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Farfetch.com: Alexander McQueen Exhibit Breaks Viewing Records

Judith Rubin
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www.metmuseum.org

An exhibit celebrating the life and work of late fashion designer Alexander McQueen has broken attendance records within its opening weeks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, proving that Britain’s love affair with luxury fashion continues, say farfetch.com

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has at long last opened its doors to one of its most highly anticipated exhibitions celebrating the life and career of one of fashion’s most important designers. Entitled “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”, the exhibition has exceeded expectations and broken attendance records in its first few weeks of opening and luxury fashion retailer farfetch.com, which gives customers access to the best designer boutiques in one easy to shop website, says this shows that interest in McQueen’s work, and luxury fashion in general, is increasing.

Paul Brine, spokesperson for farfetch.com, comments: “This exhibition pays homage to a truly outstanding designer who helped revolutionise the fashion world and was on the cutting edge up until his tragic, premature death in 2010. The public’s unprecedented interest in the exhibition shows that our love of opulent fashion is on the rise and we can expect it to stay on an upward trend.”

On the exhibition’s opening day on May 4, over 5,500 people walked through the doors and guided tours had to be suspended until crowds thinned. Prior to this, the busiest day in the museum’s history was in 2005 when 5,400 people arrived to see Vincent van Gogh: The Drawings. Approximately 200 items are featured in the exhibition, which spans the 19 years of McQueen’s career. Signature designs such as the bumster trousers, the kimono jacket, and the Origami frock coat, as well as rarities from his graduate collection at Central St. Martins are on display in the Museum, as is work from the unfinished final collection of 2010.

Brine reiterates that McQueen has had a profound effect upon the fashion world that will reverberate for generations to come. He comments: “No other designer since Yves Saint Laurent has so embodied the ethos of designing fashion as art. McQueen was more than a designer, he was also an artist – we at farfetch.com believe in keeping his legacy alive, and continue to carry many selections from his label, such as his spectacular designer purses and one-of-a-kind dresses. Worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama, McQueen’s designs are among our most popular items.”

The exhibit is open until July 31 – to learn more about the exhibit visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website which features the exhibition and additional information on these programs. Fashion lovers can purchase pieces from Alexander McQueen through farfetch.com. Items are sourced from fashion boutiques around the world and delivered directly to customer’s homes.

About farfetch.com:
farfetch.com unites the world’s best independent fashion boutiques, so that you can buy from the most interesting designer fashion brands globally in one easy-to-shop website. Our aim is to provide an exciting range of designers and labels, while maintaining the personality of unique, independent boutiques. This new concept means you can shop from boutiques in Paris, London, Como, Copenhagen, California and New York in just a few seconds, all from the comfort of your own home or office.

iPad App Developed for Kimbell Exhibition

Judith Rubin
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FORT WORTH, Texas, — Visitors to the upcoming Kimbell Art Museum exhibition Picasso and Braque: The Cubist Experiment, 1910–1912 will be able to use a specially created iPad application to delve more deeply into Cubism. “Advances in digital imaging and the convenience of an iPad provide new ways to look at and understand the processes, relationships, and stylistic developments of the revolutionary art form now known as Analytic Cubism,” commented Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum. “I’m thrilled that the Kimbell is able to provide this unique opportunity to Museum visitors.”

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Kimbell have been working with MegaVision, a digital-imaging company based in California, to capture spectral images of select pieces in the exhibition. The quality of spectral imaging surpasses that of normal professional photography, and it allows options for ultraviolet and infrared, which can reveal features invisible to the human eye.

Affectionately titled iCubist, the app was designed specifically for the Picasso and Braque exhibition. It will showcase the spectral images along with three other original activities and will be made available exclusively to exhibition visitors, free of charge, on 40 preloaded iPads.

The iCubist activities allow users to:

  • View and study works with a level of detail and precision never before possible for museum audiences. Users will have the ability to manipulate a succession of digitized spectral images that show the artworks at different light frequencies (ultraviolet and infrared), revealing the most minute details. Such fascinating views of the paintings uncover important decisions made by the artists in developing their compositions. 

  • Deconstruct a Cubist composition and attempt to put it back together. By rebuilding these composite reproductions, visitors learn first-hand about the intellectual and creative processes employed by Picasso and Braque in their paintings. The physical act of moving visual elements emphasizes compositional choices made by the artists to create, for example, a sense of balance or movement. It also highlights recognizable elements and describes their significance.

  • Compare digital reproductions of paintings by the featured artists, Picasso and Braque, by clicking on markers that pop up to explain key aspects of their individual styles. This interactive activity will help visitors exercise connoisseurship to distinguish between the artists’ hands, despite their close similarity during the Cubist years.
  • Explore the history of Cubism by means of an illustrated timeline that includes vintage photography of the artists and their friends and reproductions of key works of art.


The iCubist app was designed and produced by Reza Ali for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Kimbell Art Museum. Picasso and Braque: The Cubist Experiment, 1910–1912 is on view at the Kimbell Art Museum from May 29 through August 21, 2011, and at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art from September 17, 2011, through January 8, 2012. It is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Kimbell Art Museum promotional support is provided by American Airlines, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and NBC 5.

"Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" Returns to the D23 Expo, Showcasing More Than 80 Years of Disney History

Judith Rubin
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12,000-Square-Foot Exhibit Will Feature Imagery, Costumes, Props and More From Beloved Disney Movies, Television Shows and Characters
BURBANK, Calif. USA /PRNewswire/ — D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives are proud to announce the return of the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit to the D23 Expo. During the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 19-21, 2011, the 12,000-square-foot exhibit, which has doubled in size since the 2009 Expo, will give fans unprecedented access and insight into more than eight decades of Disney history.

The expansive exhibit will showcase the crown jewels of the Walt Disney Archives Collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time. The most memorable props, set pieces, photos, costumes and memorabilia from beloved Disney films such as the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Alice in Wonderland, National Treasure, Tron (1982), The Rocketeer, Pinocchio and Who Framed Roger Rabbit will allow fans to enjoy and explore their favorite movies and characters like never before. In addition, the show floor will feature one-of-a-kind pieces including a 23-foot model of The Black Pearl, used in both Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the Dharma Initiative Volkswagen van from the ABC television series LOST, and Walt Disney’s limousine.

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives,” located on the second floor of the convention center, will feature numerous special exhibits including: an exhaustive collection of props, costumes and set pieces from ABC’s groundbreaking series LOST; a Mickey Mouse exhibit featuring the original Mickey Mouse doll, Mousegetar, and a retrospective of memorabilia; a House of de Vil exhibit commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the animated film 101 Dalmatians, featuring a Fan Art Gallery as well as costumes and props from the live action film, which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary; and a tribute to Zorro, the first ever episodic television series, featuring the largest collection of costumes and vintage memorabilia ever exhibited.

“This is truly a one-of-a-kind display that showcases the enormous creativity and imagination of Walt Disney and the artists who have created unforgettable moments in entertainment history,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “From Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney to Pirates of the Caribbean and Wizards of Waverly Place, the ‘Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives’ will truly be something for Disney fans of all ages.”

The D23 EXPO 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards – a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction, boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; the all-new Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Disney For All Edition, where Disney fans will match wits to win a cruise on the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations and unique experiences from every corner of Disney – from upcoming feature film and television sneak peeks to what’s new and what’s next from our theme parks around the world.

About D23 Expo 2011
The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as never before. Tickets for the D23 Expo 2011 fall into different pricing tiers, based on purchase date (visit www.D23Expo.com for details), and D23 Members can enjoy additional savings plus members-only benefits. Multiday money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 19-21, 2011.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Animatronic Dinosaur Park Opens at Kings Island, Ohio

Judith Rubin
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Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ — Visitors to Kings Island amusement park can step back in time to periods between 245 million and 65 million years ago in the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur park. More than 60 life-sized dinosaurs are on display in Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island, including 56 animatronic models, in a spectacular outdoor Jurassic forest setting.

The multi-sensory and interactive dinosaur park brings inspiration, science and technology together at Kings Island where guests also hear the sounds and see the movements of 60-plus full-sized animatronic creations made to replicate nearly every feature of the dinosaurs. Each of the animatronic dinosaurs is hand-carved and covered with skin-like materials.

The six main scenes and nine thematic exhibits found along the more than 4,000-foot long path spread over 12.5 wooded acres tell a very compelling story for guests about what the dinosaurs ate, when and where they lived, how they protected themselves, and how they adapted to their prehistoric world.

Highlights of Dinosaurs Alive! include the vicious-looking Irritator and its cousins the Baryonyx and the Spinosaurus, the lizard-like Stegosaurus, the meat-eating Tyrannosaurus Rex, the three-horned Triceratops and the flying Pteranodon.

Four of the dinosaurs have interactive consoles which allow guests to guide dinosaur movement so they can see how scientists believe each dinosaur moved its arms, tail, mouth and eyes. There is also an excavation site replica, a kids’ paleontological dig site where visitors can uncover prehistoric fossils, and a 1,500 square-foot dinosaur-themed gift shop.

“Dinosaurs Alive! is a long-term investment and reflects our commitment to providing our guests with world-class thrills, fun and family entertainment,” Kings Island vice president and general manager Greg Scheid said. “The sights, sounds and movements of the life-like dinosaurs will excite and educate guests of all ages.”

The dinosaurs, which are scientifically accurate based on the latest paleontological knowledge, were created by the Canada-based company Dinosaurs Unearthed.

Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island is open daily through August 28 from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. Opening and closing times vary in the fall. The dinosaur park is not included with general park admission or season pass. A separate admission ticket of just $5.00 is required for this attraction.

Guests visiting Kings Island can purchase Dinosaurs Alive! admission tickets at the park or in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com.

Dare Devil Dive Opens At Six Flags Over Georgia

Judith Rubin
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Daring New Coaster Features Beyond Vertical Drop

AUSTELL, GA., /PRNewswire/ — Six Flags Over Georgia’s 11th roller coaster, the highly anticipated DARE DEVIL DIVE, is now open for thrills! The innovative new coaster sends riders over a 10-story vertical lift at a spine-tingling 95 degrees: beyond vertical!

Media, roller coaster enthusiasts and professional test pilots from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics were on hand for the launch of the park’s latest thrill offering. DARE DEVIL DIVE boasts three inversions, zero-gravity hills and high-speed turns. Riders travel in the world’s first “v-shape” trains fitted with lap bar restraints and stadium seating, paying homage to World War II-era stunt planes and the daring pilots that thrilled onlookers with their incredible aerial acrobatics. The ride soars at a blistering 52 miles per hour as it makes its way through 2,090 feet of twisted steel track.

“We have taken thrills to the next level,” said Melinda Ashcraft, Park President. “DARE DEVIL DIVE is that must-ride attraction of the year, providing an incredible experience for everyone who dares to ride.”

Six Flags Over Georgia welcomed professional test pilots from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to experience the new coaster. Bret Luedke, chief test pilot for Lockheed Martin’s F-22 program, was one of the first to sign up. “Dare Devil Dive is as exciting as flying a modern day fighter jet,” said Luedke. “From the first drop to the barrel rolls and dives, it’s a fantastic ride.”

DARE DEVIL DIVE officially opened to the public on Saturday, May 28.

The park is open daily through August 7 and resumes weekend operations through October 30. Operating hours vary by day. For more information about Six Flags Over Georgia, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia. # # #

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 2010 revenue of nearly $1.0 billion and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company’s flagship location, is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2011.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

Zhonghong Real Estate signs Thinkwell to Design Monkey Kingdom Theme Park for Beijing

Judith Rubin
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Beijing, China – Monkey King Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of the real estate, financial and cultural industry investment enterprise Zhonghong Real Estate has appointed Thinkwell Group as the design firm for the highly immersive Monkey Kingdom theme park slated to open in 2014. The USA based design firm has been collaborating with Zhonghong on the strategy, concept, master plan and attraction development for the park since mid 2010.
With a total investment of 10billion RMB ($1.53billion USD) and the Monkey Kingdom theme park at its core, the project will include conference centers, hotels, exhibition halls, retail, residential and culturally significant entertainment, making this property the ultimate convergence of business, culture, relaxation and tourism opportunities. The overall project covers a total area of about 4500 mu with ample land for additional mixed-use development. The site is located about 55 km from downtown Beijing at the west area of Honglou Lake tourist area in Honglouzhen village of Huairou District.
“By integrating our traditional culture with modern theme park technology, this project will provide Beijing with a Disney quality park that tells the stories important to China.” Says Chairman Wang of Zhonghong Group “Thinkwell will provide the theme park expertise while our team insures the traditional culture of China is properly represented making this a perfect partnership.”
Based in Burbank California, home to most of the major motion picture studios in the United States, Thinkwell is an award-winning leader in the creation of immersive experience-based projects for theme parks, museums, retail and resort destinations worldwide. Over the next three years, Thinkwell’s responsibilities will include design and creative management of every aspect of the Monkey Kingdom theme park development.
“Chairman Wang is a true visionary leader, the support from the Beijing government and Huairou government for this world-class project is a testament to that,” stated Thinkwell’s Chairman Mr. Clifford Warner. “The Honglou Lake site is the perfect location for this project.”
Said Mrs. Kelly Ryner, Thinkwell’s Senior Vice President of Global Business Development: “Zhonghong Real Estate is committed to building a new franchise around the legendary Monkey King stories and we’ve recently introduced them to a major motion picture company in Los Angeles, California to potentially produce the film.”

About Zhonghong Group:
Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd. (abbr. Zhonghong Group) focuses on industrial project investment and management with its headquarters in Beijing. In accordance with its enterprise spirit of “pioneering, innovating and forging ahead”, the group invests in four large fields: real estate, finance, the mining industry, and the culture industry, to achieve value through innovation and strive for excellence through competitive products. With total assets about 20 billion RMB, Zhonghong Group is a powerful company and has great potential for future development.

Founded in 2001, Zhonghong Real Estate’s future developing orientation will focus on the resort industry, cultural creativity industry, conference relaxation industry and commercial comprehensive property, devoting itself to the development of incorporated and hybrid relaxation estate products such as tourism & resort, business conferences and exhibitions, leisure and recreation, high-end commerce etc. so as to promote urban function and image, as well as conform and drive the mission of reforming economic structure.

Zhonghong Real Estate became a listed company (stock code: 000979) at Shenzhen Stock Exchange with the name of Koyo (Group) Co., Ltd. at the beginning of the year 2010 with Zhonghong Real Estate for short. At present, the current market value is RMB 10 billion; the total asset was RMB 6 billion; the annual revenue is RMB 4 billion.

About Thinkwell Group
Thinkwell, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is a full-service experiential design and development firm that collaborates with its clients to envision, strategize and create immersive, one-of-a-kind guest experiences. Thinkwell develops and produces attractions, master plans, brand experiences, exhibits, live shows, environments, multimedia and digital integration. The company has become a leader in experiential design by bringing a unique holistic approach to every creative engagement, delivering extraordinary results to notable clients over the years, including Fortune 500 companies, studios, museums, theme parks and destination resorts.

Thinkwell’s range of work includes master planning for Warner Bros., Universal, MGM and Paramount as well as attractions such as Sesame Street Presents: The Body, Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular; the Show at the Pier Shops at Caesar’s Atlantic City; and the Snow Play Zone at Ski Dubai. Thinkwell is based in Burbank, California. www.thinkwellgroup.com

CHEETAH HUNT INTERVIEW 3 of 3: Mike Roos, VP Animal Habitats

Martin Palicki
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Cheetah Hunt Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an innovative new coaster ride that celebrates the spirit of the cheetah. It opened May 27 and InPark editor/publisher Martin Palicki was there to try out the ride and conduct interviews. Here, Martin talks to Mike Roos, VP Animal Habitats.

More Cheetah Hunt coverage from IPM Digital Edition:

DID YOU HAVE CHEETAHS HERE BEFORE?

Back in the 80’s we did. This is fairly new for us. We have 13 now, with seven or so out for display at a time.

HOW DO YOU INDUCE THEM TO RUN?

The funny thing is we don’t make them do anything. It’s a cat, so they do what they want to do. They sleep 18-20 hours a day. Think of a house cat, how do you get them to run after something? You use a feather and a string, or a laser pointer, or something like that.


What we have out here is a lure system. It’s really a string with a lure on it. The lure system goes about 80mph but we don’t go that fast with them. They are not going to make full speed, as it’s only about 220 feet long here, but we can get them up to probably 40-50mph. And it’s so effortless to watch them. One stride of the Cheetah is 25 ft. It is amazingly how fast they are.


The lure system can be put on a loop, so it can go round and round. They are still getting used to the area, so we take small steps with the final product being several months away.


WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAIN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR GUESTS?

People probably know that a cheetah is a fast runner. But they probably don’t know about cheetahs and their natural environment and that they are threatened animals, so that’s part of our interaction with the guests. 


It’s not just to see cool behavior but to share about the cheetah and its natural environment, what some of the concerns we should have about them, and then really what our guests can do. So we try to share that verbally. Obviously you can’t do that over a microphone so we have several interactives here where they can see videos, play with touchscreens and learn about natural history and conservation efforts for cheetahs and other animals as well.


WHAT PARALLELS DO YOU DRAW BETWEEN THE RIDE AND THE ANIMAL?

The ride is low, fast, quiet and stealthy, which is just like a cheetah.


IS IT TRUE CHEETAHS CAN USE THEIR TAIL AS A RUDDER TO SWITCH DIRECTIONS WHEN THEY RUN?

If you see them run, watch that tail, it is in the air. They use it as a balancer, or a rudder, absolutely. 

CHEETAH HUNT INTERVIEW 2 of 3: Jim Dean, Park President

Martin Palicki
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Cheetah Hunt Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an innovative new coaster ride that celebrates the spirit of the cheetah. It opened May 27 and InPark editor/publisher Martin Palicki was there to try out the ride and conduct interviews. Here, Martin talks to Jim Dean, Park President.

More Cheetah Hunt coverage from IPM Digital Edition:

WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA FOR GREENLIGHTING A PROJECT SUCH AS CHEETAH HUNT?

We really evaluate where we think the gaps are in our product, whether it be a ride, show, or animal habitat. One of the things we have been doing in our company, and Manta in Orlando is an example of that, is we combine animal habitats with thrill rides. We know a little bit about thrill rides (we sort of cornered the market with some of our roller coasters) and we wanted to do the same thing and include an animal habitat with a world class coaster.  The cheetah is such a fascinating animal and we said it is the perfect animal to pair with a roller coaster, because it is about acceleration…that burst of speed…and that is what this roller coaster is about.

DO YOU SEE MORE OF THAT PAIRING?

Absolutely. It is a point of differentiation for us. We are one of the largest organizations that cares for animals in North America so we want to make sure we leverage our animal expertise and we want to deliver thrills so it’s perfect.


WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS DURING THIS PERIOD OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY?

New products are important in our business so you have to keep the park new and add excitement and be listening to our guests and what they think we need to add to the park. That was really our criteria: what do we need to add to this park to make it better and stay relevant with our guests? We wanted a thrill ride, one that the whole family could ride. We wanted to satisfy the extreme coaster lovers but also let the family ride it and highlight our animal collection. It’s a new realm for us and it’s a huge footprint, over 13 acres for this construction.


We have the unique distinction of being between two of the best tourist destinations: Orlando, and some of the best beaches in the world in St. Pete. And we are right in the middle of them. So we have the benefit of a large local base in the [Tampa] area, but we also attract a lot of tourists from Orlando and the beaches so it’s a really good formula for us.


WITH ALL THE CORPORATE CHANGES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HOW LOCALIZED IS CONTROL OF THE PARK WHEN DESIGNING AND WORKING ON NEW ATTRACTIONS?

Blackstone is our owner and they are an investment owner, they are not operators. So you are talking to the operators now. When we were Anheuser-Busch we had to work within the parameters of Anheuser-Busch’s policies and guidelines. We are our own company now, if you will. Blackstone owns us wholly, but we run the company, so it’s a great spot to be for us.

CHEETAH HUNT INTERVIEW 1 of 3: Mark Rose, VP Design and Engineering

Martin Palicki
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Cheetah Hunt Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an innovative new coaster ride that celebrates the spirit of the cheetah. It opened May 27 and InPark editor/publisher Martin Palicki was there to try out the ride and conduct interviews. Here, Martin talks to Mark Rose, VP Design and Engineering.

More Cheetah Hunt coverage from IPM Digital Edition:

HOW DID YOU SELECT THE THEME FOR THE RIDE?

This has been an idea that we have looked at for a long time, over many years. It started off with my watching Star Wars, the sixth movie, where they are on the planet where the Ewoks are, and those speeders chase each other through the forest, near the trees and under [obstacles]. I always wondered what it would be like to have a coaster that could do that.


We had to have technology like a launch to be able to do that and then we were thinking over what kind of animal we could bring back to the park, and we thought cheetahs sort of mimic that close-to-the-ground speed and agility. Could we marry those two things together? We figured yes, we could do that.


HOW DID YOU SELECT THE RIDE MANUFACTURER?

We interviewed a number of ride manufacturers throughout the world and talked seriously with several of them. We thought Intamin had technology that was pretty well perfected and we liked the feel of those launches on other coasters. We thought it would be a good marriage and I think it has been a good partnership with them.



HOW ARE THE LSM MOTORS COOLED DOWN?

We have ours internally cooled. Underneath the stairs [to the loading station] we have a room that pumps glycol through the stators and there is a 70 ton water chilled chiller out back that is cooling the glycol. It’s not as messy [as external water sprayers].


HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO INTEGRATE THE ATTRACTION INTO THE OLD RHINO RALLY?

That whole close-to-the-ground and going into environments [concept] we thought could do very well there, and we had this canyon, and that this would be a great upgrade from just floating down on a Rover. If we could zoom through here on a coaster that would be really neat. So we decided to do that, and I think it’s been a good upgrade for us…And then when you pull out of it, there’s that third launch, and you’re on your way home.


DO YOU SEE A TREND GOING FORWARD OF PAIRING ANIMAL HABITATS WITH RIDES?

I don’t know if two rides [Manta & Cheetah Hunt] make it a trend or not, but here it made perfect sense to bring the Cheetahs back and mimic them. By putting them parallel to each other we have the coaster going 60 miles per hour, and we have a cheetah that probably would make 50mph right parallel to each other. So guests turn one way and they see a cheetah, and they turn the other way and they see a roller coaster looking like a cheetah. 

Cheetah Hunt Opens Today (May 27, 2011) at Busch Gardens Tampa

Martin Palicki
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Cheetah Hunt Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an innovative new coaster ride that celebrates the spirit of the cheetah. It opened May 27 and InPark Magazine was there. Martin Palicki, IPM editor and publisher, reports:
ONE barometer I frequently use to gauge an attraction’s success is by asking myself if I want to immediately ride again. Too simple of a ride and it’s not worth the effort, too complex and it may be more than my aging body can handle. In the case of Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster – Cheetah Hunt – the answer is a resounding “Yes, may I please ride again?”


The park seems to have taken a page from Sea World’s Manta installation in creating a successful link between educational animal habitat and thrilling high-speed ride. The heart of the attraction takes over the old Clydesdale’s stomping grounds, and in fact the area is so well re-designed it was hard to figure out where I was at in the park, until I finally saw the edge of the old Sky Ride and Monorail building, which has now been repurposed as the loading station for Cheetah Hunt. (review continues below)
More Cheetah Hunt coverage from IPM Digital Edition:
The large station allows two trains to be loaded at once – five trains can be operated at once, each holding 16 guests, for an hourly throughput of 1,730. Trains slowly glide out of the station until they almost immediately hit the first LSM launch, a (relatively) slow shot out and around, which takes the train to the second and main launch. Rocketing to speeds as high as 60 mph (“zero to Cheetah”, as the park’s marketing describes it) the trains ascend a near vertical climb up the ride’s main tree-like tower (a bit of a misnomer, as cheetahs are not able to climb trees) for a short figure eight spin before dropping down into the main ride course.


At this point the coaster turns into a sort of out-n-back ride, cresting hills, twisting and turning. After a quick heartline inversion, the trains dive down into a canyon (formerly used for the back half of the technically-unreliable Rhino Rally attraction), darting quickly at ground level to avoid waterfalls and canyon walls. It’s surprisingly quick, and the low, tight quarters made it my favorite part of the ride.


One more launch awaits to send the train back over the final hill and through the last twists and turns into the station. And that’s when you start to realize you want to ride again.


ATTRACTION VERDICT:It is remarkably smooth and well-paced. The more extreme elements are buffered by just enough recovery time and open up the ride to a wide variety of park guests. Additionally, the restraints feel secure, and are comfortable too.

The ride sells itself. The main tower is visible as soon as you pull up to the park and the amount of terrain the ride covers guarantees you see the ride zooming by anytime you are remotely near the North side of the park. 

It’s more than a coaster. The designers cleverly created a ride that (at least on a rough, symbolic level) makes riders feel like they are a cheetah, teasing the track through tunnels, leaping over the park’s SkyRide and twisting quickly as one imagines the animal might chase its prey. The animal habitat also rounds out the whole experience, providing a light educational element, and giving guests an opportunity to get up close to the namesake creatures.


Cheetah Hunt opens today (May 27, 2011) at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida (www.buschgardens.com)
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