Review of the News: October 3 – October 7

Monday October 3, 2016

SeaWorld revamps menu
When SeaWorld Entertainment ended killer-whale breeding in March, it also made other promises that were overshadowed by the orca announcement.  Among them, the company plans to serve its customers more socially conscious food.

New discounts on food, merchandise for Walt Disney World passholders
Walt Disney World passholder can get in on the 45th anniversary celebrations through next year with discounts at select restaurants and merchandise outlets at the park.

E-Cigarette Explosion Injures Girl on Hogwarts Theme Park Ride
Police say a teenage girl riding a Universal Orlando amusement park ride suffered burns when an electronic cigarette belonging to another rider exploded and shot a fireball at her.


Tuesday October 4, 2016

Great Adventure Agrees Not to Clear Forested Land for Solar Farm - For Now
Six Flags, the parent company of the amusement park, agreed to hold off clearing 66 acres of woodland where it has won approval to build one of the state’s largest solar facilities until a court case contesting the plan is decided.

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade to make final run Sunday
The beloved parade that features waving Disney characters and floats with more than 500,000 lights will make its farewell run at Magic Kingdom on Sunday.

Universal Studios Hollywood big push for California residents: $119 season pass
Universal Studios Hollywood wants to entice California residents to its theme park, so it now is offering a $119 pass for access to the park on more than 200 days over a nine-month period.


Wednesday October 5, 2016

Hershey Entertainment names new president
John Lawn, who also is the Derry Township-based company's chief operating officer, was promoted president effective Sept. 30. Lawn will replace outgoing president and chief executive officer William F. Simpson Jr., who will retire on Jan. 5, 2018.

Alton Towers Amputee Launches Legal Claim Against Theme Park
Vicky Balch was one of two people to lose limbs when their car on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers smashed into an empty carriage with the same impact of a 1.5 tonne family car crashing at 90mph.

Disney unveils sneak peek at Guardians of the Galaxy ride
Originally announced at Comic-Con in July, the attraction is titled Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout and draws inspiration from the 2014 blockbuster starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel as a motley band of interstellar antiheroes.


Thursday October 6, 2016

Guests ordered to evacuate Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney will evacuate its Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. A Disney spokesperson told WESH 2 News that many guests are in RVs and tents.

Disney Says Shanghai Park Attendance Has Exceeded Expectations, Despite Contrary Report
Walt Disney Co. said that visitors to the company’s new Shanghai park have “exceeded our expectations,” playing down a recent media report that park attendance was below estimates.


Friday October 7, 2016

Disney, Sea World among Orlando parks to announce early closing
Universal and Walt Disney World both planned to close down at 5 p.m. Thursday, with SeaWorld shutting its gates at 2 p.m. The parks are among the most-visited tourist destinations in the world.