Review of the News: March 7 – March 11

Monday March 7, 2015

Magic Springs Theme Park reopening in April
After a long winter, Magic Springs Theme Park is back for family magic and set to open Saturday, April 9.

Red carpet rolled out for premiere of new movie at Legoland Windsor
Celebrities including the X-Files’ Gillian Anderson and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton were among the star studded guests who attended the first ever screening of ‘The Lego Movie 4D A New Adventure’.

Where You'll Find Nintendo's First Theme Park Rides
The companies announced on Saturday that the first rides based on the video game giant’s collection of characters will be located in Osaka, Japan. Universal hopes to have the attraction completed in time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Hong Kong Disneyland drops bombshell as it announces sudden resignation of managing director for ‘personal reasons’
Hong Kong Disneyland dropped a bombshell late yesterday, ­announcing that managing director Andrew Kam had resigned “for personal reasons” and would be replaced by the theme park’s vice-president of operations, Samuel Lau.

Fantasy Island: 'Exciting future' for theme park after buyout
Leisure company the Mellors Group, which already owns a theme park in Dubai called Fantasy Island, has bought the attraction for an undisclosed fee.

Universal Studios Japan attracts record number of visitors in fiscal 2015
Universal Studios Japan has attracted a record number of visitors in fiscal 2015, topping the previous 12.7 million mark set the year before, the Osaka theme park operator said Monday.


Tuesday March 8, 2015

Turkey legs no longer at Animal Kingdom
If you're in the mood for a juicy turkey leg, you're out of luck at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. The theme park is no longer selling the jumbo item, which has garnered an urban myth and a fan following that strong enough to inspire a T-shirt sold at Walt Disney World.


Wednesday March 9, 2015

Health of Tilikum the killer whale is deteriorating, SeaWorld says
The health of SeaWorld's killer whale Tilikum is deteriorating, the amusement park said, explaining that the aging whale has become increasingly lethargic.

Coney Island Carousel Finally Receives Historic Status
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Tuesday that B&B Carousell was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Warner theme park used pirated music for years, gets small fine
A Spanish theme park operated by Warner Bros., called Parque Warner, has been found guilty of playing unlicensed music to its customers for over six years.


Thursday March 10, 2015

Busch Gardens to open 2016 season March 20
Busch Gardens will open on March 20.  The theme park will be open every day for spring break through April 10, according to a news release.


Friday March 11, 2015

Plans For Rye Playland Include New Rides, Restaurants
Soon-to-be operator Standard Amusements LLC said it would add $30 million to the $58 million the county already plans to invest as part of the deal to spruce up the troubled park, lohud.com reported.

Disney looks into $15 resort fee
A Disney spokesperson pointed out the company constantly does guest surveys, and the latest one asks guests if they would be willing to pay a $15 per night resort fee.