Friday, February 24, 2017

Review of the News: February 20 – February 24

Monday February 20, 2017

Hong Kong Disneyland posts 2016 loss on tourism softness
Hong Kong Disneyland posted a wider annual loss on Monday as attendance by mainland Chinese tourists dropped amid a softer tourism market.


Conneaut Lake Park emerges from bankruptcy
The lakeside amusement park has turned a corner, and its board will focus on revitalization.


Shishu Mela reopens as DNCC Wonderland
Shyamoli Shishu Mela in Bangladesh has been reopened under a new name – DNCC Wonderland – three months after it was sealed off by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).


Busch Gardens offering $80 unlimited admission pass to 2 parks
Until March 31, Busch Gardens is selling $80 passes good for unlimited visit to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA all summer long.



Tuesday February 21, 2017

Construction Continues on Knott's Berry Farm Renovation Despite Inclement Weather
Crews working on the addition of new water slides at Soak City were wasting no time in erecting supports for the new slides once the rain abated.


Australian Officials Plan to Add Wi-Fi to Theme Parks to Spark Tourism
One of the main goals of the Wi-Fi hotspots plan is to drive tourism back to struggling theme parks on the Gold Coast.


Meet 'Star Wars' droid BB-8 at Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World will add BB-8 to its lineup of “Star Wars” characters that visitors will be able to meet this spring.



Wednesday February 22, 2017

S&S Worldwide Announces 17 New Ride Projects in Six Countries for 2017
S&S Worldwide is pleased to announce that it will be opening 17 exciting new ride projects in six different countries in 2017.


Whalom Park ‘Rocketship’ for sale
Scott Knickerbocker, a Brattleboro, Vermont, resident who runs an antique shop in nearby Newfane, has turned to Craigslist to off-load a roughly 1-ton artifact from the days of yore: a steel-plated rocketship car that was once featured inside the park.

Mary Lynn Jourden, co-founder of Michigan's Adventure, being remembered
There will be a service at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in North Muskegon, and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 at The Lee Chapel in Norton Shores.

Myrtle Beach roller coaster gets new life in Vietnam
When it towered over Horry County, it was Led Zeppelin: The Ride, then Time Machine. Now, it’s Dragon’s Run, billed as Asia’s longest and most exciting roller coaster.


Six Flags to Double Theme Park Construction in China
Six Flags Entertainment is to open two more theme parks in China. These are additional to the two it is already building in the Middle Kingdom.



Thursday February 23, 2017

OWA amusement park in Foley still set to open this summer
The highly-anticipated OWA amusement park is still on track to open this summer in Foley. Construction crews confirmed that they will be complete with the first phase of the project in a few months.


Apply Now for a Summer Job at Keansburg Amusement Park
Keansburg Amusement Park will be hosting summer job interviews every weekend in March for ride operators, food services, cashiers, custodians and servers.


Dreamworld owner confident it will recover
Ardent chief executive Deborah Thomas says there are signs of a turnaround in visitor numbers, indicating a brighter future for the theme park.


Six Flags Great America Announces Completion of New 'Insane Coaster' to Debut This Spring
The last piece of Six Flags Great America’s newest "insane coaster," The Joker, was installed Wednesday, the theme park announced.


Universal Studios Hollywood raises gate ticket prices
About a week after Disneyland raised its ticket prices, Universal Studios Hollywood hiked attendance prices an extra $5 per visitor.



Friday February 24, 2017

A New Season With New Thrills At Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas opens up for the 2017 season this weekend. It will be the 56th season for the Arlington theme park.

Universal ads stress more adventurous fun, from coast to coast
Universal Parks & Resorts debuted a marketing campaign Tuesday that for the first time links its locations on both coasts. The “I’m Ready” initiative includes national TV and digital advertising.

Universal Orlando sets Halloween Horror Nights dates for 2017
HHN will begin Sept. 15 and run on 34 select nights between then and Nov. 4. That’s three more nights than in 2016 and the most in the event’s history, Universal says.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Review of the News: February 13 – February 17

Monday February 13, 2017

Valleyfair names new vice president and general manager
Shakopee amusement park Valleyfair announced Monday that Brad Marcy has been named the park’s new vice president and general manager.


Wild Adventures Announces 2017 Concerts
Wild Adventures Theme Park revealed its complete 2017 All-Star Concert Series Monday with an impressive list of award-winning musical acts including classic country, traditional rock and roll, Christian and pop stars.


Baby giraffe born at North Yorkshire theme park
Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire have welcomed the arrival of a giraffe calf.


Disney Quietly Raises Theme Park Admission Prices Again
In most cases, one-day adult tickets are now $5 more expensive.


Disneyland toy parcel triggers bomb alert
A bomb scare at Hong Kong Disneyland ended after bomb disposal officers found that a suspicious parcel that triggered the alarm was a toy, a Disneyland spokeswoman said.



Tuesday February 14, 2017

Details of Tilikum's death at SeaWorld remain a mystery
As legally required, SeaWorld notified the federal government how its infamous killer whale Tilikum died: of bacterial pneumonia.  Other details about his health and death, such as whether he had injuries, remain unknown. Animal welfare groups have been pushing for a release of Tilkum’s full necropsy.


Dollywood auditions set for Feb. 18, 19
Dollywood Entertainment said they are searching for singers with experience in country, musical theater or pop. The only audition for small bluegrass groups will take place on Feb. 19.


Lego Batman Movie Days set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida will have two weekends’ worth of activities tied to “The Lego Batman Movie,” which opened Friday.  The Winter Haven theme park is holding Legoland Batman Movie Days on March 4-5 and March 11-12.



Wednesday February 15, 2017

Cedar Fair shoots to $158 million in profits
Amusement park chain Cedar Fair LP said today that its 2016 profits rose 58 percent to $178 million, or $3.14 a share, on revenues of $1.29 billion.


Extended hours coming for Conneaut Lake Park's water park
The popularity of Conneaut Lake Park's water park in 2016 will mean additional days of operation for it during the upcoming season.


Knott’s Berry Farm is auctioning off a bunch of its old stuff
Knott's Berry Farm has partnered with Heritage Auctions to hold a special auction featuring more than 200 items from the park's archives.


‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Ride Opening Date Revealed, Disneyland Announces ‘Summer Of Heroes’
Disneyland Resort has finally revealed the opening date for the Guardians of the Galaxy retheme of Twilight Zone’s Tower Of Terror as part of a grand opening “Summer of Heroes” event which will bring an increased Marvel presence to Disney California Adventure theme park.


Former Tayto Park employee who claimed theme park ride broke her ankle settles High Court case
Helena McDonnell was working at Tayto Park at the time of the alleged accident five years ago but has settled her case



Thursday February 16, 2017

Dorney Park schedules two more job fairs to fill 3,000 seasonal positions
The South Whitehall Township amusement park on Thursday announced it will hold its second job fair of the year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Good Time Theater. A third job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 at the park's Chickie's and Pete's.


Universal tests 'photo validation technology' at some rides
Universal Orlando Resort has been testing “photo validation technology” at some attractions within its theme parks.


Amusement park shakes off 'abandoned' rumors in int'l media
Employees at Gaya Land, an amusement park in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, were surprised to see articles had gone viral describing their workplace as "spooky," "abandoned" and "the stuff of nightmares."



Friday February 17, 2017

Worlds of Fun hosting job fair at Union Station, hope to hire 1,200 workers
Worlds of Fun plans to hire more than 1,200 during a job fair Saturday, Feb. 18.  The job fair runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Union Station. Starting wages range from $8 to $10.


Disneyland still open; Knott's is closed for rain, while storm affects horse races, ski resorts
While Disneyland remained open Friday, Knott’s Berry Farm was closed, horse races at local tracks were canceled and skiing at area resorts was limited as heavy rains and high winds kicked in.


Man accused of killing 'Pinky' the flamingo is incompetent for trial
A Hillsborough County judge rules that the Orlando man accused of killing a flamingo at Busch Gardens is too mentally ill to go to trial.


Universal Orlando begins seasonal pricing, increases ticket prices at gate
Adult guests who purchase one-day, park-to-park tickets at the gate will pay $169 – an increase of $14. A park-to-park pass for a child is $164 at the gate. A one-day, one-park ticket purchased at the gate will also increase $14. An adult ticket will be $119, and a child ticket will be $114.


Chessington World of Adventures recruiting TODDLERS for new Gruffalo ride
A job ad for grumpy children to test a new Gruffalo ride was flooded with applicants.


Rotherham approves £37m theme park plan
Gulliver’s Family Theme Parks hopes to begin construction of its development before the end of the year, and the first phase — the main entrance and access roads, theme park hub and core parking — could be open in 2020.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Review of the News: February 6 – February 10

Monday February 6, 2017

Coney Island boardwalk could see more rides as city pursues development
A joint request for proposals (RFP) from the New York City Economic Development Corporations and the Parks Department will be released Monday, calling for the development and operation of five parcels along the boardwalk smack in the middle of the amusement district.


Family of girl killed after being flung off amusement park ride to receive 870,000 yuan in compensation
The family of a 13-year-old girl who was tragically killed on Friday afternoon after being thrown from her seat on a spinning amusement park ride will receive 870,000 yuan ($126,000) in compensation.



Tuesday February 7, 2017

Universal Orlando Offering Ticket Deal for Two Free Days
To take advantage of the offer, all four days covered by the offer must be used within one week of the first visit and each day must be used by May 31.

Cannabis farm found in derelict cottage near Legoland theme park
Marijuana plants were found on the property during "routine checks" by the staff at Legoland Windsor on Monday.


Disney World keeping annual passholders' express line awhile
Walt Disney World’s theme parks will be keeping their express line for annual passholders for a while, a spokeswoman says.


Darien Lake offers free park admission for concertgoers
Each ticket purchased for a concert at the Performing Arts Center will include complimentary same day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park.


Dreamland in Margate reveals Arrowgrass Capital Partners to put up £15 million to go towards park's regeneration
The theme park revealed the news today as a loan agreement was extended between Cayman Islands-based investment firm Arrowgrass Capital Partners and the park's operator Sands Heritage.



Wednesday February 8, 2017

Six Flags and Samsung unveil 'mixed reality' rollercoaster
Virtual images blend with the real world via the Gear VR's passthrough camera option.


Disney's 'Star Wars' and 'Avatar' theme parks are coming sooner than you expect
Disney's Star Wars theme parks will open in 2019, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger.  Meanwhile, the World of Avatar park will open on May 27 this year.



Thursday February 9, 2017

Judge dismisses man's claims of ownership of Conneaut Lake Park
A federal bankruptcy court judge has dismissed a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park's claims of ownership of the amusement park and its water company.


Disney sets 'Rivers of Light' debut and replaces 'Wishes' fireworks show
Rivers of Light,” the first nighttime spectacular planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will debut Feb. 17, Walt Disney World announced Thursday morning.  In addition, Disney announced that it was replacing “Wishes,” the evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom theme park, with a new production called “Happily Ever After.”


Universal's Mardi Gras marches on
The 2017 event will run 50 consecutive nights. That’s 50 bead-throwing, Cajun-food-craving, New Orleans-inspired, complete-with-parade straight evenings at Universal Studios theme park.



Friday February 10, 2017

Kentucky Kingdom holding job fair Saturday in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom is holding a job fair this weekend as it looks to hire 1,400 workers for the summer season.


Rye Playland construction stalled by city lawsuit
Progress on a slew of multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back.


Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest: Full Concert Lineup Set
Tampa Bay area residents and visitors eager for next month’s opening of Busch Gardens annual Food & Wine Fest may have a few more reasons to put a trip to the theme park on their agendas.


Disney World rolling out MagicBand 2 gear
MagicBand 2, as Disney has dubbed them, has a thinner design and a pop-out disc that can be inserted into the new MagicKeepers, which carry the disc via carabiner clip or lanyard clip.


Disney bails out European theme park again with $2 billion
Disney said Friday that the operation’s financial position has been “significantly and negatively impacted” by the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris and what it described as “challenging business conditions” in Europe.


Disney World on track to raise ticket prices
Disney will continue to increase single-day ticket prices because, analysts say, the park aims to get the multi-day guest who stays longer and spends more.


Dollywood gives sneak peek at construction projects
The projects range from new rides, including the construction of the 200-foot free-fall ride the Drop Line and kid roller coaster Whistle Punk Chaser, to remodeling restaurants and other buildings in the park.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Review of the News: January 30 – February 3

Monday January 30, 2017

Disney Springs' DisneyQuest announces closing date
The attraction, which is making way for The NBA Experience, will close in July, said the Disney Parks Blog.


Tickets For Ferrari Land Spain To Go On Sale This Week
Tickets for Ferrari’s new Ferrari Land theme park in Spain will go on sale on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017.


Disney patent would alter rides immediately based on passenger emotions
The technology may add more speed changes, spins and sharp corners for riders who seem bored or have provided prior information that they enjoy thrill rides.



Tuesday January 31, 2017

Conneaut Lake Park's real estate debt cut in half since bankruptcy filing
With the recent completion of the sale of a third lakefront lot, Conneaut Lake Park's real estate tax debt now is about half what it was when the amusement park filed for bankruptcy protection more than two years ago.

Great Escape awarded $150,000 in funding for joint marketing campaign with county
Great Escape leadership successfully lobbied for $150,000 in county tourism funding to target central New York with commercials in the spring and summer that will highlight the company's offerings as well as the Lake George region.


Six Flags New England is hiring over 3,000 seasonal employees
The Agawam amusement park is holding a two-day job fair on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11, at the Human Resources Building across Main Street from the park.


Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild & SoakZone begin summer hiring push
The Pittsburgh region’s premier family fun attractions, Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark, and Idlewild & SoakZone are now accepting job applications for the summer operating season.


Disney fans petition for silent Trump in Hall of Presidents
The petition calls for a change of procedure because it has been customary for the incumbent president and President Lincoln to give speeches.


Universal Mardi Gras: Passholders can sign up for bead duty
Universal Orlando’s annual passholders have been invited to sign up to throw beads from parade floats during the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios theme park.


Knott’s Berry Farm Partnering with VRstudios to Develop a One-of-a-Kind Virtual Reality Experience
Knott’s Berry Farm visitors will be able to enjoy the new VR experience for a small fee in addition to admission, beginning the second quarter of this year.



Wednesday February 1, 2017

SeaWorld Faces Consumer Suit Over False Advertising Claims
A California federal judge will allow a group of consumers to pursue false advertisement claims against SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS) for allegedly lying about the condition of its orca whales.


Court dismisses suit against Legoland, town
Court says the case is premature because the town hasn't yet made decisions on theme park or zoning change.


For Gulf Coast thrill seekers, Alabama theme park to open in May
The Owa theme park, about 45 minutes southeast of Mobile, is set to open May 17. It will feature 20 rides as part of a $500-million complex built by a local Native American tribe.


Universal drops parking fee after 6 p.m.
Universal Orlando is dropping the fee for its parking garages for all visitors who arrive after 6 p.m., the resort announced Wednesday.



Thursday February 2, 2017

SeaWorld spreads out with Seven Seas fest
In some ways the Seven Seas Food Festival will be a hybrid of two of the theme park’s discontinued festivals — Bands, Brew & BBQ and Viva La Musica. In other ways, it will be visibly different.


Cedar Point changes its long-used logo
Although you may not have noticed, Cedar Point has already been using the fresh logo on their Web site, Facebook and Twitter page.


Wild Adventures seeks employees
In preparation for its upcoming season, Wild Adventures Theme Park will host a series of job fairs to fill more than 300 park positions.


Disney’s ‘World of Color’ adds a Lunar New Year story, but only until Sunday
It was originally conceived as part of the opening ceremonies last June for Shanghai Disneyland.



Friday February 3, 2017

Young girl dies after being flung off amusement park ride in Chongqing
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon at Chaohua Park in Chongqing. In the video, the girl slips from her seat the first time the ride goes upside down and is left dangling by one leg.


Legoland Japan holds ceremony for completion ahead of April opening
A ceremony was held Thursday to celebrate the completion of the first outdoor Legoland amusement park in Japan ahead of its opening on April 1.


New VIP tour at Magic Kingdom goes for classics
The new four-hour Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour is based on attractions within the Magic Kingdom theme park.


Epcot arts fest visitors bring life to paintings
In three locations around the theme park’s World Showcase are big-as-life sets where people can stroll right into scenes created by famed artists – and take pictures, of course.


Irish dad claims girl 'broke her neck' on Tayto Park ride
He said the family initially thought she had whiplash, but after being in pain for four weeks she had an x-ray which he claims showed her neck was broken.