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Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
Launch coaster debuts
at Plopsaland
Manta takes flight
The construction walls were pulled down around Central Florida's latest
rollercoaster over the first weekend in May as the attraction went into soft
Anubis: The Ride is the name of the new opening phase prior to an official launch over the Memorial Day weekend at
rollercoaster at Plopsaland in De Panne, the end of the month.
Belgium. The attraction is a Gerstlauer Manta at SeaWorld Orlando is the state's first inverted Flying Coaster from
launch coaster and arguably one of the Bolliger and Mabillard and features one of the most elaborate theming efforts
most extreme attractions in the family park around any such ride, including an aquarium in the queue line and a
to date. swooping turn over a lagoon and past waterfalls.
Based around the TV show Het Huis A full ride profile will feature in the July issue of Park World.
Anubis from Studio 100 (which owns the
Plopsa parks), this imposing coaster
launches to 88 km/h in 2 seconds and
includes such features as a vertical drop
and three inversions. The ride
comes equipped with V-Wing
vehicles with grandstand-style
seating.
“Plopsaland was looking for
something iconic and fitting for the
Anubis brand,” says Siegfried
Gerstlauer. “After working with them
we designed the layout and the ride,
especially the launch into a vertical
climb, which came out wonderfully.”
Sea Lion showcase
in North Wales
The owners of England’s West Midland Safari Park have opened a state-of-the
Vision XS conference
art sea lion show and arena at their Seaquarium site in Rhyl, North Wales.
The Vision XS consultancy has chosen to adopt the recession as the theme for
Sea Lion Cove is situated on the resort’s promenade and represents a £1
its 5th one-day conference, which takes place next month near Oxford,
million ($1.6m/Euro.0371.1m) investment for the ex-Sea Life Centre, purchased by
England. Natural Selection – Growing Stronger in a Recession will allow attrac-
WMSP in 2001.
tions operators to share experiences and formulate strategies to combat the
With seating for an audience of 300, the new arena is home to three
downturn.
harbour seals and three South African fur seals. The latest in glass technology
Vision XS founder Tony Sefton has helped foster growth in operations around
and filtration systems ensures that the water in the pool remains crystal clear at
the globe, from farm parks to zoos, museums, sports venues and major theme
all times.
parks. “The topic we will be coming together to address is a serious one for us
A second Seaquarium site is operated by WMSP in Weston-super-Mare.
all,” he says. “The question of how to move forward in a period of uncertainty
West Midland Safari Park itself is located near Kidderminster in Worcestershire.
without jeopardising the future is something for all operators to consider.”
“Following a rise in visitor numbers at all three sites, WMSP will continue to
Sefton will speak alongside a number of industry experts as they explore how
invest heavily,” reveals managing director Ivan Knezovich. New corporate,
attractions can make the most of everything they already have, including
conference and education facilities will open at the main park this year, and
marketing, catering, retail and human resources. Opening the conference will
future plans include a hotel, conference centre and an indoor waterpark.
be Juliana Delaney of Continuum Attractions, which operates five visitor
attractions in the UK, including the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and the
Canterbury Tales in Kent.
The event takes place on Wednesday, July 8, at Blenheim Palace, followed
by a dinner and solid evening’s networking for those choosing to stay the night.
For the full programme or to book, see: www.visionxs.co.uk
Asia’s largest marine park planned
Plans are afoot to make Zhuhai in Southern China the home of Asia’s largest
marine park. According to Guangzhou Daily, the local government is to spend
around RMB10 billion ($1.47bn/Euro.0691.1bn) creating Changlong Ocean World on
Hengpin Island.
An environmental impact assessment is currently being conducted. The first
phase of construction work is due by the end of the year in anticipation of
completion by 2012.
14
JUNE 2009
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