Park Hoppin’
www.parkworld-online.com PW-APR20-Bertazzon_Layout 1 20/04/2020 19:03 Page 1
Park Hoppin’ With Susan Storey
In association with T
hey say the attractions industry “gets in your blood.” Those of us who work in it understand. Vacations are taken during non-traditional time periods, family dinners involve discussions about new rides, and close friends began as colleagues, and soon are part of an extended, global family. So knowing this, the question is – what about the kids of us “industry people”? Is their passion the result of nature, nurture, or their own personal discovery? There is no better place for this passion than in Central Florida. Our skyline features a volcano, StarFlyers, an observation wheel, SkyCoasters, several B&M coasters, a Great Coaster, and evening fireworks that make the casual drive home spectacular. I have always loved amusement parks. That passion remains strong as I share experiences with my son. Together we visit parks, rides, attractions, and themed events. The day he reached the pivotal 54-inch height requirement we headed straight to SeaWorld Orlando, to ride the Manta roller coaster. He held my hand tight the entire ride and laughed as we dove through the pretzel roll. From there we dashed to Mako, my favorite. I was eager to share the magic of the front seat, he insisted the backrow is best. We both won that day; we rode front, back – and the middle. Even through the pandemic, we kept riding. Enhanced safety
protocols allowed parks to open and for us to continue visiting. That tradition continues, and on weekends, we often return to SeaWorld to watch the Clyde and Seamore sealion and otter show, feed the seals and then, ride Mako. As we head up that first lift hill, my kiddo’s hands are in the air, ready to fly. Soon we are sailing full throttle along beautiful purple track. His arms remain high, and his smile broad and bright, and my pumping heart is full. My son’s passion for the attractions industry grows stronger every day - right alongside mine. Is it our shared genes? Is it our shared experiences? Or is just a key part of who we are? Whatever the reason, we will keep visiting and sharing. You could say, “Park Hoppin’” is our way of life.
4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
