Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World

Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World
Previously known as Fantasy Island (1961–1992, 2016–2019)
Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park (1992–1994)
Martin's Fantasy Island (1994–2016)
Map
Interactive map of Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World
Location2400 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, New York 14072
Coordinates43°1′37.2″N 78°58′14.5″W / 43.027000°N 78.970694°W / 43.027000; -78.970694
StatusOperating
OpenedJuly 1, 1961 (1961-07-01)
OwnerIB Parks & Entertainment
Operated byIB Parks & Entertainment
Area85 acres (0.34 km2)
WebsiteOfficial website

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World[1] (formerly Fantasy Island, Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park, and Martin's Fantasy Island) is an 85 acres (34 ha) amusement park in Grand Island, New York near Niagara Falls. It features an amusement park and a water park. The park is owned and operated by IB Parks & Entertainment.[2]

History

Fantasy Island, Inc. (1961–1981)

Indian Village

Fantasy Island was founded by real estate developer Lawrence Grant, and opened on July 1, 1961. It was planned by co-financier and local jeweler Gerald Birzon, with buildings designed by Milton Milstein & Associates.[3] 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 the name for legal reasons after discovering there was an area of Disneyland called Fantasyland.[4]

Upon opening, the park occupied only 12 acres (0.049 km2) of land that was divided into five themed areas: Action Town, Animal Kingdom, Garden of Fables, Indian Village and Western Town.[5] 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 a live Wild West show.[6]

To promote the park, WGRz 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 live studio audience. The show's host and protagonist was Buckskin Joe, portrayed by park general manager Clyde "Buddy" Farnan.[7][8]

A 2,500-seat outdoor arena was constructed in 1965 for French lion tamer Jean "Tarzan" Zerbini's circus.[9] Actor Jim Carrey grew up in nearby Ontario and would vacation at Fantasy Island, citing Zerbini's show as a fond memory.[10]

The park was expanded to 85 acres (0.34 km2) in 1974 to make room for more thrilling rides and to broaden the park's appeal.[11]

Citing the 1979 oil crisis and rising cost of gasoline, the park reported a 62% drop in profits during the 1979 season.[12] The park was put up for sale that same year.[13]

After dwindling attendance stemming from Western New York's Rust Belt economic decline, Fantasy Island, Inc. declared bankruptcy and the park did not operate for the 1982 season.[citation needed]

Charles R. Wood Enterprises (1982–1989)

The park was acquired out of bankruptcy in November 1982 by Charles R. Wood Enterprises, headed by Charles Wood, founder of Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor in Queensbury, New York.[14]

A water park called Water World was added in 1984. Wood also installed an 800-seat picnic pavilion that was previously used at the 1982 World's Fair.

Arto Monaco was commissioned to redesign Garden of Fables, constructing a castle with a moat that was encircled by a horse-drawn carriage he had previously built for Land of Makebelieve.[15]

International Broadcasting Corporation (1989–1992)

Allan Herschell Company Iron Horse

Wood sold the park to International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) in April 1989 for $36 million.[16] As part of the deal, Wood would remain the chief executive officer of the park, and his son-in-law, Tom Wages, was retained as general manager.[17]

Following the 1989 closure of nearby Crystal Beach Park, that park's famed The Comet roller coaster was purchased by Charles Wood at auction in October 1989 for $210,000, disassembled, and stored indefinitely at Fantasy Island.[18]

In June 1990, Michael Murach was paralyzed from the head down while performing a high diving act at the park when he slipped on a diving board during a comedy act and fell 20 feet (6 m), hitting his head on the edge of the concrete pool. Years later, Murach was 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.[19]

In August 1991, 14-year-old Kenneth Margerum fell 60 feet (18 m) to his death from 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, subsequently leading to his death.[20]

Charles R. Wood Enterprises (1992–1994)

Martin's Fantasy Island

Charles Wood reacquired the park 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's Shows (1994–2016)

Martin DiPietro, owner of Martin's Shows, purchased the park and renamed it Martin's Fantasy Island in January 1994.[21] Charles Wood took the stored The Comet roller coaster and reassembled it at Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor later that year.[22] DiPietro would install his own roller coaster named Silver Comet in 1999, inspired by the original.[23]

Store Capital (2016–2021)

Apex Parks Group

Silver Comet station

Martin DiPietro sold the park's land to Store Capital in May 2016, and Apex Parks Group began leasing the property from Store Capital that same month.[24][25] The park returned to its original name of Fantasy Island.

Reports surfaced in 2018 and 2019 that the general condition of the park had deteriorated, with many attractions not operational due to mechanical failure and understaffing.[26][27]

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.[28][29] A settlement was reached with the Attorney General's office to refund customers that had purchased 2020 season passes.[30]

IB Parks & Entertainment (2021–present)

Gene Staples, owner of IB Parks & Entertainment, entered a long-term agreement to lease the property from Store Capital in May 2021. Staples also owns and operates Clementon Park and Splash World and Indiana Beach. The park was renamed Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World, and reopened in August 2021.[31] The 2021 season featured only the water park, as rides were refurbished and reinstalled in the dry park.[32] The full park reopened for the 2022 season.[33]

Rides and attractions

Roller coasters

Name Picture Opened Manufacturer Notes
Silver Comet May 1, 1999 Custom Coasters International A hybrid wooden roller coaster inspired by The Comet.
The Serpent August 27, 2024 S.D.C. A Galaxi coaster that previously operated at Noble Park Funland (1987–1988), LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park (1989–2002), and Kokomo's Family Fun Center (2009–2019). The Serpent arrived in pieces to the park in 2022. It didn't open to the public until 2024.[34]

Flat rides

Name Opened Manufacturer Type Notes
Amazing Flying Machine 2022 Majestic Manufacturing Flying Scooters Previously traveled with Wade Shows. Replaced Mind Warp before being relocated to the former Flight site for the 2024 season.
Antique Autos 1961 Arrow Huss, Gould Manufacturing Antique cars Formerly known as Antique Cars and Crankshaft Cruisers.
Auto Carousel 1963 Hennecke Carousel A children's carousel with automobile-themed rider vehicles.
Balloons Unknown Zamperla Balloon Race
Circus 2008 Sartori Rides Spinning children's ride
Dodgem Bumper Cars 1989 Majestic Manufacturing Bumper cars
Drop Zone 2015 SBF Visa Group Drop tower (Drop'n Twist) A 20-foot (6 m) children's drop tower that replaced Jack and the Beanstalk. Formerly known as Rapunzel! Rapunzel!.
The Flying Witch 2025 Pinfari Dark ride A multi-story tracked dark ride through haunted house scenes with old-school props and scene displays. It previously operated at Playland from 1971 to 2021.
Grand Ole Carousel 1961 Theel Carousel Formerly known as Grande Carousel.
Giant Wheel 1994 Chance Rides Ferris wheel Replaced the Astro Wheel and was formerly known as Gondola Wheel.
Gunslinger 2022 Eli Bridge Company Scrambler Formerly known as Baltidora at La Feria de Chapultepec.
Hot Rod Crusin 1961 Allan Herschell Company Miniature car ride Spinning children's ride featuring hot rod-inspired ride vehicles.
Iron Horse Train 1961 Allan Herschell Company Miniature railway Utilizes a train which previously operated at Beaver Island State Park for a spare engine and cars.
Niagara Helicopter Tours 1961 Allan Herschell Company Red Baron Spinning children's ride featuring helicopter-shaped ride vehicles.
Pony Carts 2024 Allan Herschell Company Spinning children's ride
Planes and Copters 2022 Unknown Spinning children's ride
Scooter 2023 Majestic Manufacturing Bumper cars Previously traveled with Bates Brothers Amusement Company.
Ships Ahoy 1961 Allan Herschell Company Spinning children's boat ride
Steel Colt 1983 Zamperla Miniature train ride
Sea Dragon 2024 Chance Rides Pirate ship Previously operated at Santa's Village Amusement & Water Park from 2011 to 2022.
Tilt-A-Whirl 2024 Sellner Manufacturing Tilt-A-Whirl Replacing the park's previous Tilt-A-Whirl that operated from 1992 to 2019. This Tilt-A-Whirl was acquired from Joyland Amusement Park.
Whirly Swings 2025 Zamperla Miniature swing ride

Water park attractions

Name Opened Closed Manufacturer Type Notes
Cannon Bowl 2006 Operating ProSlide Technology CannonBOWL
Dinosaur Pool 1980s Operating Unknown Kiddie pool
Double Dare Falls 1984 Operating Technetic Industries Water slide Formerly known as Raging Rapids.
Dragster Drench 2012 Operating ProSlide Technology RACER
Lazy River 1990 Operating Unknown Lazy river Formerly known as Splash Creek.
Surf Hill 1987 Operating ProSlide Technology Children's water slide

Unopened attractions

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World owns a large collection of attractions that are in varying states of construction or storage. Listed below are rides that have not been opened to the public since the park reopened. The reopening timeline for all rides listed is vague and unclear. The Comet and a drop tower named Strike-U-Up were briefly in storage at the park as well, but have since been removed and were never constructed. A kiddie coaster named Miner Mike was briefly set up but never opened to the public, and has since been removed.

Name Opened Status Manufacturer Notes
Black Buccaneer Will not open In storage HUSS Park Attractions A pirate ship that was brought to the park in 2021, having previously operated at Chessington World of Adventures from 1988 to 2018. The ride has since been deemed to be in critical condition and likely will never be assembled.[citation needed]
Cascabel TBD In storage Anton Schwarzkopf A Shuttle Loop coaster that first operated as Laser Loop at Kennywood from 1980 to 1990.[35] It was then sold to La Feria de Chapultepec, where it operated as Cascabel from 1994 to 2019.[36] Cascabel was dismantled and sold online at a starting price of $490,000.[37] In April 2021, prior to the purchase of Fantasy Island by IB Parks & Entertainment, the Cascabel train and track pieces were spotted in storage at Indiana Beach.[38] Other track pieces appeared in the parking lot of Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World in February 2022, and the ride was stated to be a planned installation at the park at some point in the future.[39][40]
Caterpillar TBD Under construction Mack Rides A Caterpillar that previously operated at Myrtle Beach Pavilion until 2006, and at Broadway at the Beach at some point before it was brought to the park.
Dillen TBD In storage HUSS Park Attractions An airboat that previously operated at BonBon-Land from 1999 to 2013.
Flying Falcon TBD In storage HUSS Park Attractions A Condor that previously operated at Hersheypark from 1990 to 2016.
Kraken TBD Under construction Unknown An Octopus ride that was installed on the former Devil's Hole site.
Mardi Gras Hangover TBD In storage Larson International A Fire Ball ride that previously operated at Six Flags Great America from 2018 to 2023. The attraction was brought to the park in February 2024.[41]
Magic Ring 1961 In Storage Zamperla A spinning children's ride.
Midway Mayhem TBD Under construction HUSS Park Attractions A Frisbee ride that operated at Six Flags Great Adventure as Pendulum from 1999 to 2003 and at Six Flags Great America from 2004 to 2023 as Revolution.[42] The attraction was brought to the park in February 2024, and in May of that year it was set up on the site that previously held Amazing Flying Machine, Mind Warp, and Sizzler.[41][43]
Wave Pool 1995–2019 Abandoned Unknown A derelict wave pool that replaced Kid Wash. It has since been abandoned.
Hully Gully TBD In storage Chance Rides A Trabant ride that previously operated with German showman Röper from 1968 to 1981, German showman Franke from 1982 to 1984, and at Heide Park Resort from 1985 to 2009. It remained at Heide Park Resort out of operation until 2017, when it was sold. It was brought to the park in 2022.
Montezuma's Revenge TBD In storage HUSS Park Attractions A Top Spin ride that previously operated at Avonturenpark Hellendoorn in the Netherlands from 1998 to 2020. It was brought to the park in 2022.

Former rides and attractions

Many of the park's rides were sold by Apex Parks Group following the closure of the park in 2019.

Former roller coasters

Name Years operated Manufacturer Description Notes
Crazy Mouse 2005–2019 Zamperla Steel wild mouse coaster Replaced Wildcat.
Dragon 1986–1988 Wisdom Rides Steel powered kiddie coaster
Little Dipper 1961–1995 Allan Herschell Company Steel kiddie coaster
Max's Doggy Dog Coaster 2013–2019 SBF Visa Group Steel kiddie coaster
Orient Express 1998–2003 Wisdom Rides Steel kiddie coaster
Orient Express 2019–2019 Wisdom Rides Steel kiddie coaster A different coaster than the previously listed Orient Express. Promoted as "Dragon's Flight".
Wildcat 1972–2005 Schwarzkopf Steel coaster

Former flat rides

Name Years operated Manufacturer Type Notes
Astro Wheel 1981–1994 Chance Rides Ferris wheel Acquired from The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor. Sold to Amusements of Buffalo, and later Kissel Entertainment.
Balloon Race 1985–1994 Zamperla Balloon Race Replaced by jack and the Beanstalk. Sold to Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor.
Bugs 1972–2011 Venture Manufacturing Unknown Sold to Martin's Shows.
Bumper Boats 1970–1995 Unknown Bumper boats
Chaos 1997–2007 Chance Rides Chaos
Cinderella's Midnight Magic Wheel 2018–2019 Sartori Rides Miniature Ferris wheel Acquired from Indiana Beach.
Cinema 180 1961–2003 Unknown 3D cinema Optical illusion film show.
Crazy Bus 1997–2013 Zamperla Crazy Bus
DareDevil 2001–2008 Chance Rides Unknown
Devil's Hole[44] 1975–1994 Chance Rides Rotor
Devil's Hole 2011–2019 Wisdom Rides Gravitron Replaced Starship 2000.
Enchanted Tea Party 2014–2019 Zamperla Teacups Replaced Tea Cups.
Flight 2008–2019 Zamperla Sky Flyer Replaced DareDevil.
Flying Bobs 1989–2003 Chance Rides Himalaya Acquired from Crystal Beach Park. Sold to an unknown location in Mexico.
Giant Slide 1975–2018 Whitehead Plastics Slide
Goosey Goosey Gander 2011–2019 Allan Herschell Company Miniature carousel Formerly Blue Goose.
Jack and the Beanstalk 2004–2015 Moser's Rides Drop tower Replaced Orient Express. Relocated to Bay Beach Amusement Park.
Jack and the Beanstalk 2015–unknown SBF Visa Group Drop tower
Mega Disk'o 2009–2019 Zamperla Disk'O Replaced Patriot.
Mind Warp 2011–2019 Technical Park Loop Fighter[45] Replaced Sizzler.
Nitro 2003–2009 Zamperla Frisbee
Old Mill Scream 1986–2014 Arrow Dynamics Log flume
Over The Falls 2014–2014 KMG Speed Replaced Old Mill Scream. Sold to a showman in England after a single season.
Paratrooper 1975–1994 Frank Hrubetz & Company Paratrooper Sold to Amusements of Buffalo, and later to a travelling carnival in Michigan.
Patriot 1989–2009 A.R.M. (United Kingdom) Ranger
Rampage 1979–1984 Watkins Unknown Trailer-mounted.
Rock & Roll 2015–2019 Bertazzon Music Express
Rockin' Tug 2013–2019 Zamperla Rockin' Tug Located on the plot of land where Super Truck previously operated.
Rok O Plane 1975–1998 Eyerly Aircraft Company Rock-O-Plane Acquired from Martin's Shows.
Sea Ray 1995–2011 Mulligan Engineering
Sizzler 1989–2011 Wisdom Rides Scrambler
Space Shuttle 1961–1994 Chance Rides Swinging ship Sold to Amusements of Buffalo.
Space Whirl 1963–1976 Arrow Development Teacups Acquired from Century 21 Exposition.[46]
Starship 2000 2009–2011 Wisdom Rides Gravitron
Super Spiral 1977–2002 Frank Hrubetz & Company Round Up
Super Truck 1994–2007 SBF Visa Group Miniature truck ride Truck ride. Operated on the site later occupied by Rockin' Tug.
Tea Cups 1997–2014 Zamperla Miniature teacups
Tilt & Shout 2007–2019 A.R.M. Rides (United States) Ali Baba Formerly Full Tilt.
Tilt-A-Whirl 1992–2019 Sellner Manufacturing Tilt-A-Whirl
Trabant 1961–1994 Chance Rides Trabant Sold to Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor.
YoYo 1961–1994 Chance Rides Swing ride Sold to Amusements of Buffalo, and later to Quassy Amusement Park.

Former water park attractions

Name Years operated Manufacturer Type Notes
Kid Wash 1980s–1995 Unknown Splash pad

References

  1. ^ "Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World".
  2. ^ "IB Parks & Entertainment Official Website". IBParks.com.
  3. ^ Futrell, Jim (March 2, 2006). Amusement Parks of New York. Stackpole Books. ISBN 9780811732628 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Hirsch, Rose Ann (March 2, 2011). Western New York Amusement Parks. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738574561 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Theme park to mark 50th year; Fantasy Island plans Saturday celebration". July 8, 2011.
  6. ^ Gallivan, Pete; Welshofer, Kate (March 2, 2020). "Fantasy Island reunion: 'Western Town' alumni reunite". WGRZ. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
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  14. ^ "Youngsters need those summer jobs". UPI.
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  31. ^ Christmann, Samantha (2 July 2021). "Q&A: Gene Staples, new owner of Fantasy Island, 'fell in love with' the park". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2021-07-07.
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  34. ^ Marden, Duane. "Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World (Grand Island, New York, United States)".
  35. ^ Bobby (16 June 2017). "Remember the Laser Loop?". westmifflinborough.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  36. ^ "Amusement park to shut down after accident". El Universal. October 13, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  37. ^ "Kennywood Park's former Laser Loop for sale in Mexico City". WTAE-TV. September 2, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  38. ^ "What's new at Indiana Beach? Off Season Construction Update! April 10, 2021". YouTube. Thrill Ridez. April 11, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  39. ^ Pastrick, Chris (February 10, 2022). "Kennywood's Laser Loop returns to U.S. — at New York amusement park". triblive.com. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
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  41. ^ a b "Fans of Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World 🎢". Facebook. 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  42. ^ "Pendulum At Six Flags Great Adventure". www.greatadventurehistory.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  43. ^ @niagara_park (May 28, 2024). "Enjoy this Time Lapse Video of the NEW Midway Mayhem being erected!..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  44. ^ "86'd Rides vol 2: Hell Hole | The DoD3". domainofdeath3.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
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allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_Island_(U.S._amusement_park)