Sunday, May 19, 2024
Home Blog Page 731

ProSlide Wins Best New Water Ride Award from IAAPA

Joe Kleiman
-
0
ProSlide Wins Best New Water Ride Award from IAAPA
Left to right: Jeff Janovich (ProSlide), Mike Oswald (Yas Waterworld), Tim Mow (Yas Waterworld), Rick Hunter (ProSlide)
Left to right: Jeff Janovich (ProSlide), Mike Oswald (Yas Waterworld), Tim Mow (Yas Waterworld), Rick Hunter (ProSlide)

Orlando, FL, USA — ProSlide has announced today that it has won IAAPA’s 2013 Best New Water Ride Award.
ProSlide’s winning ride – the HydroMAGNETIC (HM) TORNADO – revolutionizes two IAAPA Impact Award-winning technologies by combining them into a single ride path. It delivers an unparalleled ride experience by marrying the HydroMAGNETIC MAMMOTH, a LIM-powered water coaster with the zero g-force thrills of the world’s first six-person ProSlide TORNADO.

The HM TORNADO debuted at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi in early 2013 and was immediately voted best ride in the park by their guests.  “We’re very pleased that the industry has recognized what our customers have told us since we opened: that Dawwama, our ProSlide HM TORNADO,  is the best water ride in the world”, says Mike Oswald, General Manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

unnamed (1)

“This award celebrates the innovation that helps our customers differentiate their waterparks and drive higher attendance.” says Rick Hunter, ProSlide president & CEO. “And our hybrid rides, a category we invented in 2008, are unlike anything else in the industry with two, three or more rides combined into one path.”

ProSlide is a 15-time IAAPA Best Water Ride winner as well as a 3-time recipient of IAAPA’s Industry Impact Award, given to the top attraction in the entire industry.

www.proslide.com

Walt and Roy Disney’s Birthplace and home to be renovated by themed entertainment industry pros

Martin Palicki
-
0
Walt and Roy Disney’s Birthplace and home to be renovated by themed entertainment industry pros
Super 78 and WDB Restorations
Super 78 and WDB Restorations

The restoration and preservation of Walt and his brother Roy’s birthplace and home will be getting underway later this week at 2156 North Tripp Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. Homeowners Brent Young and Dina Benadon from Super 78 are beginning the year-long meticulous process of restoring the home to its 1901 state, when Walt was born.

Young and Benadon, who have been in the theme park industry for over 20 years, credit the Disney family for inspiring their careers. They purchased the birthplace of Walt and Roy as a way to give back and protect the site where the Disneys were nurtured as boys, leading them to become pioneering giants of family entertainment.

The home was built in 1893 by Walt and Roy’s father Elias, and designed by their mother, Flora.  Elias Disney built two other homes on the same block as well as the St. Paul Congregational Church.

In order to finance the project, a Kickstarter campaign will be launched. Donors can receive unique mementos, such as shingles from the house encased in glass.

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday. InPark will provide coverage from the event and interviews with Young and Benadon.

 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Dubai Chosen By BIE to Host Expo 2020

Joe Kleiman
-
0
Dubai Chosen By BIE to Host Expo 2020
Dubai Delegation Awaits Announcement
Dubai Delegation Awaits Announcement

Paris, France (November 27, 2013) — EXPO 2020 will be held in the City of Dubai from October 20th, 2020 to April 10th, 2021 with the theme  “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”

First Voting Round (by secret ballot using electronic vote)
Abstentions : 1

Brazil : 13 votes
United Arab Emirates : 77 votes
Russia : 39 votes
Turkey : 33 votes

Second Voting Round
Abstentions : 1

United Arab Emirates : 87 votes
Russia : 41 votes
Turkey : 36 votes

Third and last Voting Round
Abstentions : 1

United Arab Emirates : 116 votes
Russia : 47 votes

The Bureau International des Expositions wishes to thank and congratulate the candidates, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Turkey, for the quality of their projects and their presentations as well as for the efforts supplied by the teams of each country and each city, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Ekaterinburg and Izmir, for carrying out their projects with cordiality and harmony.

PHOTOS: Slideboarding from WhiteWater West

Joe Kleiman
-
0
PHOTOS: Slideboarding from WhiteWater West

photo 3

Orlando, FL, USA — Denise Weston of WhiteWater shows the new Slideboarding product to IPM’s Martin Palicki.  Slideboarding uses LED lighting on the interior of the slide synched with a video game controller attached to the rider’s mat.  Riders score points by matching colors or designs as they pass over them on their way down the slide.

photo 2

photo 1

 

WhiteWater Logo 2014 USE THIS ONE

www.whitewaterwest.com

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 Marks Record Year for Exhibitors and Attendees

Joe Kleiman
-
0
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 Marks Record Year for Exhibitors and Attendees

1466300_751913218158604_1795831978_n

Orlando, FL, USA (Nov. 22, 2013) — Approximately 29,000 amusement park and attractions industry professionals from 110 nations packed the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 Nov. 18-22. The trade show floor buzzed with the business of fun as more than 18,200 buyers shopped their way around the largest floor in 10 years. This show brings to a close a record-breaking year as more than 43,000 people, including 28,000 buyers, participated in IAAPA’s Expos around the world: Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA Attractions Expo.

IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the $24 billion global attractions industry and serves as the one-stop-shop for the industry. The who’s who gathered at the Expo to debut new products, test the latest technology, discuss the current trends and hot topics, learn from peers and experts, and taste new food and beverage treats. Industry owners, presidents, general managers, directors, and managers understand one of the best way to entice consumers is the addition of new product, and IAAPA Attractions Expo connects them with leading innovators and creative masterminds to begin developing future guest experiences.

“There was a palpable energy throughout IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. “Business is clearly booming. The week was filled with big project announcements, exciting ride reveals, contracts being signed, and education sessions overflowing with attractions professionals.”

The event is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The five-day Expo had an estimated $48 million economic impact on the Orlando area.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 by the Numbers

  • 1,098 companies displayed innovative new products and services on 528,578 net square feet of trade show floor space. It was the largest trade show floor in 10 years and the largest outdoor area ever. The indoor exhibit space was completely sold out.
  • 18,200 total qualified buyers including executives from amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers (FECs), zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and roadside attractions from around the world participated.
  • 11,300 people (an increase of five percent over last year) participated in 80 education programs which included multiple-day Institutes, behind-the-scenes tours, panel and roundtable discussions, and half-day symposiums.
  • 1,800 people attended the Kickoff Event, the week’s official opening session, for an update on the state of the industry; to see the exciting new attractions introduced around the world in 2013; and to preview new developments for 2014.
  • 1,500 participants met, socialized, and shared ideas at the Opening Reception.
  • Approximately 1,200 industry leaders enjoyed a lunch and learn presentation by Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis and keynote breakfast address by Matt Ouimet, President and CEO, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.
  • 1,600 people enjoyed Antartica: Empire of the Penguin, “Manta,” “Kraken,” and “Shamu Rocks” during IAAPA Celebrates at SeaWorld Orlando.
  • Exhibitors held more than 16 press conferences to reveal new rides, attractions, technology, and innovations during Expo.
  • Expo participants raised a record-breaking $115,000 for Give Kids The World, the Kissimmee, Fla., resort for children with life-threatening illnesses with a golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, and a chance-to-win.
  • IAAPA appreciates the generous support of 67 sponsoring companies who helped make IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 possible.

Prestigious Industry Awards Presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013
The following awards were presented at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013:

  • IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards (worldwide industry leaders)
  • IAAPA Service Awards (service to IAAPA and the industry)
  • IAAPA Brass Ring Awards (marketing, retail, live entertainment, human resources, food and beverage, top family entertainment centers, new products, best exhibits)

www.iaapa.org

Busch Gardens Tampa Introduces New Land – Pantopia, Home of Falcon’s Fury

Joe Kleiman
-
0
Busch Gardens Tampa Introduces New Land – Pantopia, Home of Falcon’s Fury

PANTOPIA-at-Busch-Gardens-Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2013) – Busch Gardens® Tampa has announced that when it launches Falcon’s Fury™, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower, in spring 2014, it will also unveil its newest land – Pantopia™.

Currently known as Timbuktu, the fully remodeled Pantopia™ will boast elaborately-jeweled theming and feature thrilling rides and attractions, sensational new food and beverage options, exciting entertainment, shopping, a renovated indoor theater and more.

Falcons-Fury-PANTOPIA-at-Busch-Gardens-Tampa

Located in the heart of Busch Gardens, the centerpiece of Pantopia™ will be Falcon’s Fury™. The one-of-a-kind drop tower will stand at 335 feet and beckon guests from across the globe as it takes riders soaring straight down. At the ride’s highest point there is an element of surprise.  Like its bird of prey namesake, riders will pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later they’ll plunge 60 mph at 3.5 Gs straight down.

In addition to Falcon’s Fury™, this completely reimagined land will be a creative haven that has been inspired by centuries of world travelers, offering something for every member of the family.

PANTOPIA-at-Busch-Gardens-Tampa-2

“In addition to the power and allure of Falcon’s Fury™, Pantopia™ will celebrate the spirit of animals, welcome adventurers from the four corners of the earth, explore ancient lore and display fantastic architecture,” says Busch Gardens Park President Jim Dean. “Guests will find multiple portals and doorways and learn about the legends that have drawn journeyers from around the world to Pantopia™. Plus, family favorites like the Scorpion, Phoenix, Bush Flyers, Desert Runners and the Kiddie Train will return.”

For more updates about Falcon’s Fury™ and Pantopia™, go to falconsfury.com.

Heide Park’s Wing Coaster Passes First Series of Tests

Joe Kleiman
-
0
Heide Park’s Wing Coaster Passes First Series of Tests

1377286_10151701939896629_590086517_n (1)

Soltau, Germany — The new attraction at Heide Park Resort is now available for people to ride its wings. From the 18th to 21 November, experts from  TÜV Süd were at Heide Park Resort to test the giant roller coaster through its paces. Examined were its acceleration measurement, control,and plan comparisons of the finished installation with the construction documents on file. Particular attention was given to the obstacles that are flying around at various points of the route, avoided just at the last second by the car diving under bridges and rails or disappearing into the ground.

The roller coaster is unique in Germany.  It passed all its tests successfully and thus overcame the first hurdle toward opening 2014. “Since the beginning of the test phase in early November, dummies posed as passengers for 1,500 rides on our Wing Coaster. With the release of the TÜV Süd tests, the installation was officially handed over to us and the go-ahead was given for manned test drives, “says Bastian Lampe, in charge of the Heide Park Resort for testing.

bd8bcd4097

On 29 March 2014, the Wing Coaster will for  the first time invite brave guests from 10 years and older to ride for a distance of 772 meters on this unique flying experience. The highlight of the track, in addition to eight different flight maneuvers and seven obstacles, is that the guests on the car hang in the air and are located laterally to the rails seats where guests have nothing above and nothing below to themselves. Until the official opening and the first ride with guests, there is still much to do: In addition to various test drives the landscape has been designed and fine-tuning needs to be done. Even the TÜV Süd  while return in the spring of 2014 to conduct the final test and the commissioning of the trains.

www.heide-park.de/wingcoaster2014

Audubon Zoo Offering Limited Time Behind the Scenes Tours of New Elephant Barn

Joe Kleiman
-
0
Audubon Zoo Offering Limited Time Behind the Scenes Tours of New Elephant Barn

9037203400_c20fd54b44_c

New Orleans, LA, USA — Audubon Zoo has unveiled a visitor experience offering an up-close look at the new state-of-the-art living quarters for Panya and Jean, its two female Asian elephants. The encounters also offer visitors a chance to chat with the elephants’ keepers and a rare opportunity to meet the pachyderms face to face.

The Elephant Barn Tour gives guests a fun and educational experience with two of the Audubon Zoo’s most beloved residents in their new home. The excursion lasts about one hour. The program is scheduled to end in August 2014.

Guests learn about elephants and how the Zoo cares for the largest animals in its collection. They go behind the scenes to hear about everything from the elephants’ diet to their exercise program to the special features in their new exhibit. Remember to bring a camera to capture the special moment with Panya and Jean.

1402147_10151839237193843_98034558_o

The Elephant Barn Tour is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:15 a.m. starting Friday, November 22, 2013. The encounters are limited to 10 guests, six years old and above. One adult must accompany each child under 10 years of age (one adult per child). Groups with children under 17 must include an adult chaperone (21 or older).

The behind-the-scenes experience takes place in the elephants’ home and may be subject to cancellation on short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, each ticket holder is entitled to reschedule or receive a refund.

Tickets for the Elephant Barn Tour are $65 per person for Audubon members and $75 per person for non-members. Tickets include same day admission to Audubon Zoo. Tickets will be sold up to one hour before the start of the tour.  Advance tickets are recommended.

www.auduboninstitute.org

IAAPA Service Awards Presented to Jim Seay, Julio Vanegas, and Doug Stagner

Joe Kleiman
-
0
IAAPA Service Awards Presented to Jim Seay, Julio Vanegas, and Doug Stagner

Untitled

Orlando, FL, USA — IAAPA Attractions Expo — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) presented 2013 IAAPA Service Awards for extraordinary contributions to the global attractions industry to Jim Seay of Premier Rides Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland, United States; Julio Vanegas of Carruseles, S.A. in Bogota, Colombia; and Doug Stagner of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Orlando, Florida, United States. The awards were presented at the GM and Owners’ Breakfast, Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Orlando, Florida, during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013, the largest annual conference and trade show for the global attractions industry.

Lifetime Service Award Winner – Jim Seay, Premier Rides Inc., Baltimore, Md., United States

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes a member, individual, or organization’s continual service to the attractions industry.

jimseayE6F85CAD5FA5Jim Seay brought his aerospace engineering expertise to the attractions industry in 1988 as an engineering and maintenance executive for Six Flags Corporation. In 1996 he became president of Premier Rides with a focus on ride innovation and customer service. Seay and his team helped develop the Linear Induction Motor and Linear Synchronous Motor-powered roller coaster. He has been an active industry volunteer serving on the IAAPA Board of Directors and chairman of IAAPA’s Safety Committee. He has also been a member of the association’s  Executive-Finance, Service Awards, and Government Relations Committees. Seay is a passionate industry safety advocate; has testified before Congress regarding industry safety; and has served as Chairman of the ASTM International F24 Global Committee on ride safety standards.

Outstanding Service Award Winner – Julio Vanegas, Carruseles S.A., Bogota, Colombia

The Outstanding Service Award is presented in recognition of a member individual who works to foster the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and higher levels of performance within the industry.

juliovanegasJulio Vanegas has made it his mission to promote the development of the attractions industry in Colombia and throughout Latin America for more than two decades. Soon after founding the Colombian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (ACOLAP) in 2005, Vanegas was influential in the development of the first safety law in Latin America based on ASTM F24 International standards committee recommendations – setting an example for the entire region.  As general manager of Carrruseles S.A., Vanegas is currently chairman of IAAPA’s Latin American Advisory Committee, has served on IAAPA’s Strategic Planning Committee, the association’s Governance Task Force, and as a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors.

Meritorious Service Award Winner – Doug Stagner, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Orlando, Fla., United States

The Meritorious Service Award is presented in recognition of a member individual’s service to and for the association by advancing the IAAPA mission.

dougstagnerDoug Stagner’s leadership in attractions operations, safety, and guest relations has helped facilities around the world build their businesses and establish the amusement industry’s reputation for delivering high-quality experiences to guests of all ages. Drawing on his experience as corporate senior director of operations at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Stagner has chaired numerous IAAPA committees since 1999, including the Facility Operations and Education Committees, and has served as a guest speaker on safety and customer service at IAAPA conferences and events around the world. Fostering the development of the next generation of attractions industry professionals around the globe, Stagner lead creation of the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, revamped the IAAPA Institute for Executive Education, and worked tirelessly to develop IAAPA’s new professional certification programs.

www.iaapa.org

Mario Mamon of Philippines’ Enchanted Kingdom Named IAAPA Board Chair for 2014

Joe Kleiman
-
0
Mario Mamon of Philippines’ Enchanted Kingdom Named IAAPA Board Chair for 2014

mario-mamonF5F68E561111Alexandria, VA, USA —  The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced that Mario O. Mamon, chairman and president of Enchanted Kingdom (EK) in the Philippines, will chair the worldwide trade association’s board of directors in 2014. He is the first member from the Asia-Pacific region to chair the association in its 95-year history. IAAPA member companies operate amusement parks and attractions in 100 countries around the globe.

Mamon has been involved in the attractions industry since 1992 when he conceptualized and managed the construction of the Enchanted Kingdom theme park. In 1999, Mamon, Enchanted Kingdom’s chairman of the board, was also named president and CEO.

Since 1992, Mamon has been an active volunteer in IAAPA. He has been a speaker at several of the association’s trade shows in Asia and was a member of the IAAPA Board of Directors from 1999 to 2002 and again since 2011. He was also a member of the membership committee, the conference and trade show advisory committee, service awards committee, Asian Attractions Expo education committee, governance task force, strategic planning committee, and is the immediate past chair of the association’s advisory committee for the Asia-Pacific region.

Mamon was part of a core group of individuals who created IAAPA-ASEAN (the attractions industry federation of national associations in Southeast Asia) in 2005; in 2006 he spearheaded the formation of the national association for the attractions industry in the Philippines (PhilAAPA).

Mamon is the president of PhilAAPA, immediate past president of the Laguna Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), and is the vice president for membership of the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). He is a member of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) (the leading association of CEOs in the country), and of the influential Makati Business Club (MBC). He is also a founding trustee of various business associations in the area around Enchanted Kingdom including the Calamba City Business Club, Santa Rosa City Business Club, Laguna Tourism Federation, and the LINK-IT Foundation.

Mamon is a trustee of his alma mater’s alumni foundation at the University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB) College of Economics and Management. He also received the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award for Entrepreneurship in 2008. In 2006, Mamon received the award for excellence in business communication from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) in the Philippines. In April 2012, Mamon was also chosen as one of the outstanding alumni for business by his high school alma mater, De La Salle Lipa. Mamon was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program in 2013; the prestigious honor recognizes outstanding Filipino entrepreneurs and showcases their successes to inspire other business leaders in the Philippines.

2014 IAAPA Officers
The IAAPA Board of Directors elected the following officers for the organization for 2014:

First Vice Chairman – Gerardo Arteaga, general manager, Fantasilandia, Chile

Second Vice Chairman – John McReynolds, senior vice president, Universal Parks and Resorts, United States

IAAPA Treasurer – Rob Norris, president, Seabreeze, United States

IAAPA President and CEO – Paul Noland

New Board Members
The following IAAPA members were elected to the board of directors at the association’s annual business meeting on Nov. 18:

Elected for a Three-Year Term:

European Advisory Committee chairman director: Andreas Andersen, Liseberg, Sweden

North American Advisory Committee chairman director: Richard Sanfilippo, Sam’s Fun City, United States

At-Large Facility Director: Jim Pattison Jr., Ripley Entertainment, United States

At-Large Facility Director: David Rosenberg, Monterey Bay, United States

Manufacturer and Supplier Director: Sascha Czibulka, Intamin, Lichtenstein

Past Chair Representing the Advisory Board Director: Dennis Speigel, International Theme Park Services, United States

Elected for a Two-Year Term:

Asia Pacific Advisory Committee Chairman Director: Rachmat Sutiono, P.T. Funworld, Indonesia

Latin American Advisory Committee Chairman Director: Julio Vanegas, Carruseles, SA, Colombia

www.iaapa.org

1...730731732...1,099Page 731 of 1,099

InPark Magazine (IPM) covers the intersection of themed entertainment and technology. We specialize in creating custom-crafted content designed to appeal to the industry’s top designers, creators, developers, owners and operators.

Contact us: email
Read our privacy policy