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.

Review of the News: November 9 – November 13

Monday November 9, 2015

Alton Towers: Up to 190 jobs may go after Smiler crash

Up to 190 jobs may be lost at Alton Towers theme park following a rollercoaster crash which seriously injured five people.

Gulliver's World theme park sued by girl who claims rollercoaster whiplash left her in a wheelchair
Lawyers for Emma Neild, 17, say she sustained severe spinal cord injuries caused by her head being whipped back and forth while riding the Antelope rollercoaster in 2011, aged 12.


Tuesday November 10, 2015

SeaWorld San Diego to end theatrical killer whale show

SeaWorld, in a move to rebuild its brand and combat declining attendance, will phase out its traditional Shamu show in San Diego and replace it with one that is less about tricks and more about orcas' natural behaviors in the wild.

Makeover for Mrs. Knott's? Famed fried chicken restaurant temporarily closing for remodel
In conjunction with Knott’s Berry Farm’s 75th anniversary celebration of Ghost Town, the Buena Park theme park announced plans for a major overhaul next year of the famed Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

SeaWorld San Diego to build resort on Mission Bay
SeaWorld’s resort initiatives are already underway in San Diego, where the company has formed a formal partnership with Evans Hotels to explore a SeaWorld-branded resort hotel on Mission Bay that would connect guests to the park.


Wednesday November 11, 2015

Owner chains himself to slide, hopes to save N.H. water park

Kevin Dumont chained himself to the top of a tower connected to a water slide on Monday and said he won’t come down until he finds an investor to save the family-owned Liquid Planet Water Park.

Hong Kong Disneyland hikes ticket prices for 3rd straight year
Hong Kong Disneyland has raised its ticket prices for the third consecutive year even as the local tourism industry struggles with slowing visitor numbers and reduced spending by mainlanders.

Universal Orlando announces actors coming for annual Celebration of Harry Potter
Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley; Matthew Lewis who played Longbottom;, Katie Leung who played Chang; Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley; and Evanna Lynch who played Lovegood, will be part of demonstrations, a question and answer session for fans, and other panels during the event.


Thursday November 12, 2015

EUROPA-PARK OPENS ALPENEXPRESS

Germany’s largest theme park, Europa-Park, has cut the ribbon on its latest attraction: Alpenexpress VR-Ride.  Located in the Austrian-themed section of the resort, passengers are able to enjoy this new adventure using virtual reality glasses, where futuristic worlds unfold before their eyes.

Bollywood Parks Dubai launches star search
Dubai Parks and Resorts is looking for more than 200 performers, including dancers, singers, actors and acrobats, for the park’s live entertainment and Bollywood musicals. Bollywood Parks Dubai is scheduled to open in October next year.

Man sues SeaWorld in San Diego after hawk attacked service dog
A Wilsonville, OR man is suing SeaWorld in San Diego, California after a trained hawk attacked his service dog. His dog may have contracted an aggressive disease as a result.


Friday November 13, 2015

Crews work to assemble new rides at Bay Beach

Crews worked on installing two new rides that should be open by next summer.  Pieces of the Rockin' Tug and the Jumping Spring Ride arrived to Green Bay's amusement park, ready to assemble.

Hyenas arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Two spotted hyenas have been introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, according to Disney Parks Blog. The hyenas were first introduced to the savanna last week and appear to enjoy their new home.

China to set up modern theme park, state-of-the-art aquarium in Lahore, Pakistan
China will establish a modern theme park and state-of-the-art aquarium in Lahore, and assured that the project would be completed by the beginning of 2017.

Review of the News: November 2 – November 6

Monday November 2, 2015

Dollywood theme park denies responsibility for woman 'left brain damaged after falling from a ride'

Dollywood amusement park denies responsibility for a woman who was allegedly left suffering from a brain injury after falling from a revolving swing ride - and claims she jumped.

SeaWorld ticket prices increase, offers discounts on passes

SeaWorld Orlando's general-admission prices increased $2 today, the theme-park company announced.  Single-day admission now costs $99 for adults. Tickets cost $94 for children younger than 10. Discounts are available for advance purchases online, the park said.

SeaWorld adds new leader of investment relations
A new executive has joined the ranks at SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. just days before it will reportedly reveal a new strategy to stabilize and grow the company.

USJ drew record number of visitors in October
The Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka had its best month ever in October, drawing around 1.75 million visitors as Halloween events attracted a large number of non-Japanese and families.

Alton Towers' Fireworks Spectacular is back to dazzle
For the first time in recent years, the show will present new live performance featuring six musicians and an eccentric inventor which will combine illuminated dance, acting and striking special effects. Plus, there is to be "an incredible surprise showpiece" which brings lights, lasers and sound in a "new and memorable way".


Tuesday November 3, 2015

Carowinds donates to Operation Christmas Child
More than 30,000 toys and novelties donated by the Carowinds theme park are headed to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

Beginning of the end is near for Osborne Lights at Disney
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which has become a holiday staple, will run nightly through Jan. 3. The company announced in September that this would be the last year for the lights "in order to prepare for some incredible experiences coming to the park," namely the uplands with "Toy Story" and "Star Wars" themes.

Busch Gardens Tampa raises daily ticket prices
Busch Gardens is pushing ever closer to the $100 admission threshold, with prices for daily tickets purchased at the front gate rising $2 to $99.

Theme park to bring ‘Hunger Games’ to Bartow County Georgia
Developers of the planned special effects-driven Avatron Park near Lake Allatoona announced a deal with the film company Lionsgate that could bring attractions based on films like the Hunger Games.

Sweden to house refugees in Wild West theme park
Sweden’s Migration Agency is now so desperate for rooms in which to house this autumn’s unexpected surge in refugees that it has signed a deal with High Chaparral, an amusement park in rural southern Sweden, to house 400 people.


Wednesday November 4, 2015

20th Century Fox World theme park planned for Dubai
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, a division of 21st Century Fox, is planning to build a theme park and resort in Dubai that will highlight Fox brands such as “Ice Age,” “Aliens” and “Titanic.”


Thursday November 5, 2015

Cedar Fair Reports Record Third Quarter; Increases Quarterly Cash Distribution By 10%
Cedar Fair, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today reported record results for its third quarter ended September 27, 2015 and announced a 10% increase in its quarterly cash distribution.

SeaWorld Entertainment Announces Quarterly Earnings Results, Misses Expectations By $-0.04 EPS
The company reported $1.14 Earnings Per Share for the quarter, missing the analyst consensus estimate by $-0.04.

China to give Disney special trademark before theme park
China will give special trademark protection to Walt Disney Co as the iconic US firm prepares to open its first theme park in mainland China next year, a regulator said on Thursday.

Dubai theme park to have 56m freefall tower called 'Zombieland'
The specifics of two rides have been revealed by the company behind the major leisure development including Zombieland, a 56-metre high free fall tower.

Dreamworld's owner had a big jump in revenue but its shares are tanking
Investors sold down Ardent Leisure despite reporting a 19.3% lift in September quarter revenue to $165.96 million.

Neighbors share opinions on theme park wastewater plans
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality held a public hearing Wednesday evening on a permit request by Michigan's Adventure.

Boy, family seek $2 million from Silver Dollar City for injury on ride
A boy from Republic and his family are seeking medical expenses and $2 million in punitive damages from Silver Dollar City after an accident on a ride injured him last spring.


Friday November 6, 2015

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer returns to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer leads Santa’s sleigh back to Pigeon Forge for Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 7 – Jan. 3).

Coney Island in Ohio plans to make a big splash in 2016
Coney Island is planning to build the most ambitious water attraction in its history to help mark the Cincinnati-area amusement park’s 130th anniversary.

5 new waterslides being added to Quassy
Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark said five new slides began taking shape on Thursday as part of its Splash Away Bay attraction.

Disney theme parks end 2015 with strong attendance, hotel occupancy
For the fourth quarter ending Oct. 3, Disney's theme park business reported a 10 percent increase in revenue to nearly $4.4 billion from $3.9 billion for the same time last year.

Work begins on Universal's Jimmy Fallon ride
The winds have barely died down from the Twister ride at Universal Studios theme park, and work is already underway on its replacement, Ride Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Trip Report: The Set of 'The Bachelor'

I don’t normally write reviews about carnivals, but when a popular TV show rolls into town and sets up a few rides and games as a makeshift film set, I make an exception.

Apparently Ben Higgins, the guy who was chosen to be the object of desire on the next season of ABC’s hit dating show 'The Bachelor', is from the town where I currently reside.  As part of the show, the guy brings several girls to his hometown and takes them on various dates, or at least that’s how it was explained to me.  I’ve never actually seen the show.

So what does this have to do with amusement parks?  I’m glad you asked.  For one of the hometown dates, the producers set up a carnival on the courthouse square, complete with rides, games, and food booths.  The public was invited to participate in the filming, so I decided to check it out and write a review.

It was a chilly October night and the moon was out in full effect.  In order to be admitted to the carnival, entrants had to sign a waiver and receive a wristband, thereby giving the production company the right to film them.  After waiting in line to get my wristband, I made my way around the square to see what the carnival had to offer.

Carousel

There were four rides in total: a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a KMG Freak Out, and an A.R.M. Ali Baba.  It wasn’t much of a selection, but all of the rides were free and it was enough to provide the carnival-like setting the producers were attempting to create.  As a rule of thumb I typically don’t trust traveling carnival rides, but the falling star type rides are one of my favorite flats so I took the A.R.M Ali Baba for a couple of spins.  This version had over the shoulder restraints which limited the side to side freedom allowed by the lap bar only versions, but overall it was an okay ride.

A.R.M. Ali Baba

In addition to the rides, a few game booths were set up around the square.  The classics like “balloon darts” and “basketball toss” were among the offerings, as well as a horse racing game that incorporated elements from Fascination.  The games were not included with admission, so if you wanted to play you had to pay.

Also available for purchase were your classic fair foods like corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, etc.  It was nothing spectacular, but it was what you would expect to find at a carnival.

Ferris Wheel

As far as the filming was concerned, I didn’t pay too much attention to the cameras and tried to stay in the background as much as possible.  The layout of the carnival was set up for easy transitions between activities for the bachelor and his date.  The couple arrived to much fanfare and then tried their hand at the basketball toss before stopping for a forced kiss on their way to the carousel.

Everything was planned out by the producers, including the physical interactions between the couple, so it was a bit odd to witness.  I’m not sure how anyone can watch this show and actually believe that the people on the date are really getting to know each other when there are thousands of people in the background watching their every move, but I digress.

KMG Freak Out

All in all it was a fun night.  If I was a fan of the show it probably would be been a lot more exciting, but it was still a beautiful fall evening and it’s hard to complain about free carnival rides and the chance to possibly be on TV.  The show is expected to air in early 2016, so be sure to check it out if you’re into that sort of thing.

Additional media coverage of the event can be found here and here.