Review of the News: November 16 – November 20

Monday November 16, 2015

Westchester ready to co-manage Playland in 2016
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said he wrote his 2016 budget proposal with the assumption the private company set to manage Playland will go through with the deal.

Body of Rye Woman, 88, Found in Lake at Playland
The body of a deceased elderly woman was discovered floating in the lake outside the gates at Playland in Rye Saturday, according to county police.


Tuesday November 17, 2015

Millions of lights sparkle at Hersheypark's Candylane
The amusement park in Hershey twinkles with 4 million lights now through Dec. 31, doubling the number of lights in displays in previous years

Tsavo arrives home at Disney from the National Elephant Center
The 7-year-old elephant has arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where he was born, after spending two years at the National Elephant Center in Fellsmere.

Details revealed of two Hunger Games rides for Dubai theme park
The two rides will include an immersive adventure which will take guests through the Capitol on board a hovercraft to see the world of Panem.  The second ride will be a launched roller coaster which transports guests from District 12 to the Capitol via a super high-speed Capitol bullet train.

Alton Towers: A seasonal treat for families over Christmas and the New Year
With a fun combination of rides in CBeebies Land, Mutiny Bay and Cloud Cuckoo Land on offer in the theme park, and Christmas activities to keep all the family entertained, it's the perfect place to begin celebrating this festive season.

Universal Studios Hollywood: New Annual Passes Announced
Universal Studios Hollywood announced on that a trio of new annual passes will be available "effective immediately."


Wednesday November 18, 2015

Saudi firm injects 49m euros into Euro Disney
A firm owned by a Saudi prince said on Wednesday it has injected €49.2 million (Dh192 billion, $52.37 million) into the struggling Euro Disney theme park operator under a recapitalisation plan.

New Star Tours scene, shops and more take shape at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The theme park has incorporated scenes and characters from the upcoming "The Force Awakens" motion picture to its existing Star Tours attraction.

Legoland Resorts announces new Ninjago The Ride
Legoland Resorts announced Tuesday that a ride based on the Lego Ninjago toy line and cartoon series will be built in Legoland California Resort.

Baton Rouge amusement accused of letting its 50-year-old chimpanzee smoke cigarettes and drink soda
A Louisiana amusement park is being accused of letting an elderly female chimpanzee smoke cigarettes and drink soft drinks.  Candy the chimp is believed to be around 50 years old and has lived with the owners of the Dixie Landin' amusement park in Baton Rouge for 40 years.  


Thursday November 19, 2015

Environmental group alleges Worlds of Fun pollutes water
The Missouri Coalition for the Environment filed the suit this week in federal court against Worlds of Fun and its owner, Sandusky, Ohio-based Cedar Fair. The lawsuit alleges that the park has violated its discharge permit for at least the past five years.

Alabama Splash Adventure adds new rides, amenities
Two new rides will be added to the park, including a Drop Zone that will raise up to six guests of all ages nearly 30 feet in the air, the company said in a release.

Ghost Town rebranded; Theme park to become Appalachian Village
The mountaintop park in Maggie Valley, which has been known for its western town façade with choreographed gunfights and saloon dancers since it opened in the late 1960s, will be turned into Ghost Town Village.

Thomas Land: Magical Christmas is coming to Drayton Manor
Visitors will be transported into a winter wonderland when they enter the park, as Europe’s only Thomas Land has been draped in Christmas cheer with decorations, festive music and fairy lights

Holy Land Experience to get mini-golf course
The theme park announced Wednesday that it is adding a 9-hole miniature golf course.   The course, called "Trin-I-Tee," will start with Noah's Ark and end with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Friday November 20, 2015

Coney Island's Wonder Wheel set to open on New Year's Day for first time
The owners of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park say they plan to open the ride on the first day of 2016 as long as the weather cooperates.