Front Gate
www.parkworld-online.com
Figures of Fun
7
million euros – fine issued to former Nürburgring chief executive for issues related to financing of the Ring°Werk motorsport park in Nuremburg, Germany
265
million US dollars – estimated cost of Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
190,000
US dollars – amount spent by IAAPA in the first quarter of 2010 lobbying the US government on health care and safety issues
2,000,000
estimated number of riders on Diamondback rollercoaster at Kings Island, Ohio, since it opened last year
21,130,100 visitors to Expo 2010 in Shanghai
during the first two months of opening
Produced in association with AECOM Economics.
www.aecom.com/economics
Ups & Downs
Water Not War - Designers used scrap metal, stones and wood from war-destroyed buildings to build a waterpark in Gaza. Crazy Water Park welcomed over 2,000 guests in its first week of opening
BigQuestion
Are 3D films in mainstream movie theatres a threat to your park's 3D/4D offering?
Peter Ronchetti, Legoland California: Not at all, in fact as the 3D/4D experience becomes more mainstream it can only encourage the production companies to come up with even more creative and imaginative ideas! Our film offerings such as the new A Clutch Powers 4D Adventure and Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster are tailored to our core audience of two to 12-year-old children and their families. They are thrilling, interactive and run for less then 12 minutes. We take 3D computer generated animation and add special effects such as wind, mist and smoke in the theatre for a 4D effect our guests can’t get in regular movie theatres. Plus, since our 4D movies are experienced as part of
a full day of fun at Legoland California, being just one of more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, they aren’t meant to clash or compete with the kind of two to three hour movie experience available in public movie theatres.
Paul Paik, Samsung Everland, South Korea: Actually, I think they tell us we are ahead of the game. We installed our first digital 3D/4D theatre in 2003, when we retrofitted an existing 2D motion base theatre. It provided a great, pioneering experience, and I remember people around me saying that digital theatres, especially 3D theatres, could never be realised. Since 3D technology has been in the theme park environment for quite a while, I would say that even in a regular movie theatre it gives people a taste of what they can expect at the park, and that only makes us look good. Outside of the park, our parent company is also ahead of the game, and has developed a pioneering, state-of-the-art 3D TV set. When you need to be part of the action, 3D provides an immersive experience. Now that the World Cup is on in South Africa, 3D TV is the next best thing to being there for us many miles away in Korea!
Fernando Medroa, Walibi Belgium: 4D goes further than 3D; it immerses the audience in the heart of the movie with numerous effects including moving seats, water sprays, air blasts, soap bubbles and light effects. It’s a global experience, unique to the theme parks, that the spectator in a classic cinema cannot experience. Walibi is currently showing SpongeBob SquarePants 4D, but I think the development of 3D can only be a good thing for the amusement industry as it will force the sector to innovate.
John Reilly, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, USA: The move into 3D/4D technology by mainstream theatres has helped boost ratings for attractions here at Busch Gardens, according to in-park guest satisfaction surveys. In fact, ratings for the park’s 3D/4D attractions are the highest they’ve been in years. A 4D production like Sesame Street’s Lights, Camera, Imagination offers guests an experience beyond what they get at a mainstream theatre. As well as the movie, the attraction also includes live interactions between guests and characters as well as themed elements that complete the guest experience.
Bye Bye Beijing - The 23-year-old Beijing Amusement Park closed its gates for good on June 17 after failing to be granted a renewal on its land use contract. Attendance has been in steady decline since the opening of new out-of-town theme parks
Potter Envy - Jealous of Universal Orlando’s new attraction, the Mayor of London has made a desperate plea for a Harry Potter theme park in the UK. “Harry Potter is not American. He is British,” grumbled the mayor
Mickey Misses Out - Euro Disney has reported a 32.4% deepening in its first half net earnings. The loss is blamed on falling attendance, notably from British visitors
Kuala Lumpur Calling - With over 200 confirmed exhibitors, this month's Asian Attraction Expo in Kuala Lumpur promises to be the biggest ever
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