Andrew
08-28-2004, 09:40 PM
Paramount's Great America Guest Newsletter #13 (Aug 28-Sep 10)
The Making of SpongeBob SquarePants 3D
In 2003, the motion simulator attraction SpongeBob SquarePants 3D debuted in the Action FX Theater at Great America. A collaboration between Paramount Parks, Nickelodeon® and Blur Studios, the ride casts Park patrons as trainee fry cooks who join SpongeBob at the Krusty Krab on an action-packed adventure in search of the ultimate Krabby Patty.
The ride's concept was conceived by writer Nick Osborne and storyboard director Sherm Cohen, both veterans of the Nickelodeon television show. Blur Studios, a state-of-the-art visual effects and animation studio in Venice, California, produced the computer-animated film portion of the attraction, as well as the event's pre-ride film. The goal of Blur Studios was to find the perfect blend of ride action, 3-D effects and SpongeBob SquarePants. Nearly two dozen animators worked on the film, charged with recreating the whimsical, cel-animated look of the television series in 3D. Using software called Toon Shader and various other creative techniques, the animators were able to replicate the look of the television series.
Originally slated to run four minutes, the finished product ran 4:40. Instead of cutting the film and losing potential story elements or animated magic, everyone agreed to leave the film as it was.
SpongeBob SquarePants repeats his deep sea Krabby Patty adventure daily in PGA's Action F/X Theater.
Tell us about your last trip to the park and win!
Tell us about your last trip to Great America through our Guest Satisfaction Survey (http://www.parkfeedback.com/research/survey.aspx?s=feednews)! For your participation you'll be entered to win free tickets or one of a hundred prizes worth $25 to $1000. It's fast, it's free and it's a great way to make the park better for your next visit!
Double-Decker Carousel a Nostalgic Park Favorite
The promise of speed and excitement lures guests to the Park's thrill rides, but there's still a sentimental attachment to the double-decker Columbia Carousel located just inside the main entrance at Paramount's Great America. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest and tallest carousel, it features 103 beautifully carved horses and other animals including cats, camels, pigs, ostriches, a dragon, seahorse and rabbits. Designed by Randall Duell of R. Duell & Associates, the carousel, which opened in 1976, plays old-fashioned melodies as it spins guests on a nostalgic three-minute journey back in time.
Whether you're riding on the carousel or simply taking in every detail of its design, the Columbia Carousel is a work of art. This $1.8 million attraction stands 101 feet from base to pinnacle and the intricate decorations atop the twelve pillars are from the set of The Swan, a 1956 film starring Grace Kelly and featuring Agnes Moorehead who was best known for her role as Endora on TV's "Bewitched." The carousel's pinnacle was once an ornate pot-bellied stove in the 1938 movie "Marie Antoinette" starring Norma Shearer, Tyrone Powers and John Barrymore.
It's true, bigger and faster can make for a great ride. But there's something about walking the circle of the old-school carousel, picking out the perfect horse and securing your feet in those metal straps that makes this attraction a guest favorite.
Order a 2005 VIP Season Pass now, get the lowest price PLUS free admission for the rest of 2004
Order your 2005 VIP Season Pass now to receive the lowest price we're ever going to offer on 2005 VIP passes! In addition to all of the benefits you'd receive if you ordered next spring (unlimited admission to Great America and Bonfante Gardens from Spring until Fall, free parking, Bring-A-Friend-Free days, special admittance to the 2005 VIP preview event, discounts at select locations and more) you'll also receive unlimited free access to Great America for the remainder of 2004, plus extra free tickets you can use to bring your friends! Visit our web site for details (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp) or call (888) 742-7277 to order now by phone.
Great America Takes FIRST Place for Mom and Son
“I was one of those Moms with fantasies of sharing all ‘firsts' with my child. You know, birthdays, picnics, the first day of school, merry-go-round rides and roller coasters. As you might expect, not all of these moments were warm and fuzzy. The first day of school was a disaster, my son threw up on the merry go round and birthday parties often wore me slap out. So when it came to taking my son to Great America to ride roller coasters, I was a bit skeptical. I kept telling myself my son would love it.
The magic began as soon as we entered the Park. We saw the magnificent rides, the characters milling about, the colors, sights, sounds, smells, and wonderful ear-splitting screams of people enjoying themselves. I immediately became a child again and couldn't wait to get on the roller coaster. My son and I were in a world of our own and he loved that I was just as excited as he was! We never even had a chance to take photos because we were way too busy clicking snapshots with our minds. My son still tells me it was the best day we ever had together. Absolutely nothing will ever, ever compare to the experience we shared. Thank you Great America for one of the greatest days a mother could ever have!”
- Madelaine V. from San Francisco, CA will receive two tickets to Paramount's Great America. Winners are randomly selected. Submit your entry (http://www.parkfeedback.com/news/memories.aspx)!
Use your '04 or '05 pass for free tickets, free access to seven Bring-A-Friend-Free Days this Fall
As a thank you to VIP Passholders, we want you to bring a friend to the Park. At NO charge! That's right, on Sundays, September 12, 19 and 26, and on October 16, 17, 23 and 24, present your processed 2004 OR 2005 VIP Pass at the "VIP Pass Bring-A-Friend" ticket window and you'll receive a ticket valid for the same day! You'll receive one ticket per VIP Pass which is good for same-day admission, and use of all rides and attractions in operation that day (excluding pay-per-play attractions or events/concerts). Complimentary tickets are not valid toward VIP Pass upgrades. To purchase your 2005 VIP Pass, click here (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp).
Stay tuned for our next issue on September 10
The Making of SpongeBob SquarePants 3D
In 2003, the motion simulator attraction SpongeBob SquarePants 3D debuted in the Action FX Theater at Great America. A collaboration between Paramount Parks, Nickelodeon® and Blur Studios, the ride casts Park patrons as trainee fry cooks who join SpongeBob at the Krusty Krab on an action-packed adventure in search of the ultimate Krabby Patty.
The ride's concept was conceived by writer Nick Osborne and storyboard director Sherm Cohen, both veterans of the Nickelodeon television show. Blur Studios, a state-of-the-art visual effects and animation studio in Venice, California, produced the computer-animated film portion of the attraction, as well as the event's pre-ride film. The goal of Blur Studios was to find the perfect blend of ride action, 3-D effects and SpongeBob SquarePants. Nearly two dozen animators worked on the film, charged with recreating the whimsical, cel-animated look of the television series in 3D. Using software called Toon Shader and various other creative techniques, the animators were able to replicate the look of the television series.
Originally slated to run four minutes, the finished product ran 4:40. Instead of cutting the film and losing potential story elements or animated magic, everyone agreed to leave the film as it was.
SpongeBob SquarePants repeats his deep sea Krabby Patty adventure daily in PGA's Action F/X Theater.
Tell us about your last trip to the park and win!
Tell us about your last trip to Great America through our Guest Satisfaction Survey (http://www.parkfeedback.com/research/survey.aspx?s=feednews)! For your participation you'll be entered to win free tickets or one of a hundred prizes worth $25 to $1000. It's fast, it's free and it's a great way to make the park better for your next visit!
Double-Decker Carousel a Nostalgic Park Favorite
The promise of speed and excitement lures guests to the Park's thrill rides, but there's still a sentimental attachment to the double-decker Columbia Carousel located just inside the main entrance at Paramount's Great America. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest and tallest carousel, it features 103 beautifully carved horses and other animals including cats, camels, pigs, ostriches, a dragon, seahorse and rabbits. Designed by Randall Duell of R. Duell & Associates, the carousel, which opened in 1976, plays old-fashioned melodies as it spins guests on a nostalgic three-minute journey back in time.
Whether you're riding on the carousel or simply taking in every detail of its design, the Columbia Carousel is a work of art. This $1.8 million attraction stands 101 feet from base to pinnacle and the intricate decorations atop the twelve pillars are from the set of The Swan, a 1956 film starring Grace Kelly and featuring Agnes Moorehead who was best known for her role as Endora on TV's "Bewitched." The carousel's pinnacle was once an ornate pot-bellied stove in the 1938 movie "Marie Antoinette" starring Norma Shearer, Tyrone Powers and John Barrymore.
It's true, bigger and faster can make for a great ride. But there's something about walking the circle of the old-school carousel, picking out the perfect horse and securing your feet in those metal straps that makes this attraction a guest favorite.
Order a 2005 VIP Season Pass now, get the lowest price PLUS free admission for the rest of 2004
Order your 2005 VIP Season Pass now to receive the lowest price we're ever going to offer on 2005 VIP passes! In addition to all of the benefits you'd receive if you ordered next spring (unlimited admission to Great America and Bonfante Gardens from Spring until Fall, free parking, Bring-A-Friend-Free days, special admittance to the 2005 VIP preview event, discounts at select locations and more) you'll also receive unlimited free access to Great America for the remainder of 2004, plus extra free tickets you can use to bring your friends! Visit our web site for details (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp) or call (888) 742-7277 to order now by phone.
Great America Takes FIRST Place for Mom and Son
“I was one of those Moms with fantasies of sharing all ‘firsts' with my child. You know, birthdays, picnics, the first day of school, merry-go-round rides and roller coasters. As you might expect, not all of these moments were warm and fuzzy. The first day of school was a disaster, my son threw up on the merry go round and birthday parties often wore me slap out. So when it came to taking my son to Great America to ride roller coasters, I was a bit skeptical. I kept telling myself my son would love it.
The magic began as soon as we entered the Park. We saw the magnificent rides, the characters milling about, the colors, sights, sounds, smells, and wonderful ear-splitting screams of people enjoying themselves. I immediately became a child again and couldn't wait to get on the roller coaster. My son and I were in a world of our own and he loved that I was just as excited as he was! We never even had a chance to take photos because we were way too busy clicking snapshots with our minds. My son still tells me it was the best day we ever had together. Absolutely nothing will ever, ever compare to the experience we shared. Thank you Great America for one of the greatest days a mother could ever have!”
- Madelaine V. from San Francisco, CA will receive two tickets to Paramount's Great America. Winners are randomly selected. Submit your entry (http://www.parkfeedback.com/news/memories.aspx)!
Use your '04 or '05 pass for free tickets, free access to seven Bring-A-Friend-Free Days this Fall
As a thank you to VIP Passholders, we want you to bring a friend to the Park. At NO charge! That's right, on Sundays, September 12, 19 and 26, and on October 16, 17, 23 and 24, present your processed 2004 OR 2005 VIP Pass at the "VIP Pass Bring-A-Friend" ticket window and you'll receive a ticket valid for the same day! You'll receive one ticket per VIP Pass which is good for same-day admission, and use of all rides and attractions in operation that day (excluding pay-per-play attractions or events/concerts). Complimentary tickets are not valid toward VIP Pass upgrades. To purchase your 2005 VIP Pass, click here (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp).
Stay tuned for our next issue on September 10