PW June 09 P39-40.qxd 5/26/09 2:26 pm Page 40
Park Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
LEFT TO RIGHT: Dutch Village/CP Huntington Train, Dr Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, Polar Coaster
come to Story Land,” contends Miller. “Families are always looking for years. On the corporate side, we’re hopeful and optimistic that our new
a value, and Story Land is just one tank of gas from most of New owners and their investors understand the business needs and
England.” responsibilities of a small rural family park like ours."
Story Land features 20 themed rides, including classics like the It's as if Jim Miller was echoing the thoughts of Stoney Morrel, whose
Antique Carousel and the Dutch Shoes, as well as newer rides such as words in 1990 still resonate today. "As the pace of the world becomes
the Flying Fish and the Eggs-traordinary Tractors. All are designed for faster and quality family time more scarce, the need for clean, relaxing,
parents and children to enjoy together. In addition there are three stage inspiring environments which serve to renew our spirit becomes ever
shows, including a professional circus, play areas, live animals, flower greater. In a time when consumerism is measured in number of units
gardens, four gift shops and a wide variety of places to eat. sold, we'll be providing a product which people take home not in their
pockets, but in their hearts."
The Five Ss
"It’s very difficult to single out any one attraction as the most popular
with our guests," Miller admits. "Young kids love the play areas like Every ride tells a Story
Grandfather Tree and the characters like Cinderella and the Old
Woman Who Lives in a Shoe. Older ones, say 8 to 12 years old, tend
Although former business co-ordinator Jim Miller insists, “we’re really not
to favour the bigger rides like Dr Geyser’s Raft Ride and the Polar
about rides and games,” Story Land nevertheless adds something new every
Coaster. Probably the most common denominator for all of our guests
year or two. The park’s rides are most accurately described as “family
would be the Huff Puff & Whistle Railroad.'"
amusement rides” rather than “thrill rides” or “kiddie rides,” intended to
"Story Land has always operated with a core philosophy of the 'Five
accommodate parents and young children at the same time. Here’s a list of
Ss'" offers Miller. "That is safe, smooth, smiling, spotless and service,
the 21 rides currently operating at Story Land and who supplied them:
with the foundation being, 'take care of people, and the numbers will – Flying Fish (Flying Scooters), Larson International
take care of themselves.' We keep the focus of the crew on those Five
– Henrietta’s Eggs-traordinary Tractors (Do-Re-Mi Tractor), SBF
Ss, with a handful of us in the back office keeping a close eye on the
numbers."
– Crazy Barn (Crazy House), Preston & Barbieri
Story Land has 40 year-round employees, and nearly 400 during the
– Swan Boats, RP Creations/in-house
summer. The park caters to families with children living in or near New
– Cuckoo Clockenspiel, Wisdom/in-house design
England. It also draws from America's mid-Atlantic region and – Whirling Whales (Dive Bomber), Wisdom
Canada's maritime provinces and Quebec. The season runs from late
– Great Balloon Chase (Ferris Wheel), Zamperla
May through to mid October. The park's only group sales are to local
– Slipshod Safari, new cars/wagons by Kubota 2000
grade schools for field trips in June and some nearby summer camps,
less than 2% of its business.
– Polar Coaster, OD Hopkins & Morgan
– Turtle Twirl (Tilt-a-Whirl), Sellner
Lasting a Lifetime
– Bamboo Chutes (Log Flume), OD Hopkins
As well as adding new attractions Story Land places equal emphasis on – Dr Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, OD Hopkins
maintaining individual features. "In 2008 we focused on our shows,
– Alice’s Tea Cups, Philadelphia Toboggan Company
bringing in the Royal Hanneford Circus for performances under a big-
– Silver Mine Tour (interactive walk-though), in-house
top tent from Memorial Day weekend (late May) through to Labor Day
(early September),” notes Miller. “We also upgraded our stage shows
– Dutch Shoes (elevating merry-go-round), Allen-Herschell
with productions and talent from American Entertainment. Both of these
– Antique Carousel, Heyn 1800s
features were big hits with our guests." – Buccaneer Pirate Ship (passenger boat), Jimmy Jones Boatyard
"We’ve very recently gone from being a family-owned, independent
– Story Land Queen (passenger boat), in-house
small business," he cautions, "to becoming a small part of a much
– CP Huntington railroad trains (five engines, four in service),
larger, global corporate family of parks under the Parques Reunidos
Chance
banner, so we’re all just starting to get acquainted. Our core plans for
the future at the park level and from an operational perspective are to
– Antique Cars, Chance
stay true to our ‘brand’ and deliver the same focused, charming and
– Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach, Mountain Valley
memorable Story Land experience that our guests have loved for 55
Fabrication/in-house
40 JUNE 2009
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