Review of the News: February 27 – March 3

Monday February 27, 2017

Melt Bar & Grill Opens at Cedar Point this Summer
More than a decade after their first location opened, this new location will occupy the space previously inhabited by Joe Cool Café, near Planet Snoopy.

What to eat at Epcot's flower and garden fest
The 2017 edition of the fest will feature 15 “outdoor kitchens,” including two new marketplaces, Northern Bloom (think Canada) and Berry Basket.

'Frozen' perfume debuting at Epcot
A perfume inspired by the Disney animated film goes on sale this week at Epcot.

M&D’s Tsunami rollercoaster removed from theme park - eight months after horror crash
The Tsunami ride at M&D’s in Motherwell derailed at 40mph and injured 10 people when it came off the tracks last June.

Thorpe Park Half Marathon: Thousands of runners turn out for inaugural dash around famous theme park
Instead of running to get a seat on Stealth or Colossus, runners descended on Thorpe Park for its first ever half marathon on Sunday morning


Tuesday February 28, 2017

Cedar Fair to launch season drink plan
The company has announced a new option to sip even more disposable income from its season passholders — a season pass drink plan that it will roll out at all 11 amusement parks, including its flagship Cedar Point park in Sandusky.

Seaside Heights Upgrading Roller Coaster Following Hurricane Sandy
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Jetstar roller coaster in Seaside Heights became an iconic image of the devastating storm after it was swept into the ocean off the end of Casino pier. Fast forward four years and a brand new roller coaster called Hydrus is under construction along with a 131-foot tall Ferris wheel.

Comcast Pays $2.3B To Buy Rest Of Universal Studios Japan
Comcast on Tuesday said that its NBCUniversal unit will shell out  ¥254.8 billion ($2.3 billion) to snap up the remaining stake of Universal Studios Japan that it doesn’t already own, buying out its partners in the theme park that included Goldman Sachs and private equity firm MBK Partners.

SeaWorld posts $12 million loss amid attendance drop
The Orlando-based company lost $11.9 million in the last quarter of 2016, up from $11 million lost in the fourth quarter of 2015.


Wednesday March 1, 2017

Dreamland to search for seasonal workers to fill 195 jobs
The amusement park in Margate will hold a recruitment fair on Friday, March 17.

Epcot arts fest coming back in 2018
The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given.


Thursday March 2, 2017

Coney Island (Cincinnati) announces renovations
The renovations center around the sunlight pool -- which will be rebranded "the sunlight water adventure."

Knoebels' Leanna Muscato Named Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association President
On February 28,Leanna Muscato, third generation Knoebel family member became  the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association (PAPA)  organization’s first-ever female president.

Tax break request for Legoland scaled back
The developer behind the proposed $500 million Legoland theme park has scaled back its request for a 30-year tax break to a 20-year deal, increasing Legoland's projected payments to $87 million over 30 years instead of $61 million.

Busch Gardens new president faces headwinds in amusement park industry
After spending more than 30 years working at SeaWorld Entertainment parks across the country, Busch Gardens' newest park president, Stewart Clark, still wasn't prepared for the backlash he and his family faced after the release of the documentary, Blackfish.

SeaWorld Orlando: New 'Dolphin Days' to replace 'Blue Horizons'
SeaWorld Orlando is replacing a long-running show featuring dolphins doing tricks alongside acrobats with a new one designed to educate audiences about the animals’ personalities.


Friday March 3, 2017

Silver Dollar City confirms 'single biggest thing ever done' is under construction
Aerial photographs taken by the News-Leader on Feb. 15 reveal a vast construction site adjacent to a Silver Dollar City amphitheater, complete with concrete footings and a large scaffolding structure.

Six Flags Over Georgia brings in $301 million in economic impact
The economic impact of Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water rose by $73 million between 2015 and 2016, according to Cobb Travel & Tourism.

Six Flags Great Adventure Celebrates Additions Of 3 Baby Giraffes
The theme park announced Friday it is celebrating the birth of three female reticulated giraffes — Xena, Eddie and Charly.

First look: Universal's Race Through New York With Jimmy Fallon
The humor of Jimmy Fallon moves into a higher gear with a new attraction at Universal Studios, which began “technical rehearsals” for its new ride on Thursday.

Lightwater Valley to host recruitment day to find staff for the summer season
The North Yorkshire attraction is this weekend hosting its last recruitment day to find staff for the summer season.

Review of the News: February 13 – February 17

Monday February 13, 2017

Valleyfair names new vice president and general manager
Shakopee amusement park Valleyfair announced Monday that Brad Marcy has been named the park’s new vice president and general manager.

Wild Adventures Announces 2017 Concerts
Wild Adventures Theme Park revealed its complete 2017 All-Star Concert Series Monday with an impressive list of award-winning musical acts including classic country, traditional rock and roll, Christian and pop stars.

Baby giraffe born at North Yorkshire theme park
Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire have welcomed the arrival of a giraffe calf.

Disney Quietly Raises Theme Park Admission Prices Again
In most cases, one-day adult tickets are now $5 more expensive.

Disneyland toy parcel triggers bomb alert
A bomb scare at Hong Kong Disneyland ended after bomb disposal officers found that a suspicious parcel that triggered the alarm was a toy, a Disneyland spokeswoman said.


Tuesday February 14, 2017

Details of Tilikum's death at SeaWorld remain a mystery
As legally required, SeaWorld notified the federal government how its infamous killer whale Tilikum died: of bacterial pneumonia.  Other details about his health and death, such as whether he had injuries, remain unknown. Animal welfare groups have been pushing for a release of Tilkum’s full necropsy.

Dollywood auditions set for Feb. 18, 19
Dollywood Entertainment said they are searching for singers with experience in country, musical theater or pop. The only audition for small bluegrass groups will take place on Feb. 19.

Lego Batman Movie Days set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida will have two weekends’ worth of activities tied to “The Lego Batman Movie,” which opened Friday.  The Winter Haven theme park is holding Legoland Batman Movie Days on March 4-5 and March 11-12.


Wednesday February 15, 2017

Cedar Fair shoots to $158 million in profits
Amusement park chain Cedar Fair LP said today that its 2016 profits rose 58 percent to $178 million, or $3.14 a share, on revenues of $1.29 billion.

Extended hours coming for Conneaut Lake Park's water park
The popularity of Conneaut Lake Park's water park in 2016 will mean additional days of operation for it during the upcoming season.

Knott’s Berry Farm is auctioning off a bunch of its old stuff
Knott's Berry Farm has partnered with Heritage Auctions to hold a special auction featuring more than 200 items from the park's archives.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Ride Opening Date Revealed, Disneyland Announces ‘Summer Of Heroes’
Disneyland Resort has finally revealed the opening date for the Guardians of the Galaxy retheme of Twilight Zone’s Tower Of Terror as part of a grand opening “Summer of Heroes” event which will bring an increased Marvel presence to Disney California Adventure theme park.

Former Tayto Park employee who claimed theme park ride broke her ankle settles High Court case
Helena McDonnell was working at Tayto Park at the time of the alleged accident five years ago but has settled her case


Thursday February 16, 2017

Dorney Park schedules two more job fairs to fill 3,000 seasonal positions
The South Whitehall Township amusement park on Thursday announced it will hold its second job fair of the year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Good Time Theater. A third job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 at the park's Chickie's and Pete's.

Universal tests 'photo validation technology' at some rides
Universal Orlando Resort has been testing “photo validation technology” at some attractions within its theme parks.

Amusement park shakes off 'abandoned' rumors in int'l media
Employees at Gaya Land, an amusement park in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, were surprised to see articles had gone viral describing their workplace as "spooky," "abandoned" and "the stuff of nightmares."


Friday February 17, 2017

Worlds of Fun hosting job fair at Union Station, hope to hire 1,200 workers
Worlds of Fun plans to hire more than 1,200 during a job fair Saturday, Feb. 18.  The job fair runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Union Station. Starting wages range from $8 to $10.

Disneyland still open; Knott's is closed for rain, while storm affects horse races, ski resorts
While Disneyland remained open Friday, Knott’s Berry Farm was closed, horse races at local tracks were canceled and skiing at area resorts was limited as heavy rains and high winds kicked in.

Man accused of killing 'Pinky' the flamingo is incompetent for trial
A Hillsborough County judge rules that the Orlando man accused of killing a flamingo at Busch Gardens is too mentally ill to go to trial.

Universal Orlando begins seasonal pricing, increases ticket prices at gate
Adult guests who purchase one-day, park-to-park tickets at the gate will pay $169 – an increase of $14. A park-to-park pass for a child is $164 at the gate. A one-day, one-park ticket purchased at the gate will also increase $14. An adult ticket will be $119, and a child ticket will be $114.

Chessington World of Adventures recruiting TODDLERS for new Gruffalo ride
A job ad for grumpy children to test a new Gruffalo ride was flooded with applicants.

Rotherham approves £37m theme park plan
Gulliver’s Family Theme Parks hopes to begin construction of its development before the end of the year, and the first phase — the main entrance and access roads, theme park hub and core parking — could be open in 2020.

Review of the News: October 31 – November 4

Monday October 31, 2016

Warner Bros Movie World theme park’s next attraction to be a 200-foot tall ‘hyper coaster’
It will be the first new attraction to come under the State Government’s safety blitz on theme park attractions, announced last week after four people were killed on the Thunder River Rapids Ride.

Dreamworld tragedy: theme park admits Rapids ride pump failed regularly
Dreamworld has admitted that the water pump on its Thunder River Rapids Ride failed routinely before last week’s tragedy, as it emerged the ride had not been physically inspected by government safety officials in years.

Universal Studios Breaks Ground on Beijing Park
First announced in 2014 and with plans for Steven Spielberg to play a role in its design, Universal Studios broke ground Monday on its multi-billion dollar amusement park in eastern Beijing Monday, with a scheduled opening date in 2020.


Tuesday November 1, 2016

Amusement park ride crashes in Navsari, India
Inspector D K Patel said all the 12 occupants of a vertical ride, popularly known as parachute jump, fell from the height of 10 feet due to cable slip.

Dollywood Set to Celebrate “Best and Brightest” Christmas Ever
Guests can expect a multitude of merriment this year with the awe-inspiring new Parade of Many Colors, the remastered Christmas in the Smokies, the all-new It’s a Wonderful Life, four million festive lights and a joyous holiday atmosphere guests have come to enjoy during this lively festival.

Dutch Wonderland unveils plans for new ride
The new ride is called Merlin's Mayhem.  Riders help the wizard Merlin find his lost dragon, Mayhem, while traveling on a hanging coaster that runs more than 1,300 feet of track.

Dubai opens Legoland to public – Park becomes first brick in UAE’s southern expansion
A massive amusement complex in Dubai’s southern desert opened its first park on Monday — a Legoland with interlocking plastic blocks that both model the sheikhdom’s architectural wonders and represent the first bricks laid in developing the expanse.

Disney World finally gets a 'Zootopia' meet-and-greet, 8 months after the film debuts
The buddy cop duo will be meeting guests for the first time at Walt Disney World during this year's Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

New Thrill Ride, Knott’s Soak City Expansion, Ghost Town Alive!, and Extended Boysenberry Festival
There’s farm fresh fun for everyone coming to Knott’s Berry Farm in 2017 with a brand new thrill ride, an extended Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, the exciting return of Ghost Town Alive! next summer, and the expansion of Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.

New Details Revealed for “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon”
The attraction is set to open in Spring 2017.


Wednesday November 2, 2016

Universal Studios Japan draws record crowds despite fee hike
The Universal Studios Japan theme park had its best month ever in October in terms of visitor numbers, drawing around 1.76 million, despite an increase in its entrance fee in February, the company said Tuesday.

Universal faces lawsuit over land deal disclaimer
Universal Orlando's parent company is facing a lawsuit that could slow down its plans to develop a new theme park off International Drive in Orlando.


Thursday November 3, 2016

Cedar Fair: Record net revenues and a distribution
With most of the year's revenue in the bank, Cedar Fair is reporting record net revenue of $1.1 billion through the third quarter.

Volcano Bay set to erupt at Universal Orlando
According to the latest release, the park will feature dozens of unique attractions, offering something for everyone, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.


Friday November 4, 2016

Cedar Point rollercoaster to bear Cubs' name opening weekend
The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, announced on its Facebook page Friday that its tallest, fastest rollercoaster will go by the moniker "Top Thrill Cubster" during next season's opening weekend in May.

Darien Lake to be sold
CNL Lifestyle Properties, which currently owns Darien Lake Theme Park, has entered into a purchase agreement with EPR Properties in which EPR will acquire the Genesee County theme park, as well as 14 other attraction properties, five family entertainment centers and a ski resort for a combined value of $456 million, according to a press release issued Wednesday by EPR Properties.

Review of the News: June 27 – July 1

Monday June 27, 2016

Tsunami rollercoaster derails at Scotland's M&D theme park
Nine children and two adults were injured and are being treated in hospital, Police Scotland said.


Tuesday June 28, 2016

M&D's Tsunami rollercoaster closed TWICE for repairs in week before crash which injured 10
Bosses at the theme park said the ride was closed due to a “minor electrical fault” the day before it crashed leaving two boys seriously injured


Wednesday June 29, 2016

Work underway to repair DelGrosso's wave pool
A month after DelGrosso's Amusement Park opened Laguna Splash Water Park, the wave pool was shut down. DelGrosso's announced paint was peeling and the pool had to be shut down for repairs.

Zombies offer a sneak peek of Universal Studios Hollywood's 'The Walking Dead' permanent attraction
Dozens of flesh-hungry walkers descended upon Universal Studios Hollywood on Tuesday morning to greet local media as well as current and former cast members from “The Walking Dead,” and a few celebrity super fans who stopped by to check out the all-new permanent walk-through attraction.


Thursday June 30, 2016

M&D's partially reopens after 30ft roller coaster crash
The owners have opened the indoor complex, which houses the Kids Soft Play Area, Bowling and Amazonia, but the rides and roller coasters remain closed.

Kings Island launches construction of new attraction
While park officials wouldn’t comment on speculation that a new wooden roller coaster could be on the way, blueprints that accompanied approved building permits indicate that could be what’s in the works.

Lakefront lot sale means Conneaut Lake Park taxing bodies get nearly $200K
The sale of the first of two lakefront lots by Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park has been completed for $260,000 with the net proceeds of almost $200,000 to be used toward the amusement park's past tax debt of more than $1 million.


Friday July 1, 2016

Suspicious bag forced Holiday World evacuation
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, will open at its normal scheduled time Friday after the amusement park was evacuated Thursday because of a suspicious backpack.

Dollywood opens autism calming room
Dollywood partnered with Autism Speaks to design the calming room, which has sensory-friendly toys like gently glowing lights and a cozy teepee tent.

Alabama amusement park closes permanently 2 months after opening
Lake City Amusement Park, open only since April, is closing because it has lost its funding source.

Cedar Fair theme parks and the American Red Cross partner to offer blood donors thrilling summer fun
All those who come to donate at select blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to any U.S. Cedar Fair theme park, including Cedar Point, Kings Island and others, while supplies last.

More details, potential name emerge for Universal Orlando's planned hotel
The hotel, dubbed Project 927, "consists of 600 hotel rooms within one new tower connected to a new parking garage to be constructed south of Sapphire Falls Resort," said city of Orlando documents.

NPH, Whoopi, Cal Ripken Jr. among Candlelight narrators
Walt Disney World has revealed a partial list of its narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional, a holiday presentation at Epcot.

Review of the News: January 4 – January 8

Monday January 4, 2015

3 Theme Park Operators That Beat Disney in 2015
Disney stock beat the market, but most publicly traded operators of theme parks and regional amusement parks actually performed even better.

Artist Charged With Attempted Murder in Theme Park Attack
Frederick Torres, 33, was charged with attempted first-degree murder for his attack on Glenn Ferguson at the Islands of Adventure park. Both artists draw caricatures at Universal's parks but work for an outside firm, Orlando-based Fasen Artists, Inc.


Tuesday January 5, 2015

Fans rally to say goodbye to popular Disney, Universal rides in Orlando
In Orlando, theme park fans are taking one last spin on of some of their favorite rides before they shut down for good to make way to flashier attractions.

New Dubai theme park seeks actors, dancers, singers
IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park which is scheduled to open in Dubai this year, is holding auditions for actors, singers and performers seeking a role in the park’s upcoming live entertainment shows.


Wednesday January 6, 2015

SeaWorld settles orca trainer safety citations
SeaWorld and California workplace regulators have reached a settlement over allegations that the park failed to train workers to safely interact with its killer whales.

Universal Orlando announces 2016 Mardi Gras concert lineup
The theme park announced its concert lineup for the annual New Orleans-themed celebration, with musical acts from a variety of genres, including rock, pop, R&B, and country.

Alton Towers to open Rollercoaster Restaurant with 400m food DROP
The food will tackle two gravity-defying loop-the-loops before dropping eight metres down a tornado spiral onto their table.

Six Flags files objections in slip-and-fall case
Six Flags Theme Parks is objecting on a number of fronts to a negligence suit filed against it, in response to a slip-and-fall accident from 2013.

Rain shutters Knott's, Magic Mountain while Disneyland, Universal Studios endure sogginess
Heavy rain shuttered two Southern California theme parks on Tuesday, while others remained open and slogged through the day.


Thursday January 7, 2015

Cedar Point’s annual calendar offers clues to when Valravn roller coaster will soar
Cedar Point’s recently released wall calendar lists May 6 as this year’s Season Passholder Preview Night. Historically that it is day the Sandusky amusement park opens its new attractions — weather, construction and ride testing deadlines permitting.

SeaWorld Orlando tops off new Mako coaster
The theme park shared an update of the new coaster's "topping off" where it installed the tallest point of the 200-foot ride, which will open later this year.

Dubai Parks and Resorts imports 300 year-old olive trees from Italy for landscaping
Dubai Parks and Resorts, the company developing the massive theme park project in Jebel Ali, said that it has imported 14 eight-metre tall olive trees ranging between the ages of 200 and 300 years from Italy to landscape its flagship project.

SeaWorld Sues State for Whale Breeding Ban
SeaWorld filed a lawsuit challenging the California Coastal Commission’s stipulation that bans the San Diego theme park from breeding captive orcas.

Starbucks coming to Knott's
Beginning in March, a 935-square-foot Starbucks will anchor the California MarketPlace just outside the park’s entrance.


Friday January 8, 2015

Knott's Partners with Susan G. Komen for a Third Year
Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are partnering, for a third year, to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering a special “Pink Ticket” and limited edition “pink” t-shirt, January 4 through March 18.

Animal Kingdom: A look at the 'floating mountain' illusion of Pandora
Held up and extended by steel beams, the mountain -- which more closely resembles a boulder with grass on top -- can best be seen from the parking lot, but there are some decent views near Pizzafari inside the park.

Busch Gardens offers new multi-park ticket plan
Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando are offering more flexible multi-park ticket offers this year designed to bring in more visitors.

Review of the News: November 2 – November 6

Monday November 2, 2015

Dollywood theme park denies responsibility for woman 'left brain damaged after falling from a ride'

Dollywood amusement park denies responsibility for a woman who was allegedly left suffering from a brain injury after falling from a revolving swing ride - and claims she jumped.

SeaWorld ticket prices increase, offers discounts on passes

SeaWorld Orlando's general-admission prices increased $2 today, the theme-park company announced.  Single-day admission now costs $99 for adults. Tickets cost $94 for children younger than 10. Discounts are available for advance purchases online, the park said.

SeaWorld adds new leader of investment relations
A new executive has joined the ranks at SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. just days before it will reportedly reveal a new strategy to stabilize and grow the company.

USJ drew record number of visitors in October
The Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka had its best month ever in October, drawing around 1.75 million visitors as Halloween events attracted a large number of non-Japanese and families.

Alton Towers' Fireworks Spectacular is back to dazzle
For the first time in recent years, the show will present new live performance featuring six musicians and an eccentric inventor which will combine illuminated dance, acting and striking special effects. Plus, there is to be "an incredible surprise showpiece" which brings lights, lasers and sound in a "new and memorable way".


Tuesday November 3, 2015

Carowinds donates to Operation Christmas Child
More than 30,000 toys and novelties donated by the Carowinds theme park are headed to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

Beginning of the end is near for Osborne Lights at Disney
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which has become a holiday staple, will run nightly through Jan. 3. The company announced in September that this would be the last year for the lights "in order to prepare for some incredible experiences coming to the park," namely the uplands with "Toy Story" and "Star Wars" themes.

Busch Gardens Tampa raises daily ticket prices
Busch Gardens is pushing ever closer to the $100 admission threshold, with prices for daily tickets purchased at the front gate rising $2 to $99.

Theme park to bring ‘Hunger Games’ to Bartow County Georgia
Developers of the planned special effects-driven Avatron Park near Lake Allatoona announced a deal with the film company Lionsgate that could bring attractions based on films like the Hunger Games.

Sweden to house refugees in Wild West theme park
Sweden’s Migration Agency is now so desperate for rooms in which to house this autumn’s unexpected surge in refugees that it has signed a deal with High Chaparral, an amusement park in rural southern Sweden, to house 400 people.


Wednesday November 4, 2015

20th Century Fox World theme park planned for Dubai
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, a division of 21st Century Fox, is planning to build a theme park and resort in Dubai that will highlight Fox brands such as “Ice Age,” “Aliens” and “Titanic.”


Thursday November 5, 2015

Cedar Fair Reports Record Third Quarter; Increases Quarterly Cash Distribution By 10%
Cedar Fair, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today reported record results for its third quarter ended September 27, 2015 and announced a 10% increase in its quarterly cash distribution.

SeaWorld Entertainment Announces Quarterly Earnings Results, Misses Expectations By $-0.04 EPS
The company reported $1.14 Earnings Per Share for the quarter, missing the analyst consensus estimate by $-0.04.

China to give Disney special trademark before theme park
China will give special trademark protection to Walt Disney Co as the iconic US firm prepares to open its first theme park in mainland China next year, a regulator said on Thursday.

Dubai theme park to have 56m freefall tower called 'Zombieland'
The specifics of two rides have been revealed by the company behind the major leisure development including Zombieland, a 56-metre high free fall tower.

Dreamworld's owner had a big jump in revenue but its shares are tanking
Investors sold down Ardent Leisure despite reporting a 19.3% lift in September quarter revenue to $165.96 million.

Neighbors share opinions on theme park wastewater plans
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality held a public hearing Wednesday evening on a permit request by Michigan's Adventure.

Boy, family seek $2 million from Silver Dollar City for injury on ride
A boy from Republic and his family are seeking medical expenses and $2 million in punitive damages from Silver Dollar City after an accident on a ride injured him last spring.


Friday November 6, 2015

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer returns to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer leads Santa’s sleigh back to Pigeon Forge for Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 7 – Jan. 3).

Coney Island in Ohio plans to make a big splash in 2016
Coney Island is planning to build the most ambitious water attraction in its history to help mark the Cincinnati-area amusement park’s 130th anniversary.

5 new waterslides being added to Quassy
Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark said five new slides began taking shape on Thursday as part of its Splash Away Bay attraction.

Disney theme parks end 2015 with strong attendance, hotel occupancy
For the fourth quarter ending Oct. 3, Disney's theme park business reported a 10 percent increase in revenue to nearly $4.4 billion from $3.9 billion for the same time last year.

Work begins on Universal's Jimmy Fallon ride
The winds have barely died down from the Twister ride at Universal Studios theme park, and work is already underway on its replacement, Ride Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.