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SkyJump Las Vegas
ParkBloggin’
The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is preparing for its next big thrill.
Best described as a “controlled freefall,” SkyJump Las Vegas will offer adrena- By Dr Jack Samuels
line junkies the opportunity to plummet 855ft from the tower’s 108th floor.
Sound like fun?
The attraction will provide participants with a breathtaking view of the world
Inspiring the
famous Las Vegas Strip …if they can bear to keep their eyes open. It is
Employees of Tomorrow
expected to open this April, joining the existing trio of thrill rides on top of the
Stratosphere Tower – the Big Shot tower ride, X-Scream see-saw drop and
Each year at IAAPA Attractions Expo, the association features some
Insanity swing.
wonderful young folks called “ambassadors.” They engage in such
“We’re incredibly excited to bring SkyJump Las Vegas to the Stratosphere,” says
things as hosting conference sessions, giving exhibit hall tours and
Frank Riolo, CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties. “This will be helping to execute the countless events that throughout the week. The
not onlyNorth America’s only SkyJump but also the highest in the world.” ambassador programme gives young people a real world one-week
A similar attraction can already be found operating in Auckland, New internship, a window into all aspects of our exciting industry, opening
Zealand. In Las Vegas, guests will be given a short safety lesson and then kitted the door to countless career paths.
out in custom “jump suits.” Connected to a patented high-speed “descender” At the IAAPA convention this November in Las Vegas I spent an
and led to the edge of a hour with two of the ambassadors. Britanny Chidester, a
small platform, they will leap communications student at the University of Evansville in Indiana,
out. Guide wires keep riders grew up in the amusement industry working at Holiday World &
from straying off course in Splashin' Safari. What else would you expect from a gal that grew up
this safe yet audacious in Santa Claus, Indiana? Justin Arthur, meanwhile, studies at the
experience. Just prior to Central Florida University in Orlando, where he is mentored by
reaching the ground, the Duncan Dickson, founder of the Walt Disney World College Program.
machine slows the rider Don’t underestimate the power of such initiatives in selling
down, bringing them to a employment in your park. Even though you may not have a large
controlled and safe landing. number of full-time jobs, young people need to be exposed to the
A taste of what
“While the entire experience,
guests can expect at
opportunities in this industry, which is predicted grow faster than many
the Stratosphere
from preparation to landing, other industries in the years to come. We need to fully explain to them
Tower
takes just 30 minutes, the thrill that the amusement industry builds valuable skills in such things as
will last a lifetime,” adds Riolo. communications, customer service and problem solving. There is no
“The Stratosphere has made a
better place to develop the workers of tomorrow.
commitment to reinvesting in
Consider doing a
our property at all levels and
variety of different things
this will be an outstanding
for your employees. Be
addition for everyone –
sure to show them the
whether you’re making the leap
diversity of the industry,
yourself or watching others
and all of the related
daring enough to do it.”
hospitality industries that
they can enter as a
Roy E Disney 1930-2009
result of their
amusement industry
Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O Disney, and nephew
experience. Positions
of Walt Disney, passed away on December 16 at the age of 79 in California.
using similar skills are
Roy played a key role in the revitalisation of The Walt Disney Company and
found on cruise lines, in
Disney’s animation legacy. He was associated with the company for more than
hotels, events planning,
56 years, and from 1984-2003 served as vice-chairman of the board of
sports management, tour operators, colleges and universities.
directors and chairman of the Studios’ animation department. In recent years, he
Help your employees explore the large number of academic
held the title of director emeritus and consultant.
programmes available. Invite local universities to come visit and talk
As head of Disney animation, he helped to guide the Studios to a new golden
the opportunities available. Assist them in finding off-season
age of animation with a string of artistic and box office successes including The
employment in related areas of work. Offer scholarships for
Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King.
academic study.
Born in Los Angeles on January 10, 1930, Roy E Disney attended Harvard
Expose your staff to trade organisations in and outside the
School and Pomona College before joining Walt Disney Studios in 1953 as an
amusement industry. You will find exposing your team members to
assistant film editor. He left the company in 1977 to
these ideas and opportunities will motivate them to perform better in
become an independent producer and investor. Roy
your workplace, and ultimately make your guests happier too.
served on the board of trustees of California Institute of
Try it this season in your park!
the Arts, was an advisory member to the United States Dr Samuels is professor and co-ordinator of the Leisure Industries and Tourism
Committee for UNICEF and a member of the board of programme at Montclair State University, New Jersey, and a Walt Disney
trustees of Ronald McDonald House charities. World college programme co-ordinator. He also provides diverse consulting in
Roy Disney is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four
marketing, facility development, customer service, safety, event management
children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney, in
and promotional activities such as birthday parties. He can be reached at
addition to 16 grandchildren.
samuelsj@mail.montclair.edu
FEBRUARY 2010
9
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