Review of the News: October 26 – October 30

Monday October 26, 2015

Canines practice rescuing ‘missing persons’ at Kennywood
Kennywood is open on Fridays and Saturdays in October for Phantom Fright Nights, so the scents of many people and much food were strong during the training session. Dogs have learned to ignore those good smells and home in on the scent of the person they are tracking.

Thrillseekers strip naked for roller coaster record
Thrillseekers took it all off in a bid to set a new world record onboard the Green Scream roller coaster at the Adventure Island theme park in Essex, Britain over the weekend.

Derren Brown announces Thorpe Park psychological experience
Derren Brown, the illusionist, is teaming up with Thorpe Park Resort in a unique partnership to create the world’s first fully immersive psychological attraction for a theme park. This new experience has been in development for three years and is due to premiere at the park in March 2016.

‘Tower Of Terror’ Getting Movie Treatment; Venerable Disney Theme Park Fright Ride
Armed with a treatment by Big Fish scribe John August, Disney is now looking to hire a screenwriter to give feature treatment to Tower Of Terror, long one of the most popular rides in its theme parks.


Tuesday October 27, 2015

Tivoli to open massive food market
The Copenhagen amusement park Tivoli has confirmed it intends to commence the construction of a huge food market, dubbed the Tivoli Food Court, located in the corner of the park facing Vesterbrogade and Bernstorffsgade.

Universal theme parks report highest summer attendance ever
Comcast Corp.'s theme parks division reported a strong third quarter Tuesday morning, with record attendance driving both revenue and operating cash flow growth of more than 14 percent.

Wild Adventures Reveals Two Superstars for 2016 Concert Series
The park announced Martina McBride and Andy Grammer will each take the stage next summer. They're just two of the 15 concerts coming to the theme park in 2016.

Islands of Adventure: Work on Hulk coaster continues
A prominent piece of the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park is missing. The part of the rail that connects the entry and exit of the cobra roll is no longer there.

Dogs will get the run of Legoland water park
On Nov. 8, man's best friend will be able to cool all four heels in the pools of Legoland's water park at Everything is Paw-some, a three-hour pooch party to benefit the Humane Society of Polk County.

Batman Ride, 400-Foot Ferris Wheel Aimed at Reviving Macau
The Batman ride in Macau’s Studio City isn’t just about rescuing Gotham City. The $3.2 billion casino resort’s owner Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. is also hoping it’ll draw a new kind of thrill-seeker to the world’s biggest gambling hub.

Santa's Village to reopen for the holidays with 400,000 lights
Christmastime at Santa's Village includes 400,000 holiday lights, the Skyway Sleigh, a Christmas Ferris wheel and of course an opportunity to see Santa himself.


Wednesday October 28, 2015

‘Wildcat’ coaster at former Celebration City set for demolition in Branson
After more than six years without a thrill, a scream or even a rider, work began this week to demolish the wooden coaster known as the Ozark Wildcat at the amusement complex formerly known as Celebration City.

Jimmy Fallon Getting His Own Universal Orlando Ride
Late-night television host Jimmy Fallon announced Tuesday that he will be getting his very own theme park attraction at Universal Orlando Resort in 2017.

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Online Virtual Tour
Theme park officials Tuesday introduced a website that takes aspiring wizards and Muggles alike on a virtual tour of the attraction, including a trip through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with stops at Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Portrait Gallery and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Disney's permit filing offers glimpse of major Hollywood Studios revamp
Walt Disney World is making the move to prepare Disney's Hollywood Studios for its massive future overhaul that will include new Star Wars and Toy Story areas.


Thursday October 29, 2015

City Numbers Reveal the Extent of SeaWorld San Diego’s Sinking Performance
Attendance and revenues at SeaWorld San Diego are tanking as the marine park battles efforts to force it to stop housing killer whales.

You can vote on a name for Busch Gardens' new baby rhino
Fans on Busch Gardens' Facebook page can help name the park's newest addition, a female Southern white rhinoceros calf born Oct. 16.

Six Flags Makes Dream Come True for Glenview Boy
7-year-old Seth Mohr has special needs, but loves everything about Six Flags, which made his Halloween costume one he'd never forget.


Friday October 30, 2015

Dreamworks theme park confirmed for Riviera Maya
Work on the park is set to begin next year in the area of Punta Maroma, with an initial investment of US $800 million. Dario Flota Ocampo, director of the Trust for Tourism Promotion of the Riviera Maya, said that the park will be the first of its kind in Latin America and will generate significant revenues and tourist numbers.

Theme park hosts biggest ever cross country race
Oakwood Theme Park played host to more than 1,000 sporty youngsters and their proud parents for the 25th annual Pembrokeshire Primary Schools Cross Country event.

Faulty Gold Coast roller-coaster to reopen
The Green Lantern at Warner Bros. Movie World, which lost a wheel mid-ride and came to an abrupt halt back in March, has been fixed and is set to reopen before Christmas.

Universal 'scare actors' tell horror stories of abuse
Three "scare actors" at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights have reported to law enforcement that visitors abused them in the past 10 days. Another three women complained of sexual harassment on social media recently as they announced they were quitting.

Hollywood Studios: Club Villain event begins in January
Walt Disney World is introducing another food-and-drink special event: Club Villain will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Jan. 16.