable for any size and type of facility, not just those in aquatics. Systems include multiple camera function, pan/tilt/zoom operation, live and recorded monitoring, integrated communication and alerts via Motorola radios, video capture for incident investigation, staff audits, training, and with its newest analytics, COVID-19 health and safety peace of mind.

“I founded Ellis & Associates in 1983 out of a desire to make the aquatic environment safer — to save lives,” said Jeff Ellis, founder and CEO of Ellis & Associates. "Making things better, safer and more efficient is at the heart of what we do. We saw what the security community was doing with cameras and artificial intelligence and knew we could apply that technology to various aquatic environments.”

Newell said that at its core, EAVS is a drowning prevention system, but by no means, does it eliminate the need for lifeguards. It provides additional safety.

Even though the company is just now rolling out EAVS, it is already being used in the industry. Roaring Springs, Meridian, Idaho, was the first outdoor water park to utilize EAVS.

All Great Wolf Lodges indoor/outdoor water parks are utilizing it, as are Gaylord Marriott Resorts, Illinois Park and Rec Districts and an upcoming installation at Fort Wayne Indiana School District.

Skyline debuts bright, vivid Aurora LED system with P’Sghetti Bowl

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The new coaster set to open soon at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas, is presenting two debuts for Skyline Attractions LLC. The new ride is Skyline's first P'Sghetti Bowl Children's Coaster, and it is also the debut of the company's Aurora LED lighting package.

The ride began testing last month and hopes are to have the ride open in October.

Skyline's Aurora LED lighting package first showcased at the 2022 IAAPA Expo. These LED panels are installed atop and on the sides of the single-rail track, transforming the roller coaster’s tracks into a kaleidoscope of lights and colors with a multitude of LED panels. This feature can be used for custom theming, holiday overlays, paid sponsorships or other displays.

The lights are bright and visible both day and night. They are rated for outdoor operations, including rain and snow. Panels include a protective layer to simplify the cleaning process.

All wiring is concealed and all electronics are spaced clear of the train’s running wheels.

The new coaster, called Kid Flash Cosmic Coaster, features an innovative weld-free track design, which allows for a streamlined fabrication process and lower price tag. The roller coaster also includes an inclusive train design, capable of comfortably seating an adult and child, or two children, in each row.

Riders are restrained by individual T-shaped bars for added comfort and safety.

The twin tracks span a cumulative 1,158 feet and are as twisted as a bowl of spaghetti, each crossing over and under other segments of track a dozen times during the ride cycle. The two sides can operate simultaneously for racing action or with one side only for limited operation.

Skyline's P’Sghetti Bowl children’s coaster is available in six off-the-shelf models. The product can be installed indoors or outdoors and can be custom-designed to fit any park, zoo or FEC’s existing space.

For larger spaces, Skyline Attractions also offers the TrailRunner Family Coaster product. All Skyline Attractions roller coasters are available with the Aurora LED lighting package.

Skyline Attractions, LLC, founded in 2014, is based in Orlando, Florida.

•skylineattractions.com

Europa-Park strives to meet staffing needs with new housing

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

RUST, Germany — The years following the global pandemic will be historically remembered for the challenges that arose in its wake. Among them have been staffing shortages.

To meet its needs, Europa-Park is meeting the challenge with employee housing and enticing initiatives.

“Rust is a small village, and 20 or more years ago, we expanded the park. We found we couldn’t find enough employees in the region,” said Jürgen Mack, managing partner. “We hired people from great distances, and we needed housing.”

Initially, the resort started renting houses but quickly began building accommodations. In 2023, there was a completion of a new employee campus, now with four buildings. The new campus sports more than 200 beds, but in total, the resort estimates about 1,500 beds are in use.

The first phase opened in May 2020. Of those 129 rooms, 72 are for singles, 45 are shared flats, and 12 are two-room flats. The recent addition to the campus offers 12 single rooms, 12 shared flast and eight two-room flats, bringing the total furnished residential units on the campus to 161. The new units can house from 230 up to 340 people.

“We have made compensation for inflation,” said Frederik Mack, director of human resources. “Energy prices went up, so inflation came with it.”

While many parks hire individuals from international locations, the expanded campus meets the needs of families as well.

“There is a kindergarten on the ground floor,” said Jürgen. “It is in cooperation with the village.”

Europa-Park has been blessed with appropriate staffing throughout the resort. Part of the success of finding employees comes from the benefits the resort provides. The theme park itself is a draw to many. But an enjoyable lifestyle complements the work to be done.

“We have bicycles to lease,” said Frederik. “This allows them to get around for private use. Our academy offers different trainings. We have a leadership program. Workshops allow them to improve their language skills. We have a gym.”

“We have an organization where they can use different gyms all over Germany,” added Jürgen. “We pay a part of it.”

“We offer a lot for employees to develop themselves,” Frederik told Amusement Today. “If they want to be successful, they can train to be in a position of more responsibility. We have a lot of different programs.”

There are also perks with tickets for public events, which extend to the employee’s family.

With six resort hotels — which do a booming convention business in the winter — and the year-round Rulantica water park, Europa-Park is finding its “off-season” shrinking.

“The number of full-time employees gets higher,” Jürgen said. “Twenty or 30 years ago, we had a summer season, and we closed the park in October. We now have Rulantica and the convention business, so only Europa-Park is closed for three months. We can offer more and more jobs year-round.”

Started with the pandemic, online ticketing is an industry trend that continues today. Management feels it helps with planning and scheduling.

“Online ticketing helps us know how to schedule employees for special days,” Jürgen noted. “It also helps the guests. Because we have a limit, we want the guests to have a good experience.”

As many employees come from outside Germany, Europa-Park has created a welcome center near the campus.

“We want a central point of arrival for all our employees,” explained Frederik. “Those from foreign countries get a tour — through their workplace and through the park — and get an orientation. But it’s not only limited to new arrivals. It’s a meeting place to have a cup of coffee and talk about different things and some might have issues that they can share. You have to offer things to employees to where they are happy and have good feelings and good connections with each other.”

More than 100 countries are represented among the employees.

Europa-Park also offers a one-year future leaders program for talented, young employees. They receive various training courses to guide them into leadership positions.

“You can develop talents to prepare them for the future,” said Jürgen.

How lifeguards can successfully address the “I’m a doctor” situation

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

Dr. Justin Sempsrott has worn many hats. Beginning his career as a beach lifeguard, he attended a firefighters and paramedics school before going to a medical school. His specialty is emergency medicine. With his diverse background, he often addresses water park owners and operators. Within his presentation is a topic of medical professionals being bystanders during incidents.

“Often you will see emergency action plans or protocols that end with ‘Transfer care to EMS.’ It is well established that lifeguards are EMS,” said Sempsrott. “They are part of the EMS system.”

He points out that their training goes beyond CPR training; lifeguards get facility-specific training as well. They know what the facility’s resources are and what to do with the equipment at hand and the environment they are in.

“Whether it is an injury, a serious medical [situation] or, God forbid, a drowning or suffocation situation at their specific slide or pool or deck, the lifeguards are the professional rescuers,” said Sempsrott. “Lifeguards are often young teenagers, and to perform at the same level as doctors, nurses and paramedics, they need to know that what they do matters.”

Situations can unfortunately be complicated by medical professionals who might happen to be visiting the water park or facility.

“Oftentimes you will have off-duty nurses, paramedics, doctors or other well-intentioned bystanders who may not have that experience of working outside the hospital or with the equipment or resources you have,” Sempsrott told Amusement Today. “I’ve reviewed legal cases where well-intentioned, medically trained bystanders intervene and begin asking for hospital resources they normally have, which aren’t necessarily available to a lifeguard. The lifeguard knows to focus on the basics and get breaths in and start compressions. Sometimes it can become overly complicated by adding in those extra layers.”

Admittedly, these bystanders are wanting to help. AT asked how lifeguards should respond. Sempsrott advised: “Bystanders can help, whether they are medically trained or not. They can go to a certain gate and flag down EMS that might be arriving or help set up a perimeter, and when extra assistance is needed, they can perform chest compressions or hand equipment. As the on-duty lifeguard, it may seem odd that you are directing them, but that is the more important role. CPR for health care professionals is the exact same CPR card that lifeguards receive. They are held to the same standards. In an emergency situation, you aren’t able to verify credentials and licensing and you have to take people on their word for it, which sometimes people can over-represent their abilities.”

While not necessarily common, there are far-extreme scenarios in EMS when an off-duty professional is trying to direct lifeguards and paramedics. In those situations, that bystander is assuming the care of the person, which comes with numerous responsibilities.

Sempsrott pointed out that many operators have both amusement rides and water parks within one facility, and quite often management perspectives in matters of safety may not hold the same weight when it comes to water safety.

“The public perception is lifeguards are the Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff who are sitting there spinning a whistle doing nothing,” observed Sempsrott. “The reality is that [a lifeguard’s role] may be one of the biggest risk profiles for the facilities. No matter what [lifeguard training] you use, the message to ‘rides operators’ is that aquatics is important. We need to steer away from ‘just a couple of waterslides with discharges’ and ‘just a wave pool.’”

He advises that management discuss the possibility of involvement from bystanders to lifeguards and staff to bring the situation to mind.

“Like with anything, you have to train for it and prepare for it and have something in place,” he told AT. “It certainly doesn’t have to come across as adversarial; it can be cooperative. Step One is empowering lifeguards and training them to the point to where they know what they are doing is correct, and they know the protocols. They should have confidence in that and not be shaken by someone else who is telling them they have a higher level of training and that it should be done differently. The next step is to be prepared for what to do in that situation and tell the lifeguards that if someone comes up who says they are medically trained and are willing to help, this is where to direct them — go into this building and get this supervisor or carry equipment or wait at a certain point to direct paramedics or perform chest compressions. You have to have that plan in place ahead of time.”

Advice to operators is to consider this possibility before it happens and not after a situation has already developed.

“We love our first responders and off-duty professionals. We want to utilize their skills, but we want them to know to place faith in the lifeguards as well,” Sempsrott noted. “Sometimes the best help they can provide is to give the lifeguard space to do their job.”

In addition to his role as a medical professional, Sempsrott serves as medical director for StarGuard Elite, an aquatic risk prevention agency that trains and certifies lifeguards and consults with aquatics management.