Review of the News: March 14 – March 18

Monday March 14, 2015

'Walking Dead' zombies to stalk Universal Studios Hollywood in year-round maze
Universal Studios Hollywood plans to turn the "Walking Dead" haunted maze, which has proved wildly popular during the theme park's last four Halloween Horror Nights, into a year-round attraction.

Second Alton Towers ride to be closed in quick succession
Bosses at the theme park said it will be "saying goodbye" to Ripsaw, which opened in 1997, on the resort's official blog page.

Toothsome Chocolate Factory set for CityWalk
Expect chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate at Toothsome Chocolate Factory, a new restaurant that will open where NBA City used to be at Universal CityWalk later this year.

98 jobs cut at Alton Towers as part of major restructuring
Theme park Alton Towers has cut 98 jobs as part of a major restructuring – almost 100 fewer than originally feared.


Tuesday March 15, 2015

Dreamland park staff seek payouts
Former Dreamland employees protested outside the recently closed amusement park yesterday to demand the company pay them entitlements owed under the Labour Law.

Universal Orlando shows off ride vehicle for Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Universal Orlando on Tuesday released details about the ride vehicle for Skull Island: Reign of Kong, saying it needed an entirely new and revolutionary way to transport guests into the middle of the adventure.

Terry Van Gorder, Knott's visionary CEO, dies at 82
Terry Van Gorder, Knott’s Berry Farm’s only CEO while it was family owned and operated and who led the effort to license “Peanuts” characters for Camp Snoopy and spearheaded the development of Bigfoot Rapids and the GhostRider wooden roller coaster, has died. He was 82.

Six Flags Ticket Scam Reported in New Jersey
Many in New Jersey reported receiving the promotion in the first few weeks of March, but it's a scam, a Six Flags spokeswoman warned.


Wednesday March 16, 2015

Keansburg Amusement Park hopes to reopen iconic ride
The "Dark Ride" known as The Spook House dates back to the 1930s. It's been out of commission since Sandy. The park opens Saturday.

Amusement Park releases 'Live at the Lake' concert schedule
Charley Whittenburg, CEO at Arnolds Park Amusement Park on March 4 announced the Live at the Lake Concert Series. The lineup features 15 FREE nights of entertainment over a 13 week period.

FunTime? Amusement park encounters obstacle to Gulfport return
The City Council might put the kibosh on FunTime USA's return to the beach this summer.  Residents all along the Coast have been excited by the potential reopening of the iconic amusement park Hurricane Katrina obliterated.

SeaWorld completes footprint of Mako coaster
The nearly mile-long track of Mako has been installed at SeaWorld Orlando.   The roller coaster is billed as the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando, topping out at 200 feet and reaching 73 mph.

Legoland announces expansion, hotel, new attractions
Legoland Florida will add a new beach-style resort, a Ninjago martial arts themed land, a movie featuring Lego Nexo Knights, and a summer program of fireworks and special entertainment.

Line up, coffee fans: Starbucks opens at Knott's Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm park-goers have a new place to turn for their caffeine fix: Starbucks.  A 935-square-foot store, which had its soft opening this week, will officially debut Friday.

Disney World tests preferred parking -- for a price
For $15 atop the regular parking fee, guests heading to Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be allowed to pull into designed areas of their current parking lots.


Thursday March 17, 2015

SeaWorld to Stop Breeding Killer Whales
SeaWorld has decided to end its orca-breeding program following years of criticism about how the animals are kept in captivity.

Demolition begins for Hurricane roller coaster in Dania Beach
The 100-foot-tall wooden ride in Dania Beach closed five years ago and finally is coming down to make way for an $800 million shopping and entertainment center at Stirling and Bryan roads called Dania Pointe.

Michigan’s Adventure adding Funland Farm
The amusement park is adding the Funland Farm, an area that will feature a variety of animals, including llamas, alpacas, a mini horse and a mini donkey.


Friday March 18, 2015

Animal Kingdom to explore its after-dark side
Beginning the evening of April 22 — the park's birthday and Earth Day — guests can see an elaborate, original production called "Rivers of Light." They can also experience the Kilimanjaro Safaris with a sunset effect and admire an enlivened Tree of Life. There will be entertainment and parties added to the Harambe Village and Discovery Island areas as well.

Wicksteed Park's pirate ship is closing down
Thrill-seekers are being given the chance to win a place for the last ever ride on the Wicksteed Park pirate ship after the attraction was given a 12-month reprieve from closure.

Busch Gardens will have new show, restaurant and beer room
Busch Gardens Williamsburg opens for the season Sunday, with several new features either ready to go or in the pipeline.