Review of the News: June 20 – June 24

Monday June 20, 2016

Six Flags Plans to Open Theme Parks in Saudi Arabia
U.S. theme park company Six Flags Entertainment Corp plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, its chief executive told Saudi-owned Arabiya TV on Monday, bringing roller coasters and bumper cars to the ultra-conservative kingdom.


Tuesday June 21, 2016

Dollywood's 'Lightning Rod' roller coaster brought to a halt by recall
The Pigeon Forge amusement park posted a notice on their website Sunday stating that the new roller coaster would be shut down temporarily due to a nation-wide mechanical recall.

Zippin Pippin roller coaster shut down after accident hospitalizes 3
Two employees and one rider were injured on the Zippin Pippin roller coaster ride Monday at Bay Beach Amusement Park, in Green Bay.

Kings Dominion exec named to lead Carowinds
Pat Jones, the GM at Kings Dominion park in Richmond, Va., is the new general manager and vice president at the amusement park that straddles the Carolinas border along Interstate 77.

Universal Studios Hollywood plans CityWalk upgrades to draw more locals
Hoping to draw big spenders and complete with high-end malls, Universal Studios has announced plans for the first major face-lift of its shopping and dining district in more than 15 years.

Uber tweaks Disney World operations as it becomes a popular tourist choice
Passengers requesting rides at the world's busiest theme park are no longer assigned drivers based solely on which ones are closest to them. Instead, Uber in late May began using a system called "first in first out," which distributes requests to drivers based on which of them entered a designated zone first.

The Walking Dead attraction added to Movie Park in Germany
Jora Entertainment has partnered with AMC for an attraction based on the hit television show for world-famous Movie Park called The Walking Dead Breakout.

Universal theme park division planning 'Secret Life of Pets' attraction
NBCUniversal Chief Executive Officer Steve Burke told analysts at an investor conference last week Universal is working on an attraction based on the movie. He did not say which theme park or parks would feature the attraction.

‘Frozen’ ride opens at Disney World
“Frozen Ever After,” the highly anticipated ride based on the animated blockbuster “Frozen,” opened at Epcot on Tuesday morning.


Wednesday June 22, 2016

Teenagers take 30 minute joyride on Blackpool Pleasure Beach rollercoaster
The thrill-seekers' ride of choice was the 82-year-old Blue Flyer, a wooden rollercoaster which can reach top speeds of 15mph at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Universal Orlando Reveals More Details About Volcano Bay Water Park
Volcano Bay will be Universal Orlando's third theme park in the city, and the company announced Tuesday that it will feature 18 attractions meant to keep wait times to a minimum and not force guests to carry around water tubes.


Thursday June 23, 2016

Roller Coaster Enthusiasts to Salute The Raven
American Coaster Enthusiasts Inc. will designate The Raven as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark as part of the organization's annual Coaster Con, which is being hosted by the southern Indiana Park and Six Flags St. Louis.

Universal to Build New Soundstage Complex, Expand Theme Park in 5-Year Plan
In the works is a new complex of ten soundstages, to be built in 2017 and 2018, as a cluster of smaller stages on the front and west portion of the lot are removed to make way for new theme park attractions.


Friday June 24, 2016

Popular Zippin Pippin roller coaster will be closed for two weeks after accident
The city is shipping the cars from the Zippin Pippin roller coaster back to the manufacturer in Philadelphia for inspection and recertification, so it will remain shut down at least another two weeks.

'The Chew' crew returns to Epcot food festival
The theme park's visitors may be able to spot Mario Batali, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly, Michael Symon and Daphne Oz when they tape a week's worth of episodes of the ABC show Oct. 5-7.

‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire’ opens at Magic Kingdom Park
The all-new live stage show takes place at the grandest stage at Walt Disney World Resort with "magic, music and merriment."

Review of the News: June 13 – June 17

Monday June 13, 2016

Orlando theme parks step up security measures after mass shooting
Orlando area amusement parks are ramping up security in the wake of a Muslim terrorist attack at a gay nightclub on Sunday morning that claimed 49 victims and injured 53 others.

Adventureland Employee dies from injuries while working on ride
An Adventureland employee has died from injuries sustained while working on a ride at the amusement park.


Tuesday June 14, 2016

Plans for Legoland theme park in Orange County to be presented
Merlin Entertainment PLC, the London-based operators of Legoland theme parks and other entertainment attractions, is scheduled to discuss its proposal for its third, and largest, Legoland park in this country.


Wednesday June 15, 2016

10-year-old boy dies after tree branch falls onto tent at Indiana Beach Campground
A 10-year-old boy died Tuesday in White County after a large tree branch fell onto his family’s tent.  Indiana Beach Security arrived on scene and began providing CPR on the boy until the Monticello Fire/ Ambulance arrived on scene.

Wands raised in tribute to Orlando club victim who worked at the Harry Potter theme park
Luis Vielma (who had previously been paid tribute to by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, below) worked on The Forbidden Journey Ride, which is currently closed out of respect for his passing.

Child was too short for ride so teacher left them to go on it four times
Michael James Davies is alleged to have left the child so that he could go on the Megafobia ride at Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire with other pupils.

Alligator snatches toddler in front of parents at Disney World resort
The boy was grabbed Tuesday evening while playing in about a foot of water at the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Grand Floridian Hotel with his father.

Disney Announces $1 Million Donation to OneOrlando Fund
The Walt Disney Company on Tuesday announced a $1 million cash commitment to the OneOrlando Fund, established Monday by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist those affected by the tragic events in Orlando.


Thursday June 16, 2016

Kim Jong-un orders closure of amusement park in Pyongyang
Regarding the reason for the closure, the report claimed leader Kim Jong-un ordered it “because [its facilities] were serviced under the direction of Jang Song-thaek, and Kim said he ‘continues thinking of Jang as long as the Folklore Park exists.’”

Hanoi to build amusement park
Hanoi’s People’s Committee has approved a plan to build an amusement park named Kim Quy (Golden Turtle) saying the concept was inspired by Disneyland.

Walt Disney opens $5.5 billion theme park in mainland China
Walt Disney’s $5.5 billion Shanghai theme park, its first in mainland China, opened with fireworks, a dancing Mickey Mouse, dignitaries, and messages of support from two of the most powerful presidents in the world.


Friday June 17, 2016

Comcast NBCUniversal Donates $1 Million to OneOrlando Fund
On behalf of all team members, Comcast NBCUniversal is donating $1 million to the OneOrlando Fund.

$120-Million Plan Aims To Transform Playland Into World Class Theme Park
The redevelopment will include six new zones all with their own theme, similar to DisneyLand but without the Disney theme. Some of the themes discussed include: The Park, Fisherman’s Wharf and Forest Adventures.

Review of the News: June 6 – June 10

Monday June 6, 2016

Cedar Point closes after storm knocks out power
The park closed Sunday following afternoon storms packing winds of up to 60 mph that tore down dozens of trees and power lines in Sandusky.

Alton Towers reveal plans for new rollercoaster
The newly released planning documents which have been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, show that a wooden rollercoaster is to be built on the former Flume site at the theme park.


Tuesday June 7, 2016

Cedar Point to reopen Tuesday after storm damage
Cedar Point will officially reopen on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 after storm damage forced the park to close on Monday, June 6.

Universal Orlando removes walls around Skull Island: Reign of Kong
The removal of the walls led to dozens of guests forming a line outside of the attraction hoping to score a test ride.


Wednesday June 8, 2016

Hearing scheduled for July on Conneaut Lake Park’s newest debt reorganization plan
A hearing is scheduled for next month in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Conneaut Lake Park’s newest debt reorganization plan — a joint proposal filed earlier this month by the amusement park’s trustees and its real estate tax creditors.

Kings Dominion names new general manager
Gary Chadwick, who started his career at Kings Dominion in 1999, is back running the theme park in Hanover County.

Legoland throws amazing street party for the Queen - made entirely from Lego
Legoland has built a special construction especially for Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday party. The Windsor theme park threw a street party, complete with little Corgis and jubilant civilians.

SeaWorld's new course begins with Mako coaster opening
SeaWorld Orlando's new Mako coaster will debut on June 10, and that can be the start of a recovery for the marine theme park company.


Thursday June 9, 2016

Disneyland reveals plans for luxury resort
Disney officials have submitted plans to the city of Anaheim, Calif. to begin construction on a new luxury hotel at Disneyland.


Friday June 10, 2016

Four Carowinds rides closed Friday after Thursday power outage
No one was hurt but some riders said they were on the rides for two hours before operators began manually lowering the rides to the ground.

For birthday, special needs child gets Carver amusement park to himself
A teacher's dedication made a boy's birthday wish come true Thursday, with a very special visit to Thomas Land.

Review of the News: May 30 – June 3

Monday May 30, 2016

Memorial Day!  Most regional parks are now open for the season.


Tuesday May 31, 2016

Jersey Shore employers look abroad for workers
Pressed to fill thousands of job openings, the Shore’s tourism employers are turning overseas to find enough workers to get them through the summer.

Universal Orlando increases gate ticket prices during 'peak times'
Universal Orlando is adding seasonal pricing and increasing its one-day tickets sold at the gate during peak times, according to a theme park spokesperson.

Disney vows to take action against park
Walt Disney said it's prepared to take action to protect its intellectual property rights after performers dressed as Snow White and Captain America were sighted at Dalian Wanda Group Co's new theme park and entertainment complex in China.


Wednesday June 1, 2016

Blue Streak expected to be in operation Friday at Conneaut Lake Park
The roller coaster will be in operation Friday when the park opens at noon for the weekend, said Mark Turner, executive director of Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.


Thursday June 2, 2016

Disney Threatens To 'Take Action' Over Character Infringement
The feud between Chinese real estate and entertainment giant, Dalian Wanda, and Walt Disney Co. has continued to escalate.

Universal's Volcano Bay work grows amid I-4 construction
Travelers along Interstate 4 south of downtown Orlando are familiar with an array of construction these days.

Wild Adventures welcomes lion cubs
A pair of African lion cubs will become the latest animal exhibit at Wild Adventures Theme park starting Thursday.


Friday June 3, 2016

Great Escape to increase police presence in park
The Great Escape amusement park has requested that the Warren County Sheriff’s Office station a police officer in the park whenever the park is open this year, and has agreed to pay the county $55,000 for the cost of the patrols.

Legoland has 'no plans' to introduce ride which council spent £95,435 trying to block
Legoland has revealed it has no plans to build a controversial haunted house ride at its Windsor theme park, despite winning a planning appeal which cost the Royal Borough more than £95,000.

Ghost Town announces decision to sell
According to the announcement, the theme park will be placed on the market for sale, in whole or in part.