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.
We're a blog dedicated to covering amusement parks across the globe. Check us out on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @ParksBlog and Instagram @amusementparksblog.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
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.
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.
Friday, November 4, 2016
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.
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.
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