Review of the News: January 25 – January 29

Monday January 25, 2015

Shanghai Disneyland may face fireworks ban on polluted days
An official from the city's fire department said all firework shows will be prohibited without exception when the air quality index is above 201.

Universal Orlando teases details on Hulk coaster renovation
Not much is known about what Universal Orlando Resort has planned for The Incredible Hulk Coaster, which is currently closed for renovations. But the theme park today hinted at what guests can expect when it's finished.

Europa-Park announces 2016 summer season dates
Germany’s most popular tourist attraction – the Europa-Park Theme Park in Baden-Wurttemberg – will open its doors for the 2016 summer season from 19th March – 6th November.


Tuesday January 26, 2015

Council hits back over claims of suppressed Dreamland report highlight “risks” of theme park project
Thanet District Council (TDC) has hit back at claims it deliberately sat on a report which warned of the financial risks associated with re-opening Dreamland.

SeaWorld rumored to be moving forward with big hotel plans
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is rumored to have hired a hotel development consultant with plans to build 2,500 hotel rooms throughout the company, industry sources told Orlando Business Journal.

H-1B Visa Controversy: Disney World Replacing American Workers With Cheap Foreign Labor?
Two former tech employees for Walt Disney Co. filed federal lawsuits Monday alleging the company is replacing domestic staff with lower-paid immigrants living in the United States on H-1B visas.

Legoland to open new 'Lego Movie' feature in 4D starting Friday
Legoland Florida will add another brick in its wall of attractions with the opening of The Lego Movie 4D on Friday, upping the ante on a new 12-minute 3D feature by adding wind, fog and water effects.


Wednesday January 27, 2015

Reverse Time Tested
Quassy Amusement and Waterpark’s newest thrill ride, Reverse Time, was recently tested at the SBF/VISA Group manufacturing facility in Casale di Scodosia, Italy

Lake Compounce fined $70k for exposing employees to chemicals
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Lake Compounce, located in Bristol, for 18 serious workplace safety violations.

Six Flags Great Adventure renames new 4-D coaster after comic book supervillain
The ride was expected to be called Total Mayhem until park officials announced on Wednesday morning that it would be renamed after the DC Comics supervillain The Joker.


Thursday January 28, 2015

Harry Potter celebration back at Universal Orlando
Fans of the boy wizard are expected in droves again at Universal Orlando this weekend for A Celebration of Harry Potter.

Harrison Ford Set to Unveil New 'Star Wars Land' on Upcoming TV Special
The former Mr. Solo will unveil the upcoming theme park attractions of the new Star Wars Land coming to California’s Disneyland and Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resorts.

Six Flags St. Louis seeking 3,000 employees for 2016 season
Six Flags St. Louis is looking for some 3,000 friendly, high-energy people to join their team.  The theme park offers competitive wages, flexible schedules, great benefits and a wide variety of jobs.


Friday January 29, 2015

French police 'arrest man with guns in suitcase' at Disneyland Paris, female companion detained
Police say man held after he was found with guns in his suitcase is not a terrorism suspect, as his female companion is detained by officers

Shanghai Disneyland casts spell on surrounding property prices
Residential units in the town where Disneyland is located have seen average prices jump 20 per cent on-year in January, with property agents saying transactions are up as the park’s opening date approaches.

Family claims boy bitten by snake at Animal Kingdom caused grandmother's death
A well-known Orlando attorney said Thursday that he has been retained by a family who claims a snake bit their 8-year-old son at Disney's Animal Kingdom, causing the boy's grandmother to go into cardiac arrest, which caused her death.

Holy Land Experience announces free day
The Orlando theme park's website said Wednesday, February 24, will be free to guests.  The free day is held once a year by the park so it can maintain its tax-exempt status.