NewsParcs is an online trade publication dedicated to theme park industry professionals worldwide.
Since 1998, we work in direct contact with manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, owners and operators to publish only reliable and relevant information.
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
Follow us on Twitter (@NewsParcs) from November 19 to 22 with the hashtag #IAAPA
Gröna Lund to open the world highest Star Flyer as
part of its 130th anniversary : Eclipse
Update : 12/02/13 - 18h40Published by François Mayné the 8 February 2013, New.
The swedish amusement park Gröna Lund, a property of the operator Parks & Resorts Scandinavia, has announced that it will open the world tallest aerial flying carousel on the occasion of its 130th anniversary this season. The ride, a Star Flyer manufactured by the Australian company Funtime, represents an investment of 50 million Swedish kronor, slightly more than €5.8 million (approx $7.8 million).
Named Eclipse, the attraction will culminate at 121 meters-height (approx 397 feet) and will be equipped with 12 seats of 2 riders, for a theoretical hourly capacity of 600 persons. It will rotate at the maximum speed of 70 kph (approx 43.5 mph) and the size limit to enter will be fixed at 120 cm (approx 3.9 feet).
As wink for the anniversary, Gröna Lund chose to pay attention to the theming of the ride which will be based on the steampunk style, ie a mix between 19th century architecture and science fiction. At the top of the tower will be installed a golden structure dating from 1897.
"We wanted to make it big for our 130 years and this is now done! Being able to build an attraction such as Eclipse and offer this wonderful birthday present to our guests is a dream come true," said Peter Osbeck, head of attractions at Gröna Lund. "Probably that all of our visitors will not dare to get on board, but those who will do will enjoy an incredible view of Stockholm and its surroundings!"
The world record of Eclipse could however not be very long because another amusement park - Six Flags Over Texas in the United States - has also announced that it would open the world tallest Star Flyer in 2013, specifying a height of 400 feet, or 121.9 meters ... barely 90 centimeters (3 feet) higher than Gröna Lund! It will certainly wait until the two attractions are operational to make a measure and determine the winner.
Located on the island of Djurgården, Gröna Lund is a master in the construction of attractions whose the floor space requirement is limited, the park extending only on 6 hectares (15 acres). One of its latest additions, the wooden coaster Twister designed by The Gravity Group, is for example built on a small surface and partly on existing buildings. As for Eclipse, it will replace another thrill ride (Extreme, a Top Scan from Mondial).
The opening of Eclipse is scheduled for April 27, 2013.
These past three years have been intense for NewsParcs. Our magazine, which has been dedicated to the global theme parks industry since 1998, underwent major changes to become one of the most appreciated magazines among many...
CORPORATE | NewsParcs - Published on January 28, 2014
Our Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, financial ...
The NewsParcs' Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, ...
Our Industry Roundup is a summary of the latest major news related to the theme park industry worldwide. We report news specifically on operators, owners, trade associations and related organizations, including trends, attendance...