2011 PARK PREVIEW — SEE PAGES 9&10 TM Celebrating Our 15th Year Vol. 15 • Issue 2 MAY 2011 The New Texas Giant - an old legend reborn Rocky Mountain Const., rugged. The monstrous wood- COMING IN JUNE Ride Centerline and ies of that era have either un- A look at the in-house dergone continual change and Gerstlauer supply new theming effort given to the modification, or have been lost New Texas Giant hybrid coaster to completely. After 20 operating Six Flags Over Texas seasons, Six Flags Over Texas the transformation is nothing knew they had to address the short of extraordinary. STORY: Tim Baldwin situation head on. Even though The track changing from [email protected] the park had invested in more a wood bed to all steel has ac- ARLINGTON, Texas — In than 1,200 feet of trackwork complished the goal of the 1990, wooden coasters were for the 2009 season, admittedly park, and that was to deliver a making a strong resurgence, making the Giant more rideable super smooth ride. New wood thanks to the partnership of that season, the decision was has been incorporated not only Charles Dinn working along- made for a more permanent to increase the height of the side Curtis Summers. A new solution. It was announced in ride by 10 feet — now 153 — team made the old nostalgic the spring of that year that the but also to create a whole new attraction available and afford- gigantic woodie would run its layout using existing structure. After a 17 month make- able. Within this new rise of last ride as Fright Fest came to Steel supports have also been over, the New Texas woodies was Texas Giant, one a close. With fanfare and fire- added to secure some of the Giant has returned to of four Dinn/Summers coasters works, Texas Giant became si- more dramatic banking. Six Flags Over Texas, for that season. In true Texas lent at the close of 2009 and did Previously, Texas Giant taller, steeper and fashion, it was big — to be ex- not operate at all in 2010 as a had a lot of flex in the struc- faster than ever act, the tallest wooden roller new transformation took place. ture, so much so that guests before. The steel coaster in the world. It was Reports had previously often noticed the sway. So how tracked, wooden huge news for the park and indicated that the Giant might does new steel track work with structured hybrid an attraction that was bring- come down and be replaced a wooden structure? Ride Cen- coaster officially ing worldwide attention. It’s with another coaster within terline engineer Alan Schilke opened on April 22. popularity endured for many the system. When directly says, “I look at the steel track AT / GARY SLADE years. The Giant topped many asked how close Texas Giant as a giant steel brace holding enthusiasts’ favorite lists, and came to being torn down, Steve the wood structure together. various polls at the time found Martindale, park president of It’s not relying on the struc- Texas Giant at the top. In fact, Six Flags Over Texas, replied ture to hold itself together.” He when Amusement Today in- “Never.” Martindale admits he continues, “Six Flags wanted troduced the Golden Ticket could never picture the park us to start with the drop. And Awards in 1998, Texas Giant without it. “It’s too much of we went from there. Six Flags reigned at the top of the chart an institution to this park and didn’t really give us restric- for two years. this clientele that there is no tions.” But as time has shown, way we could have just taken Amusement Today asked mammoth wooden coasters it out.” Six Flags why they opted for have come with more than their Changes the new Iron Horse track over share of headaches. With great Over the course of the past a new wooden track proposal. size came great maintenance. two years, details had been Mike Sossamon, the park’s Rabid fans soon became guests revealed in small increments. director of maintenance and who would skip their rides on Now, opened to the public of- construction responded, “We the mega-woodies as the ride ficially on April 22, the New knew we had an opportunity to experience became vigorously Texas Giant is unleashed, and 4See GIANT, page 5 R NEWSPAPE POSTMASTER:Dated material. PLEASE RUSH!Mailed Friday, April 29, 2011 AM(S8UU1SB7E)SM 4CER6N0IBT-7E T2 TO2OD0AY TFACTS TAfl123h...ur rim s o222 ewm,,,s333- ob740pnu094rtoi hlffftdeee uSeeelocetttg,,,ea CBSdWfli lexabuod cmyrFakl ldAerpa .gorP SrAsooao TlinMw n P tl Aalo DeHgnoaeiytkcsvod sueMn rrlboieoooa pF uBcimlnskeu t aemraacenitehntt i,/,t,r Dhciconellypoog nsesfi aeeirvtmaddset i i2mc2lnos00ga:n00sg56seivset amusementtoday S 4. 2,300 feet, SeaWorld San Antonio, closing May 13 9602 # TIMREP com 5. 2,182 feet, Ontario Place, operating XT HTROW .TF A DIAP SEE STORY: PAGE 15 EGATSOP SU F DTS TRSRP 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint Texas Giant reclassified Wood, steel or hybrid? That’s the debate Six Flags Over Texas has caused with the opening of the New Texas Giant. Following 17 months of re-construc- tion, the original 1990-built Texas Giant wooden coaster, has been transformed into a hybrid that blurs the lines of classification. Slade The coaster now features an all-new steel track system called Iron Horse Track (think I-beam), all new profile and new trains. The Giant’s traditional wooden structure remains, and that’s where the debate begins. The park is marketing the ride as having a record- breaking steepest drop (79-degrees) and a record-breaking bank (115-degrees) for a wooden coaster. Yet the new steel track does not mount to any traditional wood track bed/ stack. Steel beams of track mount to steel legs which then mount to steel plates that are bolted to the wooden ledger. Only from the ledger down, does the New Texas Giant resemble a traditional wooden coaster. Across the way in the same park, their historic Arrow-built mine train has steel tubular rails mounted to a wooden structure made up of telephone pole supports and EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] railroad crossties, creating a wooden structure. The mine train has never been listed or marketed as a wooden coast- Wood or steel: the coaster debate heats up, lines blur er, but always as a steel coaster. Wooden coasters and steel coast- argument that the Comet is a wooden coaster. And Amusement Today contacted some of our competing ers: The distinct differences then we have the recent rash of prefab hybrids that trade publications as well as numerous coaster clubs and between these two have for the use a laser-cut, glued form of wooden track that industry historians for their take on this new debate. All most part been fairly clear-cut... bolts together and offers a ride experience much agreed with our accessment, the New Texas Giant is a steel until now. The New Texas Giant like that of a steel coaster. Examples include Heide coaster, NOT a wooden coaster. AT has also made it known at Six Flags Over Texas is caus- Park’s Colossus and Six Flags Great Adventure’s the New Texas Giant will be placed in the Steel Coaster ing quite a stir since the park El Toro. Though these rides mimic their steel category for voting in the upcoming 2011 Golden Ticket has decided to still refer to its brethren, their track is still wood. In the same vein Rutherford revamped signature attraction as is Rocky Mountain Construction’s new Topper survey. a ‘wooden’ roller coaster. Track, which tosses yet another wrench into the The New Texas Giant is a truly outstanding coaster that The typical park guest will accept this defini- mix. Even here though, it’s just a little extra steel delivers an ultra-smooth, fast and fun ride. Parks around tion with little thought; it’s the thrill that matters to atop traditional wooden laminates in high-stress the country will soon be calling Rocky Mountain Construc- them. But the coaster and park enthusiast sect—the areas. tion to get in line for this new breed of coaster that does live purists—see it as something very different. Not So that leads us back to the New Texas Giant. up to all the hype—yes, it’s that good. bad. Just different. In its previous incarnation, it was a bona fide, Call the New Texas Giant a steel coaster, or call it a No wooden coaster is fashioned purely of once-top-rated wooden coaster. But its new Iron wood. Along with the strap steel attached to the Horse steel box beam track system is the deal hybrid, but don’t disrupt history by calling it a top laminates that makes contact with the load- breaker. Though much of this ride’s structure wooden coaster. bearing running wheels, there are plenty of other remains that of wooden trestles, its day as a true —Gary Slade metal components required to make it a viable ‘wooden’ coaster are long gone. operating system. There are several coasters that I am very much a traditionalist, and at the Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement might cause confusion: Cedar Point’s Gemini fea- end of the day, I feel that the track determines the Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six tures a wooden structure with tubular steel run- nature of the coaster. If a ride sports a main track ning rails, which makes it a steel coaster. On the made of steel, whether it is tubular or flat, it’s a when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement other hand is The Great Escape’s historically sig- steel coaster. If it has a wooden track topped with Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career nificant Comet that has a galvanized steel structure a steel running surface, it’s a ‘wooden’ coaster. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. topped with laminated wooden tracks. There’s no Period. AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation (817) 460-7220 [email protected] (817) 460-7220 Deliveries Member of: [email protected] [email protected] 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Pam Sherborne Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols NAARSO and IISF Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $90/$130; [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Beth Jenkins Daily E-mail Newsletter Advertising Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, [email protected] Bubba Flint (615) 794-7288 Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked Cartoonist [email protected] by Amusement Today 2011, with all rights reserved. [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Jason Knutson, Terrance Lind, Andrew Mellor, Jeffrey L. Seifert, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY 2 MINUTE •1900: On May 23, William Presented by E. Sullivan debuted the first DRILL “Big Eli” Wheel in Central Park, Jacksonville, Illinois. The Wheel was a great success and COMPILED: Janice Witherow six years later Sullivan took on Sydne Purvis - Six Flags Fiesta Texas capital investors to incorpo- rate the Eli Bridge Company www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org For and began mass production of Sydne his Big Eli Wheels. Eli Bridge remains a family-owned company Purvis, to this day, operated by grandson Lee Sullivan, chairman of the a career board and great-grand-daughter Patty Sullivan as president/ in the CEO. amuse- ment industry •1905: Paragon Park opened on May 30th. The price tag for Purvis began the new 25-acre amusement park was $500,000. It is the be- while ginning of the healthy competition between Nantasket Beach working at Disneyland and Revere Beach, Mass. After an 80 year run, Paragon Park as a ride operator on closed after the 1985 season. attractions such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds and •1911: The single most disastrous moment in Coney Island his- the General Electric Car- tory came on the morning of May 27th, just hours before the ousel of Progress. She season opening of Brooklyn’s Dreamland Park. A fire began then worked for the Walt during the repair of a leaking water ride, and the flames spread Disney Company as a senior publicist and I would describe my backyard at home as … spokesperson for six years before making quickly, literally flattening the entire property and adjacent My sanctuary. the move to San Antonio. Now the commu- parcels in a matter of hours. It would signal the end of Brook- nications manager at Six Flags Fiesta Texas lyn’s three park trifecta (which included Luna and Steeplechase When going somewhere, are you usually (since 1993), Sydne relishes in her role and Parks). Losses would top $3,000,000 and the park was never early, on time or late? has a polished style of doing business not Always on time. rebuilt. Future structures would be required to be constructed always found in today’s world. She is actively of non-flammable materials — the reason why a majority of the involved with several philanthropic endeav- You’re at the beach: Do you stay on the Cyclone roller coaster’s superstructure is steel framing. ors, including the Children’s Miracle Network sand or hit the waves? and a local children’s hospital, where she Both; depends on the beach! •1924: Riverview Park’s most beloved coaster, the Bobs, serves as a long-time committee member. opened May 7th while it rained. The Chicago landmark, still The worst movie I’ve seen lately is definitely … fondly remembered over 40 years after its closing, is consid- Salt (starring Angelina Jolie). Title ered one of the most famous coasters ever built. Communications Manager. Something I would love to wear but don’t •1930: On May 31, Ron Toomer was born in Pasadena, Califor- have the nerve is … Number of years with Fiesta Texas nia. He joined Arrow Development in 1965 to help design the A jewel encrusted tiara would be really cool 18. to pull off! world’s first Mine Train coaster, then would eventually become president. Under his leadership Arrow Development (later Ar- Best thing about the industry Favorite spectator sport row Dynamics) would become a significant manufacturer of log Making friends for a lifetime. Baseball. flumes, auto rides and multi-looping steel coasters for more than 30 years. Favorite amusement park ride When drinking water, do you like yours Any major steel roller coaster. with or without ice? •1976: Grand Openings of the two Marriott’s Great America Definitely with ice. If I wasn’t working in the amusement parks in Gurnee, Illinois and Santa Clara, California were held industry, I would be … on May 29. Built to celebrate the American Bicentennial, the On a rainy day, I like to … A Hollywood publicist. two parks featured Americana themes in six areas and were Do household repairs. an immediate success. Although Marriott corporation sold the Biggest challenge facing our industry… If you could be in a band, what would its parks eight years later, both continue to operate today. Incorporating all the rapid changes in tech- name be? nology to provide guests with the most cur- The Survivors. •1988: Houston’s AstroWorld broke their all time single-day rent and popular complement of attractions attendance record on May 14 entertaining more than 54,000 and experiences. My all-time best “blooper” moment would guests and logging $1 million-plus in sales. Attendance for the have to be … entire weekend totaled over 120,000 guests. The thing I like most about amusement Not mentioning the park name in my very park season is … first live interview (oops!). Finally seeing all the extensive park prepara- —Compiled by Jeffrey L. Seifert and NRCMA tions, show rehearsals and general planning When I think of doing laundry, I … come together for an incredible opening. Actually find it calming. Favorite junk food TM The habit I would most like to break is … P.O. Box 5427 Key lime pie. 5-time Award Winner Drinking morning coffee. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 (817) 460-7220 I typically celebrate my birthday by … I wish I could be paid to … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) Going out to dinner. Visit world-class resorts! Find us on Facebook The best place I have ever watched a facebook.com/amusementtoday The TV show I can’t live without is … sunset is … The Amazing Race. On a Hawaiian cruise. Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday The last time I cooked a meal, I whipped up … Something in a Crock Pot. G et the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers congratulate hope that along the way we have provided a source for Amusement Today on 15 years amusement industry news to everyone. We couldn’t do it without the dedicated staff we have, and all of Hi Gary, our friends in the amusement indsutry who continue Just finished reading the April issue of Amuse- to support us. Thanks to all and here’s to another 15 ment Today. I didn’t realize you are 15 years old. years! Congrats to you. I enjoy the daily issues, and of- ten forward stories to nonpark friends who are Reader wants even more interested. Thanks for taking another look at the industry. And great job on the Golden Tickets. Midway coverage in AT Not sure who will represent Knoebels this year, would hope it is me! Dear Gary, Leanna Knoebel Muscato Thanks you for sending the March and April Games Manager issues of Amusement Today. Knoebels Amusement Resort You mentioned in the March issue how many Elysburg, Pa. people miss the old Amusement Business maga- zine and we are included in missing them. You Hi Gary, also addressed that you would be expanding the Congratulations on your 15 years!!! Wow... Midway section which we would be interested time flies when you are having fun. I know you in. Please advise me when this will take place. are living the “dream” every day. The paper We are OABA members and receive the looks super and you have become a part of the OABA ShowTime magazine and Carnival as well. fabric of the business. Your award program is al- Dennis Hyde ways talked about. Seems like only yesterday!! Hyde Associates Here’s to 15 more!!! Horseheads, N.Y. Come see us!! Carey Risinger Editor’s note: While we do plan to expand the way Senior Vice President, Food Service we cover certain fairs and other Midway related news State Fair of Texas stories, like all publications, we are at the mercy of ad- Dallas, Texas vertising for support. The more carnival-related adver- tising we get to support the Midway section, the more Editor’s note: Leanna and Carey, thanks for your pages we can devote to this segment of our industry. kind words on our 15th year. While we feel like the Until then, you can look for AT to improve and expand Find us on Facebook 15 years have been a roller coaster ride at times, with in the coming months its editorial coverage on staff facebook.com/amusementtoday its many ups and downs, it has been a FUN ride. We promotions, food and games on the Midway. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 GIANT any type of noise. After si- lently cresting the apex of the FAST FACTS Continued from page 1 153-foot lift, riders plunge into take the Giant to a new and im- a near-vertical drop angled Name/Park proved level. Through the bid- at 79 degrees, making it a fan New Texas Giant/ ding process, we were hoping favorite in the back seat. Da- Six Flags Over Texas, to discover a new way to put vid Lipnicky, public relations Arlington, Texas in a wood track that wouldn’t director of American Coaster What have the same ‘dog and hunt’ Enthusiasts, says, “The first Steel-tracked roller coaster in the years we had previ- drop from the back seat is ab- built on exisiting wooden ously.” Sossamon continues, solutely stunning. It provides support structure from “We were convinced we could an extreme airtime experi- original Texas Giant make improvements, but we ence.” After about two dozen wooden coaster to weren’t thoroughly convinced rides, Lipnicky laughed, “It’s create new type we wouldn’t have a product one of the few rides that still of coaster for 10 years that wouldn’t need makes me grab the lap bar go- more maintenance put into it. ing down the first drop.” Height/Length Not even a light mist and “Through the discussion, Sossaman interjects that 153 feet maximum; Fred Grubbs of Rocky Moun- spots of rain could pre- the first drop is a favorite mo- 148 foot lift height/ tain and Alan Schilke basically vent the New Texas Giant ment as well. “Coming over the 4,506 feet discussed new concepts. I was from performing like the lift, it’s hard to anticipate what very interested in what they superstar this new coaster a 79 degree drop will feel like,” Drop/Maximum Speed/ had to say,” adds Sossamon. is. The ride received a $10 he says. Maximum Track Banking “In my mind, I was sure it was million makeover. After the initial plunge, 147.5 feet at 79 degrees/ the right thing to do. The whole AT / GARY SLADE trains rise into a unique dou- 65 mph/115 degrees concept just sounded right — it OS,” CWBOY UP” and “YEE- cess were to give the best ride ble-up popping riders out of Ride Time/Capacity all makes sense.” HAW.” Martindale smiles, “We possible while keeping guests their seat in a moment of strong 2:08 station to brake/ The Trains came up with 53 suggestions safe.” weightlessness and quickly 3 six-car trains; A new style of coaster and I cut it down to six. Don’t Martindale credits Les soar into a 90-degree banked 24 total passengers trains have been introduced be surprised if you see the li- Hudson at Six Flags corporate turn, gracefully floating riders by Gerstlauer to be used on cense plates change out to keep offices for the Cadillac concept. on their sides. A second drop Features the new Iron Horse steel track it fun.” Pinstriping and authen- Sossamon adds, “We were rushes passengers into one of 3 tunnels with fog and [see sidebar on page 8]. Work- tic Cadillac symbols acquired strong on the ‘Texas-ism’ of the the ride’s more unique mo- special LED effects; first ing hand in hand, Six Flags’ through internet means give ride.” ments — a 95-degree snap turn. ever use of new Iron Horse input with Gerstlauer has re- the trains a signature feel like “Our two largest design Riders travel just beyond verti- Coaster Track; first hybrid sulted in a unique appearance, no other coaster cars have in a challenges were space and cal before being rotated back coaster to go from wooden one that truly screams “Texas.” long time. weight,” adds Sandy. “The full into a steep descent. “I guar- coaster to a steel coaster Symbolic of the park’s 50th an- Adam Sandy of Ride Enter- available road wheel running antee that this moment will be Construction Time niversary, the new trains rep- tainment Group of Companies, surface was around 4 inches, the enthusiasts’ favorite,” says RMC’s Iron Horse Track resent 1961 Cadillac Sevilles who represents Gerstlauer, which was the flat space we Schilke. “You get the down- has been in development in design, right down to the comments, “When you think had between inner and outer hill yank from the 95 degrees. for 4 years; ride project tailfins. Capitalizing on Lone about it, a new roller coaster chamfers on the track. The oth- That yank and twist down — took 17 months from Star icons, each train sports a train is not often designed from er issue was weight. Because that is what’s going to surprise conception to opening pair of longhorns on the front the ground up. Many of the the new layout was calculated people.” The last overbanked car. The red, aqua and charcoal vehicles out there are simply utilizing the existing structure, turn goes the furthest with a Trains black trains also humorously adaptations of coaster trains the track and trains had spe- graceful 115-degree banked Gerstlauer Amusement incorporate license plates on already in existence. The pri- cific weight criteria. The track turn through coaster structure, Rides GmbH, the back cars. They read “ADI- mary goals of our design pro- weight was already a given which is followed by a bunny Muensterhausen, Germany amount, so the trains had to be hop delivering the biggest dose calculated to meet critical re- of negative Gs on the entire Design One of the strictions. ride, which then rockets riders Alan Schilke, New Texas “After all these challenges upward into a sinuous twist Ride Centerline LLC, Giant’s were given to Gerstlauer,” San- into the block brake. Hyde Park, Utah highlights dy continues,” we had to give Riders of the original Tex- Supplier is the Six Flags a one-of-a-kind fiber- as Giant will recall a lurch of Fred Grubb, extreme glass mold to make the Texas heavy brakes here that slowed Rocky Mountain banking Giant vehicles stand out. In ad- the ride to a near standstill be- Construction Group, and leads dition, we had to offer features fore dropping into the second Hayden, Utah into sud- Six Flags has on other coasters, half. Not anymore. Sharon den drops, such as a lap bar capable of Parker, public relations man- Supporting Suppliers shown handling significant negative ager for Six Flags Over Texas Crossroads LED, special here on G’s and stadium seating. I am loves this new element. “You effect lighting in tunnels; the ride’s proudest of the way Gerstlauer look straight out and see ev- Entertainment Manage- third drop. synthesized all the requests ery single car drop out and ment Group, braking; AT / GARY and requirements, and pulled then you have your moment,” Hodell Natco, bolts; SLADE them into a vehicle concept that smiles Parker. Trains now Intermountain Lift, chain worked flawlessly on the first speed through the block and trough and anti-roll backs; run. It isn’t often you have the enter a sequence of three dives KT Galvanizing, galvanizing; eyes of an industry upon you that go to near ground level — Tree Dog Lumber, wood and I am happy to say that the an attribute that was never fully Safety System product we delivered exceeded utilized in the original layout. Six Flags Over Texas safety everyone’s expectations. Sim- Interspersed within this trio of and engineering using ply put, the trains look great drops is a playful bronco ride Allen-Bradley controls and run even better.” of weightless airtime before The Ride Experience the track hugs the ground in a Cost/Opened Once dispatched to the heavily banked turn at ground $10 million/April 22, 2011 lift, the trains engage the chain level, cutting through the lift. with virtually the absence of 4See GIANT, page 6 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 GIANT the park intimately knew what was needed in modernizing it Continued from page 5 to the 2011 version. The Drive As the course traverses It has been a long journey undulating track and an S- for Six Flags Over Texas. This turn, the ride enters a set of one-of-a-kind project has been tunnels and gets two new and in evolving development for improved bunny hops up onto nearly 17 months. One thing the final brake run, making the for certain is they reached ride a negative G dream for their goal. The park wanted a enthusiasts. Magnetic brakes smooth-as-glass crowd pleaser, bring the coaster to a smooth and they got one. Guests are ex- stop. iting the ride with huge smiles The Players and rave reviews. The park can A project this massive in- be confident they have a home cluded a lot of companies. [For run with their newest attrac- a complete list of supporting tion. suppliers see Fast Facts box on “My favorite thing about page 5.] the New Texas Giant is that Six Flags brought an amaz- it constantly surprises you,” ing amount of talent to the proj- boasts Martindale. ect as well. When asked about However, it should be no how much was done in-house, surprise to find many parks Sossaman replied, “We fully around the country (and From the New Texas Giant’s impressive 79-degree first drop installed all mechanical driving world) coming take a closer to its second drop (above), this new hybrid coaster doesn’t parts.” With an understanding look at what will be one of the let up, giving guests a speedy and smooth ride like none of the gear box previously uti- most talked about success sto- other before. AT / GARY SLADE lized on the original woodie, ries of this season. May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 Six Flags turns to Gerstlauer to deliver themed trains STORY: Adam Sandy ate a train design that looked Special to Amusement Today different from any other roller coaster vehicle on the mar- ARLINGTON, Texas — ket. The trains on the New Texas On the technical side, Giant at Six Flags Over Tex- Gerstlauer received input as look great and ride even from Larry Chickola, chief of better. Gerstlauer’s custom- corporate engineering, and designed vehicle offered his team at Six Flags Engi- unique roller coaster technol- neering. Together they de- ogy. The ride’s most striking A full size mock up of the coaster vehicle, above left, was done in stages at the Gerstlauer signed a wide, comfortable visual feature is the look of factory, before a mold could be cast. This produced the finished themed design in fiberglass, seat and lap bar rated to han- the trains. Gerstlauer worked dle significant negative g’s. shown above right. COURTESY GERSTLAUER hand-in-hand with Les Hud- The goal of the seat de- seat could be made. The key of independent articulation, gree of performance were son, Six Flags’ vice president sign was to create a con- behind the lap bar and seat which allow the train to eas- the best that the company of design. He wanted the toured seat that accommo- design was that the systems ily navigate Rocky Mountain’s had produced to-date. look of a 1961 Cadillac Dev- dated a wide range of guest had to safely contain a wide sinuous Iron Horse track. The Editor’s note: Adam San- ille and together they spent sizes on a very exciting ride. range of guests, from those design of a roller coaster train dy is sales director for Mary- hours poring over pictures Hours were spent in the just over 48 inches to large from the ground up does not land-based Ride Entertain- of the classic car to get the Munsterhausen, Germany adults, the system had to happen often. Gerstlauer’s ment Group of Companies, contours just right. From the factory closing the restraint work for everyone. The bo- goal was to ensure that the the North American represen- Cadillac chrome to the iconic on guests and seeing if they gies were also unique and of- guest experience, ease of tative for Gerstlauer Amuse- tail fins, they worked on the could get out, so the perfect fered many different degrees maintenance, and high de- ment Rides GmbH. small details in order to cre- May 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 2011 NORTH AMERICAN PARK PREVIEW CANADA Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka........SkyScreamer — Funtime 230-foot Star Flyer Alberta White Water, Branson........Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay — highly-themed adventure river Galaxyland, Edmonton........Cosmic Revolution — Moser Rides tilting Himalaya; Ropes Courses Sky Trail Explorer Worlds of Fun, Kansas City........1926 Illions Carousel from Geauga Lake Park; Planet Snoopy kids area with seven Zamperla rides World Waterpark,Edmonton........WhiteWater West AquaLoop, AquaDrops and AquaTune Playland at the PNE,Vancouver........Atmosfear — 218-foot Funtime-Handels Starflyer New Hampshire Canobie Lake Park, Salem........Untamed — Gerstlauer Euro Fighter coaster Ontario Story Land, Glen........Splash Battle Egypt — 3DBA/Preston & Barbieri interactive water ride Bingeman’s Big Splash Waterpark, Kitchener........WhiteWater West Boomerango, Multi-Lane Mat Racer Calypso Waterpark, Limoges........Ten new WhiteWater West waterslides including two AquaLoops, AquaTube Body Slides New Jersey Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan........Windseeker — Mondial 300—foot swing ride Clementon Park & Splash World, Clementon........Torpedo Rush — Two ProSlide Freefalls with SkyBox Ontario Place, Toronto........Two ProSlide Topsy-Turvey with ProSplash Fun Town Amusement Pier, Seaside Park........Zamperla Midi Discovery 16 rotating pendulum ride Sauble Beach Fun World, Sauble Beach........Looping Star — Pinfari Looping Zyklon ZL42 from Beech Bend Gillian’s Pier, Ocean City........SBF Airborne Shot Iplay America, Freehold........Zamperla Happy Swing, Jump Around and Kite Flyer Québec Keansburg Amusement Park Keansburg........Zamperla Happy Swing and Jump Around Valcartier Vacation Village, Valcartier........WhiteWater West Whizzard multi-lane tube-enclosed mat racer Morey’s Piers, Wildwood........it — KMG Fireball with new restraint system Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson........Green Lantern — B&M standup coaster from Kentucky Kingdom; Funtime 54m. UNITED STATES Slingshot Alabama Alabama Adventure, Bessemer........Buzzsaw Falls, SkyTrans Manufacturing Shoot the Chutes New York Adventureland, Farmingdale........SBF Drop ‘N Twist Tower; Zamperla Mini Disk’O Arizona Coney Island Amusement Park, Coney Island........Visa Umbrella Swing Mesa Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa........Storm Rider — ProSlide BehemothBowl Holiday Valley Ski Resort, Ellicottville........Mountain Coaster — Wiegand Alpine—Coaster Wet ‘n’ Wild, Phoenix........Constrictor — WhiteWater West Constrictor inner tube slide Luna Park (Scream Zone), Brooklyn........Steeplechase — Zamperla Moto Coaster; Soaring Eagle — Refurbushed Zamperla Volare coaster from Eltich Gardens; Funtime 44m. Slingshot California Martin’s Fantasy Island, Grand Island........Technical Park Loop Fighter and Starship 2000 (Gravitron) Belmont Park, Belmont........Down Force — Chance Morgan Unicoaster; Moser Rides Gyro Loop Seabreeze Rochester........Zamperla Midi Teacup ride Castle Park, Riverside........20,000 sq ft water play area Disneyland, Anaheim........Star Tours II — refurbished Star Tours attraction; Little Mermaid Ride — dark ride North Carolina Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim........WhiteWater West multi-lane Mat Racer Carowinds, Charlotte........Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular — night time light show Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park........Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride Raging Waters Waterpark, San Jose........Bombs Away — ProSlide SuperLoop Ohio Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz........100 year anniversary of the Looff Carousel; Moser Rides 14-seat Spring Ride Beach Waterpark, Mason........Rainforest Rapids - transformation of existing tube chute; Toucan Lagoon - zero-depth children’s SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego........300,000 gallon sea turtle aquarium; Riptide Ripsaw — Huss airboat; Zamperla Rockin’ Tug pool Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo........SkyScreamer — Funtime 150-foot Star Flyer Cedar Point, Sandusky........Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia........Green Lantern: First Flight — Intamin ZacSpin coaster; new vehicles on Superman Columbus Zoo, Columbus........Chance Morgan CP Huntington Train Krypton; Vekoma Roller Skater from SF New Orleans Kings Island, Kings Mills........Windseeker — Mondial 300-foot swing ride; Dinosaurs Alive — upcharge animated dinosaur exhibit Colorado Zoombeezi Bay, Columbus........Python Plunge and Anaconda Falls — WhiteWater West Boomerango, Master Blaster, Inner Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights........Mile High Flyer — Two ProSlide Pipeline slides Tube Slides Connecticut Oregon Lake Compounce, Bristol........Rev-O-Lution — Zamperla Mega Disk’O 24 Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, McMinnville........WhiteWater West SuperBowl, custom AquaPlay, AquaTube body slide, Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury........Wooden Warrior — Gravity Group wooden coaster Inner-Tube slide and wave pool Florida Pennsylvania Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa........Cheetah Hunt — Intamin LSM launched coaster; new Millennium Flier trains for Gwazi Dorney Park, Allentown........Planet Snoopy with 8 new Zamperla rides wooden coaster Idlewild, Ligonier........Wowabunga — ADG WaveTech Wave Pool Discovery Cove, Orlando........The Grand Reef — new exploration area with thousands of fish and reef sharks; SeaVenture Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg........Black Diamond — refurbished and rethemed steel PTC coaster from Morey’s Piers underwater walking tour Sesame Place, Langhorne........Elmo’s Cloud Chaser — Zamperla Midi Family Swinger Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Lake Buena Vista........Star Tours II — refurbished Star Tours attraction Waldameer Park, Erie........North End — expansion area with three Zamperla rides including Flying Carousel; Chance Morgan Fun Spot, Kissimmee........Screamin’ Eagle — Larson Flying Scooters with LED light package; Galaxy Spin — Zamperla twister CP Huntington Train coaster from Cypress Gardens Legoland Florida, Winter Haven........New Park (former Cypress Gardens) with multiple attractions including Mack Wild Mouse South Carolina from Legoland Windsor Myrtle Beach Landing, Myrtle Beach........SkyWheel, a 187—foot Chance Morgan Giant Wheel Magic Kingdom, Orlando........Fantasyland Expansion & New Ride WonderWorks, Myrtle Beach........New 50,000 square—foot entertainment and education attraction with Moser Rides Extraor- Rapids Waterpark, West Palm Beach........Rapids Racers — ProSlide 6-lane KrakenRacer dinary Bike Georgia Tennessee Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell........Dare Devil Dive — Gerstlauer custom Euro-Fighter coaster Dollywood, Pigeon Forge........Barnstormer — S&S 80 foot Sky Swing Wild Adventures/Splash Island, Valdosta........Hakini Rapids and Kona Cliffs — ProSlide Mammoth and MammothBubba Nashville Shores Waterpark, Nashville........Kowabunga Beach — WhiteWater West AquaPlay AP1050 water treehouse with Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta........Chance Morgan CP Huntington Train four slides Idaho Texas Boulder Beach Waterpark, Athol........WhiteWater West Python family raft ride Hawaiian Falls, Roanoke........new waterpark with WhiteWater West Giant Rainfortress with 20 slides, wave pool, Boomerango, three-lane Mat Racer Illinois Legoland Discovery Center, Grapevine........new 35,000 square-foot entertainment center with interactive dark ride and 4D Hurricane Harbor Waterpark, Gurnee........Waterpark expansion with, four waterslides, and Wave Loch FlowRider theater Santa’s Village AZoosment Park, East Dundee........new park at former Santa’s Village; classic rides from Santa’s Village and NRH2O Waterpark, North Richland Hills........WhiteWater West Viper Megatube slide Kiddieland (Melrose Park); animal exhibits Schlitterbahn Galveston, Galveston........Shipwreck Harbor — 3-foot wave lagoon with slides, shade structures, additional lounging areas Indiana Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels........Tubenbach — new section with The Falls — world’s longest water tube Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus........Safari Sam’s Splashland — ProSlide children’s water play area; new PTCI train chute, Deluge Whirlpool River and Boogie Bay kids’ area for Voyage coaster SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio........Sesame Street Bay of Play — rethemed kids area with new Chance Morgan 36-foot Indiana Beach, Monticello........Adventure Point — Ropes Courses Sky Trail Voyager Carousel Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground, Fremont........Starflight Amusement Rides AquaZoom hydroplaning bumper car system Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington........New Texas Giant — new steel coaster from Rocky Mountain Construction reconstructed from former wood coaster with new Gerstlauer trains Kansas Trader’s Village, San Antonio........Larson Star Dancer Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark, Kansas City........Boogie Bahn surf ride; three slides, rapids river, whitewater tube chute Wet ‘N’ Wild Water World, El Paso........Ride Entertainment Systems Skycoaster Maine Utah Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach........LED Light Package for existing Chance Morgan Wheel Lagoon, Farmington........Bambora — family coaster Maryland Vermont Trimper’s Rides, Ocean City........Zamperla Happy Swing Jay Peak Resort, Jay........New 40,000 square foot indoor waterpark including WhiteWater West AquaLoop; Wave Loch Flow- Massachusetts Rider Virginia Six Flags New England, Agawam........Gotham City Gauntlet Escape from Arkham Asylum — Maurer Söhne wild mouse from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg........Mäch Tower — Moser Rides 235-foot drop tower Kentucky Kingdom Water Country U.S.A., Williamsburg........Vanish Point — Speed slides Michigan Washington Air Zoo of Kalamazoo, Portage........Zamperla Midi Ferris Wheel Wild Waves Waterpark, Federal Way........ProSlide CannonBowl Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon........Beach Party — Whitewater West Aquaplay RainFortress interactive water play structure with 8 slides Wisconsin Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay........Zippin Pippin — Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Group recreation of Zippin Pippin Minnesota coaster from Libertyland Valleyfair, Shakopee........Cosmic Coaster — Zamperla powered coaster from Dorney Park; Planet Snoopy with 6 Zamperla rides MEXICO Mississippi Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City........Terminator X — laser battle attraction (opened December, 2010) Gulf islands Waterpark, Gulfport........WhiteWater West multi-lane Mat Racer Missouri Silver Dollar City, Branson........Half Dollar Holler — children’s playscape and ride area including Treetop fun houses, climbing nets, and refurbished carousel COMPILED BY JEFFREY SEIFERT/AmuSement todAy 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY May 2011 2011 INTERNATIONAL PARK PREVIEW AUSTRALIA Taunus Wonderland, Schlangenbad Knall Fall — abc rides Multi Motion Tower Aussie World, Sunshine Coast........Zamperla Mega Disk’O Tropical Island , Berlin........Moser Rides African Jungle Lift Wet ‘n’ Wild, Gold Coast........Skycoaster HONG KONG AUSTRIA Ocean Park, Hong Kong........Hair Raiser — B&M floorless coaster; Chance Morgan Aviator; Arctic Blast — Mack powered coaster; Aquapulco Waterpark, Bad Schallerbach........Polin Waterparks SplashCinema 4D theater Intamin rapids ride Familypark Neusiedlersee, St. Margarethen........Zierer Wave Swinger Wiener Prater, Vienna........Black Mamba — Funtime Chaos Pendel; Moser Rides Atlantis Adventure INDIA Infinity Mall, Mumbai........I.E. Park indoor looping coaster BELGIUM Aqualibi, Wavre........€11 million rehab including glass pyramid and several waterslides INDONESIA Bobbejaanland, Lichtart........Dizz — Maurer Söhne custom spinning car coaster Bugs Waterpark, Makassar........Polin Waterparks Aquatower 600 Plopsa Coo, Stavelot........Wickie The Ride — Gerstlauer spinning car coaster Trans Studio Indoor Theme Park, Bandung........new indoor park with Premier Rides LIM shuttle coaster; several large Zamperla Plopsaland, De Panne........Adinkerke-De Panne Mayaland — Indoor Children’s area with rides from Zierer and Zamperla Rides; Interlink Super Flume Waterbom Jakarta, Jakarta........WhiteWater West SuperBowl BOTSWANA Lion Park Resort, Gaborone........Schwarzkopf Looping Star from Dreamland ITALY Edenlandia, Napoli........Thriller — Mack Mega Coaster LSM-launched coaster BRAZIL Europark Idroscalo, Segrate........Funny Mouse — Interpark Wild Mouse coaster Mirabilandia, Olinda........Sky Mountain — Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang from Six Flags Over Georgia Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda........Raptor — B&M protoype “wing-rider” style coaster Mirabilandia, Savio........Master Thai — Preston & Barbieri family racing coaster CHINA Rainbow MagicLand, Valmontone........New park with multiple attractions including coasters from Maurer Söhne and Vekoma; Bali Paradise Waterpark, Fushun........new indoor/outdoor waterpark with multiple WhiteWater West attractions including Intamin Spillwater 20 and Rapids Ride world’s first “Flume in Flume” MegaTube China Dinosaur Park, Changzhou........S&S Power fourth dimension coaster; Huss observation tower; Intamin Spillwater 20 JAPAN Hangzhou Paradise, Hangzhou........Beijing Shibolai Suspended Looping Coaster Fuji-Q, Fujiyoshida........Gerstlauer custom Euro-Fighter coaster Happy Valley (Beijing), Cahoyang........Extreme Rusher — S&S Power launched coaster Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo........Mickey’s Philharmagic 4-D theater Happy Valley (Shanghai), Songjiang........Flight of the Dragon — Huss suspended simulator movie ride Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo........Jasmine’s Flying Carpets — Zamperla custom telecombat Happy Valley (Shenzen), Shenzen........Shangrila Snowfield — S&S Power coaster; WhiteWater West AquaLoop, Boomerango, SuperBowl, Mat Racer, Raft Ride MALAYSIA Happy Valley (Wuhan), Wuhan........new park with Martin & Vleminckx/Gravity Group racing/dueling wooden coaster; multiple Shangri-La Tanjung, Aru Resort........Tanjung Aru ProSlide KidsTwister, GiantTwister, TunnelTwister attractions from WhiteWater West including AquaLoop Jin Jiang Action Park, Xuhui........Vekoma Giant Inverted Boomerang THE NETHERLANDS Knight Valley, Shenzen........new park with Mountain Flyer — GCII wooden terrain coaster; two Maurer Söhne coasters Aqua Mundo at Center Parcs, Eemhoff........ProSlide Topsy-Turvy Lubura Aquatic World, Changzhou........WhiteWater West Abyss, Family Boomerango, AquaPlay Giant RainFortress DippieDoe Familiepark, Eindhoven........Tyfoon - Zierer custom coaster from Tivoli Gardens Red Sun, Nanjing East China Mall, Nanjing........Vekoma custom motorbike coaster Duinrell, Wassenaar........Gerstlauer family coaster World Joyland, Wujin........New park with multiple attractions including coasters from Maurer Söhne and B&M; S&S Space Shot Toverland, Sevenum........Mack SuperSplash water coaster Walibi Holland, Biddinghuizen........Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater COLUMBIA Parque Recreativo Piscilago, Nile........ProSlide RideHouse with MiniRiver, ProRacer, Twister and FireSlides NEW ZEALAND Hamner Springs Thermal Pools, Hamner Springs........WhiteWater West SuperBowl CYPRUS Phaethon Beach Hotel, Paphos........ProSlide 4-lane ProRace, PipeLine, TunnelTwister POLAND WaterWorld Waterpark, Ayia Napa........ProSlide Tunnel Twister Wroclawski Park Wodny Waterpark, Wrocław........Black Hole — waterslide with glass element, lighting and sound effects DENMARK RUSSIA Djurs Sommerland, Nimtofte........Skatteøen — Mack SuperSplash Water Coaster Djubga Waterpark, Krasnodar........Polin Waterparks King Cobra double tube racing slides Fårup Sommerland, Saltum........WhiteWater West family raft and water playground SAUDI ARABIA ENGLAND Al-Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah........Larson/Arm Super Shot drop tower Adventure Island, Southend on Sea........Kiddi Koasta — Zamperla Family Coaster Atallah Happy Land Park, Jeddah........Intamin Surf Rider impulse shuttle coaster Brean Leisure Park, Somerset........Astro Storm — Zierer coaster from Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Clarence Pier, Portsmouth........Speedy Gonzales — Big Apple/Wacky Worm type coaster SCOTLAND Drayton Manor, Drayton Bassett........Ben 10 Ultimate Mission — Vekoma Junior Boomerang coaster Codona’s Amusement Park, Aberdeen........Innovative Leisure high ropes course Flamingoland Theme Park and Zoo, Malton........Zamperla Air Force suspended coaster Funland Amusement Park, Hayling Island........Moser Rides Speed Flip SINGAPORE Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare........Moser Rides Sidewinder and Spring Ride Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa........Battlestar Galactica — Vekoma Inverted and sit-down dueling coasters (delayed Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock........Knights of the Round Table — Moser Rides X-Arm Ride from 2010); Madagascar — dark boat ride Pleasure Beach, Blackpool........PBB Nickelodeon Land with Wallace & Gromit dark ride; Mack Splash Battle; several Zamperla rides; abc rides freefall tower SOUTH KOREA Legoland Windsor, Windsor........Project Atlantis — Aquarium with dark ride Caribbean Bay, Yongin-si........Four WhiteWater West AquaLoops Lightwater Valley, Ripon........Skeleton Cove — new themed area with five rides from Loudon Castle Gyeongju World, Gyeongju........Two ProSlide SuperLoops with SkyBoxes Paultons Park, Romsey........Rethemed kiddie area with seven new rides including Zierer 12m. Ferris Wheel Lotte World Jamsil-Dong........World’s largest indoor foam playground Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool........ProSlide CannonBowl and Tunnel Twister Ocean World at Vivaldi Park, Kangnam-Ku........WhiteWater West Python Megatube slide, Whizzard multi-lane tube-enclosed Thorpe Park, Chertsey........Storm Surge — WhiteWater West Spinning Rapids ride from Cypress Gardens mat racer Seorak Waterpia Waterpark, Sokcho-si........ProSlide WorldAlley and DarkMammoth FINLAND Linnanmäki, Helsinki........Ukko — Maurer Söhne X-Car coaster SPAIN PortAventura, Salou........Sésamo Aventura — rethemed kiddie area with new attractions from Zierer and Heege FRANCE Aqualand Water Park, Bassin D’Archaron........Polin Waterparks Racer Hybrid combination bowl and boomerang slides SWEDEN Aqualand Water Park, St. Syr Sur Mer........Polin Waterparks Black Hole Turbolance boomerang slides Astrid Lindgren’s World, Vimmerby........Themed area and castle Disneyland Paris, Marne la Vallée........Toy Story Playland — new themed area with RC Racer — Intamin impulse shuttle coaster Furuvik, Gävle........Rocket — family coaster Fraispertuis City, Jeanménil........Timber Drop — S&S Power El Loco coaster Gröna Lund, Stockholm........Twister — Gravity Group wooden coaster Le Pal, Dompierre Sur Besbre........Twist — Mack spinning coaster Liseberg, Gothenburg........Atmosfear — conversion of Intamin observation tower to Intamin Gyro Drop 36 La Récré des Trois Curés, Milizac........Mambo — Mack flying bobs from Bobbejaanland Mer de Sable, Ermenonville........Tiger Express — Mack Wild Mouse from Walibi Holland THAILAND Parc des Naudières, Sautron........Roller Coaster — Zierer Force Two coaster Amazon Falls, Pattaya........new waterpark with multiple WhiteWater West attractions including duelling Master Blaster; Super Parc Touristique des Combes, Creusot........Boomerang — Vekoma Junior Boomerang coaster Bowl Walibi Rhone-Alpes, Les Avenières........Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater Siam Park City, Bangkok........Grand Canyon Express — Zamperla powered coaster from Jerudong Park (Brunei) Walibi Sud-Ouest, Roquefort........Rokken Roll — 4D simulator theater Walygator Parc, Maizières-les-Metz........Maurer Söhne indoor wild mouse from Japan’s Expoland TAIWAN Fisherman’s Wharf, New Taipei Cit........Intamin 360-foot Super Gyro Tower GEORGIA E-DA Theme Park, Dashu Township........Big Air — Vekoma Big Air shuttle coaster (opened December, 2010) Mtatsminda Park, Tbilisi........Multi-inversion coaster believed to be from China TURKEY GERMANY Cobra Kingdom Waterpark, Belek........new waterpark with 10 Polin Waterparks slides, inner tube rides, King Cobra and water Bayern Park, Reisbach........Freischütz — Maurer Söhne LSM-launched coaster play area with additional slides Europa-Park, Rust........Piccolo Mondo — rethemed Ciao Bambino dark ride; Volo da Vinci — Mack suspended pedal monorail ORA Istanbul Theme Park, Istanbul........Vekoma Junior Coaster Freizeit-Land Geiselwind, Geiselwind........Wilde Maus — Mack compact Wild Mouse coaster Freizeitpark Plohn, Legenfeld........Zierer Force 190 coaster UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Freizeitpark Ruhpolding, Ruhpolding........Gipfel-Stürmer — Gerstlauer family shuttle coaster Wild Wadi, Dubai........Proslide Bowling Alley and Tantrum Alley Galaxy Erding Waterpark, Erding........Wiegand/Maeizer Turbo Racers Yas Island, Abu Dhabi........Multiple WhiteWater West attractions including AquaLoop, Viper, SuperBowl and Speed Slides Hansa Park, Sierksdorf........Die Schlange von Midgard — Gerstlauer family coaster Heide-Park, Soltau........Krake — B&M floorless Diving Machine coaster VENEZUELA Holiday Park, Hassloch........Mayaland — Indoor Children’s area with Anubis — Zierer Family Freefall Tower Parque Italo Americano, Caracas........Technical Park Rock ‘n’ Roll coaster Inselsberg-Funpark, Kleiner Inselberg........Wiegand Wie-flyer Lego Discovery Center, Berlin........Zamperla Magic Bike Movie Park Germany, Bottrop........Val Helsing’s Factory — Gerstlauer indoor coaster Nürburgring, Nürburg........ring°racer — S&S Power custom Thrust Air coaster Phantasialand, Brühl........Maus au Chocolate — interactive 3—D dark ride; Zierer Wave Swinger and a pair of kiddie drop towers Rasti-Land, Salzhemmendorf ........Zierer Family Freefall Tower A PRINTABLE PDF VERSION OF THE 2011 PARK PREVIEW IS AVAILABLE AT AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM