December 4, 2014
It is November 28, one week after IAAPA and I am traveling on what feels like my second car, a Southwest Airlines 737. Instead of just having my laptop out I am trying to juggle my sleeping daughter and my computer on my lap, I think I somehow found room for each. It was a very exciting show for Ride Entertainment as we got to show off our newest ride, the AirSurfer (www.AirSurferEntertainment.com). But, we also had a ton of interest in tried and true amusement rides like Gerstlauer coasters and Funtime StarFlyers.
It is an interesting time to be in the industry. I feel like we are seeing some amazing traditional attractions popping up. Some roller coasters, like Wicked Cyclone at Six Flags New England and Fury 325 at Carowinds are classic coaster designs, others like FireChaser Express at Dollywood and the new Baron 1898 at Efteling are great themed attractions, while still others like Guardian at Canada’s Wonderland has brought technology into its rightful place in the guest experience. Some of you may be old enough to remember the first generation of in-park technology in the late 80’s and early 90’s where computer-generated experiences were going to replace coasters, but somehow never did. In some of those rides the idea was ahead of the technology, but as Spiderman at IOA showed us many years ago, there can be a perfect experience at the confluence of technology and thrills.
I guess this is why we are so excited about the AirSurfer. It will utilize technology to offer a zipline experience that no one else can do. Standing, turning, going uphill, we feel we have the best combination of amusement rides and ziplines. We look forward to seeing on of the AirSurfers up and running in 2015 or 2016, we have a ton of interest and are excited to make it happen.
Stepping back to look at the big picture, we want to say “thank you”. To our manufacturing partners, to our sale and revenue share clients, and to the customers at our parks- we appreciate all of you trusting us to sell you fun in one way or another. We always say that our best asset is our customers and we appreciate you each and every day.
-AFS