Review of the News: January 11 – January 15

Monday January 11, 2015

'Valravn' crews at Cedar Point install its record first dive
The excitement continues to build for Cedar Point's newest ride, one piece at a time. Crews spent the weekend putting in the record-breaking first dive on "Valravn."

Disney Takes Its Magic Wristband Technology to Shanghai Resort, Minus the Wristbands
Guests at the $5.5 billion Shanghai Disney Resort, scheduled to open this spring, will be able to use their mobile devices to enter the park, purchase merchandise and likely access rides and attractions.

Closures begin at Disneyland as its Big Thunder Ranch rides off into the sunset
Starting Monday, Disneyland is closing multiple attractions in Frontierland and one restaurant - some temporarily and others permanently - to allow for construction of the much-anticipated new “Star Wars” Land.


Tuesday January 12, 2015

Fun Spot announces expansion to Orlando theme park
Fun Spot America officials announced Monday a major expansion at its Fun Spot Orlando location on International Drive.

Alton Towers to open 'groundbreaking' virtual reality rollercoaster
Alton Towers is to open what it claims is the world’s first rollercoaster that combines a physical ride with virtual reality, giving passengers a “customised journey into space” via headsets that use groundbreaking technology.

Disneyland Offers First Glimpse of Railroad, Riverfront Post-‘Star Wars’ Land
Disney on Monday released an artist’s rendering showing what the Rivers of America waterfront and Disneyland Railroad will look like once the “Star Wars”-themed land is completed.


Wednesday January 13, 2015

Baby tiger and lion being raised together at Six Flags
A baby tiger and lion are being hand raised together after being rejected by their mothers at Six Flags Great Adventure’s safari.

Shanghai Disney resort set to open June 16
The next big Walt Disney Co. theme park expansion -- the Shanghai Disney Resort -- now has a grand-opening date: June 16.


Thursday January 14, 2015

Good news for Gurnee: Great America attendance up in 2015
Six Flags Great America in Gurnee hopes to build on a successful 2015 that included increased attendance at the theme park, according to the park's president.

Owner of Spain's Parques Reunidos considers flotation
Private equity group Arle Capital, owner of Spain's Parques Reunidos, is considering a flotation of the theme park operator on the Madrid stock exchange with the aim of getting a better return on its investment, a source involved in the deal said.

Universal Studios: You can now buy part of the park
Are you in the market for a flying cow? A store at Universal Studios may be able to help.

Dragon Quest coming to Universal Studios Japan
The Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka will have a special Dragon Quest attraction probably by summer to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the popular role-playing video game series.

Busch Gardens donates surplus food to James City neighborhood
The theme park donated produce, dairy and packaged food to the Grove Christian Outreach Center, a nonprofit organization that feeds the hungry in the Grove community every week, according to a Busch Gardens press release.


Friday January 15, 2015

Restoration of Belmont Park Plunge is OK’d
Efforts to reopen the long-closed Plunge swimming pool at Belmont Park received a boost Thursday with the approval by the California Coastal Commission of a nearly $6 million project to restore the deteriorating Mission Bay attraction.

Alcohol areas to be expanded at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages at nine, instead of four, adult concession areas this year.

Universal's Volcano Bay to get special roadway system to parking garage
Parking no longer may be a concern for Universal Orlando Resort when it eventually opens up the new Volcano Bay water park in 2017.

Efteling brings new attraction Symbolica in summer of 2017
Symbolica is an outdoor attraction for the whole family, including the famous attractions Droomvlucht, Fata Morgana and Carnival Festival in the Efteling area.