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."