Amusement Industry: What’s New and How to Stay Safe

From the time theme parks opened, children of all ages have always looked forward to the vivid sounds and sights and fun times of amusement rides, attractions and shows. This year is no different, and parks and attractions continue to debut new and innovative attractions based on imaginative design and safe, fun times for all.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) compiles a list of what’s new in theme parks as a service of www.TicketForFun.com - the ideal consumer website to find the most comprehensive online directory of attractions, amusement industry news, safety tips and more. Following is a brief sample of what’s new for the 2006 season, but for more information or to access these parks and attractions click to www.TicketForFun.com.

New Parks and Attractions
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark—Indoor Waterpark in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Georgia Aquarium—World’s Largest Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia; The Great Wolf Lodge—Indoor Waterpark openings in Niagara Falls, Canada, Paramount's Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio, and, Chehalis Reservation, Grand Mound, Washington; The Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark—The world’s only “convertible waterpark” offering indoor and outdoor experiences in Galveston Island, Texas; The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Indoor Water Park in Lake George, New York; Zoomers—Family Entertainment Center in Ft. Myers, Florida.

New Rides
The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana; Survivor the Ride at Paramount’s Great America in San Francisco, California; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida; Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania; El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey; Skyhawk at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; Thunder N Lightning at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut; Patriot at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri; Kentucky Rumbler at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California; Grand Rapids at Michigan Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan.

New Shows and Park Areas
“Believe” Whale Show at SeaWorld: Orlando, Florida, San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California; The Grand Exposition at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; Pirate Shores at Legoland in Carlsbad, California; Pirates 4D at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida; Tava's Jungleland at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California; Nick Universe at Paramount’s King Island in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Awareness Plus Cooperation Equals Safe Fun
Beyond spotlighting what’s new, Ticket For Fun promotes safe behavior at parks and attractions. There are a variety of guidelines families can refer to, but it is parents’ awareness, instruction and guidance Ticket For Fun encourages most. Parents should take advantage of this opportune time to instill the values the parks and attractions industry looks for in every patron.

“Parents and guardians can provide great examples for children of all ages,” said Charles Bray, President and CEO of IAAPA. “As these adults exhibit safe behavior in a fun way, children will also find motivation to practice safe habits at every theme park, water park, museum and other attractions they visit.”

For families to join the parks and attractions industry as “partners in safety,” visit www.ticketforfun.com to see more safety tips, like the following:

  • Upon arriving at the park designate a place to meet immediately if any one is separated from your party. Also implement the buddy system so no one in your party is left alone.
  • Observe all posted rules and follow the verbal instructions given by ride operators or lifeguards.
  • Obey the signs. Abide by listed age, height, weight and health restrictions. Pay special attention to experience-level guidelines for water park rides as well.
  • Parents with young children need to make sure the ride can be enjoyed safely and children understand safe and appropriate ride behavior.
  • Apply waterproof sunscreen before leaving home (reapply throughout the day) and drink plenty of fluids (avoiding those heavily sweetened or with caffeine).
  • When visiting a water park, make sure non-swimmers and weak swimmers have a life vest. Bring your own if you are unsure of availability and fit.
  • It is always beneficial to call the facility or visit their website in advance to familiarize yourself with their procedures and regulations.

Don’t wait! Start researching your family vacation now. Visit www.TicketForFun.com

###

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 5,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 85 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org or www.ticketforfun.com.

 
Select a country to see a directory of amusement parks and attractions in your chosen destination.
..
Click here to discover FunTips to maximize enjoyment and safety on your next trip to an amusement park, attraction, or waterpark.
Check out what’s going on at our member facilities! From new rides, to special events and promotions, there is always something exciting to read about.
Visit Ticket For Fun’s newest feature for kids! For that long car ride, dull air flight or even winding line for a roller coaster ride, these games are easy to print up and take with the you for some fun and education!