Park News
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RC Racers
Third Disney park for Paris
Euro Disney has entered an agreement with the French government and other public parties, leading the way for an eco village and a third theme park at Disneyland Resort Paris.
RC Racer and Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
The 20-year deal, announced on September 14, extends an existing agreement with French authorities and frees up a potential 2,230 hectares for development at Marnee-la-Valleé. As well as any new theme park activity, there are also plans for new hotels and a sustainable project called Les Villages Nature de Val d’Europe, which will be built together with Pierre & Vanaces Group subject to market conditions. “We are renewing our collective confidence in the future of Disneyland Paris,” highlights Euro Disney CEO, Philippe Gas. “We are committed to developing our tourist destination and supporting France’s tourism leadership.” The French state estimates that around
€8 billion ($10.8bn) will be invested in the area between now and 2030, leading to a potential 70,000 direct and indirect jobs. As part of the plan, new housing is also earmarked for Val d’Europe.
Despite well-documented financial difficulties over the years, Disneyland Resort Paris has become Europe’s number one tourist attraction, with over 215 million visits since 1992. Credited with stimulating the park and attractions industry throughout central Europe, the Disneyland park alone accounts over 12 million annual guests. The neighbouring Walt Disney Studios Park attracts much lower attendance but is currently the subject of an ongoing major investment programme.
Knott's Halloween Haunt
One of the industry’s original Halloween events is back at “Knott’s Scary Farm” in Los Angeles. Due to start on September 24, Knott’s Halloween Haunt runs for 27 selected nights and transforms the family friendly theme park normally known as Knott’s Berry Farm into 160-acres of sheer terror. Featuring a whopping 13 mazes, seven hair-raising shows and three scare zones, the event is brought “alive” by as many 1,000 characters roaming throughout the park. For the younger guests Snoopy’s Costume Party in Camp Snoopy is an alternative daytime non- scare celebration.
http://haunt.knotts.com OCTOBER 2010 9
Park Bloggin’ by David Edmonds
Story First,
Technology Second! Media-based attraction experiences may seem like a new phenomenon, but they are as old as theme parks themselves. At Falcon’s Treehouse we use media to enhance the guest experience in both 2D and 3D in everything from dark rides to special products like our CircuMotion and new line of Spheron theatres. There is, however, a misconception that media is an “end-all” solution when creating attractions: if scenic was good, media is better. If 2D was better, 3D is best. The thought that media makes one attraction superior to another is misguided. While media can be used to enhance many experiences, it isn’t what truly makes a good attraction: the story does. Still, there are many awe-inspiring moments that can be created using new media technology. There are also situations and elements of storytelling that couldn’t be achieved without media. What is genuinely needed is a strong blend of story and media technology. One approach is CircuMotion, our unique, patent-pending product that blends 360° 3D media with a circular motion-base ride system. With synchronised
choreography and a radial guest orientation, CircuMotion immerses guests into a thrilling virtual world. The 3D surprises mustn’t be ever-present like in a 4D theatre; instead, used succinctly, they can highlight the action
The NanoSpheron as seen this summer’s Asian Attractions Expo
of the surrounding events when the guests do not expect it. We never want the 3D to drive the story; we want the story to drive the 3D moments. The first Circumotion installation will open soon in Asia.
Immersion was one of the key desires behind the creation of our newest theatre, the NanoSpheron, launched this summer at Asian Attractions Expo in Kuala Lumpur. A 3D domed theatre with AV components by Kraftwerk, NanoSpheron places each guest at the edge of the action as the media content surrounds them in ways they have never seen before. As little as 15 audience members can enjoy the experience, although larger capacity versions are available, with our MegaSpheron theatre able to accommodate 300 to 500 guests. From licensed content, to custom created storylines, the mixture of story and special effects is limitless. Media’s potential as a storytelling tool is immense, and it has been prominent in the theme park world for over 50 years. The difference is today we have infinite new ways to use and present media in this environment. Media is here to stay in the world of themed entertainment, but don’t forget the storytelling!
David Edmonds is a designer at Falcon’s Treehouse, an Orlando based provider of creative for the attractions industry.
www.falconstreehouse.com
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