Happy New Year 2020! Dominator is now available

Hello Friends!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 'New Year'!  Thank you for all your support in playing our simulations over these years! 

It's amazing that 20 years has gone by since coming online on December 1, 2000! We are very excited on what the coming future holds as we move forward from Adobe Flash to HTML5 simulations.

Thank you again!  Happy New Year 2020!!

:: Dorney Park's "Dominator" simulation is 'Now Available'! ::

Releasing today on January 1, 2020 , Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown Pennsylvania USA "Dominator" space blasting tower simulation is "Now Available" for your enjoyment!

We want to thank all our beta testers who helped us test this newest #HTML5 simulation. They helped us find bug issues/glitches and of course made some suggestions to help this simulation better.

Head over to Themagical.nl and click on "Dominator" at the top of the website to play!

© Cedar Fair L.P. | © Themagical.nl | © DorneyOnline.com

 :: #TMNewSim 'Project 2020' and #Themagical20 ::

Starting on January 1, 2020 , we announced a new simulation will be coming soon with the tagline: "Project 2020".   At this time, we are currently looking over our options on what will be a great simulation from your suggestions that we've got over the years.  

We will be considering all suggestions and ideas for possible future simulations for Themagical.  We are also looking for a better cms and arcade feature option as we are moving forward away from Adobe Flash and using HTML5 for all future simulation development.

Stay tuned for more information by following our social media outlets and our hashtag : #TMNewSim 

::  #Themagical20 ::

Themagical will be celebrating 20 years online this coming December 1, 2020!  Even though it's far away right now, we will be sharing some fun new information about this special day.

We have some fun things planned for you to join in the fun!  We are excited for this opportunity to share with you all and as well some of our friends will be helping us along the way to help us celebrate this wonderful event!

Be sure to follow the official hashtag : #Themagical20 on our social media outlets and this blog for all the latest news about this exciting event! 

If you have any questions in regards to this special event or you are wanting to help us share some fun for our fans of Themagical, send me an email!  

You can email at: sdt_themagical@outlook.com add the subject title: "Themagical 20 help"

:: Closing Thoughts ::

Thank you all for enjoying our journey from the last decade from playing our simulations to reading this blog.

We are excited on what's ahead of us and we appreciate you all for joining us by playing our simulations and sharing this site to your friends and family!

2020 is already looking exciting with our release of 'Dominator Simulation', our upcoming future project and Themagical's 20th year celebration!

Until Then,

Reighard

Dominator Simulation Beta Testing Details

© Cedar Fair L.P.  |  © Themagical.nl  |  © Dorneyonline.com

Hello Friends!

I hope you are doing well!  I thought to give you some fun 'geeky' details on what's happening with the upcoming HTML5 simulation "Dominator"!

:: Concept Design Changes: GUI and more...! ::

Here's already known bugs with the current build for beta testers:
 
--Known/Reported Bugs--

v.20191121-40

- Bugs Fixed ! Reported 3 bugs are now fixed in this latest build number!

v.20191121-21:

Bugs Found ! FIXED in 20191121-40 build release

Loading Waiting Area: Fastlane : Dominator.js RT_CloseQueueGateEnd 2966:57 :
- Can't load 'Waiting Area' Green Tower from Fastlane. (You can load the 'Waiting Area' for the 'Green Tower' from 'Standby'.)

Entrance Gates: Green and Red Towers:  Dominator.js tl_FLQueueGates 2132:8 & 1828:8 :
- Once both "Waiting Areas" are fully loaded, can't open "Entrance Gates" even though the 'orange blinking enabled' button has been activated.

===
v.20191004-1:

Bug Found ! - Looking into coding to find the issue: Dominator.js 2157 Line 12 & 13  FIXED in 20191121-40 build release
 
**Update: 10/19/19Temporary 'Work Around': Wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute (or a few more minutes depending on how many 'clicks' you did on the 'Safety Check' button) before pressing the 'Safety Check' button.

Green Tower Loading Sequence: Bug Found !  FIXED in 20191121-40 build release

- When loading the game the first time, loading the green tower from either 'Fast Lane' or 'Standby' queues will cause this bug to load.
Ex.) Loading from "Fast Lane" :
- Opening Entrance Gates
- Load Station
- Closed Entrance Gates
- Open 'Safety Bars'
- Load Tower ('Safety Check' is enabled with blinking 'orange' light.)
- Close 'Safety Bars'
- 'Safety Check' is enabled with blinking 'orange' light.

Unable to load 'safety check' guests for this tower. Looking into coding to find the issue: Dominator.js 2157 Line 12 & 13.  FIXED in 20191121-40 build release
====

----
=== CHANGELOG: ===
 
v.20191121-40

- BGM Audio Removed: Christmas loop (Since the park isn't open during the 'winter seasons', the Christmas loop isn't necessary.)
- Control Panel Text Color Changes: From 'White' to 'Aqua' color.
- Bug Fixes : 3 reported bugs has been fixed. Look above to see the bug reports.

v.20191121-21

- Enhanced Graphic User Interface (GUI) :
-- Control Panel : An updated 'glossy' 'Control Panel' has been updated from the metal background graphic to black glossy edges interface.
-- Updated Font Text: From the previous build, a new 'square-like' font has been update throughout the graphic interface.

- Sound Effects: Added New BGM Music: 3 new background music has been added for your listening pleasure. You can turn them on/off to cycle through which music you prefer to listen to.  After the music is over, it will be switched to another BGM music. These music are royalty-free and you can learn more about it by visiting their website at: https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/

-Outside Lights Updated:  From a 'bright yellow' to a more 'lighter tan color' soft glow intensity to best reflect a realistic environment.

v.20191103-15

- Tower Vehicles Animations (Tweaked) : Red and Green tower animations have been more refined coding to better reflect 'air pressure/gravity' physics elements.

- Light Effects: Air Traffic Lights Height Requirement Added On Tower: Based on the 200 foot requirement, USA air traffic lights are mandatory on all building/structures at this height level. Lights are now added at the top of the tower and illumination animated on/off.

- Light Effects: Colors added on all 3 towers are reflected on the towers.

- Debug Button Added: This button features for our beta testers to test out the latest update and switch back to a more stable version.


v.20191006-7

- Red Tower Animation (Tweaked): To reflect real-life air pressure bounce movements.

- Unload Tower Button Moved: Previously located in the middle right above the 'Safety Bars' button, now moved to the top under the 'Dispatch' button. To improved better routing.

- Light Effects: Added 'white light' on third tower.

v.20191004-1

- Beta Testing Version 

DorneyOnline Newest Simulation: Dominator

© NewsPlusNotes   |  © Cedar Fair L.P.

Hello Friends!

I know it's been a long time since my last posting back in October.  There were things that happened to me personally and as well issues with hard-drives crashed.  More about that in later in the post.

Hard - drive crashes: 3 week delay !

Martijn had one of his hard-drive crash on him....yes you guess correctly...the main hard-drive where this simulation was stored on!

Luckily, he was able to restore the drive but had to wait for 3 weeks in order to have it fixed!  That was great news for sure!  He resumed development where he left off before the hard-drive crashed on him which was another great news to hear.

Usually hard-drive crashes are pretty much useless and almost all data is gone!  But gracefully, this hard-drive crash didn't loose any data and was able to be fixed!  Talk about a close call on this particular situation! PHEW! (*wiping off sweat from my forehead.)

Introducing "Dorneyonline.com Newest HTML5 Simulation: Dorney Park's 'Dominator' !" 

News broke out from Martijn (webmaster/simulator creator of Themagical.nl) as the newest simulation for Dorneyonline.com after the successful simulation of "Steel Force®". 

We got the 'green-light' from Josh to announce this newest simulation since himself as well had some life changing experience in his family house hold too!  Josh is very pleased of the progress of this newest simulation and happy to share this with his community once we get an official launch date for this simulation.

This simulation has been developed with the HTML5 coding since the support of Adobe Flash Player will be no longer supported by 2020 (most browsers will stop using them by late December of 2020).  You'll be able to access this simulation on your smartphone/tablet devices as long the web browser can render HTML5 graphics.

The image below shows the progress development of the simulation.  Please note that this simulation graphic design may not reflect the final version once it's launch over at DorneyOnline.com .

© Cedar Fair L.P   | © Themagical.nl  |  © Dorneyonline.com 

Beta Testers Testing Simulation:  Progress !

Our beta testers has been doing lots of testing behind-the-scenes! They have been reporting their feedback and bug reports from this simulation.  

They been enjoying the experience so far and happy that soon the general public will experience this simulation 'real soon' !

Closing Thoughts !

I apologies for the poor posting since October.  Be sure to look out for another new update about this simulation as progress has been moving very quickly!  

Thank you for your support and interest of reading this blog!

Until Then,


Reighard  

Happy Memorial Day 2019 and #TMNewSim details

Hello Friends,

Seems like every post that I do, I seem to apologies for the long quite breaks between months. (I'm Sorry!)  Let's keep it moving and onwards with this posting shall we?

:: Happy Memorial Day (for those who are celebrating in the United States) ::

For us Americans, we are celebrating a day of remembrance of those who sacrifice their lives for our freedom to enjoy here and as well those who are currently serving our military right now.

Thank you!

To read '7 Interesting Facts About Memorial Day', click here! 

Usually on this day as well, mostly all nationwide amusement parks who closed for the winter season will be opening everyday now for the season.  

I'm get excited to enjoy my favorite local amusement parks here and as well looking forward on nice hot warm weather too!

:: #TMNewSim details ::

Back in March of this year, I've made a tweet about our newest upcoming #HTML5 simulation that was in 'Blue Sky' phase.  Well, I'm happy to share with you some additional details with you.

Martijn and myself (Reighard) , made a decision on the newest simulation creation.  We decided that we will creating a new simulation for our partner site 'DorneyOnline.com' .

Josh Stauffer (webmaster at DorneyOnline.com / Simulation Creator) gave us the 'green-light' to proceed with our idea for his site.

👀 #TMNewSim "Sometimes, you just need to sit down and relax for a bit." pic.twitter.com/5dNVMYM4X9

— Randy Reighard (@randydorney) May 25, 2019

Any Thoughts what it could be??

:: Closing Thoughts ::

Thank you our readers who read my postings.  I know it can be a long delay from not reading anything new. I hope this helps!

More details coming soon about on 'beta testing' this particular simulation!  

Until Then,


Reighard

Dorney Park's GM-VP Mike Fehnel

Hello Friends!

I'm sorry for the lack of posting on here.  It's been slow on our end as we are still in transition our previous Joomla format to a newer updated website version.

For the time being, we have a treat for YOU!

As we are still in the winter season, behind the scenes at our local amusement park has been really busy with their preparations for the upcoming summer season!

I'm very pleased and honored to have a wonderful chat with general manager and vice president Mike Fehnel of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA.

I got some nice insights of where he got started and as well some sneak peeks of what's coming ahead in the 2016 summer season at Dorney Park.

Special Thank You for Mike Fehnel for taking his time out of his pre-season duties to talk with us!  

(*Note: Pictures on this blog was used with permission to be posted online. © Mike Fehnel  © Cedar Fair L.P.)

On with the interview!

===

(*Note: Dark blue font will be Mike Fehnel's response to my questions.  Enjoy!)

© Mike Fehnel  |  © Cedar Fair L.P.

1.)    What got you started to work in the amusement park industry?

MF: I started working in the games department when I was 14 years old. My older sister had a job in merchandise and it was easy for me to take advantage of having a ride to the park. I remember being so proud of obtaining my first job. I was always a fan of midway games, thus it seemed as though it would be a fun summer job.

© Mike Fehnel |  © Carowinds

2.)    Was working for the amusement park industry your long-time dream job?

When I was younger I had always planned on being a teacher. My degree is for elementary education from Kutztown University. Somewhere along the way the amusement industry “got into my blood”, which is something many of us in the industry talk about. I guess it wasn’t my early intent for this to turn into my dream job, but it certainly has become the result!

3.)    How did you get where you are now?

There is no one reason, or secret, to how I landed in my current position. To succeed in any job, you need to have patience, dedication, respect others and have a desire for continuous improvement. The beauty of the seasonal amusement industry is we have the opportunity each year to look back, make improvements and try to make every year the best ever.

4.)    If someone wanted to join the career path you took, what type of education would you need to succeed in this type of career choice?

My colleagues and I have varying educational experience that can range from any of the fields of study you can imagine. It is certainly important to obtain a degree, however it is of equal importance to have experience in the industry. It is incredibly beneficial to have the perspective of working at multiple parks and for different companies.

5.)    Is there any fun perks of being in your position? What are your favorite perks?

Working at an amusement park is the best job in the world! It is our job every day to deliver the best day of the summer to our guests. We create memories that literally last a lifetime. One of my earliest memories as a child is from riding the train at Hershey Park. I was entrusted with a bag of gold by a sheriff before the ride. He tasked me with keeping the gold safe from the bandits. Sure enough halfway through the ride some bandits came along and stopped the train. I hid the gold under my seat and did not give in to their requests. At the end of the ride the sheriff rewarded me with a badge. I was probably 3 years old when this occurred, however I can recall it as vividly as if it occurred yesterday. That is the power, and responsibility we have running parks today as we continue to create memories for our guests.

I’ve also been the coolest dad at day care, as all the kids always want to know what is new at the park. My kids also have incredible access to the park, and I love taking them with me while checking out the park in the morning prior to opening.

:: Fun Questions ::

Mike Fehnel officially opening 'Snake Pit' at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in 2014.

1.)    Are you a ‘dry guy or wet guy’? (@MFehnel: 10 Billion points if you know what I’m talking about that relates to Dorney)

10 Billion points to me!!! I’m a ‘dry guy’. I personally prefer the coasters to the slides, however my kids LOVE both.

2.)    Are you a coaster fan of wooden/steel? What are your favorite(s)?? Top 3 rides??

Am I allowed to love both? My top 3 are FURY325, Millennium Force and El Toro.

3.)    Is your job duties the same by day to day or does it changes based on the current activities during pre-season, mid-season, and post-season?

What I love about working at a seasonal park is the constantly changing work day. I love the planning of the off-season, but it is exciting to see the plans come to life as we open and judge the results. Haunt is always a fun break from the daily routine, as we have meetings to discuss all the disgusting or supernatural things that will bring the event to life. It is always sad to close out a season, however it is fun to reboot and fuel the park for another season.

4.)    What is it like going to another park as the new GM and VP for example Carowinds and then later coming back to Dorney Park?

It all comes down to observing and being part of a team that has the same goal, but finds other ways to execute the plan. After spending time at another property your eyes open to other ideas and plans. In the end of the day, we strive to find best practices to execute at all parks.

Mike Fehnel announcing Fury 325 coaster at Carowinds

(*Click on the image to view large)

5.)    While having many position changes within your career in your life, what was your favorite and why?

There is no doubt my time at Carowinds will always be a highlight for me. It is not every year that you have the opportunity to relaunch the brand of a park, execute outstanding events such as Taste of the Carolina's, and debut a world record breaking roller coaster. That said I look forward to future projects and events at Dorney Park. I absolutely love the history behind a park that started entertaining picnickers in the 1860’s.

© PTC |  © Dorney Park  

('The Coaster' in the white coaster track layout before it was later named to 'Thunderhawk'.)

6.)    Will there be any fun new things for the 2016 season that you can share with us?

Right now we are focusing on Thunderhawk and celebrating one of 10 oldest operating roller coasters in the world. We will also have exciting new and returning special events.

Thunderhawk will be receiving a pair of new trains from the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, known as PTC, that feature more modern upgrades with a classic look.  The trains will replace the older PTC running stock that have been on the coaster for many years.

The concept art for the trains can be seen above on the first picture, showing off a nice open-air front car with the ride's logo attached to it.  The trains will feature two main colors (blown up in size on the left), a deep shade of red that is accented with orange near the top of the car.  The concept photo above notes that the colors will be inverted on the second train to differentiate it.  The trains will feature individual lap bars and at least if we go off this art there will be no seat dividers or headrests.

Thunderhawk is the 8th oldest wooden roller coaster operating in the United States, and the 10th oldest on the planet.

© Philadelphia Toboggan Company

The park also sent to us this original contract document that PTC shared with them, from when Thunderhawk (then known just as The Coaster) was going to be built.  You'll have to click for the larger image to read it, but this is a wonderful find for those who appreciate roller coaster history!

The contract is between PTC and Richard Rusk and R. L. Plarr of Dorney Park for "all the cars, machinery, plans, specifications, etc." needed for the instillation of the coaster.  The total for the ride's train, machinery and chain and the ride's plans came to a cool $9,673.  In addition, the contract covers the services of ride designer Herbert Schmeck at $17 a day plus expenses.  Such a neat document to be able to read!

:: Questions related to online gaming: Themagical/DorneyOnline ::

© Dorneyonline.com | © Dorney Park/Cedar Fair L.P.

(Pictured: Steel Force® Simulation coaster web based online game. Play it here: http://www.dorneyonline.com/sims.php)

1.)    How have you heard of Themagical.nl simulations / DorneyOnline.com’s ‘Steel Force®’ simulation (respectively each site)?

I have played the Steel Force simulation, although I don’t think I can consider myself a master at this time…

2.)    Have you heard of Themagical.nl website before?  

I’m sorry I haven’t….

3.)    If you had a choice of picking the ‘next’ dorneyonline simulation, what would it be?

Although it is not a Dorney Park coaster, I think FURY325 would be a great subject for a future simulator!

-----

I hope you all enjoyed reading this special interview and as well an interesting look 'behind the scenes' of an amusement park general manager and vice president of a Cedar Fair L.P. park.

We greatly appreciate Mike Fehnel of taking his time for giving this special interview.  We thank him for also providing 'behind the scenes' look at what's happening at Dorney Park for the 2016 and some personal pictures while at Dorney Park and Carowinds. 

Until Then,

Reighard