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{{short description|Amusement park in Scotland}}
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{{Infobox amusement park
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Codona's Amusement Park
| name = Codona's Amusement Park
| image = [[File:Codonas Amusement Park.png|220px]]
| image = [[File:Codonas Logo.png|220px]]
| caption = Most recent logo
| caption = Most recent logo
| location = [[Aberdeen]]
| location = [[Aberdeen]]
| location2 = [[Scotland]]
| location2 = [[Scotland]]
| homepage = http://www.codonas.com/
| homepage = http://www.codonas.com/
| owner = Andrea, John & Alfred Codona
| owner = Alfred Codona
⚫
| opening_date = 1970
| general_manager = John Codona
⚫
| opening_date = 1969
| rides = 11
| rides = 11
| coasters = 2
| coasters = 1
| slogan = ''"It's Scotland's Favourite!"''
| slogan = ''"It's Scotland's Favourite!"''
| coordinates = {{coord|57|9|4|N|2|4|39|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=it}}
| coordinates = {{coord|57|9|4|N|2|4|39|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=it}}
}}
}}


'''Codona's Amusement Park''' is a family run [[Amusement Park|amusement park]] based in [[Aberdeen]], [[Scotland]]. It was established by the Codona Family in 1969 and is currently managed by the third generation of the family. It is situated adjacent to the [[Aberdeen Beach and Queens Links]] on the coast of the [[North Sea]].
'''Codona's Amusement Park''' is an [[Amusement Park|amusement park]] located in [[Aberdeen]], [[Scotland]]. It was established by the Codona family in 1970, and is currently managed by the third generation of the family. It is situated adjacent to the [[Aberdeen Beach and Queens Links]] on the coast of the [[North Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=JOHN CODONA'S PLEASURE FAIRS LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC022655 |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


The first known records of the Codona family begin with Francesco Cardoni when he moved to the [[United Kingdom]] in the 1800s. Very little is known of him other than he was likely to have arrived from Italy and that he was of Italian gypsy descent. Cardoni's descendants inherited his circus genes working in circuses throughout Europe, but the majority remained in [[Scotland]].<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk">{{cite web|last=Bruce |first=Frank |url=http://www.leopardmag.co.uk/feats/316/codona-s-and-the-forgotten-fun-of-the-fair |title=Codona's and the forgotten fun of the fair |publisher=Leopardmag.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
Francesco Codoni, a [[Swiss-Italian|Swiss Italian]] from the [[Ticino]] region next to the Northern Italian border, immigrated to Scotland in the 1790s. Codoni's descendants worked in circuses throughout Europe, but the majority remained in Scotland.<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk">{{cite web |last=Bruce |first=Frank |url=http://www.leopardmag.co.uk/feats/316/codona-s-and-the-forgotten-fun-of-the-fair |title=Codona's and the forgotten fun of the fair |publisher=Leopardmag.co.uk |accessdate=2013-04-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420225658/http://www.leopardmag.co.uk/feats/316/codona-s-and-the-forgotten-fun-of-the-fair |archive-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


⚫
Throughout the 19th century, the [[circus]] family toured Scotland entertaining towns and cities with various acts. Henry Enrique Codona formed the [[trapeze]] act "The Flying Codonas". The act featured in various films, including [[Varieté]] (1925).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.circopedia.org/index.php/The_Codonas#The_Flying_Codonas |title=The Codonas |publisher=Circopedia |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref> The circus film [[The Greatest Show on Earth (film)|The Greatest Show on Earth]] mentions both the Codonas and Costellos as prominent circus families.<ref>The Greatest Show on Earth, 1952</ref>
Throughout the 19th century the [[circus]] family toured Scotland entertaining towns and cities with various acts.
⚫
In the latter half of the 1800s, some of the Codona family emigrated to the US leading to the formation of the world famous [[trapeze]] act "The Flying Codonas". The act went on to become International Stars and featured in various films, including [[Varieté]] (1925).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.circopedia.org/index.php/The_Codonas#The_Flying_Codonas |title=The Codonas |publisher=Circopedia |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>


Once the industrial revolution hit in the 1860s, the Scotland-based Codonas were able to purchase steam powered fairground rides which they toured the country with. Gradually expanding their business and receiving criticism by religious groups for their "cheap theatre" and "Low travelling caravans". The first recorded visit by the Codona family to Aberdeen was in 1877 by John Codona to see his son marry.<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk"/>
Once the [[Industrial Revolution]] hit the 1860s, the Scotland-based Codonas purchased steam-powered [[List of amusement rides|fairground rides]] which were used for touring the country. The first recorded visit by the Codona family to Aberdeen was in 1877 by John Codona to see his son marry.<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk"/>


Another member of the Codona family, from the emigrated side made headline news when [[Alfredo Codona]], a trapeze artist from the family, killed himself and his ex-wife Vera Bruce after the tragic death of his second wife in 1937.<ref name="CS10412">Staff report (1 August 1937). BULLETS OF CODONA FATAL TO HIS EX-WIFE; Vera Bruce Dies in Morning After Aerialist's Suicide at Long Beach, Calif. ''[[New York Times]]''</ref> This did not seem to impact upon the rest of the family whom continued with their work in Scotland, and his brother Lalo who took his place with the flyers abroad until he was forced to retire from damaged muscles in his legs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/124054/Codona-family |title=Codona family (circus performers) |publisher=Britannica.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
[[Alfredo Codona]], the trapeze artist from the family living in the US, made headline news when he killed himself and his ex-wife Vera Bruce after the tragic death of his second wife in 1937.<ref name="CS10412">Staff report (1 August 1937). BULLETS OF CODONA FATAL TO HIS EX-WIFE; Vera Bruce Dies in Morning After Aerialist's Suicide at Long Beach, Calif. ''[[The New York Times]]''</ref>


Alfred and Gordon took over their father John Codona's Pleasure Fairs business which they ran until 1960. Alfred took over the beachfront amusement park which became the Codona's Amusement Park of today. By the 1970s the number of visitors began to decline, but has remained viable because of the combination of relatively low unemployment in the area, the beach itself, locals of Aberdeen, and contribution from UK holidaymakers<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk"/>
Alfred and Gordon took over their father John Codona's Pleasure Fairs business which they ran until 1960. Alfred took over the beachfront amusement park which became the Codona's Amusement Park of today. By the 1970s, the number of visitors began to decline, but has remained viable because of the combination of relatively low unemployment in the area, the beach, locals of Aberdeen, and contributions from UK holidaymakers.<ref name="leopardmag.co.uk"/>

In February 2022 it was reported that the amusement park had suffered a loss of £4.5 million due to the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Kelly |title=Aberdeen's Codona's Amusement Park suffers near-£4.5 million hit due to Covid |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/3921402/codonas-amusement-park-turnover-slump/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref>


==List of current rides and attractions==
==List of current rides and attractions==
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! Description
! Description
|-
|-
| ''Apple Coaster''
|''Family Apple Coaster''
| [[Pinfari]]
| [[Pinfari]]
| 2003
| 2003
| A small, sit-down coaster designed for children, it has 1 train with 6 cars which makes it a 24 riders per train. It was opened in 2003 and lasts for 2:50 minutes. This ride is a [[Pinfari]]. It has the standard Big Apple figure-eight layout which is used on over 200 roller coasters around the world.
| A small, sit-down coaster designed for children, it has 1 train with 6 cars which makes it 24 riders per train. It was opened in 2003 and lasts for 2:50 minutes. This ride is made by Italian manufacturer [[Pinfari]]. It has the standard Big Apple figure-eight layout which is used on over 200 roller coasters around the world. The ride was formerly located on the ground level of the park but is now located on the rooftop of the Congo Restaurant where the [[Looping Star (Codona's Amusement Park)|Looping Star]] Ride used to be located. The looping star has now been moved to [[Clacton Pier]] in [[England]].
|-
| ''[[Looping Star (Codona's Amusement Park)|Looping Star]]''
| [[Pinfari]]
| 2000
| A sit-down coaster that opened in 2000 and is built on top of the Congo Golf Building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rcdb.com/1373.htm |title=Looping Star - Codona's Amusement Park (Aberdeen, Grampian, Scotland, UK) |publisher=[[Roller Coaster DataBase]] |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref> It is the only ride at the park with an [[Roller coaster inversion|inversion]]. It replaced the Galaxy roller coaster, which was moved to [[Loudoun Castle]] amusement park (now defunct).
|}
|}


⚫
===Other rides===
⚫
===Other rides<ref name="GoThisPlace.com">{{cite web|url=http://gothisplace.com/View/English/Codonas%20Amusement%20Park,%20UK |title=Codonas Amusement Park |publisher=GoThisPlace |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>===

[[File:Codona's Ferris Wheel, Aberdeen.jpg|thumb|alt=Codona's Ferris wheel, Aberdeen|Codona's Ferris wheel, Aberdeen]]
⚫
*The Grampian Eye ([[Ferris wheel]], opened in 2005)
*Vertigo Aerial Assault Course
*Scallywags Bumper Boats (water boat ride, opened in 2019)
⚫
*The Grampian Eye ([[Ferris wheel]])
⚫
*The Galleon (Swinging Ship, opened in 2009)
*White Water Log Flume (Standard [[Reverchon]] model)
*Dead Man's Drop (manufactured by SBF, opened in 2017)
⚫
*The Galleon (Swinging Ship)
⚫
*Codona's Waltzers
*Dead Man's Drop Tower
⚫
*Disco Waltzers
*Giant Slide
*Circuit 2000
*Jolly Rogers Mini Bikes
*Super Trucks
*Super Trucks
⚫
*Cups and Saucers
*Animal Barn Pet Centre
⚫
*[[Carousel]]
⚫
*Spinning Cups and Saucers
*Dodgems
⚫
*Carousel
*Go-Karts (opened in 2020)
*Skydeck Super Dodgems
⚫
<ref name="GoThisPlace.com">{{cite web|url=http://gothisplace.com/View/English/Codonas%20Amusement%20Park,%20UK |title=Codonas Amusement Park |publisher=GoThisPlace |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>

⚫
===Past rides===
The Galaxy Coaster was a sit-down coaster that closed in 1999 and was relocated to [[Loudoun Castle]] in 2002.

The Wild Mouse was the park's only coaster in 1977.

The Shockwave was a spinning swing ride that was in the park until 2009 when it was replaced by the galleon swinging pirate ship ride.

The Crazy Train was a Pinfari steel sit-down coaster that is designed to look like a mine-cart. The ride opened for the 2003 season and was sponsored by restaurant chain [[Wimpy (restaurant)|Wimpy]], the ride was removed from the park during 2015 and was temporarily replaced with a bouncy castle. In March 2016 the bouncy castle was removed and the Dead Man's Drop Tower was opened on it's spot. The rest of the area formally occupied by The Crazy Train remains empty as of now.

Jolly Rogers Mini Bikes was a children's ride where a child would ride an electric mini bike around a track. This ride was removed in early 2015. To make way for an indoor bouncy castle in the parks Smugglers Cove soft play area.


===Adventure Golf===
===Adventure Golf===


====Pirate Island Adventure Golf====
====Pirate Island Adventure Golf====
Opening in March 2007 this well-lit outdoor attraction accommodates 18-holes, each of which puts the player’s ability to the test. Throughout this exhibition the theme of pirates is extremely evident with the highly technical special effects that are in use. As well as this the 25&nbsp;ft volcano and pirate ship are in keeping with the genre. The exhibition is known as one of Aberdeen’s must do attractions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/crazygolf.php |title=Crazy Golf Aberdeen Beach Pirate Island Miniature Golf Codonas |publisher=Aboutaberdeen.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
Opening in March 2007 this outdoor attraction has 18-holes. The exhibition is pirate-themed, with a 25&nbsp;ft volcano and pirate ship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/crazygolf.php |title=Crazy Golf Aberdeen Beach Pirate Island Miniature Golf Codonas |publisher=Aboutaberdeen.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>


====The Congo Indoor Adventure Golf====
====The Congo Adventure Golf====
Opening in the March of 2008, this attraction which is located indoors was the first of its kind within the North East of Scotland. The special effects used within this exhibition are first class, which along with the erupting volcano, jungle trees with tree-huts, waterfall and tropical palm trees and plants throughout ensure that the jungle theme is consistent throughout. As this attraction is all located indoors it ensures that no matter what the time of day or the weather, any player of any age is guaranteed to have fun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/congo_indoor_adventure_golf_aberdeen.php |title=Congo Indoor Adventure Golf Aberdeen |publisher=Aboutaberdeen.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
This attraction is indoor golf and opened in March 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/congo_indoor_adventure_golf_aberdeen.php |title=Congo Indoor Adventure Golf Aberdeen |publisher=Aboutaberdeen.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>


===Sunset Boulevard===
===Sunset Boulevard ===


====Smugglers Cove Adventure Play and Role Play Street====
====Rambo's Kids Adventureland====
⚫
Smugglers Cove opened in 2013 and replaced Ramboland. It consists of an adventure play area and four restaurants. When the Wimpy restaurant closed, Smugglers Cove was expanded and a kids disco room, fire station, and under-threes area were added. The adventure play consists of two sections, one for children under the age of three and one for older children.
This Adventure Land, which was the first in Aberdeen, consists of two sections, one for children under the age of three and one for children over that age. The under three’s section contains a variety of things for the children to do free of charge such as playing on the slides, in the ball pit and in the castle which contains many things as well. The children can play with others in this area or their parents who can interact with them if they choose. This area will close on 7 January 2013 after 25 years of being open the area will have a multimillion-pound revamp and will become Smugglers Cove play area and restaurant.


====XD Theatre (Dino Safri)====
====Dino Safari====
The simulator, which originated from [[Canada]], sits eight people on the ride at once and takes the riders on an exciting expedition. The theatre used run The Haunted Mine, Cosmic Coaster and Underwater Adventure. Since early 2015 the only run the theatre only runs one show Dino Safri. The outsides of it has also been decorated to this Dino theme.
The [[Simulation|simulator]], which originated from Canada, sits eight people. The theatre used to run the Haunted Mine, Cosmic Coaster, and the Aqua Ride. Since early 2015 the theatre only has Dino Safari. The outside of the theatre has also been decorated to a dinosaur theme.


====Caesars Games Emporium====
====Caesars Games Emporium====
The games emporium is split into four different areas, three of which are for people ages eighteen and over. Within the three areas they are many different fruit machines, some of which give the user to collect winnings of anything up to and including £500. The other area consists of fruit machines that don’t offer as much money as winnings and ones for the whole family to use.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codonas.com/Caesars_Games_Emporium.html |title=Caesers Games Emporium |publisher=Codonas.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
The Games Emporium is split into four different areas, three of which are for people ages eighteen and over. Within the three areas, there are many different fruit machines, some of which allow the user to collect winnings of anything up to and including £500. The other area consists of fruit machines that don't offer as much winnings and ones for the whole family to use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.codonas.com/Caesars_Games_Emporium.html |title=Caesers Games Emporium |publisher=Codonas.com |accessdate=2013-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918133100/http://www.codonas.com/Caesars_Games_Emporium.html |archive-date=18 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Smugglers Cove====

⚫
Smugglers Cove opened in 2013 and replaced Ramboland. It consists of an adventure play area similar to Ramboland but has the addition of a restaurant bringing the amount of restaurants to 4. When the Wimpy restaurant closed Smugglers Cove was expanded and a Kids disco room and fire station were added as well as a new, larger under 3s area featuring a bouncy castle.


====Restaurants====
====Restaurants====


Sunset Boulevard has 3 restaurants the first is Wimpy family fast food restaurant this serves Burgers etc. and is part of the [[Wimpy (restaurant)|Wimpy]] chain and is located near Ramboland, the area also houses the Codonas Ceramic Cafe where you can paint a cup or plate and then hand it in to be blasted and then take it home. The second restaurant is the Congo Bar & Diner which is located above Congo Adventure Golf and sells various types of food and Drink. The third restaurant is Sunset Diner & Bar which is located next to the bowling and sells similar types of Food to the Congo Bar & Diner. There will be a fourth restaurant added in 2013 as part of the Adventure Cove area.
Sunset Boulevard has 4 restaurants. 'The Carousel Cafe' can be found in the theme park and serves fast food. It opened in March 2015 to replace fast food restaurant Wimpy, which had shut down. The second restaurant is the 'Congo Bar & Diner', located above 'Congo Adventure Golf' and sells various types of food and drink. The third restaurant is 'Sunset Diner & Bar', located next to the bowling alley and sells similar types of food to the 'Congo Bar & Diner'. The fourth restaurant opened early 2013 in the 'Smugglers Cove' soft play area. In early 2015 the restaurant got an extension occupying the area Wimpy was situated at.


====Other attractions====
====Other attractions====
*10-Pin Bowling
*10-Pin [[Bowling]]
*American Pool
*[[Pool (cue sports)|American Pool]]
*Video Games Deck
*[[Video game|Video Games]] Deck
*Cuba Pool Suites
*Cuba Pool Suites
*Play'N'Win
*Play'N'Win
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==Other facilities==
==Other facilities==
Codona's Amusement Park has different facilities that can be customised to suit each individual customer’s need. One of the amenities located on site is a small conference room, which has the ability cater for up to and including twenty people. In addition to this, all of the services the park has to offer are available for exclusive hire day or night for over two thousand people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codonas.com/Corporate_Events.html |title=Corporate Events |publisher=Codonas.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
One of the amenities located on site is a small conference room, which has the ability cater for up to and including twenty people. All of the park's services are available for exclusive hire day or night for over two thousand people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.codonas.com/Corporate_Events.html |title=Corporate Events |publisher=Codonas.com |accessdate=2013-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815023850/http://www.codonas.com/Corporate_Events.html |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Corporate events===
Within this complex there are three different venues, each of which offers a variety of facilities for all to enjoy. The park has the ability to cater for many different events, each of which is tailored to suit the client’s specific requirements. This is made possible with the high standard of knowledge the event organisers possess between them, and as a result ensures that the event goes according to plan and that all of the customer’s needs are met.

Within the Sunset Boulevard area of the park, a wide variety of events can be organised from company nights out to team building exhibits. Another package that is offered by the amusement park is the Corporate BBQ Fun Day Package, a favoured exhibit with companies to offer a fun-packed day out for clients and employees, along with their families.

===Past events===
*Product launches
*Fashion shows
*Fundraising nights
*Company amalgamation parties
*Visit Scotland gala dinner
*Afternoon Tea with Disney Princes


==Mascot==
==Mascot==
In 2006, the park introduced Dodgem the Dog as the mascot for the park. It was the winning creation of a Primary School competition to design a mascot for the park. Dodgem the Dog is seen walking around the park as well as on rides.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.triposo.com/poi/W__9704202 |title=Codona's |publisher=Triposo.com |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>
In 2006, the park introduced Dodgem the Dog as the [[mascot]] for the park. It was the winning creation of a Primary School competition - by Amy Cardno, Scotland - to design a mascot for the park. Dodgem the Dog is seen walking around the park as well as on rides.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
⚫
Later on they added a new mascot Candyfloss the dog.

==The park as it is today==
Despite it slowly getting smaller and smaller the prices of the bands just seem to be going up. In the Easter of 2015 a traveling theme park came to Aberdeen the city which Codonas is located in and they put there prices right down to £5 plus the got a gust ride the bomber mark 2 which you could have one free ride on with your park band and after that it was £5 ago. The people of Aberdeen are hoping that they get another big ride soon like they did with the looping star because there is only 3 rides that teenagers enjoy.

==Nearby attractions==

The [[Satrosphere Science Centre]] is in close proximity to Codonas Amusement Park. It opened in 1988, and was the very first attraction of its kind in Scotland. The attraction has a number of different exhibitions and live shows for all to enjoy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satrosphere.net/Visitors/About-Us_117.html |title=Satrosphere Science Centre > Visitors > About Us - Satrosphere Science Centre |publisher=Satrosphere.net |date= |accessdate=2013-04-01}}</ref>

Also located nearby is the [[Aberdeen Maritime Museum]]. This museum is situated on the notable [[Shiprow]], which is significant, based on the museum's genre. It contains an assortment of exhibits that include illustrations of shipbuilding as well as the history of the port it is sited near.


⚫
Later on they added a new mascot Candyfloss the dog.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
[[Aberdeen Art Gallery]] is a local tourist attraction where admission is free of charge. Within the gallery there is a collection of fine paintings and sculptures that can be dated right back to the 15th century. The collection also includes art that is in keep with the modern day society. From Spring 2015 the gallery is currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen in Winter 2017.


==References==
==References==
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*[http://www.codonas.com/ Official Site]
*[http://www.codonas.com/ Official Site]
*[http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/codonas.php About Aberdeen - Codonas]
*[http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/codonas.php About Aberdeen - Codonas]
*[http://www.satrosphere.net/ Satrosphere Science Centre]
*[http://www.aagm.co.uk/ Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums]
* {{RCDB|4916}}
* {{RCDB|4916}}


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[[Category:1969 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Scotland]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Scotland]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Aberdeen]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Aberdeen]]

Revision as of 23:11, 1 May 2024

Codona's Amusement Park
Most recent logo
LocationAberdeen, Scotland
Coordinates57°9′4″N 2°4′39″W / 57.15111°N 2.07750°W / 57.15111; -2.07750
Opened1970
OwnerAlfred Codona
Slogan"It's Scotland's Favourite!"
Attractions
Total11
Roller coasters1
Websitehttp://www.codonas.com/

Codona's Amusement Park is an amusement park located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was established by the Codona family in 1970, and is currently managed by the third generation of the family. It is situated adjacent to the Aberdeen Beach and Queens Links on the coast of the North Sea.[1]

History

Francesco Codoni, a Swiss Italian from the Ticino region next to the Northern Italian border, immigrated to Scotland in the 1790s. Codoni's descendants worked in circuses throughout Europe, but the majority remained in Scotland.[2]

Throughout the 19th century, the circus family toured Scotland entertaining towns and cities with various acts. Henry Enrique Codona formed the trapeze act "The Flying Codonas". The act featured in various films, including Varieté (1925).[3] The circus film The Greatest Show on Earth mentions both the Codonas and Costellos as prominent circus families.[4]

Once the Industrial Revolution hit the 1860s, the Scotland-based Codonas purchased steam-powered fairground rides which were used for touring the country. The first recorded visit by the Codona family to Aberdeen was in 1877 by John Codona to see his son marry.[2]

Alfredo Codona, the trapeze artist from the family living in the US, made headline news when he killed himself and his ex-wife Vera Bruce after the tragic death of his second wife in 1937.[5]

Alfred and Gordon took over their father John Codona's Pleasure Fairs business which they ran until 1960. Alfred took over the beachfront amusement park which became the Codona's Amusement Park of today. By the 1970s, the number of visitors began to decline, but has remained viable because of the combination of relatively low unemployment in the area, the beach, locals of Aberdeen, and contributions from UK holidaymakers.[2]

In February 2022 it was reported that the amusement park had suffered a loss of £4.5 million due to the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom.[6]

List of current rides and attractions

Amusement park

Roller coasters

Name Manufacturer Opened Description
Family Apple Coaster Pinfari 2003 A small, sit-down coaster designed for children, it has 1 train with 6 cars which makes it 24 riders per train. It was opened in 2003 and lasts for 2:50 minutes. This ride is made by Italian manufacturer Pinfari. It has the standard Big Apple figure-eight layout which is used on over 200 roller coasters around the world. The ride was formerly located on the ground level of the park but is now located on the rooftop of the Congo Restaurant where the Looping Star Ride used to be located. The looping star has now been moved to Clacton Pier in England.

Other rides

  • The Grampian Eye (Ferris wheel, opened in 2005)
  • Scallywags Bumper Boats (water boat ride, opened in 2019)
  • The Galleon (Swinging Ship, opened in 2009)
  • Dead Man's Drop (manufactured by SBF, opened in 2017)
  • Codona's Waltzers
  • Super Trucks
  • Cups and Saucers
  • Carousel
  • Dodgems
  • Go-Karts (opened in 2020)

[7]

Adventure Golf

Pirate Island Adventure Golf

Opening in March 2007 this outdoor attraction has 18-holes. The exhibition is pirate-themed, with a 25 ft volcano and pirate ship.[8]

The Congo Adventure Golf

This attraction is indoor golf and opened in March 2008.[9]

Sunset Boulevard

Smugglers Cove Adventure Play and Role Play Street

Smugglers Cove opened in 2013 and replaced Ramboland. It consists of an adventure play area and four restaurants. When the Wimpy restaurant closed, Smugglers Cove was expanded and a kids disco room, fire station, and under-threes area were added. The adventure play consists of two sections, one for children under the age of three and one for older children.

Dino Safari

The simulator, which originated from Canada, sits eight people. The theatre used to run the Haunted Mine, Cosmic Coaster, and the Aqua Ride. Since early 2015 the theatre only has Dino Safari. The outside of the theatre has also been decorated to a dinosaur theme.

Caesars Games Emporium

The Games Emporium is split into four different areas, three of which are for people ages eighteen and over. Within the three areas, there are many different fruit machines, some of which allow the user to collect winnings of anything up to and including £500. The other area consists of fruit machines that don't offer as much winnings and ones for the whole family to use.[10]

Restaurants

Sunset Boulevard has 4 restaurants. 'The Carousel Cafe' can be found in the theme park and serves fast food. It opened in March 2015 to replace fast food restaurant Wimpy, which had shut down. The second restaurant is the 'Congo Bar & Diner', located above 'Congo Adventure Golf' and sells various types of food and drink. The third restaurant is 'Sunset Diner & Bar', located next to the bowling alley and sells similar types of food to the 'Congo Bar & Diner'. The fourth restaurant opened early 2013 in the 'Smugglers Cove' soft play area. In early 2015 the restaurant got an extension occupying the area Wimpy was situated at.

Other attractions

[7]

Other facilities

One of the amenities located on site is a small conference room, which has the ability cater for up to and including twenty people. All of the park's services are available for exclusive hire day or night for over two thousand people.[11]

Mascot

In 2006, the park introduced Dodgem the Dog as the mascot for the park. It was the winning creation of a Primary School competition - by Amy Cardno, Scotland - to design a mascot for the park. Dodgem the Dog is seen walking around the park as well as on rides.[citation needed]

Later on they added a new mascot Candyfloss the dog.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "JOHN CODONA'S PLEASURE FAIRS LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Bruce, Frank. "Codona's and the forgotten fun of the fair". Leopardmag.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  3. ^ "The Codonas". Circopedia. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  4. ^ The Greatest Show on Earth, 1952
  5. ^ Staff report (1 August 1937). BULLETS OF CODONA FATAL TO HIS EX-WIFE; Vera Bruce Dies in Morning After Aerialist's Suicide at Long Beach, Calif. The New York Times
  6. ^ Wilson, Kelly. "Aberdeen's Codona's Amusement Park suffers near-£4.5 million hit due to Covid". Press and Journal. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Codonas Amusement Park". GoThisPlace. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  8. ^ "Crazy Golf Aberdeen Beach Pirate Island Miniature Golf Codonas". Aboutaberdeen.com. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Congo Indoor Adventure Golf Aberdeen". Aboutaberdeen.com. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  10. ^ "Caesers Games Emporium". Codonas.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Corporate Events". Codonas.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2013.

External links

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