Coaster Touring

Travel Writing

2013-04-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Exciting news, I've been accepted as a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance for the writing I do for magazines such as Kirmes & Park Revue and Park World, and for all the interviews I do for TV and radio.

A visit to Gronalund

2009-03-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Back at the end of 2008 I visited a fantastic inner city amusement park, Gronalund in Stockholm. While the park isn't home to the biggest or fastest, it is home to an ecclectic mix of rides and attractions in a picturesque waterside location. In 2009 the park is installing a 4D Zacspin ocaster from Intamin.

The park also recently announced plans to expand the park to include a compact B&M coaster.

SAW Point

2009-03-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

So today was a special media and advanced preview day of the all new SAW: The Ride at Thorpe Park. Only it hasn't gone to plan because Saw is broken already. Not the best start to the new season for Thorpe Park.

So is it a case that parks are pushing the boundaries to far, are manufacturers offering unproven products, is it the contractors that aren't building the rides properly.

Of course the park hasn't even opened to the public yet so it's unfair to cast too much criticism. After all aren't these preview days about testing the rides in real world situations to see how they cope.

In any case Saw shows that Merlin are prepared to up the ante and install rides that offer the complete package including top notch themeing. Saw is a more rounded and complete ride than the likes of Air and Stealth. MErlin seem interested in putting in rides befitting a THEME park rather than plonking down half hearted efforts that suit amusement parks.

I hope this very early teething problem sorts itself out and Merlin see the value of installing attractions of this nature. Lets hope this is a turning point and we start to see true THEME parks expanding in the UK.

No Wonder They Struggle

2009-03-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Is it any wonder so many US parks are struggling when they're barely open. Last night I decided to look in to a quick trip to the US in September to knock off a few parks that I've not been to yet. Only it's not worth it. The vast majority of the parks are only open on the odd weekend in September. I don't want to go sight seeing on the weekdays.

I can't even go in May as most are only open Weekends, and even if I went in June I need to be careful what days I choose. So that means July and August are the only real months to visit the US.

Looking at European Parks most are open right through May to October. And are open weekends in March and April, covering much more of the year and producing greater revenue.

Given the cost of the land of an amusement park you'd think they'd want to generate as much income as possible over as long a period as possible. A closed park makes no money. I'm sure even quiet days must cover the cost of reduced staffing levels. Isn't it better to earn $100 income than zero income.

I was most shocked by the Seattle area. I looked into going to the Rodeo at Pullyup to discover the neraby parks are only open weekends. Surely with such a big event in town they'd want to open on week days surrounding that event. Does it not drawer in tourists to the area looking for additional entertainment.

So it looks like this year will be a US free year as I check out parks in China and Europe. Oh and Florida, but that doesn't really count as proper USA.

Ropers Gone?????

2007-12-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

There's rumours abound that the Ropers have finally upped and moved away from the vicinity of Alton Towers. As yet I've not had this officially confirmed and while several different people have said they've gone and couple of local residents have said they haven't.

But in any case whether they have moved or not the noise restrictions and firework restrictions will remain in place. It seems the Ropers have done their damage and now moved on. Hopefully though it means an end to the court appeals.

Merlin and Mack?

2007-09-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Several executives from the Merlin Entertainment Group recently paid a visit to the factory of Mack Rides and took a tour of neighbouring Europa Park. Could the team from Merlin have gone on a shopping trip. Will we see a plethora of Mack rides appearing in Merlin parks throughout Europe over the next couple of years.

Merlin have a long list of parks under their control, including the likes of Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Heide Park and Gardaland. Given Macks mid priced range of attractions Merlin could add a lot of new rides to many parks for not huge amounts of money. I suspect for the price of a single Intamin or B&M coaster you could buy maybe 2 or 3 Mack coasters. Can the public necessarily tell the difference? A new attraction is a new attraction.

There are many rumours that in 2008 the Merry England part of Alton Towers will receive a make over and become a pirate themed land. The Splash Karts are expected to go to be replaced by a new ride of some sort. Well Mack have experience with pirate themed interactive boat rides, they recently installed one at Legoland Deutschland (another Merlin parks).

Mack could even provide a Pirate themed Supersplash as another new attraction for the area.

Hopefully over the next couple of months things will become clear and we'll find out if this was a social visit or a shopping trip.

Six Flags really has improved

2007-06-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to report that my visit to Six Flags Great America backs up my recent experiences with Six Flags Over Georgia. SFGA also had plenty of live bands and singers dotted around the providing entertainment in some of the busiest areas of the park. There were also plenty of costume characters dotted throughout the park again boosting the family vibe, and scaring those less fond of furries.

The staff were on the whole very happy and pleasant. I was even shocked when one staff member saw me studying the map and came across to offer assistance with directions. I expect this at Disney World but at Six Flags?

Oh and the park closed with a night time illuminated parade, Bugs Bunny’s Starlight Spectacular. Sure it wasn't quite up to Spectromagic standards BUT the fact is the park made an effort and should be applauded for it.

If all this is as a result of the influence of Mark Shapiro then he deserves a big pat on the back. Six Flags genuinely looks like it's making a turn for the good.

My only real gripe still with Six Flags is the high prices for drinks and food. If smaller parks can charge prices at nearly 50% less then surely Six Flags could afford even a 25% price drop. To be really family friendly lets see food and drinks at a more family affordable price. Or why not take a leaf out of Magic Springs, Kiddie Land and Holiday Worlds book and add a couple of dollars on entry and offer free soft drinks.
Holiday World have shown that rather than loose money they now make more on food and beverage than before as in park spending has acutally increased. So this could prove a real winner for Six Flags, in one brave move they could further bolster the family appeal and increase their profits. Go on Mark lets see if you've got the bottle.

No More Six Flags Moments??

2007-06-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

While I've not been to Six Flags Over Georgia before I'm guessing that Mark Shapiro has had some influence on the park. On my recent visit I found myself questioning whether it was indeed a Six Flags park. As a veteran Six Flags guest visiting their parks throughout the US and previously in Europe I've always found the parks to be sterile, full of over the top rules and disinterested employees.

I found SFGA to be picturesque and full of happy people, guests and employees. I was impressed with the number of costume characters throughout the park and with the large amount of live entertainment on offer. It seemed where ever large numbers of guests accumulated, Goliath queue, Superman queue and eating areas there was a live band performing. All of this lead to a wonderful family atmosphere throughout the park.

I know when he took over control Mark Shapiro had named SFGA as a flagship park by which all other parks should strive to be like but I can't help thinking that some of what I experienced was a result of his leadership. I guess I'll find out in a week when I visit Six Flags Great America.

At this rate we won't be able to use the phrase “Had a Six Flags moment” when referring to a bad experience in a park. Although a replacement has already been thought of after experiencing some OTT rules, 1 that is impossible to obey at a couple of parks run by the same chain.

Premier Rides Update

2007-05-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from the Premier Rides / Professor Hawking zero G flight post from the other week. Here is a photo of Jim Seay, President and owner of Premier Rides enjoying the same flight.

Does anyone know if there is a significance of the yellow socks, or is it fashionable?

20 Spinners

2007-05-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Munich based ride manufacturer Maurer Sohne have announced work is under way on their 20th Spinning Roller Coaster. This particular model is heading for Linnanmaki Amusement Park near Helsinki in Finland. It is one of their standard models, a SC3000, and will prove a challenge for Maurer engineers.

The ride is being built during the icy winter, on a very hilly site and over the top of an existing water ride. No doubt this is a challenge that after building 20 other spinning coasters, Maurer Sohne are well equiped for. Despite it's compact layout this model is packed with exciting elements including the much loved Immelman banked turn and several crossovers of the water ride. The hilly location means that riders will make a lrge drop down into a valley.

Foundations are being poured in September and the steel will begin being put in place during January 2008. Maurer Sohne are convinced they can deliver the ride in time for an April 2008 opening.

As a huge fan of Maurer Sohne it's good to hear of their success with the spinning coaster concept. To have reached 20 sales already is fantastic news and testiment to such a great product. I was already considering taking a trip to Finland in 2008 and this may just tip the balance. Well done Maurer Sohne and look forward to the Silver Anniversary spinning coaster.

False Claims

2007-05-07T02:13:00.000-07:00

Is it right that parks try to confuse the public into thinking a ride has an impresive claim to fame. Are the public interested in records?
To the first question I say no and to the 2nd I'd say yes. It seems only record breakers and world beaters get major global publicity. Take a look at Top Thrill Dragster, that received huge global coverage and even today I still receive an emailed power point presentation with photos of the amazing coaster.

Given the impact claims have on attendance it's hardly surprising that parks make every effort they can to boast impressive statistics. The latest park making loud claims is Pleasure Beach Blackpool with their new ride Infusion.

PBB are claiming Infusion to be the fastest, tallest SLC in the UK, it cost £8million and is the only roller coaster built entirely over water. Impressive claims that earnt the ride huge amounts of publicity when it opened earlier this week. But are these claims correct?

What concerns me is their claim that Infusion is the tallest and fastest SLC in the UK. I'm sure they wouldn't make these claims without evidence to support them. But on paper there appear to be 2 other SLCs that out boast Infusion. Firstly Kumali at Flamingoland is 117 feet tall with a top speed of 55mph. Secondly Jubilee Odyssey at Fantasy Island is 167 feet tall with a top speed of 63mph. On the other hand Infusion when it was at Pleasureland Southport as Traumatiser was 110 foot tall with a top speed of 50mph. Now in its new location Traumatiser/Infusion has somehow grown in height to 131 foot tall and has gained in speed to 53 mph. But even with it's new statistics Infusion stills can't claim the record as Jubilee Odysey is still taller and faster. By the facts on their own website they've caught themselves out on this one.

As much as I love and support Pleasure Beach Blackpool I can't help feel disappointed in their latest marketing tactics. Infusion is without a doubt one of the most impressive looking SLCs going. It's amazing what a few water fountains, new paint job and waterfalls can do. I understand that marketing a record breaker makes life easy but surely a ride that looks this good should be just as easily marketable. The entirely built over water claim is impressive in itself and has marketing potential.

I have no doubt that the public don't care if these claims are true or not, they'd almost certainly go anyway. Realistically world records are only there to sell news papers and therefore get lots of free publicity. It's not like the Pleasure Beach are stealing money from anyone.

However with the large unrest amongst certain coaster enthusiasts (one list has never been so busy) I hope Pleasure Beach Blackpool don't find Infusion leads them into deep water. I want Infusion to be a success for the park, if it is then we'll see more new attractions installed, if it isn't then we could have another Southport on our hands.

Oh and be careful doing a Google search for Infusion Blackpool, it's also the name of a local swingers night club.

4D not all good

2007-04-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of dark rides and love many of the 4D cinemas such as Hoeny I Shrunk the Audience and Muppet Vision. But the term 4D doesn't always float my boat.

After watching several documentaries about X at Magic Mountain I couldn't wait to ride it. Finally in 2005 the chance came during a tour of the West coast of the USA. But boy was I in for a shock, X turned out to be one of the most hideous rides ever created. It has uncomfortable restraints, it was incredibly rough and the ride itself was just like climbing in a box and rolling down the stairs.
I was some what surprised when I heard that Fuji Q Highland ordered Eejanaika a 4D coaster from S&S Power. Did the park owners ride X. I've not yet had the chance to ride Eejanaika, although I will do, so can't say if S&S improved on Arrows doomsday device.
But now more manufacturers have jumped on the 4D band wagon. Last year Intamin announced a product called a ball coaster.

Individual 4D cars would be launced around a short vertical circuit track. However at the present time Intamin are still working on the launch system so they have been busy selling a version with a standard lift hill. In fact they've sold 2, 1 to Linnanmaki in Finland and the other to Terra Mitica in Spain.
I've just spotted courtest of Theme Park Insight 2 videos showing off Kirnu the Ball coaster at Linnanmaki in Finland.

The ride appears to have an advantage and a disadvantage in being such a very short ride cycle. The disadvantage is appears to havea very low throughput and is bound to attract massive queues. The advantage is if it's anywhere near as bad as X you don't have to suffer as long.
I'm obviously getting old because inversions don't excite me any more, I'd far rather ride an AIRtime filled non looping coaster. But that won't stop me from riding Kirnu or any other new 4D coasters, my coaster count isn't prejudice.

Premier Rides researching Negative G

2007-04-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Now I could be putting 2 and 2 together and making 5 but could Premier Rides be conducting reasearch into negative G to build a roller coaster with the most AIRtime?
It's been well publicised that Professor Stephen Hawking recently made a trip with Zero Gravity Corp in Florida where he had the chance to experience weightlessness. But what didn't receive as much publicity was the fact that Jim Seay President and owner of Premier Rides also made the flights with Hawking.

Photo Courtesy of Zero Gravity Corp

Jim Seay joined Stephen Hawking on board the plane that simulates the weightlessness experienced in Space. The plane takes off from the Kennedy Space Centre Cape Canavarel where it climbs to an altitude of 24,000 ft before the plane hikes steeply up and then arches over into a downward dive. The parabolic manoeuvre creates 25 seconds of weightlessness. The experience costs a mere $3500.

Seay was not only inspired by Professor Hawking’s willingness to take part in this experience but was also inspired by the great work Easter Seals is doing in providing services to children and adults with autism and other disabilities. As someone who has enjoyed Astronomy since childhood and someone who now focuses on manipulating G forces to develop cutting edge roller coasters, “it is an honor to participate with Professor Hawking on this momentous flight,” said Jim Seay.

It's interesting to note that the g-loads encountered during the parabolic flight are less stressful than those felt on an average roller coaster ride.

Could we see Premier Rides making a park version of this experience? I certainly hope so although if parks struggle to get planning permission for 200 foot rides they will find it near impossible to get permission for a 24,000 foot ride.

Wetter the Better?

2007-04-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

I've never been a huge fan of water rides, I hate walking round a park with your clothes chaffing and just feeling unpleasant. Even on hot days I don't enjoy it. So many rapids rides and log flumes offer pretty much the same thing just a slightly different layout. However if a water ride is unusual I will give it a try, River Quest at Phantasialand, Valhalla at Pleasure Beach Blackpool, Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom are among the few I ride and enjoy but ride wearing vast amounts of water proofs.

River Quest is quite possibly one of the best rapids ride around, it features a vertical lift which pushes you into a large chute that guarantees a soaking for those going backwards, it also features a whirlpool that goes in to a double down drop that has a pop of AIRtime and yes more wetness. The other unusual thing about these rapids is that it has a small footprint and is in effect in a tall building rather than covering acres of space.

When fully working Valhalla has some amazing effects that makes it not only a superb water ride but an amazing Dark Ride too.

Splash Mountain has wonderful whimsical themeing and a great story too. I always think it's a shame that you can't enjoy the indoor dark ride portion without having to do the drop. I'm sure there are lots of kids who are below the height restriction that would love the animatronics, not to mention thsoe of us adults that don't want to get wet. Perhaps Disney could add a train track above the water for a non wet ride through.
For more talk about water rides, and other theme park chat, check out another great blog at Play and Stay

Oktoberfest - Another Worlds First

2007-04-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

Not content with showing off the Worlds first steel roller coaster, Oktoberfest was home to the first true suspended coaster. In 1975 Germand aircraft manufacturer Messerschmidt Bolkow Blohm supplied showman Max Zierer Jnr. with Alpenflug a 2706 foot long suspended coaster. Alpenflug had a top speed of 39mph and 5 six car trains.

Although there had been crude suspended coasters at the beginning of the last century their basic designs involved a lift hill and a long downward spiral. For many these aren't regarded as true suspended coasters.

Alpenflug is the first true contemporary suspended coaster. Sadly it only lasted for the 16 days of the Oktoberfest before it was scrapped. Due to the lack of banking on the turns the track and train wheel assemblies were subjected to high levels of wear and tear. The trains could swing out to over 80degrees. It would seem nothing was learnt from this suspended coaster because Arrow made the same mistake with the illfated Bat that was built at Paramount Kings Island in 1981 as the first non travelling suspended coaster. Like Alpenflug, The Bat suffered from excessive wear and tear due to the lack of banked turns and was removed in 1983.

I wonder what the next Worlds firsts will appear at Oktoberfest?

For more on this story check out Amusement Today

Disheartened

2007-04-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

When organising a touring holiday it's so easy to become disheartened. There are so many variables that can and do go wrong. Over the past 3 years of organsising trips I've faced flights booked no the wrong day, flight times being brought forward by several hours, wrong car being available and theme parks changing their opening times/days.

Fortunately for me the group I go on tour with are understanding and are always happy to change plans. If things change never panic, although I still do, as there is always a plan B even if you haven't come up with that plan at that point.

Sometimes these changes work out for the best. One example was a flight was brought forward by 3 hours but our schedule meant we wouldn't get there in time. As a result we would have to fly the following day giving us less time in Virginia Beach. But this meant we had a full day sight seeing in Chicago and we still did everything we wanted in Virginia Beach. We got to see a part of the USA we wouldn't have been able to.

When you face these problems don't give up, it's worth persevering and when you're on holiday all alternatives are fun.

Growing Daily

2007-03-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

No it's not me that's getting bigger daily, although my jeans are more snug at the moment, the Coaster Touring website is growing. Slowly but surely I'm building up the site and adding new and exciting things to it. There's a guide to a long weekend break in Denmark, useful theme park tips, and new today you can download my latest video, this time from Liseberg in Sweden. So be sure to check the site out regularly over the coming weeks as more reviews and videos are added.

Streaming Liseberg Video

Steel 101

2007-03-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

2006 was the 100th anniversary of the steel roller coaster. Before I get shot down in flames contrary to popular belief the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland in California wasn’t the first steel roller coaster. The Matterhorn Bobsleds, built by Arrow Developments in 1959, was in fact the first steel coaster utilising tubular track. Historical archives show that the first steel roller coaster actually appeared over 50 years earlier in Germany in 1906. Showman Karl Gabriel introduced the world to the first steel roller coaster at the Munich Oktoberfest, it was named Devils Wheels and stood a towering 30 foot tall. Gabriel introduced the steel roller coaster out of necessity for portable roller coasters that could be easily dismantled, relocated and rebuilt.

The arrival of the Matterhorn created the surge of interest in steel coasters, and the downturn in wooden coasters. Although it would be another two years before the next tubular steel coaster was to be built. This time it was the Mine Train that arrived with the opening of Six Flags Over Texas in 1961.

It wasn’t until 1975 with the Corkscrew at Knott’s Berry Farm that thrill seekers would be first turned upside down. The following year saw the first vertical loop appear with the Revolution at near by Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The first Golden era of roller coasters was during the 1920’s when there were more than 3000 of them. But due to wars, depressions and natural disasters by the late 70’s they faced extinction with only 300 surviving. The popularity of steel roller coasters became ever more apparent in 1986 when for the first time steel coasters out numbered wood. Today we’re are in another Golden Era as since the mid 80’s numbers have soared by over a thousand to more than 1500 roller coasters world wide.

Although Devils Wheels isn't around today it still seems a shame that the 100th anniversary of steel roller coasters wasn't marked in any way. It strikes me as a missed marketing opportunity. Parks could have used the 100th anniversary fact as part of a press release about their current line up of attractions. I have no doubt that at the very least the local papers would have done an article. Hopefully I'll and the amusement industry will be around for the 150th anniversary and maybe it will be celebrated. I've made a note in my Outlook calendar to remind me to tip off the parks.

Still Noisy

2007-03-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Quick update on the the noisy court case between Mr and Mrs Roper and Alton Towers. I posted a couple of days ago that they were going back to court to try and reduce the 40dB noise restriction imposed on the theme park. The case was heard yesterday and the High Court judge Mr Justice Wilkie has upheld the restriction imposed on the park by Stoke Crown Court. He stated residents must expect some noise from Alton Towers. And rejected the Ropers argument that the Crown Court ruling was "irrational" and the court had "taken leave of its senses".

Alton Towers have already mentioned they may appeal against the restriction in an attempt to have it removed altogether. But as their legal bill aleady stands at half a million pounds they may choose to live with the 40dB restriction and only being allowed 3 firework displays a year.

More details of the latest court case can be found here or here.

All that Noise

2007-03-21T01:41:00.000-07:00

So it seems once again Stephen and Suzanne Roper are going to court to silence Alton Towers. Over on the local news papers website, The Sentinel They have the latest in this long running saga.

The Ropers live right next door to Alton Towers and have become unhappy about the increasing amount of noise coming from the park, whether it is from fireworks, mechanical noise or screaming riders. In 2004 the initial court case saw a noise limit of 32dB imposed on the park. From what I can make out this is maximum level at the Ropers front door. However Tussauds appealed against this and the level was increased to 40dB.

This latest court case see the battle being taken to the High Court in London as the Ropers say 40dB is too loud and the noise limit is registered as an average over an hour not taking into account any short loud noise bursts. But taking things into perspective what is 40dB.

A quick search on trusty old Google brings up a couple of interesting charts. Make it Louder shows that 40dB is the equivalent of a whispered conversation, a normal conversation is 60dB. So the current restriction outside the house is hardly deafening. The British Wind Energy Association which wishes to build wind farms also has a noise comparison chart on here we discover that the night time background noise in a rural location is 20 - 40dB, presumably it's louder during the day. I would describe the Ropers as living in a rural location so this shows that 40dB is a perfectly acceptable and expected noise level for where they live. A quiet bedroom is 35 dB so the previous restriction of 32dB seems unreasonably low in comparison. If we go to a totally remote extreme in the dessert at night in the middle of nowhere the noise level is expected to be 30dB.

I'm sure there are millions of residents up and down this country who would dream of having a noise limit of 40dB. How many people live near airports or busy roads? In 2004 DEFRA created a road noise map of London. 13% of Londoners deemed road noise a serious problem. Studying the actual results it would appear that 22% of London’s population is exposed to road noise in excess of 60dB. 6% are still exposed to this level at night. Suddenly the Ropers seem very lucky living where they do; at least for them the park is silent at night and for several months of the year.

As the old saying goes, let he who has cast no sin throw the first stone. And the Ropers are in no position to throw stones. Mr and Mrs Roper run Churchill China a pottery company in Stoke on Trent. From past articles in the Sentinel and The Sun it would seem neighbours of the pottery are also suffering from noise levels, only they experience it year round and late into the night. I'd be interested to see the result of the noise levels experienced by the local residents and compare it with what the Ropers want for their home.

OK I admit I'm slightly bias in all this being a supporter of the amusement industry. Yes Alton Towers has expanded since the Ropers moved into their cottage but it's not as if Tussauds haven't offered them reasonable compensation. Whether it is £200 to have a meal out during firework display nights or triple glazed windows. Yes I do believe it is unfair to expect someone to live in a noisy environment, even the millions do, but lets get things into perspective and set a sensible noise level and 40 dB certainly seems OK, but 32dB is ridiculously low.

Remember also the Ropers are in the minority. The vast majority of local residents in Alton are in support of the park recognising how critical it is to the local economy. I can't genuinely see Alton Towers closing over this but it could be put on the back burner and left to decline. Then what would all the B&B's, pubs etc. do? Perhaps they could sue the Ropers for loss of earnings.

Gossip and Rumours

2007-03-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Despite being a journalist for a couple of amusement industry publications it can often be difficult to get definite facts and figures from the parks to include in articles, especially for new rides. More often than not I pick up on a tit bit of a rumour from someone and then have to plug away at the parks and manufacturers to try and get some form of a confirmation. You can't blame the parks for wanting to keep their big new attraction a secret, you don't want to invest millions only for someone else to find out and come and out do you at the last minute. Of course the manufacturers themselves have to keep tight lipped they are locked into a confidentiality clause and can't jeopardise future contracts by letting slip what's coming next.

When writing articles you often want to be the first to break a story, and luckily I have done this on a few occasions, but there is a fine line between publishing what is fact and what is speculation. I have a very good relationship with several parks who always help me. It's a two way streak as those that help me naturally get the extra publicity. Over the years of working in the media I've developed a bit of a reputation and several producers and reporters call me when they want information or advice regarding the amusement industry. Naturally when they want somewhere to film I always suggest the parks that have been helpful to me. Not just to get them more coverage as a thank you but also because I know they're easy to work with.

One park I get on very well with is Drayton Manor They have a fantastic PR company who are quick and helpful to get information. As a result over the past 5 years I've been involved with several programs and news features filmed there. Not to mention that the park itself has a fantastic collection of rides and attractions. Some very unique like Shockwave and G Force which go to making Drayton Manor one of my favourite parks in the UK.

When it comes to rumours the web is fantastic. I usually read a rumour then dig around my contacts to try and confirm or deny the rumour. There are several very good rumour sites and Screamscape is one of the best. Lance Hart is the owner of the site and we often share information when and where we can. Like me he has established a good collection of sources and neither of us do anything to risk jeopardising those relationships.

When writing about the amusement industry it's often a case of joining the dots, you pick up pieces of the jigsaw from several sources and hopefully 2 and 2 equals 4. But sometimes you get over excited and end up with 5.

Merlin buys Tussauds

2007-03-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Merlin Entertainment have been on a major spending spree lately. They've snapped up the Sea Life Centres, Dungeons, Legolands and Gardaland over the past 24 months and now they've just bought Tussauds from DIC. This now makes Merlin Entertainment the second largest company in the business 2nd only to Disney. This doesn't take into account that Merlins parent company Blackstone also have major ownership stakes in Six Flags.

I believe this is good news because Merlin Entertainment seem set on building an amusement industry empire and they're not just investment capitalists putting money where ever they feel fit. The Tussauds exec sees this as a chance to expand the business. I'm hoping this means as well as new parks/attractions appearing around the globe that exisitng attractions will receive major investments. Since taking over the Legoland brands Merlin have already announced plans to build a new large scale park in the US and a small city centre park in Berlin.

Looking at how Tussauds enters into this attraction empire I think different parks may change or expand.

Chessington World of Adventures is a major rival to Legoland Windsor going for the same target audience. As they are now owned by the same company what strategy will Merlin take. I can't see Legoland changing as it is a global brand. I do wonder, as has been apaprent over the past 12 months, if CWOA will heavily rely on animals and become more of a zoo with a few rides rather than be an out and out theme park. I wouldn't be surprised if a Sea Life centre was added to CWOA. It's crying out for it. That way you have 2 completly different parks attracting the same audience and therefore justifying 2 day trips. I know Legoland Billund is adding an aquarium attraction for 2007 but I still say it would make more sense to add this to CWOA than Legoland Windsor.

Thorpe will continue to grow as a park for older families, no point going after Legolands audience now you've found a new niche for CWOA. Perhaps Thorpe will get a push as a European destination much like Alton Towers. Especially as it will soon get its own hotel. Thorpe will still need its share of attractions for the younger audience but will focus on older thrill seekers. Given its proximity to Heathrow it would make sense to go after a European audience. Brits go to Europa Park and Phantasialand so why can't Europeans come to Thorpe. Thorpes hotel cold be sued to serve Legoland Windsor too, especially if they were to provide a courtesy shuttle bus.

Alton will continue to grow as a resort. I'd anticipate Merlin using their Dungeon brand in conjunction with the Towers itself. Maybe a new dark ride alongside Hex. A Sea Life centre also wouldn't be out of place as a 2nd gate. Perhaps as is planned elsewhere around the globe create a small Legoland attraction as 3rd gate (1 to open in Berlin soon). Legoland Windsor can't really attract people from north of Alton Towers so Legoland Staffordshire shouldn't have to much impact on Legoland Windsor. Especially if it's of the smaller regional model they are currently pushing. I gather they are planning a third hotel so with at least 1 more gate I think you'll see more people taking long weekends to Alton Towers. With a water park, theme park, aquarium you would want to spend at least 2 night there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gardaland and Heide park were also to receive their own regional Legolands and Sea Life Centres. Compared to a roller coaster they would be relatively cheap to add, would increase the parks capacity, have a wider audience, and potentially increase revenue as upcharge or 2nd gate attractions. With both parks already having the infrastructure for attractions ie. parking, catering, maintenance, utilities, it would be easier to add 2nd gates to these locations than to brand new locations. With parks having second gates and needing more time to visit a hotel becomes necessary so visitors can spend a couple of days there. With hotels comes even more revenue, not just from guests but also from corporate events, weddings etc.

With regard developments at the parks we've been told about things have gone quiet over the past few months of Alton Towers new area. I wonder if this sale has been quietly bubbling away and DIC didn't want to spend megabucks on something they wouldn't see a return on. We can only keep our fingers crossed that Merlin will want to continue with the project albeit I expect with a slight delay. The same could be said of the roller coaster planned for Thorpe, although given that it isn't due till 2009 that may not be affected as much. Unless of course it's a woodie and Merlin don;t want 2 new woodies opening in their parks in the same year.