Europe

Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) are reportedly preparing to launch a new roller coaster design in 2011, dubbed the X -Raptor.

The coaster, which will debut at Gardaland, is said to be around 800 metres long and 30 metres tall.

The image released by Gardaland shows a train much like S&S's Fourth Dimensional Coaster, with the seats on the sides of the carriage, level with the track.

Gardaland's new coaster will also feature an underground station and various zero-G rolls.

Photo: Gardaland

Merlin and Google have teamed up to release Street View imagery from Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, THORPE PARK and SEA LIFE.

The images were taken last year and were then processed and carefully stitched together before it was made available yesterday.

Certain safety measures were put in place, such as blurring faces and giving users the option to report any inappropriate images.

"We are delighted to be working with Google on this exciting new project, and think it will add an invaluable service to our visitors", Managing Director Resort Theme Parks for Merlin Entertainments Mark Fisher said.

The concept of putting theme parks on Street View is not new. LEGOLAND California, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld are just some of the theme parks that have been on Street View for some time.

Photo: Google Street View

Innovation Leisure has completed the installation of a major high ropes course at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland.

The course, dubbed Sky Trail, is the first of its kind to be built by Innovation Leisure at a UK zoo.

Sky Trail features 80 metres of track suspended 6 metres off the ground and can handle up to 25 participants at any one time, with an hourly throughput of up to 100.

This is achieved by the unique node connection system that allows guests to overtake other participants.

The zoo's award-winning Budongo Trail chimpanzee enclosure sits next to Sky Trail, allowing guests to get a "chimp's-eye view" of the enclosure.

"The first reviews from the public are all saying that they think the Sky Trail is fantastic and they will come back to the zoo just to have another go", Commercial Director Gary Wilson said.

"It is also very positive for the zoo to have this type of play equipment beside a chimpanzee enclosure where the kids can interact with the chimps in the same way the chimps play in the trees", Mr Wilson added.

Photo: Innovation Leisure

Simworx has completed the installation of a new 4D theatre at the world-famous Land's End site in Cornwall, England.

The theatre now boasts a high definition 3D digital projector, Dolby surround sound and a custom designed grandstand.

Various special effects have also been installed, including seat movements, leg ticklers, seat vibrations, water spray, wind blowers, bubbles, aroma and low smoke.

The theatre's existing rock theming was kept to further add to the ambience.

"It has taken five months of hard work, but we are delighted to open the theatre on schedule, ahead of the Easter holidays", General Manager for Land's End David Bryans said.

"We are very pleased with the response to the cinema so far -- it appeals to both children and adults alike and gives us another all-weather family attraction", he added.

A 12-minute short film, dubbed Curse of Skull Rock, is now showing at the theatre.

The film follows Captain Scabb and his crew as they search for the legendary lost treasure of Skull Rock.

Photo: Simworx

The European amusement park Belantis has released concept drawings of their upcoming roller coaster, Anakonda, at a recent press conference.

Anakonda will be as tall as a 10-storey building and will take just 90 seconds to complete.

The Gerstlauer-built coaster will feature five inversions as well as a beyond vertical (97 degrees) drop.

The coaster, which has been labelled as "Europe's toughest roller coaster", will feature V-shaped trains.

The V-shaped trains are designed to give rear-seat riders a clearer view of what is in front. The same trains are featured on Anubis at Plopsaland De Panne.

Photo: ScreamScape