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.