Park Profile
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Like A Bird As well as Canada’s Wonderland, WindSeeker has now opened at three other Cedar Fair parks, namely Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California; Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio; and Kings Island, near Cincinnati, Ohio. Parts for the rides were shipped to the USA in 100 containers from Mondial’s factory in the Netherlands. Canada’s Wonderland vice-president and general manager Raffi Kaprelyan has already ridden WindSeeker many times: “It’s thrilling, smooth and comfortable, with a spectacular view,” he says. “You feel like a bird soaring over the park. And on a hot day it offers a cool breeze as the wind flows by you. Guests will enjoy WindSeeker because of its height and the soaring sensation they feel as they enjoy the view of the surrounding area." Canada’s Wonderland briefly opened the ride in late
May, only to close it down almost immediately when the angled arms supporting the seats bounced too much. Shock-absorber-like dampers were added to the arms to help mitigate the problem and allow the ride to reopen. All the sister parks duplicated the changes made at Canada's Wonderland before opening their versions. “Mondial was very co-operative and easy to work with," relates Kaprelyan. “They were open to suggestions including the eventual height of the ride, the swinging and motion mechanics, and the lighting package. We are very satisfied with the resulting ride. They’re good people, a pleasure to work with.” “We value the relationship we have been able to build with Cedar Fair,” confirms Mondial’s Niels Thalens. “We are very impressed with their parks, with the organisation, and with the people involved. Their input in the project has been great. We are proud to be able to present four WindSeekers at Cedar Fair parks this year and we are looking forward to working together more in the future.”
Must-Do Attraction Canada’s Wonderland features several other Mondial rides. Riptide, is a Splash Over (Top Spin style ride) introduced in 2000. Shockwave, a Top Scan, was added in 2001, and Psyclone, a Revolution (similar to a giant Frisbee), in 2002. WindSeeker is the park’s fourth ride from the respected Dutch manufacturer. “WindSeeker is a great addition to our ride collection,” Kaprelyan believes, “and helps keep us competitive in a large metropolitan city that offers an endless supply of alternative entertainment for teens and families.”
The new attraction replaces Jet Scream, an Intamin
Looping Starship added in 1990. With the opening of WindSeeker, Canada’s Wonderland now has 68 rides, giving the park one of the largest selections in North America, and highlighting its status as one of the busiest parks in the Cedar Fair chain. “We are continuing to change the landscape at Canada’s Wonderland and with the addition of WindSeeker we have an attraction that is 70ft (21.3m) higher than our previous tallest rides Drop Tower and Behemoth”, notes Kaprelyan. “For riders that are looking for extreme height and intense thrills, this ride will be a must-do for 2011.”
AUGUST 2011 23
30th Anniversary Spectacular
As part of the park’s 30th birthday celebrations, Canada’s Wonderland is hosting a nightly show called Starlight Spectacular. This vibrant display of stunning visuals, created by artists at Tantrum Design, brings an entire mountain to life. The show, which runs through the summer, dazzles the senses as Wonder Mountain is transformed by a colourful combination of 2D motion designs and 3D animations that are precisely mapped and projected onto the mountain providing the illusion that events are unfolding in front the audience.
“Starlight Spectacular is being called one of the best shows in our 30 year history,” declares Dave Phillips, the park’s vice-president of marketing and sales. “It’s the perfect way to finish off a great day of thrilling rides and water park fun.”
canadaswonderland.com
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