Photo: Lisa Scheinin. View full-sized image.

Kuwait’s B&M Lightning Now at Wonderla Amusement Park Chennai in India

It isn’t common for Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) coasters to be relocated. While it has happened a handful of times, such occurrences are still in the single digits. However, it has happened again.

Lightning operated at Kuwait Entertainment City (North West Al-Sulaibikhat, Al Asimah) from 2004 to 2016. It became standing but not operating in the years that followed. The park was demolished in 2020. Of the four coasters at Kuwait Entertainment City, only the B&M inverted coaster is known to have been relocated. Enthusiasts would recognize it immediately as a standard Batman The Ride layout with five inversions.

Its new home is Wonderla Amusement Park Chennai (Illalur, Tamil Nadu, India). Currently, the park is under construction. According to Roller Coaster Database, the park is expected to open in September with the B&M scream machine to be the only roller coaster. Its new name is unknown.

Kentucky Kingdom’s Thunder Run is now Woodland Run, and Storm Chaser has been renamed Wind Chaser.

Kentucky Kingdom Renames Coasters

Renaming established roller coasters doesn’t always go over well with fans. Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville) will be doing just that in its 2025 season, but park officials feel it is a good move with the current expansion.

A large section of the park is being renamed Discovery Meadow. Three new rides are being added, but the new land is more than just additions. According to a park statement, “Discovery Meadow is a place where Kentucky’s folks, flora and fauna live in harmony among family-fun attractions.” Take that as you will.

As Kentucky Kingdom is under the Herschend Family Entertainment umbrella, it wouldn’t be surprising for the area to take on a Wildwood Grove vibe. That award-winning area at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) has been immensely popular and caters to a wide family audience.

The 1990 Dinn-Summers woodie will have its name changed from Thunder Run to Woodland Run. Likewise, the RMC Storm Chaser will become Wind Chaser. Storms are out, nature is in. The previously known Roller Skater will now be Hollyhock and Roll.

Overall, it is a $11 million investment for the park and should look quite beautiful following the makeover. Gardens and new dining options are part of the expansion.

Photos: Liu Lin. View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

Quantum Trek … a New Boomerang?

New for 2025 is Quantum Trek. As one of the first coasters to open this year, new thrills are on offer — for anyone heading to Baiyun, Guangzhou, China. The park is Star World – Nanhu Amusement Park, and it is a recently reopened park after more than two years on hiatus. In the past, various other coasters operated at the park before it transitioned to Star World, but Quantum Trek is the sole roller coaster and star attraction at the new park.

So, what is it? On first look, one could erroneously assume it to be a classic Vekoma boomerang. But the manufacturer is Jinma. Little is known of this supplier (other than it was previously known as Golden Horse), and some observers might easily term the coaster a “knock-off.” But there are some distinct differences.

First, the train seats 20, compared with 28 on a Vekoma model. Also, a chain lift seems to be in use on both ends of the shuttle coaster. The layout is virtually identical though with a cobra roll and loop providing three inversions in each direction.

Jinma Rides/Golden Horse has built more than 400 coasters.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Titan Gets Texas-ier

Built in 2001 and having maintained the same colors for 24 seasons, Titan at Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington) will look completely different in 2025. The teal and orange colors are disappearing as Baynum Solutions is painting the 245-foot-tall hypercoaster blue and white. Knowing it was in need of fresh paint, park officials opted for colors that are on the Texas flag.

Titan was one of the few — and last — roller coasters built by Giovanola.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News

The easy answer is that we want to engage our members. However, on a deeper level, we hope to build a shared understanding of how ACE works and how members contribute. Whether this be through providing ideas, feedback, informal assistance in the member’s region or more formally engaging in a committee or leadership role, a shared understanding of both ACE’s vision and operations will increase our collective success.

Given that collaboration elevates individual contributions to the club, committees are at the heart of the work of ACE. At the core of ACE is the Executive Committee. A group of individuals representing many facets of our organization, this team works interdependently to ensure that each individual leader is able to support their team at the highest level. If you aren’t familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Committee, please review our bylaws to learn more.

Before I became president of ACE, I noticed that there were few candidates for the elected roles on the Executive Committee. Additionally, there were few people with the knowledge or willingness to step into the other demanding roles on the Executive Committee. I personally wondered who would step into the communications director role when I wanted to resign — would I have to hold the position for life? I knew I could not maintain the level of dedication and time required for this role long-term and recognized that others might wonder whether there would be a volunteer to fill their role when they wanted or needed to leave it.

To solve this problem, the Executive Committee sought to expand the support system available to coordinators and managers. The expansion of committees offered a meaningful way to both extend this support and elevate the voices of more ACE members, while they simultaneously contributed to and learned about ACE operations.

Committees have many benefits for ACE including the following:

• Input and collaboration across more members
• Learning opportunities for members who wish to build their leadership skills
• Support and flexibility for those in leadership roles
• An entry point for new volunteers
• An opportunity to give back without the responsibility of a leadership position
• Expanded skills sets that the leader may not hold
• Delegation opportunities for ACE leaders

Committees are quickly becoming an integral part of ACE’s organizational structure.

Speaking of organizational structure, this winter, Membership Director Joseph Ciza is planning to restructure how ACE’s organizational chart is communicated on our website to help enhance member understanding. Here is a graphic to help clarify in the meantime:

View full-sized image.

Our organization is composed of four roles:

Committee members

Coordinators

Managers (including regional reps)

Executive Committee (directors and elected officials)

Committee members may support any coordinator, manager/regional rep, director or elected official if they believe that a committee can enhance their contribution to ACE. All of our volunteer leaders deserve support. Committees also offer those with more demanding work schedules the opportunity to lend their specific skill set to ACE. Without a committee, many could not dedicate the time required of the role.

Coordinators, managers and Executive Committee members are distinguished from committee members by the fact that they hold a responsibility to ensure that their duties, as outlined in ACE’s roles and responsibilities, are fulfilled. This includes ensuring that the committee is serving its purpose within the organization and that their committee members are contributing and participating. The difference between a coordinator and manager is the level of responsibility that the role demands.

I hope this explanation offers some insight into the expansion of committees and the important role that they serve. To circle back to where we began, our members and volunteers: You are the heartbeat of our work.

Many hands and hearts and minds generally contribute to anyone's notable achievements. — Walt Disney

— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President

All Photos: Bill Galvin. View full-sized image.

Oceanfest got off to a rough start on Saturday, July 22, owing to horrendous traffic (one carload of enthusiasts was stuck in traffic for two and a half hours trying to get into Ocean City, Maryland) and a mix-up with the wristbands at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. However, by late afternoon attendees were enjoying the coasters, such as Wildcat and Barracuda, a Flitzer relocated from Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey) in 2019. While enjoying the park’s other rides, some were pleased to see that the Zipper that once operated at Trimper Rides is now at Jolly Roger — and of course they had to ride!

Oceanfest attendees enjoyed Jolly Roger Amusement Park’s European traveling coasters including the Schwarzkopf Wildcat and Barracuda, a Zierer Flitzer.
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When the wristbands expired at 6 p.m., most went across the street to a pizza joint and continued to mingle. Following dinner, some went back to the boardwalk to check out offerings at Trimper Rides and its famous two-level Bill Tracy Haunted House — a longtime favorite.

Trimper Ride’s Haunted House — a boardwalk favorite — opened in 1964 and was expanded in 1988 with the addition of a second floor and components from Ghost Ship, a defunct Ocean City dark ride.
View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

Oceanfest continued on Sunday at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and got off to a great start with a lights-on walkthrough of Funland’s Haunted Mansion. Many who have ridden it attest to this being one of the better haunted houses to be found. Randy Curry, whose family owns Funland, spent a couple of hours with the group, tripping all of the stunts numerous times for everyone to enjoy as he explained where different stunts came from or how they built some from scratch. He commented that a couple of the stunts came from the late, great Lost River (Old Mill) at Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania). He also showed attendees the secret passages used by the staff to watch riders and keep vandalism to a minimum.

A walkthrough of Funland’s Haunted Mansion was one of the highlights of 2023’s two-day Oceanfest event.
View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

Following the enlightening walkthrough, one can’t help but realize there is much to be missed unless one knows where to look. This author rode it at least four or five times after the walkthrough and noticed much on the tour that just passes too quickly to fully enjoy. Fortunately, those who attended the second day of Oceanfest were able to fully appreciate this wonderful haunted house.

After lunch together, attendees had hours to enjoy Funland. Although it is a small park with lots of kiddie rides, many rides have been squeezed into a tight space. Adult rides include some modern creations like the Superflip 360 as well as classics like the Paratrooper, which goes backward as well as forward. Although there were no coasters at Funland, attendees still had a wonderful time.

— Bill Galvin, ACE Mid-Atlantic Assistant Regional Representative

Members of ACE Europe and Pretpark.Club gather for the first-ever Springfest 23 at Walibi Holland.
All Photos: Jo Pools. View full-sized image.

ACE held its first-ever Springfest at Walibi Holland ( Biddinghuizen, Flevoland, Netherlands), and it was a great day from the beginning until the end.

When Springfest 23 was announced, the Dutch organization Pretpark.Club asked if it could join ACE on this day. Some of its members are also ACE members, and ACE Europe viewed it as an opportunity to join forces since both groups share the same ideas and are all connected by love and passion for roller coasters.

In the morning, the 44 people in attendance received a badge and lanyard from their respective clubs. Following a very warm “Good morning” greeting from the Walibi Holland team, the group made its way to Lost Gravity, a Mack BigDipper roller coaster custom model. Great fun was had on the roller coaster during the ERT, and the two groups started to mingle. After almost 45 minutes riding Lost Gravity, the first ERT of the day ended.

The event began with morning ERT on Lost Gravity, a custom Mack Rides BigDipper.
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This was followed by a Q&A with Mascha Taminiau (park director of Walibi Holland) and Scott Bravenboer, who works in the “events in production” department. The park treated everyone to coffee, tea, muffins and doughnuts before a presentation on the future of Walibi Holland. This included a discussion about the two new roller coasters being constructed, as Walibi Holland will add two single-rail coasters from Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) in the 2025 season — one expected to be targeted to families and the other offering thrills.

After the very open Q&A, it was time for everyone to discover the park on their own or in small groups. During the day everyone rode the other roller coasters in the park and at 6 p.m., met outside Untamed for the second ERT session of the event while employees cleared the park. Untamed is an RMC conversion of the former Robin Hood wood coaster from Vekoma, and honestly, RMC did a great job with the project. Featuring 14 moments of airtime, it is a very good conversion by RMC and, in the author’s opinion, one of their best.

ERT on Untamed, the park’s 2019 RMC conversion of the former Robin Hood wood coaster, was one of the highlights of the event.
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Walibi Holland operated Untamed with two trains enabling everyone to remain seated, the only rule being that every rider moved one seat to the back and the back seat moved to the front so everyone could experience the front and back seats. Everyone in attendance loved the idea, and not a lot of time was lost in the station during the loading and unloading procedure. After many rides, ERT on Untamed came to an end and it was time for the BBQ dinner. Following the meal attendees offered thanks to the staff who wished everyone a safe journey back home and concluded the first Springfest on a high note.

— Jo Pools, ACE Europe Regional Representative

Photo: Sammy Debbabi. View full-sized image.

Fans of Intamin launched coasters will be pleased to see another new installation. Park Astérix (Plailly, France) looks to have a true winner on its hands with Toutatis.

Even though named after an ancient Celtic god, Toutatis still takes on the sense of whimsy that so many attractions at Park Astérix can boast.

At first glance, it is easy to mistake it as a copy of Pantheon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia). And while there are definitely common attributes to make them cousins, they are by no means duplicates.

This plunge from the top hat is taken at 101 degrees.
Photos: Karl Wagner. View full-sized image.

Riders dive through many themed elements.
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While each coaster stands as its own signature ride for its respective park, a comparison of stats will show that the rides are unique.

Toutatis is the longer of the two. Its track length of 3,527 feet is slightly longer than Pantheon’s 3,328 feet, but it should be noted that both rides have a multipass run that continuously launches riders faster with each launch back and forth, which adds additional length by traversing over the same stretch three times.

Photo: Courtesy of Parc Astérix. View full-sized image.

Pantheon is the taller and faster of the two. Its numbers are 178 feet tall and 73 mph, while Toutatis has slightly smaller stats at 176 feet and 66 mph. Both rides feature a top hat element, and the French installation is notably steeper at 101 degrees (Pantheon is 95), but Toutatis curiously has a trim brake going down the drop. (Why not just design it to launch at the speed you want?) Perhaps the design intended to feature some steep hang time.

Photo: Sammy Debbabi. View full-sized image.

Toutatis features three inversions: two zero-G stalls and a barrel roll. Pantheon has only one pair: a zero-G stall and what RCDB.com terms a zero-G winder.

Toutatis illustrates the intricate theming that’s become a hallmark of Parc Astérix attractions.
Photo: Courtesy of Parc Astérix. View full-sized image.

What really sets Toutatis apart is the theming. As fun as the Virginia counterpart is, all the action takes place in an open field, and the theming is sparse. At Park Astérix, the visuals are in abundance, both during the ride and prior to boarding. Engraved monolithic stones, wooden structures and fun statues grace the queue. Inside the station, intricate carvings on the walls and ceiling are accented by LED lighting in the crevices to add dramatic zing to the entire experience. While riders are flying along, they are diving through, over and under many structural elements. It’s a fantastic installation, one that combines great coaster hardware with immersive storytelling.

See the onboard experience here:

According to Intamin, there are 23 moments of airtime on Toutatis.

Toutatis is placed adjacent to the park’s bobsled coaster from Mack Rides.
Photo: Karl Wagner. View full-sized image.

There is also a point to be made here, and ACE is the perfect source to bring it to light. If one turns back the clock to the first decade of this millennium, so many of the maneuvers seen today (zero-G stalls, outward-banked turns, etc.) didn’t exist. When Alan Shilke and Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) introduced such outlandish elements a decade ago, they were astonishing. So much so that other ride manufacturers have taken notice. Did RMC pioneer them? Absolutely. Does it own them? Well, obviously not. For instance, picture the loop. Everyone makes loops. In the case of Toutatis, many of the wacky things that have become so beloved over the past years are infused into this new incredible creation. Intamin has done a stellar job in making a magnificent ride with spectacular thrills.

Toutatis brings the coaster count to eight at Park Astérix. The park already boasts some impressive signature rides. This is one more high-profile attraction on the list to lure coaster fans from around the world.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News

Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

On Sunday, August 7, more than 60 ACE members and guests gathered at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Texas, for ACE South Central’s annual BahnCon event. At registration, attendees were given their admission ticket, a voucher for unlimited drinks and a meal voucher to be used at their leisure in addition to the catered meals scheduled throughout the day.

Upon entering the park, everyone made their way to the morning’s included breakfast buffet. The park kindly blocked off an area for ACE’s exclusive use throughout the entire day. After a quick group photo, the event’s Boogie Bahn competition commenced. Competitors waited eagerly to see who would win medals, but they would have to wait until dinner later in the day for those results.

ACE had its own area all day.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Several ACEers competed in the Boogie Bahn competition.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Upon completion of the competition, it was on to ERT on the Massiv uphill water coaster, Screaming Serpents body slides and the park’s most recent addition, Infinity Racers mat slides. Riders enjoyed virtually no wait for these attractions, which would be in very high demand once the park opened to the public.

Soon the park opened for regular operation, and event participants enjoyed the day at their leisure. The covered seating area reserved for ACE for the event provided relief from the sun throughout the day, allowing attendees to come and go, spending time in the park’s rivers, slide towers and other attractions.

Massiv.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

After enjoying dinner and a nearby bar reserved exclusively for ACE for the event, awards for the Boogie Bahn competition held earlier in the day were presented in senior and junior categories. In the junior category, Best On Wave (somewhat akin to “Best of Show”) was awarded to Carter Watson, followed by Audrey Cyphers (1st), Amelia Simons (2nd), Ian Simons (3rd), and Best Wipeout – Elijah Nedelkovski. In the senior category, Best On Wave was awarded to Darren Cyphers, with Jeremy Simons (1st), Autumn Downing (2nd), Adam Harbach (3rd), and Best Wipeout – Alek Nedelkovski. In addition to medals presented by the region, Schlitterbahn generously presented all winners with special prizes.

After the evening’s activities concluded, everyone got in some last-minute time on their favorite attractions. Attendees enjoyed the day and are eagerly awaiting next year’s BahnCon.

Attendees receive their materials at Kemah Boardwalk.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.

Landry’s Venues on Saturday

Prior to BahnCon, on Saturday, August 6, nearly 30 ACE members started their morning at the Kemah Boardwalk southeast of Houston, for a day full of fun at Landry’s properties in the area. Participants were provided with a weekend adventure pass, valid at all three of Landry’s entertainment complexes in the Houston area: Kemah Boardwalk, The Aquarium in downtown Houston and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston.

Event attendees were looking forward to morning ERT aboard Boardwalk Bullet, but unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans with the first significant rain seen in the area for several weeks. However, the Landry’s operations team quickly offered attendees unlimited exit access to the coaster once the weather passed. While waiting for the weather to clear, many members spent time catching up with each other, while others enjoyed the complimentary admission to the Stingray Reef attraction located in Kemah’s Aquarium restaurant.

Boardwalk Bullet.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Later that evening, many members used their weekend pass to head south to Galveston Island to enjoy Landry’s Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and its many unique attractions. The pier is impressive at any time but comes to life at night with each attraction lit up with its own special lighting effects. Members enjoyed night rides on the Texas Star Flyer and the Iron Shark coaster along with the pier’s other attractions.

— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative

Waldameer celebrates 125 years, while the park’s Comet enjoys a 75th anniversary.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Lagoon’s Roller Coaster marks a full century with a 100th birthday.
Photo: Courtesy Lagoon. View full-sized image.

— Compiled by Vassilios and Elizabeth Ringas

ACE, from the beginning, has been committed to protecting its members through the enforcement of a Code of Conduct and the ACE Disciplinary Committee process. The ACE Code of Conduct is a set of rules and guidelines for behavior within parks, at events and with one another. The Code covers everything from consequences for minor infractions to termination of membership for serious violations. The Disciplinary Committee follows a process for confidential reviews of behaviors to ensure a safe community.

In terms of criminal behavior, ACE depends on the legal system for enforcement. Being a member of ACE has no bearing on any act of criminal behavior unless the offense happens at an ACE event. In any matter of criminality (including abuse of any kind), the first thing an ACE member should do is contact local law enforcement, not an ACE official. ACE has and will continue to cooperate with appropriate legal authorities for any investigations that may involve our members. Criminal behavior in violation of the Code of Conduct that results in a fine and/or conviction may warrant termination of membership. However, the ACE disciplinary process can only be followed after receiving these notices from law enforcement.

Should an investigation get to this level, ACE will protect the privacy of the person who reports the offense and the accused. While deliberations of the Disciplinary Committee remain confidential, any disciplinary actions taken (including membership termination) will be reported in the minutes of the Executive Committee, which members can read on the ACE members-only website.

This commitment to privacy means that for all infractions most of the disciplinary process happens behind the scenes. However, silence does not equal insensitivity or inaction. Consequences of minor violations of the Code of Conduct may include a warning, temporary suspension or an agreement to change the offensive conduct. If a member’s behavior warrants the most severe of consequences, ACE has and will continue to remove those members from our organization permanently. We will continue to ensure that all are offered due process when allegations are reported.

Thus, if an ACE member is a victim of criminal behavior by another ACE member, he or she should report the crime to the police first. However, if no crime has been committed but an ACE member believes another ACE member has disregarded the Code of Conduct, he or she should report the offense immediately to the ACE Vice President, currently Jeff Niemiec, who is chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee. This action ensures that ACE is properly notified and will proceed to conduct a confidential inquiry into the allegation. Remember that ACE does not conduct criminal investigations.

I encourage all of us to be active members of a supportive social community of welcoming friends who come together to share in a common bond: enjoying parks and rides. Together, with your help, we can continue to make ACE an even stronger and more welcoming community.

— Robert Ulrich, ACE President

Photo: Ron Jiu. View full-sized image.

After the coronavirus pandemic closed amusement parks in Pennsylvania for more than three months, Hershey Entertainment and Resort was allowed to reopen its amusement park to the general public in early July 2020. Hersheypark’s much-anticipated 15th roller coaster (the park counts Breakers Edge Water Coaster as a coaster credit, according to the official park website; ACEers, however may count Lightning Racer as two) debuted on June 29 and 30 to King Size season pass-holders. The park opened to all levels of season pass-holders on July 1 and 2 and to the general public on July 3.

Candymonium, a one-of-a-kind Bolliger and Mabillard (B&M) hypercoaster, spans seven acres in the all-new region, Hershey’s Candymonium. According to the park’s website, the out-and-back roller coaster is the tallest, fastest and longest in the park.

Candymonium rises above Hersheypark’s new entrance.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.

Visitors may enjoy looking at the colorful decorations of Hershey’s candies on some walls, ceilings and hallways while walking through the queue inside the station. “Social distance” signs are on the ground and indicate procedures visitors have to follow to comply with the state and federal guidelines under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Impressively, the state-of-the-art walls around the queue on the ground level reduce the effects of a heat wave because they block the sunshine from outside. Before entering the queue inside the station, riders are offered self-serve lockers (free for the first two hours) if they are carrying any big items such as backpacks or shopping bags.

Riding on the 4,636-foot milk chocolate-colored track, each one of three differently colored trains represents one of the world-renowned Hershey brand names. For example, the orange and yellow train denotes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The red and blue second train symbolizes Twizzlers Twists. Lastly, the blue and white train symbolizes Hershey’s Kisses. Each individual row has a traditional B&M four-seat configuration with clamshell lap restraints and seat belts. It’s all done in chocolate brown.

Photo: B. Derek Shaw. View full-sized image.

The first drop is taken from a height of 210 feet.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.

Immediately after leaving the station, the traditional chain lift carries the 28-seat train to the top of the 210-foot lift hill. Candymonium boasts the tallest in-the-park claim by just 10 feet over Skyrush, the Intamin hypercoaster that opened in 2012. After a split-second view at the top of the lift, the first drop plummets down at a 77.3-degree angle with a maximum speed of 76 mph. Once again, Candymonium barely broke the park’s record by just one mile per hour faster than Skyrush. After traveling on the 169-foot camelback hill with a 64-degree angle of the second drop, it races through the beautiful 123-degree hammerhead turn standing at 125 feet. On the return, riders climb beyond 100 feet once again as they rise into a 156-foot camelback hill with a 55-degree angle on the third drop. Without further ado, the train dashes over a high-speed airtime hill before entering the upward helix. At the top of the helix, a unique feature of the design is that the track slightly tilts to the left for a short time before swooping down and zipping into another airtime hill. The final feature is a panoramic banked curve around the new, iconic Kisses fountain before going through two camelback hills and hitting the brake run. Returning to the station, ACE members will applaud the ride’s pacing.

Photo: Ron Jiu. View full-sized image.

Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.

Even wearing masks, riders cheer upon their return to the station.
Photo: Ron Jiu. View full-sized image.

According to the local media news and previous reports in late 2019, the information stated that Candymonium and Skyrush were supposed to cross paths with each other. Unfortunately in that regard, the park built the new Candymonium separately from the Skyrush structure. However, if a rider is able to pay attention and count how many times Candymonium crosses over Spring Creek, the actual number is 10.

According to the park, Candymonium is “the world’s sweetest coaster.” It should have a broad appeal to the whole family, provided riders are 54 inches or taller.

— Ron Jiu

Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.

Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.

Photo: Brian Watts. View full-sized image.

Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.

Born in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1937, Bob led an exciting life full of travels. An avid train buff, Bob preferred that method of travel, and he would often take long, cross-country train trips to meet with friends and visit amusement parks. He eventually traveled every Amtrak route in the United States.

Although he preferred trains, Bob was no stranger to jet travel. In 2001 he purchased a Round-the-World airline ticket and spent 32 days touring Asia and Europe. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and six of the seven continents. He developed a passion for roller coasters early on in life and had an enviable track record, including many historic and defunct wooden coasters that many ACEers likely never even heard of. When not riding roller coasters in the summer, he enjoyed downhill skiing in the winter.

In addition to ACE, Bob was a member of the National Amusement Park Historical Association, Great Ohio Coaster Club, Western New York Coaster Club, Euclid Beach Park Now, Akron Railroad Club and the NASA Lewis Ski Club.

Bob was an ardent photographer and filmmaker/videographer. His pictures and 8-mm films (and later videos) of trains and coasters, and of his travels, have been published in several books, newspapers and documentaries, including ACE News, RollerCoaster! and Guide to Ride 2000.

Outside of ACE, he had served as the president of the West Akron Kiwanis Club and president of the trustees for the Northminster Presbyterian Church. He was on the board of directors of Euclid Beach Park Now and was involved with the restoration and installation of the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel at the Western Reserve Historical Society. He frequently gave slide and/or video presentations to various groups and produced an exhibit for the Cuyahoga County Library titled “Around the World in 32 Days.”

Bob retired in 1994 from the U.S. Defense Finance and Accounting Service agency in Cleveland, Ohio. He eventually settled into Rockynol, a retirement community in Akron, Ohio, where he frequently organized group activities for the residents, taught retirement classes and continued presenting slide shows of his travels.

Bob was known for his methodical and precise way of doing things — almost excessive at times. His quiet and reserved demeanor belied his passion for the excitement and thrill provided by roller coasters. Although he preferred classic wooden coasters, he rode them all. He was kind and gentle and loved spending time and having dinner with his friends, of which he had many. He will be sorely missed.

— Jeffrey Seifert, ACE Association Manager

Robert N. MacCallum is seen here at the center pole of the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, PTC #19. Photo: John Marn. View full-sized image.

Photo: Bill Galvin Collection. View full-sized image.

A cold breeze on your face and nature around you — 12 ACE members enjoyed just that with a gathering at Wisp Mountain Resort on Sunday, March 8, to ride the only mountain coaster in the Mid-Atlantic. Tucked in the far northwest corner of Maryland, Wisp makes for a perfect annual stop on the day after CoasterBash! In the past, the event has experienced everything from a snowy ride to unexpected closures because of ice, but this year offered a crisp, beautiful day. Assistant Regional Rep Bill Galvin and the Wisp Mountain team organized the pitstop event for attendees with a generous discount for the rides — four rides for the price of three.

ACEer Vanessa Thomas said, "I’m always grateful to have four ride passes at this event, because it allows me to get a bit braver on each ride. The rider is in control of how fast their cart goes, and I tend to be a little hesitant on the first run, applying the brakes when flying around the ride’s sharp curves. I can’t help it, because it truly feels like the cart and I might fly off the rails if I don’t. But if you’re brave and don’t apply the brake too much, you can experience the full thrill of the coaster and even get a little airtime over the ride’s short dips if you’re going fast enough."

Attendees were appreciative of the efforts of the organizers and facility in keeping the annual tradition going.

After the group finished riding, farewells didn’t have to come immediately. All gathered for lunch and coaster conversation at a nearby pizza restaurant before heading home.

— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative

Photo: Justin Garvanovic. View full-sized image.

Dreamland and Scenic Railway Celebrate 100 Years

While its name may perhaps not resonate quite so loudly across the Atlantic as does that of its larger, brasher, more northwesterly compatriot, Dreamland (Margate, United Kingdom) possesses a heritage that can be traced further back in time than even the earliest incarnations of Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, United Kingdom). Way back in 1867, what would probably have been the closest to a bona fide trolley park ever to grace this side of the pond was ambitiously conceived for the Margate seafront. The projected railway connection from London, however, failed to materialize, and it was not until 1874 when the Italian and Zoological Gardens — Dreamland’s immediate antecedent — opened on the site. Today, Dreamland remains the oldest U.K. amusement park continuing to operate at its original location.

This photo of the Scenic Railway was captured during the European Coaster Odyssey in 2002.
Photo: Brian Peters. View full-sized image.

Note the brakeman’s special position in controlling the speed of the train.
Photo: Brian Peters. View full-sized image.

Dreamland’s fascinating and undulating history could without question occupy every page of a lengthy publication in its own right. However, as we roll inexorably into the third decade of the 21st century, it is only fitting to focus on the veritable jewel in its crown, Scenic Railway. Arising from the drawing board of the renowned John Henry Iles, and based on blueprints which industry folklore suggests had been purchased during a 1906 visit to New York City’s Coney Island, it debuted exactly a century ago in 1920, the same year in which the Dreamland with which we are familiar today first opened to the public. By way of a degree of perspective, Scenic Railway predates all four of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s surviving wood coasters (although the more orthodox pedants among us may remain entrenched in the view that the 1909 Velvet Coaster’s lift hill continues to carry riders to the disturbingly gaudy summit of Nickelodeon Streak).

Photo: Martin Valt. View full-sized image.

This photo from 2005 shows the regal character of each of the Scenic Railway’s trains.
Photo: Martin Valt. View full-sized image.

Photo: Bobby Nagy. View full-sized image.

Scenic Railway’s gently thrilling, yet deceptively lengthy, double out-and-back choreography successfully mesmerized riders of all ages until the first closure of the park in 1938 owing to it passing into liquidation, an unfortunate development that may nevertheless have somewhat fortuitously coincided almost exactly with the outbreak in Europe of World War II. Dreamland reopened in 1946 under the ownership of Billy Butlin, an individual probably largely unheard of in North America but whose business acumen, along with an apparent capacity to see into the future, single-handedly shaped the manner in which the populace spent its newfound leisure hours and disposable income in post-war England every bit as much as did that of a certain Walt Disney in the United States. While other rides and attractions came and went as the decades passed, the majestic Scenic Railway continued to proudly serve as a baby boomer rite of passage, in particular for generations of residents of London and the southeast corner of the country, through a variety of park owners and incarnations. Indeed, its name and image were seemingly indelibly branded onto the very social fabric of the era. Almost every citizen of the United Kingdom, even those who had never felt even the slightest inclination to venture as dangerously close to France as the windswept Kent coastline, was somehow at least vaguely familiar with it, possibly largely because of its frequent appearances as a backdrop in television shows and movies.

Various coasters came and went over time, including Looping Star.
Photo: Marin Garvanovic. View full-sized image.

Blue Coaster was operating during ACE’s visit in 2002.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

This picture from the ACE UK! tour in 2015 shows Crazy Mouse, which ran only during the park’s reopening season.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.

Pinball X is the most recent addition to Dreamland.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

This is without question a time for celebration, and the occasion of Dreamland’s 100th anniversary is certainly not the moment to dwell in any depth on the heartbreaking stagnation and decline that subsequently befell this iconic park, although those of us who grew up in its shadow cannot fail but to view this period through anything other than the most woe-tinted of spectacles. The “dark age” of Dreamland probably set in sometime during the mid-1990s, during which it became increasingly evident that the park owner at the time (whose name the author has elected to omit from this retrospective) was seeking to sell the entire Dreamland site, owing to the commercial value of the underpinning real estate apparently being far greater than that of a mere amusement park. (Now where have we all heard that before?) As a consequence, investment in the park during this period was at best minimal. And it showed. The original version of the Scenic Railway last operated in the 2007 season, by which time that which remained of the park was little more than a bleak, downtrodden, empty shell of its former self, with the laughter and joy of its glory years long evaporated and ringing out only as hollow, ghostly recriminations from a bygone era. Obviously coincidentally, a series of mysterious nocturnal fires, the cause of which rested somewhere on a spectrum between vandalism and arson, began to arise in the park. The most tragic of these in 2008 destroyed not only a significant portion of the Scenic Railway, but also its station and workshop along with all the original distinctive and intricately hand-carved horse head trains. Standing on the then pitiful site in summer 2011, it seemed beyond inconceivable to anyone that the coaster would ever be rebuilt; Dreamland had simply slipped silently into the chasm of history.

There was, however, one largely latent factor still very much at play. Any number of individuals and organizations (including both ACE and European Coaster Club) had supported what felt like endless initiatives to encourage someone, pretty much anyone really, to commit to investment in a new park on the site. In particular, the “Save Dreamland” campaign headed up by the indefatigable Nick Laister provided a platform to keep the rapidly fading memory of Dreamland and the Scenic Railway alive in the public consciousness. Displaying considerable clairvoyant aptitudes of his own, back in 2002 Laister had successfully applied for the then still-operational Scenic Railway to be accredited as what is known in the United Kingdom as a Grade II statutorily listed building, the first time such status had been bestowed on an amusement park ride. Briefly, this precluded the ride, irrespective of its operational status, from being demolished, even at the hands of its owner. While such a decree obviously did not afford any substantive protection from sudden demise by virtue of an “accidental” inferno, this listing proved instrumental in delaying an outcome that at the time seemed all but inevitable.

During the plaque presentation on ACE’s 2015 visit, Association Manager Jeffrey Seifert reminded attendees of the organization’s donations to Dreamland, which was followed by great applause.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Beyond the scope of this all-too-brief review to relate in any detail are the monumental efforts, extending well in excess of a decade, of Laister and his colleagues to persuade Thanet Council (the regional government body responsible for the affairs of Margate and the surrounding district) that the so-called resort town’s commercial interests would be best served by ensuring that an amusement park, rather than yet another anonymous and utterly soulless shopping mall, remained operational on the Dreamland site. Somehow they succeeded in doing so, in the face of what for years on end appeared to be beyond insurmountable odds. For this they all deserve unreserved and unrelenting admiration and gratitude. As a result, Dreamland finally reopened for business on June 15, 2015. While the faithfully rebuilt Scenic Railway was not able to operate until the closing weeks of that season, an apparently impossible dream (pun intended) had nonetheless been realized. Today, while its longer-term future is still by no means absolutely secure, Dreamland is once again packed with rides, both old and new. It presents a thoroughly spectacular and highly professional Halloween event each year and hosts both indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the season. It is once again loud and bright and vibrant and shiny — and lovingly cared for. It serves a fabulous and diverse range of delicious street foods, way above and beyond the quality of typical amusement park fare. More than anything, it once more offers sheer undiluted fun and enjoyment, the fundamental raison d'être of any amusement park, at a reasonable cost. A generation of young people who very nearly missed out on its timeless charms has accordingly been afforded a much belated opportunity to experience them first-hand. And for the author, there’s finally a good reason to make that long drive back to Margate.

Dreamland reopened in 2015.
Photo: Justin Garvanovic. View full-sized image.

This view is from the European Coaster Odyssey in 2002.
Photo: Curt Schimmel. View full-sized image.

The refurbished woodie welcomes back riders in the fall of 2015.
Photo: Justin Garvanovic. View full-sized image.

As for the reimagined Scenic Railway, well, it’s simply terrific. It has been reviewed extensively elsewhere, including by the author in ACE News [December 2018] and little useful purpose would be served by reiterating those very same observations here. Suffice to confirm that it more than successfully places a contemporaneous spin on an iconic historic attraction and continues to be an unmitigated joy to ride. Whether it constitutes an entirely new coaster or remains a traditional scenic railway in the accepted sense of that term is a different discussion for a different day; for the time being we should just rejoice in its continued existence.

This photo from the 2019 season shows the loving detail to the trains is alive and well.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Finally, while the world almost literally holds its breath and many nonessential businesses, including amusement parks, around the globe currently face up to a new and entirely unanticipated threat to their very existence, it falls to all of us as enthusiasts to show our support for parks like Dreamland more than ever before. Visit them as frequently as you can; ride the coasters and other attractions and purchase a souvenir (or two) and an ice cream and a hot dog before you leave. And, above all else, repeatedly tell your family and friends and neighbors and co-workers what a great time you had. Doing so may just make all the difference in the world.

— Martin Valt, ACE United Kingdom Regional Representative

Dreamland’s ride lineup is continuously changing.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.

This view shows the midway in 1988.
Photo: Marin Garvanovic. View full-sized image.

This ride was on Dreamland’s midway in the 1980s.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.

Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.

Photo: David Stremme. View full-sized image.

More than 50 ACE members and guests celebrated National Roller Coaster Day at the annual ACE Night at Lakeside event in Denver, Colorado. The festivities started with an Italian buffet dinner, complete with table drink service from the friendly Lakeside employees. During the buffet, the ACE regional rep team was able to sit down with Operations Manager Brenda Fishman to get the scoop on Lakeside’s “new” coaster.

The Pinfari Zyklon formerly known as the Big Ohhhh! at Omaha’s Fun-Plex was acquired and assembled last year in the southwest corner of the park, where it has been standing but not operating for more than a year. Last year the focus was on making the coaster compliant with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and this year the park has had challenges in getting parts from Italy. Lakeside recently received a cog for the lift chain that was incompatible with the existing shaft, so now it is waiting for a replacement shaft and lift chain. The park hopes to get the coaster up and running during the fall and open for the 2020 season.

The new coaster still does not have a name. During the 2018 event at Lakeside, Fishman solicited input from ACE members. “Rhoda Coaster” was the clear winner, but Park Owner Rhoda Krasner did not seem enamored of this suggestion. She has threatened to name it “Curly Q” instead.

As the park wound down to a close just after 11 p.m., the staff began nighttime ERT with the traditional double rides on the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Cyclone, followed by Lakeside’s famous ice cream social around midnight. The Cyclone staff took a quick break to get some ice cream, and then they offered some final rides to end the night. All in all, it was a great way to celebrate National Roller Coaster Day!

ACE Southwest extends its sincere thanks to Ms. Krasner, Ms. Fishman and all of the Lakeside Amusement Park staff for their hospitality in welcoming ACE for another year.

— Kevin Knapp
ACE Southwest Regional Representative

Photo: Courtesy Mirabilandia. View full-sized image.

Mirabilandia (Savio), Italy’s largest amusement park, opened its new €25 million Ducati World-themed section this July, featuring Desmo Race, a new steel dual coaster-track racer from Maurer Rides. On it, riders mount two-seat motorcycle-like coaster vehicles meant to simulate the excitement of driving a Ducati-brand V4 Panigale bike. (See ACE News February 2019 issue for further reporting on Maurer’s Spike Coaster system, such as the version for Mirabilandia and the model expected to be up and sailing by 2020 on a seafaring cruise ship.)

On Desmo, riders can challenge each other along two parallel 1,722-foot-long tracks for head-to-head competition. Accelerating and braking are under the driver’s control. The experience, during which riders negotiate 72-foot drops, extreme 270-degree turns and camelbacks, is all the result of each vehicle’s drive system, meaning the ride (technically) is not a coaster (as gravity plays no role anywhere) but certainly is coaster-like. Each bike has a drive system putting riders in control of their own speed. The powerful motors allow the vehicle to accelerate up to 1 G. This power is available everywhere on the racing tracks, even in the curves, and can be controlled precisely “for exciting effects.” Also, a customized sound system, video and touch screen are built into the vehicles — all thereby creating what is being promoted as “the world’s first interactive dueling coaster.”

Photo: Courtesy Mirabilandia. View full-sized image.

As reported in Themeparks-EU and RideOut Coastermagazin, Riccardo Marcante, general director of Mirabilandia, remarked, “As already happened on other occasions, Mirabilandia does not follow history: it writes it. . . . We . . . chose an attraction which allows children and adults to have fun in the same way as if they were riding a Ducati. In other words, it is just as we have always said: you will not have to wait to grow up.” The attraction’s minimum age requirement is six years old, and bikers must be at least 120 cm (47.25 inches) tall to ride.

Andrea Dovizioso of the Ducati Team MotoGP, who was among its first riders, said, “Desmo Race is really very exciting! I felt like I was riding my motorcycle: you can accelerate and brake just as you do in a real competition! I am so happy I have been the first person to try it and I hope that everyone will enjoy the same experience.” Riders can achieve speeds of up to 49.7 mph on the tracks.

Photo: Courtesy Mirabilandia. View full-sized image.

The new Ducati World section of the park is dedicated to the “iconic” motorcycle brand – Ducati originated in this region of Italy. Other rides and attractions in the new section include Scrambler Run, Diavel Ring and Kiddy Monster, small rides for the youngsters themed around Ducati bike names (i.e., Monster, Scrambler and Diavel cycles), plus the Experience Building, containing “cutting-edge” simulators and the motorcycle manufacturer’s models on permanent display, along with an official store (the Ducati Shop) and three food outlets.

If intrigued by all this, fans can check out Ducati World and Desmo Race with fellow enthusiasts, as Mirabilandia will be included in ACE’s Viva l’ACEtalia trip and tour slated for July 2020.

Mirabilandia is already home to seven roller coasters, including iSpeed, an Intamin 3,215-foot-long, 180-foot-tall linear synchronous motor launch multi-inversion coaster; Katun, a six-inversion Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster, boasting a 3,937-foot length, a 161-foot height along with a 4G wallop; and Divertical, an Intamin 2,514-foot-long ride claiming to be the world’s tallest “watercoaster” at 196-feet up — a truly fascinating-looking “coaster,” with quite a “[Di]vertical” straight-up elevator lift, a coaster-like track and a finale splashdown for the large Shoot-the-Chutes-style coaster cars. In addition, among Mirabilandia’s 40 attractions in its six themed lands, the park offers Europe’s second tallest Ferris wheel at 295 feet in height.

— Randy Geisler

Enjoy brief video looks at Desmo Race and Mirabilandia:

Video: Courtesy Mirabilandia.

Dubbed Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the coaster joins a list of names both awkward to pronounce and difficult to remember. It’s been done before: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, Batman and Robin — The Chiller, etc.

Photo: Courtesy Universal Studios. View full-sized image.

Aside from the overwrought moniker, what has been released is very intriguing. Universal is boasting it s the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet. Descriptions stating the attraction “will combine a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with rich environments and sets” certainly place the bar high. Fingers are crossed that Universal lives up to it.

Details are limited, but here is what is confirmed.

Coaster trains will feature cars resembling a motor bike and a sidecar. It’s a given that riders will want to experience it both ways, and folks will pick their favorite rather quickly. Upon close examination, this is an extremely distinct attribute when one stops to think about it.

The journey will allow avid fans to encounter creatures associated with the books and movies, including centaurs, Cornish Pixies, a three-headed dog (Fluffy) and many more, all within a forest. This is one of the ride’s true selling points, as the Forbidden Forest setting comes from a real forest of 1,200 live trees. Kudos to the park on that effort. Riders are also to become entangled in a thicket of Devil’s Snare. Many more surprises will be incorporated into the journey.

Minor details add a little more for the public to go on, but not a lot. The height requirement is 48 inches, top speed is 50 mph and the ride features launches, both forward and backward.

ACE knows the coaster supplier is Intamin, but the manufacturer is contracted to remain quiet, so details about height, length, hourly capacity and number of launches might not be revealed until the coaster officially opens on June 13.

If everything lives up to what is planned, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is sure to be a world-class attraction.

— Tim Baldwin