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.