Review of the News: March 13 – March 17

Monday March 13, 2017

Amusement Park Structure Collapses After Crash, Felony Charges Expected
The historic Lakeside Amusement Park will have to replace a parking structure after a 34-year-old man crashed his car into the pillar of the structure.

Thorpe Park's most terrifying attraction is now scarier than ever
Feedback revealed guests wanted the experience to be deeper, darker and more intense.  So this year, a VR scene which was deleted last year due to fears guests would find the content too intense, has been resurrected.

First look: Miss Adventure Falls at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has debuted its new water slide dubbed Miss Adventure Falls. Eager riders went there straightaway Sunday morning.


Tuesday March 14, 2017

Fiesta Texas president says “unprecedented” additions planned for Six Flags park
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which opened on March 14, 1992, will unveil several new events and attractions this season. But some of the more significant changes are yet to come.

Activist hedge fund opposes Walt Disney's move on Disneyland Paris
Paris-based CIAM, which owns 1.4 percent of Euro Disney shares, has written to the board of the French company to object to what it believes are plans by Walt Disney to force out minority shareholders.

Cooler weather prompts water parks' closure at Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland
The forecast of colder weather has prompted the closure of water parks at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando.


Wednesday March 15, 2017

Midnight Syndicate announces scary return to Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends
The park and Midnight Syndicate — the Northeast Ohio musicians who pen frightful soundtracks for haunted houses nationwide — have announced that they are once again teaming up for the Sandusky amusement park’s scary fall weekends.

Conneaut Lake Park trustees close to selling more property to make up tax debt
Approval of the sale of two more lots at Conneaut Lake will be sought in federal court next month by Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.

Wild Adventures ready for spring break
Wild Adventures will be open Thursday through Sunday during March and open every day March 30 through April 9 to help area students and their families enjoy spring break. The park returns to weekend only operations April 14 and begins summer daily operation on May 18.

New balloon ride set to open at Drayton Manor Park
James and the Red Balloon, set to delight visitors from Saturday, April 1, is based on the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine character James - the red engine - and his naughty antics with a hot air balloon.

Universal Studios Beijing Will Create a Whopping 40,000 Jobs
The highly-anticipated Universal Studios Beijing will be the largest ever Universal theme park. Construction on the park began in Tongzhou late last year, and it is now being reported that the massive project will bring 40,000 jobs to Beijing

Visitor numbers steadily rising at Alton Towers after a drop in wake of Smiler crash
The Staffordshire theme park is reporting a steady rise in the number of visitors in the wake of the Smiler roller coaster crash in 2015.

SeaWorld expands new food festival's schedule
SeaWorld Orlando is adding days to its new Seven Seas Food Festival. Starting Friday, the event will be a part of the theme park’s lineup every day through April 16.


Thursday March 16, 2017

ZDT’s draws crowds with thrilling rides
The park, which averages around 128,000 visitors per year and 12,000 to 15,000 a week during the spring and summer, gets roughly 95 percent of its business from out-of-town guests — most of which from the San Antonio and Houston areas.

New Kings Island Coaster Ride Vehicles Draw Inspiration from Classic Chevrolet Pickup Truck
The ride vehicles of Mystic Timbers, the newest roller coaster at Kings Island, appear to be based upon a classic Chevrolet C-10 truck model

Santa's Land: Potential new owner hopes to re-open park this summer
Santa's Land in Putney could re-open this summer if the Windham County Probate Court gives a Connecticut man the OK to buy the property.

Pirates of Caribbean celebrates 50th anniversary at Disneyland
Launched on March 18, 1967, the original "Pirates" ride featured a 1,838-foot flume with a 12-minute running time, making it one of the longest theme park rides in existence.


Friday March 17, 2017

New Dimension Comics Joins Kennywood on Father’s Day to Present Super-Sized Event: Kennywood Comicon
Featuring comic book vendors, artists, creators, and pop culture attractions, Comicon will descend upon the home of Kenny Kangaroo, the Phantom and the Jack Rabbit on Sunday, June 18.

Kansas Lawmakers Pushing for Amusement Park Regulations
If passed, the measure would require a park's insurance company to hire experienced engineers for inspections rather than a private inspection.

Three offers to buy New Orleans' Six Flags park shunned as site's future remains unclear
A committee reviewing proposals from three developers who hoped to buy the property from the city's Industrial Development Board declined Thursday to recommend accepting any of them, citing a lack of solid financial commitments.

Body of newborn found at sewage disposal plant of Tokyo Disneyland
The police suspect that the child, whose sex was not immediately clear, was dumped within the seaside theme park because the facility treats sewer water from there.

Lightwater Valley: Four new attractions - and a special guest - announced for new season
Four new attractions and a visit from a children’s TV star have been announced at Lightwater Valley.

More Harry Potter Magic Coming to Universal Japan
Beginning on April 21, Universal Japan will dazzle the nighttime sky with an all new Harry Potter show.

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: May 30 – June 3

Monday May 30, 2016

Memorial Day!  Most regional parks are now open for the season.


Tuesday May 31, 2016

Jersey Shore employers look abroad for workers
Pressed to fill thousands of job openings, the Shore’s tourism employers are turning overseas to find enough workers to get them through the summer.

Universal Orlando increases gate ticket prices during 'peak times'
Universal Orlando is adding seasonal pricing and increasing its one-day tickets sold at the gate during peak times, according to a theme park spokesperson.

Disney vows to take action against park
Walt Disney said it's prepared to take action to protect its intellectual property rights after performers dressed as Snow White and Captain America were sighted at Dalian Wanda Group Co's new theme park and entertainment complex in China.


Wednesday June 1, 2016

Blue Streak expected to be in operation Friday at Conneaut Lake Park
The roller coaster will be in operation Friday when the park opens at noon for the weekend, said Mark Turner, executive director of Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.


Thursday June 2, 2016

Disney Threatens To 'Take Action' Over Character Infringement
The feud between Chinese real estate and entertainment giant, Dalian Wanda, and Walt Disney Co. has continued to escalate.

Universal's Volcano Bay work grows amid I-4 construction
Travelers along Interstate 4 south of downtown Orlando are familiar with an array of construction these days.

Wild Adventures welcomes lion cubs
A pair of African lion cubs will become the latest animal exhibit at Wild Adventures Theme park starting Thursday.


Friday June 3, 2016

Great Escape to increase police presence in park
The Great Escape amusement park has requested that the Warren County Sheriff’s Office station a police officer in the park whenever the park is open this year, and has agreed to pay the county $55,000 for the cost of the patrols.

Legoland has 'no plans' to introduce ride which council spent £95,435 trying to block
Legoland has revealed it has no plans to build a controversial haunted house ride at its Windsor theme park, despite winning a planning appeal which cost the Royal Borough more than £95,000.

Ghost Town announces decision to sell
According to the announcement, the theme park will be placed on the market for sale, in whole or in part.

Review of the News: March 28 – April 1

Monday March 28, 2015

Opening Day Tickets for Shanghai Disney Are Already Sold Out
The debut of Walt Disney’s Shanghai theme park, the first in mainland China, is off to an encouraging start as tickets for the resort’s June opening date sold out quickly online.

French Marine Park Sued by an Environmentalist activist Group Over Mistreatment of Animals and Environment Pollution
Environmental activists filed a legal complaint against a marine park in France following its treatment on its Orca whales as well as other animals on the park after the said animals were perished during a storm.

Dubai Parks & Resorts presses ahead with Six Flags theme park
The Dubai listed operator has approved plans for a share issue to fund a Six Flags theme park next to the three parks it plans to open near the Sheikh Zayed Road on the outskirts of the city.


Tuesday March 29, 2015

Theme park visitors banned from screaming or shouting on new rollercoaster
Thrillseekers are being urged to keep quiet when riding The Big One at The Big Sheep amusement park in Bideford, Devon, in a bid to keep neighbours happy.


Wednesday March 30, 2015

Westchester extends Playland deal opt-out to April
The management company chosen to run Playland amusement park has gotten a second, and likely final, extension on its deadline to back out of the deal.

Wild West theme park where employee was shot denied gun dealer license
The owner of the Wild West City amusement park can't renew a retail firearms dealer's license in the wake of a bizarre accidental shooting there 10 years ago, a state court has ruled.


Thursday March 31, 2015

Great America readies long-term 'master plan' for more rides, 'entertainment district'
The owners of Santa Clara’s Great America have a message for you: Despite rumors to the contrary, the South Bay theme park is here to stay, and it plans to get a lot bigger and better.

Share-your-fear contest picks first riders for Phobia Phear Coaster at Lake Compounce
With the launch of its Phobia Phear Coaster, Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol, Connecticut, is inviting guests to share their deepest, darkest fears.  Twelve visitors will be chosen to be the first to ride Phobia on Lake Compounce's opening day, May 7, at 11 a.m.

Ice sculpting duel added to Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
The addition is part of the festival's food exhibit and takes place in Gwazi Plaza on select days, including April 16, 17, 23 and 24.

SeaWorld Orlando opens manatee-rehab area to guests
Everyday visitors now are allowed into a section named Manatee Rehabilitation, where they can see treatment that puts ailing sea cows back in their natural habitats.


Friday April 1, 2015

Adventureland's Monster roller coaster coming to life
So far, the roller coaster's construction is on track for a June opening. It replaces the much-beloved Log Ride, which crews began removing after Labor Day.

The Last Remaining ‘Back to the Future’ Ride Is Closing
The BTTF ride remained open at Universal Studios Japan until now. It closes there on May 31, despite the fact that the line for the ride remains as long as two hours on some days.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort partners with Autism Speaks to raise awareness
Expanding its efforts to accommodate guests with special needs LEGOLAND Florida Resort is partnering with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, to make its iconic, kid-centric theme park a more welcoming place for guests with autism.

Review of the News: March 21 – March 25

Monday March 21, 2015

You can help name a Virginia roller coaster
The ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg will have a "Viking invasion" theme and, evoking the old style of roller coaster construction, will be made of wood.


Tuesday March 22, 2015

Disneyland Food & Wine Festival returns
After a six-year absence, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns from April 1 to May 1, 2016.

Pleasureland unveils new £5m Southport Eye as town's tallest landmark
A new Southport Eye, now the town’s tallest structure, will begin turning this Easter, part of a landmark multi-million pound investment at Southport Pleasureland.

Nagoya amusement park in hot water for safety mishaps
The safety mishaps occurred at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where all 16 attractions have since been suspended for safety checks.

Miracle Strip rides sold and removed from property
There's a visual reminder that Miracle Strip Amusement Park will not be reopening in Panama City Beach. All of the rides have been broken down, sold, and hauled off.

Westchester Lawmaker Proposes New 30/30 Playland Deal
Westchester County, and the company it is working with to revamp Playland, would each fork over $30 million under a new deal being floated by the county Board of Legislators' chairman, according to a report on lohud.com

Cedar Point amusement park says track is finished on its new dive coaster
Park officials in Sandusky tell The News-Messenger in Fremont that the track has been completed and crews now are focusing on landscaping, electric and computer work.

Thrill-seekers are left hanging upside down screaming in terror after a BIRD brings rollercoaster to halt at a Chinese theme park
The thrill-seekers were upside down on the halted Crystal Wing ride at Beijing's Happy Valley Amusement Park for almost 20 minutes on March 19, the People's Daily Online reports.

Fate of controversial Six Flags solar farm could be decided Wednesday
Testimony from a handful of people is apparently all that is left in the grueling process that has been Six Flags Great Adventure's application to construct a 66-acre solar farm.

Six Flags to open parks in Vietnam
Grand Prairie-based Six Flags (NYSE: SIX), announced Monday a strategic partnership with NaVi Entertainment, a private company in Ho Chi Minh City, to build a theme park and water park under the Six Flags and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor brands.

Wonderla Holidays readies its third theme park at Hyderabad
Wonderla Holidays Limited is hoping to earn Rs 60 crore in top-line in the first year from its third amusement park to be opened next month in Hyderabad.

Student dies falling off Fantasy Kingdom ride
A first year student of BAF Shaheen College died yesterday after falling from a water ride in Fantasy Kingdom, a theme park in the outskirts of the capital in Ashulia, Savar.

Dubai theme park confirms white-knuckle rollercoasters
After a year of teasers, motiongate Dubai has now confirmed exactly how 13 Hollywood blockbusters will be re-imagined.

Universal Studios Hollywood raises daily ticket prices ahead of Harry Potter opening
The prices of daily tickets sold at the front gate jumped over the weekend to $115 from $95, according to the theme park's website.

Walt Disney World Introducing New ‘Disney After Hours’ Paid Event at Magic Kingdom
An announcement has been made on Monday afternoon, revealing that Magic Kingdom park is going to introduce “Disney After Hours” for the months of April and May where guests can pay an extra fee to enjoy different attractions late into the night.

Fire disrupts Disney’s Lion King show at Animal Kingdom
A small fire broke out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando on Monday afternoon, forcing Walt Disney World park officials to evacuate about 1,000 guests.


Wednesday March 23, 2015

Conneaut Lake Park leaders could put nearly $490K toward debts with sale of lakefront lots
Proposed sales of two lakefront lots on Conneaut Lake may help Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park clear almost $490,000 toward its debts.

A ‘monster’ change is coming to Adventureland
Construction is under way for Adventureland’s first new roller coaster in more than 20 years, The Monster.

Knoebels: Free-admission park still growing at 90
Knoebels Amusement Resort has expanded greatly since it opened on July 4, 1926, with a borrowed steam-powered merry-go-round, a pool and a few food stands.


Thursday March 24, 2015

The Screamin' Eagle at Six Flags is turning 40
When Six Flags St. Louis opens for the 2016 season, its flagship ride reaches a milestone. On April 10, 1976, the longest, fastest and largest roller coaster ride in the world made its debut.

Six Flags theme park gets OK to cut 15K trees for solar farm
Jackson Township’s planning board on Tuesday granted a request by Six Flags Great Adventure and KDC Solar to move forward with a project that opponents argue will have a devastating effect on the environment.

Oakwood Theme Park is back for Easter - and Megafobia has had a birthday makeover!
To mark the occasion, the the high-thrill ride has been decked out with a new gold and silver livery, and as part of the celebrations the park is also planning a weekend of special events and activities around April 30, the coaster's opening day in 1996.

Carowinds unveils newest attraction: Plants vs. Zombies
The attraction, located on the south end of the park behind the Afterburn roller coaster, is based on a popular video-game franchise from PopCap Games that pits – duh, what else? – plants against zombies.

Enchanted Forest: Oregon theme park marks 45 years
It started with $4,000 and an empty 20 acres south of Salem in 1964.

Disney's Halloween party gets early start
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is getting an early start on the holiday in 2016. The first night of the event will be Sept. 2-- three days before Labor Day and more than eight weeks before Halloween.


Friday March 25, 2015

Coney Island’s Luna Park Amusement Park Opens
Coney’s Island Luna Park is opening at noon Friday for the season.  An opening day ceremony will be held Saturday.

Kentucky Kingdom getting major gateway sign
A major new sign identifying Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay that will go at Gate 2 off Crittenden Drive has been approved by the Kentucky State Fair Board.

Disney: Very Merry Christmas Party starts Nov. 7
We now have the dates for the 2016 edition of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours, extra-ticket holiday event at Magic Kingdom, courtesy of the Walt Disney World website.

Review of the News: February 22 – February 26

Monday February 22, 2015

Cedar Point Raises Admission, Announces the Closure of Three Rides
As the Valravn roller coaster construction nears completion, the park is also shuttering three rides: Shoot the Rapids water ride, Skyscraper and Challenge Racing.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to open Flying Aces coaster this week
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has begun the countdown to unveil its all new record-breaking roller coaster Flying Aces later this week on February 24.

New rides, promotions help Six Flags enjoy record year
The company saw its revenue grow by $88 million, or 7.5 percent, to $1.3 billion over 2014, marking the sixth consecutive year of record financial performance, John Duffey, chief financial officer of the Grand Prairie, Texas-based company, said during a conference call on Thursday.

A theme park is selling a host of unusual items on eBay including a wooden log flume
Dreamland, which is based in Margate, revealed in December that it had debts of £2.9million following a summer of transport problems.  It agreed a five-year deal to pay back its creditors, and is trying to raise £500,000 by selling off some of its items.

Legoland Windsor unveil biggest Lego structure in the UK ever
Theme park staff have unveiled the biggest Lego structure in the UK ever - a scale model of the DEATH STAR.

Disney shares 'first look' at Star Wars lands
A segment during Sunday night's broadcast of "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60," introduced by actor Harrison Ford, showed several "concept renderings" of attractions coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.


Tuesday February 23, 2015

Autism Speaks Walk moves out of Dorney Park, citing treatment of special needs worker
The annual Lehigh Valley Autism Speaks Walk, which attracts roughly 5,000 supporters, is moving out of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom this year — yet another event cutting ties with the amusement park after the viral story about the treatment of a special-needs worker.

Westchester may commit $58M in amended Playland deal
Westchester County would spend $58 million on 11 construction projects at Playland as part of an amended deal with the company that is set to take over the historic county-owned park, officials said.

Kings Island latest local employer to raise wages
A seasonal job at Kings Island will pay better this year as the amusement park joins examples of other local employers raising wages in a tightening job market with fewer unemployed workers.

Fight over Six Flags solar farm trudges on
There were more hours of opposing testimony on Monday night to Six Flags Great Adventure's controversial plans to construct a solar generation facility on 66 acres of existing woodlands.

Movie World signs up super villains
Super-villains will be centre stage at Warner Brothers Movie World's latest attraction, opening in October.


Wednesday February 24, 2015

Cedar Point won't raise fence in response to death of man struck by roller coaster
Officials at Cedar Point say the park will make no changes in fence height, signage or other safety procedures in response to the death last summer of a man who entered a restricted area under a ride and was hit by an oncoming roller coaster train.

FunPlex Amusement Park opens in Lagos
Fun-seeking children and their parents living in Magodo-Shangisha area of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State may now heave a sigh of relief as FunPlex Amusement Park has commenced business on the CMD Road, Shangisha.

Two seals, including newborn, die at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park while red panda breaks into giant panda enclosure in trio of incidents
Two seals, including a newborn, have died at Ocean Park in two separate incidents in less than a week, a spokeswoman for the marine theme park confirmed last night.  A red panda also escaped its enclosure and entered a neighbouring enclosure, home to the park’s two resident giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le.

Hidden Mickey made of 48,000 solar panels spotted at Walt Disney World
A solar farm arranged into the shape of the famous mouse ears has been built near Epcot at Walt Disney World.


Thursday February 25, 2015

SeaWorld admits employees spied on protesters
Amusement park operator SeaWorld has admitted that it carried on a practice in which employees posed as animal rights activists in order to spy on those groups.

Cedar Fair Declares 2016 First-Quarter Cash Distribution
The distribution, which is payable March 28, 2016 to unitholders of record as of March 14, 2016, represents the Company's 30 consecutive year of paying a cash distribution to its unitholders.

Alton Towers is to be prosecuted over the Smiler rollercoaster crash
The owner of Alton Towers will be prosecuted over the Smiler rollercoaster crash after it left five people seriously injured.

Universal Orlando releases image of Skull Island: Reign of Kong
The 3-D ride, which will be one of the longest ride experiences ever created at Universal, will  bring the next generation of King Kong to life., according to a release from the theme park.

SeaWorld Entertainment Q4 Loss Narrows From Previous Year
The company reported a Q4 adjusted net loss of $9.6 million, or a loss of $0.11 per diluted share, narrower than the loss of $17.8 million, or $0.20 per share, in the prior year period but wider than the loss of $0.10 expected by analysts.


Friday February 26, 2015

Theme park closes in Phnom Penh
Dreamland, Cambodia’s biggest amusement park, will close 1 March after the contact expires.  The amusement park posted on its facebook, Tuesday, that it was ending its business 1 March.

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.