Leading theme park attractions company Ride Entertainment has installed Funtime’s towering Star Flyer rides at three US theme parks.
The rides, manufactured by Funtime Handels of Dispatch, Austria were each sold by Ride Entertainment. The Boston based company specialises in the sale, operation and installation of some of the world’s most iconic thrill-rides and attractions.
Elitch Gardens has a Star Flyer spinning seventeen stories about the skyline. It was installed close to the park’s iconic Twister II roller coaster.
Attractions to bring the skyline to life
Karl Traeger is Marketing Director at the Colorado theme park. He said,“The addition of Star Flyer Gardens gave parkgoers the opportunity to experience an all-new thrill ride. (It also allows them to see) breathtaking panoramic views of their favorite park attractions, the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains”.
In Minnesota, Ride Entertainment installed a Star Flyer at Valleyfair, just outside Minneapolis. At 230-foot the “North Star” is the second-tallest attraction at the park. In addition, a 44-inch height requirement enables a wider demographic to enoy the experience. Kids have been seen encouraging/coercing their parents into trying out the new attraction.
Valleyfair General Manager Brad Marcy said, “North Star is the only ride of its kind in the upper midwest. Guests love experiencing the beautiful views of the Minnesota River valley from 230 feet and in addition North Star’s lighting package brings the Valleyfair skyline to life at night.”
Park attendance boost from the StarFlyer
Six Flags America in Largo, Maryland is now home to the third Star Flyer, also installed by Ride Entertainment. At 242 high, the new attraction, WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth, is Maryland’s tallest amusement ride. Riders can even see downtown Washington D.C. from the top of the tower.
Rick Howarth is president of Six Flags America. He said, “At Six Flags America, we chose a Star Flyer as our new ride for 2017. As the tallest ride at Six Flags America, it makes a great visual statement while delivering high guest satisfaction scores all around. Our guests have therefore been thrilled with this addition.”
Adam Sandy is Chief Business Development Officer at Ride Entertainment. He said,“All of
these were great projects. Each park also advertised the sky-scraping attraction in its own unique way and got great results. It is also thrilling to see rides like this at a price point under two million dollars having a great impact on park attendance.
“In addition, having the Ride Entertainment installation team install their rides meant that our customers get an extremely competitive installation price while working with a team that has erected over a dozen Star Flyers.”
Hannes Lackner , GM Funtime says, “North America continues to be a great place for us to grow. We have sold a lot of tower rides in North America since 2011 and we look forward to more in the near future.”
