Park News
parkworld-online.com
Meet the Transformers New ride launches in Orlando
Promoted as “the greatest battle guests will ever ride”, Transformers: The Ride has finally made its way to the theme park capital of the world. Following its roll out to Universal’s parks in Singapore and Hollywood, guests at Universal Studios Florida can now enjoy the experience. The 3D dark ride was developed with the director of the popular Transformers films, Michael Bay. An all-action storyline is brought to life by custom animation, massive sets, multiple technological effects and multi-motion ride
vehicles from Oceaneering. Riders are immersed in battles between "life-sized" Autobots and Decepticons. They dodge relentless attacks, explosions and missiles. And they come face-to- face with Megatron – who wants to destroy them. The perfect partner to The Amazing Adventures of SpiderMan as sister park Islands of Adventure, Transformers: The Ride was built at Universal Studios Florida in just one year – the fastest build time for such an attraction in Universal history.
World’s highest wheel?
Following our feature last month on giant wheels and observation attractions, reader John Ellis has alerted to us to a ride he believes may actually be the world’s hightest Ferris Wheel. At 62-metres in diameter, the ride is certainly no match for the record- breaking 165m Singapore Flyer, however its mountainside location overlooking the city of Tiblisi, Georgia, means it is actually stands 727m above sea level.
The ride was installed by the World Wheel Company, represented by Ellis and his associates, which can provide rides of 50, 62, 88, 104, 115, 120 and 150m in diameter. Do you know of a ride in a location higher than this?
Singapore Eye? Could the Singapore Flyer become the Singapore
Eye? The operator of the world’s tallest observation wheel, Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd, was put into receivership at the end of May. Since then Merlin Entertainments’ managing director of Midway Attractions Glenn Earlam has told BBC News that: “We continue to be interested in the Singapore Flyer.” Were the attraction giant to take over the 165m-tall wheel, it would almost certainly rebrand it as the Singapore Eye, in keeping with its other observation experiences around the world including the London Eye.
Opened in 2008 overlooking the city’s Marina
Bay, the Singapore Flyer is surrounded by more high buildings and lookouts than is the case in London, including observation decks such as 1- Altitude and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark. In 2011, the Flyer’s operators added an interactive gallery called Journey of Dreams to enhance the guest experience. Visitors can also take advantage of premium packages such as a Sky Dining experience with a butler, High-Tea Flight, and various drinks packages including a Singapore Sling and Champagne Flight. “The giant wheel combines the evergreen appeal of a Ferris Wheel with the timeless draw of an iconic observation platform,” a Flyer spokeperson tells Park World. “We believe that Singapore Flyer is a must-see attraction in Singapore and that there will always be people to visit us and see what we can offer them.” The accounting firm Ferrier Hodgson is reported to be seeking new investors for the attraction, which also includes a small shopping mall-style development around its base. Such space would be attractive to Merlin Entertainments for it to add one of its “Midway” attractions such as Madame Tussauds or Sea Life, which it often “clusters” together at its various sites.
8
UK prime minister opens all access
farm park Fairytale Farm, the UK's first farm park designed around the needs of children with varying disabilities – but open to all – was officially opened by Prime Minister and local member of parliament David Cameron on 21 June.
During a tour of the site in Chippong Norton, Oxfordshire, Cameron met Olivia Laister, 15-year-old daughter of park owners Nick and Nicola Laister, who suffers from cerebral palsy and was the inspiration for the project. Built at a cost of £1 million, the park was funded almost entirely by the Laister family with the help of a group of volunteers. The prime minister described the project as "inspirational", recalling special memories of how his late son Ivan, who had both cerebral palsy and epilepsy, loved to stroke the fleeces of young lambs. Fairytale Farm is described as a sensory and learning wonderland for all the family, and no pre-booking is required for guests to enjoy the attractions,
regardless of their ability. Features include an adventure
playground with a wheelchair swing, an enchanted walk, plus of course lots of farm animals.
fairytalefarm.co.uk
David Cameron cuts the ribbon as Nick and Grace Laister look on
JULY 2013
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