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 6 – February 10

Monday February 6, 2017

Coney Island boardwalk could see more rides as city pursues development
A joint request for proposals (RFP) from the New York City Economic Development Corporations and the Parks Department will be released Monday, calling for the development and operation of five parcels along the boardwalk smack in the middle of the amusement district.

Family of girl killed after being flung off amusement park ride to receive 870,000 yuan in compensation
The family of a 13-year-old girl who was tragically killed on Friday afternoon after being thrown from her seat on a spinning amusement park ride will receive 870,000 yuan ($126,000) in compensation.


Tuesday February 7, 2017

Universal Orlando Offering Ticket Deal for Two Free Days
To take advantage of the offer, all four days covered by the offer must be used within one week of the first visit and each day must be used by May 31.

Cannabis farm found in derelict cottage near Legoland theme park
Marijuana plants were found on the property during "routine checks" by the staff at Legoland Windsor on Monday.

Disney World keeping annual passholders' express line awhile
Walt Disney World’s theme parks will be keeping their express line for annual passholders for a while, a spokeswoman says.

Darien Lake offers free park admission for concertgoers
Each ticket purchased for a concert at the Performing Arts Center will include complimentary same day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park.

Dreamland in Margate reveals Arrowgrass Capital Partners to put up £15 million to go towards park's regeneration
The theme park revealed the news today as a loan agreement was extended between Cayman Islands-based investment firm Arrowgrass Capital Partners and the park's operator Sands Heritage.


Wednesday February 8, 2017

Six Flags and Samsung unveil 'mixed reality' rollercoaster
Virtual images blend with the real world via the Gear VR's passthrough camera option.

Disney's 'Star Wars' and 'Avatar' theme parks are coming sooner than you expect
Disney's Star Wars theme parks will open in 2019, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger.  Meanwhile, the World of Avatar park will open on May 27 this year.


Thursday February 9, 2017

Judge dismisses man's claims of ownership of Conneaut Lake Park
A federal bankruptcy court judge has dismissed a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park's claims of ownership of the amusement park and its water company.

Disney sets 'Rivers of Light' debut and replaces 'Wishes' fireworks show
Rivers of Light,” the first nighttime spectacular planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will debut Feb. 17, Walt Disney World announced Thursday morning.  In addition, Disney announced that it was replacing “Wishes,” the evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom theme park, with a new production called “Happily Ever After.”

Universal's Mardi Gras marches on
The 2017 event will run 50 consecutive nights. That’s 50 bead-throwing, Cajun-food-craving, New Orleans-inspired, complete-with-parade straight evenings at Universal Studios theme park.


Friday February 10, 2017

Kentucky Kingdom holding job fair Saturday in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom is holding a job fair this weekend as it looks to hire 1,400 workers for the summer season.

Rye Playland construction stalled by city lawsuit
Progress on a slew of multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest: Full Concert Lineup Set
Tampa Bay area residents and visitors eager for next month’s opening of Busch Gardens annual Food & Wine Fest may have a few more reasons to put a trip to the theme park on their agendas.

Disney World rolling out MagicBand 2 gear
MagicBand 2, as Disney has dubbed them, has a thinner design and a pop-out disc that can be inserted into the new MagicKeepers, which carry the disc via carabiner clip or lanyard clip.

Disney bails out European theme park again with $2 billion
Disney said Friday that the operation’s financial position has been “significantly and negatively impacted” by the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris and what it described as “challenging business conditions” in Europe.

Disney World on track to raise ticket prices
Disney will continue to increase single-day ticket prices because, analysts say, the park aims to get the multi-day guest who stays longer and spends more.

Dollywood gives sneak peek at construction projects
The projects range from new rides, including the construction of the 200-foot free-fall ride the Drop Line and kid roller coaster Whistle Punk Chaser, to remodeling restaurants and other buildings in the park.

Review of the News: September 12 – September 16

Monday September 12, 2016

Carowinds' Fury 325 named one of world's best roller coasters
Fury 325 won the “No. 1 Steel Coaster in the World” award Saturday at the Golden Ticket Awards ceremony in Sandusky, Ohio.

Holiday World continues Golden Ticket tradition
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s Wildebeest water coaster took top honors once again during the 2016 Golden Ticket Awards ceremony.

3 Pennsylvania amusement parks named best of the best in international awards
Pennsylvania amusement parks are home to the best food, carousel, children's park and funhouse in the world. At least, that's what the polls say.

Europa Park named world's best amusement park
Germany's biggest amusement park, the Europa Park in the town of Rust near Freiburg, has beaten the global competition to win the award for best amusement park in the world for the third straight year.


Tuesday September 13, 2016

Dollywood takes several top amusement park top honors at the Golden Ticket Awards
The theme park picked up four "best of" awards and placed in the top-five in five other categories.

Man threatens to bomb Cedar Point
An unidentified suspect made bomb threats against Cedar Point on Sunday, but local officials quickly determined the threat was not credible.


Wednesday September 14, 2016

California Law Bans SeaWorld Orca Shows
California Gov. Jerry Brown is approving legislation requiring SeaWorld to follow through on its plan to end killer whale breeding and entertainment shows.

Sum of All Thrills, StormStruck closed
The Sum of All Thrills and StormStruck, two exhibits within the Innoventions area of Epcot, closed for good on Tuesday, a Walt Disney World spokeswoman confirmed.


Thursday September 15, 2016

Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce ranked top wooden roller coaster
The Boulder Dash coaster at Lake Compounce in Bristol outscored the competition. The Wooden Warrior coaster at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury also cracked the top 50, coming in at 46.

Italian fest to return to Delgrosso's
This Sunday is the annual Italian Food and Heritage Festival at Delgrosso's Amusement Park.

Coney Island to host world's largest waterless pool party
It’s the world’s largest waterless pool party, and it happens Saturday, Sept. 24 at historic Cincinnati Coney Island Amusement Park on the banks of the Ohio River.

Legoland adding to Star Wars land, water park
Capitalizing on the popularity of all things “Star Wars,” Legoland will add still more iconic characters and scenes to its themed miniland next year, drawing inspiration from last year’s “The Force Awakens.”


Friday September 16, 2016

Last rites Friday for Cedar Point’s ‘Mean Streak’
The ride officials at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park call “the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world” has its last trips and scares on Friday.

Halloween Horror Nights 2016 survival guide
Universal Studios begins its 26th round of Halloween Horror Nights this weekend. The format remains the same, but there will be fresh offerings among the theme park's haunted-house mazes, scare zones and stage shows.

Review of the News: March 7 – March 11

Monday March 7, 2015

Magic Springs Theme Park reopening in April
After a long winter, Magic Springs Theme Park is back for family magic and set to open Saturday, April 9.

Red carpet rolled out for premiere of new movie at Legoland Windsor
Celebrities including the X-Files’ Gillian Anderson and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton were among the star studded guests who attended the first ever screening of ‘The Lego Movie 4D A New Adventure’.

Where You'll Find Nintendo's First Theme Park Rides
The companies announced on Saturday that the first rides based on the video game giant’s collection of characters will be located in Osaka, Japan. Universal hopes to have the attraction completed in time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Hong Kong Disneyland drops bombshell as it announces sudden resignation of managing director for ‘personal reasons’
Hong Kong Disneyland dropped a bombshell late yesterday, ­announcing that managing director Andrew Kam had resigned “for personal reasons” and would be replaced by the theme park’s vice-president of operations, Samuel Lau.

Fantasy Island: 'Exciting future' for theme park after buyout
Leisure company the Mellors Group, which already owns a theme park in Dubai called Fantasy Island, has bought the attraction for an undisclosed fee.

Universal Studios Japan attracts record number of visitors in fiscal 2015
Universal Studios Japan has attracted a record number of visitors in fiscal 2015, topping the previous 12.7 million mark set the year before, the Osaka theme park operator said Monday.


Tuesday March 8, 2015

Turkey legs no longer at Animal Kingdom
If you're in the mood for a juicy turkey leg, you're out of luck at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. The theme park is no longer selling the jumbo item, which has garnered an urban myth and a fan following that strong enough to inspire a T-shirt sold at Walt Disney World.


Wednesday March 9, 2015

Health of Tilikum the killer whale is deteriorating, SeaWorld says
The health of SeaWorld's killer whale Tilikum is deteriorating, the amusement park said, explaining that the aging whale has become increasingly lethargic.

Coney Island Carousel Finally Receives Historic Status
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Tuesday that B&B Carousell was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Warner theme park used pirated music for years, gets small fine
A Spanish theme park operated by Warner Bros., called Parque Warner, has been found guilty of playing unlicensed music to its customers for over six years.


Thursday March 10, 2015

Busch Gardens to open 2016 season March 20
Busch Gardens will open on March 20.  The theme park will be open every day for spring break through April 10, according to a news release.


Friday March 11, 2015

Plans For Rye Playland Include New Rides, Restaurants
Soon-to-be operator Standard Amusements LLC said it would add $30 million to the $58 million the county already plans to invest as part of the deal to spruce up the troubled park, lohud.com reported.

Disney looks into $15 resort fee
A Disney spokesperson pointed out the company constantly does guest surveys, and the latest one asks guests if they would be willing to pay a $15 per night resort fee.

Review of the News: February 1 – February 5

Monday February 1, 2015

Construction of new Tivoli attraction put on hold
The construction of Tivoli’s new attraction Fatamorgana, which had been expected to open this summer, has been put on hold because the amusement park lacks the necessary building permits, reports DR.

Man bitten by snake at Gold Coast theme park
The 32-year-old stepped on the snake while visiting Sea World on Monday and suffered a single bite to his foot.


Tuesday February 2, 2015

Epcot: Flower & Garden Festival adds more food plus Huey, Dewey, Louie
Walt Disney World has revealed more details about the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which begins its record 90-day run on March 2.

Jackson residents: 9 complaints on solar farm
For the first time in more than 20 hours of testimony, township residents were able to speak their minds about a proposed solar farm in a forest on Six Flags Great Adventure property.

Giant red dragon arrives at Legoland Dubai
The 4m-long Red Dragon, which is made from 230,000 Lego bricks, will guard treasure as part of a rollercoaster ride.


Wednesday February 3, 2015

Armed man arrested at Disneyland Paris avoids jail
A man who tried to take two handguns into a hotel at the Disneyland amusement park in Paris was sentenced Tuesday by a court to six months wearing an electronic tag for arms possession, after investigators decided not to press terrorism charges.

Comcast Corp. confirms $130M land buy 'adjacent to an existing theme park'
Comcast Corp., the parent company of Universal Orlando Resort, confirmed Feb. 3 it paid $130 million for 475 acres of land "adjacent to an existing theme park" — essentially announcing it now owns the mass of land along Universal Boulevard, even though officials didn't offer additional details yet.

Shanghai Disneyland Unveils Ticket Prices
Standard tickets for Shanghai Disneyland will cost 370 yuan, or $56, with online ticket sales set to begin late next month ahead of June’s planned opening, the company said.

Legoland Malaysia Resort launches experience-based English learning programme
Legoland Malaysia Resort has introduced English Mania, an  experienced-based learning programme for students, in the theme park. 

Universal Studios unveils online ticketing system just in time for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The system, known as EZ Rez, will offer discounts of up to $20 on tickets, depending on the day. Tickets purchased at the gate are $95, but for a non-peak day, advance tickets purchased online can drop as low as $75.

Universal updates virtual-beads Mardi Gras app
The app, available for download for iPhone and Android, has a scavenger-hunt feel that includes four different tracks: music lovers, food lovers, family night and date night.


Thursday February 4, 2015

Wonderla to invest Rs150 crore to expand Bengaluru amusement park
Wonderla Holidays Ltd, an amusement park and resort operator, signed a Memorandum Of Understanding committing to invest Rs 150 crore over the next two years to expand its existing amusement park in Bidadi (Bengaluru), India.

Bronx Woman Suing Six Flags Over Violent Waterslide Collision, Lawsuit Says
A Parkchester woman is suing Six Flags Great Adventure over an ill-fated ride on the amusement park's King Cobra waterslide that left her badly injured, court documents say.


Friday February 5, 2015

Social media reaction to Dorney Park's dismissal of special needs employee
Affter a wave of social media outrage, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom officials on Friday said that a 29-year-old special needs man who has cleaned bathrooms at the amusement park for 12 seasons would not be dismissed after all.

Brooklyn lawmaker again pushes landmark status for Coney Island’s boardwalk
As the city plans to change some of the materials used for the promenade that evokes Jazz Age shenanigans, City Councilman Mark Treyger continues his push to landmark the historic wooden-planked path.

Beijing amusement park gears up for New Year celebrations
Festivities were already well underway on Friday at Beijing's Shijingshan Amusement Park, where revelers are expected to descend en masse for next week's Chinese New Year and Spring Festival celebrations.

Court reschedules deadline for Conneaut Lake Park's bankruptcy plan
U.S. Bankruptcy Court has rescheduled the deadline for Conneaut Lake Park's Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan until late March in the wake of a federally-ordered mediation session held last month.

Ocean Park loses over a million visitors in 2015 – biggest drop in years
Ocean Park has seen a dip in visitors of 14 percent over the past year. In 2014, Ocean Park saw a total of 7.8 million visits – the highest number ever recorded. However, ticket sales slumped by over a million in 2015 to 6.7 million.

Alton Towers submit plans to extend Enchanted Village accommodation
Staffordshire theme park Alton Towers has unveiled plans to build extra lodges in its accommodation area, after seeing bookings for the resort soar.

Darien Lake plans new water slide attraction
The newest attraction coming to Darien Lake this summer will be a twisting rush of color pitting up to six racers down a sliding, 300-foot long water-slide raceway.

Islands of Adventure: Hulk roller coaster on way back up
The Incredible Hulk roller coaster is being rebuilt, and theme-park visitors now can see parts of the bright green rail being put back into place inside Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Review of the News: November 16 – November 20

Monday November 16, 2015

Westchester ready to co-manage Playland in 2016
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said he wrote his 2016 budget proposal with the assumption the private company set to manage Playland will go through with the deal.

Body of Rye Woman, 88, Found in Lake at Playland
The body of a deceased elderly woman was discovered floating in the lake outside the gates at Playland in Rye Saturday, according to county police.


Tuesday November 17, 2015

Millions of lights sparkle at Hersheypark's Candylane
The amusement park in Hershey twinkles with 4 million lights now through Dec. 31, doubling the number of lights in displays in previous years

Tsavo arrives home at Disney from the National Elephant Center
The 7-year-old elephant has arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where he was born, after spending two years at the National Elephant Center in Fellsmere.

Details revealed of two Hunger Games rides for Dubai theme park
The two rides will include an immersive adventure which will take guests through the Capitol on board a hovercraft to see the world of Panem.  The second ride will be a launched roller coaster which transports guests from District 12 to the Capitol via a super high-speed Capitol bullet train.

Alton Towers: A seasonal treat for families over Christmas and the New Year
With a fun combination of rides in CBeebies Land, Mutiny Bay and Cloud Cuckoo Land on offer in the theme park, and Christmas activities to keep all the family entertained, it's the perfect place to begin celebrating this festive season.

Universal Studios Hollywood: New Annual Passes Announced
Universal Studios Hollywood announced on that a trio of new annual passes will be available "effective immediately."


Wednesday November 18, 2015

Saudi firm injects 49m euros into Euro Disney
A firm owned by a Saudi prince said on Wednesday it has injected €49.2 million (Dh192 billion, $52.37 million) into the struggling Euro Disney theme park operator under a recapitalisation plan.

New Star Tours scene, shops and more take shape at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The theme park has incorporated scenes and characters from the upcoming "The Force Awakens" motion picture to its existing Star Tours attraction.

Legoland Resorts announces new Ninjago The Ride
Legoland Resorts announced Tuesday that a ride based on the Lego Ninjago toy line and cartoon series will be built in Legoland California Resort.

Baton Rouge amusement accused of letting its 50-year-old chimpanzee smoke cigarettes and drink soda
A Louisiana amusement park is being accused of letting an elderly female chimpanzee smoke cigarettes and drink soft drinks.  Candy the chimp is believed to be around 50 years old and has lived with the owners of the Dixie Landin' amusement park in Baton Rouge for 40 years.  


Thursday November 19, 2015

Environmental group alleges Worlds of Fun pollutes water
The Missouri Coalition for the Environment filed the suit this week in federal court against Worlds of Fun and its owner, Sandusky, Ohio-based Cedar Fair. The lawsuit alleges that the park has violated its discharge permit for at least the past five years.

Alabama Splash Adventure adds new rides, amenities
Two new rides will be added to the park, including a Drop Zone that will raise up to six guests of all ages nearly 30 feet in the air, the company said in a release.

Ghost Town rebranded; Theme park to become Appalachian Village
The mountaintop park in Maggie Valley, which has been known for its western town façade with choreographed gunfights and saloon dancers since it opened in the late 1960s, will be turned into Ghost Town Village.

Thomas Land: Magical Christmas is coming to Drayton Manor
Visitors will be transported into a winter wonderland when they enter the park, as Europe’s only Thomas Land has been draped in Christmas cheer with decorations, festive music and fairy lights

Holy Land Experience to get mini-golf course
The theme park announced Wednesday that it is adding a 9-hole miniature golf course.   The course, called "Trin-I-Tee," will start with Noah's Ark and end with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Friday November 20, 2015

Coney Island's Wonder Wheel set to open on New Year's Day for first time
The owners of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park say they plan to open the ride on the first day of 2016 as long as the weather cooperates.