Crystal Beach Park was an amusement park in Crystal Beach, Ontario from 1888 to 1989. It was serviced by the Canadiana passenger ferry in Buffalo , making it a popular tourist destination for both Canadians and Americans.
74-503: The park was known for its innovative roller coasters , most notably Backety-Back Scenic Railway , the Cyclone , and The Comet . The Comet was awarded Coaster Landmark status in 2009, and remains in operation at The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor . Crystal Beach Park was originally a Chautauqua with a beach and side show attractions that was founded by John E. Rebstock on the shores of Lake Erie in 1888. Rebstock turned it into
148-405: A train through tight turns, steep slopes, and other elements usually designed to produce a thrilling experience. Trains consist of open cars connected in a single line, and the rides are often found in theme parks around the world. Roller coasters first appeared in the 17th century, and LaMarcus Adna Thompson obtained one of the first known patents for a roller coaster design in 1885, based on
222-486: A 3-meter diving board during a comedy act and fell 20-feet, hitting his head on the edge of the concrete pool. Murach was years later awarded damages of $ 58.6 million after a jury found International Broadcasting Corporation 100% liable for his injury. The end of the diving board was not installed at a proper distance away from the edge of the pool to prevent such an incident from occurring. In August 1991, 14-year-old Kenneth Margerum fell 60 feet (18 m) to his death from
296-532: A basis, LaMarcus Adna Thompson began work on a gravity Switchback Railway that opened at Coney Island in Brooklyn , New York , in 1884. Passengers climbed to the top of a platform and rode a bench-like car down the 600-foot (183 m) track up to the top of another tower where the vehicle was switched to a return track and the passengers took the return trip. This track design was soon replaced with an oval complete circuit. In 1885, Phillip Hinkle introduced
370-443: A bracket came off the top of the ride and hit a woman in the head while she was waiting in line. The woman did not die, and she reached a settlement with Cedar Point amusement park in 2023. The ride was subsequently refurbished and modified, and it reopened in 2024 as Top Thrill 2 . Kingda Ka closed on November 10, 2024. Superman: Escape From Krypton , a 415-foot (126 m) coaster, opened in 1997 at Six Flags Magic Mountain . It
444-616: A capacity of 500 to 1,200. The park's first roller coaster was a Figure 8 model that operated from 1905 to 1915. Prior to the 1908 season John Rebstock, while maintaining ownership of the land, sold the physical assets of the Crystal Beach Park to the Lake Erie Excursion Company. The Americana held 3,000 passengers and operated between 1908 and 1929. The Canadiana also held 3,000 passengers and operated between 1910 and 1956. A concrete pier
518-604: A dozen imitators, but their popularity soon declined. However, during the Belle Epoque they returned to fashion. In 1887, Spanish entrepreneur Joseph Oller , co-founder of the Moulin Rouge music hall, constructed the Montagnes Russes de Belleville , "Russian Mountains of Belleville" with 656 feet (200 m) of track laid out in a double-eight, later enlarged to four figure-eight-shaped loops. In 1827,
592-444: A fond memory. The park was expanded to 85 acres (0.34 km ) in 1974 to make room for adult rides and broaden the park's appeal. Citing the 1979 oil crisis and rising cost of gasoline, the park reported a 62% drop in profits during the 1979 season. The park was put up for sale that same year. After dwindling attendance stemming from Western New York's rust belt economic decline, Fantasy Island, Inc. declared bankruptcy and
666-539: A full-fledged amusement park in 1890. In 1896, the Ontario Southern Railway began to provide connection between the park and the mainline rail station in Ridgeway . This service consisted of a unique elevated monorail style train, and ran for only three summers, through 1898. Boat service connected nearby Buffalo with the park. Initially, in the 1890s, a ferry service operated small boats with
740-405: A lift hill, however. A train may also be set into motion by a launch mechanism such as a flywheel, linear induction motor (LIM), linear synchronous motor (LSM), hydraulic launch, or drive tire. Some launched roller coasters are capable of reaching greater speeds using less track when compared to traditional coasters that rely on a conventional lift hill. A brake run at the end of the circuit
814-402: A little carriage and one stands behind, for more there are in it the greater the swiftness with which it goes; it runs on castors and in grooves to keep it on its right direction, and it descends with a wonderful rapidity. Under the hill, is a machine worked by horses for drawing the carriages back again, with the company in them. Such a work as this would have been enormous in most countries for
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#1732787425738888-638: A live Wild West show . To promote the park, WGR-TV aired a live weekly television program on Saturday mornings from 1961 to 1962 titled Fantasy Island Show featuring the park's characters and puppeteers performing for an all-children studio audience. The show's host and protagonist was Buckskin Joe, portrayed by park general manager Clyde "Buddy" Farnan. A 2,500-seat outdoor arena was constructed in 1965 for French lion tamer Jean "Tarzan" Zerbini's circus. Actor Jim Carrey grew up in nearby Ontario and would vacation at Fantasy Island, citing Zerbini's show as
962-625: A long-term agreement to lease the property from Store Capital in May 2021. Staples also owns and operates Clementon Lake Park and Indiana Beach . The park was renamed Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World and reopened in August 2021. The 2021 season only featured the splash park, with rides being re-added to the park in time for the 2022 season. Niagara Amusement Park owns a large arsenal of attractions that are in varying states of construction or storage. Listed below are rides that have not been opened to
1036-552: A mining company in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania constructed the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway , a downhill gravity railroad used to deliver coal to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania – now known as Jim Thorpe . By the 1850s, the "Gravity Road" (as it became known) was selling rides to thrill seekers. Railway companies used similar tracks to provide amusement on days when ridership was low. Using this idea as
1110-427: A new era of roller coaster enthusiasm, which led to a resurgence across the amusement park industry over the next several decades. There are several explanations for the name roller coaster . It is said to have originated from an early American design where slides or ramps were fitted with rollers over which a sled would coast. This design was abandoned in favor of fitting the wheels to the sled or other vehicles, but
1184-406: A ratchet and pawl. When riding a roller coaster with a ratchet and pawl system, the sound of clicks can be heard when pulling down the restraint. Hydraulic restraints use a piston and cylinder. Unlike mechanical restraints, there is no feeling of physical or sound of clicks from the restraint being locked in place. Most modern day roller coasters have sensors that are used to make sure each restraint
1258-544: A ride. Also, "In a typical year, more than 385 million guests enjoyed in excess of 1.7 billion rides at approximately 400 North American fixed-site facilities". IAAPA is required to report annual ride incidents to the National Safety Council. Roller coasters are divided into two main categories: steel roller coasters and wooden roller coasters . Steel coasters have tubular steel tracks, and compared to wooden coasters, they are typically known for offering
1332-446: A roller coaster's computer system. Multiple PLCs work together to detect faults associated with operation and automate decisions to engage various elements (e.g. lift, brakes, etc.). Periodic maintenance and visual inspection by ride engineers are also important to verify that structures and materials are within expected wear tolerances and functioning correctly. Effective operating procedures further enhance safety. Roller coaster design
1406-477: A smoother ride and their ability to turn riders upside-down. Wooden coasters have flat steel tracks, and are typically renowned for producing "air time" through the use of negative G-forces when reaching the crest of some hill elements. Newer types of track, such as I-Box and Topper introduced by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), improve the ride experience on wooden coasters, lower maintenance costs, and add
1480-407: A train attempts to enter an occupied block, the stopping mechanisms in all blocks are engaged. Restraints are another critical aspect to roller coaster safety. Roller coasters usually have two different types: Over-the-shoulder-restraints and lap bar restraints. With both, either hydraulic or mechanical safety mechanisms are used within the restraints. Mechanical restraints use a system known as
1554-430: A variety of different experiences. More focus is being placed on the position of riders in relation to the overall experience. Traditionally, riders sit facing forward, but newer variations such as stand-up and flying models position the rider in different ways to change the experiences. A flying model, for example, places riders lying down and facing forward with their chests and feet strapped in. Other ways of enhancing
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#17327874257381628-455: A wood track and steel structure. Other older examples include mine train roller coasters , many of which were built by Arrow Dynamics . The term hybrid became more prominent after the introduction of New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas in 2011. Many in the industry, however, continue to classify coasters strictly by their track type only, labeling them either steel or wood. Modern roller coasters are constantly evolving to provide
1702-408: Is about five or six feet lower, just sufficient to allow for the friction and resistance; and so on to the last, from which they are conveyed by a gentle descent, with nearly same velocity, over a piece of water into a little island. These slides, which are about a furlong and a half in length, are made of wood, that may be used in summer as well as in winter. The process is, two of four persons fit in
1776-458: Is another important aspect that requires a working knowledge of basic physics to enhance ride comfort and avoid harmful strain to the rider. Ride designers must carefully analyze the movement a ride subjects its riders to, ensuring it is within a reasonable tolerance. The human body needs sufficient time to react to sudden changes in force in order to control muscle tension and avoid harmful consequences such as whiplash . Designers typically stay in
1850-474: Is considered one of the greatest wooden coasters ever built, and was awarded Coaster Landmark status by American Coaster Enthusiasts . At its peak in the 1940s and early 1950s, the park had about 20,000 visitors daily throughout the summer, from Victoria Day through Labour Day. Boat service from Buffalo was discontinued after a race riot aboard the Canadiana in 1956. George C. Hall died in 1972 and
1924-404: Is locked. If all the restraints are locked, it will send a signal to the ride computer letting it know that it is clear for dispatch. If all restraints are not locked, the train will not be able to move out of the station until each restraint is locked. Braking systems such as pivoting pawls are used on the bottom of the train and on the inclined lift hill. While the cart goes up the lift hill, it
1998-415: Is not typically classified as a strata coaster due to its shuttle coaster design, where trains do not travel a complete circuit. An exa coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 600 feet (180 m). The term exa was first introduced by Intamin for Falcon's Flight, a 640-foot (200 m) coaster expected to open at Six Flags Qiddiya in 2025. Upon completion, it will be
2072-525: Is referred as "mountain-and-valley railway". German has the word Achterbahn , stemming from Figur-8-Bahn , relating to the form of the number 8 ( acht in German). This is similar to the Dutch Achtbaan , in which acht also means "eight". Roller coaster trains are not typically powered. Most are pulled up a lift hill by a chain or cable and released downhill. The potential energy accumulated by
2146-518: Is the most common method of stopping a roller coaster train as it returns to the station. One notable exception is a powered roller coaster , which instead of relying on gravity uses one or more motors to propel the trains along the course. In 2006, NASA announced that it would build a system using principles similar to those of a roller coaster to help astronauts escape the Ares I launch pad in an emergency, although this has since been scrapped along with
2220-401: Is usually pulled by a chain. The pawl moves over bumps that are separated closely apart. In the event that the train ever becomes disconnected from the chain, the anti roll-back system will engage and it will fall back into the nearest downhill stop preventing the train from falling down the lift hill. Another key to safety is the programmable logic controller (PLC), an essential component of
2294-706: The Catherine Park . Two roller-coasters were built in France in 1817. Les Montagnes de Belleville ( Les Montagnes Russes à Belleville ) in Belleville, Paris had wheels attached to carriages and locked on tracks. The Promenades Aériennes , opened in Parc Beaujon in Paris on July 8, 1817 had wheeled cars securely locked to the track, guide rails to keep them on course, and higher speeds. It spawned half
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2368-482: The Switchback Railway which opened a year earlier at Coney Island . Tracks are typically built and designed as a complete circuit in which trains depart from and return to the same loading station . One variation, a shuttle roller coaster , reverses at some point throughout the course of the ride to traverse the same track backwards. The oldest roller coasters are believed to have originated from
2442-499: The kiddie coaster , is a roller coaster specifically designed for younger riders. Following World War II, parks began pushing for more of them to be built in contrast to the height and age restrictions of standard designs at the time. Companies like Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) developed scaled-down versions of their larger models to accommodate the demand. These typically featured lift hills smaller than 25 feet (7.6 m), and still do today. The rise of kiddie coasters soon led to
2516-634: The Crystal Ballroom. Artie Shaw arrived late for his Labour Day performance at the venue in 1939, and the crowd of 7,000 rioted. The Cyclone was added to the park in 1926. It was one of the Giant Cyclone Safety Coasters that were designed by Harry G. Traver , and known for their reputation as dangerous and terrifying. In 1947, the Cyclone was dismantled and its material was used to construct The Comet . The Comet
2590-579: The Golden Age. This aside, roller coasters were still built with varying success from location to location. In May 1932, the Scene Railway witnessed somewhat of a revival in the UK, including the opening of the roller coaster at Great Yarmouth . Today it is one of only two scenic railways still in operation in the UK. In 1959, Disneyland introduced a design breakthrough with Matterhorn Bobsleds ,
2664-435: The ability to invert riders. A third classification type is often referred to as a hybrid roller coaster , which utilize a mixture of wood and steel elements for the track and structure. Many, for example, have a track made out of steel and a support structure made from wood. RMC has notably redesigned wood coasters that have either deteriorated from age or been deemed by parks as too costly to maintain. RMC often replaces
2738-411: The banking of curves. Wheels are a critical part in rollercoaster design. The purpose of wheels is to keep the train on the track and to prevent it from flying off. A majority of roller coaster wheels are made from polyurethane. There are 3 kinds of roller coaster wheels which include road wheels, side friction wheels, and up-stop wheels. Road wheels ride on top of the track. Side friction wheels ride on
2812-547: The development of "junior" models that had lift hills up to 45 feet (14 m). A notable example of a junior coaster is the Sea Dragon – the oldest operating roller coaster from PTC's legendary designer John Allen – which opened at Wyandot Lake in 1956 near Powell, Ohio. A hypercoaster , occasionally stylized as hyper coaster, is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 200 feet (61 m). Moonsault Scramble , which debuted at Fuji-Q Highland in 1984,
2886-416: The experience involve removing the floor beneath passengers riding above the track, as featured in floorless roller coasters . Unique track elements, such as new inversions, are often introduced to provide entirely new experiences. Several height classifications have been used by parks and manufacturers in marketing their roller coasters, as well as enthusiasts within the industry. One classification,
2960-503: The first full-circuit coaster with a lift hill , the Gravity Pleasure Road , which became the most popular attraction at Coney Island. Not to be outdone, in 1886 Thompson patented his design of roller coaster that included dark tunnels with painted scenery. "Scenic railways" were soon found in amusement parks across the county. By 1919, the first underfriction roller coaster had been developed by John Miller . Over
3034-432: The first permanent roller coaster to use a tubular steel track. Designed by Arrow Development , the tubular track was unlike standard rail design on wooden coasters, allowing the track to bend in sharper angles in any direction, leading to the incorporation of loops, corkscrews, and inversion elements into track layouts. A little more than a decade later, the immediate success of The Racer at Kings Island in 1972 sparked
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3108-576: The first to use the term "roller coaster". The term jet coaster is used for roller coasters in Japan, where such amusement park rides are very popular. In many languages, including most Romance languages, the name refers to "Russian mountains". Conversely, in Russian, they are called "Американские горки" ( Amerikanskiye gorki , "American hills"). In the Scandinavian languages , the roller coaster
3182-558: The general condition of the park had deteriorated, with many attractions not operational due to either mechanical failure or under-staffing. On February 19, 2020, following reports that Apex Parks Group had put the park's rides up for sale, the company confirmed that the park had permanently closed. A settlement was reached with the Attorney General's office to refund customers that had purchased 2020 season passes. Gene Staples, owner of IB Parks & Entertainment, entered
3256-485: The labour and expense in cost, as well as the vast quantity of wood used in it. At the same place, there is another artificial mount which goes in a spiral line, and in my opinion, for I have tried it also, is very disagreable; as it seems always leaning on one side, and the person feels in danger of falling out of seat. Katalnaya gora was dismantled in 1792–1795. Currently in its place is the Granite Terrace in
3330-474: The name endured. Another explanation is that the phrase originated from a ride located in a roller skating rink in Haverhill , Massachusetts in 1887. A toboggan -like sled was raised to the top of a track which consisted of hundreds of rollers. This Roller Toboggan then took off down gently rolling hills to the floor. The inventors of this ride, Stephen E. Jackman and Byron B. Floyd, claim that they were
3404-535: The name for legal reasons after finding out there was already an area of Disneyland called Fantasyland . Upon opening, the park occupied only 12 acres (0.049 km ) of land that was divided into five themed areas: Action Town, Animal Kingdom, Garden of Fables, Indian Village and Western Town. Action Town featured amusement rides , Animal Kingdom featured a petting zoo , Garden of Fables featured explorable recreations of fairy tale scenes, Indian Village featured Native American dancers, and Western Town featured
3478-491: The next decade, roller coasters spread to amusement parks around the world and began an era in the industry often referred to as the "Golden Age". One of the most well known from the period is the historical Cyclone that opened at Coney Island in 1927. The onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, however, significantly impacted the amusement park industry and brought an end to the rapid growth experienced during
3552-574: The original Comet roller coaster and reassembled it at his Great Escape park later that year. DiPietro would install his own roller coaster named the Silver Comet in 1999 that was inspired by the original. Martin DiPietro sold the park's land to Store Capital in May 2016, and Apex Parks Group began leasing the property from Store that same month. The park returned to its original name of Fantasy Island. Reports surfaced in 2018 and 2019 that
3626-590: The park closed at the end of the 1989 season. Following the park's closure in 1989, the rides were sold at auction . The Comet was sold to Charles Wood and moved to The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor in Queensbury, New York The Ferris wheel from the park was sold to Centreville Amusement Park in Toronto and remains in operation. The Giant Coaster, the oldest roller coaster in North America at
3700-477: The park did not operate for the 1982 season. The park was acquired out of bankruptcy in November 1982 by Charles R. Wood Enterprises, headed by Charles Wood , founder of Great Escape in Queensbury, New York . A new themed area called Water World, a water park , was added to the site in 1984. Wood also installed an 800-seat picnic pavilion that was previously used at the 1982 World's Fair . Arto Monaco
3774-479: The park for years running concessions , and was famous for his Gourmet Suckers . Rebstock would go on to open Bay Beach Park to the west of Crystal Beach Park in 1926. Hall constructed the Crystal Ballroom in the winter of 1924. The dance hall 's location required the addition of a concrete seawall and boardwalk along the park's border to Lake Erie . Many famous acts such as Count Basie , Frank Sinatra , Glenn Miller Orchestra , and Jelly Roll Morton played
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#17327874257383848-549: The park's Ferris wheel after his seat dropped from its axle. It was revealed that the park operators routinely removed one or two seats from the ride each day to prevent the ride from moving around in high winds during off-hours. Each time the ride opened, the seats were bolted back onto the frame of the ride. Investigators found that only one side of the victim's seat had been bolted properly, causing Margerum's seat to drop from its axle and subsequently leading to his death. Attendance began to dwindle as parents became concerned over
3922-444: The park's original equipment. Coca-Cola still bottles and distributes PJ's Crystal Beach Loganberry , a drink the park made famous. Several books have been written about the history of Crystal Beach Park: Several documentaries have been produced about the history of Crystal Beach Park: Roller coasters A roller coaster is a type of amusement ride employing a form of elevated railroad track that carries passengers on
3996-413: The park's ownership reverted to his estate. His grandson, Van Hall, purchased a controlling interest in the park. By 1983, the park was losing business to Canada's Wonderland , Darien Lake , Fantasy Island , and Marineland of Canada . The park avoided bankruptcy by going into receivership and was taken over by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce . Crystal Beach Park Limited, an ownership group, bought
4070-548: The park's safety following Margerum's death. Charles Wood reacquired the park along with Great Escape in October 1992 for $ 14 million when International Broadcasting Corporation went bankrupt. In his second stint of ownership, Wood changed the park's name to Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park . Martin DiPietro, owner of Martin's Shows, purchased the park and renamed it Martin's Fantasy Island in January 1994. Charles Wood took
4144-402: The property out of receivership in 1984. Members of the ownership group included Edward Hall (son of George C. Hall), J. Allen Bernel, Joseph F. Biondolillo, and Rudy J. Bonifacio. Bernel died in 1985, and the remaining members bought out his interest in the park. They spent over $ 2 million during the next three seasons for renovations and improvements. Financial problems loomed again, however, and
4218-430: The range of 4–6 Gs (40–60 m s ) as a maximum for positive g-force acceleration, which increases the feeling of weight and pushes riders downward into their seat. For negative g-force, or the feeling of weightlessness, the target is 1.5–2Gs (15–20 m s ) as a maximum. These fall into a range considered safe to a majority of the population. Lateral acceleration is also typically kept under 2Gs using various techniques including
4292-463: The rest of the Ares program . Some sources have shown concern over the ability of roller coasters to cause head trauma and serious injury such as the tearing of axons and damaging of blood vessels. A variety of safety mechanisms protect riders on roller coasters. One of these is the block system . Most large roller coasters have the ability to run two or more trains at once, and the block system prevents these trains from colliding. In this system,
4366-466: The rise in height is transferred to kinetic energy , which is then converted back into potential energy as the train rises up the next hill. Changes in elevation become smaller throughout the track's course, as some mechanical energy is lost to friction and air drag . A properly-designed, outdoor track will result in a train having enough kinetic energy to complete the entire course under a variety of stressful weather conditions. Not all coasters feature
4440-456: The side of the track to keep the train on the track throughout turns. Up-stop wheels ride below the track and prevent the train from lifting off the track. Roller coasters are statistically very safe when compared to other activities, but despite all the safety measures in place, accidents still occur. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that a rider has one chance in 15.5 million of being injured on
4514-705: The so-called "Russian Mountains", specially constructed hills of ice located in the area that is now Saint Petersburg, Russia . Built in the 17th century, the slides were built to a height of between 21 and 24 m (70 and 80 feet), had a 50-degree drop, and were reinforced by wooden supports. Later, in 1784, Catherine the Great is said to have constructed a sledding hill in the gardens of her palace at Oranienbaum in St. Petersburg. The Riding Mountain (a.k.a. La Grande Glisade ) entertainment pavilion designed by Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli for Tsarskoye Selo royal residence
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#17327874257384588-480: The tallest roller coaster in the world. Fantasy Island (U.S. amusement park) Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World is an 85 acres (34 ha) amusement park in Grand Island, New York near Niagara Falls, New York . It features a theme park , water park , and is adjacent to a KOA campground. The park is owned by Store Capital and operated by IB Parks & Entertainment. Fantasy Island
4662-412: The term strata was first introduced by Cedar Point with the release of Top Thrill Dragster, a 420-foot-tall (130 m) roller coaster that opened in 2003. Kingda Ka was the second strata coaster, and it opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2005 as the tallest roller coaster in the world with a height of 456 feet (139 m). Top Thrill Dragster closed in 2021 following a serious incident in which
4736-481: The time, was bought for its cars and scrapped. The gated community Crystal Beach Tennis & Yacht Club has occupied the park's land since 1992. The concrete pier that was built in 1921 and concrete seawall that was built in 1924 remain part of the complex. The housing development South Coast Village has occupied the park's former parking lot since 2016. Crystal Beach Candy Company still produces Hall's Original Suckers and Crystal Beach Sugar Waffles using
4810-410: The track is divided into two or more sections known as blocks. Only one train is permitted in each block at any given time. There is a section of track at the end of each block where a train can be stopped if necessary, such as preventing dispatch from the station, stopping a lift, or applying brakes. Sensors detect when a train passes so that the system's computer is aware of which blocks are occupied. If
4884-409: The wood track with their patented steel I-Box track design, while reusing much of the ride's wooden structure, resulting in a smoother ride with the incorporation of new design elements, such as inversions, sharper turns, and steeper drops. Although the term wasn't widely used or accepted until the 21st century, one of the oldest examples is Cyclone at Luna Park , which opened in 1927. It features
4958-457: Was built in 1754–1757. In Russian it was known as Katalnaya gora (Катальная гора, literally "Mountain for riding") It was a huge building in the shape of rotunda . It had a trail with five hills which can be covered with ice in winter. In the summer time the trails used trolleys on wheels secured in the steel grooves mounted on the wooden trails. Due to a pendulum-like motion based on inertia all five hills could be traversed in one ride. The ride
5032-485: Was coined during the construction of the Millennium Force , a roller coaster built by Intamin on Cedar Point amusement park. Although Morgan and Bolliger & Mabillard have not used the term giga , both have also produced roller coasters in this class. A strata coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 400 feet (120 m). As with the other two height classifications,
5106-470: Was commissioned to redesign Garden of Fables, constructing a castle with moat that was encircled by a horse-drawn carriage he had previously built for Land of Makebelieve . Wood sold the park along with Great Escape to International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) in April 1989 for $ 36 million. As part of the deal, Wood would stay on as chief executive officer of the park and his son-in-law, Tom Wages,
5180-617: Was constructed to service the Americana and Canadiana in 1921. The park's second roller coaster, Backety-Back Scenic Railway , operated from 1909 to 1926. The third was the Giant Coaster that began operation in 1916. In 1924 the divided ownership of the park and the land ends with their acquisition by the Buffalo and Crystal Beach Company, of which George C. Hall was president and would fully own by 1948. Hall had worked at
5254-415: Was engineered by Russian scientist Andrey Nartov . The Anglican clergyman John Glen King mentioned that some Englishmen visiting Russia called them "Flying Mountains" and described them as follows: You will observe that there are five mounts of unequal height: the first and the highest is full thirty feet perpendicular altitude; the momentum with which they descend this carries them over the second, which
5328-403: Was founded by real estate developer Lawrence Grant, and was opened on July 1, 1961. It was planned by co-financier and local jeweler Gerald Birzon with buildings designed by Milton Milstein & Associates . The ownership group was formed under the name Fantasy Land, Inc. before changing soon after to Fantasy Island, Inc. The group had originally planned to call the park Fantasy Land, but changed
5402-412: Was retained as general manager. Following the closure of nearby Crystal Beach Park after the 1989 season, that park's famed Comet roller coaster was purchased by Charles Wood at auction in October 1989 for $ 210,000, disassembled and stored indefinitely at Fantasy Island. In June 1990, Michael Murach was paralyzed from the head down while performing a high diving act at the park when he slipped on
5476-438: Was the first to break this barrier, though the term hypercoaster was first coined by Cedar Point and Arrow Dynamics with the opening of Magnum XL-200 in 1989. Hypercoasters have become one of the most predominant types of roller coasters in the world, now led by manufacturers Bolliger & Mabillard and Intamin . A giga coaster is a type of roller coaster with a height or drop of at least 300 feet (91 m). The term
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