“Today it is far more
Pax’s Cobra Loop, Switzerland
important to have a ride which is perfectly suitable for the location and theming of the park. Even more compact
rides with fewer inversions have the chance to become the public’s favourite if they are constructed and customised to the needs of each park’s conditions.” Peter van Bilsen, senior vice-president of marketing and
sales for Netherlands-based Vekoma Rides Manufacturing, places a similar focus on new technological developments in his initial considerations of today’s coaster industry. “Roller coasters have been opening up new horizons and
each year new technologies are developed to make them more innovative and comfortable and also more exciting,” he commented. “As a supplier, we try to be innovative but also follow the trends. With our modular train system we can basically offer the right attraction in each category.”
Safety first, branding second
Safety, of course, has always been paramount when
it comes to roller coaster design and development. And indeed, modern technological safety developments have enabled the roller coaster sector to soar to previously unthinkable heights. Sascha Czibulka, vice-president of Intamin Transportation, noted one of the many ways in which roller coaster manufacturers have turned to other industries in order to improve the safety of their products. “One good example is the use of magnetic brakes, which
were initially developed and employed in the transportation industry on moving railways,” he said. “Roller coasters become more and more comfortable
and safe over the years,” added Novikova. “The industry pays great attention not only to the external appearance, thrill factors and the overall entertainment of modern roller coasters, but also to their ultimate safety for passengers and excluding of any discomfort factors. “In Russia, we promote the establishing of new safety
standards and governmental regulations and we expect that a new law will soon come into effect, making
amusement park rides safer. Safety is first and foremost for the roller coaster and amusement industry as a whole. As roller coasters are the most sophisticated devices, they require state-of-the-art safety features. Undoubtedly, new developments in the safety of roller coasters have an effect on the entire theme park/leisure facility.” Seeg notes that while technological developments
continue to help the roller coaster sector evolve and change, issues surrounding licensing and branding are also having a major effect. “Licensing has already become a serious factor
concerning the layout of modern roller coasters. For example, if you want to simulate the feeling of driving a sports car, what would be more obvious than trying to brand a ride according to a manufacturer of sports vehicles? “Yes, this is still a development in process and the
traditional coasters have not been abolished altogether, although you can say that with the help of brands unique rides can be realised. Having the opportunity to establish partnerships between famous, popular brands and an amusement park’s ride enables it to gather more expertise and money in order to realise the project in the most realistic way possible.” Czibulka adds to this, stating: “The licensing or branding
of a roller coaster can be positive or equally negative. A good example where it worked perfectly is Superman: The Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World, Australia. The coaster itself is fantastic, but together with the well-known character and the story line it is a highly acclaimed attraction, which increases the overall experience to a maximum. However, if the ride system itself does not meet the visitor’s expectations created by the branding, the whole attraction may leave kind of a bad taste.”
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