PG15 Park News Final 3/26/07 2:17 PM Page 15
Park News
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SheiKra at Busch Gardens
Africa: Now with floorless
Bottom drops out For SheiKra
cars
Busch Gardens coaster now floorless
In mid-June, Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa, psychological effect of the floorless cars will be
Florida, will re-introduce SheiKra, its two-year- intense: They will no longer be able to brace
old dive coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, with themselves against the floor of the car. With the
new floorless cars allowing riders an front rail gone, passengers will be completely
unobstructed view of the 70mph rush. Six weeks exposed as they come over the crest of SheiKra’s
earlier, sister park Busch Gardens Europe, in signature 200ft, 90-degree plunge.
Williamsburg, Virginia, with introduce Griffon, a SheiKra will close for approximately three
brand new floorless dive coaster. weeks in late May for the conversion to take
The retrofit of SheiKra in Tampa is expected to place. The bulk of the changes will occur at the
go smoothly. The ride’s track will remain loading platform, where retractable floors and
unchanged. For the riders, however, the handrails will be installed.
Legoland expands US operation
Legoland California GM
John Jakobsen
After setting the highest attendance record ever seen at any Legoland *RED Development, an
park, Legoland California in Carlsbad is planning to continue its American shopping mall
success with the addition of two new attractions in 2007, Miniland Las developer, is proposing a
Vegas and a new ride, Captain Cranky’s Challenge. In total, 13 new new $561 million
attractions have been added in the last three years. development outside
2006 marked the biggest expansion ever for Legoland California, Kansas City, Missouri,
when Merlin Entertainments, the park’s new parent company, invested that would include a
US$10 million dollars into the new area Pirate Shores. 100-acre entertainment
“The area was very well received,” notes the park’s president and district anchored by a
general manager, John Jakobsen. “Based on the success of Pirate Legoland attraction, Sea
Shores, we exceeded 1.65 million visitors last year which is a new Life aquarium and a
attendance record for any Legoland park in one year.” resort hotel.
An additional $3 million dollars is going to be invested into Legoland Also included will be around 80,000 sq ft of “festival” retail including
California this year, beginning with Miniland Las Vega, built out of more shops and restaurants and a 536,000 sq ft shopping center/office park.
than two million Lego bricks and representing more than 16,000 hours It is thought the Legoland development will be adopt the new ‘half-day’
of creative artistry. The Lego-built miniature land features the world- Discovery Centre format being pioneered by owner Merlin
famous Vegas Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Entertainments.
Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM RED is seeking $139.3 million in tax-increment financing from the city
Grand, Venetian, Stratosphere tower and Paris Las Vegas. of Lee’s Summit and $43.6 million in tax-increment financing from the
Pirate Shores is also expanding with the addition of Captain Cranky’s state to subsidise development of Legoland and the aquarium.
Challenge, a themed Rockin’ Tug from Zamperla. Legoland/Merlin will contribute about $45 million.
Schonenberg
Galaxyland adds Spinning Coaster
moves to Belgium
Galaxyland, the indoor amusement park in the West Edmonton Mall,
Marcel CB Schonenberg, for seven Alberta, Canada, will soon introduce a new Gerstlauer spinning
years general manager of Walibi coaster. The yet-to-be-named ride will be completed this summer and
World in Biddinghuizen, the will mark the biggest addition to the park since it opened in 1985.
Netherlands, has relocated to serve The ride will create a very visible addition to Galaxyland with the
as general manager of Walibi’s track winding its way around the entire park. While still considered a
mother park, Walibi Belgium, Wavre, thrill ride, it is designed for people of all ages and will rank
replacing Rudy Hulsman. Jan somewhere between the park’s famous Mindbender rollercoaster and
Reuvers, formerly general manager the somewhat tamer Autosled. A similar Gerstlauer ride has already
of the Dolfinarium, Harderwick, has been a huge success at Mall of America, West Edmonton Mall’s sister
succeeded Schonenberg as general Mall in Minnesota, but this will be the first coaster of its kind in
manager of Walibi World. Canada.
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