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.