YourGuide News - Theme Parks

Allstar is pleased to re-release two hot licensed flat series, Toy Story 3 stickers and Disney Princess Tattoos

YourGuide Ltd. — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:50:43 +0000

Allstar is pleased to re-release two hot licensed flat series, Toy Story 3 stickers and Disney Princess Tattoos #2. Gearing up for the NBVA show, Allstar’s Vice President Sharon Shlien explains that the company will be releasing multiple bulk and flat lines in March, 2012.

Following critical acclaim, an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and a global box office take of $1,063,171,911, "Toy Story 3" was beyond successful. Hollywood is currently buzzing with the promise of a fourth Toy Story movie in development. The Toy Story 3 collection consists of twelve stickers, featuring all of our favorite characters like Woody, Buzz and Hamm. “Toy Story 3 stickers continue to be incredibly popular; in fact it is our leading licensed sticker after Angry Birds,” says Vice-President of Allstar, Sharon Shlien.

Angry Birds stickers and tattoos continue to take the industry by storm. “It is the biggest phenomenon since Spongebob hit a few years ago,” says Shlien. Showing no sign of slowing down, Allstar will be taking orders for the flat Angry Bird lines at the NBVA show as well as showcasing their new Funky Face Disguises #3 now with neon hair extensions.
Also being re-released by Allstar are Disney Princess Tattoos #2, a high-volume seller that continues to shine due to the extreme popularity of the brand. Girls will enjoy all of their favorite princesses like Snow White, Cinderella, Princess Jasmine and Aurora, to name a few. Multiple tattoos come on each card.

Live and printed displays are available for all items. Call 011 514-426-1690 or visit www.allstarvending.com

Plan to attend the US Play Coalition's Conference on the Value of Play

YourGuide Ltd. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:44:20 +0000

Multi-Generational Actions and Strategies!
February 26-29 2012

Join us in beautiful upstate South Carolina to discuss play in all of its forms, and for people of all ages. What you’ll take away from the conference:

New research from leading academics in the field.
Information on why play is such a crucial part of our life at every age.
Actions and strategies to help incorporate play into our daily lives — regardless of our ages.
New connections with others focused on increasing awareness of the value of play.

Visit the US Play Coalition website for more information:

Mr. Stephen Hamelin, President of Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc. will be giving a CEU accredited session titled: "Zero-depth installations & aquatic play - revolutionizing family play in a community park near you!"

In this session, attendees will learn how zero-depth aquatic installations are changing the way families interact and play at municipal parks across the country. This presentation will highlight unique emotional, physical and social benefits of aquatic play. Attend the session to learn how a Splashpad amenity can transform your parks, and help bring families and the community closer together.

Attendees will earn CEU credit

Sunway Lagoon Expands with Malaysia's First WhiteWater Abyss

YourGuide Ltd. — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:22:34 +0000

WhiteWater is pleased to announce that it has been commissioned to provide Sunway Lagoon with Malaysia's first AbyssTM attraction. Sunway Lagoon will offer one of the world's largest AbyssTM waterslides on the highest slope in Asia, as well as hundreds of dazzling LED lights!

The AbyssTM will take up to 6 riders through a thrilling series of open and enclosed sections with gripping twists and turns before plummeting them into the core of the AbyssTM! With increased wall height and a lengthened funnel, WhiteWater's designers have created the largest drops and sustained oscillations, while eliminating the need for water brakes that "kill the thrill".

Sunway Lagoon's newest addition will join a host of many exciting attractions including the world's largest man-made surf wave pool and an ever-popular FlowRider® stationary sheet wave attraction. WhiteWater is pleased to continue its long-time relationship with Sunway Lagoon and looks forward to the Abyss'TM anticipated completion in Spring/Summer of 2012.

For more information on WhiteWater, The Waterpark Company, and its innovative products, please visit www.whitewaterwest.com.

Newest SAFRA Project Features Unique Edutainment Attraction

YourGuide Ltd. — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:48:13 +0000

Prime Play proudly announces one of its most anticipated projects of 2012 with SAFRA Toa Payoh, in Singapore. Toa Payoh is the second SAFRA project that Prime Play's in-house team of experts has custom designed and built.

Opening this spring, SAFRA's newest Family Entertainment Center will offer a unique scavenger hunt attraction that provides fun, entertainment and education! The integrated attraction will feature 3 custom themed zones within a multi-level BallocityTM /Soft Contained Play structure complete with interactive touchscreens.

Children and their parents will explore these zones together in search of Tangram puzzle pieces, educating them about the world we live in. They can then take what they've learned and try to create their own tangrams on the touchscreens. This attraction will encourage repeat visits with changeable and rotating activities, as well as the anticipation of small prizes upon completion of the experience.

For information on Prime Play, the world leader in the design and manufacturing of active family play attractions, please visit www.primeplay.com.

Biggest ever investment in Europa-Park's history

YourGuide Ltd. — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:57:50 +0000

Excellent results for the 2011 season, with far over 4 million visitors

Europa-Park is ending its 37th season with excellent results once again and visitor numbers totalling far over four million.

As the new year gets off to a start, Europa-Park's managing partners, Roland and Jürgen Mack, have also finally revealed the name of the new wooden rollercoaster: "WODAN -Timburcoaster". This new high-tech rollercoaster is set to open at the start of the 2012 season on 31 March. "WODAN" was the name put forward shortly after Europa-Park's official online call for ideas for a name for its new major attraction. It was a firm favourite among all those involved in the project right from the outset and was subsequently chosen from a final shortlist of potential names. The more than 1,000-metre long and over 40-metre high wooden rollercoaster is the most state-of-the-art rollercoaster of its kind worldwide.

In addition to its new wooden rollercoaster, which can be seen from miles around, Europa-Park will also be opening its fifth themed hotel, "Bell Rock", in summer 2012. The theme park's new rollercoaster and new hotel, with more than 1,000 beds, also represent the biggest ever investment in the history of the long-established family business. Roland Mack: "Our hotel resort has reached its capacity. After all, Europa-Park generates a total of more than 1.8 million overnight stays in the region every year."

The 35 metre-high lighthouse of the park's new on-site 4-star superior hotel "Bell Rock" is symbolic: Europa-Park is both one of the biggest driving forces for jobs and the economy in Baden-Württemberg (the new hotel alone is creating 260 new jobs) and an absolute beacon for tourism throughout the Switzerland, France and Germany border region.

More and more visitors are spending increasingly more time at Europa-Park, and consequently also in the region, benefiting local shops and restaurants too. Guests staying several days spend on average around 2.3 days at Germany's largest theme park. Scientific studies on visitors' behaviour confirm top marks in quality for Europa-Park once again in 2011. Whether in terms of rides, shows, hotels or restaurants, Europa-Park's growth goes hand in hand with highly satisfied visitors. An excellent example of this is "FoodLoop", the world's first looping restaurant, which opened at Europa-Park in 2011 and which guests love.

In addition, the first 4D film to be produced at Europa-Park, "The Secret of Balthasar Castle", was seen by more than 150,000 people within just the first few weeks. Due to the huge success of the film and to meet visitor and fan demand, the makers of the Mack Media film have decided to produce a summer version of the film which will be screened during the summer season 2012. In all reviews, Europa-Park continues to be praised for its family-friendliness: The new family attractions "Enchanted Forest" and "Volo da Vinci" are two of the theme park's most popular attractions. The results of the visitor survey speak for themselves: 98% of all guests plan to return to Europa-Park, 70% of whom next season.

Furthermore, Europa-Park is attracting increasingly higher numbers of international visitors. After visitors from Germany, the majority of visitors to Europa-Park come from France and Switzerland - with just under one million visitors from each country. More Swiss visitors stay overnight at the Europa-Park Hotel Resort than at any other location in Germany. In particular in winter 2011, the percentage of French visitors on some days - sometimes totally over 60% - was significantly high, contributing considerably to the season's excellent results. Europa-Park is also seeing increasing numbers of visitors from Austria, the Benelux countries and Arab countries.

The "Art at Europa-Park" series has also proven a highly popular winter event. The exhibition "Mobility", featuring art-work by Alsatian artist Raymond E. Waydelich, has been the fifth large art exhibition to be held in recent years, attracting some 100,000 visitors. A large number of Waydelich's original paintings and drawings have been on show at the exhibition, alongside a wealth of hands-on activities for children.

With more than 5,000 guests, Europa-Park was also the venue for one of the biggest New Year parties in south-west Germany. More than 10,000 additional visitors also turned out to visit the park on the last day of the year.

Europa-Park's gates will be closed until 31 March. The hotel resort, with its spa and wellness areas and restaurants, will, however, remain open and will also continue to be available out of season for conferences and corporate events, an area which has again seen high growth rates.

In the coming weeks, Europa-Park will host a number of major events, including the final of "Miss Germany", which is taking place at Germany's largest theme park for the tenth year now. In addition, the highly popular dinner show "Burlesque" will continue to run until 4 February.

The park will reopen for its summer season on 31 March 2012. Roland Mack: "We also have an extremely strong position internationally." Europa-Park is one of the best theme parks in the world. A few weeks ago, the Managing Partner of Europa-Park was also the first German to be elected Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Some 4,500 companies in more than 90 countries, generating a total annual turnover of over $30 billion, are represented by the organisation.

Opening times 2012 season: 31 March to 4 November 2012, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (longer opening times in high season).

For further Information please click on www.europapark.com.

Rainbow Productions confirms participation at NFAN event.

YourGuide Ltd. — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:25:39 +0000

Rainbow Productions announces the company will be exhibiting for the first time at the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) trade exhibition which takes place alongside the NFAN annual conference on Wednesday 8th February 2012 at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire.

From Stand 42 in the Tower Ballroom, the company will be showcasing two main services it provides to the farm attractions sector; Rainbow Productions is the UK’s official supplier of over 120 famous children’s characters for personal appearances within leisure venues across the UK and also manufactures walk-about mascots. Children’s characters represented under licence for meet and greet personal appearances include Peppa Pig, Shaun the Sheep and Daffy Duck.

A number of farm attractions have already confirmed character appearances as part of their 2012 events programmes.

During the month after the NFAN exhibition, on March 24th, White Post Farm in Mansfield has arranged for Captain Barnacles and Kwazii Kitten from hit television show the Octonauts to meet guests. Peppa Pig will be visiting Fishers Adventure Farm Park on March 31st and April 1st. Easter events include two dates for Ben and Holly from TV show, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, to visit Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire - Good Friday and Easter Saturday – as well as Peppa Pig and George at Folly Farm on Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 9th April. Fishers Farm has also secured Ben and Holly for April 14th and 15th.

Allstar release third series of top seller bulk vending - Funky Face Disguises

YourGuide Ltd. — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:51:17 +0000

Allstar is pleased to ring in the new year with the third series of one of their top sellers- Funky Face Disguises, now with hair extensionS. Allstar also introduces two more bulk vending lines for 1” and 2” capsules.

Allstar was the first company in the industry to introduce facial hair disguises for bulk vending. Out of the gate, Funky Face Disguises was an instant hit and won Allstar -Best 2” Bulk Vending Product of the Year at the NBVA awards in 2008. “Funky Face continues to be one of our best-selling products. We are very excited about this latest series which includes colorful hair extensions. Kids love changing up their look with hair accessories so this promises to be a big hit,” says Sharon Shlien, VP of Allstar Vending. Each capsule contains either one beard, a moustache, hair extension or two sideburns. A colorful new display highlights the products and promotes its collectability. Allstar suggests a €1.00 vend.

Also joining Allstar’s bulk merchandise line is Hair Wear for 1.1” capsules. Hair Wear is a new twist on the 1” moustache mix currently offered. Each capsule contains either an extension or moustache. The suggested vend price is €0.50.

Following the success of their 2” Frog Flingers, Allstar brings 2” Ninja Flingers to the table. Offering tons of play value, kids will enjoy shooting them sky high- over 30 feet! Larger than the Frog Flingers, Allstar’s Ninja Flingers initially will stick to ceilings, walls and other hard surfaces. Assorted colors like purple, blue, red and black are available. Allstar recommends a €1.00 vend for this product.

Live and printed displays are available for all items. Call 011 514-426-1690 or visit www.allstarvending.com

COIN TECH AT IAAPA SHOW 2011

YourGuide Ltd. — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:14:13 +0000

Last month, Coin Tech presented their latest products at the IAAPA show 2011, held at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida.

Being the top technology developers in the industry, the company had a great response from all the visitors and usual customers that visited their booth.

Some of their latest products involved Online Party Booking and Online Membership Program. These two new software modules, allows operators get an easy and quick solution to guest’s web registration, and online party booking from the comfort of their computers. Some of the main features of Game System® Online Party Booking are: full adaptable with current website, store locator, date, time, a number of guests scheduler, party package and menus options selection, online payment options, birthday e-cards design and emailing, reservation edition options.

The Online Membership Program, allows operators to have interactive communication with all of the members as in a social network; award them with special benefits, and achieve the customer’s loyalty. Of course, registered guests will be able to check their card balance online as well.

Another great update that Coin Tech featured is Xperience Touch feature.
Besides being a powerful mean of communication and marketing, now every Xperience card reader unit features touch-screen interactive games, educational quizzes, upsize you combo options, and instant rewards. Coin Tech’s advancements in technology provide operators with a new way to improve their business sponsorship and get an additional income, with Xperience debit card reader Touch feature.

In addition to this, they have developed Xperience for Coin Action Games, the one and only debit card reader in the market that controls coins and e-tickets for the coin action games. Now with the new Game Kit, operators can load all the coin action electronic tickets directly to the guest’s debit card.

Workhorse products like Xperience debit card reader, serve multiple purposes, meaning less cost (score for operators!) and less waste (score for the environment!). Look for all-in-one solutions like this, and take your business to the next level with Coin Tech’s debit card system.

For more information, please visit www.game-system.com

World Class Indoor Family Entertainment Center, FUNTURA, opens its doors in Donetsk, Ukraine.

YourGuide Ltd. — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:06:25 +0000

FUNTURA is the largest and most unique Family Entertainment Center of its kind in Ukraine and was designed by KCC Entertainment Design. The project opened its doors this weekend at Donetsk City Mall and immediately appealed to all ages and interests!

FUNTURA is integrated into Donetsk City Mall 2nd phase of the mall on the top floor. Before, there was a small video arcade area and the mall already had a bowling and cinema. Now it is transformed into the largest and most unique Indoor Family Entertainment project of its kind in Ukraine. The construction works started 5 months ago and the grand opening of the project was on the 18th of December, 2011.

The Family Entertainment Center has an area of almost 10 000 m2 and hosts more than 25 rides and attractions ranging from a 1 000 m2 ice rink, half pipe attraction which is one of the first in the world, air borne shot, sidewinder, 5Di interactive theater, archery area, mini bowling, jollyjumper, rotating drop tower, gyroloop, topdancer, air bumper cars, carousel, kids bumper cars, FX simulator till video games, redemption games, big softplay, toddler area, etc. In short, FUNTURA caters for all ages and interests! This exciting attraction mix was completed with a themed family restaurant, food court, ice bar and restaurant/lounge.

The project tells the story about a tropical Island that becomes a new civilization when it meets an ice boulder. FUNTURA becomes a refuge for animals of all kind, a lost Paradise inhabited by animals from all over the world that have an own unique story.

This fabulous leisure mix and the custom designed theme were designed by KCC Entertainment Design and is its latest great achievement.

For us that's entertainment!

Amusement park to connect Grodzisk Mazowiecki and Abu Dhabi

YourGuide Ltd. — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:42:34 +0000

Las Palm company recapitulated the last six months of works on the project aimed to construct Poland's first and largest amusement park, the Adventure World Warsaw. The Executive Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer were appointed for AWW. The Company has already expended over EUR 11 mln on works related to park development. At the Warsaw press conference on 15th December the Company also announced plans to develop the Adventure World Abu Dhabi park to be constructed on the basis of the theme concept of the Adventure World Warsaw, only adjusted to match the local culture and history.

Before commencement of the construction of the Adventure World Warsaw fun park, Las Palm company are completing all required decisions and permits. The first challenge pertains to land secured by the investor. - Owing to enormous commitment of mayor Grzegorz Benedykci?ski, we are expecting the decision changing the land status from agricultural to development one to be issued in February next year – said Peter Mulder, the CEO in Las Palm, during the meeting with journalists. This issue is central for adoption, followed by entry into force, of the local area development plan. Las Palm envisages that when those formal issues are settled, the construction permit will be obtained already in June, allowing for commencement of earthworks within the development area in July 2012.

In September 2011 the project team was joined by Steven Shaiken appointed to the position of the Executive Managing Director at the Adventure World Warsaw. Sheiken has over 40-years of experience in destination branded entertainment arena, gained in such international company groups as Universal Parks&Resorts or Royal Caribbean International, as well as in Starwood and Hilton hotel chains. As a Vice President at Universal Parks&Resorts in the period 1999-2005 he was responsible for the parks in Orlando and in Japan, which jointly generate revenues of over one billion USD annually. Steven Shaiken is the Executive Managing Director at Adventure World Warsaw and he will be responsible for such matters as e.g. coordination of project and product works, as well as creation of such organisational structures central for park's future as recruitment of product, human resources or revenue management directors. My roots are in Poland, my grand-grand parents and grand-parents were born in Bia?ystok, so I consider my participation in such a grand project related to Poland as an exceptional honour and an extremely inspiring professional challenge. In two years time, when we open the park, we will begin a new chapter in the history of this country – Steven Shaiken said during the conference.

The Adventure World Warsaw team was also joined by Ewa Woroszy?, who has been the Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dubai for many years. On 12th December she was appointed to the position of the CFO of Adventure World Warsaw. Woroszy? has more than 10 years of post qualification experience in managerial level and advised the greatest media groups as well as for companies in hotel and consumer product sector in the Middle East region. During her career in PwC she lead teams for the firm priority clients and helped them through high growth phases and related issues (including restructuring, merger, acquisitions, disposals, risk and compliance issues).

During the press conference, the Company also announced development of the Adventure World Abu Dhabi park in the United Arab Emirates. – The park will be developed in parallel to the investment in Poland, but the Adventure World Warsaw will be the first of them to be opened - Peter Jan Mulder said. - The concept of a family park, which we created jointly with our partners – Jora Vision, AGS, Imtech, Vekoma – has a huge potential. In Abu-Dhabi it will be supplemented with elements of local culture and history, boosting the economy and existing tourism of Abu Dhabi, creating new jobs, and attracting even more tourists each year– he added. Similarly to the Grodzisk park, the Adventure World Abu Dhabi will be composed of five theme islands with 25 attractions, an entertainment area with cinemas, restaurants and shops, plus hotels and an aquapark. This is going to be the largest family theme park in the Middle East.– Currently we are at the stage of securing the land with the area of approximately 80 ha. We have encountered full resolve on the part of Abu-Dhabi to carry the investment into effect – Mulder said.