at january 2013 web

8/18/2019 At January 2013 Web

1/60

Vol. 16 • Issue 10 JANUARY 2013

P R S R T S T D

U S P O S T A G E

P A I D

F T . W O R T H T X

P E R M I T # 2 0 6 9

N E W S P A P E R

P O S T M A S T E R : D a t e d m a t e r i a l .

P L E A S E R U S H !

M a i l e d F r i d a y D e c e m b e r 2 1 ,

2 0 1 2

amusement today com

SUBSCRIBE TOAMUSEMENT TODAY

(817) 460-7220

IAAPA EXPO RECAP — PAGES 38-50

CONTINUING COVERAGSUPERSTORM SAN

SEE PAGES 2, 34

CASINO PIER STAR COURTESY NJAA/ERIN McGOW

Spotlight on SafetyAIMS Safety Seminar registration expectto show jump in increase for 2013STORY: Pam [email protected]

ORLANDO, Fla. — Theannual AIMS InternationalSafety Seminar is coming up

this month, Jan. 13-18, andKelly Bernish, the organiza-tion’s newly hired businessconsultant, said registrationfor the event is going verywell.

AIMS or the AmusementIndustry Manufacturers andSuppliers (AIMS) Trade As-sociation was evolved fromthe American RecreationalEquipment Association inFebruary 1994. The organi-zation is “Dedicated to Con-tinuing Safety in the Amuse-ment Industry.”

The host for the seminarthis year is the DoubleTree byHilton Orlando at SeaWorld.

“We are up to 180 rightnow,” Bernish said, the rstweek in December. “We areall hoping to get to 250, butI am being optimistic thatwe will reach 300. We aredenitely feeling optimisticabout it.”

AIMS Safety Seminar is acomprehensive safety-train-ing experience for individu-als responsible for the careand safety of the amusement

industry’s guests. The semi-nar oers a diverse curricu-

lum. And, this year, there will be 50 brand new courses.

These 50 courses are re-placing some of the olderones that have been oered.

“We are oering over 30hours of coursework,” Ber-nish said.

Aendees build a tai-lored course curriculum that best suits their needs andthe needs of their employers.Safety information is carriedhome and shared with col-leagues and co-workers backon the job.

Aendees also buildlong-lasting relationshipswith colleagues and instruc-tors. The instructors are allvolunteers and are some ofthe industry’s top profession-als.

Bernish said AIMS had

a great experience at IAAPAthis year, another reason she

feels seminar aendancehit the 300 mark.

“We have kept up oforts to keep this strongsaid.

Bernish came on ththis past year. She saiis a contract employee to help strategize on hgrow the organizatioward the future. “I thinking someone full time tfocus on the marketinghelp,” she said. “Amonger things, we have expaour social media. WTweeting a lot.”

The AIMS Safety Semhas both sit-down and hon classes. This participis a requisite for all p

sionals in the amusemedustry.The upcoming sem

is oering: Certied Mtenance Technician - I; Certied MainteTechnician - Level II; ed Operations TechniLevel I; Certied OperTechnician - Level II; tied Aquatics OperTechnician - Level I; Aate Ride Inspector - I; Certied Ride Insp- Level II; and ProfesRide Inspector - Level II

The Inspector Cer4See AIMS, pag

Dollywood to hostNAARSO Safety Forum

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.— The board of directors andeducation commiee mem-

bers for National Associationof Amusement Ride Safety

Ocials (NAARSO) are ex-cited as they are headed toPigeon Forge for the 26thAnnual Safety Forum. Sched-uled for January 27 to Febru-ary 1, 2013, this will be the4See NAARSO, page 4

For its 2012 Safety Forum, NAARSO used the Family King-dom Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C. for its on-site ride training

and inspection classes. For 2013, Dollywood will serve asthe host park for ride training and inspection classes.COURTESY NAARSO


2/60

2 AMUSEMENT TODAY January 2013

NEWSTALK

Happy New Year! If you’rereading this, I am guessingwe dodged a cosmic bul-let. The end of the Mayanlong count calendar, the raregalactic alignment and-or amassive solar storm did notbefall the earth with calam-

ity on December 21, 2012 aspredicted, and now business can carry on asusual. But this past year was tainted by a numberof low points. The absolute lowest of thesewas, of course, Superstorm Sandy. Despiteits festive name, Sandy was anything but.Not since the brutal New England Hurricaneof 1938, one of the most powerful, costliestand deadliest hurricanes in New Englandhistory, has the amusement industry been soadversely affected by a natural disaster. That1938 storm, also know as the Yankee Clipperand Long Island Express, did a phenomenalamount of damage to amusement operationsfrom Delaware to Maine, particularly those on

the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastIn Rhode Island, both Rocky Point and Park suffered extensive damage as dipier–based parks in Savin Rock, Connec Since then, we have been relativetunate as most storms roaring in ofocean were weathered quite well. Thuntil Sandy charged up the east coast

a ferocity that surprised and horrified,nearly everyone with a mind-bending dof destruction. This was not more apparent than inJersey’s Seaside Heights area. I was fortto have visited both Funtown Pier and CPier last year, and I found both home incredibly diverse and entertaining mclassic and modern rides and attractionsnow, to see them in such abject disrepbeyond disheartening. Can they recovtime for the season that begins in a few months? Only time will tell. Here’s wishing everyone prosperitygood luck – and calm weather – in theing New Year!

Exhibiting history

CARTOON: Bubba Flint

EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected]

OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS

Gary Slade, FounderPublisher and Editor-in-Chief (817) [email protected]

Stacey Childress / Childress MediaWeb & Graphic [email protected]

John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc.Daily E-mail Newsletter

[email protected]

Tim [email protected]

Pam [email protected]

Scott [email protected]

Jeffrey L. SeifertEditorial / Special Projects

[email protected]

Sammy PiccolaAccounting / Circulation(817) [email protected]

Sue NicholsAdvertising(615) [email protected]

Bubba [email protected]

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF

Contributors: Kelly Bernish, Steve Laycock, Andrew Mellor, B. Derek Shaw, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc.

If your park has not yet signed upyour key staff for any of the upcomingsafety seminar and training sessions, it’snot too late. This is the perfect time toget your maintenance and safety teamscaught up on the latest rules, tips andregulations in the amusement

industry that will help you keep your facility safe in2013. Sign up today for one of the following: •AIMS Safety Seminar, Jan. 13-18, Orlando, Fla., www.aimsintl.org •NAARSO Safety Forum, Jan. 27 - Feb. 1, Pigeon

Forge, Tenn., www.naarso.com •ROTC Training School, Feb. 5-7, Las Vegas, Nev.,

www.creativeoperationalconcepts.com•

Don’t forget that our amusement industry friends inNew Jersey are still suffering from the damage left be-hind by Superstorm Sandy. The NJAA has establisheda First Responders Relief Fund, a registered charity forall the volunteers, firefighters to medical personnel,where they can come to get fresh clothing and graba meal before going back out into the field, wheremany homes remain without power, while far manymore have no homes to return to. Through this fund,the NJAA is helping feed 300 people three meals perday in the Seaside Heights area. For most of us, mealsare a common part of our day, but in some hardest hit

areas of N.J. a meal is a treasured gift. Check out thewebsites below. To donate to the First Responders Relief Fund:

www.njamusements.comTo make a donation for clothing assistance:

www.FashionDelivers.comTo assist with the Coney Island recovery:

www.coneyrecovers.comTo purchase a “Restore The Shore” tee shirt:

www.blueclaws.comor

www.redcross.org

AT’s Sandy coverage continues on pages 34-37

Tid bits

EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected]

Slade

Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $143 years (42 issues) $200/$250. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bAmusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is yourPlease allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue m

Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today InBox 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at ForTexas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and tradby Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington76005-5427.

Member of:IAAPA, AIMS International, P

NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWANAARSO and IISF

Deliveries2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203

Arlington, Texas 76011

Rutherford


3/60

January 2013 AMUSEMENT TOD

TM

Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone by visting www.mobiletag.com.

5-time Award WinnerP.O. Box 5427

Arlington, Texas 76005-5427(817) 460-7220

Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397)

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday

Find us on Facebookfacebook.com/amusementtod

Subscribe to our YouTube channyoutube.com/amusementtoda

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY •1900: The Washington Post report-ed that the new salt water resort atChesapeake Beach, Maryland, wasquickly being readied for the 1900summer season. The article statedthat a majority of Washington localswere not aware that within an hour’sride of the city was being preparedan amusement resort that would fillevery expectation. Reached by theChesapeake Beach Railway, the park

would open in June 1900 with theGreat Derby, a large side-frictioncoaster, built over a beach inlet. •1910: Major changes to Brandy- wine Spring Amusement Park in Wilmington, Delaware were exwhen Billboard magazine reported in mid-January that the Jahn Ament Company of Philadelphia had purchased the park’s Scenic RThe company planned to tear down and replace the old ride with thHur racing coaster. Cost of the all improvements were estimated at $5

•1914: Washington-Park-On-The-Delaware, in Westville, New would close in 1911. Many of its rides would be purchased in late J1914 and moved to Point Breeze Park, in South Philadelphia, PennsyPoint Breeze operated until 1923 and was sold to Pennsylvania RaLater it would serve as an o il refinery storage area.

•1928: A major storm moved through the eastern states and into Neland on January 25, with damage to buildings, ships and other struSections of the roller coaster at Newport Beach, in Rhode Island

leveled, including a group of summer cottages. At Island Park, in Portsmouth, sections of the Giant Coaster were damaged, with one completely leveled.

•1934: Three men were indicted by a Chattanooga, Tennessee grandJanuary 10, in connection with the burning of the roller coaster at WPark, Chattanooga, in 1931. A former New Jersey District Attorney,Bolitho, and two other men were charged with arson and insurance f

•1954: Recognized as the first book to document the history of the can carnival industry, Monster Midway is released in early January. Wby William Gresham, it provided an in-depth background about theval business, including the various attractions, novelties and odditiesacross the country in the 1920s. It was said that Gresham was favdrawn into his research after seeing a “stately Italian who wore, attachis abdomen, a vestigial twin in a checkered suit.”

•1975: Space Mountain, an indoor roller coaster, opens at the Magidom, Florida, on January 15. It was the first coaster at Walt Disney and the second coaster to open at a Disney property since the origin

Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland.

•1990: On January 17, a few months after the cash-strapped HaBrace and Jovanovich sold all of its theme park holdings to AnhBusch, Boardwalk and Baseball Theme Park in Haines City, Fla., clogates. The park was open for the day and at 3:00 p.m. an announcwas made over the public address system that the park would be cearly. About 1,000 guests were offered refund vouchers. The parkreopened and Busch relocated some rides to its other parks it ownsold off all of the remaining rides and attractions.

•2001: On January 10, Six Flags Inc. purchased the 232-acre SeaOhio marine-life park from the Busch Entertainment Corporation fomillion. The park was combined with Six Flags Ohio and opened latyear as Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, a 532-acre combination rimarine-life park. Three years later Six Flags sold the combined parkdar Fair for $145 million.

—Complied by Richard Munch, NRCMA and Jeffrey Seife

Presented by

www.RollerCoasterMuseu

Kevin Norris’ career tooka detour in 1978 when he

began working part-timeat Knott’s Berry Farm inthe admissions depart-ment; he was studyingcriminal justice at the timeand planned on pursuinga career in law enforce-ment. However, Kevin wasimmediately drawn to theindustry, and after beingoffered a full-time positionas a horse trainer at Knott’she hasn’t looked backsince. Today he servesas Director of Operationsfor this beautiful Californiaamusement park. Kevinmet his wife, Karen, atKnott’s in 1986 and sheworks in the park’s enter-tainment department; they have two daughters,two dogs and three cats. When you meet Kevin,you can’t help but notice his gentle spirit andtrue affection for his job.

TitleDirector of Operations.

Number of years in theindustry34 years.

Best thing about the industryBeing able to provide anenvironment where people cancome and enjoy a special day.

Favorite amusement rideS & S Screamin’ Swing.

If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry,I would be …In law enforcement.

Biggest challenge facing our industryIncreasing operating expenses, including gov-ernment regulations and ADA compliance costs,along with an unstable economy.

The thing I like most about amusement/waterpark season is …Since we are a year-round park, Christmas isspecial because of the extra festive atmosphereand the charm and appeal of our park.

Choose one: popcorn or peanuts?That’s a tough one. But I would have to saypopcorn.

The best museum I have ever visited is …The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library andMuseum was fascinating.

You are lost in the woods. What survival skillhelps you the most?The ability to adapt and persevere.

The most breathtaking scenery I have everseen would have to be …Sitting on a beach chair at dusk on Sunset Beachoverlooking the ocean.

It is 7 a.m. What are you typically doing?Getting ready for work.

My favorite place for lunch is …Chili’s. I like to order the salad there.

When people come to visit the LA area, Ialways take them to see …Usually I take them to Knott’s first, of course, andthen to the beaches along the coast.

My favorite weekend getaway location is …Mountains and the beach (we are lucky to haveboth in California!).

For work purposes, I could not live without …My reading glasses and cell phone.

If I had an extra day in the week, I would useit by …Spending it with my family.

For late-night TV, I tune in to …NFL channel, News or Friends.

The last gift I bought was …Wine glasses.

It’s January … one of my New Year’s Resolu-tions is …Work on my house and spend more time withmy family.

When I say Donald Trump, you say …Real estate mogul.

For some reason, I seem to know all the wordsto this song …Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones.

People are always surprised to know thisabout me …I really like to cook!

I loathe doing this household chore …I don’t like emptying the dishwasher or vacuum-ing.

The sports team I root for the most is …The San Francisco 49ers!

Kevin Norris, Knott’s Berry Farm

COMPILED: Janice Witherow

MINUTE

DRILL2

Norris

Kevin Norris began his Knott’s Berry Farm career as a horsetrainer but now serves as the Director of Operations for theyear-round theme park.AT/GARY SLADE


4/60


NAARSO Continued from page 1

second visit to Dollywood,having last visited in 2009.

“If you have ever had theoccasion to aend any eventsat this park, you know howaccommodating they are,”said NAARSO’s Connie Pat-ton.

The week of training willinclude instruction in the ba-sics of amusement ride safetyas well as many advanced

classes for those individualswith multiple years of expe-rience. Additional trainingwill occur in the area of ZipLines and Ropes Courses, in-atables, climbing walls, andother rental type devices.

Wednesday will beNAARSO’s hands-on dayat the Dollywood park toinclude a look at their new

coaster, Wild Eagle. TheNAARSO Level I and Level IIexams will be oered on Fri-day afternoon, February 1.

In addition to the intion classes, NAARSOalso introduce their newtication program on otions. This new certictargets the complete otions side of permanent ptraveling shows, and amusement organizaand will test the appon their knowledge of

operating procedures. nar classes will includeTraining, Emergency Evtions, Weather PreparedBlood Bourne Pathogenmany other related suprior to this exam beinfered on Thursday nighuary 31.

Classes and other ing will take place aMusic Road Hotel loca303 Henderson Chapel in Pigeon Forge, TennCost for the Safety For$445 for tuition with $82room rates.

The training and ccation exams are just aer way NAARSO promits moo of Safety ThrCommunication.

•www.naarso.com

On site training is part of the annual NAARSO Safety Forum.COURTESY NAARSO

National Association Amusement Ride Safe

Officials (NAARSO)P.O. Box 638

Brandon, Fla. 33509-06

(813) 661-2779(800) 669-9053FAX (813) 685-5117

E-Mail: naarsoinfo@AOcom

Website: naarso.com

MissionNAARSO is dedicate

the advancement of amment ride and device sathrough the doctrine“Safety Through Commcation”.

Profile •NAARSO is a non-p

organization that provresources for amusem

industry professionals dcated to the safety ofindustry and its patrons.

•NAARSO provides cation and resourcesamusement industry saprofessionals.

•NAARSO adminisa certification programamusement device instors.

•Some of the benefitmembership include nletters, membership dtory and seminars.

FAST FACTS


5/60


Keep our carnival and fair industry strong!

Buy products and services from these supplie

SAFETYMARKET PLACE

Seats remain on ride for transport

Fast Set-up and Tear-down

36-Passenger Capacity

Simultaneous Loading

Fan Light Package

Mast Covers

Sweep Panels

28-Foot Trailer

1-800-274-0211 fax 217-479-0103

[email protected] elibridge.com

NAARSO Executive Board and Board of DirectorsPresident

Clyde D. WagnerWagner Consulting

3108 Yates Rd.Hillsborough, N.C. 27278

(919) [email protected]

Vice President Jonathan R. BrooksWagner Consulting

3108 Yates RdHillsborough, N.C. 27278


SecretaryRick Smith

Ocean Amusements Inc.P.O. Box 572

Ocean City, Md. 21843-0572(410) 289-3031

Fax (410) 289-4752 [email protected]

Treasurer

John PierceComspeq Consulting Inc

1235 Elm St.Oveido, Fla. 32765


Executive DirectorLeonard Cavalier

NAARSOP.O. Box 638

Brandon, Fla. 33509-0638(813) 661-2779

[email protected]

Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board &Membership Chairman

Jack S. SilarMidway Management

P.O. Box 424Hershey, Pa. 17033

(717) 566-5829Fax (717) [email protected]

www.naarso.com

Past Presidents Joseph D. Gallagher

320 Grove AvenuePatchogue, N.Y. 11772


Constitution & EthicsHeather Eichenbaum

Spector Gaden & Rosen PC1635 Market St. 7th Floor

Philadelphia, Pa. 19103(215) 241-8228

[email protected]

Public RelationsLaura Woodburn

Hershey Entertainment& Resorts

100 W. Hersheypark Dr.Hershey, Pa. 17033

[email protected]

ASTM LiasonMichael MelhornUniversal Studios

1000 Universal Studios PlazaOrlando, Fla. 32819


Inspector Qualifications& Certification

Tony RossiIRM

P.O. Box 2302Wildwood, N.J. 08260


Codes & StandardsTom Jones

8030 Chagrin RoadChagrin Falls, Ohio 44023


andChad Halsey

Ky. Dept. of Agriculture123 Thistle Way

Georgetown, Ky. 40324(502) 573-0282

[email protected]

EducationBill Costagliola

Amusements of America2900 N.W. 115th TerraceCoral Springs, Fla. 33065


and John Dodson

Comspeq Consulting Inc.459 Courtland Lane

Pinkerington, Ohio 43147(604) 404-6104

[email protected]

Employee SafetyFrank Guenthner

FX Inspection Services716 Hunt Club Lane

Chester Springs, Pa. 19425(484) 432-8600

[email protected]

Mike Shaw1301 Lars Lane

Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29588(843) 504-1327

[email protected]

Budget & Audit James GraybealDrew Expositions

P.O. Box 5589Augusta, Ga. 30916


andEd LaSalle

Amusement Safety ServicesP.O. Box 154

Berrysburg, Pa. 17005(717) 362-3841

[email protected]

Parks & Carnivals James Caskey

C2 Consulting LLCP.O. Box 13112

North Palm Beach, Fla. 33408(561) 762-7538

[email protected]

Gary ChubbHersheypark

100 W. Hersheypark WayHershey, Pa. 17033


• RIDE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

• MANUAL WRITING

• SUPERVISOR & LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS

• OPERATIONAL SAFETY AUDITS

www.creativeoperationalconcepts.com

PATTY BEAZLEY

(615) 714-2617

CINDEE HUDDY(615) 545-8109


6/60



7/60


1310 West Fourth Street

Manseld, OH 44906

Ofce: (567) 247-8204Fax: (419) 529-4288

Contact:

Jack Falfas | (419) 202-7876Gary Gast | (567) 247-8204

Randy Payne | (567) 247-8204

[email protected]@reamusement.com

www.reamusement.com

WHO and WHYREAMUSEMENT?

Are your workloads continuing to increaseand stafng at a minimum?

REAMUSEMENT is the quality choice for you. We will be

your partner in completing maintenance “rehabs,”renovations, or new construction.

Our goal is to provide quality maintenance of your trains, ride units, and

structures to minimize the turnaround time to ensure your guests have the

maximum entertainment experience.

Our ServicesRebuild ride units per manufacturer’s specications • Rebuild ride units to meet all codes and

certications • Fiberglass repairs • Carpentry repairs • Repainting • Inside storage • Welding idiscovered after NDT testing • Refurbish at ride components and ride units • NDT inspections

for the ride units per the manufacturer’s specications • Assist with on-site set up ifmaintenance staff needs assistance • General contractor and/or assist with construction

projects • Ride erection needs


8/60



9/60


ROTC school set for Circus Circus,training at adjacent Adventuredome

The 2013 ROTC schoolwill feature hands on

ride training inside theAdventuredome at theCircus Circus hotel and

Casino in Las Vegas.AT FILE

Hosted by CreativeOperational Concepts LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Theteam of When Pigs Fly: CreativeOperational Concepts, LLCrecently announced thattheir 2013 ROTC schoolwill be held February 5-7,2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.ROTC (Ride Operator TrainerCertification) will be hosted atthe Circus Circus Casino andHotel with exclusive use of theAdventuredome Park. The ROTC programis open to anyone who isinvolved with ride operations.The program has proven to bea great way to standardize andimprove the front line teams’standard of performance inride and attraction operations.

Currently used by 25 parksworldwide, ROTC is designedfor trainers to return to theirvenue with tools to successful-ly train their front line team.

Through the use of themethodical instruction ofLearn It, Link It, Live It, train-ers will understand how tosuccessfully train individualson the critical components ofride operations. An interactiveteaching method combinedwith creative scenarios allowstrainers to have the tools toimplement their job. Used by more than 25parks worldwide, the ROTCSchool offers many benefitsincluding: •Achieve a TrainerCertification. •Receive a ready to imple-ment program. •Discover new teachingtips for training the CriticalComponents of ride opera-tion. •Take the AIMS Level ICertification Exam (optional).

NEW for 2013 •Training will be done atthe Adventuredome rides.

•Interactive classon “Handling FrontlineChallenges.” •Learn how to conductTeambuilding. •Exclusive hands-onexperience with large equip-ment at Dig This in Las Vegas,Nev. This is a very uniqueopportunity you won’t wantto miss! Registration can be com-pleted online at www.cre-ative operationalconcepts.com. Circus Circus Casino

and Hotel will be the hostsite with discounted rates forrooms ranging from $28 to$38 per night. Please reserveyour room using the affilia-tion of Ride Operator Trainer

Certification and Group Code:CCW02WPF.

Creative OperationalConcepts is a hospitality and

safety consulting companythat has existed for 10 plusyears.


10/60


Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected]

www.aimsintl.org

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. • 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707

Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.aimsintl.org

AIMS’s success is due to its dedicated volunteersKelly Bernish

AIMS business [email protected]

Like many amusement industryprofessionals, I haveparticipated in AIMSin just about everyway possible includ-ing as a seminar at-tendee, committeevolunteer, instruc-tor and donor. De-veloping the future

strategy for AIMS, primarily focusedon achieving our goal of exceedingthe needs of our members throughthe growth and development of theproducts and services that we offer isa dream assignment.

As a 29-year veteran of theamusement industry, my experienceas a Safety, Health & Environmental(SH&E) professional, previously serv-ing as a senior SH&E leader at boththe SeaWorld and Disney organiza-tions, as well as serving in leadershiproles of a variety of non-profit orga-nizations, makes my new assignment

as a full time businessconsultant for AIMS aperfect fit!

I am proud to sayAIMS has so muchpositive momentum.Our hallmark annualSafety Seminar eventwill be held January13-18, 2013, once again at the beau-tiful DoubleTree at SeaWorld Orlan-do. This world-class seminar, taughtby industry professionals from all overthe world, will offer over 300 differ-

ent course hours with 50 brand newcourses!Certification will be offered for

inspectors, operators, maintenanceand aquatics. A great complement tothe great selection of courses, is thenetworking opportunities which aresecond to none at this concentrated,week-long event. There is still time toregister as an attendee and of coursesponsors and silent auction donationsare needed.

The AIMS booth at IAAPA thisyear was a huge success, one of myfirst assignments to drive awareness

of our organization.Teaming up withAIMS staffer HollyCoston, I was ableto greet and discussAIMS with hundredsof IAAPA attendees.That feedback will re-ally be an importantpart of our future direction.

The cornerstone of AIMS howev-er continues to be our volunteers andsponsors. Without all of the globaltalent we draw from, AIMS would not

exist! I have been blessed to be ablework with a very talented board andliterally hundreds of people who de-vote countless hours to teaching andsupporting our organization.

Regrettably, in March 2013, wewill say goodbye to two longtimeboard members, Steve Laycock ofChance Rides and Gary Slade ofAmusement Today , both having con-tributed immeasurably to AIMS. Theirshoes will be huge to fill in the com-ing months.

AIMS board member Tom Shee-han was recently honored at the

IAAPA AttractionsExpo this year for hiscontributions to ourindustry at the GM’sService Award break-fast. A tremendoushonor that is well-de-served.

In September,Amusement Today Publisher GSlade was honored with the GoHeart Award at the 2012 GolTicket Awards held at DollywoThe award was given for his work w

AIMS, the National Roller CoaMuseum and his dedication to amusement industry.

Our industry is known for it voteerism and your continued supof AIMS is appreciated and needFor those of you who would likebecome more involved, please ctact me at [email protected] aimsintl.org for more informaabout our great organization.

See you in Orlando at the 2Safety Seminar!

AIMS members participate in charity motorcycle runSupported by AIMS

members, Jim Seay, Pre-mier Rides; Mark Moore,Uremet; Roger Berry,Ralph Alberts Company and Tom Sheehan, TheSheehan Firm, (co-found-er of this annual event)the IAAPA/Give Kids the World (GKTW) Motorcy-cle Run was a huge successagain this year.

Among the 30 par-

ticipants both by motor-cycle and car, AIMS ridersincluded President MikeGutnecht, Lisa Stephani and Kelly Bernish, also co-founder of this event.

“This year was uniquein that we decided to incor-porate “hot” cars to join inthis great event that takespeople on an amazing rideto parts of central Floridathat most people never

see,” says Sheehan.AIMS President Mike

Gutnecht attended train-

ing and received his motor-cycle license specifically forthis event.

The ride started at theOrlando Harley Dealershipand concluded at the an-

nual IAAPA/GKTW GTournament. Along way this year, the route primarily through Osceand Polk counties, throbeautiful orange groand Florida wetlands wstops at industry splier Martin & VleminRides, LLC and at Fantof Flight Museum.

A great time was by everyone, but m

importantly, through support of AIMS memband other sponsors, mthan $20,000 was raisedGive Kids the World!

Plans are underwaythe November 17, 2event already. For furinformation please conTom Sheehan at: ridelawaol.com.

Bernish

Laycock Slade Sheeha

Attendance at the 2012 IAAPA/GKTW Motorcycle Run reached an all-time high with morethan 30 participants, including a strong show of support by AIMS members.COURTESY IAAPA


11/60

January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODA

AIMSContinued from page 1

tion, the Maintenance Cer-tication, Operations Cer-tication and the AquaticsOperations Certication pro-grams are all designed to testthe knowledge of individualsworking in the specic eldwithin the amusement indus-

try.All have three levels of

certication except for theAquatics, which has only one.

AIMS Intl. hiresKelly Bernish asbusiness consultant

ORLANDO, Fla. — AIMSInternational President MikeGutknecht recently announcedthat Kelly Bernish has beenhired as the association’s new business consultant.

“For many years, Kellyhas been actively involvedwith the AIMS Safety Seminaras an aendee, instructor andcommiee volunteer.” Gut-

knecht told Amusement Today,“We are now very fortunate tohave her as part of our teamand excited to announce thatshe has joined this great orga-nization. Her 25 years of in-dustry experience as a safety,health and environmental pro-fessional make her a perfect tfor the AIMS.”

Bernish will be develop-ing the future strategy forAIMS — focusing on achiev-ing the goal of exceeding theneeds of our members throughthe growth and developmentof the products and services

AIMS oers to the amusementindustry. She will also headup all publicity and advertis-ing for the association as wellas taking an active role in day-to-day operations of the orga-nization. Bernish will be at theannual Safety Seminar whereshe will be working closelywith member services, spon-sorship and seminar planning/organization.

Kelly Bernish can bereached via email at: [email protected].

2013 AIMS Safety Seminar January 13-18, 2013

Orlando, FloridaClasses and lodging at the

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld•

Registration: Jan. 13, 2013 (2 p.m.—6 p.m.)Classes: Jan. 14-18, 2013 (8 a.m.—5:15 p.m.)

Certification Testing: Jan. 17, 2013 (3 p.m.—5:15 p.m.)•

More than 320 instructional hours,

with 40 brand new classes for 2013including two international instructors confirmed

2013 AIMS Safety Seminar cost is $595

Certification testing includes:Certified Maintenance Technician - Level I Certified Maintenance Technician - Level II Certified Operations Technician - Level I Certified Operations Technician - Level II

Certified Aquatics Operations Technician - Level I Associate Ride Inspector - Level I Certified Ride Inspector - Level II

Professional Ride Inspector - Level III •

Certificates of completion for the following:

Aquatics, Leadership , Mobile Industry,ASTM, CPO

(714) 425-5747 / www.aimsintl.org

F A S T F A C T S


12/60


AIMS Intl. still accepting items for annual silent auctioORLANDO, Fla. — The

Amusement Industry Manu-facturers and Suppliers, Ltd(AIMS) is proud to announcethe continuation of the silentauction at the 2013 SafetySeminar scheduled for Janu-ary 13-18, 2013. Those par-ticipants who have been to theannual safety seminar have ex-perienced the excitement thisannual silent auction creates.This auction is not only thrill-ing for all aendees, but aidsAIMS in its ongoing processof improving the quality of thesafety seminar experience byproviding state of the art AVequipment to the classrooms.

“We are grateful to thoseof you who have donated inthe past and we hope thatonce again we can count onyour generous support foritems that can be included in

this year’s silent auction,” saidAIMS silent auction coordina-tor Holly Coston.

Commonly donateditems included lapel pins, Teeshirts, ball caps, pictures, tick-ets, weekend stays at resortsas well as numerous otheramusement industry memo-

rabilia. However AIMS lovesto see donors “think out of the box” and donate other uniqueitems related to the amuse-ment industry.

The AIMS silent auctionteam is asking that before facil-ities look over their remaining2012 merchandise and all theother logo items, as possiblesilent auction donation items.Silent auction proceeds ben-et new and additional audio/visual equipment used during

the many Safety Seminar pre-sentations. Your donation canand does make a dierence!

All items donated will be beautifully displayed during

the seminar from Monday, January 14th through Thurs-day, January 17th, 2013. Eachitem will be displayed listingthe person or organization do-nating the item(s).

To donate items, simplysend items to the followingaddresses:

For arrival PRIOR to January 4, 2013 mail to:

AIMS Silent Auctionan: Holly Coston1829 N. Richmond

Wichita, Kan. 67203(714) 425-5747•

For arrival AFTER January 4, 2013 mail to:

SeaWorld Orlandoan: Chuck LightbodyAIMS Silent Auction

7007 SeaWorld DrivOrlando, Fla. 32821

(407) 363-2589 Please mark the ou

of each package “An: Silent Auction” and incl business card in your pa

For further queabout making a donatioHolly Coston, AIMS silention coordinator at (7145747.

AIMS Silent Auction items are displayed each day during the annual Safety Seminar. Proceeds from the auction are uspurchase and update audio/visual equipment used in the classroom presentations.COURTESY AIMS INTL.


13/60


FEC Phoenix setfor Feb. 26-28

ALEXANDRIA, Va. —The International Associationof Amusement Parks and At-tractions (IAAPA) has an-nounced an event for familyentertainment center opera-tors: FEC Phoenix, a two-dayconference for FEC operators by FEC operators. This new

business-building event is forthe industry’s leading fam-ily entertainment center (FEC)operators, suppliers, manu-facturers, and professionals.FEC Phoenix will take placeFeb. 26-28, 2013 at MillenniumScosdale Resort & Villas justoutside Phoenix, Arizona.

FEC owners, operators,and professionals will meetface-to-face to discuss the lat-est trends, build a network of business colleagues, gain in-sight from others, and share best practices all with a keen

focus on improving sales andthe boom line. Aendees willparticipate in fast-paced meet-ings, information-lled pre-sentations, and conversationswith successful FEC operators.Topics to include discussionson: trends and what’s next,araction and revenue per-formance, food and beverage,group sales, parties, manage-ment and human resources,the future of the industry, andmore.

“IAAPA’s FEC Phoenixwill give FEC owners, op-erators, senior managers,

manufacturers, and supplierspractical ways to grow their businesses during two daysof network building, idea gen-eration, and learning,” saidGregg Borman, senior vicepresident of operations, FECDivision at Palace Entertain-ment and chair of the IAAPAFamily Entertainment CenterCommiee.

Registration and addi-tional event information isavailable at www.IAAPA.org/expos/fecphoenix.

ASTM International expands resources for college educators W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., —

ASTM International has announced anew academic offering for universityprofessors to include technical standardsas part of their engineering and businesscurricula. The ASTM Professor’s Tool Kitcontains various informational tools tohelp educators promote awareness ofstandards in the classroom.

Familiarity with standards can en-hance a student’s knowledge and skillsbefore entering the workplace.

The Professor’s Tool Kit offers a col-

lection of ASTM materials in one place,so instructors may pick and choosewhich components work best for theirclasses. Some of the supplies featured inthe kit include:

•Five scripted PowerPoint modules;•Sample syllabi and standards;•Short videos on the value of stan-

dards and student membership in ASTM;

•Articles about standards educa-tion;•ASTM industry sector overviews

(metals, energy, construction, chemi-

cals, consumer products, healthcare andmore);

•Standards case studies; and•Informational brochures on stu-

dent membership and benefits, ASTM’sdigital library, copyright and more.

ASTM International promotes stan-dards education in colleges and universi-ties through its free student membership

program, which offers several benefitsfor full-time undergraduate or graduatestudents. Students have the opportunityto learn more about standards with free

subscriptions to ASTM’s magazinenewsletter, free attendance at Asymposia and workshops, publishingportunities, scholarships and paper petitions. Upon graduation, studenteligible for full ASTM membershipreduced fee.

To access the Professor’s Tooonline, visit www.astm.org/toolkit

learn more about how to incorpostandards into your curriculum, coJim Olshefsky, ASTM [email protected]).


14/60


PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS

INTERNATIONAL

Reporter’s Notebook

Polin wins export awardTURKEY — Polin Waterparks

and Pool Systems was awarded FirstPlace in the 2012 Export Awards ofTurkey. The award was presented inthe capital city of Ankara, Turkey,during a special ceremony on Nov20, 2012. Basar Pakis, CEO of Po-lin received this prestigious awardfrom Turkey’s Prime Minister TayyipErdogan. Regional and nationaltelevision and press representatives

attended the event to report on theprestigious news. Exports from Tur-key increased to nearly U.S. $130billion up from $120 billion last yearmaking it one of the top 15 grossdomestic product exporters in theworld.

Polin Waterparks and Pool Sys-tems was founded in Istanbul, Tur-key, in 1976 and has become oneof the world’s leading companiesin the design, manufacture and in-stallation of waterparks, waterslidesand waterplay attractions. Polin’smanufacturing base occupies a pro-duction area of 50,000 square me-ters and total plant area of 70,000square meters. Polin has complet-

ed more than 1,500 projects in 70countries.

“Over 85 percent ofvisitors are already

repeat visitors,and that’s the

clearest possibleacknowledgementof our concept.”

—Europa-Park ownerRoland Mack on more than

four million guests visitingthe German themer in 2012

Quoted

New Alton Towers Gerstlauer coaste

will be park’s ‘biggest ever ride’STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOM — Thestart of the 2013 season at the U.K.’sAlton Towers Resort will see thelaunch of the park’s biggest ever ridein the shape of a new roller coasterthat will also be the rst of its kindin the world.

Representing the largest everinvestment in a ride at the venue at£18 million (U.S. $28.8 million), de-tails of the Gerstlauer-built coaster,

code named Secret Weapon (SW) 7,remain a closely guarded secret al-though some are out in the publicdomain.

The ride is being built on thesite of the former Black Hole indoorcoaster within the park’s X Sectorand will feature a very compact lay-

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens to expan4See ALTON, page 16

This site plan reveals the coaster’s overall tight layout and the eight isions, if one looks closely. COURTESY UK GOVERNMENT PUBLIC ACCESS

Despite limited opportunities to expand due to its location, Tivoli Gardensin Copenhagen will add a further 600 square meters for 2013.COURTESY TIVOLI GARDENS COPENHAGEN

DENMARK — The world fa

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, mark, is to be expanded in 2013 wnew themed area featuring a numrides and aractions for all ages.

The new area, in a part of thedens called Merry Corner, will cototal of 1,200 square meters, of w600 square meters will be an exteto the park. The inspiration for this the Danish astronomer Tycho and the theme will be based arstars, galaxies and planets. Amonaractions in this section of the vwill be an Air Race from Zamthemed on the Tycho Brahe univeDrop Tower, also from Zamperlaa dragon themed, interactive merr

round from Chance Rides.Making way for the new ride

4See TIVOLI, pag

STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]


15/60


Australia’s Luna Park celebrates 100th anniversaSTORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

AUSTRALIA — The well-known Luna Park in Mel- bourne, Australia, where theMr. Moon face entrance facadehas become an iconic image in

the worldwide amusementand theme park industry, cel-ebrated its 100th anniversaryon December 13, 2012.

The historic milestone forthe country’s oldest pleasurepark is being marked in a number of ways, initially with aprogram of special events thatallowed the park, its guestsand the city of Melbourne tocelebrate the occasion.

What was described as alile Luna Park magic tookover Melbourne’s CentralBusiness District with fun in

the city from November 29 toDecember 4. The well-knownLuna Park “Purples,” the parksta in their distinctive purpleuniforms, popped up in un-expected places to share theirspecial brand of fun with theactivity culminating on De-cember 4 in Federation Square,with the park bringing a mad-cap carnival atmosphere to theheart of the city.

December 10 saw LunaPark giving back to the localSt. Kilda community with aFriends and Neighbors Day onwhich special guests were ableto ride free all evening, whileon December 12 the parkthrew a party like no otheras it counted down to the bigday. On December 13, exactly100 years since the rst visi-tors entered the park throughMr. Moon’s mouth, Luna Parkopened its gates to thousandsof lucky ticket holders for theLuna Park Centenary Com-munity Day, the venue’s wayof thanking those in the com-munity who do so much forothers. Guests on the day weretreated to special shows in-

cluding the aerial acrobaticsof Strange Fruit, roving per-formers and performances bypopular Australian music art-ists Anthony Callea and DarylBraithwaite.

More musical entertain-ment, something St. Kilda isrenowned for, was held thefollowing day to kick o thepark’s Summer Nights, theseason of late night opening,and on December 15 and 16the park went Back to 1912with sta in historic uniforms,

vintage delights and roam-ing performers recreating thescene as it was 100 years ago.

Also for its centenarysummer, Luna Park will bringin two additional rides, a Zam-perla Power Surge operated byGreg Webster’s company anda Reverchon Spinning Coastercalled the Crazy Coaster, oper-ated by the Picke family. Thepark has ordered a new PowerSurge from Zamperla which isdue to be installed in 2013.

Above, the Great Scenic Rail-way has entertained visitors

to Luna Park since it openedin 1912. At right, top, theMr. Moon face entrance toLuna Park is an iconic imagewithin the worldwide amuse-ment and theme park indus-try; Middle, the Great Sce-nic Railway has entertainedvisitors to Luna Park sinceit opened in 1912. Bottom,Luna Park has been a popu-lar place to visit for 10 de-cades, as seen in this 1940’spark photo.COURTESY MATT DELLER;BOTTOM TWO PHOTOSCOURTESY LUNA PARK


16/60


ALTONContinued from page 14

out incorporating a verticallift hill and numerous in-versions, as well as a ‘worldrst’ element. The length ofthe track will be 1,170 meters(3,838 feet) and the highestdrop will be from 30 meters(98 feet), although the maxi-

mum height above ground is just over 22 meters (72 feet).

Plans for the ride show alayout with eight inversionsin the section which is out-doors, but there is also an in-door section which may wellcontain more inversions; asyet the track features in thispart of the coaster are un-known but it is likely thatthis is where the “worldrst” element will be.

The newly designed ridetrains will carry four rowsof four passengers and willreach a maximum speedof approximately 85 kmh(53 mph). Minimum riderheight will be 1.4 meters (4.5feet). The scheduled openingdate of SW7 is March 16.

The new coaster is partof the updated Long Term

Development Plan (LTDP)for the Alton Towers Re-sort which maps out plansfor the future. Among otherthings, the document showsenvironmental aspects alongwith development points forthe park which include newmajor rides, the refurbish-ment of existing themed ar-eas, an improvement of the

product oer, improvementof visitor circulation withinthe site, car park improve-ments and transport im-provements.

The document also statesthat investment will be madein phases, the rst of whichincludes SW7 and a proposalto install a number of familylodges to the east of the Al-ton Towers Hotel, to cater toincreasing overnight stayswhich in turn will cementthe resort as a multi-day at-

traction. Exciting new rideideas and the creation of anentertainment complex in-corporating the hotels are just some of the other pos-sibilities shown in the planwhich makes fascinatingviewing.

TIVOLI Continued from page 14other developments in the areaare the Blue Sapphire children’sferris wheel and the Inspector’sLodge, which is being replacedwith new Copenhagen-stylehouses and fountains. The costof transforming the extendingMerry Corner will be in the tensof millions of Danish kroner.

Commenting on the de-velopment, Tivoli’s CEO LarsLiebst said, “The last timeTivoli got a new major arac-tion was in 2009 when Vertigoew into the Gardens at 100kmh (62 mph). Since then, wehave added new experiencesto a number of existing rides, but we think now is the timeto improve our portfolio with brand new aractions. The newride for teenagers is an excit-ing addition because it is bothfun and wild, but also unique because there are very few likeit in the world. Also, we are

proud to be able to oer newexperiences for both childrenand tourists who, we hope,may also learn something from becoming acquainted with OldCopenhagen, Tycho Brahe andhis universe.”

The park’s 2013 season getsunderway on April 11.

Europa-Park sets attendance record GERMANY — The results are in and records were as Europa-Park welcomed more than four million gueduring the 2012 summer season. The number of visitto Europa-Park is therefore growing constantly and visitare increasingly coming from countries other than GermaFrance and Switzerland. A record number of visitors cafrom France this year, while visitor numbers from the Aregion went up considerably.

The four-million visitor threshold was exceeded as eaas the beginning of October, about a month earlier than

2011. “Over 85 percent of visitors are already repeat vtors, and that’s the clearest possible acknowledgementour concept,” says Roland Mack, owner of Europa-Pa“Conference business has also seen another double-dincrease, as it did last year. A strong push is coming frthe new four-star superior Hotel Bell Rock, which openedJuly 2012. The themed hotels, of which there are now fare currently full to over 95 percent of capacity. Europa-Pis therefore consistently enhancing its position as a natioand international destination for short breaks. More amore people are visiting the park several times a seasand an increasing number of guests are staying overnigh Europa-Park officials also credit their new woodcoaster, Wodan Timbur coaster, with being an absolvisitor magnet. Since its opening on March 31, 2012, mthan 2.5 million passengers have enjoyed the ride, whwas supplied by U.S.-based Great Coasters InternationInc. Europa-park expects to add even more to the grow2012 tally with its winter event, which runs Nov. 24, 20through Jan. 6, 2013. During that time, 2,500 Christmtrees, 2.5 million fairy lights on strings covering five kilomters and countless bonfires turn Europa-Park into Germanlargest winter wonderland. New shows with great intertional artists take care of the entertainment.


17/60


RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS

PARKS & ATTRACTIONS

Kennedy Space Centerprepares Space ShuttleAtlantis for July 2013 debut MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. –– Space Shuttle Atlantis hasarrived at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to begin itsnew mission as the dramatically displayed centerpiece of a $100million exhibit scheduled to open in July 2013. Atlantis completed its historic final journey — the last ofany of NASA’s space shuttles — with NASA officials and thou-sands of visitor complex guests looking on. A parade of morethan 30 former astronauts joined the orbiter for the final leg ofthe trip from Kennedy Space Center before it parked in front ofthe remaining open wall of the 90,000-square-foot exhibit build-ing. Atlantis has been moved into the building and raised 36feet off the ground. The complex operation has included rotat-ing the shuttle about 43 degrees so that it will be showcased onan angle as if it were in space — only as the astronauts from its33 missions have had a chance to see it. When it is displayed,its payload bay doors will be open and the Canadarm (robotic

Space Shuttle Atlantis isnow at the Kennedy SpaceCenter Visitor Complex tobegin its new mission as thedramatically displayed cen-terpiece of a $100 millionexhibit scheduled to openin July 2013.COURTESYKENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Atlantis position:Orbiter height: 30 feet

Orbiter tilt: 43.21 degreesPortside wing tip: 7.5 ft. highStarboard wing tip: 108 ft. highAtlantis weight: 153,996 lbs.

Atlantis covering:Atlantis was shrink-wrapped

in 12-millimeter thick whiteplastic coating, similar to thatused to transport boats, in earlyNovember. A total of 16,000square feet of wrap was usedto protect Atlantis from dirt anddust as the construction pro-cess continues.

Atlantis lifting:To prepare for the lifting

process, a full-scale, full weightgravity model on a squareframe, was created and testedat Beyel Bros., to ensure the or-biter could be lifted and tilted.

Forward jacks, formerly usedat the Orbiter Processing Facil-ity, were used to raise Atlantishigh enough to lower the land-ing gear and then back the Or-biter Transporter System (OTS)from underneath Atlantis. TheOTS was used on November 2,2012, to transport Atlantis 9.8miles from the Vehicle Assem-bly Building to Kennedy SpaceCenter Visitor Complex.

Support frames were con-nected to fittings on Atlantisenabling four 800-ton jacks togradually raise the orbiter, us-ing dunnage to support theweight of the orbiter during theprocess.

The covering and lifting ofAtlantis began on November12 and was completed on No-vember 17, 2012.

Atlantis positioning/tilting:The tilting process began on

Nov. 26 using two jacks to low-er Atlantis on the portside andtwo jacks to raise the orbiteron the starboard side. A swivelpiece of steel supported theorbiter as the center of gravitychanged during the tilting pro-cess.

The tilting process complet-

ed one day ahead of scheduleon November 27.

FAST FACTS

GCII continues roster of off-seaswooden coaster rehab projectsSTORY: Scott Rutherford

[email protected] ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa— While Great CoastersInternational, Inc. isrenowned for building newand unique wooden rollercoasters around the world,the company is also dele-gating plenty of time andenergy to keep a numberof existing coasters in topoperating form. One of the most inter-esting of these off-seasonprojects took GCII crewsto Iowa where they haveundertaken a makeover ofArnolds Park’s signaturethrill ride, the Legend. Originally designed by John Miller and built between 1927 and 1930, theLegend (aka Giant Coasterand Speed Hound) hasundergone a number ofcosmetic alterations dur-ing its long life but none asextensive as those currentlyunderway. According to ArnoldsPark General Manager

Scott Pyle, “A survey wascompleted by GCII thatprovided a profile of ourcoaster and what could bedone to make it one of the best (smoother ) woodencoasters in the country.And with the Legend reach-ing the ripe old age of 86years, the board of directorsand staff at Arnolds Parkhad an additional, morepointed survey completed.An additional evaluationwas done on the 1,492 feet

of wooden track and thestructure that supports it.

During the survey it

determined that the cois still in excellent shaa whole, but the overalquality would be grimproved and the swould be increased ifirst drop were reconfigto a smoother more floangle. Along with tha bottom of the second could be raised slightimprove ride qualityallow for updated confootings as well as eafuture maintenance.

These changes affect one third of thetrack length and will bfirst of four planned prover the next several yThis first phase will be pleted prior to openinthe spring of 2013. are looking forward toimprovement as we been planning some sicant updates to the Lefor a few years,” said “The cost of this proj just over $250,000 anus that is a big expense

staff and Board have working very hard planand budgeting for this vation.” “The Legend RCoaster is our numbeattraction, so we knowvisitors love it as muwe do. We are plannicontinue with more upas we move into the fso she can thrill our gfor another 86 years,” aDi Lorenzen, commutions manager.

In addition to the Le

4See GCII, pag

4See SHUTTLE, page 18


18/60


GCII has also dispatchedcrews to a number of otherparks for new and ongo-ing rehab projects. Theseparks and coasters includeMorey’s Piers, Great White;Lake Compounce Wildcat;Coney Island, Cyclone;Carowinds, Thunder Road;Dutch Wonderland; andKnoebels, Flying Turns fortransfer table construction.

AMUSEMENTMARKET PLACE

Keep our amusement park industry strong!

Buy products and services from these suppliers.

“The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America”

“World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” FREDERIKSE

INDUSTRIES, INC5212 St. Paul St.

Tampa, Florida 3361(813) 628-4545

FAX (813) 621-3679

www.funslide.com

• Financing and Leasing Available• Trades Considered• Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags• 6 New Slides In Stock

• Have 20 Used Rides

• 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide

• 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide

Contoocook, N.H. 03229Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447

Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture

•Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways

•Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides

•New ride control systems and modifications

•Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee

SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C.

(603) 746-4446

Jerry Pendleton or Dan PendletonParts and Service

106 Burnham Intervale Road

SHUTTLE Continued from page 17

arm) extended. “We think visitors toKennedy Space Center VisitorComplex will be awed andinspired by how they willsee and experience Atlantis,”said Bill Moore, chief operat-ing officer of Kennedy SpaceCenter Visitor Complex. “Complementing Atlantiswill be more than 60 interac-tive, immersive exhibits aboutthe entire shuttle program —including its key role with theInternational Space Stationand the Hubble Telescope,and how it paved the way fortoday’s new space programs,”Moore said. Atlantis’s day-long,10-mile trip from KennedySpace Center’s Vehicle

Assembly Building aboardNASA’s 76-wheel OrbiterTransportation System fea-tured stops for a signing cer-emony at NASA’s KennedySpace Center headquartersand guest viewing oppor-tunities at Space Florida’sExploration Park and later asit entered the visitor complex. During the Atlantis cer-emony, Moore thanked NASAAdministrator Charles Boldenand Kennedy Space CenterDirector Robert Cabana andpledged that the visitor com-plex would be a great stewardof NASA’s orbiter in display-ing it for the public for genera-tions. Delaware NorthCompanies Parks & Resortshas operated Kennedy SpaceCenter Visitor Complex forNASA since 1995. The exhibit building is being designed by

PGAV Destinations, archheadquartered in St. LMo., and being constructWhiting-Turner ContraCompany in Orlandosix-story exhibit is beingadjacent to the existing ShLaunch Experience. A work of art in itseexterior of the Atlantis efeatures two sweeping tectural elements, or “wrepresenting the space tle’s launch and returnouter layer of the buiwhich is being cloaked descent hues of orangegold, represents the fieryof re-entry. The taller, inwing of the building is covered in a shimmerinpattern in varying tongray designed to represetiled underside of the orb

GCII Continued from page 17

Great Coasters International, Inc. kicks off another rof off-season wooden roller coaster rehab projects thister with major multi-phase reconstruction and overhathe Legend at Iowa’s Arnolds Park. The first phase wcompleted prior to opening in the spring of 2013 andinclude smoothing out the angle of the twisting first and the bottom of the second drop along with the addof new concrete footings. COURTESY ARNOLDS PARK

380 Bad Man Hill Rd. • Paxinos, PA 17860(570) 590-3255 or (570) 590-9880 | [email protected]

Structural Technologies Inc.

New Construction

RenovationsDaily MaintenanceRelocationsTrack ReplacementDemolitionInspectionsEmergency Work

amusement today com

For breakingnews, videos andmore, visit us at:


19/60


PO BOX 638 • Plainview, Texas 79072 • (806) 293-1353 • www.larsonintl.com

Super Shot

Tilt-A-W hirl TM

Jumpin’ Jumbos Giant Loop

Flying Scooters TM

Star Dancer

Monkey Mayhem

Dizzy Dragons


20/60



21/60



22/60



23/60

January 2013 AMUSEMENT TODANovember 2012 AMUSEMENT TODA

INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS

WATERPARKS & RESORTS

Reporter’s Notebook

WhiteWater acquiresApptivations LLC

RICHMOND, B.C., Cana-da — During the IAAPA Expo2012, WhiteWater unveiled itsnewest acquisition, Apptiva-tions LLC. WhiteWater, in part-nership with Denise ChapmanWeston and Rick Briggs, willput the best that mobile andcontemporary technology hasto offer in the hands of parkguests.

From live action storytellingto fun and/or educational in-teractive games, ApptivationsLLC has created downloadableapps that come to life in realtime. These apps engage andentertain guests while creatingadditional ways to reward andgenerate additional revenuestreams with devices that arealready in use by consumers.

Once amusement parksand waterparks become a partof the growing app world,there are many engaging op-portunities to sell upgrades,reinforce marketing and creatememorable takeaways includ-ing photo-imaged comic booksand postable social media vid-eos, starring guests!

Putting their 30 years ofcreativity, innovation, imagina-tion and expertise to work, Ap-ptivations has combined hands-on interactives and storytellingto enhance mobile gaming,game-embedded waterparksliding and “night glow” inte-grated experiences.

SeaWorld San Diego to gain Aquatic

brand with newly acquired waterparSANDUSKY, Ohio and SAN DI-EGO, Calif. — As amusemenoday.com rst reported, Cedar Fair Enter-tainment Company recently sold itsKno’s Soak City near San Diego, astand-alone waterpark in SouthernCalifornia, to SeaWorld Parks & Enter-tainment. Terms of the agreement werenot disclosed and are not material toCedar Fair’s results of operations.

“For this particular property, aunique opportunity presented itselfto team with SeaWorld to oer a pre-mium product to its guests in the SanDiego region,” said Ma Ouimet, pres-

ident and chief executive ocer. “Thenet proceeds from this sale will be re-invested in our core assets includingthe multi-year refreshment of our hotelproperties in Sandusky, Ohio that wasannounced earlier.”

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment,the Orlando-based owner of 10 U.S.theme parks, will transform the Kno’sSoak City — San Diego. The waterparkwill undergo extensive renovation overthe winter and re-open next springas SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’sthird Aquatica-branded park. BothSeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld SanAntonio now operate Aquatica parks.

SeaWorld will make signicantchanges over the o-season transform-ing the park into an Aquatica. “Theseparks reect the highest standard ofquality in aractions, entertainmentand theming, but the presence of ani-mals makes the experience somethingtruly special. Aquatica San Diego,like its sister parks, will feature guestexperiences with a variety of exoticanimals,” said Jim Atchison, presidentand chief executive ocer of SeaWorldParks & Entertainment. “Having ani-mals in our Aquatica parks adds aneducational component to a waterparkvisit that is both unexpected and en-riching.”

No new slides or other aractionshad been announced as of press time.

4See AQUATICA, page 28

These artist illustrations give a first look at the rebranding that will chKnott’s Soak City near San Diego into Aquatica. The waterpark is now oand operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parent compaSeaWorld San Diego. COURTESY SEA WORLD SAN DIEGO


24/60


The city of Mt. Vernon, Ill., broke ground in Octoon a new safari-themed Aquatic Zoo that will feature ter slides, a splash pad with animal-spray features, a pool, leisure pool, lazy river and an alligator walk suspeed between two trees. The design and features includethe waterpark were chosen after input was received frMt. Vernon residents along with various studies. The n

facility, expected to open by July 4, will be paid for bhalf-cent sales tax.

•Arlington County, Va., asked its voters to approv

$50.55 million bond to help finance an $80 million ntorium, and as they have done in every bond electionthe past 30 years, the citizens of Arlington County voto approve it. Arlington County, just outside of Washiton D.C., is one of the wealthiest areas in the country. proposed Aquatics Center will sit on the banks of the tomac River and overlook D.C.’s monuments. The masglass-enclosed facility will include a 50 meter pool, indwaterpark with slides and a lazy river, family leisure atherapy hot-water pools, a teaching pool, an indoor fitnarea along with a community meeting space and child cfacilities.

• Jeff Henry, co-owner of Schlitterbahn Waterpawas named Inventor of the Year at the annual Austin, Tas Intellectual Property Law Association’s Judges’ Dinhosted at 7 p.m. Monday, November 12, 2012 at the Sphen F. Austin Hotel.

Known worldwide for his ingenious waterpark desiand attractions, Jeff Henry currently holds more thanpatents and trademarks representing award-winningnovations such as interconnected Transportainment tractions, Master Blaster uphill water coasters, tidal-wrivers, convertible waterparks and the Aquaveyer uprider-friendly conveyer belt systems.

•KSB, one of the leading manufacturers of wa

pumps for stormwater and wastewater applications found a new use for its popular Amacan P submers

motor pump — in the amusement industry. The pump be used in wave machines at waterparks, in flume riand river-rafting rides. The current Amacan P can pu110,000 gallons per minute and KSB is working on a sign capable of pumping 300,000 gallons per minute. Khopes to be able to tap into what is estimated to be $1billion market by the year 2017, by supplying, reliable,ficient and safe water pumps.

•Working closely with Fox Studios and producer

chael Malone, Aquatic Development Group recedesigned, manufactured and provided the WaveTek wgeneration system as well as the design for the speciafects wave pool used in shooting the “Life of Pi.” The foot (75 meters) by 98 foot (30 meters) by 10 foot (3 mters) deep wave pool was constructed in Taichung, Tai

on a site reportedly destined to become a movie park wthe wave pool as its centerpiece.The WaveTek system, entirely manufactured in AD

facility in Cohoes, N.Y., includes 12 pneumatic wave gerators producing a total of 2,400 horsepower. Throughsophisticated controls, the system is capable of proding dozens of wave patterns and heights to replicate oocean conditions. With waves ranging from placid swto raging storm conditions, the WaveTek system providAcademy award winning director Ang Lee with ideal cditions for filming the open ocean sequences.

In addition to the “Life of Pi,” ADG has designed amanufactured wave systems for additional motion pictuincluding “Master and Commander” and the “Guardia

NEWSSPLASHCOMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected]

Schlitterbahn Beach to connect parks with underground system

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — The

newly-opened Schlitterbahn Beach Resortand Indoor Waterpark and the neighboringoutdoor Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark onSouth Padre Island will be joined togethernext summer by a themed water transporta-tion system unlike anything ever built before.

A long-time leader in innovative water-park attractions, Schlitterbahn’s Jeff Henryannounced the start of construction on anew water transportation system that willtake riders between the existing waterparkand the new resort and indoor waterparkvia a series of slides, rivers and conveyors.Guests will board four-person rafts at eitherof two loading stations — one at the out-

door waterpark and the other at the nearby

indoor waterpark — then drop nearly 25 feetinto a 380-foot-long underground cavernfilled with fog, sound and lighting effects. Aconveyor system will then return guests toground level and their destination.

“It would have been far easier to builda simple walk-through underground tunnelto connect our two great facilities, but that’snot the way Schlitterbahn does things,” saidHenry. “Our guests expect world class wa-terpark fun and we deliver by keeping thementertained even as they move from onesection of our property to another.”

Schlitterbahn’s outdoor waterpark willopen for the 2013 season on April 20.

Schlitterbahn South Padre Islandopens hotel, indoor waterpark

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND,Texas — Schlierbahn, re-spected worldwide forground-breaking water-basedentertainment destinations,

is now welcoming guests tothe new beachfront hotel andindoor, year-round resort wa-terpark at Schlierbahn BeachResort, South Padre Island,Texas.

Located on the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico,this exciting new 221-room beachfront resort destina-tion includes lodging, familysuites, great Gulf beaches, fan-tastic dining location optionsand unlimited use of both theresort’s indoor and outdoorwaterparks.

The new indoor waterpark

features two large 70-foot-tallintimidating tube slides, twoadventurous tidal wave rivers,a whimsical kids’ area withseveral slides, a giant heatedpool with swim-up refresh-ments, a beachfront pool, sev-eral wild-wave beaches andthe Grand Carousel. Both thetube slide tower and ChanceRides Grand Carousel wererelocated from the closedGeauga Lake (Ohio) amuse-ment park.

Not only will hotel guestsenjoy the new spacious up-

scale accommodations, but re-sort guests also receive a vari-ety of VIP amenities includingunlimited use of the outdoorwaterpark (during operatingseason) for the duration oftheir stay, beach access, Wi-Fiand free onsite parking.

As part of Schlierbahn’songoing commitment to theenvironment, many woodenstructures in the park, and

much of the furnishings in

the hotel including the night-stands in the guest rooms, aremade from wood reclaimed af-ter the devastating forest resnear Bastrop, Texas. Much ofthese salvaged trees are loblol-ly pines from the “Lost Pines”region.

For more information onresort lodging, or to view theindoor waterpark operatingschedule and hours of opera-

tion visit the park’s website at

schlierbahn.com.Family-owned and op-erated, Schlierbahn Water-parks has been a leader infamily-friendly water-basedentertainment since 1979. Thecompany operates three wa-terparks in Texas and one inKansas, all of which oer fam-ily amenities that include freeparking and free inner tubes.

Schlitterbahn Beach Resortguests now have an indoorwaterpark and a carouselas part of their stay to theSouth Padre Island, Texasproperty.COURTESY SCHLITTERBAHN


25/60



26/60



27/60



28/60


AQUATICA Continued from page 23

The rst Aquatica openedadjacent to SeaWorld Orlandoin 2008. It is now among thenation’s most visited water-parks, with annual aendanceof roughly 1.5 million guests.In addition to birds and tropi-cal sh, Aquatica Orlando

features Dolphin Plunge, thepark’s centerpiece water slide,which includes an enclosedacrylic slide that allows ridersto see animals underwater.

Last year SeaWorld SanAntonio unveiled its ownAquatica, with some of theregion’s best ride aractions,along with displays of kooka- burra, spoonbills and south-ern stingrays.

“When the gates of Aquat-ica San Diego open for the rsttime next June, guests will seewhat visitors to Orlando and

San Antonio already know:No theme park company candeliver a waterpark experi-ence quite like SeaWorld,”said John Reilly, president ofthe company’s San Diego at-tractions. “Aquatica will bea great complement to Sea-World and help us continue to

bring value to our guests andenhance this destination.”

Unlike the other twoAquatica-branded parks thatare adjacent to their respectiveSeaWorld parks, Aquatica SanDiego is located in Chula Vis-ta, Calif., nearly 25 miles awayfrom SeaWorld San Diego.

The sale of the San Diegowaterpark has no impact onCedar Fair’s other propertieslocated in California. CedarFair will continue to operateKno’s Berry Farm and theadjacent Kno’s Soak City, both located in Buena Vista,as well as Kno’s Soak City inPalm Springs.

—Jeffrey Seifert

WhiteWater’s popularFamily Constrictordebuts in Arizona

YUMA, Ariz. — Despitea brief closure from a storm-induced mud-slide, the brandnew Waylon’s Water World,which opened in July has

been enjoying much success.

Waylon’s premieredWhiteWater’s Family Con-strictor waterslide. The Fam-ily Constrictor features aume size that expands from7 feet to 10 feet and then

back again. As rafts holding3 adults or 4 children windtheir way down the water-slide they encounter the tight-est, highest banking turns afamily can experience togeth-er. The Family Constrictor isthemed with a snake-skin likefaçade of orange and yellow.

Waylon’s Water World

oers a selection of White-Water aractions includingan AquaPlay Rainfortresscalled “Syd’s Zone” as wellas a multi-lane mat racer, aSuperBowl, body slides andkids’ slides.

—Jeffrey Seifert

WhiteWater’s popular Constrictor waterslide as seen amid-summer opening of Waylon’s Water World in Yumazona. COURTESY WHITEWATER


29/60


Six Fla s Great America Gurnee Il USA www.proslide.com engineered exhilaration

2012 grand slam winner!iaapa impact award - best new water ride - leading edge award

Holiday World Splashin’ Safari, IN, US

Patented: US Patent 7918741; Multiple Worldwide Patents Pendi


30/60



31/60


REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS

BUSINESS

Looking for a part? E-mail us!

NORTH AMERICAN PARTS, INC.

(716) 839-4791 x101

Email: [email protected]

Two industry non-profits benefit from IAAPA ExpoThree IAAPA fundraiser events raise $81,000 for Give Kids the World Village

ORLANDO, Fla. — TheInternational Associationof Amusement Parks andAractions (IAAPA) andaractions industry profes-sionals raised more than$81,000 for its 17-year char-ity partner, Give Kids TheWorld (GKTW) in Kissim-mee, Florida, through threeevents held during IAAPAAractions Expo 2012.

Proceeds from IAAPA’s10th annual InternationalCharity Golf Tournament,

third annual MotorcycleRide, and sixth annualGKTW Fun Run and Walk,Footprints from the Heart,were donated to Give KidsThe World Village, a non-prot resort that providescost-free vacations for chil-dren with life-threateningdiseases and their families.

“IAAPA’s contributionsto Give Kids The Worldhave been extremely sig-nicant over the last 17years,” said Pam Lindwirth,president of GKTW. “We’reproud to have such gener-ous partners in IAAPA andthe aractions industry.”

IAAPA InternationalCharity Golf Tournament

One hundred and for-ty-three aractions indus-try professionals hit thelinks and enjoyed a day at

Hawk’s Landing Golf Clubat the Orlando World Cen-ter Marrio Resort on Sun-day, Nov. 1. The foursomeof Walt Bowser of Six Flags, John Andrews of BaynumPainting, and Bill Wrightand Chas Kuhn, both of RideEntertainment, won the golftournament, with a score of

54. The foursome of JohnConway of National TicketCompany, Clark Robinson,former president and CEOof IAAPA, and John Cun-ningham and Randy Bagleywith Encoded Guardian n-ished second with a score of58.

Jordan Hurley, of For-mula One Driver, and Jes-sica McNaulo, of Picsolvewon the longest drive con-test in the men’s and wom-en’s categories, respectively.

“I’m so pleased we con-tinue to be a great inter-national tournament—wehave players from many,many countries, who enjoythis day as the opening ofIAAPA Aractions Expo,”said Bill Alter, co-chairmanof the event. “Nothing could be greater than making a

sizable contribution to GiveKids The World while hav-ing this much fun.”

IAAPA Motorcycle RunWhile some opted to

spend their day on neatlytrimmed Bermuda Grass,others opted for asphaltand the open road. IAAPA’sthird annual motorcycle ridesent 38 riders from OrlandoHarley Davidson, the ride’sstart and end point, cruisingthrough the hills, farmlands,lakes, and forests surround-

ing Orlando.The ride took place in

conjunction with the Inter-national Charity Golf Tour-nament on Sunday, Nov.11, and was broken into twoparts, allowing riders to joingolfers at Hawk’s Landingfor a networking lunch.

IAAPA 5K Fun Ruand 1K Walk:

Footprints From the HThursday, Nov. 15,

PA held its third annuFun Run and 1K Walk,prints From The Heasupport GKTW. The raised $6,400 for the Vi

On the men’s side5K was won by MMunguia of American Machines, Inc., who nwith a time of 18 miand 50 seconds. Mario

tarinella of Parque Dsiones nished seconda time of 19 minutes anseconds, and Bre ClaWet ‘n Wild nished coming in at 19 minute37 seconds.

For the women, JMunguia, also of Ame

Estate of Barbara Knoebel donates $25,000 to National Roller Coaster MuseumORLANDO, Fla. — Celebrating the life

of an amusement park icon, the estate of Bar- bara Knoebel donated $25,000 to help pre-

serve the history of an industry she loved.The family presented the check at the IAAPAAractions Expo in Orlando on November14, 2012.

“Barbara loved the amusement busi-ness,” husband and partner Dick Knoebelsaid. “To Barbara, (National Roller CoasterMuseum (NRCMA) chairman) Gary Sladewas more than a colleague, he was a goodfriend and she respected the work the muse-um was trying to do. We know the donationis going to the right place!”

“The time, eort and dedication of thoseinvolved in the NRCMA mirrors that of Bar- bara’s in the industry,” son, Brian Knoebeladded.

The donation will ultimately create themuch needed space for the NRCMA’s climate

controlled archives. “The board and humbled and honored to receive such aerous donation,” Gary Slade, NRCMA

man said. “Barbara was a cherished fand this will carry her legacy into the futThe “Barbara Knoebel Wing” will opmid-2013.

A seperate building expansion, donearlier by Gary & Linda Hays, Cli’s Amment Park, will be erected at the same tithe Knoebel addition.

The Museum’s rst traveling exhibireopen at Dollywood for the park’s 201erating season. The National Roller CoMuseum and Archive is a 501c3 non-porganization dedicated to the preservand protection of the history of the coaster and the amusement industry. and artifact donations can be made bytacting the NRCMA: P.O. Box 5424, Aton, Texas 76005-5424.

4See KIDS, pag

The Estate of Barbara Knoebel made a $25,000 donation tothe National Roller Coaster Museum during the 2012 IAAPAAttractions Expo. On hand during the check presentation

are, l to r: Dick Knoebel, Rick Knoebel, Gary Slade (museumchairman) and Brian Knoebel.AT/TIM BALDWIN


32/60


Wave Machines, Inc., wonthe race with a time of 18minutes and 17 seconds.Gina Classsen of HerschendFamily Entertainment n-ished second with a time of23 minutes 11 seconds, andDiane Williams of IAAPAand Chloe James of JackRouse Associates tied forthird, coming in at 26 min-utes 7 seconds.

The highest individualfundraiser was Joanna delMoral of TEA Eastern Divi-sion, who raised $675. Themost successful team fund-raiser was TEA Eastern Di-vision, who raised a total of$1,007.

The top 3 nishers in themen’s and women’s race, aswell as the top individualfundraiser and top teamfundraiser were awardedprizes at the conclusion ofthe event.

KIDSContinued from page 31

Zamperla awardedjudgement fortrademark infringement

ORLANDO, Florida —Zamperla SpA and ZamperlaInc. announced on November

13, 2012, during the start of theIAAPA aractions Expo, thatthey obtained judgments inU.S. Federal Court in OrangeCounty, Fla., against threeamusement ride manufactur-ers in excess of $138 milliondollars. The verdicts were based on violations of Flori-da’s Unfair Competition Law,the Florida Deceptive and Un-fair Trade Practices Act, Com-mon Law Trademark Infringe-ment and Unfair Competionunder the Lanham Act.

In his ruling favoring

Zamperla, Federal Court Judge Roy B. Dalton found thedefendant’s actions in copyingZamperla’s products to be “de-liberate, willful and intention-al.” The court further stated,in issuing a Permanent Injunc-tion barring the defendants forcontinuing their illegal copy-ing of Zamperla products:“The public interest is servedin this case because an in- junction will ensure imitationamusement rides, which maynot meet the safety standardsof the Zamperla Plaintis’rides, are not passed o as, or

confused with the amusementrides manufactured and sold by the Zamperla Plaintis.”The nal judgment furtherprovided for triple damages,as allowed under the LanhamAct. In achieving the verdictsZamperla demonstrated thatthe defendants had copied atlease 183 rides of Zamperla’sdesign.

The defendants are Gold-en Horse Amusement Equip-ment Co. Ltd., which was

found to have illegally copiedat least 83 rides and adjudgedliable for $91.2 million, BeijingTongjunweida Play Equip-ment Co. Ltd. who copied atleast 34 rides is liable for $2.4million, and Beijing JiuhuaAmusement Rides Manufac-turing Co. Ltd. who copied atleast 66 rides is liable for $45.2million. Each of the three com-panies are based in China.

On Tuesday afternoon

Nov. 13, Federal Marshalsseized all materials in theIAAPA trade show booths ofthe defendants and servedthem with papers requiringthem to appear for additionallegal proceedings.

Zamperla was represent-ed by amusement industryaorney Tom Sheehan, of theSheehan Firm PC, workingwith Orange County Counsel,Ric Keller of Hill, Rugh, Keller& Main, P.L.

On Nov. 13, Federal Mar-shals seized all materials inthe booths of several IAAPAshow exhibitors that were

ruled to be in violation ofIAAPA’s Intellectual Propertyrules.AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT

In 2013, The Official Disney Fan Club willtravel to Boston, Newark, Seattle, San Diego,Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, Washington,D.C., and Los Angeles as well as Disneyland

and Walt Disney World Resorts. Starting inMarch, D23 takes the party on the road onceagain with their second D23 Disney Fanniver-sary Celebration. The event will commemoratedozens of magical milestones, each celebratingan anniversary in 2013. Fanniversary events willbe open to the public, with special admissionand surprises created especially for D23 mem-bers in attendance.

•Universal Entertainment Corporation

has announced that Universal EntertainmentHong Kong Limited, a wholly owned subsid-iary, has signed a non-disclosure agreementwith the Shinsegae Group of South Korea. Theagreement was signed in preparation for com-mencing discussions regarding the commercialfacilities at the casino resort complex develop-

ment project at Yeongjongdo Island, Incheon,Korea being undertaken by the Shinsegae.

•Cashless Express, the new low-cost,

turn-key debit solution from Ideal SoftwareSystems, gives arcades and small-scale FECoperators a simple card-swipe system that en-ables them to easily transition to a cashlessenvironment for increased revenue and tightercontrols. Cashless Express combines innova-tive, reliable optical card-scanning technologywith a double-sided bar-code reader to keepcustomers playing, while the attractive, back-litLED reader unit creates an exciting multimediareward environment with stunning, full-motionvideo and sound.

•

Festival promoter and producer PremierFestivals has announced a new partnership withSix Flags Entertainment Corporation to pro-duce Christian music events for all 13 Six Flagstheme parks located across the United Statesand in Mexico City and Montreal, Canada. Inthis new role, Premier Festivals will develop andmanage Christian music events as another levelof entertainment for guests who visit the themeparks.

• Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS) board has in-

creased the company’s annual cash dividend by25 percent, as the entertainment giant seeks toenhance shareholder return. The annual divi-dend of 75 cents a share, up from 60 cents theprevious year,

at january 2013 web

Documents