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ROARR! set to open UK’s first Gigantosaurus Land
B
ased on the internationally renowned animated TV series, the UK’s first Gigantosaurus Land will be arriving in 2024 at the country’s number one dinosaur-themed adventure park.
ROARR! is set to embark on the biggest development in the park’s history, after being granted full permission to create a new four-acre interactive play-themed area within the existing 85-acre park. Gigantosaurus Land is a collaborative new partnership between ROARR! and Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide. UK-based bRAND-WARD, the kids IP consultancy and licensing agency, brokered the new partnership. The development of ROARR!’s new Gigantosaurus Land will be completed in three phases – with the first phase including a vertical volcano themed drop ride, spinning flower teacups, water play,
a jumping pillow, a towering wooden play ‘n’ climb den and much more… Designed to encourage exploratory and sensory family play, there will also be several interactive concepts for families to discover together – some featuring well-loved characters from the show including Rocky, Bill, Mazu and Tiny.
A smaller play area will also be created with younger children in mind, where kids can marvel at a slide made from Gigantosaurus’s scales. Visitors to Gigantosaurus Land will be greeted by a Cretaceous entranceway and can jump into humongous dinosaur footprints along the walkways. There will be new Dino themed food and beverage outlets in the Den setting from the show, plus Gigantosaurus’s Dino-Store to explore so families can take home a memento from their prehistoric day. Inspired by the visual and colourful designs featured within the TV programme and the stunning natural savannah setting – which is home to a host of prehistoric insects and creatures and set against the iconic backdrop of the fiery volcano – the new Land will be surrounded by a vibrant landscape of grassland, trees, and planting, with instantly recognisable flowers from Gigantosaurus.
Adam Goymour, park director at ROARR! said: “This is a momentous time in ROARR!’s
history and we are incredibly excited to begin the next stage of this significant project. To be working with Cyber Group Studios to bring to life the wonderful world of Gigantosaurus is a privilege and we can't wait to see our guests’ reactions when they visit this immersive and beautiful new area.”
Quassy's Ron Gustafson bids farewell to beloved park
Ron Gustafson knows the ins and outs of Quassy Amusement and Waterpark better than anyone and he has the career to prove it. Since 2002, Ron has witnessed the incredible expansion of the park and after two decades of serving as Quassy’s marketing and PR director, he departs with an impressive legacy while leaving an indelible mark on this beloved Connecticut amusement park. Over the years, Ron has worn many hats at Quassy. Aside from being the go-to guy for all things marketing and public relations, Ron was an educational programs coordinator, photographer, and even developed some major special events like the Quassy laser lightshow and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Summer Sideshow.
Ron’s biggest contribution involved bringing recognition to the park; no addition was too small for the limelight. When Quassy debuted the Wooden Warrior rollercoaster, Ron and his team developed a wildly involved advertising campaign. “We still talk about the TV ad, the ‘Name the Coaster contest’ among regional schools, the international tour groups that came to ride this unique coaster, and photographing it from top to
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wooden roller coaster trains on the market and facilitate a smoother ride for passengers. The park was also recognised with numerous IAAPA Brass Ring Awards for marketing. Throughout his career, Ron sat on the IAAPA marketing, small parks and attractions, and Hall of Fame committees. He also chaired the IAAPA Hall of Fame for three years, spoke at numerous IAAPA Expo workshops and other industry meetings and award ceremonies.
As for retirement, Ron has plans to write about the amusement park industry, a subject on which he has written three books and countless articles over the years. Ron also plans to continue consulting for friends in the business on rides, events, and educational programs.
bottom,” Ron reflects.
The Wooden Warrior was the first to incorporate the Timberliner coaster train in North America. These trains are the most technologically advanced
Eric Anderson, President of Quassy Amusement and Waterpark, says: “Ron will be missed. He was so much more than a marketing director. He was a resource for all aspects of the amusement park world, he helped decide was rides we would purchase, he helped source out hard to find parts, he worked on all custom merchandise and much, much more. We hate to see him retire!”
OCTOBER 2022
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