Chad with a Golden Ticket made from LEGO bricks!

Chad and I recently were invited to be presenters at the 2009 Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards ceremony in California.  The first day was at Knott’s Berry Farm where Golden Tickets attendees and presenters were guided on behind-the-scenes tours and were treated to lovely receptions and a dinner, ironically sponsored by Cincinnati’s own Montgomery Inn.

Some industry professionals stole the park's musical show

The following day we all drove down to Carlsbad, California near San Diego to LEGOLAND.  Although designed for a very young audience, anyone who is familiar with one of the greatest toys in the world would love the place.  The ceremony was highly entertaining and parts of it had us all rolling in laughter.

Golden Ticket Recipients

Other parts of the ceremony were touching with the honoring of Paul and Paula Borchardt from Wonderland Park in Amarillo, Texas for their determination and patience in their labor-intensive expansion of their park and also Dick and Barbara Knoebel of Knoebels Amusement Resort for their loyality, compassion and dedication in dealing with Barbara’s recent health struggles. These stories keep us all focused on the reason for the industry – people.  Huge congratulations to Holiday World (#1 Voyage), Waldameer (#6 Ravine Flyer II) and Mt. Olympus Theme Park (#9 Hades) for their Gravity Group designs.  See the complete results here.

Earlier in the day we had a chance to explore LEGOLAND including a tour around the park.  Here are some of the scenes from the Miniland area of the park.

Northern California in miniature

Southern California not in miniature

A beautiful view of Sydney, not in California

Here’s a (little) preview of IAAPA Expo in Las Vegas this year.

The Mirage - it's not really there

Stratosphere Tower - yes the tower ride really works

Back East, Manhattan is also featured as one of the half-dozen presentations of American regions.

Times Square - smaller but just as busy

Empire State Building (aka some tall building near B&H Photo)

LEGO trophy (photo courtesy of William H. Robinson, Inc.)

Ahh LEGO… Personally I have to say LEGO has been a big a part of my life as it has been for many engineers.  In fact, as many people ask us how we got started in roller coaster engineering, I respond that my story starts with LEGO.  I grew up building, buying and playing with LEGO bricks.  In school, our community college had a LEGO Olympiad where local junior high and high schools competed in variety of categories.  Our school did really well and I even kept the trophy to prove it.  It’s really cool looking back at the many steps in one’s life journey.  I was grateful to share some of this story including the trophy as part of the Golden Ticket ceremony.

In front of a lifelong destination

Back in 6th grade someone told me that the people who designed machines with or without LEGO were called mechanical engineers.  Soon after, I got hooked on roller coasters and was fascinated about the design of such complex machines.  Later, I got mechanical engineering degree with the hope but not the expectation to get into the industry.  After a few more steps, I was blessed to become a part of our team.  Check out our frequently asked questions for related information about roller coaster designers.

Chad’s story is related as growing up he had two dream jobs – a LEGO master builder and a roller coaster designer.  Fortunately, he was able to get one of them.  It was really enjoyable talking with some of the master builders there at the park and finding out how it all ticks.  If you are working to pursue your dream job,  whether it is a roller coaster designer or LEGO master builder, remember that there is always a chance, but be sure to have a backup plan as well.

Special thanks go to the Amusement Today, Knott’s Berry Farm and LEGOLAND.  It was a great ticket.