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La Ronde (amusement park)

Coordinates: 45°31′21″N 73°32′06″W / 45.52250°N 73.53500°W / 45.52250; -73.53500
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La Ronde
Location22, chemin MacDonald
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3C 6A3
Coordinates45°31′21″N 73°32′06″W / 45.52250°N 73.53500°W / 45.52250; -73.53500
OpenedApril 1967
OwnerSix Flags
Operating seasonMay - October
Area146 acres (59 ha)
Attractions
Total40
Roller coasters10
Water rides3
WebsiteLa Ronde

La Ronde is an amusement park in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is the largest in Quebec, owned and operated by Six Flags. The park is under an emphyteutic lease with the City of Montreal, which expires in 2065.

It is on 146 acres (59.1 ha) located on the Northern tip of Saint Helen's Island. The park hosts L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, a highly regarded international fireworks competition. La Ronde is one of two Six Flags parks not to be officially branded as a Six Flags park (the other being Great Escape in Queensbury, New York).

Park

The park opens from mid-May to late October, with peak admissions in July. In the summer 2011, entrance cost $44.99 CAD for people measuring 1.37 m (54 in) or more and $32.50 CAD 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 month of October, the park hosts its annual La Ronde's Fright Fest. The festival includes four extravagant haunted houses and more than a hundred horrifically-costumed performers, who roam the park looking for new victims to thrill and scare.

The park has 40 rides, including ten roller coasters; among them is Le Monstre, a 40-metre (131 ft) high wooden double-tracked roller coaster which holds the record for highest double-tracked roller coaster in the world.

History

La Ronde logo used from 2001-2012
La Ronde's entrance renovated in 2002.

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. It acquired all of the assets of the park for $20 million USD and has 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 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 has a Nintendo-sponsored video game centre with the latest Nintendo video games and attractions. Since 2009, the former 3D theatre has housed Nintendo DS and Wii consoles, advertisements and a Nintendo Store.

In May 2002, La Ronde announced the installation of a Bolliger & Mabillard inverted roller coaster called Le Vampire, which 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.

Taken from the top of Le Monstre at La Ronde amusement park. The Goliath is the red, yellow and blue ride to the north

In May 2006, La Ronde opened its ninth roller coaster, Goliath (La Ronde), a 53-metre (174 ft) high Bolliger & Mabillard mega coaster. It reaches speeds of 110 km/h (68 mph), making it the third tallest and the third fastest roller coaster in Canada. 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. All of the pizza stands inside the park were renamed from Pizza Ronde to Pizza Pizza.

Also in 2007, La Ronde celebrated its 40th anniversary. As a special event, Le Galopant, the oldest galloping 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 intention to become a Six Flags branded park, 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 licence 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 that used to be located at the now defunct Six Flags AstroWorld, has been shipped to La Ronde from the Great Escape, another Six Flags property where it lay in storage since 2005. The roller coaster, which 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]

On January 19, 2012, Six Flags announced Vol Ultime at La Ronde; it is similar to the SkyScreamers and it is 45-metre (148 ft) tall.[9][10]

In 2013, the park opened a water-themed attraction, Aqua Twist.

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags announced the addition of Demon, a top spin ride, for the 2014 season.[11] As a world premiere, Goliath was the first roller coaster equiped and exploited with virtual reality headset.

On August 28, 2014, Six Flags announced Maison Rouge, a haunted house, for the 2015 season.[12]

On September 3, 2015, Six Flags announced Avenue Aventure, a section of the park which includes Vampire running backwards and two new rides ; Phoenix, a Larson flying scooters and Gravitor, a Chance Falling Star from Six Flags St. Louis.[13]

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 $20 per day for regular parking, $22 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).[14][15]

During the months when the park is open, the Société de transport de Montréal runs a free shuttle bus (known as route 767) between the park and Jean-Drapeau metro station on Île Sainte-Hélène. That station is on the yellow line. Route 769 connects La Ronde to Papineau Metro station, in eastern Montreal.[15]

La Ronde operates a private marina for access to the park by boat.[15] 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.[16]

Features

Roller coasters

Ride Name Opened Manufacturer Model/Type Notes
Boomerang 1984 Vekoma Rides Boomerang
Cobra 1995 INTAMIN Worldwide Stand-Up Coaster relocated from Skara Sommarland
Dragon 1994 INTAMIN Worldwide Indoor/Family Roller Coaster
Ednör – L'Attaque 2010 Vekoma Rides SLC (689m Standard) relocated from Six Flags Astroworld
Goliath 2006 Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Hyper Coaster
Marche du Mille-pattes 1967 Arrow Dynamics Mini Mine Train
Le Monstre 1985 William Cobb & Associates Wooden Roller Coaster
Super Manège 1981 Vekoma Rides MK-1200
Toboggan Nordique 2003 Zamperla Zig Zag Coaster
Le Vampire 2002 Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Inverted Coaster

Thrill rides

Le Vampire (yellow) with the Cobra (green) in the background, as viewed from the Grande Roue
Name Installation Year Manufacturer Ride Type
Bateau pirate 1988 HUSS Maschinenfabrik Pirate Boat
Gravitor 2016 chance Falling Star
Orbite 1999 S&S Power Space Shot
Vertigo 2003 Zamperla Hawk
Manitou 2003 Zamperla Discovery
Vol Ultime 2012 Funtime Star Flyer
Demon 2014 Mondial Roll Over
Maison Rouge 2015 Haunted House

Family and kids

Vol Ultime in operation.
Name Installation Year Manufacturer Ride Type
Le Galopant 1967 Bairolle Carousel
Pitoune 1967 Arrow Dynamics Log flume
Joyeux moussaillons 1967 Arrow Dynamics Boat ride
Tchou Tchou 1967 Arrow Dynamics Train ride
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
Aqua Twist 2013 Mack Rides Teacup ride
Phoenix 2016 Larson International Flying Scooters

Intermediates

Toboggan Nordique roller coaster.
Name Installation Year Manufacturer
Disco Ronde 1986 HUSS Maschinenfabrik
Condor 1990 HUSS Maschinenfabrik
Dragon 1994 Intamin
Autos tamponneuses (Bumper cars) 2003 RDC Bumper Cars
Tour de Ville 2003 Zamperla
Splash 2004 Intamin

Panoramic

Le Monstre and La Spirale from across the lake.
Name Installation Year Manufacturer
Minirail 1967 Von Roll Habegger
Spirale 1967 Von Roll
Grande Roue (Ferris wheel) 1984 Vekoma
Name Installation Year Price
Sling shot 2002 $20 per person
Catapulte 2008 $20 for 1 person, $15 for 2 people, $10 for 3 people
Go-Kart 2008 $15 per person for 5 min

Former rides and attractions

Astronef thrill ride closed in 2002
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
Sky Ride (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 (Sponge Bob)
Bob L'Éponge 3D (Sponge Bob) 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 1978–2000
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
Rock Wall 2001-2010 Phoenix
Eurobungy 2002-2011 Gravitor
Le Rotor Anglo Rotor Corporation ?

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 and reduces your waiting time by 50%. 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.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Six Flags invests around 90 million dollars in new rides and improvements". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2010-03-15. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  2. ^ "Vampire - La Ronde (Montréal, Québec, Canada)". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2013-08-03. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Le Galopant". La Ronde. Retrieved 2013-08-03. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Cloutier, Laurier. "La Ronde prend le virage famille" (in French). La Presse. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  5. ^ "Montreal-based theme park". Amusement Business. 115 (9). BPI Communications, Inc.: 6 March 3, 2003. ISSN 0003-2344.
  6. ^ La Ronde. "Ednör L'attaque". La Ronde. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
  7. ^ La Ronde. "La Ronde unveils fast new roller-coaster". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2010-04-15. [dead link]
  8. ^ La Ronde. "Terminator X, the ultimate laser battle at La Ronde!". La Ronde. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  9. ^ "Vol Ultime". La Ronde. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  10. ^ La Ronde (January 19, 2012). "La Ronde will set the limit in 2012 with its upcoming new extreme tower ride" (PDF). Press Release. Six Flags. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  11. ^ "New for 2014". August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  12. ^ "New for 2015". August 28, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  13. ^ "New for2016". September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  14. ^ La Ronde. "Tickets & Prices". La Ronde. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  15. ^ a b c La Ronde. "Directions". La Ronde. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  16. ^ Marina La Ronde. "The Rates". Marina La Ronde. Retrieved 25 May 2011.