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ParkHoppin’
by Paul Ruben
Spins and Spills
Last summer I visited the historic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park in Sylvan Beach, New York, and was pleased to find a Rotor. I hadn't ridden a Rotor in years. Riding the Rotor gives me the spins. The original Rotor appeared in Germany back in 1955. Built by Anton Schwarzkopf, it was operated by its inventor, Ernst W Hoffmeister from Hamburg. The Rotor at Sylvan Beach is one of 38 that were made by Chance in the US. Most were sold to carnivals, but a few found their way into amusement parks. In the early 1970s, Chance manufactured both stationary and portable versions of the Rotor that are still found in several American parks, the last built in 1993 for Elitch Gardens. Although you’ll still find a few doing the rounds in Europe (they seem to have been making a comeback in the UK in recent years), they are almost obsolete on the travelling circuit in the US, replaced by Wisdom’s modern-day equivalent, the Gravitron. Like the Gravitron, the Rotor uses basic centrifugal force to pin its occupants to the outsides of a wooden cylinder. Once the optimum speed is reached and the riders are safely stuck to the wall, the operator lowers the floor, leaving riders stuck high up the wall. As the cylinder gradually slows to a stop, riders slowly slide down the wall eventually landing on the lowered floor. The Gravitron's floor doesn't drop; wimpy ride.
Discovering the Sylvan Beach Rotor took me back to an earlier time. it was the 1970s. I remember riding the Rotor at Crystal Beach, near Buffalo, New York. This was before pay-one-price at most amusement parks. Each ride required tickets. I loved the Rotor because, as long as you stayed on the ride or on the
observation deck, you could ride at no additional charge. Six tickets? Ride forever! Or at least that’s what I hoped. I liked to ride the Rotor upside-down. You would begin the ride against the cylinder laying on your shoulders with your feet up in the air. As the speed increased and the floor
dropped away you were plastered against the wall head down and feet up. For just six tickets I did this seven times in a row, and got the spins. Big spins. I didn't feel well. I staggered to the top rail on the observation deck and hurled over the side into the bushes. A protein spill. But I did not leave the Rotor, so I could ride again. What a bargain!
I rode one more time, upside-down, and suddenly it no longer felt like much of a bargain. Spill number two. Lost my desire to ride anything else that day. Went home. Yes, the Sylvan Beach Rotor took me back to an earlier time, but I did not ride it. Rotors give me the spins. From the observation deck it was fun to watch young riders experience the charm of the Rotor. I explained to several how to ride it upside down, but today's youth are just not as adventuresome as I had been. Or as foolish.
6
WOW! Snow in th
The Middle East's largest waterpark is set to open on June 1, bringing a taste of the Antarctic to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Developed by Polo Consulting from India, Ice Land features a snow theme and forms the first phase of the WOW RAK resort in Ras Al Khaimah, a joint development with local partners RAKIA and RAK Properties. Waterpark attractions include the world's largest manmade waterfall, over 35 slides, a children's pool, giant rain dance pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, two diving pools, snorkelling pool, aqua football pitch, steam baths and private cabanas. Together these facilities are designed to provide a full day visit, and draw visitors from across the UAE. Daily capacity is estimated at a massive 15,000, although to start with Polo has set a conservative target of 250,000 guests a year.
Shanghai Summit returns just
A third Asia Tourism Property & Attraction Summit is planned for Shanghai on May 31 and June 1 – timed to coincide with the city’s eagerly-awaited Expo 2010. Governments across the Asia Pacific region, including China, Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and India are seeking investment in attractions to promote tourism and property development, and many mega projects are under
planning or construction. The Global Leaders Institute, which is promoting the event at the Shanghai Marriott Hongqiao hotel, plans to unite investors, developers and attractions operators.
On track to become the world’s top destination by 2010, China continues to grow at a rapid pace. Already underway are several world-class theme parks, luxury resorts and eco areas, as well as numerous hotels, timeshare properties, apartment and villas. The model of leisure as an anchor and driver for real estate remains popular. As well as hosting the mega Expo event, which is forecast to attract 70 million people in just six months, Shanghai is also home to OCT’s new Happy Valley theme park, opened last summer in Sheshan. In November, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts finally made public its plans to build a Disneyland park in the Pudong district, placing even greater tourism focus on the city in the years to come. The 2010 ATPAS programme kicks off on Monday, May 31, with an opening
MAY 2010
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