Review of the News: August 10 – August 14

Monday August 10, 2015

Saudi girl dies in amusement park accident in Europe

The 14-year-old, who was holidaying with her family in Zell am See, died from a head injury sustained when a carriage slammed into the back of the one she was riding in, her uncle reportedly said.

After years of thrilling riders, 'Shockwave' closes at Kings Dominion

When the Shockwave roller coaster opened at Kings Dominion in 1986, it was a big deal for visitors and for park employees.

Knott's Halloween '15: A new haunted maze ruled by an evil queen, plus lots of zombie-killing ops

Knott's Berry Farm will add a new haunted maze for Halloween Haunt 2015 featuring a vengeful ice queen and will bring back an interactive zombie-killing experience that arms visitors with simulated military assault weapons.

Disney apologizes over tweet on Nagasaki A-bomb anniversary

Walt Disney Japan apologized Monday after a tweet sent from its corporate Twitter account wished readers “congratulations on a not special day” on the 70th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

Latest attraction continues Lake Compounce’s market-share push

When Jerry Brick started working for Bristol amusement park Lake Compounce in 1996, a busy day attracted 10,000 guests. This year, daily peak attendance will top 15,000.

Tuesday August 11, 2015

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Wednesday August 12, 2015

Chessington World of Adventures stops disabled dad from boarding child's ride because 'he has no adult supervision'

Rob Franks, who was left disabled after surgery to remove a tumour, said he was left shocked after being refused entry onto the ride.

Dubai theme park developer says project spending tops $1bn

Dubai Parks and Resorts, set to become the Middle East's largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination when it opens in October 2016, has announced that it has so far spent AED3.8 billion ($1.03 billion) on the project.

Busch Gardens hires 'Blair Witch' producer for Howl-O-Scream scares

The producer of The Blair Witch Project has been enlisted by Busch Gardens to produce this year's Howl-O-Scream fright fest, and in a first for the Tampa theme park, he has filmed an elaborate story line already playing out online.

Anaheim House of Blues wants to leave Downtown Disney for bigger venue at GardenWalk mall

The House of Blues announced plans Tuesday to move from its longtime home at Downtown Disney to a larger venue at the nearby Anaheim GardenWalk mall by summer 2016.

Thursday August 13, 2015

France’s most famous theme park just gave a large donation to a pro-life group

France’s most famous theme park, the “Puy-du-Fou,” was in the news in France recently for having bestowed a gift of 50,000 euro (over 55,000 USD) to the “Fondation Jérôme-Lejeune,” devoted to helping children with Down syndrome and their families, and funding medical research on genetic mental deficiencies.

Autistic boy from Texas finds no bullies at Maine’s Funtown

Dylan Dean and his family have an 'amazing' visit to the state, courtesy of the Saco water park, which was mistaken for one where Dylan was allegedly mistreated in San Antonio.

Friday August 14, 2015

Man struck, killed by Raptor roller coaster in Cedar Point amusement park

A man was struck and killed by a roller coaster inside of Ohio's Cedar Point amusement park while attempting to retrieve items he had dropped on the ride, officials said.

1st Thomas the Tank Engine-themed amusement park in the US is opening in Massachusetts

The nation's first Thomas the Tank Engine-themed amusement park is opening in Massachusetts this weekend.  Thomas Land is scheduled to open to the public Saturday on 11 acres of the Edaville USA Railroad in Carver.

Carowinds amusement park demolishes roller coaster after 39 years, clearing room for new rides

A roller coaster that generated screams and smiles for nearly 40 years is no more.  Multiple media outlets report the wooden roller coaster Thunder Road was demolished Thursday at Carowinds amusement park near Charlotte. The demolition is part of a $50 million renovation plan for the park.

Universal: Hulk coaster going down for improvements

The Incredible Hulk Coaster, one of the original rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure, soon will be closed for a series of improvements.  The bright green thrill ride, based on a bulky, intense Marvel Comics character, will close Sept. 8 (the day after Labor Day) and return sometime next summer, according to a post on the official Universal Orlando theme parks blog.