www.parkworld-online.com
ParkWord December 2011/January 2012
Fun fair, Luna park, fête foraine, feria, carnival or kirmes – whatever you know them as, they represent
arguably the brightest, brashest and rawest form of the amusement industry. Almost subconsciously, it seems travelling fairs hold a special place in many people’s hearts, something several theme park owners have acknowledged in recent years. After years of trying to make their properties look like anything but a fun fair, a handful of venues have added attractions celebrating the “carny” tradition, while affectionately poking fun at it. Witness Disney’s Dinoland USA at the Animal Kingdom in Florida, complete with several in-jokes about the boardwalks of North America, or The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios in Orlando/Hollywood, described wonderfully in the pre-show as an, “upsy-downsy, spins-aroundsy, teen- operated ride thrilltacular.” When Zamperla brought Luna Park back to Coney Island in 2010, the name was not only a nod to the old Brooklyn amusement park on the same site; it was also the Italian phrase for travelling fairs. Co-incidence? Certainly the theming at Coney Island 2.0 is classic carnival pastiche. The latest postmodern interpretation of the travelling fair is Thrill Mountain at Ocean Park in Hong Kong. The may be less of a fun fair tradition in this part of the world but, over the last decade or so, several foreign showmen have toured South East Asia with their travelling shows, whetting the local appetite for this unique form of entertainment. Thrill Mountain also celebrates Australian Luna Parks such as those found in Syndey and Melbourne, the giant smiling clown face giving the game away.
One thing that has always impressed me about travelling fairs is the efficiency with which ride operators can get people on and off their attractions during peak periods. Of course, knowing that every rider is clutching hard cash is a great incentive for maximising throughput, but so long as there is a queue there is no reason theme parks shouldn’t work with the same sense of efficiency (if it is safe to do so). Something tells me the bright lights, booming music and high energy rides of Thrill Mountain will be enough to keep everyone pumped up at Ocean Park during the forthcoming Chinese New Year holidays.
Owen Ralph - Editor
Editor Owen Ralph (+44 161 438 2934)
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Contributors this issue Marek Pisarski, Thomas Clarke
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DECEMBER 2011/JANUARY 2012 ISSN: 1462-4796
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DECEMBER 2011/JANUARY 2012
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