Review of the News: February 8 – February 12

Monday February 8, 2015

SeaWorld: Smash Mouth, Gladys Knight set for concerts
SeaWorld Orlando will kick off its annual Bands, Brew & BBQ festival with concerts by Smash Mouth and Gladys Knight this weekend.

Woman falls off thrill ride on ‘Surf Dance’
Fear gripped the Star City amusement park in Pasay City (Metro Manila) after a woman fell from a thrill ride over the weekend.

Accesso confirms Six Flags contract extension
Accesso Technology Group has announced an extension to its existing ticketing and queuing agreements with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world's largest regional theme park company, to continue providing its solutions to Six Flags' 18 parks across North America until the end of 2025.

Peyton Manning is visiting Disneyland on Monday, but iconic TV commercial doesn't run for only second time since 1987
The Denver Broncos’ quarterback will be honored at a parade and ceremony at around 12:45 p.m. Monday at the Anaheim theme park

Builder of Trade Center, Epcot dies at 90
John Tishman, who shaped the skyline of America as the builder of conspicuous structures such as the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and the John Hancock Center in Chicago, died Saturday at his home in Bedford, New York. He was 90.

Legoland Florida Files Plans for Lakeside Resort
Less than a year after opening an onsite hotel, Legoland has filed plans for a lakeside resort with 166 single-story duplex units, a pool, two ponds and a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse.


Tuesday February 9, 2015

Atlantic City's Steel Pier hopes to avoid repo man
Financing firm has threatened to seize Jersey Shore town's amusement rides being used as collateral for loan.

Six Flags Expanding With New Water Park In Mexico
Officials with the North Texas company, based in Grand Prairie, say there are plans to renovate and re-open a long-closed water park in Oaxtepec, Mexico.

Confident Tokyo Disneyland hiking prices again
The operator of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will raise ticket prices for the third consecutive year to secure money for investing in the parks, based on projections that the solid stream of visitors will continue.


Wednesday February 10, 2015

Dolphin dies of unknown causes at SeaWorld San Antonio
A 12-year-old male dolphin died of unknown causes at SeaWorld San Antonio last week, the fourth mammal death at the park since last July, park officials in San Antonio said.

Disneyland Paris visitor numbers down since attacks
Disneyland Paris has seen visitor numbers fall by eight percent since the 13 November Paris attacks, according to the Euro Disney company.

Walt Disney Co. theme parks saw record attendance
The rosy financial report was supported by a 10% increase in attendance at the company's domestic parks and a 7% rise in per-capita spending on food, drinks, admission and merchandise, Disney executives said.


Thursday February 11, 2015

New waterslide coming to Darien Lake
Darien Lake said it is planning to invest $1.5 million to build a new waterslide at the amusement park for the 2016 season.

Police Union Boycotts Dorney Park Over Treatment of Disabled Employee
One of the nation's largest police unions won't hold its annual picnic at a Pennsylvania amusement park after learning how officials treated an employee with special needs.

Universal Orlando increases theme park ticket prices
Universal Orlando's ticket prices increased on Wednesday, with a one-day ticket jumping to $105.


Friday February 12, 2015

Shoot the Rapids coming down
Cedar Point’s Shoot the Rapids is coming down.  Sources have told the Register the amusement park operator started to tear down the water ride Tuesday. Cedar Point is not confirming the removal or what will come next.

Joyland’s Wurlitzer organ the subject of civil lawsuit
The Wurlitzer organ that for nearly six decades served as the musical backdrop to Joyland’s Louie the Clown figure is now the subject of a civil court case.

Cedar Point’s bridge foundation falters
The Cedar Point Causeway just might be showing its age.  Sources told the Register a large crane heading to Cedar Point compromised the bridge, an almost 60-year-old structure.

Ex-Land of Make Believe bookkeeper stole $49K, police say
Tracey Husarenko, 37, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is charged with eight counts of theft and six counts of fraudulent use of a credit card after turning herself in this week at the New Jersey State Police barracks in Netcong, according to a department spokeswoman.

Knott's transforms park pink to raise awareness, money to beat breast cancer
Through March 18, Knott’s for the Cure will raise money for Susan G. Komen Orange County, a local affiliate of the national nonprofit that provides breast-cancer awareness, services and research.