Review of the News: January 18 – January 22

Monday January 18, 2015

Derren Brown reinvents the ghost train in his spooky new Thorpe Park VR ride
The illusionist has unveiled his own Ghost Train attraction at Thorpe Park, which he promises will reinvent the classic indoor thriller.

Dreamworld mourns tiger's death
A tiger from Dreamworld's first litter of cubs born at the Gold Coast theme park has died, aged 17.


Tuesday January 19, 2015

Lunar Makeover for Ocean Park
Ocean Park in Hong Kong is preparing to ring in the Chinese New Year with numerous energetic performances.

Six Flags branded China park breaks ground
Chinese real estate development firm Riverside Investment Group Co. Ltd., broke ground recently on a $4.6 billion mixed-use development that will include China’s first-ever Six Flags-branded theme park.

Necropsy to determine cause of death for SeaWorld dolphin
SeaWorld officials said in a statement that the dolphin named Betsy had recently been eating inconsistently and possibly had a gastrointestinal problem. SeaWorld had relocated Betsy from its San Diego theme park to join other Commerson's dolphins at its Aquatica water park last week.

11-year-old with terminal illness gets roller coaster wish in Vallejo
Some people love the thrill of riding a roller coaster, but for others, like 11-year-old Patrick Partington, they’ve always wanted to see one being built. That wish came true on Monday when Partington, his sister, and their mom who tagged along, was granted a special tour at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in Vallejo.


Wednesday January 20, 2015

Carowinds to hire 4,000 for expanded theme park
Carowinds is cranking up hiring for the 2016 season a little early this year.  Park execs say they need to hire 4,000 to staff the expanded attractions there.

Dorney Park fined after employees wearing costumes suffered heat-related illnesses
Multiple employees of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom suffered from symptoms of heat-related illnesses last year because they were exposed to excessive heat while performing shows in encapsulating costumes, the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found.

Mediation session on Conneaut Lake Park's bankruptcy case is next week
Conneaut Lake Park’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case is headed to a federally-ordered mediation session next week in an effort to settle the case.

PortAventura launches new website ahead of Ferrari Land arrival
PortAventura World Parks & Resort kicks off the New Year with exciting news and a fresh new corporate image.

Legoland hiring for exclusive builder positions
Legoland's expansion in Polk County continues with a new facility 10 miles from the Winter Haven theme park.


Thursday January 21, 2015

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest lineup: Meat Loaf, Huey Lewis, Jordin Sparks and more
Busch Gardens Tampa is once again bringing an eclectic lineup of performers to its annual Food & Wine Festival that spans country, classic rock, pop, soul and Christian genres.


Friday January 22, 2015

Six Flags Over Georgia has 3,000 job openings
Six Flags Over Georgia’s two big new attractions will bring 3,000 new jobs this year.

Frontier City adds new thrill ride for 2016 season
If you are already dreaming about summertime fun, you may want to add a new thrill ride to your list.  Organizers at Frontier City say the newest thrill ride is over 60-feet high and flips, twists and spins 24 riders in an up and down adventure.

Disney: Baymax meets, greets Epcot guests
Baymax and "Big Hero 6" fans can meet and greet the Marvel superhero in Epcot's Future World.

New addition to the team at Drayton Manor Theme Park
The newest recruit at Drayton Manor Theme Park has swapped a fast-paced role with the British transport network for the hustle and bustle of Thomas Land after becoming head of facilities at the popular family attraction.

Mandarin ‘Lion King’ roaring into Shanghai Disney Resort
The Walt Disney Grand Theatre, a new 1,200-seat Broadway-style performance venue in the Shanghai Disney Resort, will host the world premiere of the Mandarin-language version of The Lion King when the resort opens this June.