Is Your Children Safe in Amusement Park?

Part of the fun of family trips to amusement parks and carnivals often includes going on rides. As with any outing, safety is an important concern for parents. This Mott Poll focused on children 5-12 years old – an age range that can present several unique challenges for parents at amusement parks and carnivals. On the younger end of this age range, children need consistent supervision to ensure they meet the height requirements for rides and that they understand other safety rules (such as keeping hands away from the safety latch). Children at the older end of this age range may want more freedom to roam the amusement park and go on rides with friends like the miami ride (http://sinoamusementrides.com/miami-ride-for-sale/), without constant parental supervision.

Almost all parents in this Mott Poll reported they stayed with their child at all times during visits to amusement parks or carnivals, although some used strategies such as a set check-in time, which might be appropriate for older children. However, even when parents plan to maintain constant supervision of their child, situations occur where children get separated from their parent. Therefore, it is important to always have a back-up plan. This should be part of pre-trip planning when parents can discuss safety rules, check-in times & locations, and what to do if they get lost. Proactive measures such as these can help to ensure trips to the amusement park or carnival are both fun and safe for all.

Almost all parents in this Mott Poll believed both they and the ride operators have important roles to play in keeping their children safe. Understanding and following safety rules are important to prevent injuries. Just in over the last year, there were over 30,000 injuries at amusement parks and carnivals across the USA.

Parents in this Mott Poll indicated that there were situations in which they would report a ride operator who was exhibiting unsafe behaviors. However, parents varied in what specific concerns would prompt them to take action. Nearly all parents would report a ride operator if that person appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This concern was also seen in the majority of parents supporting random drug testing of ride operators. With this in mind, parents should be aware that training and supervision of ride operators is variable across amusement parks and carnivals; they should not assume that ride operators have been tested recently. There have been several reports in the media about operators losing their jobs for being high or intoxicated while on the job, often after management has been alerted by concerned parents or other guests. It is important for parents be aware of any concerns regarding ride operators to help make sure their kids stay safe at amusement parks and carnivals and report potential dangers to management.

Over two-thirds of parents would also report an operator that did not enforce safety regulations. These regulations include making sure minimum height restrictions are enforced and also checking to see all restraints are properly secured, belts are buckled and that doors and safety bars are locked in place. Enforcement of minimum height restrictions help to make sure that the restraints fit properly, both so they hold the child in place and do not pose a choking risk.

Around half of parents would report a ride operator who was on their cell phone while on duty. Even though cell phone use might seem benign, it can be a significant distraction that can increase the risk of accident or injury. Lack of attention to ride safety like the disco ride (http://sinoamusementrides.com/disco-ride-for-sale/)increases the likelihood of injury for children, and parents should consider contacting the management of the amusement park or carnival whenever they see anything that raises safety concerns.

Thrill rides may scare up stress relief, other health perks

As the summer theme park season kicks into high gear, roller coaster enthusiast Pete Trabucco says there may be a health benefit to the thrill rides that scare us senseless.

“It helps you mental health-wise in that you can actually overcome your fear,” says Trabucco, author of “America’s Top Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks” (2009, Tate Publishing) in a phone interview from Old Bridge, N.J.

And that positive experience may translate into conquering challenges in other areas of your life, adds the rider of more than 1,000 roller coasters around the world.

“Once you’ve overcome one fear, you’re like, ‘Let’s look for the next one,’ ” Trabucco says, be it speaking in public or jumping out of an airplane.

Being too frightened to get on a roller coaster can transfer into other areas of your life, he adds.

“That fear becomes a fear of all things unknown,” says the New Jersey resident who confesses he hated coasters as a kid. Pretty soon you’re thinking, “From now on, I’m not trying anything I’m unsure of,” he says, and, “That changes a person’s life a lot.”

Besides giving us a psychological boost, Trabucco says amusement park visits can offer other health benefits like stress relief or even some physical exercise.

“It gets you in a positive mood, it gets you to relax a little, even for a couple of hours. In stressful times, that can be a godsend,” says the aviation industry worker who is writing a second edition of his book to be released in April of 2015.

Relax away

The idea of amusement park outings being good for your health is a new one for Dick Andrew, vice president of marketing at Lagoon in Farmington, who says he’s never seen any studies or research on the subject.

But Andrew says, “Obviously it’s a pleasant experience and a get-away from the norm, and I hope people find it relaxing and refreshing. ... I presume that is the case or people wouldn’t keep coming back.”

Historically, folks have always flocked to parks with lakes, trees and picnic grounds to escape the stresses of everyday life, says Trabucco, who talks about travel and vacation as a regular on the USA Radio weekly program “Daybreak.”

Offering recreational opportunities to employees, for instance, was the reason Milton Hershey started Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, in the town he built for workers at the Hershey chocolate factory.

“They needed a place to unwind and he created the park that was the forerunner of Hersheypark,” Trabucco says. Hershey’s philosophy was “a good worker is going to be a worker who is healthy, emotionally and physically,” he explains.

Today, Trabucco says amusement parks can fill this same need, whether it’s providing positive social connections with family and friends or offering a little exercise.

“The average person who walks in an amusement park is probably going to walk 5 to 10 miles,” Trabucco says. “You’re actually out in the sun walking around getting your exercise without even knowing you’re getting your exercise.”

Also, roller coasters subject their riders to intense g-forces, making the author wonder whether they might even help you get in shape. After all, he says, “you’re taking three, four, five times your amount of weight.”

Health boosters

Michael Olpin, director of Weber State University’s Stress Relief Center, agrees there can be some positive benefits in an amusement park visit but says the simple act of riding rides does not constitute exercise.

There’s no high-intensity interval training or weight lifting involved, he says, or no aerobic activity that elevates the heart rate for 15 to 20 minutes.

“That can’t happen at the amusement park unless you are jogging around the park,” the professor and director of health promotion for the Ogden university says.

However, Olpin says a day spent at Lagoon or on vacation does provide stress relief by letting us recharge and relax from the daily grind.

“Anytime you can vacate yourself from those situations that you find stressful is a good thing,” he says.

Research on mind-body connections, in a field called psychoneuroimmunology, shows that any time we engage in activities we enjoy — say, riding a roller coaster — our immune system gets a boost, Olpin says.

“You’re smiling and you’re laughing and you’re having great experiences, it bumps up your immune system,” he says. “It’s therapy through amusement parks, I guess.”

On the other hand, if you dislike thrill rides (http://sinoamusementrides.com/thrill-rides-for-sale/) or the crowds of people, those sort of stresses dampen the immune system, Olpin says.

“Whatever your attitude is, your body’s listening to your attitude,” he says.

Olpin agrees with Trabucco’s belief that conquering fear can be a benefit of amusement parks. The Weber State professor challenges students in one of his classes to do something they are afraid of and once they do it, they always tell him they are going to tackle something else.

“Small victories result in personal growth and willingness to try other things,” he says.

Thrill ‘therapy’

Andrew, at Lagoon, says folks may indeed get some exercise walking around the park’s 140 acres but exercise isn’t among his list of things he thinks attract crowds to the Farmington park.

“They come for fun; they come to create memories with their families, to share time with their families; to get away from the humdrum or everyday life, to be entertained,” he says.

Sure, visitors have a chance to face their fears on certain rides, he says.

“The illusion of danger is created so it kind of gets the adrenaline running,” Andrew says. But as for there being any real danger, “That’s pure fantasy. ... You’re infinitely safer riding the thrill rides like the wacky worm coaster at Lagoon than driving in your car to get here.”

Although Trabucco has now ridden some of the world’s top roller coasters, he says he didn’t become a fan until he had a daughter of his own who needed a riding buddy.

“I actually did it to overcome a fear; it was more therapeutic,” says the author.

He may have traveled the world to scream on roller coaster rides but Trabucco has yet to take a spin on Wicked, Colossus or any of the coasters at Lagoon.

Next time he visits Utah, he says he will have to make a stop in Farmington.

Source:http://www.standard.net/Health/2014/06/17/Thrill-rides-may-scare-up-some-health-perks

Why do we like rollercoasters and other amusement rides so much?

Personally, I love a  thrill of a rollercoaster. The heart pounding rush from the drops and turns at high speeds is addictive.

I think, but don't quote me on this, that going at high speeds and making the turns and drops, that roller coasters make, causes our bodies to pump out adrenaline. Sort of similar to a surge of adrenaline that we feel from the fight or

flight response.

In a way, we get a euphoric high off of this surge of adrenaline. This high can become addictive, causing us to seek roller coasters and other thrilling activities more actively.

That is why people who like roller coasters are referred to as thrill seekers, or adrenaline junkies. Also, similar to people who bungee jump, sky dive, or other extreme sports. I'd venture to say similar to a person who purposefully

walks through a sketchy area, knowing that something bad might happen.

We had to start with the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Yes, Magic Kingdom is massive and a day there can be exhausting, but there's really something for everyone -- and the characters and stories that inspired the attractions have a soft spot in our hearts, which is why families from all over the world flock there every year.

For little kids: Take a boat ride and sing the infectious song at "it's a small world;" tour Mickey and Minnie's homes.

For big kids: Don't miss favorite coasters Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.

For parents: Cool off and rest your feet at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, where you can take in a comedy show for all ages to enjoy. Baby Care Centers include nursing rooms, changing tables, family bathrooms, feeding area with highchairs, and a microwave, oven and sink.

Getting around: The park offers a variety of accommodations and assistance for people with disabilities.

On any theme park ride, it is most important to keep your rear in the seat at all times. Always keep your hands and body inside the car. If there is no grab bar, keep your hands on your lap. If you are riding a "floorless" coaster, relax your legs and let them dangle underneath you. Don't kick them out to the side or towards the front.

Before the ride starts: Please don't crowd others who might be exiting when you are getting on. If you are on a ride (http://sinoamusementrides.com/thrill-rides-for-sale/) with a lap bar, seat belt or safety harness, make sure that it is in place, snug and locked. If the ride starts to move and your restraint is not in place, immediately yell (loudly) for help. We have seen too many incidents occur where a fatality occurred because this was not done.

Finally and most importently, do not get on or off a ride until you've been given the okay by an attendant to do so. Make sure that your vehicle has completely stopped and that you are solidly on the platform before you try and get off. Often, vehicles stop short of the unload platform to wait for groups up ahead to exit and some riders get a little impatient. Not a good scenario.

Source: https://www.quora.com/Why-do-we-like-rollercoasters-and-other-amusement-rides-so-much

Why do people like going to amusement parks?

There is not just one answer to this question -- the reasons people visit amusement parks and theme parks varies depending on the guest.

One of the most important reasons people visit amusement parks these days is because it offers a shared experience that allows for the creation of new, one-of-a-kind memories for families and friends like the rides designed for the family. It's a different way for people to interact with each other in an environment dedicated to fun. Screaming together on a roller coaster really does bring people closer together, which is why when we look at the top rides at amusement parks it is always the attractions that can be experienced as a group.

Another top reason people visit amusement parks is for the safe thrills. Not everyone is going to get to fly a jet, and not everyone wants to jump out of a plane, or go white water rafting, or drive a race car. All of these experiences can be safely replicated at an amusement park.

There are many other more specific reasons for visiting an amusement park. Some people go for the opportunity to interact and engage with their favorite characters and brands. Other people go for concerts, special events and seasonal celebrations. Some people visit because they are part of a group (church, school, company) while others visit just to make their kids happy.

Ultimately, amusement parks and theme parks are mass market activities that appeal in some way or another to the majority of people in a given community. While not everyone will visit every year, it is a sure bet that most people living with a certain radius of the park will visit at least a few times growing up and the again once they have kids of their own.  Click here for the rides designed kids:http://sinoamusementrides.com/kids-rides-for-sale/.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Visiting Theme Parks

Theme parks are one of the best vacation attractions. With a motley combination providing a variety of foods, drinks, shows and attractions, and thrill and casual family rides, theme parks have something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re going in the winter to experience warm drinks and snow-covered cottages or if you’re going at peak season time in the summer for water rides and heart-stopping drops on roller coasters, theme parks provide adventure, fun and memories for friends and family to enjoy.

1.       Walk miles without even realizing it – Contrary to being called a park (which often evokes small quaint images of soft grass and park benches), theme parks cover vast areas up to 100 sq. miles! Because they can be so large, a lot of walking is involved in visiting a theme park. A typical visit often involves a lot of backtracking and zig-zagging to get from one ride or show to another, and depending on the size of the theme park, you should expect to walk an average of 5 to 10 miles. This will help you burn around 500 to 1000 calories.

2. Burn calories while riding the crazy riding item – Though the most you’re doing on a roller coaster is sitting and screaming your lungs, you actually do burn calories while on the rides. A few adults may differ, but there aren’t many more enjoyable ways to burn off fat. A team of scientists, artists, engineers and designers known as the Thrill Laboratory conducted a study and determined that certain attractions in Thorpe Park in the UK helped riders burn between around 40 and 70 calories.

3. Relieves stress – According to clinical psychologist Judy Kurianski, high-tempo rides such as Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World in Florida expose us to “good fear”. Despite the plummeting drops, heart-stopping twists and nauseatingly sharp turns these thrill rides contain, our brains perceive them to be “safe” and “predictable” – so riding them becomes therapeutic, especially as we scream out our anxieties!

4. Improves mood – The intense adrenaline rush after a riding crazy roller coaster will leave you feeling excited and happy. The higher the altitude, the more endorphins are released on the descent. The increased endorphin release increases alertness and makes you more energized. While 20 stories up in the air all your other worries seem so small. Being in a theme park is a great way to escape your day to day worries.

5. Provides a rush of adrenaline – That “good fear” while riding the crazy rides, has other benefits, too. While embarking on these rides, our bodies to release adrenaline and endorphins, which gives us the same kind of natural high that we get from strenuous physical exercise and nourishes our “feel good” emotions. These can also help our relationships because it causes couples to seek each other out for protection and comfort.

6. Tones the muscles – As you’re thrown around its corners and forced down hundred-foot drops, in a split second you decide whether or not to clutch the handrail in front of you or throw your arms up into the air. At this point, your muscles tighten, especially your core as you anticipate the turns and drops of the ride, working out some of the muscles you would typically be working out at the gym.

7. Casual workout – When your body releases adrenaline and endorphins, your body is telling you “more” and encourages you to live life at its fullest as you embrace the thrill. These chemicals will naturally help tone your muscles and get you to break a sweat even while you’re navigating through the theme park. The Thrill Laboratory’s Dr. Paul Tennent said, “If anyone goes to a theme park for a day, it will do the same amount of good as going to a gym and working out intensively for an hour and a half.”

8. Overcome your fears – If you dislike thrill rides or large crowds, theme parks may not seem like the most pleasurable activity to partake in. But these type of stresses and fears can harm the immune system. Conquering fears, however, is another benefit of visiting amusement parks. Plunging headlong into a crowd eagerly awaiting for their turn on a roller coaster can foster confidence and improve self-esteem, encouraging one to conquer their fears and enjoy life unhindered.

9. Fosters bonding time with family and friends – What better way to have fun at an adventure park than to enjoy it with friends and family? Spending time at an adventure is a great way to spend time with your loved ones while ensuring everyone is having a fun time. People go to theme parks for fun, you go to create memories with your families, to share time with your families; to get away from the humdrum or everyday life, you go to be entertained. Introduce you some family rides for you: http://sinoamusementrides.com/family-rides-for-sale/.

10. Great way to socialize – If going with a group of friends or acquaintances, going to a theme park can provide you with the opportunity to get to know people. Theme parks are casual, fun environments, making it easier to strike up a conversation with someone you may be interested in getting to know better. Even if you’re going with people are familiar with, like family and close friends, both adults and kids can interact, teaching kids learn how to interact with adults and vice versa. You can choose a ride suitable for all ages to ride on. 

What Makes the Gondolas On An Octopus Ride to Spin

Those spider/octopus/monster rides operate under the same principle as the Tilt-a-Whirl.  The car sits on a rotating axis, just enough off-center that as the ride rotates, it creates centrifugal force, since the car itself is free to rotate separately from the other rotational force (I'm not a physics person, so I apologize if I'm getting the terms slightly off).  

At the same time, the rotation of the central arms also generates centripetal force, which works to keep the car moving on the same circular track as the main ride.  Since centrifugal force isn't really a "force" as much as the inertia of motion (An object at rest stays at rest),  the trick is to get the car in motion in a way that complements both the rotational force of the central arms and the effect of gravity and centrifugal force operating on the car in the midst of the rotation.  You have to break the car's inertia and let it work against the centripetal force created by the rotation of the arms.

In other words - you have to coordinate with the other adult riding on the ride . http://sinoamusementrides.com/octopus-ride-for-sale/. Those other people in the other cars are usually working their butts off to get their car spinning.  When you get into motion, start leaning in a direction and shifting your weight, as it changes the center of gravity (somewhat) on the car itself.  

When the car starts to move, follow through in that and let your weight add to the downward motion of the car.  At some point, centripetal force works against you and the car will reverse direction, so follow it. Usually, it'll start a kind of pendulum effect (like the Pirate ship ride) and you will be able to get some good spinning out of your car.

Drop Tower Ride- The Best Thrill Ride

Some say that power is one of the best feelings in the world. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to ride Power Tower over and over and over. Located in the middle of the park, it’s hard to miss the thrill giant in the sky. This state-of-the-art adrenaline factory features two towers that rockets riders 240 feet into the air and two towers that blast riders back down to earth from the same height. It is the only ride of its type with a square footprint, equaling four towers of pure fun. No matter the direction you will experience speeds up to 60 mph, but the choice of which direction you’re launched is left in your hands. Either one is going to provide incredible views like no other ride can provide. If you can’t feel the power now, you will when it’s time to choose your own fate.

Drop rides not only provide thrills (http://sinoamusementrides.com/thrill-rides-for-sale/) for theme park fans, they're often the most easily identified landmarks in the park, standing hundreds of feet above other attractions. The combination of thrills and prominence place them among the more popular attractions in their parks, often with long mid-day waits. But what are the best theme park drop rides in the world?

We've selected this week's Top 10 list from your ratings, submitted on Theme Park Insider's park guide pages. Any Theme Park Insider reader (including you!) can submit ratings for the rides (http://sinoamusementrides.com/drop-tower-for-sale/), shows, restaurants, and hotels we've listed on the site. And if you register (it's free and only takes a moment), you can submit a written review of these locations, too. The more readers who rate, the better ratings we can offer to everyone looking for help in planning their next theme park vacation. So, please, go rate some rides!