Review of the News: May 16 – May 20

Monday May 16, 2015

California company buys Martin’s Fantasy Island
Apex Parks Group bought the Grand Island amusement park in a deal announced Saturday. Apex approached the park’s owner, Martin DiPietro, to initiate the sale.

Universal unveils some vital Kong stats
Universal Orlando has revealed some key stats about the star of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, its under-construction attraction at Islands of Adventure theme park.


Tuesday May 17, 2015

Shanghai Disneyland Responds to Pricey Food Claims
Various media outlets reported this week that consumers have complained about costly food after visiting Disney's first theme park on the Chinese mainland during a test run earlier this month.

Older, low-income people more enthusiastic about Shanghai Disney
A survey has found that Chinese who are older and have lower incomes are more enthusiastic about making a trip to the new Shanghai Disney Resort, which is set to officially open to the public on June 16.

Huge tour bus hub to serve Shanghai Disney
A huge new hub for tour buses will be created in Shanghai’s Bund area to serve the city’s new Disneyland resort, authorities have revealed.

Family of Autistic Man Appeals Disney Discrimination Ruling
The family filed an appeal on Monday after U.S. District Judge Ann Conway ruled last month that Disney did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Plastic passes announced for Universal Orlando annual pass holders
The theme park announced Monday that it will begin offering sturdier plastic cards to its annual pass holders. The current paper passes will be phased out.

Portland's Voodoo Doughnut Is Coming To Universal Studios
Voodoo Doughnut has locations in Portland, Eugene, Denver, Austin and Taipei already, and will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in the near future.


Wednesday May 18, 2015

SeaWorld Dodges Claims It Misled Parkgoers
A federal judge dismissed a class action against SeaWorld by former parkgoers who claimed that had they known the theme park mistreated its orcas they would have never purchased tickets.

Knott's GhostRider roller coaster to reopen June 11
The wooden coaster was closed at the beginning of January for an extensive refurbishment that involved replacing and modifying the track layout -- to smooth out what was a rough ride, and make it a little faster.


Thursday May 19, 2015

Kentucky Kingdom challenges Donald Trump to ride Storm Chaser roller coaster
The amusement park issued a release challenging the Republican presidential candidate to ride Storm Chaser, which is the park's newest roller coaster.

'Walking Dead' opening set at Universal Studios Hollywood
Let the horrors begin. The Walking Dead Attraction will begin its reign of terror at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 4.

Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom down for 2 months
Dinosaur, a thrill ride with a prehistoric time-travel storyline at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will shut down for two months starting in late July, according to the company's website.


Friday May 20, 2015

Carowinds to open new water park this weekend
Carowinds’ new water park opens this weekend, the latest in a $50 million expansion and renovation project for the Charlotte amusement park.

Hersheypark will allow transgender guests to use bathrooms based on their sexual identity
According to Hersheypark Public Relations Manager Kathy Burrows, transgender guests visiting the theme park may use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, or a family restroom if they wish.

Frozen ride will open June 21
Epcot visitors can add a stop in Arendelle as of June 21. That's the day the Frozen Ever After ride will open, Walt Disney World has announced.

Grad Nites returning to Walt Disney World
Disney announced on Thursday that Grad Nites will be returning in 2017.  Grad Nite H2O allows high school seniors into Typhoon Lagoon water park after hours on Friday nights in April 2017.