La Ronde (amusement park)
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| La Ronde | |
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| Location | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Coordinates | 45°31′21″N 73°32′06″W / 45.5225°N 73.535°WCoordinates: 45°31′21″N 73°32′06″W / 45.5225°N 73.535°W |
| Website | La Ronde |
| Owner | Six Flags |
| Opened | April, 1967 |
| Operating season | May - October |
| Area | 146 acres (59 ha) |
| Rides | 40 total
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La Ronde (sometimes called Six Flags La Ronde) is an amusement park in Montreal, owned and operated by Six Flags. It is the largest in the province of Quebec and the second largest in Canada after Canada's Wonderland, with about 2.5 million guests in 2006. The park is under a emphyteutic lease with the City of Montreal, which expires in 2065.
It is on 146 acres (59.1 ha) located on the eastern tip of Saint Helen's Island. The park hosts L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, a highly regarded international fireworks competition.
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[edit] History
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This article or section may be slanted towards recent events. Please try to keep recent events in historical perspective. (November 2011) |
La Ronde was opened in 1967 as the midway of the Expo 67 World's Fair.
The park opens from mid-May to late October, with peak admissions being in July. As of summer 2011, entrance costs $44.99 CAN for people measuring 1.37 m (54 in) or more and $32.50 CAN for people under 1.37 m (54 in). A toddler under the age of 2 has a free admission. Family rides require a height of 36 in (0.91 m), most intermediate rides require 44 in (1.12 m)) and high-thrill rides require 52 or 54 inches (1.32 or 1.37 m).
La Ronde closes its season the last weekend of October. To celebrate Halloween, in the late couple weeks of October, the park hosts its annual La Ronde's Halloween Fright Fest. The festival includes an extravagant haunted house and dozens of horrifically-costumed performers, who roam the park looking for new victims to thrill and scare.
Today, the park features 40 rides, including ten roller coasters; among them is Le Monstre, a 40-metre (131 ft) high wooden double-tracked roller coaster which currently holds the record for highest double-tracked roller coaster in the world.
La Ronde was owned and administered by the City of Montreal until it was sold to Six Flags, an American theme park chain, in a deal completed on May 4, 2001. They acquired all of the assets of the park for 20 million USD and have a long-term contract to lease the land from the city. Before the announcement of the Six Flags purchase, the city had considered offers from other bidders including Paramount Parks, Cedar Fair, and Parc Astérix. Since then Six Flags has invested around 90 million dollars in new rides and improvements,[1] such as Le Vampire, Splash, Le Goliath and Ednör - L'Attaque as well as a new main entrance.
La Ronde also includes a Nintendo-sponsored video game center. Inside are the latest Nintendo video games and attractions. Since 2009, the former 3D theater housed Nintendo DS and Wii consoles, as well as advertisements and a Nintendo Store.
Since the takeover by Six Flags, prices of admission as well as on-site food and beverages have skyrocketed. Some prices of beverages are precisely three dollars per bottle. One of the most popular restaurants at La Ronde is the McDonald's in the center of the park due to its relatively low prices compared to other franchises in the park.[citation needed]
In May 2002, La Ronde announced the installation of a Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster called Le Vampire and was the first major investment by Six Flags.[2] It is a clone of the "Batman - The Ride" roller coasters found at many other Six Flags parks.
In May 2006, La Ronde opened its 9th roller coaster, The Goliath, a 53-metre (174 ft) high Bolliger & Mabillard mega coaster. It reaches speeds of 110 km/h (68 mph), making it the second tallest and the second fastest roller coaster in Canada. It was surpassed by Canada's Wonderland's Behemoth in 2008, which will also be surpassed in 2012 by Leviathan, a giga coaster currently being constructed in Canada's Wonderland as well.
For the 2007 season, La Ronde painted its iconic observation tower bright orange to advertise Pizza Pizza, an Ontario pizza chain that, at the time, was just emerging into the Quebec market. As well, all of the pizza stands inside the park were renamed from Pizza Ronde to Pizza Pizza.
As well in 2007, La Ronde celebrated its 40th anniversary. As a special event, Le Galopant, the oldest merry-go-round in the world was installed in the park. It was also featured at Expo 67.[3]
In January 2009, La Ronde announced its intentions to become a Six Flags branded park, thereby using the rights to Warner Bros. and DC Comics trademarks under the licensing agreement with Six Flags.[4] Le Vampire, a mirror image of Batman: The Ride constructed in 2002, carries no association to the Batman media franchise because the license with Warner Bros. and DC Comics is not valid in unbranded Six Flags parks.[5] It is yet unknown if Le Vampire will be re-branded to Batman: The Ride once the branding of the park commences.
The Serial Thriller, a Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster formerly located at the now defunct Six Flags Astroworld, has been shipped to La Ronde from the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, another Six Flags property where it lay in storage since 2005. The roller coaster, which originally opened in 1999 at Six Flags Astroworld, has been installed over the Lac des Dauphins at the park for the 2010 season and is named Ednör - L'Attaque.[6] It features special effects and theming from an alleged sea monster that was reported to have appeared in the Lac des Dauphins.[7]
On March 9, 2010, La Ronde announced that Terminator X: A Laser Battle for Salvation, an interactive laser-tag attraction themed around the Terminator series, will also be featured in the park for the 2010 season.[8]
Every year at La Ronde, they present audiences with a pyjama day fireworks show.
On January 19, 2012, Six Flags announced Vol Ultime at La Ronde, it is similar to the SkyScreamers and it will be 45-metre (148 ft) tall.[9][10]
[edit] Access
The site is accessible by automobile via a special exit off the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. On-site parking is available at a cost of $15 per day for regular parking, $20 on days when there are fireworks presentations, or $25 for VIP parking. A seasonal parking pass is available for $85 ($115 for a seasonal VIP parking pass).[11] [12]
During the months when the park is open, the Société de transport de Montréal runs a free shuttle bus (known as route 167) between the park and Jean-Drapeau metro station on Île Sainte-Hélène. That station is on the yellow line. Additionally, route 169 connects La Ronde to Papineau Metro station, in eastern Montreal.[12]
Finally, La Ronde operates a private marina for access to the park by boat.[12] The daily rates are as follows: $20-$25 for a half-day and $35-$45 for a full day. The lower number represents boats 24' and under, the higher represents boats 25' and over. Overnight, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates are also available. Septic-emptying and boat launch services are offered on-site.[13]
[edit] Features
[edit] Thrill Rides
| Name | Installation Year | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Super Manège | 1981 | Vekoma |
| Le Boomerang | 1984 | Vekoma |
| Le Monstre | 1985–1986 | William Cobb & Associates |
| Bateau pirate | 1988 | HUSS Maschinenfabrik |
| Cobra | 1995 | Intamin |
| Orbite | 1999 | S&S Power |
| Le Vampire | 2002 | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Vertigo | 2003 | Zamperla |
| Manitou | 2003 | Zamperla |
| Goliath | 2006 | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Ednör - L'Attaque | 2010 | Vekoma |
| Vol Ultime | 2012 | Funtime |
[edit] Family and kids
| Name | Installation Year | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Le Galopant | 1967 | Bairolle |
| La marche du mille-pattes | 1967 | Arrow Dynamics |
| Pitoune | 1967 | Arrow Dynamics |
| Joyeux moussaillons | 1967 | Arrow Dynamics |
| Tchou Tchou | 1967 | Arrow Dynamics |
| La grande envolée | 1990 | Zamperla |
| Grand carrousel | 2003 | Chance Morgan |
| Air papillon | 2005 | Zamperla |
| La danse des bestioles | 2005 | Zamperla |
| Monsieur l'arbre | 2005 | Zamperla |
| Marais enchanté | 2005 | Zamperla |
| Ourson Fripon | 2005 | Zamperla |
| Pommes d'Api | 2005 | Zamperla |
[edit] Intermediates
| Name | Installation Year | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Disco Ronde | 1986 | HUSS Maschinenfabrik |
| Dragon | 1994 | Intamin |
| Autos tamponneuses (Bumper cars) | 2003 | RDC Bumper Cars |
| Toboggan Nordique | 2003 | Zamperla |
| Tour de Ville | 2003 | Zamperla |
| Splash | 2004 | Intamin |
[edit] Panoramic
| Name | Installation Year | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Minirail | 1967 | Von Roll Habegger |
| Spirale | 1967 | Von Roll |
| Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) | 1984 | Vekoma |
[edit] Paid attractions
| Name | Installation Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Wall | 2001 | $5 |
| Eurobungy | 2002 | $7 for 3 minutes
$10 for 5 minutes |
| Sling shot | 2002 | $20 per person |
| Catapulte | 2008 | $40 for 1 person, $30 for 2 people, $20 for 3 people |
| Go-Kart | 2008 | $15 per person for 5 min |
[edit] Former rides and attractions
| Name | Manufacturer | Operating Years | Replaced by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminator X: A Laser Battle for Salvation | Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company (SIEC) | 2010 | |
| Tasses Magiques | Zamperla | 2003–2009 | Ednör – L'Attaque |
| La Momie : La Tombe de l'empereur Dragon | Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company (SIEC) | 2009 | Terminator X: A Laser Battle for Salvation |
| Le Téléférique (Chairlift) | 1967–1990 | Ceased operation in 1990 but ride was only removed in 2006 | |
| Salem Aleikum Grand Orient-Les Mille et une nuits | ?-1984 | Le Monstre | |
| Hydroid '94 (Sub-Oceanic Shuttle) | Iwerks | 1994–1995 | Volcanozor (Dino Island II) |
| Volcanozor (Dino Island II) | Iwerks | 1995–2004 | Bob L'Éponge 3D |
| Bob L'Éponge 3D | Iwerks | 2004–2007 | Experience Nintendo |
| Le Twister | Heintz Fahtze | 1985–2008 | |
| Maëlstrom | Mack | 1985–2008 | |
| OVNI | HUSS Maschinenfabrik | 1986–2006 | |
| Le Diablo (Troika) | HUSS Maschinenfabrik | 1978–2003 | Le Splash |
| Le Tapis Volant (The Flying Carpet) | Zierer | 1986–2002 | Les Autos Tamponneuses |
| Les Autos Tamponneuses | Reverchon | 1983–2002 | Le Toboggan Nordique |
| Astronef (Sky Flyer) | Vekoma | 1985–2002 | Le Manitou |
| La Course | Zierer | 1976-1976 | |
| Les Montagnes Russes | Schwartzkopf | 1968–1984 | Le Monstre |
| Les Astrobolides | Sartori | 1984–2004 | Le Marais Enchanté |
| La Petite Roue | Sartori | 1984–2004 | Pommes D'api |
| Le Mont Blanc | Reverchon | 1967–2000 | |
| Gyrotron | 1967–1981 | Le Monstre | |
| Le Moulin de la Sorcière | Pinfari | 1969–2005 | |
| Le Palais des Glaces | 1985–2003 | Le Splash | |
| Mini Rallye | Sartori | 1993–2004 | Monsieur l'Arbre |
| Les Bagnoles | Arrow | 1967–2004 | Air Papillon |
| Le Chat et la Souris | Sartori | 1984–2004 | La Danse des Bestioles |
| La Tornade | Huss | 1997-2010 |
[edit] The Flash Pass
With the introduction of the Flash Pass in 2007, visitors can “hold their place in line” electronically allowing them to go elsewhere in the park while waiting for an attraction. They will be alerted by the Flash Pass device when it is almost their turn to ride. Three types of Flash Pass are available: Regular, Gold, and Platinum. A regular pass simply holds your place in line. Gold holds your place as well as reducing your waiting time by 75%. Platinum reduces your waiting time by 90% and allows you to ride twice and only wait once. The Flash Pass is purchased separately from normal park admission. The flash pass prices increase as they reduce your waiting time. There is only a restricted number of Flash Passes available for purchase on a given day.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ . Montreal Gazette. http://www.montrealgazette.com/columnists/Ronde+unveils+fast+roller+coaster/2910638/story.html. Retrieved 2010-03-15.[dead link]
- ^ . http://www.rcdb.com/1567.htm?dt=126&d=62. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ^ . La Ronde. http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/galopant/history.html. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ^ Cloutier, Laurier. "La Ronde prend le virage famille" (in French). La Presse. http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/200901/06/01-681118-la-ronde-prend-leviragefamille.php. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "Montreal-based theme park". Amusement Business (BPI Communications, Inc.) 115 (9): 6. March 3, 2003. ISSN 0003-2344.
- ^ "Ednör L'attaque". La Ronde. http://laronde.com/ednor/en/fiche.html. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
- ^ "La Ronde unveils fast new roller-coaster". Montreal Gazette. http://www.montrealgazette.com/Ronde+unveils+fast+roller+coaster/2910638/story.html. Retrieved 2010-04-15.[dead link]
- ^ "Terminator X, the ultimate laser battle at La Ronde!". La Ronde. http://www.laronde.com/terminatorx/en/information.html. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ^ "Vol Ultimte". La Ronde. http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/vol_ultime.asp. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
- ^ La Ronde (January 19, 2012). [http://www.laronde.com/global/Releases/com_vol_ultime_en.pdf "La Ronde will set the limit in 2012 with its upcoming new extreme tower ride"]. Press Release. Six Flags. http://www.laronde.com/global/Releases/com_vol_ultime_en.pdf. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
- ^ La Ronde. "Tickets & Prices". La Ronde. http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/tickets.asp. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
- ^ a b c La Ronde. "Directions". La Ronde. http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/directions.asp. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
- ^ Marina La Ronde. "The Rates". Marina La Ronde. http://www.marinalaronde.com/en/tafifs.php. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: La Ronde |
- La Ronde official web site
- L'International Des Feux Loto-Québec (fireworks competition)
- Roller Coaster Database (listing La Ronde's coasters)
- Six Flags Official web site
- Expo 67 - La Ronde
- Marina La Ronde
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