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It appears 1999 will be a record year worldwide for capital investments in existing parks as well as the parks slated to open this year. Roller coasters are still the one addition that can almost guarantee an increase in attendance.
Judging by the capital projects reported, owners of amusement parks and theme parks in all corners of the world are more optimistic than ever about the future.
The star spender for 1999 is the Six Flags/Premier Parks chain. It will spend approximately $200 million in its 25 U.S. parks. There are 12 major coaster installations by four different coaster companies among its projects for the upcoming season. There are also several water rides, and four Vekoma Magic Houses in line for the parks.
Approximately $80 million will be spent at the five newest Six Flags properties: Six Flags Kentacky Kingdom, Louisville; Six Flags Darien Lake, Darien Center, N.Y.; Six Flags America, Largo, Md.; Six Flags Elitch Gardens Denver; and Six Flags Marine World, Vallejo, Calif.
Nearly $120 million will be spent to fund expansion and additions at its other 20 parks across the country
The biggest recipient of corporate generosity is Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, with a $30 million program in place. The park will open its seventh season in spring 1999 with 15 more rides, a waterpark twice in size, and nearly double the ride capacity for the 200-acre park.
The 15 rides will include Poltergeist, a Premier Rides LIM Catapult coaster; The Boomerang Super Coaster, a Vekoma Boomerang; The Scream, a 164-foot tall tower drop from Huss; and a Vekoma Magic House, the first of its kind in the U.S. The ride, which is based on the old spinning room illusion, will also appear at three other Six Flags/Premier Parks properties: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ.; Riverside Park, Agawam, Mass.; and the chains Walibi Bellewaerde, in Belgium.
A Chance Rides Chaos and a Wisdom Tornado will also be installed at Fiesta Texas. The park's Ol' Waterin Hole waterpark will be doubled in size and renamed the Lone Star Lagoon. Officials say the largest wave pool in Texas will be built in the shape of the state and will be capable of creating four-foot high waves. A five-acre SCS Interactive...