Review of the News: April 18 – April 22

Monday April 18, 2015

Three-year-old dies after collapsing at theme park while on day out
The boy collapsed at the Wheelgate Park, a 40-acre family park in Farnsfield, and was airlifted to hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Dreamworld closes log ride after man’s near drowning
A popular ride at the Dreamworld theme park has been closed indefinitely after a near drowning.  A man swallowed water and suffered head cuts when he fell out of the log ride at the Gold Coast theme park on Sunday afternoon.


Tuesday April 19, 2015

Laid-off Hong Kong Disneyland employees get extra cash if they sign non-disclosure form
Employees fired by Disneyland last Friday have been offered extra compensation beyond legal requirements, but they were told by Disneyland that they would need to sign a non-disclosure form first.


Wednesday April 20, 2015

Doeden, Ahrens join Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Charley Whittenburg, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, announced the hiring of two new management staff on Wednesday, March 30.

Disney: More details on Frozen ride, new version of Soarin'
The ride and Sommerhus will open at the same time at some point this summer, Disney says.  Summer also is the time frame for the return of Soarin’, which will be redubbed Soarin’ Around the World.


Thursday April 21, 2015

When to expect new rides, shows at Disney World
We now have more specific dates -- if not exactly exact ones -- for when new shows, rides and other attractions will be opening at Walt Disney World, thanks to announcements made during a three-day media briefing.


Friday April 22, 2015

Alton Towers owners admit safety failings over rollercoaster crash
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the company that runs Alton Towers, has said that it was responsible for health and safety failings over the Smiler Rollercoaster crash in June 2015.

Legoland Florida announces new solar energy project
Legoland Florida and Tampa Electric are partnering on a new 2-megawatt solar energy project that will produce electricity and shade for visitors at the Winter Haven attraction.

New rides to thrill all ages at Canada's Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland unveiled two new rides that will be up and running when the theme park opens for its 35th season on May 1.

Six Flags Great Adventure to host food, wine fest
The Jackson amusement park will host its Third annual Fast Tracks and Food Trucks festival this weekend.

Broken pipe to blame for extended closure of Disney World waterslides
Summit Plummet - and the nearby Slush Gusher - have been closed for weeks, and it's uncertain when they will reopen.  Disney says a broken pipe at the water park is to blame.