Review of the News: November 14 – November 18

Monday November 14, 2016

New Universal trademark hints at something like Disney's MagicBands
A new trademark filed on Nov. 9 gives more details on how the new bands could operate very similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBands in helping to interact with park features and to make purchases.

Woman dies in amusement park accident
The deceased had gone for a 'rocking cradle' ride with her sister at Belilious Park. The two fell off the ride as their seats got detached from the main structure.

Strong Disney hotel, parks results
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' revenue and operating income for the year set all-time records. Revenues increased 5 percent to a record $17 billion. Operating income jumped 9 percent to a record $3.3 billion.

SeaWorld makes progress on Middle Eastern expansion
The company said in a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week that "definitive documents related to the Middle East Project were finalized and executed" Nov. 3.


Tuesday November 15, 2016

Busch Gardens Tampa named 2016 Theme Park of the Year
The park was recognized as “a beacon of the industry” for its strong animal exhibits and attention to guest value by the International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association.

Looping roller coaster ‘Great Nor’easter’ getting upgrade for new season
Rather than a herky-jerky roller coaster ride, today’s amusement park patrons are looking for a smooth ride, Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers told a group on a hard hat tour.

Luna Park Sydney appoints Tourism Manager
Sydney’s Luna Park is set to expand its appeal to both business and leisure tourism markets with the appointment of seasoned tourism professional, Mark Taylor, to the newly created role of Tourism Manager.

Disneyland Paris sees record low attendance amid terrorism concerns
The number of people visiting Disneyland Paris has dropped precipitously in the past year. The theme park reported a 10 percent drop in guests and 7 percent decline in revenue.

Universal starts selling Volcano Bay admission as part of multi-park tickets
A three-day ticket for Volcano Bay along with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure costs $245 for one park per day. One that allows you to hop between parks on the same day costs $295 — almost $100 a day.


Wednesday November 16, 2016

Auction to sell off unused Conneaut Lake Park items
About 100 signs of all types and sizes, surplus equipment and even three Dodgem cars — vintage bumper cars from the late 1930s and early 1940s — are set to go on the auction block at Conneaut Lake Park at 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the park's Convention Hall.

IAAPA Expo 2016: Theme park, attractions convention opens at Orange County Convention Center
The IAAPA Expo, the world's largest trade show for the attractions industry, opened its show floor Tuesday at the Orange County Convention Center.


Thursday November 17, 2016

County Fair at Carowinds continues expansion theme at amusement park
Work on the new County Fair section of Carowinds is ahead of schedule with an opening planned in spring 2017.

Here’s your first look at new SeaWorld San Antonio Wave Breaker coaster
It’s been nearly a decade since SeaWorld San Antonio added a new roller coaster, so there is plenty of pent-up anticipation over the planned arrival of Wave Breaker next year.

Disney Springs unveils first-ever light show
The "Starbright Holidays" Intel collaboration is the first of its kind at Disney Springs, combining Intel technology with the vision of Disney Imagineers.


Friday November 18, 2016

Amusement park in Rome breaks toy windmill world record to mark its reopening
Hundreds of children and families helped create the world’s Largest display of toy windmills/pinwheels, building an impressive total of 576 and planting them in the attraction’s Garden of Wonders.