Archive for September, 2011

Offering Fun Both Indoors and Outside

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Waterparks offer the perfect attractions to keep guests cool and enjoying themselves. But other types of leisure entertainment facilities and companies can also offer respites from the heat, albeit without the high thrills afforded by waterpark rides.  In this issue, we offer an expanded Waves waterpark section sure to spark your interest with stories on ...

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Splendor in the Grass
The Natural Side of Food Service at United States Botanical Gardens

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Visitors may come to botanic gardens to see some of the finest specimens nature has to offer, but they may also end up staying for the great food being served at these destinations around the country. And while some botanic gardens, like the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, may not have their own dining facilities, ...

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Top Tips for Feeding Hungry Guests

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Maintain proper staffing levels. “That is probably the biggest problem that food service operators have,” said Al Zehnder, CEO of Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth, Mich. “It’s important to maintain adequate staffing levels, and have a menu design that meets the time expectations of the guests.” Limit menu options. Diana Rodriguez of Calypso Bay Waterpark ...

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Fast Food Fever
Guests Still Want Classic Park Foods

September 1, 2011 No Comments

As concessions manager at Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center in Englewood, Colo., Leslie Boersma has endured some teasing for packing her lunch every day. “People have made fun of me for that,” said Boersma. “But it’s so hard to find something healthy to eat at an amusement park.” After a while, the powers that ...

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The Original Social Network:
Face-to-Face Interaction Is the New-Old Cool

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Without a doubt, the music industry has changed, and the coin-operated business with it. Once upon a time, when record labels would release a new song or reveal an up-and-coming artist, it would be through the jukebox and radio. Today, those channels are just one part of a larger, more complex marketing scheme, yet the ...

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The Latest Buzz About Licensed Merchandise – A Coin-Op Industry Update

September 1, 2011 No Comments

It’s all in the brand. That’s what experts say about how licensed merchandising can be profitable for customers. For kids and tweens especially, the difference between dropping a coin into a sticker or capsule machine can often come down to whether or not they recognize the famous face or name staring back at them. And ...

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— Insurance —  <br />Comparing Apples to Apples Can Equal Rotten Coverage

— Insurance —
Comparing Apples to Apples Can Equal Rotten Coverage

September 1, 2011 No Comments

The amusement industry is evolving and changing in many ways. For the owners of small and large amusement centers, this presents a constant challenge for you in keeping up with new equipment, added attractions, upgrading your current games and even expanding to open up additional locations. Your time dedicated to running your business and also ...

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Making the Winning Team Skating Center Hiring Practices

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Hiring for a roller skating center can be much like tryouts for a team sport. When asked about their hiring process, several RSA members said they have actual tryouts.  Picture a scene similar to that of the local high school varsity football team tryout, but instead of a position on the football team, it’s a ...

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New Miniature Golf Course in Wisconsin Is an Economic Hole-In-One

New Miniature Golf Course in Wisconsin Is an Economic Hole-In-One

September 1, 2011 No Comments

Bob Moeller and his family saw the business potential in the revitalization of the South Pier District, where the Sheboygan River flows into Lake Michigan. Starting in the 1990s, savvy development of the area has turned it into a growing Midwest vacation destination. The Moeller family has invested extensively in their longtime,  hometown  lakeshore: Bob, ...

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September/October 2011

September 1, 2011 No Comments

THE LARGE PARK REPORT LEGOLAND Florida: A Study in Reimagining a Park for the Future – On October 15, 2011, the only new United States theme park for 2011 will open. Contributor Chad Emerson explores how LEGOLAND’s first foray east of the Mississippi River in Florida marks a major change in strategy for how to ...

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Sponsors

    Extreme Engineering

    Industry leader in zip lines, climbing walls, jumper systems and adventure products.

    Soft Play

    Leader in designing, manufacturing and installing soft contained playground equipment.

    Quik N' Crispy (QNC)

    Quik n’ Crispy greaseless fryer.

    Art Attack

    Theming, miniature golf, parade floats, 3D props, air-brushed murals, signage and art panels.

    California Portable Dance Floor Company

    Rio Syrup

    Over 250 flavors, syrups and concentrates for shaved ice, sno cones, shushes, food colors. Now featuring Hawaiian Flower Cups.

    Richie's Italian Ice

    Italian Ice Kiosks and Carts

    European Body Arts

    Airbrushed temporary tattoo products and systems.

    Xtreme Inflatables

    Repair and service for all inflatable products.

    Tokens Direct

    A wide variety of tokens.

    Muncie Novelty Co., Inc.

    Admissions, financial equipment, printing and tickets.

    SnowMasters

    Evaporative snow systems.

    Comstock - Castle Stove

    Commercial cooking equipment.

    Lazer Runner

    Laser Tag Systems

    Center Edge Software

    Facility Management Software Solutions

    Gould Manufacturing, Ltd.

    Concession trailers and Antique, Jeep and Grand Prix auto rides.

    Embed

    Provides innovative IT products and services with a primary focus on card-based solutions and database applications for the leisure and retail industries.

    Store on Wheels

    Importer and distributor of quality toys, lighting and novelties. Cater to the amusement, retail and entertainment industries.

    Berk Paper & Supply

    Concession supplies.

    Harris Miniature Golf Course

    Design and construction of miniature golf courses and water rides.

    Qubica

    Sells capital equipment to bowling centers.

    Mahoning Valley Mfg.

    A complete line of Imperial strollers, wagons and safari utility vehicles.

    Tube Pro

    Waterpark tubes.

    Beckman Insurance Agency

    Amusement attractions insurance.

    Empex Water Toys

    Aquatons Water Toys

    Zebec Water Sports

    Large variety of waterpark needs

    Subway

    Fresh food and sandwich options.

    Tear Repair

    Tear-Aid industrial strength patches to repair holes and tears.

    Jane Farrell Turf and Carpets, Inc.

    Commercial carpet, printed and decorative patterns, loop and cut-pile construction. Wall coverings in fluorescents, Class A fire rated. Colored turf, both traditional and neon colors.

    Broaster Co., The

    Food programs and food service equipment.

    A'maze Ventures, Inc.

    Mazes for every location, new and used.

    Martin Professionals

    A lighting supplier of choice for the entertainment industry.

    Playsmart

    Patented soft play design, soft playgrounds.

    Weldon, Williams & Lick

    Admission systems and wristband ticketing.

    GloCones

    Flashing cotton candy cones.

    Poly Products

    Tables, benches and related products. Green products for a green world.

    Safari Ltd.

    Leading manufacturer of innovative educational toys.

    American Changer

    Bill and coin dispensers and counters, ticket machines and more.

    Funovation

    Laser maze challenge

    Thomco Insurance (Fun Pro)

    Fun Pro is an insurance program especially designed for party planners and party rental businesses.

    Friedman Group Ins.

    Insurance for amusement devices.

    R&R Creative Amusement Design

    Designers of unique themed parks, attractions and environments for the entertainment business.

    Flagship Carpet

    Custom carpets and rugs.

    Aquaventronics

    Research and development of interactive water games for use in the commercial amusement industry.

    Davis & Davis, Inc.

    Planning consultants for wet/dry attractions, mini-golf, go-kart tracks and laser arenas.

    Penny Press

    Penny souvenir machine, great for parks, FECs, bowling and skating centers, museums and tourist attractions.

    Deltronic Labs Inc.

    Ticket dispensers.

    Bulbtronics

    A premier source for lamps, LEDs, batteries and lighting-related and electrical products.

    Challenger Industries

    Sports surfaces, carpets and mini-golf surfaces.

    Formula K Raceways

    Go-karts, kiddie cars and bumper boats, go-kart parts and tires.

    Castle Golf, Inc.

    Planning, design and construction of miniature golf courses and family fun parks.

    Adventure Golf

    Miniature golf courses, consultants, architecture and design.

    Splashtacular

    Manufacturer of waterslides

    See Coast Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    Coin-operated binoculars and telescopes.

    Omega Carpets

    Printed carpeting for all your facility needs.

    Belson Manufacturing Co.

    Park and recreation outdoor furniture and equipment.

    Water Wars (T&D Enterprises of Brainerd)

    Water Wars water balloon game, portable or startionary.

    Lil Orbits Inc.

    Food equipment, donut machines and vendor carts.

    Namco

    Namco America is a premier manufacturer of coin-op arcade attractions, ranging from the hottest titles like Crazy Typhoon and Jumpin’ Jackpot to classic game-room experiences such as the Pac-Man 25th Anniversary upright that features Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Specialized pieces such as Wonka Sweetland and Flamin Finger are favorites too! For arcade gaming fun, Namco America is your answer.

    Look Solutions

    Fog machines.

    Birthday University

    Concept development, training and birthday party touring seminars.

    Money Tree - ATM

    ATM machines.

    Gold Medal Products Co.

    Concession equipment, foods and beverages, popcorn, pretzels and snack foods.

    Laser Star

    Laser shooting galleries, laser tag, dark ride target systems, overhead target ranges.

    Tarobots

    Boxerjocks robotic boxing amusement ride game attraction.

    Chestnut Identity Apparel

    Uniform supply, embroidered apparel and flag manufacturing.

    Sureshot Redemption

    One-stop source for prize redemption counters at entertainment centers.

    Brunswick Bowling

    Entertainment bowling center developer and manufacturer of bowling equipment and entertainment products.

    Price Chopper, Inc. Wristbands

    Admission, financial equipment and wristbands.

    Gerber Manufacturing, Ltd.

    Outdoor furniture, benches, picnic tables and grills.

    Wisdom Industries, Ltd.

    Amusement ride manufacturer, new and used rides.

    Spectrum Sports

    Climbing walls, ropes courses, go-karts and more.

    National Rock & Sculpture

    Dedicated to the conceptual design and development of themed environments.

    Hamilton Manufacturing Corp.

    Manufacturer of unattended entry systems and change machines.

    Lakeshore Merchandise (Smart Vending)

    Premier vending supply for all of your vending equipment and supply needs.

    Sacoa

    Designed and manufactures PlayCard, the rechargeable debit card system.

    Klopp International, Inc. (Playmeter)

    Quality coin counters and sorters.

    Precision Dynamics (PDC)

    Wristbands with no hidden costs, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Wristband System.

    Enchanted Castle Studios

    Fiberglass statuary and figures for restaurants, mini-golf, theme parks and other attractions.

    Action Lighting Co.

    Lighting supplies.

    Perfect Fry

    Innovative and simple-to-operate countertop deep fryer Perfect Fryers.

    Max Flight

    Manufactures interactive virtual reality motion-platform game systems including networkable flight and roller coaster simulators.

    S&S Worldwide

    Large Park amusement rides.

    Nieco Corp

    Nieco automatic broilers.

    Northeast Insurance (NIC)

    Insurance programs.

    Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM)

    Premier entertainment consultants.

    Rides-4-U, INC.

    New and used rides, kiddie, family, major and thrill.

    Coast to Coast

    Coin-operated entertainment, crane machines.

    Sippers By Design

    Design and manufacture of specialty custom-shaped drink containers.

    Fast Corp Vending

    Frozen food vending machines

    Family Fun Corp.

    Waterpark walls for rivers, bumper boat and splash down pools.

    Wapello Fabrications

    Inflatables and portable amusements.

    Barron Games

    Redemption air hockey games.

    West Coast Netting, Inc.

    Experienced netting manufacturer on the leading edge of innovation.

    Kay Park Recreations Corp.

    Picnic tables, grills, park benches, planters, trash containers and more.

    U.S. Bowling

    Award-winning independent company brings bowling to your venue.

    Hoffman Mint

    Tokens, medals, coins and key tags.

    Cost of Wisconson

    Creators of simulated environments, duplicate structures, sculpted figures, exhibits, water features, mini-golf and more.

    International Special Events (ISERA)

    Risk purchasing group, a better way to purchase liability insurance, specializing in inflatables and much more.

    Wells Fargo

    Commercial insurance for inflatables and event planners.

    Master Pitching Machine

    Batting cages and pitching machines.

    Adventure Glass

    Unique paddleboats.

    CFX Composite & Effects

    Special effects make-up and prosthetics

    Midway Concepts (Circus Tops)

    Premier designers of stainless steel food service equipment.

    Ride Development Corp.

    Electric floor, gas and battery-powered bumper cars.

    Knight Equipment

    Drive cables for ferris wheels, Tilt-A-Whirls, Rock-O-Planes and many others.

    Stoelting
    OpenAire
    Spectrum Sports
    Cannonball Blaster
    CCI
    Funovation
    Empex Water Toys
    FunProInsurance