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'''Codona's Amusement Park''' is an [[Amusement Park|amusement park]] based 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>
'''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==
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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>
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. 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>


Once the industrial revolution hit the 1860s, the Scotland-based Codonas purchased steam powered fairground rides which was 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"/>
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"/>


[[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> This did not seem to impact the rest of the family who continued with their work in Scotland.<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, 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"/>


On the 5th of February 2022 it was reported that the amusement park had suffered £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>
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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| [[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 made by Italian manafactuer [[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]].
| 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]].
|}
|}


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*Super Trucks
*Super Trucks
*Cups and Saucers
*Cups and Saucers
*Carousel
*[[Carousel]]
*Dodgems
*Dodgems
*Go Karts (opened in 2020)
*Go-Karts (opened in 2020)
<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>
<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>


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====Pirate Island Adventure Golf====
====Pirate Island Adventure Golf====
Opening in March 2007 this outdoor attraction has 18-holes. The exhibition is pirate-themed, with a 25ft 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>
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 Adventure Golf====
====The Congo Adventure Golf====
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====Smugglers Cove Adventure Play and Role Play Street====
====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.
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====
====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 Dino Safari. The outside of the theatre has also been decorated to a dinosaur 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 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>
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>


====Restaurants====
====Restaurants====
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====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==
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 |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>
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>


==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 - 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.{{cn|date=June 2020}}
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.{{cn|date=June 2020}}
Later on they added a new mascot Candyfloss the dog.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 15:53, 10 April 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

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Codonas_Amusement_Park&oldid=1218244490"