Talk:Adventureland (Iowa)

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Contents

[edit] Mascot

Wasn't Garfield the mascot at some point? divokz 06:11, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

I don't recall that, but I guess it's possible. I know when they opened "The Outlaw" (1990s), their mascot was some Old West 49er. I still remember the commercials. "Yeeeeee-haw!"--Firsfron 16:33, 29 April 2006 (UTC)
The old miner guy was used in their commercials and voice overs for awhile, but he's more of the spokesperson than mascot (but his voice is used in the Underground, and a characature of him is the "how tall to ride" sign for the Outlaw). I think I was told he left Iowa to persue an acting career or something (or maybe that's the voice of the Altoona Iowa casino?). I haven't seen/heard him in ads in awhile (and I do recall one year he had lost his beard which seemed odd). --Allen Huffman 21:01, 16 May 2006 (UTC)
I don't recall that either. For a while in the 70's, possibly early 80's, the mascot was Henry the Dog. When I was about 8 I played the water-gun game until I won a huge version of Henry. He's currently in storage at my father-in-law's place... --Rehcsif 00:06, 1 May 2006 (UTC)
Was it really that Henry? There's a Bernie the Dog current mascot (that they have used in the past and just brought back a few years ago I *think*)? --Allen Huffman 21:01, 16 May 2006 (UTC)
Yes, Garfield was licensed for a year for a promotion. He was also mascot for Kennywood the same year (and may have continued out there, since they have a Garfield retheming to their Old Mill ride). --Allen Huffman
Wait... how could Garfield be in two places at once...? ;)--Firsfron 21:21, 11 May 2006 (UTC)
Ever see a cat run? Now, on a side note, there is Bernie the Dog, which has been the mascot for ages, and there was Toby the Tiger (who I saw this past Sunday) as a walkaround character. Toby and Bernie were hanging out together with a handler. I'm not sure who Toby is, though, but I will add a mascot section when I get the info. --Allen Huffman 22:13, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

Okay, it gets more confusing. I've now found three walkaround characters (not counting Garflied) that have been in the parks in the past few years! And sure enough, one did look like Henry the Dog. Pics soon. Other Dog character (Henry?). And Berny and ...???. Plus there is Toby the Tiger, somewhere! Who knew! --Allen Huffman 03:54, 22 May 2006 (UTC)

Yep, that's exactly like the stuffed "Henry" that I won (mentined above...) Not sure if they officially called him "Henry" or not, but he looked identical to another stuffed Henry I had at the time (not as big) which had the "Henry" logo on him...

--Rehcsif 14:24, 22 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Skyride

There is conflicting information (both here, and elsewhere on the web) whether or not the Sky ride is still in operation or not (and Adventureland's own website isn't very good with details on rides). Can someone confirm this (Haven't been to the park in a few years)? If it closed, can anyone find info on a reason? (I know the ride was a little 'scary' by modern standards, heck it was the same back in the 70's when the park was new...) --Rehcsif 19:58, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

I haven't been there in a few years myself, but I can tell you what this site says: This ride took guests on an aerial trip over the park. The ride had two stations, one in Country fair and the other in Bavaria.
It's past tense, indicating it's no longer operating, although I don't know why. It was a very high ski lift.
Oh, and I did find out Garfield and Odie became mascots at the park. The Official site's history section says it happened "throughout the 2001 season".--Firsfron 21:34, 1 May 2006 (UTC)
Yeah, but that was one of the "ambiguous" sites that I mentioned above. They say "took" et. al, but then they list it as operating under the details section. Hopefully someone who has been to the park last season (or this season, once it opens) can clarify. --Rehcsif 21:52, 1 May 2006 (UTC)
It's open now. Opened April 29th. What are you waiting for? Go! ;)--Firsfron 22:11, 1 May 2006 (UTC)
I'd love to -- but I'm based in Minneapolis now :-/ Didn't realize they opened this early. --Rehcsif 22:43, 1 May 2006 (UTC)
A user on this site says he rode The Skyride in June of 2005, so if it's closed, it would be as of this season. Seems unlikely to me that it is closed, if people were riding it this recently.--Firsfron 04:18, 2 May 2006 (UTC)
Yes, the ski lift cable ride is still there (unless it's been shut down this season). I have some outdated park information on my ancient personal page, and thousands of photos from the park on my theme park site if we need any photos for the page. Great job on the updates, folks! --Allen Huffman
If you don't mind uploading some photos from your site, I guess we could really use a picture of The Dragon on the (newly-created) Dragon page. Something like your photo of The Dragon here, or something similar, might be useful, although I was hoping to see something of the double loop...--Firsfron 21:13, 16 May 2006 (UTC)
Confirmed from Adventureland: "Yes - the SkyRide is operating just fine. Thank you!" --205.241.140.175
Good to know! :)--Firsfron 21:15, 11 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Chapel

The Chapel (church) was added a few years ago (I'll have to check my photos for the actual date) and is used as a performance area for gospel groups and also some canned (singing to tape) shows using the same cast as Sodas and Sounds. I guess it would be nice to list "new things" each year and mix them in but I wasn't sure where The Chapel would fit -- it's a stage, I guess (though does seem to be a functional church). --Allen Huffman

If I ever get back to Iowa, I guess I'll have to visit Adventureland. It's been 11 years since I was there...far too long. Although I have no interest in a canned musical at a gospel church... Good info. --Firsfron 21:19, 11 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Timeline

There is a partial timeline on the Adventureland site. Would a timeline be wikipedia-accepted? Something that shows what was added from year to year, and what was removed? --Allen Huffman 22:14, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

Timelines are certainly acceptable, provided they're encyclopedic in nature. :)--Firsfron 22:45, 15 May 2006 (UTC)
Define? Ideally, just a year by year listing of when rides were added and removed, when shows started and ended, and any significant events to the park (25th anniversary, etc.). Also would be fun to list ticket prices (I may have them from 96-current if I took pics of the pricing signs in my early years of digicams). Thanks for the proofing! --Allen Huffman
Your plan certainly sounds fine to me. Just remember, anything posted here is always subject to merciless editing, as always. The proofing: I spend the majority of my time on Wikipedia proofing, so proofing on this article was no problem. Happy editing! :)--Firsfron 20:57, 16 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Page Organization

I understand grouping rides by kid rides, coasters, and others (categories) but we also talk about park sections which makes me want to group rides by park sections, or at least do something like list a section, then a list of names of rides/shows in that section, then have a different section that goes in to more detail about the actual rides (descriptions, etc.). Is that overkill? --Allen Huffman

I'm fine with doing it by park section and losing the other categories. The coasters already have the template at the bottom which groups them... --Rehcsif 04:14, 17 May 2006 (UTC)
Agreed. It's a little overkill as it stands now.--Firsfron 14:32, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Pictures

I am happy to donate my photos for the roller coaster and park pages. I am unfamiliar with the rules for uploading/cropping photos for use in the Wikipedia. Guidelines on naming would be useful too. --Allen Huffman

You've got a lot of great pictures, Allen. I'm really glad you can donate some for the project. A few photos would really add a lot of value to these pages.
You go to the "upload file" link (on the right) and upload your file. It will ask you for some information. Since you are the creator of the images, it's relatively straightforward (just choose either "free licence" or "public domain"), and the naming, within reason, is pretty flexible (for example, a picture of The Dragon might be "The_Dragon.jpg" or "DragonAtAdventureland.gif").
Good luck! :) --Firsfron 11:44, 18 May 2006 (UTC)

I am uploading my 2006 Adventureland Photos and will keep updating them through the season. --205.241.143.204

[edit] Outlaw Gulch

The text currently says that there are only 2 rides in Outlaw Gulch (the Outlaw and Sawmill Splash). Isn't there also a couple of small kiddie rides as well? I seem to remember that the Chuck Wagons are there... Nice work with the trivia, etc. by the way! --Rehcsif 16:17, 18 May 2006 (UTC)

Oh drats. I guess that depends on where Outlaw Gulch starts. Indeed, once you pass under the sign leading the way, there is the Puff the Dragons pin wide, and the Chuck Wagon for kids. To me, the dragon ride always seemed to fit with "Dragon Island" but the Chuck Wagon certainly fits better with Outlaw Gulch. Hrm. If only they outlined the areas on the park map. --Allen Huffman

[edit] Roller Coaster Pages

I started an Outlaw coaster page, but it's mostly just a shell right now. Any coaster fans out there with time to look up stats? --Allen Huffman 15:14, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

I may have time to look at it later this week. Otherwise, check out rcdb.com -- they have stats for most coasters. Also, check out Wikipedia:WikiProject_Roller_Coasters for guidelines on how to set up these articles (I created the Tornado (coaster) article based on these--Rehcsif 15:50, 24 May 2006 (UTC)
While we're at it, The Dragon page could use some expansion. I started it based on Fisher's Tornado article, but it still needs more stuff. I couldn't think of much more to say than 'yeah, it goes upside-down'.--Firsfron 16:57, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Extinct Attractions and Shows

I started a new section. Would it be okay to also move the extinct coasters down there? I guess we could sub-categorize the extict attractions by type, too. --Allen Huffman

Yeah, we should move the extinct coasters there. Also, my memory is a little fuzzy, but wasn't there once a carousel in the Riverview (now Dragon Island) area? I also mentioned the Haunted House and Mirror attraction in the Riverplace trivia item I added yesterday... Also, I see you mentioned the Scrambler was replaced by Sawmill Splash. I've only been to A-land once in the past 5 years (we used to go several times a summer in the 80's and late 70's), but isn't Sawmill Splash in the rear of the park, past the Outlaw, wheras the scrambler was more toward the front/middle of the park near the Balloon Race? --Rehcsif 16:10, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
I moved the coasters and added the Haunted House and Mirror Maze. --Rehcsif 16:42, 3 June 2006 (UTC)
Yes, there was a carousel near The Dragon which is now a Hymalaya. I am told the other edge, which has games under it, was the location of either a Himalaya (in the past) or the Scrambler (before it was moved in to Outlaw Gulch). So yes, there was a carousel (I have pics and remember seeing it when I moved to Iowa in 1995) but I don't know about the former Himalaya. Or even how to correctly spell it ;-) I was also told that the Falling Star used to be called The Rainbow. A friend has a video tape from cartoons in the 80s that shows it, so I'll have to borrow it and check it out to verify. --Allen Huffman
There was a Himalaya left of the old Haunted House, where there are now some games. I believe it was also moved from Riverview. And the old Scrambler was somewhere towards the middle of the park originally, before it was moved to Outlaw Gulch and renamed the Wrangler. Also, I remember there used to be a "Tin Lizzy" car ride near the Silly Silo. It was a ride where kids could drive gas-powered cars around on a road, but a bar in the middle of the road prevented you from driving off. I didn't notice it on the list. --71.7.125.99 02:24, 21 August 2007 (UTC)
I believe that is all correct. We used to go to Adv several times a year from about 1983-1992. Sometime in the early 90's, the carousel was removed and (I think) a new one put up at the front of the park. The old Himalaya became the path to Outlaw Gulch, and (possibly a new) Himilaya was moved to where the old carousel was. Also, of course, the Haunted House was removed to make way for The Dragon's station, which uses the same building. --Rehcsif 21:07, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

The Lighthouse was not operating a few weeks ago, and now is dissasembled. It was unclear if they had it down for rehab, or are gutting it. It looked gutted yesterday, so it may be destined for the list soon. Also, Galleon hasn't been running any of my visits this year. (Oddly, the carousel was shut off yesterday too, but I can't see that one going away.) --Allen Huffman 23:51, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

The Lighthouse (although I had no idea that's what it was called until recently) always scared me even as a kid in the early 80's -- seemed like an old ride. I wonder if that came to Adventureland from anothe park? I'd be sad to see Galleon go -- I remember when they added that one. Incidently -- Allen have you seen the question I left you on your talk page regarding photos? --Rehcsif 02:14, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Underground vs Space Shot

I question the wording about the Underground being the major attraction of the area. The Underground opened many years before Space Shot, with SS being the big new ride. I'd think it became the major attraction of the area. (That said, I'm not sure where all these land definitions come from.) Comments? --Allen Huffman

I wondered about that too. I've only been to the park once since both of these rides existed, but I would say that neither is really a "standout" and that the particular area of the park isn't quite as themed/sectioned as the others, like "County Fair" or "Outlaw Gulch". Another thing -- isn't part of "The Boulevard" really part of "Bavaria"? I thought that's why they had "Der Flinger" and formerly "Der Flitzer" there (Der Flitzer sat where the Giant Skywheel is now, which the article currently calls "The Boulevard". --Rehcsif 18:37, 26 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Anonymous Updates

There have been a lot of updates by non-registered IP's recently -- I'm assuming all by the same person. Thanks for your contributions -- and I'd just like to encourage you to sign up and make edits as a registered user. It makes it easier to communicate with you, and it's nice to have a little bit of a 'face' on the contributors to this article. This article has really taken off in the last few months and we appreciate your efforts to help. --Rehcsif 18:40, 26 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vandals and Old Discussions

Boy, someone sure doesn't like the circus ;-) Is it time to purge some of the now-obsolete discussions on this page? --199.3.104.138 15:10, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tons o' updates coming.

I got alot of Adventureland tidbits from one of the park operators (one of the Krantz family). I'll be posting updates to the page based on what I've gotten from someone who grew up with the park. --Allen Huffman 03:33, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

Okay, I did a bunch of updates but haven't gone back and cleaned anything up, so maybe the magic of the Wikipedia will take care of that. I also encoded and posted a video of The Underground ride. --Allen Huffman

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif

Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 16:03, 31 May 2007 (UTC)

  • I have contacted Adventureland for a statement of permission to use their logo. --Allen Huffman 00:01, 16 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif

Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 08:36, 27 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif

Image:AdventurelandLogo.gif is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 17:35, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] 2008

New expansion for 2008 is the Kokomo Kove water play area. They have mentioned it on local newscasts, and now it's on the annual pass cards they mail out and featured in the TV ads. --Allen Huffman (talk) 01:56, 25 December 2007 (UTC)

And, now it seems the circus IS returning after all. --Allen Huffman (talk) 05:09, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] References

It looks like we need references. We could certainly list their official website, but much of what I contributed came from e-mail correspondence with the park itself. Not sure how we list that. --Allen Huffman (talk) 21:32, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

That's touchy, since we don't want to lose information due to "no original research". I think for an article like this, simply listing the website and any other sites (e.g. news articles, etc) would be a start. Also some reflinks for the history section, etc. would be helpful. Finally, if you have a specific name or two from your correspondence, and wanted to include it as a reference (e.g. "Joe Blow, Director of Marketing, Adventurland") I think that would be worth a try. --Rehcsif (talk) 01:33, 24 March 2008 (UTC)
Thanks! Would you add a sample reference for the website (for the hours, etc. I guess?) so I can see how it works? Then I can add some of mine. I don't know how cite and all that work yet. (The trivia section needs to be integrated, too, apparently. The items I added came from one of the family members who own the park.) I'd like to see us be able to have a better timeline for the park, too. --Allen Huffman (talk) 14:40, 25 March 2008 (UTC)
I added a couple (under History and Location). I can come back and add some more when I have more time. Basically just insert a hyperlink inside 'ref' tags and it automagically appears as a footnote. --Rehcsif (talk) 15:03, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Page layout

Should we alphabetize the Themed Areas section? Allen Huffman (talk) 02:40, 6 May 2008 (UTC)