originally posted on 8/12/2023
Photos: Tom Nickerson unless otherwise noted. View full-sized image.
On July 22, ACE members embarked on an adventure to Lost Island Theme park in Waterloo, Iowa, marking a significant milestone as it became the highest attended event in the history of the North Central region, with an impressive 88 people registered for the occasion. The sunlit day kicked off with a thrilling tournament hosted on the park's beloved 2022 Golden Ticket Award-winning attraction, Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol, a Sally shooting dark ride that takes participants on an immersive quest through a volcano to save the island.
Upon check-in, attendees received some fun souvenir items from both the park and the region to start off the day’s perks, then were treated to a catered lunch, adding a touch of leisure to the day's festivities. During this time, Lost Island’s original characters stopped by to interact with members for pictures, stories and shenanigans. A raffle also took place, creating an air of anticipation and excitement among the attendees. When the winners of the Volkanu tournament were announced, their faces lit up with joy as they received their well-deserved prizes, solidifying the sense of community and friendly competition that defines ACE events.
Lost Island Theme Park provided attendees with a catered lunch and were joined by some of its unique characters for pictures and the sharing of stories.
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The fun continued as the group embarked on an adventurous ride called Awaati Water Battle where participants hopped into boats equipped with water guns, eagerly splashing and drenching each other along the way. Laughter filled the air as riders playfully engaged in water warfare, even targeting unsuspecting park-goers on the midway who joined in on the good-natured fun.
A highlight of the event was Awaati Water Battle where attendees armed with water guns engaged in some friendly warfare with each other as well as some innocent bystanders.
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Lost Island Theme Park didn't stop there but also hosted an enthralling flipping contest on the Amara Aviators, a Gerstlauer Sky Fly attraction. The ride allowed daring riders to take control of the attached wings and rock back and forth to determine their own numbers of aerial flips, adding a dimension of control and thrill to the experience.
Throughout the day, ACE members couldn't help but appreciate the meticulous theming and immersive storytelling that adorned every corner of the park. The attention to detail in creating a rich backstory for the island and its attractions added a layer of depth and intrigue to the overall experience, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
Lost Island Theme Park’s impressive theming comes alive in blazes of color as the daylight turns to dusk.
Photo: Ryan Lucas. View full-sized image.
As the sun began to set on the action-packed day, Lost Island’s beautiful hand-crafted lights began to illuminate, showing the park in a new light. Attendees had the opportunity to take part in a lights-on walk-through tour of Volkanu: Quest For the Golden Idol before heading to ERT which treated ACE members to an hour on Matugani, one of four remaining Intamin Accelerator Coasters operating in the United States. Thrill seekers held on tight as they zoomed through loops, twists and a high-speed launch on this relocated gem from Liseberg (Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden), solidifying Lost Island's reputation as a coaster lover's paradise.
A lights-on walkthrough of the park’s impressive dark ride Volkanu: Quest For the Golden Idol was included as a welcome part of the event.
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Lost Island Theme Park expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support shown by ACE and its passionate members who have continuously championed the park's unique attractions. Attendees left the event with memories to last a lifetime, eager to spread the word about this hidden gem of a theme park.
The event concluded with an hour of ERT on Matugani, Lost Island Theme Park’s Intamin Accelerator Coaster relocated from Liseberg where it operated as Kanonen from 2005 to 2016.
Photo: Dan Stuber. View full-sized image.
Lost Island Theme Park proved itself to be a destination that perfectly blends thrilling rides with captivating theming and storytelling. ACE members who attended the event found themselves immersed in a day of laughter and adrenaline-pumping experiences. For anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure, Lost Island Theme Park promises a journey filled with excitement and wonder. Everyone is encouraged to visit this extraordinary park.
— Calvin Duane, ACE North Central Assistant Regional Representative
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