HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Goddard Group, world leaders in the design and creation of themed entertainment attractions and experiences, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in conjunction with IAAPA 2017 in Orlando, Florida. Concurrently, Goddard Group has unveiled the latest details on the company’s roster, including six immersive projects currently under-construction around the globe. In addition, during the past year the company has also been involved in presenting unprecedented immersive live theater presentations in New York.
“We’ve enjoyed quite a ride these past 15 years!” says Gary Goddard, Chairman/CEO of Goddard Group. “This has been a banner year for us so far, but our sights are really set on 2018 and beyond, when our next generation of highly immersive parks and attractions will be coming online. Between the exciting new experiences we are creating in China, Indonesia, and the Middle East, along with everything else happening around the world, there’s quite a bit to be enthusiastic about.”
He adds, “It’s extremely gratifying that we’ve achieved what we set out to do 15 years ago. It’s also quite humbling for me that at this point in my career, my team and I continue to have the opportunity to create our largest and most exciting projects yet. For that, we’re all very grateful.”
“The Kingdom of Poseidon,” Harbin, China
In its 15th year, Goddard Group is very pleased with the opening of the massive new indoor theme park, waterpark, and aquarium entitled “The Kingdom of Poseidon,” in Harbin, China, which the company designed for its client, the Malaysia-based KW Zone Group. The new destination attraction, which includes a family hotel and a themed RD&E district, is a one-of-a-kind experience that started off with a smashing debut. Says Taylor Jeffs, Goddard Group’s Creative Director, “Our goal was to create something entirely different with ‘Kingdom of Poseidon,’ by providing new ways to involve park guests in the mysteries, adventures, myths, sagas, and legends about the seas – stories which have been with us since mankind’s earliest days of civilization. Man’s connection with the world’s oceans are communicated at the park through a series of exciting and heart-felt emotional attractions.”
Chimelong’s “Forest Kindgom” in Qinyun, China
Of Goddard Group’s upcoming slate, the most sizeable project is Chimelong Group’s “Forest Kingdom” theme park, a major new destination resort and theme park that is being built in Qinyun, China. Sure to instantly become a world class attraction, the new “Forest Kingdom” park is a follow up to Chimelong’s wildly successful “Ocean Kingdom” theme park in Zhuhai, China, which debuted in 2014, and hosted a record-breaking 8.4 million visitors in 2016. Goddard Group executives expect the new “Forest Kingdom” to be a “fantastic next step for Chimelong’s continued growth. We are honored to be working with Chairman Su and his dedicated team,” Mr. Goddard said.
“Polar Ocean World” in Shanghai
Further north in China, Haichang’s “Shanghai Polar Ocean World” theme park, also designed by Goddard Group, recently celebrated a major milestone. The facility construction was topped off, putting the 300,000 square meter project on-track for its targeted August 2018 debut. The park promises to bring a new kind of immersive entertainment world to visitors, and is sure to become the ideal complement to Disney’s destination theme park, also located there.
“Shanghai Bund Movie Studio and Theme Park” in Hengdian, China
In the Chinese city of Hengdian, another kind of entertainment attraction also designed by Goddard Group is aiming for a 2018 premiere as well. Hengdian Movie Studios, famed in China for its massive backlot of standing sets, including vintage period Chinese villages and towns, and also including a near full-scale standing set of the Forbidden City, will now present its largest new standing set, entitled “The Shanghai Bund Movie World.” When that new standing set comes online, it will serve dual functions – both as a working film and television production facility, featuring a massive recreation of the pre-WWII Shanghai Bund, as well as a movie-themed theme park that treats guests to an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at how China’s most popular media content is created.
A new project for “Lotte World,” South Korea
In South Korea, Goddard Group was recently announced as the designer of Lotte’s new theme park, currently undergoing site preparation in the city of Busan. In addition, Lotte’s flagship park in Seoul, “Lotte World,” has seen a surge in attendance over the last few years, following the addition of eight new Goddard Group-designed attractions.
The Cirque Du Soleil “Project X”
Furthest out on the horizon is perhaps Goddard Group’s mostly highly-anticipated project – the inaugural collaboration between the company and Cirque du Soleil of an unprecedented, Cirque-themed park set to open near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 2020. While only scarce details about this project have been released to date, both partners promise the park will mark the next step in the evolution of theme parks and water parks.
“In & Of Itself” and “The Encounter” – Live Theatre in NYC
In the world of New York City theater, Gary Goddard Entertainment Live (GGE LIVE), the company’s Live Entertainment Division led by Tony Award winning producers Gary Goddard and Forbes Candlish, has recently produced two highly successful and immersive theatrical presentations: “In And Of Itself” (Off Broadway) and “The Encounter” (On Broadway), both of which have astounded audiences during this past year. Both shows were designated New York Times Critic Picks. “The Encounter” was called “One of the most fully immersive theater pieces ever created,” by Ben Brantley of the Times, while Alexis Soloski of the Times has said of “In & Of Itself,” “Derek DelGaudio sets himself apart from the abracadabra crowd. Beautiful! Tender! Astonishing!”
“In & Of Itself,” in fact, has been so successful that it just announced its 4th extension in New York – the play is now set to continue through May 6, 2018. Says Forbes Candlish, GGE LIVE’s Supervising Producer, “For over 30 years we have been producing shows on and off Broadway, and during that time, we have always been interested in pushing the envelope and breaking the fourth wall. As the medium of live theater keeps moving in the direction of immersion for the audience, we plan to remain at the forefront of this movement. We believe this is the future of live entertainment.”
In addition to their on-going current work, Gary Goddard and Goddard Group’s legacy of success can be seen in the many milestone anniversaries currently taking place around the world during 2017 – anniversaries of acclaimed, high-profile projects he and his team designed and/or produced in the past.
WEST BERLIN, N.J. – Every autumn, Diggerland USA kicks off the changing of seasons with Diggerfest, a gleesome fall extravaganza for the family filled with pumpkins, corn mazes and of course, heavy machinery. When the sun goes down this month, the facility will transform into a mystifying Halloween adventure, just spooky enough for the little ones to enjoy.
This year, America’s only construction-themed adventure park has added a hair-raising hayride into the unknown to their list of fall festivities dubbed Night of the Living Machines. The four-date experience is scheduled to take place select Friday and Saturday evenings in October from 6PM-10PM.
Night of the Living Machines is a free event for all annual members. General admission pricing applies to guests without memberships and may be purchased online. Park-goers have the leisure of driving, riding and operating Diggerland’s various attractions, in addition to everything the facility has to offer after dark.
SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that Richard Zimmerman, its president and chief operating officer, will succeed Matt Ouimet as chief executive officer effective January 1, 2018. On the same date, Ouimet will take the newly created role of executive chairman of the board of directors and Debra Smithart-Oglesby will become lead independent director. As part of this process, Zimmerman will also be added to the board of directors during the 2018 annual meeting period. These changes are designed to ensure continuity in leadership as the Company pursues its ongoing strategy of investing in broadening entertainment offerings and new attractions to create greater excitement for guests, and positioning itself to produce strong results for many years to come.
“I have very much appreciated the opportunity to serve as the CEO of Cedar Fair and I am proud of what our team has accomplished,” said Ouimet. “The market value of Cedar Fair has increased by more than $2.6B during my time at the company. This performance provides us with a solid foundation to build upon and a positive outlook for the future. Richard is a perfect choice to succeed me as CEO and I look forward to continuing to partner with him as the executive chairman going forward.”
Zimmerman, age 57, has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and leisure entertainment industry. He became president of Cedar Fair in 2016, having been named COO in 2011 after serving as an executive vice president since 2007. He also served as vice president and general manager of the Kings Dominion amusement park beginning in 1998. Prior to entering the amusement park industry, Zimmerman served in various financial and strategic planning roles with Paramount Communications, Inc.
“Richard has the skills and experience required to lead the company forward,” Ouimet stated. “He has been a great thought partner to me and has made major contributions to our strong performance, including being a key driver behind such successful initiatives as Fast Lane, season passes and our all-season dining and beverage programs.”
“Having the opportunity to lead Cedar Fair is a distinct yet humbling honor,” said Zimmerman. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional organization with a deep and talented leadership team. We are also fortunate to be a leader in an industry that continues to have the potential to grow and expand. I look forward to the opportunity to continue broadening our offerings to better serve our guests, as well as providing long-term value for our investors.”
In conjunction with Ouimet’s move to executive chairman of the board of directors, the Company also noted effective January 1, 2018, Eric Affeldt will transition from his role as chairman of the board but will continue to serve as a director. Since joining the board in 2010 and assuming the chairman role in 2012, Affeldt has overseen improvements in Cedar Fair’s corporate strategy and governance standards, increased board diversity, improved alignment of executive compensation with unitholder interests, and supported enhanced investor relations. He also led the development of the senior leadership succession plan the Company is announcing today.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Debra’s skills and board experience to take on the role of lead independent director,” said Affeldt. “Debra has been a valuable voice in all of our deliberations and will be an even greater asset in her new role as lead independent director.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Parks & Resorts has named Tom Mehrmann as president and general manager for Universal Beijing Theme Park and Resort, a world-class entertainment destination now under construction in Beijing.
Mr. Mehrmann will play a lead role in the continued development of Universal Beijing. Once the destination is complete, he will oversee its opening and ongoing daily operations. He will report to Page Thompson, president and chief operating officer –International, Universal Parks & Resorts.
Mr. Mehrmann comes to Universal Parks & Resorts from the Ocean Park Corporation, the Hong Kong marine life and animal theme park, where he served as chief executive officer for 13 years. In addition to managing day-to-day operations there, he led a redevelopment of the theme park that resulted in record-breaking attendance and annual revenue growth. Prior to his time at Ocean Park, Mr. Mehrmann held a series of positions at Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags and other themed entertainment companies.
“Tom will bring tremendous industry knowledge, business acumen and international experience to our project,” said Mr. Thompson. “He has exactly what we and our partners need to help create a world-class theme park entertainment destination.”
Universal Beijing is being built in partnership with the Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., a consortium of five Beijing state-owned enterprises, and Universal Parks & Resorts. Universal Beijing will initially occupy a 147-hectare (approximately 363-acre) site located in the Tongzhou District of Beijing. The theme park will be accompanied by a Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and two hotels, including a first-ever Universal themed hotel. The theme park will include all-new attractions designed especially for China as well as some of Universal’s most popular themed entertainment experiences from around the world.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A record number of visitors attended The Big E, in West Springfield, Mass., breaking the Fair’s all-time high attendance figure, with a final tally of 1,525,553. The previous record, of 1,498,605, was set in 2014. October 1 attendance was 137,208, also a new record for the final Sunday of the 17-day Fair.
During the Fair’s run, the all-time highest single day attendance record was also broken when 171,897 visitors attended Saturday, Sept. 23. Three additional daily attendance records were set: Sept. 21, 85,019; Sept. 28, 89,905; and Sept. 29, 109,871.
Eugene J. Cassidy, president and chief executive officer of the Exposition, said, “I am humbled to see the incredible support of Eastern States Exposition by our loyal fair patrons. The 2017, 101st edition of The Big E broke records again, recording for the first time in history over 1.5 million guests. Patrons of New England’s Great State Fair braved days of punishing temperatures that pushed the heat index to above 100 degrees, they endured a 55 degree drop in temperature accompanied by rain, and yet they came in great numbers to participate in, enjoy and support this organization and all it stands for.”
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Big E – Eastern States Exposition – has set two attendance records thus far during the fair’s 2017 run.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, 171,897 passed through the gates, the highest all-time single day attendance. Thursday, Sept. 21, saw 85,019 visitors, a record for that day.
The 2017 edition of The Big E concludes Sunday.
North American Amusement Midway Entertainment provides the midway.
DALLAS, Texas – The State Fair of Texas is excited to announce that 2017 is the 75th Anniversary of Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dogs! To commemorate the special occasion, the Fletcher family has planned a number of surprises and activities for fairgoers throughout the duration of this year’s Fair.
On Opening Day and each Friday of the Fair, all seven Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dog concession stands will give away FREE Original Corny Dogs to its first 75 customers. Fletcher’s will also be selling their Jalapeño Cheese Corny Dog, Turkey Corny Dog and the Veggie Corny Dog at each location. A mural highlighting the successful history of Fletcher’s at the State Fair of Texas will also be featured inside the Tower Building. On Saturday, September 30 at 2 p.m., join the Fletcher family at their newest concession trailer on the Thrillway to take your picture with Mr. Corny and wish them a happy anniversary. You will have the opportunity to receive some Fletcher’s swag! Throughout the Fair, the Fletcher’s will announce more celebration activities through the official Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dog’s Facebook and Twitter page.
The Fletcher family’s history at the Fair dates back to 1942, when Neil and Carl Fletcher opened their first concession stand on the Midway. The duo gave fairgoers bite-sized portions to introduce their new invention. Today, the all-meat sausages dipped in a secret-recipe batter and deep fried in vegetable shortening to a golden brown, is considered a staple for many fairgoers, with more than 600,000 Corny Dogs sold last year during the 24-day run of the Fair.
Earlier this year, the late Fletcher’s patriarch, Neil “Skip” Fletcher, Jr., passed away. Dubbed the “Corny Dog King,” Skip learned the art and trade of the corny dog business from his father. Although this will be the first year without Skip Fletcher, the Fletcher family will continue his legacy throughout the 2017 season of the State Fair of Texas and beyond.
TURKEY — Polin Waterparks is honored to announce that, for the sixth year in a row, it has been honored with multiple European Star Awards. This year, the prizes were bestowed in the categories of “Europe’s Best Waterslides” and “Europe’s Best Waterparks.” Polin received the recognition at this year’s Euro Attractions Show (EAS) during a special ceremony on Sept. 25 at the Columbia Theatre in Berlin, Germany. The event took place the evening before the official kick-off of EAS, the largest attractions exhibition in the amusement industry. Of particular note regarding this year’s event, Polin’s innovative King Cobra waterslide earned an award for the fourth time in six years. This year’s recognition was as the First Place European Star Award for the “Best Waterslide in Europe” category.
ORLANDO, Fla., US – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) today announced the departure of long-time attraction and hospitality industry veteran Richard M. Jackson, vice president of IAAPA North American Operations. Karen Staley, senior vice president of IAAPA EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Operations, will assume the role of senior vice president of North American Operations, effective Sept. 30, 2017. In addition,Jakob Wahl, who recently rejoined the IAAPA EMEA office, will succeed Staley as vice president of EMEA Operations.
“During his tenure, Richard had a significant impact on the growth of our member base and enhanced the association’s focus of providing outstanding service to our members throughout North America,” said Paul Noland, president and CEO of IAAPA. “He worked closely with our global headquarters team to connect attraction operators and industry suppliers with valuable resources, while creating and facilitating many meetings and networking events throughout the region. We thank Richard for his many contributions to IAAPA and for strengthening the support we could offer to our North American members.”
Karen Staley Named Senior Vice President, North American Operations
Succeeding Jackson will be veteran IAAPA team member Karen Staley, who most recently served as senior vice president of IAAPA EMEA Operations, and managed the regional office in Brussels, Belgium. Staley will relocate to IAAPA’s global headquarters in Orlando, Florida to lead the continued expansion of North American member services and programs. Staley will report to Doug Stagner, chief operating officer of IAAPA.
“Karen’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing and expanding our Europe, Middle East, and African region. She has a proven record of successfully developing and maintaining key partnerships and alliances,” said Noland. “Her strategic vision, including the execution of our annual Euro Attractions Show (EAS), has significantly enhanced IAAPA’s global presence and will be invaluable as we take our North American operations to the next level.”
TURKEY — Polin Waterparks (Turkey) & Lagotronics (Netherlands) are taking the experience to the next level with the new “Virtual-Reality Splash Cabin” aquatic attraction.
Using the latest technology in VR goggles, along with handheld shooters, guests will enter an otherworldly environment in which they will feel they are floating along streams and through villages on a remote island.. As they encounter a variety of different situations, they will participate in the greatest water battle of their lives, competing against other players to earn points and “stay alive.”
Last fall, Polin introduced the Splash Cabin at IAAPA. That version of the game allows two players to engage in a fun, water-fueled battle with animated competitors using an interactive screen and mounted water shooters. Guests don 3D glasses – either Oculus Rift or HTC Vive – and play from inside a beach-bungalow-style cabin, scoring points by hitting moving targets while trying to avoid being hit themselves by waterjets shooting from screen-embedded nozzles.
The first installation of the Splash Cabin was announced last month when it opened at Aquafantasy Waterpark in Selçuk, İzmir, Turkey.
As Polin continuously innovates its product line via its recently certified Research and Development division as and R&D center, it partners with world-leading experts to develop games unlike any others on the market. For Splash Cabin, Polin partnered with Lagotronics (Venlo, Netherlands), a specialty firm that creates state-of-the-art technology and innovative solutions.
Advantages of the newest innovation
Now, Polin’s and Lagotronics’ second collaboration – the VR Splash Cabin – will be unveiled, pushing the envelope by using VR glasses and handheld water shooters. For smaller parks, the VR Splash Cabin covers a smaller footprint compared to its 3D Splash Cabin cousin. The VR version requires a space of 3.8 meters long x 3.6 meters wide of space (12.5 feet long x 12 feet wide).
The VR version creates a full 360-degree experience using the highest-resolution virtual-reality equipment on the market. Players will experience being “inside the game” while defending themselves using fully robust and durable water shooters. Players will be doused with water splashes – controlled by Polin’s system – according to their game play.
