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Angry Birds Land App meets amusement park in Finland
Särkänniemi Adventure Park in Tampere, Finland, is to open a new zone based around the computer game Angry Birds. Set to open this summer, Angry Bird Land promises an “interactive entertainment experience where the physical and virtual world combine.” Developed in association with the Finnish software developer Rovio Entertainment, the new addition to the park will feature design from Bruce D Robinson of Cincinatti. Details of the planned rides and attractions will be released later this spring.
Since it was released for the iPhone in December 2009, Angry Birds has it become the biggest-selling paid “app” ever in both Apple’s UK and US App Stores. The game has now been downloaded more than 700 million times across all platforms. “We wanted to create a unique themed area associated with a strong brand,” says Särkänniemi CEO Miikka Seppälä. “The Angry Birds characters were born in Finland but are known worldwide by people of all ages. This is a perfect fit for our park.”
Ninja Turtles take over Nickelodeon Universe
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Shell Shock is one of three Gerstlauer attractions opening this season in North America. The 72-ft-tall SkyFly attraction is destined for Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America.
The ride features a giant arm with 12 single seat gondolas. During the experience, passengers are free to flip “wings” by their side in order to complete barrel rolls in the sky.
The new ride is one of three SkyFlys opening this season around the world, the other two going to Nigoland in France and Legoland Deutschland. The indoor park in Minnesota already boasts a Gerstlauer EuroFighter and spinning coaster.
According to Rovio’s executive vice-president of licensing and merchandising, Harri Koponen, the new addition at Särkänniemi will be, “the first of several Angry Bird parks around the world” with the goal being “to motivate the fans, both adults and children, to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.” Särkänniemi’s 2012 season starts on April 28.
Särkänniemi
Kernels
Lo-Q has signed a three-year deal with Palace Entertainment/Parques Reunidos to introduce a virtual queuing system at Splish Splash waterpark in Riverhead, New York. Guests will be able to rent a Q- band waterproof wristband, enabling and reserve a "virtual" place in line at the park's most popular slides.
A troupe of Mexican Olympic high divers will be the stars of a new show opening this summer at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, England. La Quebrada will be performed in a purpose built arena in the shadow of the Big One rollercoaster. The park’s live entertainment offer will receive another boost in July when the 75th edition of the IAAPA Big E Award- winning skating spectacular Hot Ice opens at the Pleasure Beach Arena.
Professional simulation specialist Cruden has moved into new premises in Amsterdam to handle increased orders from customers in the motorsport, automotive, attractions and training markets. The new facility is just 15 minutes from Schiphol airport and two minutes from the Amsterdam ring road.
Legoland Windsor Hotel
Guests at Legoland Windsor near London will be able to enjoy the “ultimate sleepover” at the world’s first purpose-built Legoland Hotel. At the entrance is a clock tower featuring a 6-metre smoke-breathing Lego dragon, while featured in the lobby is a floor to ceiling exploding toy box mobile and a reception wall made from 6,000 mini Lego figures. A team of six children have been appointed as “junior concierges” for the official opening on March 17. With this addition to the park, operator Merlin Entertainment has now rebranded the property Legoland Windsor Resort.
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MARCH 2012
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