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Goddard working Globally
Malls and more from GGE
Gary Goddard's reputation as an innovator of themed attractions and
destinations began in 1981 when he created Monster Plantation, an overhead,
elaborate dark ride at Six Flags Over Georgia. Since founding Gary mosaic flooring below
Goddard Entertainment (GGE) in 2002, the company has, in a very short and glowing fountains and
time, established itself as one of the premier creators of themed authentic lighting all the way through. Grand Empire
experiences. It’s also worth noting that the Garden
Atlanta
It is important to note that GGE is not merely creating concepts, but is District and Market District, respectively, are home to two
responsible for designing and producing projects that are already open, small indoor amusement areas with rides themed to their settings.
and others that are under construction throughout the world. Recent Currently under construction in the heart of Cotai, Macau, Galaxy
openings under the GGE banner include US hit attractions like the Casino & Resort will be an epic destination and is set to open next
Georgia Aquarium, Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow and Hershey's summer. In addition to an expansive casino, the resort will feature a host
Great American Chocolate Tour. Gary is now putting his magic to work of retail and entertainment facilities and is being developed by Hong
around the world. Kong-based Galaxy Entertainment & Resorts.
Located in Jakarta, Crossroads of the World is an entirely Continuing its ongoing collobaration with chocolate maker Hershey
undercover retail promenade and will form part of the larger Grand Foods, GGE has recently been contracted to create a new retail outlet in
Indonesia complex. Instead of repeating itself and creating just another the heart of Shanghai, which will open in the spring.
themed mall, GGE has gone a few leaps further and divided the space Back in the States, Grand Empire Atlanta (working title) is an
up into four distinct districts, each with its own personality and flavour. exciting new development just a few minutes drive from downtown
First, and largest, is the Entertainment District. It captures the energy Atlanta. This massive outdoor/indoor destination entertainment resort will
and excitement of New York City through several neighbourhoods feature retail, three hotels, a large events centre/theatre, as well as an
allowing guests to explore, dine and shop in Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo indoor waterpark and theme park. Inspired by European facilities like
and the Rockefeller Center. In the plaza there GGE has created a Tivoli Gardens, Phantasialand and Efteling, the park component will
spectacular fountain show and other custom productions paying tribute to focus on landscaping, architecture and other theming. Many of the rides
Broadway. and attractions here will be making their North American debut.
In the Fashion District, GGE has evoked the vibrance and sensuality of Finally, GGE has been engaged to re-imagine the classic Tropicana
Paris in a setting that bears a resemblance to the film Moulin Rouge. Hotel in Las Vegas. When it debuts in late 2009/early 2010, the entirely
Entertainment here includes fashion shows, audiovisual presentations and renewed resort will feature over 10,000 rooms, making it the world’s
other offerings. The third district is the Garden District, an expansive Zen largest hotel. A spectacular new feature on the corner of the Strip, it will
garden setting that borrows from a variety of Asian sanctuaries to create a also include an incredible retail experience and an entirely original water-
calm, spiritual setting with glowing candles, rich fragrances and minimalist based ride that Goddard promises to be every bit as revolutionary as
architecture. Spider-man was when it debuted at Islands of Adventure in 1999. Watch
Last is the Market District, a Middle Eastern bazaar with billowing fabrics this space.
Gary Goddard reviews a model for the Crossroads of the World mall in Jakarta The Galaxy Casino & Resort in Macau
14 JUNE 2007
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