October 2008
Mondial is just about to ship the second of two Splash Over rides to China. The double Top Spin style attractions will both open next season at parks to be confirmed. More details and exclusive factory photos next issue. The trusted Dutch manufacturer is also currently fabricating a 55-metre giant Ferris Wheel for a showman in Holland.
Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg, Germany, will unveil a major new coaster in 2009 from, you’ve guessed it, Mack Rides. The attraction is thought to be a launch coaster.
Leading Chinese ride manufacturer Golden Horse Amusement aims to offer a complete range of services to park operators and developers after establishing a new concept design and masterplaning division. Other Golden Horse subsidiaries include GH Entertainment Technologies, producing arcade games and dark rides, and GH Park Theming.
CLM Entertainment, a US-based leisure consulting firm, recently formed a new division to helping clients manage the rising cost of energy and develop environmentally responsible policies and procedures. According to CLM, eligible clients can realise savings between 5 and 15% by implementing power conditioning and power factor correction systems.
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation in Hong Kong has called for continued donations to help rebuild Sichuan’s 12 panda reserves devastated by earthquake in May. Ocean Park made the plea as its own young pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, celebrated their second birthday in August. The park has promised a trip to the Chengdu Research Base for panda breeding for the guest who makes the single biggest donation.
Chinese manufacturer Nanfang Amusement Rides is to supply a giant wheel to a new park in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The company is also working on its own version of the Star Flyer ride.
Jill Schmelzer has joined Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, Darien Center, New York, as its new public relations supervisor. Previously with Bee Group Newspapers as editor of The Ken-Ton Bee, she will also work on include revamping the employee training process for the 2009 season and working with the park’s web site designers in addition to her media relations duties.
The London-based Vitala Group is to help build an eco resort in Vietnam, its second project announced in the country this year. In agreement with Chia Khoa Vang Import Export Tourist Services, Vitala will finance, design and develop the “Golden Key” development in Dalat City. The resort will comprise numerous hotel concepts and villas, a rehabilitation resort, indoor/outdoor waterpark, children’s farm, numerous eco leisure facilities and an 18-hole golf course. Construction on the $250 million project is predicted to commence in May 2009, with completion set for late 2011.
