Review of the News: February 29 – March 4

Monday February 29, 2015

Michigan's Adventure to hire 1,200 seasonal employees
Michigan's Adventure is accepting applications for 2016 full-time and part-time seasonal positions.

Traffic jams around Six Flags in response to ticket deal
Traffic around Six Flags Magic Mountain was snarled throughout the day Sunday as many motorists converged on the amusement park in response to park promotions, according to park and law enforcement officials.

Disney Launches Seasonal Pricing Plan For 1-Day Tickets
Disney’s properties in Orlando and Anaheim have rolled out a new seasonal pricing plan.  It’s a variable pricing plan for single-day tickets.

SeaWorld brings in former Universal Orlando hotel leadership to help development resorts
This new division in the company will focus on resort construction and development efforts that SeaWorld’s CEO Joel Manby announced in November.

Jack Lindquist, first president of Disneyland, dies at 88
Jack Lindquist, a longtime Disney Parks employee who served as the first president of Disneyland and helped plot the global expansion of the Mouse's theme park operations, died Sunday morning in Orange County. He was 88.

Alton Towers is closing one of its popular rides this year
The ride was a bath time-themed log flume with three drops and, when it opened in 1981, it was thought to be the longest log flume in the world.


Tuesday March 1, 2015

Disney World sued by server over tipped-worker wages
A former server at the Magic Kingdom's Plaza restaurant has sued Walt Disney World, saying her income took a hit because she had to spend too much time on duties that didn't generate tips.

Darien Lake brings back free in-park concerts for 2016
Following up on the success of last year’s free in-park concert series, Darien Lake has announced that the attraction will return in 2016.

Roller coaster to reopen 9 months on, despite crash
Customers at Alton Towers will be able to ride "The Smiler", the "world's first 14 loop roller coaster" at the Staffordshire-based theme park once again in less than three weeks, when the park reopens for 2016.


Wednesday March 2, 2015

Dancing cars turn Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters into a musical traffic jam
The new Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters debuting Monday at Disney California Adventure turns a rush hour traffic jam involving a fleet of 1950s-era vehicles into a choreographed dance routine of near-miss twists and turns.

Animal Kingdom’s ‘Rivers of Light’ to debut next month
Rivers of Light, a new light show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will debut at the park on April 22, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Epcot's annual flower fest now underway
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is underway again. The event features thousands of blossoms, a sprinkling of outdoor kitchens, educational moments and Disney’s world-famous topiaries.


Thursday March 3, 2015

9 Six Flags Roller Coasters Will Feature Virtual Reality As Early As This Month
Six Flags announced it’s partnering with Samsung to bring virtual reality to nine of their most popular coasters.


Friday March 4, 2015

PEI theme park won't reopen
Santa's Woods theme park, once a spot bustling with children on warm, summer days, will be closing for all seasons to come.

Knott's Berry Farm sued over boy's roller-coaster injury
The family of a Utah boy who was badly injured on a Knott's Berry Farm roller coaster has sued the Southern California amusement park for negligence.

Cedar Point has a 'Valravn' secret to reveal
Cedar Point's spokesperson says "we're working on something very special for the queue line that's never been done at Cedar Point before. It will make your wait for "Valravn" a little more entertaining."

New owners, new opportunities for Indiana Beach
Crews are working to bring the sparkle back to what was once the centerpiece of Monticello.

Disney theme park plans revealed during shareholder meeting
During a March 3 annual shareholders meeting, Iger shared both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort will break ground on their respective Star Wars lands next month.