Review of the News: December 12 – December 16

Monday December 12, 2016

Universal Studios Japan unveils first look at Super Nintendo World amusement park
The first Nintendo-themed area for the amusement park chain will celebrate its grand opening just before the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and a brand new conceptual rendering has given us a glimpse at Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.

Visitors down as Dreamworld reopens
More than 6000 people visited Dreamworld over the weekend — half the daily average of two years ago — after it opened its gates for the first time since four people were killed on the Thunder River Rapids six weeks ago.


Tuesday December 13, 2016

SeaWorld Will Open Its First Park Without Killer Whales
The aquatic-themed amusement park will develop its newest location in Abu Dhabi minus its iconic killer whales.

Santa look-a-like asked to leave Texas theme park because he looked too much like Kris Kringle
A Texas grandfather closely resembling Santa Claus was kicked out of Six Flags Over Texas this weekend.


Wednesday December 14, 2016

How the returning Disneyland Electrical Parade went from 'absolute disaster' to beloved attraction
The 45-year-old nighttime parade returns to Disneyland on Jan. 20 after an extended run at Florida’s Magic Kingdom theme park.

Former employee who stole Joyland clown gets 15 months
Every so often after Joyland Amusement Park closed for good in 2006, its owners, Margaret and Stan Nelson, would go there to check on its condition. Once, they found Damian Mayes, a former employee, taking props out of the Whacky Shack haunted house. He said he was taking the memorabilia home so it wouldn’t fall victim to thieves.

Legoland Florida, Kidz Bop form partnership
Legoland Florida theme park and Kidz Bop music brand have unveiled a multipronged partnership agreement that includes participation in the attraction's Ninjago World, which is set to open in January.

Woman sustains neck injury at Gold Coast theme park
Queensland Ambulance Service says a woman has been transported to Gold Coast University Hospital after suffering a neck injury on a slide at Wet'n'Wild.

Plans for $750 million theme park in north Georgia 'on hold'
Almost a year after a groundbreaking that never happened, Avatron Smart Park, a $750-million technology-centered theme park planned to be built in Emerson announced Monday that it is shutting down.

Former Disney technology workers sue again over visas
Thirty former Walt Disney World information technology workers laid off and replaced by immigrants on H-1B visas sued the company this week, saying they were discriminated against on the basis of race and national origin.


Thursday December 15, 2016

Margate's Dreamland has Scenic Railway back on track
The Margate amusement park's centrepiece attraction will reopen at noon on Saturday after the testing of a replacement lift hill rope was completed, ending almost six months of inaction for the rollercoaster.

Former Six Flags in New Orleans East gets $3.26 million purchase offer
The economic development board that owns the former Six Flags park in New Orleans East will consider an offer to buy the 224-acre site for $3.26 million from a developer with aspirations of bringing back a Jazzland amusement park, the board's president said Wednesday.

Theme park launches 'turkey drop'
Chessington World of Adventures is asking guests to donate their unwanted and leftover Christmas turkey this year. The meat will be used to feed three Asiatic lion cubs, which were born in the spring.

Christmas Bricktacular set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida launches its Christmas Bricktacular, which includes interactions with Lego Santa and Lego Toy Soldier, scavenger hunts, a Lego Friends stage show, music by the Brickettes singing group, fireworks and more.

Visiting Downtown Disney? You'll have to go through metal detectors from now on
The metal detectors that were added at the Disneyland resort last year are being moved Thursday so they can be used to also screen visitors to Disney’s adjacent shopping district.


Friday December 16, 2016

Arnolds Park to add parking, renovate Roof Garden, Pavilion
On Wednesday, members of the Arnolds Park City Council listened as plans were unveiled to usher in another generation for the 126-year-old institution.

Disneyland's oldest employee to celebrate 60 years of service at theme park
Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's oldest employee, will be soon be celebrating 60 years of service at the California theme park.

Fun Spot adding virtual reality to Orlando roller coaster
Fun Spot expects to be the home of the first virtual-reality roller coaster in Central Florida, adapting the Freedom Flyer ride at its Orlando location by Christmastime, an attraction official said Tuesday.

Four more Magic Kingdom restaurants to serve wine, beer
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner.

Hong Kong Disney raises prices
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort announced, Thursday, new admission ticket prices and special offers for the travel trade industry that are effective today, 16 December.

Review of the News: December 5 – December 9

Monday December 5, 2016

Marineland Denies 'Highly Unusual' Number Of Animal Deaths
A complaint that led Ontario's animal welfare agency to investigate Marineland accuses the tourist attraction of cruelty against several species, alleging there was a "highly unusual" amount of land animal deaths for a zoo, several deer that didn't get proper medical care, sick bears and a peacock with a growth near its eye, The Canadian Press has learned.

Ocean Park Hong Kong Presents World-Class 'Illusion' Stage Show During Christmas Sensation 2016
Kicking off on 17th December, this spellbinding show will feature breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists, including finalists of the reality show, Australia’s Got Talent, Michael Boyd and Soul Mystique.


Tuesday December 6, 2016

Epcot's Spaceship Earth turns into the Death Star
For one night, Spaceship Earth was transformed into the Death Star, complete with shooting laser beams, ahead of the release of Rogue One - A Star Wars.


Wednesday December 7, 2016

SeaWorld lays off hundreds of employees
SeaWorld Entertainment announced Tuesday it is eliminating 320 jobs company-wide, part of an ongoing effort to sharply cut its costs.

Wonderla adds two new rides at Kochi park
Wonderla Holidays, which operates amusement parks in Kochi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, has introduced two new high-thrill rides. The new rides – Equinox 360 & Flash Tower – will further boost Wonderla Kochi’s popularity, which has attracted more than 1.5 crore visitor since inception.

Blind boy who uses wheelchair 'forced' to stand up to be measured before using rides at Drayton Manor
Family of Cameron Alderman claim there was a 'rude' exchange as boy tried to enjoy the Jolly Buccaneer on trip organised by charity Blind Children UK.

Busch Gardens: Errant emails were 'glitch'
Emails with details about reservations to Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Va., were sent in error Tuesday to people who had never made reservations.

Ocean Park sees record HK$241.1 million deficit, announces 13.8pc entrance fee rise
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has recorded its first deficit since Sars hit the city in 2003 on a sharp drop in mainland China visitors, and announced a 13.8 per cent fee rise.

Alton Towers reveals opening date for top secret rollercoaster to replace The Flume
Full details have not yet been revealed about the new ride – currently called SW8 or Secret Weapon 8 – but it will border Mutiny Bay and Kantaga Canyon.  Now the theme park has revealed its latest big attraction should be open for the start of the 2018 season.

No pomp and pageantry as Santa's Village in Bracebridge sold
According to Jamie Hopkins, general manager and minor shareholder, a young couple brimming with ideas for the park purchased almost 100 per cent of the shares, officially becoming the owners of Santa’s Village on Nov. 1.

Furious parents slam Legoland Christmas grotto after three hour wait to see Father Christmas
Timeslots had been booked in advance and families had paid £35 to secure their place in the queue, but the queue did not appear to move, according to reviews left on the theme park’s Facebook page.


Thursday December 8, 2016

First ride erected at Owa amusement park
Foley's Owa amusement and entertainment park seems to be right on schedule. Some of the amusement rides have already started arriving at the construction site.

Fun Spot adding wooden coaster at Kissimmee park
A wooden roller coaster is expected to open next year at Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, the company announced Thursday. The ride will be the only wooden coaster in the Southeast U.S. to include a 360-degree barrel roll, according to John Arie Jr., Fun Spot CEO.

Dreamworld still testing rides ahead of weekend reopening
After aborting a planned ­reopening just three days after the deaths of four people in October, Dreamworld chief executive Craig Davidson said the park would not reopen until satisfying safety checks from multiple agencies, including overseas experts.

Dollywood: Undamaged and celebrating a Smoky Mountains Christmas
Dollywood escaped without any damage and resumed operations of its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration a few days after the fires subsided.


Friday December 9, 2016

Goshen residents against proposed LEGOLAND file lawsuit
They want the state Department of Environmental Conservation to replace the town's planning board as the lead agency on the half-billion dollar project.

Conneaut Lake Park auction hopes to generate funds for Camperland expansion
Everything from vintage Dodgem bumper cars from the 1930s and 1940s to pieces of amusement rides no longer used will be on the block. There also will be signs, baby strollers, hotel furniture and even a huge safe.

Busch Gardens exhibit closes as part of layoffs
A Busch Gardens spokeswoman confirmed that the Jambo Junction exhibit was closed Thursday, and said that the future of the exhibit is unclear at this time.

Magic Kingdom: Disney After Dark returning
Disney After Dark will see the light of day again. For seven nights in early 2017, a limited number of visitors will be able to linger in Magic Kingdom for three hours after the theme park has closed to regular day guests.

Review of the News: November 28 – December 2

Monday November 28, 2016

Japanese theme park forced to apologize for creepy skating rink full of dead fish
The Space World amusement park in southwestern Japan opened an ice rink earlier this month with 5,000 dead fish frozen beneath the surface. It closed Sunday, after an enormous public backlash.

Rainbows End ride stops leaving people hanging
Rainbows End chief executive Chris Deere said the ride was completely safe and had stopped as a result of school children "spitting".


Tuesday November 29, 2016

Universal Orlando will get Nintendo-themed land
Nintendo-themed areas will open in Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood and Japan over the next few years.

Possibility of staged restart Dreamworld theme park on Monday
Dreamworld is set to reopen next week, with owners Ardent Leisure convening a board meeting to finalise plans to get the theme park back on line after the Thunder River Rapids ride disaster.

Hearing to be scheduled regarding man's claim of Conneaut Lake Park ownership
A federal bankruptcy judge will schedule a hearing on whether a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park can reclaim ownership of the amusement park and its water company.

Wildfire Burns at Edge of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park
Raging wildfires fueled by high winds forced the evacuation of thousands of people and damaged hundreds of buildings in a popular resort town on the border of the Smoky Mountains National Park as National Guard troops arrived early Tuesday to help overwhelmed firefighters.


Wednesday November 30, 2016

Dreamworld to reopen December 10
Dreamworld will re-open on December 10 following last month’s Thunder River Rapids ride disaster which claimed the lives of four tourists.


Thursday December 1, 2016

Holiday World’s Mannequin video reveals 2017 plans
Firecracker is a Calypso ride, one of only a handful still in operation nationwide. The vintage ride will be restored with a patriotic theme and will be located across from Liberty Launch in the park’s 4th of July section.


Friday December 2, 2016

After 18 years, California Mission models are back at Knott's Berry Farm
The original models first appeared in the park in 1956. They were commissioned by Walter Knott to be placed along a trail next to the Stagecoach line to keep people from wandering in front of the horse-drawn carriages.

Kings Island has 4,200 job openings for 2017
The Mason amusement park said applications are being accepted in admissions, entertainment, fire and safety, guest services and more.

'Grinchmas' Ho, Ho, Hos at Universal
Opening day for these Who-larious high jinks is Saturday, Dec. 3, while New Year's Day is when The Grinch will board his bag-packed sleigh and bid his fans adieu.

SeaWorld adds Rudolph, more to holiday mix
SeaWorld Orlando wants folks to join in the reindeer games during this holiday season. The theme park has added Rudolph’s Christmas Town to its lineup.

Review of the News: November 14 – November 18

Monday November 14, 2016

New Universal trademark hints at something like Disney's MagicBands
A new trademark filed on Nov. 9 gives more details on how the new bands could operate very similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBands in helping to interact with park features and to make purchases.

Woman dies in amusement park accident
The deceased had gone for a 'rocking cradle' ride with her sister at Belilious Park. The two fell off the ride as their seats got detached from the main structure.

Strong Disney hotel, parks results
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' revenue and operating income for the year set all-time records. Revenues increased 5 percent to a record $17 billion. Operating income jumped 9 percent to a record $3.3 billion.

SeaWorld makes progress on Middle Eastern expansion
The company said in a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week that "definitive documents related to the Middle East Project were finalized and executed" Nov. 3.


Tuesday November 15, 2016

Busch Gardens Tampa named 2016 Theme Park of the Year
The park was recognized as “a beacon of the industry” for its strong animal exhibits and attention to guest value by the International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association.

Looping roller coaster ‘Great Nor’easter’ getting upgrade for new season
Rather than a herky-jerky roller coaster ride, today’s amusement park patrons are looking for a smooth ride, Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers told a group on a hard hat tour.

Luna Park Sydney appoints Tourism Manager
Sydney’s Luna Park is set to expand its appeal to both business and leisure tourism markets with the appointment of seasoned tourism professional, Mark Taylor, to the newly created role of Tourism Manager.

Disneyland Paris sees record low attendance amid terrorism concerns
The number of people visiting Disneyland Paris has dropped precipitously in the past year. The theme park reported a 10 percent drop in guests and 7 percent decline in revenue.

Universal starts selling Volcano Bay admission as part of multi-park tickets
A three-day ticket for Volcano Bay along with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure costs $245 for one park per day. One that allows you to hop between parks on the same day costs $295 — almost $100 a day.


Wednesday November 16, 2016

Auction to sell off unused Conneaut Lake Park items
About 100 signs of all types and sizes, surplus equipment and even three Dodgem cars — vintage bumper cars from the late 1930s and early 1940s — are set to go on the auction block at Conneaut Lake Park at 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the park's Convention Hall.

IAAPA Expo 2016: Theme park, attractions convention opens at Orange County Convention Center
The IAAPA Expo, the world's largest trade show for the attractions industry, opened its show floor Tuesday at the Orange County Convention Center.


Thursday November 17, 2016

County Fair at Carowinds continues expansion theme at amusement park
Work on the new County Fair section of Carowinds is ahead of schedule with an opening planned in spring 2017.

Here’s your first look at new SeaWorld San Antonio Wave Breaker coaster
It’s been nearly a decade since SeaWorld San Antonio added a new roller coaster, so there is plenty of pent-up anticipation over the planned arrival of Wave Breaker next year.

Disney Springs unveils first-ever light show
The "Starbright Holidays" Intel collaboration is the first of its kind at Disney Springs, combining Intel technology with the vision of Disney Imagineers.


Friday November 18, 2016

Amusement park in Rome breaks toy windmill world record to mark its reopening
Hundreds of children and families helped create the world’s Largest display of toy windmills/pinwheels, building an impressive total of 576 and planting them in the attraction’s Garden of Wonders.

Review of the News: November 7 – November 11

Monday November 7, 2016

Disneyland Security Checkpoint Moving to Include Downtown Disney
The plan is to move the western checkpoint by the end of the year so the Downtown Disney area is inside the secured area.

Police conclude investigations at Dreamworld accident scene
Queensland Police have finished their investigation of the crime scene at Dreamworld, almost two weeks after ride malfunctioned and killed four people.


Tuesday November 8, 2016

SeaWorld announces cost-cutting strategy after 33% decline in profits
The company, which has been struggling to win back customers since the 2013 documentary Blackfish detailed claims of mistreatment of orca whales and other animals, reported that its third quarter income had fallen from $98m to $66m.

Ride technician dies at Universal Orlando
Circumstances of the death are a mystery, as Universal Orlando discovered a ride technician has died while working on the Men In Black attraction overnight.

$200,000 released to families of those killed at Dreamworld
More than $200,000 in donated funds has been released to the families of those who lost their lives at Dreamworld.

Disney World's first drone show to debut for the holidays at Disney Springs
Just days after receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.

Cedar Point maintenance workers strike
Cedar Point maintenance workers are striking over their work contract.  However, the Sandusky-based amusement park alleges the employees walked out on a contract the union presented to management – and that management accepted.


Wednesday November 9, 2016

Union ends strike, gets new deal from park
Maintenance staff at Cedar Point ended a two-day strike against the Sandusky amusement park Tuesday after agreeing to economic improvements in a new five-year contract.

Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride to be demolished after theme park deaths
Dreamworld has announced it will demolish the water ride at the centre of last month's deadly accident at the theme park on Queensland's Gold Coast.


Thursday November 10, 2016

Shanghai Disneyland Breaks Ground on Toy Story Land
While the new attraction is expected to open in 2018, a new report predicts that China's theme park revenue will surpass the United States' within a few years.

Trump set to join Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents
Once he takes office, Trump will join the rest of the greats and not-so-greats in the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World in Orlando.


Friday November 11, 2016

Group trapped on Six Flags America coaster gets $60,000
The lawsuit is part of a set of legal actions against Six Flags since the dramatic 2014 rescue made national and international headlines.

Apex Parks chief executive dies
Apex Parks Group’s chief executive, Al Weber Jr., died Tuesday. He was 64. Weber passed away while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands, according to reports. No cause of death was provided.

Alton Towers announces plans to axe up to 70 more jobs
Another 70 jobs are set to be axed at Alton Towers as the resort continues to cut costs following the Smiler crash.

Couple arrested for allegedly stealing 150kg of flowers from Shanghai Disneyland
The arrests came after local police were alerted to damaged flowers planted along main roads in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, where Disneyland is located.

Review of the News: October 31 – November 4

Monday October 31, 2016

Warner Bros Movie World theme park’s next attraction to be a 200-foot tall ‘hyper coaster’
It will be the first new attraction to come under the State Government’s safety blitz on theme park attractions, announced last week after four people were killed on the Thunder River Rapids Ride.

Dreamworld tragedy: theme park admits Rapids ride pump failed regularly
Dreamworld has admitted that the water pump on its Thunder River Rapids Ride failed routinely before last week’s tragedy, as it emerged the ride had not been physically inspected by government safety officials in years.

Universal Studios Breaks Ground on Beijing Park
First announced in 2014 and with plans for Steven Spielberg to play a role in its design, Universal Studios broke ground Monday on its multi-billion dollar amusement park in eastern Beijing Monday, with a scheduled opening date in 2020.


Tuesday November 1, 2016

Amusement park ride crashes in Navsari, India
Inspector D K Patel said all the 12 occupants of a vertical ride, popularly known as parachute jump, fell from the height of 10 feet due to cable slip.

Dollywood Set to Celebrate “Best and Brightest” Christmas Ever
Guests can expect a multitude of merriment this year with the awe-inspiring new Parade of Many Colors, the remastered Christmas in the Smokies, the all-new It’s a Wonderful Life, four million festive lights and a joyous holiday atmosphere guests have come to enjoy during this lively festival.

Dutch Wonderland unveils plans for new ride
The new ride is called Merlin's Mayhem.  Riders help the wizard Merlin find his lost dragon, Mayhem, while traveling on a hanging coaster that runs more than 1,300 feet of track.

Dubai opens Legoland to public – Park becomes first brick in UAE’s southern expansion
A massive amusement complex in Dubai’s southern desert opened its first park on Monday — a Legoland with interlocking plastic blocks that both model the sheikhdom’s architectural wonders and represent the first bricks laid in developing the expanse.

Disney World finally gets a 'Zootopia' meet-and-greet, 8 months after the film debuts
The buddy cop duo will be meeting guests for the first time at Walt Disney World during this year's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

New Thrill Ride, Knott’s Soak City Expansion, Ghost Town Alive!, and Extended Boysenberry Festival
There’s farm fresh fun for everyone coming to Knott’s Berry Farm in 2017 with a brand new thrill ride, an extended Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, the exciting return of Ghost Town Alive! next summer, and the expansion of Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.

New Details Revealed for “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon”
The attraction is set to open in Spring 2017.


Wednesday November 2, 2016

Universal Studios Japan draws record crowds despite fee hike
The Universal Studios Japan theme park had its best month ever in October in terms of visitor numbers, drawing around 1.76 million, despite an increase in its entrance fee in February, the company said Tuesday.

Universal faces lawsuit over land deal disclaimer
Universal Orlando's parent company is facing a lawsuit that could slow down its plans to develop a new theme park off International Drive in Orlando.


Thursday November 3, 2016

Cedar Fair: Record net revenues and a distribution
With most of the year's revenue in the bank, Cedar Fair is reporting record net revenue of $1.1 billion through the third quarter.

Volcano Bay set to erupt at Universal Orlando
According to the latest release, the park will feature dozens of unique attractions, offering something for everyone, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.


Friday November 4, 2016

Cedar Point rollercoaster to bear Cubs' name opening weekend
The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, announced on its Facebook page Friday that its tallest, fastest rollercoaster will go by the moniker "Top Thrill Cubster" during next season's opening weekend in May.

Darien Lake to be sold
CNL Lifestyle Properties, which currently owns Darien Lake Theme Park, has entered into a purchase agreement with EPR Properties in which EPR will acquire the Genesee County theme park, as well as 14 other attraction properties, five family entertainment centers and a ski resort for a combined value of $456 million, according to a press release issued Wednesday by EPR Properties.

Review of the News: October 24 – October 28

Monday October 24, 2016

Nine hospitalised and investigation underway after stairs collapse at Irish theme park’s House of Horrors
The incident happened on Saturday, October 22, shortly before 8pm at Tayto Park as people were queuing up the stairs to enter the House of Horrors.

Visitor dies after Star Tours ride at Disney World
A 67-year-old man recently died after riding Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, according to state records.

'Minion Park' coming soon to Universal Studios Japan
Japan's Universal Studios in Osaka has announced plans to open "the world's largest Minion area" Minion Park in early 2017.

Mum banned from UK theme park rollercoaster
A busty mum-of-one was chucked off a rollercoaster ride in the UK because her 36L breasts were too big to fit under the safety bar.


Tuesday October 25, 2016

Dreamworld accident: 4 dead in Queensland ride malfunction
Two men, ages 35 and 32, and two women, ages 42 and 38, were pronounced dead by police following the incident on the Thunder River Rapids Ride at the Dreamworld theme park in Queensland.


Wednesday October 26, 2016

Busch Gardens Tampa closes river rapids ride after four people die on similar water ride in Australia
The Congo River Rapids ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was shut down Tuesday while officials worked to understand what happened at the Dreamworld park in Queensland.

Dreamworld: Australia Theme Park To Reopen On Friday
The Dreamworld theme park, in the Australian state of Queensland, is to reopen on Friday, three days after an accident on a ride killed four people.  The Gold Coast park said it hoped the reopening would begin the “healing process” and that all entry proceeds would go to the Australian Red Cross.

Italy's oldest theme park about to reopen after eight years
Now Luneur - which takes its name from the EUR district of Rome in which it is situated - will cater to children under 13 in particular.


Thursday October 27, 2016

Dreamworld Australia Cancels Reopening as Investigation Continues Into 4 Deaths
A theme park in Australia has cancelled its planned reopening this weekend after police said that having guests inside the park could interfere with their investigation into the accident that killed four people on Tuesday.

Universal Studios scraps Dubailand theme park plan
Dubai Holding, the development arm of the emirate’s ruler, and Universal Studios have scrapped the plans to build a massive theme park in Dubailand, said a report.


Friday October 28, 2016

New rides & shows coming to Dollywood next year
A 200-foot free-fall ride called Drop Line headlines the new attractions. Dollywood will also add Whistle Punk Chaser, which is a new junior coaster

Danish amusement park closes ride in wake of Australian tragedy
With less than two days remaining of its 2016 season, the Danish amusement park BonBon-Land will close one of its rides following the tragedy that left four people dead at the Dreamworld amusement park in Australia.

Review of the News: October 17 – October 21

Monday October 17, 2016

Wanda Hires Former Disneyland Executive to Run Theme Parks
Andrew Kam will serve as vice president of Wanda’s Cultural Tourism Group, which is planning to build and operate a series of large-scale theme parks across China.

Oldest Panda in Captivity Dies in Hong Kong
Jia Jia, the world’s oldest giant panda living in captivity, was euthanized on Sunday at Ocean Park, an animal theme and amusement park in Hong Kong. She was 38 years old, reaching an estimated human age equivalent of about 114 years old.


Tuesday October 18, 2016

Banrkuptcy court asked to decide who owns Conneaut Lake Park
Gary Harris, who deeded the amusement park over to a public trust in 1997, filed suit against Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Western Pennsylvania in August. Harris claims he still owns the amusement park’s water company, its assets and the amusement park’s rides.

Third lawsuit filed against Lake City Amusement Park
The company claims the defendants owe $42,230.24 for goods sold and delivered, improvements to the park and attorney fees. C.A. Langford is also asking that a lien be put against the former amusement park.

Thorpe Park actors told to take off costumes after work amid 'creepy clown' craze
Surrey Police last week issued a warning to those tempted to dress up as clowns to frighten others after reports were made in the county and the theme park has now confirmed that its actors are asked to take off their costumes before leaving the resort.


Wednesday October 19, 2016

Conneaut Lake Park's gross revenues up 25 percent from last year
Conneaut Lake Park's gross revenues are up more than 25 percent through mid-October compared to the same time in 2015.

Trustees want to donate 50 acres of Conneaut Lake Park to conservancy
More than 50 acres of Conneaut Lake Park-owned land — the bulk of it wetland — is being donated to the French Creek Valley Conservancy, which will maintain public access to the donated land.

Potential land sale of half-acre of Conneaut Lake Park approved by Trustees
Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park have approved a potential land sale to seven homeowners who currently have permission to cross about a half-acre site of park land to get to their properties.

Kings Island's newest coaster, "Mystic Timbers," taking shape
The Ohio amusement park released video of construction on their newest roller coaster "Mystic Timbers" this week. The park's fourth wooden coaster will include steep cliffs, 16 hills a huge "S"-turn and even water. The 3,265-foot ride will hit speeds in excess of 53 mph.

Alton Towers' 'healthy' children's food slammed by undercover Soil Association critics
Undercover food critics have slammed the healthy eating options at Alton Towers, accusing the theme park of offering junk food in its "healthy option" children's lunchboxes and refusing to serve tap water.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces Christmas Town dates, attractions
Busch Gardens' Christmas Town returns Nov. 25 and will be open on select days through Jan. 2.


Thursday October 20, 2016

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk petitioning to add two new rides
The amusement park is trying to add two new rides to the boardwalk, one called Shockwave and another called Typhoon. Their plan goes in front of the Santa Cruz City Council on Thursday.

Universal Studios Orlando exec to take helm of Universal Hollywood
Karen Irwin will oversee all business operations for the theme park and adjacent Universal CityWalk, Thomas Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks and Resorts said.

Disney Hollywood Studios axing TV hall of fame
More heads are rolling at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame attraction, primarily featuring busts of TV stars and other luminaries, is coming down.


Friday October 21, 2016

Legoland Windsor unveils long-term plans to boost quieter months
More indoor rides and accommodation could be introduced at Legoland to create a more even spread of visitors throughout the season.  The theme park in Windsor’s Winkfield Road held a two-day public exhibition at its hotel last week.