Bob Montgomery, who began his new position Tuesday, will oversee all aspects of Darien Lake as the park’s new vice president and general manager. He has worked more than 10 years for Herschend Family Entertainment, the company about to begin its second season managing Darien Lake for CNL Lifestyles Properties.

The management change also saw former general manager Christopher Thorpe named assistant general manager and the hiring of a new director of marketing for Darien Lake.

“These new additions to our management team will help attract new visitors to the area and also provide a better experience to our loyal guests,” said Cassandra Okon, the park’s public relations manager.

Montgomery’s move has been in the works for several months, according to a corporate spokeswoman for Herschend.

He arrived at Darien Lake last August, taking the title of executive director of property development. He was there to work with Thorpe and begin an internal transition that led to the general manager title, said Fatima Mehdikarimi, Herschend’s corporate spokesman.

Thorpe, as assistant general manager, will report directly to Montgomery and be responsible for employee development and relations. Thorpe, a South Buffalo native, had been general manager since March 2008, when he took over for Bradley Y. Paul, who retired after 16 years as the park’s general manager.

“Bob will strengthen the staff at Darien Lake and provide strong leadership. He can bring a fresh perspective and enhance the appeal of the park. I think Chris can learn a lot under him,” said Paul Ruben, North American editor of Park World, an industry trade publication.

Herschend, like many theme park chains, moves management personnel among its parks to provide them experiences with different kinds of —and often larger and larger – attractions, Ruben said.

The variety of accommodations and entertainment offerings at Darien Lake was a factor in Herschend’s reassignment of Montgomery, Mehdikarimi said.

“We felt Bob is the right fit for this park,” she said, “and it’s closer to his Canadian roots.”

Montgomery, a University of Toronto graduate, has more than 25 years experience in the entertainment and tourism industry.

“The combination of entertainment and accommodations offered at Darien Lake are unique in the industry, and I am excited about this opportunity,” Montgomery said in a news release.

“The community has a lot of enthusiasm for Darien Lake, and I look forward to leading this great vacation destination, especially as we introduce three new family rides this year,” he said.

Montgomery comes to Darien Lake from Wild Adventures, a Herschend-owned theme, water and animal park in Valdosta, Ga., near the state’s border with Florida. He had spent most of the past four seasons at the 170-acre park, which experienced a resurgence after Herschend bought the financially-troubled property at auction in 2007.

Herschend, with Montgomery as the park’s vice president, invested $6 million in the park in the first two years, including building the region’s biggest water park and upgrading the park’s four restaurants. The company also added hundreds of trees, and more shade, landscaping and walkways. Coaster enthusiasts and industry observers have noted an improved overall guest experience at the property, which has become one of North America’s top attractions with more than 1 million visitors annually. (Darien Lake, in recent years, has struggled to reach the 1 million visitors threshold, a number it once consistently surpassed, according to industry observers.)

“I think he did a good job there and he will be good for Darien Lake,” said Ruben, the Park World editor.

Montgomery started with Herschend in the spring of 2001 as vice president of Branson Attractions in Branson, Mo. He later became chief operating officer of Herschend’s Ride the Ducks International, an amphibious tour operating in several cities. In September 2007, he moved to Wild Adventures.

Prior to joining Herschend, Montgomery worked with The LEGO Group, opening parks in the United Kingdom and California, led the development and construction of Legoland in Gunzberg, Germany, and conceived many projects in the LEGO parks. He also had senior management positions in two of Canada’s top tourism attractions: director of operations at Toronto’s C.N. Tower and director of attractions at Canada’s Wonderland, north of Toronto.

Darien Lake also announced Tuesday the appointment of Steve Hallowell as director of marketing. Hallowell, a Rochester native, has 25 years experience in marketing. He formerly worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, most recently as director of consumer experience marketing.

“I look forward to working with the marketing team and the Buffalo and Rochester communities to attract even more guests to our park and accommodations,” Hallowell said in the news release. “As the father of two teenage boys who love to visit the park with their friends, this job definitely promotes me to cool dad.”

Hallowell replaces Linda Taylor who, “after a long career with the park … decided to go in a new direction,” Okon, the park’s public relations manager said. Taylor is no longer with the park.

The moves follow a tumultuous 2011 season for Darien Lake. In July, an Iraq War veteran fell to his death from the Ride of Steel roller coaster. The ride, the park’s most popular attraction, was shut down for more than two weeks while the death was investigated and closed for the season in August after  the ride’s lift chain broke.

“Bob is an experienced veteran,” Ruben said, “who will help Darien Lake recover from the difficulties they encountered last season.”

—

Original story:

DARIEN — Darien Lake Theme & Water Park Resort announced Tuesday that Bob Montgomery is its new vice president and general manager.

Montgomery has worked for more than 10 years for Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), Darien’s Lake’s management company.

“The combination of entertainment and accommodations offered at Darien Lake are unique in the industry, and I am excited about this opportunity,” Montgomery said in a news release.

Montgomery will oversee all aspects of the park.

“The community has a lot of enthusiasm for Darien Lake, and I look forward to leading this great vacation destination, especially as we introduce three new family rides this year,” he stated.

Prior to working at HFE, Montgomery served as vice president of operations and development at Legoland, director of operations at Toronto’s C.N. Tower and director of attractions at Canada’s Wonderland.

The C.N. Tower and Wonderland are among the top tourism attractions in Canada.

Montgomery’s most recent position before the Darien Lake job was vice president and general manager of Wild Adventures, also an HFE property.

Former Darien Lake general manager Chris Thorpe is now the park’s assistant general manager and reports directly to Montgomery. Thorpe is responsible for employee development and relations.

Darien Lake also announced Tuesday the appointment of Steve Hallowell as director of marketing. Hallowell has 25 years experience in marketing and is a native of Rochester.

He formerly worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester. His most recent position was director of consumer experience marketing.

Hallowell will lead the marketing department from a unique local perspective.

“I look forward to working with the marketing team and the Buffalo and Rochester communities to attract even more guests to our park and accommodations,” Hallowell said in the news release.

“As a father of two teenage boys who love to visit the park with their friends, this job definitely promotes me to cool dad,” he said.

SOURCE: http://thedailynewsonline.com/news/article_5502c362-4131-11e1-bff3-001871e3ce6c.html

Gift Certificates available for:
•$ 50
•$ 100
•$ 150
•$ 200

Accommodations Gift Certificates can only be used toward Accommodation charges when staying at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort; Non-refundable; Entire amount of Gift Certificate must be used toward (1) reservation and cannot be split amongst different stays or Guests; Certificates expire 1-year from date of issue; available for purchase online only; printed certificate must be mailed to apply payment after making reservation Average cost of stay ranges between $ 88/night – $ 450/night depending on accommodation type; Most stays require a 2-night minimum.

“We have a lot of new things going on, and a lot for families to do,” said Cassandra Okon, Darien Lake public relations manager. “We’re calling it fun for the family, and fun for the fearless.”

On the kid-friendly side of things, a new feature of 2011 is Old McDonald’s Haymazing Adventure, a hay maze near the Adventure Isle kids section … which will undergo its own makeover as Booville for the event.

The Thomas the Tank Engine show at Adventure Isle/Booville will have its own spooky metamorphosis — to Trick, Treat and Dance-A-Long with Thomas & Friends, which features songs to get kids and families up and dancing to “The Twist,” “Limbo” and “Shout.”

“We’re making it Halloween-themed,” Okon said. “It’s a really interactive show,  There will also be, in the Adventure Isle area, pumpkin painting and a trick or treat trail for children. There’s a lot in store for families.”

Other shows for FrightFest include Cliff’s Magic Show in the Grande Theatre and the LaserBlast Spooktacular, which takes place nightly 10 minutes after the park closes.

Besides the child-friendly fare at Adventure Isle, there are also attractions designed for those who like things a little more creepy.

“At night, we call it fun for the fearless,” Okon said. “There are two new things. We’re incorporating a Grim Reaper Barge and a Haunted Grave Yard on the way to Nightmare Acres.”

Guests must pass through the graveyard — and by the Grim Reaper Barge on the lake — on their way to Nightmare Acres, a walk-through haunted farmhouse. And once visitors escape the haunted house, there’s more awaiting them outside in the form of a more spookier maze than the one outside Adventure Isle.

“Once they get through the haunted house, they think it’s over,” Okon said. “It’s not.”

Returning to this year’s FrightFest is the Fright Night Field Trip, a haunted bus tour that goes through the dark corners of the Darien Lake campground.

There is an additional $4 charge for Nightmare Acres, with a $10 fear pass available for both Nightmare Acres admission and front-of-the-line access to Nightmare Acres and Fright Night Field Trip.

Nightmare Acres and Fright Night Field Trip are not recommended for children 12 years of age and under. All children under 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.

http://tonawanda-news.com/feature/x198127292/Frightful-fun-at-Darien-Lake

2011 Season Pass Holders – Renew your season pass for 2012 and get FREE Bring-A-Friend admission for Family FrightFest!

Ticket Prices are $19.99 Adult and $14.99 Child/Senior

Saturday, May 21

Announces Summer Concert Series including Pop Sensation Jordin Sparks and Teen Icon Miranda Cosgrove

 Thomas & Friends™ and a Baby Sea Lion Join Entertainment Line-up

Darien Center, NY (April 12, 2011) – Darien Lake Theme Park Resort (Darien Lake), New York’s largest theme and water park vacation destination, opens for the 2011 season on May 14 with new family cabins, six new live shows and three in-park concerts including American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove. In-park concerts are free with admission and to season pass holders.

“One of the best things about Darien Lake is you can stay where you play. Our all-inclusive park resort means families who stay at the park’s hotel or campground have unlimited access to the theme and water park. You can park your car and never use it again during your visit,” said Christopher Thorpe, Darien Lake’s general manager. “And we are budget-friendly too — guests who purchase a Family Four Pack of season passes by May 30, get free parking all season long and bring-a-friend-free coupons.”

New summer entertainment for all ages

Platinum-selling and the youngest ever American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and a guest appearance by Avery kick off the Time Warner Cable in-park summer concerts on May 21. Dance rock sensations Neon Trees with special guest We the Kings take the stage May 28. Nickelodeon’s very own iCarly, Miranda Cosgrove, performs July 16 with YouTube sensation Greyson Chance.

Everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™, makes his park premiere this summer in Thomas & Friends™ Full Steam Ahead Live! an interactive show for kids. In this fun-filled adventure, kids embark on adventures with Thomas as he experiences timeless life lessons including discovery, friendship and cooperation.

Marking the debut of the first South American male sea lion born in the U.S., Sea Lion Splash: A Family Affair stars a baby sea lion. Freddie joins the sea lions in the Galaxy Theatre exclusively at Darien Lake. Kids and parents have the opportunity to learn about animal behavior and conservation while being entertained by the sea lions’ inherent antics.

In addition to these new shows, the entertainment line-up also includes:

• Legends of Rock - a non-stop tribute to some of the greatest rock n’ roll legends of all time.
• Jump, Jive and Swing – a show that “taps” into the rhythms of the Swing era and celebrates iconic and timeless hits. 
• Countdown to Fun – a new morning tradition at Darien Lake’s Main Gate.
• Midway Dance Party Blowout – a daily afternoon family party at the Gazebo Stage.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort Expands Accommodations 

New family places to stay and conveniences

In response to guests’ feedback, Darien Lake has doubled the size of its Brown Bear Cabins area this year. The new cabin additions are built in a “village style” setting with a common play area for children. The play area surrounds the cabin village allowing children another fun way to spend their day, while still being within earshot of the grownups. 

The cabin additions are designed for larger families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, and still be steps away from the thrills of the theme park and water park. Each cabin includes a fireplace, loft, bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, eating area, wireless internet and a flat screen television. And families can enjoy the great outdoors by relaxing on the front porch or cooking up some fun on the outdoor fire-pit and gas grill.

 Another addition for families this summer at Darien Lake is the Family Care Center. Conveniently located in the theme park, the Family Care Center provides baby changing centers, nursing stations for mothers and enhanced family bathrooms.

Darien Lake Theme Park opens for the 2011 season May 14. SplashTown Water Park opens May 20. All shows and in-park family concerts are included with admission. All-inclusive season passes are on-sale now at www.GoDarienLake.com. Family Four Packs bought and activated by May 30 include free parking and bring-a-free-friend coupons.

About Darien Lake Theme Park Resort

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is where families Play Together. Stay Together.SM Located near Buffalo, Darien Lake is New York State’s largest theme and water park resort featuring six world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, SplashTown water park, the area’s largest water park, and live entertainment. The all-inclusive resort includes a variety of accommodations including the Lodge on the Lake Hotel with Forts-o-Fun suites, Brown Bear Cabins, RV sites and campgrounds. It is also home to a 20,000-seat performing arts center featuring some of today’s hottest musical acts. The park is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the nation’s largest family-owned theme park corporation. For more than half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 26 properties across ten states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in cities throughout the U.S.

Thomas the Tank Engine ©2011 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

Artists and concerts are subject to change without notice.

March 23, 2011
SUNY Geneseo
MacVittie College Union
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

March 24, 2011
University at Buffalo
N. Campus, Union Lobby
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

March 30, 2011
Brockport
Union Ball Room
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

April 5, 2011
Erie Community College South
Building 5, Cafe
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 6, 2011
Erie Community College North
Spring Student Center, Cafe
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 7, 2011
Erie Community College City
Main Building, Atrium
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 12, 2011
GCC Batavia Campus
College Forum
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 13, 2011
Rochester Institute of Technology
Louise Slaughter Hall
1 p.m. – 3 p.m

The new operator is Herschend Family Entertainment, the same company that operates Dollywood theme park. Herschend took over day-to-day operations of the Darien theme park last week, according to a joint announcement from park owner CNL Lifestyles Properties Inc. and Herschend.

In November, CNL said it was negotiating an early termination to leases on Darien Lake and 17 other properties being operated by PARC Management. The worry wasn’t that the Darien park would close — rather, there was concern about who would take over management. The choice of Herschend appears to be excellent for Darien Lake’s future. Herschend has had a long-term interest in this park, judging from its interest in purchasing it five years ago. Herschend also has a reputation for operating outstanding theme parks.

“Of all the people coming in they are in the strongest position other than Disney” to run a theme park, said Paul Ruben, North American Editor of Park World, an industry trade publication.  “Herschend has a very strong reputation within the industry for operating well-managed, interesting parks.”

He said Herschend’s parks “are not of the cookie-cutter mold of many other parks.” Herschend, thus, is an intriguing choice and breathes new life into hopes that the park can regain its prominence.

Local residents may recall the way the 2006 season ended, with Six Flags shuttering rides, laying off workers and closing early.  PARC Management, the most recent operator, seemed to be setting Darien Lake back on the right path, with new rides, capital improvements and a major waterpark expansion. But it appears economic realities caught up with PARC, which had been leasing from CNL. CNL ended its lease with PARC amidst dispute over lease and loan obligations.

The Georgia-based Herschend owns or operates 27 entertainment properties in 12 states, including seven theme and water parks. Along with Darien Lake, it is also taking over operation of Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colo. The two properties combined have more than 3,500 full-time and seasonal employees. During the 2010 season, Darien Lake had approximately 2,000 employees. With its jobs, sales tax and other revenue generation, the theme park has a huge economic impact on this region. Its importance can’t be overstated.

Darien Lake is scheduled to open May 14 for the 2011 season. Local management is in place, and a grand summer beckons. Here’s to summer and success for Herschend’s newest park.

Source: http://thedailynewsonline.com/opinion/editorials/article_96915448-2fb1-11e0-9664-001cc4c002e0.html

Updated: January 27, 2011, 7:20 AM

“Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is now managed by the same company as singer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood.

Georgia-based Herschend Family Entertainment has begun overseeing all day-to-day activities and now supervises the park’s 3,500 full-time and seasonal employees.

The senior vice president of CNL Lifestyle Properties Inc., which owns the park, said visitors can expect a higher level of guest service and cleanliness.

“There will be new entertainment and new shows,” Curt Caffey said.

“HFE will continue to help the park evolve into the entertainment experience everyone in New York expects it to be.”

The North American editor of trade magazine Park World, Paul Ruben, praised the move. “I think you’re gonna see a well-conceived, well-operated park, perhaps with additional theming introduced. The quality of food and entertainment may go up. [HFE] brings in people who do crafts in the park.”

Caffey said HFE was chosen because of HFE’s track record of safe, high-quality parks, such as Dollywood, which has won an award for being the best American regional theme park.

“These people have a lot of experience operating theme parks,” Ruben said. Every visit I have had, I have found very entertaining. The parks are innovative and have a very unique style about them.”

The companies reached an agreement Monday. HFE is already on the grounds.

Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe said specifics about any new attractions for the coming season may come in the spring but that no decisions have been made thus far.

Thorpe also said the park is performing strongly. “Attendance has been very good. It’s a very strong-performing park. We’ve had many consecutive years of growth.”

HFE owns or is a partner in 24 recreational properties in eight states. That includes its original theme park, Silver Dollar City, in Branson, Mo. It now manages another CNL park, Colorado’s Elitch Gardens.

CNL owns 151 recreational attractions and sites in North America. The Orlando, Fla.- based company has properties for golfing, skiing and elderly housing.

The management decision follows the theme park’s November termination of its arrangement with Jacksonville, Fla.-based PARC Management. PARC Management briefly owned the company before selling it to CNL and then leasing the property.

The theme park was sold by industry behemoth Six Flags in late 2007 after a bankruptcy forced a reorganization. Darien Lake is New York State’s largest theme and water park resort.”

vsherry@buffnews.com

Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/business/article325122.ece