Etnaland’s transformation from waterpark to theme park is complete. Now in addition to all the waterslides and
attractions you’d expect, Sicily’s leading family entertainment destination is also home to a package of thrilling thrill rides including a signature rollercoaster from Mack Rides
STORM IN SICILY T
Mack Rides assists Etnaland expansion
he Storm, a Mack Megacoaster featuring a single inversion, is one of two new rides from the German manufacturer now thrilling guests to the facility outside the city of Catania. Also there for their enjoyment is Kaos, a Mack Twist ‘n’ Splash, which provides the perfect way to cool off in the Sicilian heat. After examining a number of other concepts, including a spinning coaster, Etnaland director Francesco Russello opted for the Megacoaster because, “we wanted our guests to experience the emotion of flying on a very impressive and strong coaster with humps, a helix, heart roll and 3.5+G force, but at the same time on a very smooth and twisting track.”
Stormin’ stats Featuring 757-metres of blue track and a footprint of 170 x 48m, The Storm is similar in appearance to Blue Fire at Europa-Park in Germany, Mack’s first Megacoaster. Its two 16-seater trains feature the same lap bars (rather than overhead restraints), allowing for a minimum passenger height of 1.3m. Based on an approximate ride cycle of 136 seconds – just over a minute of which is spent in the “thrill zone” – The Storm can accommodate around 850 riders per hour. After climbing to the top of the 30 metre lift hill and diving into the 68° first drop, they reach speeds of up to 100kmh (62mph). It’s a thrilling ride, and one of the largest coasters in Southern Italy, but unlike Blue Fire, Russello choose to have a chain lift rather than a launch. And the reason's simple: “We want a launch coaster to be the next ride in our park” he tells Park World.
Kaos (Twist ‘n’ Splash) 30
The Etnaland director says the airtime and the heart roll are his favourite elements of The Storm, and he’s certain he’s chosen the right ride for this important stage in the park’s evolution. “We tried many coasters of different companies but the Blue Fire in Europa-Park was absolutely the best for our needs. In building the new theme park we signed contracts with several companies from across the world, but there are some qualities that money cannot buy and no contract can offer. Working with Mack Rides has been really a pleasure for their professionalism, fairness and friendship.” Kaos, the park’s pirate-themed Twist ‘n’ Splash, is the latest of several water rides at Etnaland. Russello said it appealed because it’s a new product on the market and perfect for both theme park and waterpark
JUNE 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52