Park News
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Merlin exits Earth Explorer Knoebels debuts
Belgium’s Earth Explorer science centre has been sold by Merlin Entertainments to the German company Blueprint Entertainment. Opened in 2004 as
Merlin’s next “Midway” (short stay) attraction concept, it was once earmarked for expansion alongside the group’s Sea Life and Dungeon brands, yet it never made it any further than the city of Ostend (Oostende). Merlin, of
course, has grown massively in recent years, both through acquisition and new attraction development, choosing instead to add alternative Midway formats to its portfolio including Madame Tussauds and Legoland Discovery Centre. Based around a concept conceived in conjunction with Belgian astronaut Dirk Frimout, with backing from the Frimout Foundation and various local and regional authorities, Earth
Pigs can fly at Six Flags!
A nice PR opportunity was exploited by the folks at Six Flags Over Georgia recently when it persuaded a ride load of employees to don pig costumes and hop on board its new SkyScreamer attraction. The 242ft construction at the park outside Atlanta is one of two Star Flyer rides supplied this season by Funtime to the American park chain. The other is
Explorer offers a unique and exciting way for families to experience how the four elements of nature – wind, fire, water and earth – have shaped our world, using simulators, a boat ride and various interactive experiments.
Blueprint Entertainment already runs two other science centre attractions, the Odysseum in Cologne and Explorado in Duisburg, Germany. The addition of Earth Explorer makes it a leader it the leading European independent operator in the sector. The Ostend attraction is currently closed but set to reopen soon. “With the acquisition of Earth Explorer we have implemented another step in our expansion strategy,” says Blueprint chairman Andreas Waschk, “and we are delighted to be able to ensure that such an exciting attraction will be maintained in the future.” Merlin’s links with Earth Explorer will be maintained as the new owners will work on joint marketing opportunities with the group’s remaining attractions in the area, including Sea Life Blankenberge.
earthexplorer.be
StratosFear StratosFear, the tallest Supershot tower ever by Larson International, has opened at Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The 148-foot-tall (45m) ride becomes the park’s tallest attraction. Up to 12 passengers are strapped into a circular carriage, hoisted to the top of the tower, then dropped straight down at speeds reaching 47 mph (76 kph) before being slowed and stopped by magnetic brakes. The ride also displays a light package fro Denny’s Electronics. Because of the park’s history of flooding, electrical components are mounted above ground. Knoebels has also added a Zamperla Crazy Submarine for the 2013.
World of Chima debuts at Legoland Florida
Here’s a sneak peek of the new water ride anchoring Legoland Florida’s new World of Chima area.
On The Quest for Chi, guests enter a temple to board an interactive boat ride by Mack and battle with water cannons in a quest for the energy source Chi. Outside of the main attraction guests will be able to race handheld Lego ripcord vehicles at Speedorz Arena. Families will be further immersed in the Chima story with the chance to meet characters Laval the Lion Prince and Cragger the Crocodile King, splash and play in Cragger’s Swamp play area and experience the new Chima 4D movie that is being rolled out this season to all Legoland parks and Legoland Discovery Centres across the world.
The new land in Florida was due for an official launch on July 3. The World of Chima is one of Lego’s latest story-based toy ranges.
The Quest for Chi (by Mack)
the record-breaking 400ft ride (123m) now soaring high above Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington (as featured last issue). “The SkyScreamer is the perfect addition to Six Flags over Georgia,” believes park president Dale Kaetzel. “Guests love the fact that they can look down on the Goliath hyper coaster, Great American Scream Machine, as well as downtown Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River.”
16 JULY 2013
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