Showing posts with label Dreamworld. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dreamworld. Show all posts

Friday, February 24, 2017

Review of the News: February 20 – February 24

Monday February 20, 2017

Hong Kong Disneyland posts 2016 loss on tourism softness
Hong Kong Disneyland posted a wider annual loss on Monday as attendance by mainland Chinese tourists dropped amid a softer tourism market.


Conneaut Lake Park emerges from bankruptcy
The lakeside amusement park has turned a corner, and its board will focus on revitalization.


Shishu Mela reopens as DNCC Wonderland
Shyamoli Shishu Mela in Bangladesh has been reopened under a new name – DNCC Wonderland – three months after it was sealed off by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).


Busch Gardens offering $80 unlimited admission pass to 2 parks
Until March 31, Busch Gardens is selling $80 passes good for unlimited visit to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA all summer long.



Tuesday February 21, 2017

Construction Continues on Knott's Berry Farm Renovation Despite Inclement Weather
Crews working on the addition of new water slides at Soak City were wasting no time in erecting supports for the new slides once the rain abated.


Australian Officials Plan to Add Wi-Fi to Theme Parks to Spark Tourism
One of the main goals of the Wi-Fi hotspots plan is to drive tourism back to struggling theme parks on the Gold Coast.


Meet 'Star Wars' droid BB-8 at Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World will add BB-8 to its lineup of “Star Wars” characters that visitors will be able to meet this spring.



Wednesday February 22, 2017

S&S Worldwide Announces 17 New Ride Projects in Six Countries for 2017
S&S Worldwide is pleased to announce that it will be opening 17 exciting new ride projects in six different countries in 2017.


Whalom Park ‘Rocketship’ for sale
Scott Knickerbocker, a Brattleboro, Vermont, resident who runs an antique shop in nearby Newfane, has turned to Craigslist to off-load a roughly 1-ton artifact from the days of yore: a steel-plated rocketship car that was once featured inside the park.

Mary Lynn Jourden, co-founder of Michigan's Adventure, being remembered
There will be a service at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in North Muskegon, and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 at The Lee Chapel in Norton Shores.

Myrtle Beach roller coaster gets new life in Vietnam
When it towered over Horry County, it was Led Zeppelin: The Ride, then Time Machine. Now, it’s Dragon’s Run, billed as Asia’s longest and most exciting roller coaster.


Six Flags to Double Theme Park Construction in China
Six Flags Entertainment is to open two more theme parks in China. These are additional to the two it is already building in the Middle Kingdom.



Thursday February 23, 2017

OWA amusement park in Foley still set to open this summer
The highly-anticipated OWA amusement park is still on track to open this summer in Foley. Construction crews confirmed that they will be complete with the first phase of the project in a few months.


Apply Now for a Summer Job at Keansburg Amusement Park
Keansburg Amusement Park will be hosting summer job interviews every weekend in March for ride operators, food services, cashiers, custodians and servers.


Dreamworld owner confident it will recover
Ardent chief executive Deborah Thomas says there are signs of a turnaround in visitor numbers, indicating a brighter future for the theme park.


Six Flags Great America Announces Completion of New 'Insane Coaster' to Debut This Spring
The last piece of Six Flags Great America’s newest "insane coaster," The Joker, was installed Wednesday, the theme park announced.


Universal Studios Hollywood raises gate ticket prices
About a week after Disneyland raised its ticket prices, Universal Studios Hollywood hiked attendance prices an extra $5 per visitor.



Friday February 24, 2017

A New Season With New Thrills At Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas opens up for the 2017 season this weekend. It will be the 56th season for the Arlington theme park.

Universal ads stress more adventurous fun, from coast to coast
Universal Parks & Resorts debuted a marketing campaign Tuesday that for the first time links its locations on both coasts. The “I’m Ready” initiative includes national TV and digital advertising.

Universal Orlando sets Halloween Horror Nights dates for 2017
HHN will begin Sept. 15 and run on 34 select nights between then and Nov. 4. That’s three more nights than in 2016 and the most in the event’s history, Universal says.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Review of the News: January 23 – January 27

Monday January 23, 2017

Carowinds adding rides to 'County Fair' section
Construction has begun on new rides at the County Fair section of the Carowinds amusement park along the state line between North and South Carolina near Charlotte.


Ocean Park Hong Kong celebrates 40th anniversary
To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Ocean Park officially launched a year-long celebration today, featuring a host of activities and special offers under the theme of “Making Memories”.


Dreamworld tragedy: Village Roadshow witnesses slump in theme park attendance following tragedy
Village Roadshow has witnessed a significant decline in its attendance by Queenslanders in the wake of the Dreamworld tragedy.


USJ park offers manga, game themes for ‘cool Japan’ initiative
An escape game themed on the “Detective Conan” manga series was introduced at the Universal Studios Japan theme park for the first time for the third edition of its Universal Cool Japan initiative.



Tuesday January 24, 2017

Santa Cruz, scientists, Boardwalk fighting battle forces of nature
When the river backs up, it floods the Boardwalk’s basements, which store retired carnival displays and other equipment


Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Disneyland with Special Treats
Disneyland welcomed home its most popular parade with a giant party that felt like a return to the 1970s, complete with music and dancing, with disco ball-inspired lighting provided by the return of the one and only Main Street Electrical Parade.


Universal Studios Singapore passes the 25 million visitor mark
Universal Studios Singapore (USS) passed its 25 million visitor mark on Tuesday morning (Jan 24) at 10am, just after the theme park opened.



Wednesday January 25, 2017

SeaWorld San Diego to celebrate Lunar New Year
From January 28 to February 20, the world-renowned marine theme park will be celebrating the Year of the Rooster and Asian cultures with a flurry of exciting sights and sounds.

Animal Kingdom Launching “Caring for Giants” Tour
The tour is described as a unique, family-friendly backstage viewing experience of the park’s majestic African elephants.


Six Flags Great Adventure hiring 4K people for 2017 season
The amusement park will host two job fairs at its employment center on Saturday Feb. 4 and Sunday Feb. 12.


Super Bowl challenge pits Six Flags New England against Georgia amusement park
Six Flags New England in Agawam and its sister park, Six Flags Over Georgia, have a friendly wager riding on the outcome of the big game on Feb. 5.


Six Flags Fiesta Texas hosting job fair, looks to hire 500
Fiesta Texas is hiring for more than 500 available positions in admissions, food service, ride operation, security, maintenance, games, retail and park services among other areas, the San Antonio theme park said in a news release Wednesday.


Busch Gardens switches from Grad Nite to Grad Day
The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park has switched up its annual celebration for graduating high school seniors after demand for the event did not meet expectations.


Thorpe Park's Logger's Leap to remain closed for 2017 for 'redevelopment'
The attraction, which opened in 1989 as the then tallest log flume in the UK, was closed to the public last year.


New food festival at SeaWorld
SeaWorld is entering that lucrative theme park food festival business (Epcot Food & Wine; Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival) with a festival of its own, starting Feb. 11.



Thursday January 26, 2017

Hersheypark sued over handicapped access: parking, toilet paper holders, more
A Maryland woman who has multiple sclerosis is suing the owner of Hersheypark in federal court, claiming the popular amusement park falls short regarding accessibility for those with physical disabilities.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Megatron and Curious George at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the Year of the Rooster by bringing out some of their most well-loved characters in festive Chinese attire.


Comcast's Universal Parks & Resorts reports fourth-quarter growth
Universal Parks and Resorts had a fourth quarter — and a full year — of double-digit growth in revenue and operating cash flow, its parent company announced Thursday.



Friday January 27, 2017

Lakeside Park approaches getting $2 million facelift
In addition to improved access, including Americans With Disabilities Act compliant pathways to Fairyland, Lakeside Park and the Garden Center, there will be a new bus loading zone and shelter, improved streetlights and traffic signals, landscaping, repaving and storm water treatment.


Universal Orlando preps for Jimmy Fallon ride, Volcano Bay
These next few months will be jam-packed for the theme park giant.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Review of the News: December 12 – December 16

Monday December 12, 2016

Universal Studios Japan unveils first look at Super Nintendo World amusement park
The first Nintendo-themed area for the amusement park chain will celebrate its grand opening just before the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and a brand new conceptual rendering has given us a glimpse at Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.


Visitors down as Dreamworld reopens
More than 6000 people visited Dreamworld over the weekend — half the daily average of two years ago — after it opened its gates for the first time since four people were killed on the Thunder River Rapids six weeks ago.



Tuesday December 13, 2016

SeaWorld Will Open Its First Park Without Killer Whales
The aquatic-themed amusement park will develop its newest location in Abu Dhabi minus its iconic killer whales.


Santa look-a-like asked to leave Texas theme park because he looked too much like Kris Kringle
A Texas grandfather closely resembling Santa Claus was kicked out of Six Flags Over Texas this weekend.



Wednesday December 14, 2016

How the returning Disneyland Electrical Parade went from 'absolute disaster' to beloved attraction
The 45-year-old nighttime parade returns to Disneyland on Jan. 20 after an extended run at Florida’s Magic Kingdom theme park.


Former employee who stole Joyland clown gets 15 months
Every so often after Joyland Amusement Park closed for good in 2006, its owners, Margaret and Stan Nelson, would go there to check on its condition. Once, they found Damian Mayes, a former employee, taking props out of the Whacky Shack haunted house. He said he was taking the memorabilia home so it wouldn’t fall victim to thieves.


Legoland Florida, Kidz Bop form partnership
Legoland Florida theme park and Kidz Bop music brand have unveiled a multipronged partnership agreement that includes participation in the attraction's Ninjago World, which is set to open in January.


Woman sustains neck injury at Gold Coast theme park
Queensland Ambulance Service says a woman has been transported to Gold Coast University Hospital after suffering a neck injury on a slide at Wet'n'Wild.


Plans for $750 million theme park in north Georgia 'on hold'
Almost a year after a groundbreaking that never happened, Avatron Smart Park, a $750-million technology-centered theme park planned to be built in Emerson announced Monday that it is shutting down.


Former Disney technology workers sue again over visas
Thirty former Walt Disney World information technology workers laid off and replaced by immigrants on H-1B visas sued the company this week, saying they were discriminated against on the basis of race and national origin.



Thursday December 15, 2016

Margate's Dreamland has Scenic Railway back on track
The Margate amusement park's centrepiece attraction will reopen at noon on Saturday after the testing of a replacement lift hill rope was completed, ending almost six months of inaction for the rollercoaster.


Former Six Flags in New Orleans East gets $3.26 million purchase offer
The economic development board that owns the former Six Flags park in New Orleans East will consider an offer to buy the 224-acre site for $3.26 million from a developer with aspirations of bringing back a Jazzland amusement park, the board's president said Wednesday.


Theme park launches 'turkey drop'
Chessington World of Adventures is asking guests to donate their unwanted and leftover Christmas turkey this year. The meat will be used to feed three Asiatic lion cubs, which were born in the spring.


Christmas Bricktacular set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida launches its Christmas Bricktacular, which includes interactions with Lego Santa and Lego Toy Soldier, scavenger hunts, a Lego Friends stage show, music by the Brickettes singing group, fireworks and more.


Visiting Downtown Disney? You'll have to go through metal detectors from now on
The metal detectors that were added at the Disneyland resort last year are being moved Thursday so they can be used to also screen visitors to Disney’s adjacent shopping district.



Friday December 16, 2016

Arnolds Park to add parking, renovate Roof Garden, Pavilion
On Wednesday, members of the Arnolds Park City Council listened as plans were unveiled to usher in another generation for the 126-year-old institution.


Disneyland's oldest employee to celebrate 60 years of service at theme park
Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's oldest employee, will be soon be celebrating 60 years of service at the California theme park.


Fun Spot adding virtual reality to Orlando roller coaster
Fun Spot expects to be the home of the first virtual-reality roller coaster in Central Florida, adapting the Freedom Flyer ride at its Orlando location by Christmastime, an attraction official said Tuesday.


Four more Magic Kingdom restaurants to serve wine, beer
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner.


Hong Kong Disney raises prices
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort announced, Thursday, new admission ticket prices and special offers for the travel trade industry that are effective today, 16 December.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Review of the News: December 5 – December 9

Monday December 5, 2016

Marineland Denies 'Highly Unusual' Number Of Animal Deaths
A complaint that led Ontario's animal welfare agency to investigate Marineland accuses the tourist attraction of cruelty against several species, alleging there was a "highly unusual" amount of land animal deaths for a zoo, several deer that didn't get proper medical care, sick bears and a peacock with a growth near its eye, The Canadian Press has learned.


Ocean Park Hong Kong Presents World-Class 'Illusion' Stage Show During Christmas Sensation 2016
Kicking off on 17th December, this spellbinding show will feature breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists, including finalists of the reality show, Australia’s Got Talent, Michael Boyd and Soul Mystique.



Tuesday December 6, 2016

Epcot's Spaceship Earth turns into the Death Star
For one night, Spaceship Earth was transformed into the Death Star, complete with shooting laser beams, ahead of the release of Rogue One - A Star Wars.



Wednesday December 7, 2016

SeaWorld lays off hundreds of employees
SeaWorld Entertainment announced Tuesday it is eliminating 320 jobs company-wide, part of an ongoing effort to sharply cut its costs.


Wonderla adds two new rides at Kochi park
Wonderla Holidays, which operates amusement parks in Kochi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, has introduced two new high-thrill rides. The new rides – Equinox 360 & Flash Tower – will further boost Wonderla Kochi’s popularity, which has attracted more than 1.5 crore visitor since inception.


Blind boy who uses wheelchair 'forced' to stand up to be measured before using rides at Drayton Manor
Family of Cameron Alderman claim there was a 'rude' exchange as boy tried to enjoy the Jolly Buccaneer on trip organised by charity Blind Children UK.


Busch Gardens: Errant emails were 'glitch'
Emails with details about reservations to Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Va., were sent in error Tuesday to people who had never made reservations.


Ocean Park sees record HK$241.1 million deficit, announces 13.8pc entrance fee rise
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has recorded its first deficit since Sars hit the city in 2003 on a sharp drop in mainland China visitors, and announced a 13.8 per cent fee rise.


Alton Towers reveals opening date for top secret rollercoaster to replace The Flume
Full details have not yet been revealed about the new ride – currently called SW8 or Secret Weapon 8 – but it will border Mutiny Bay and Kantaga Canyon.  Now the theme park has revealed its latest big attraction should be open for the start of the 2018 season.


No pomp and pageantry as Santa's Village in Bracebridge sold
According to Jamie Hopkins, general manager and minor shareholder, a young couple brimming with ideas for the park purchased almost 100 per cent of the shares, officially becoming the owners of Santa’s Village on Nov. 1.


Furious parents slam Legoland Christmas grotto after three hour wait to see Father Christmas
Timeslots had been booked in advance and families had paid £35 to secure their place in the queue, but the queue did not appear to move, according to reviews left on the theme park’s Facebook page.



Thursday December 8, 2016

First ride erected at Owa amusement park
Foley's Owa amusement and entertainment park seems to be right on schedule. Some of the amusement rides have already started arriving at the construction site.


Fun Spot adding wooden coaster at Kissimmee park
A wooden roller coaster is expected to open next year at Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, the company announced Thursday. The ride will be the only wooden coaster in the Southeast U.S. to include a 360-degree barrel roll, according to John Arie Jr., Fun Spot CEO.


Dreamworld still testing rides ahead of weekend reopening
After aborting a planned ­reopening just three days after the deaths of four people in October, Dreamworld chief executive Craig Davidson said the park would not reopen until satisfying safety checks from multiple agencies, including overseas experts.


Dollywood: Undamaged and celebrating a Smoky Mountains Christmas
Dollywood escaped without any damage and resumed operations of its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration a few days after the fires subsided.



Friday December 9, 2016

Goshen residents against proposed LEGOLAND file lawsuit
They want the state Department of Environmental Conservation to replace the town's planning board as the lead agency on the half-billion dollar project.


Conneaut Lake Park auction hopes to generate funds for Camperland expansion
Everything from vintage Dodgem bumper cars from the 1930s and 1940s to pieces of amusement rides no longer used will be on the block. There also will be signs, baby strollers, hotel furniture and even a huge safe.


Busch Gardens exhibit closes as part of layoffs
A Busch Gardens spokeswoman confirmed that the Jambo Junction exhibit was closed Thursday, and said that the future of the exhibit is unclear at this time.


Magic Kingdom: Disney After Dark returning
Disney After Dark will see the light of day again. For seven nights in early 2017, a limited number of visitors will be able to linger in Magic Kingdom for three hours after the theme park has closed to regular day guests.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Review of the News: November 28 – December 2

Monday November 28, 2016

Japanese theme park forced to apologize for creepy skating rink full of dead fish
The Space World amusement park in southwestern Japan opened an ice rink earlier this month with 5,000 dead fish frozen beneath the surface. It closed Sunday, after an enormous public backlash.


Rainbows End ride stops leaving people hanging
Rainbows End chief executive Chris Deere said the ride was completely safe and had stopped as a result of school children "spitting".



Tuesday November 29, 2016

Universal Orlando will get Nintendo-themed land
Nintendo-themed areas will open in Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood and Japan over the next few years.


Possibility of staged restart Dreamworld theme park on Monday
Dreamworld is set to reopen next week, with owners Ardent Leisure convening a board meeting to finalise plans to get the theme park back on line after the Thunder River Rapids ride disaster.


Hearing to be scheduled regarding man's claim of Conneaut Lake Park ownership
A federal bankruptcy judge will schedule a hearing on whether a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park can reclaim ownership of the amusement park and its water company.


Wildfire Burns at Edge of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park
Raging wildfires fueled by high winds forced the evacuation of thousands of people and damaged hundreds of buildings in a popular resort town on the border of the Smoky Mountains National Park as National Guard troops arrived early Tuesday to help overwhelmed firefighters.



Wednesday November 30, 2016

Dreamworld to reopen December 10
Dreamworld will re-open on December 10 following last month’s Thunder River Rapids ride disaster which claimed the lives of four tourists.



Thursday December 1, 2016

Holiday World’s Mannequin video reveals 2017 plans
Firecracker is a Calypso ride, one of only a handful still in operation nationwide. The vintage ride will be restored with a patriotic theme and will be located across from Liberty Launch in the park’s 4th of July section.



Friday December 2, 2016

After 18 years, California Mission models are back at Knott's Berry Farm
The original models first appeared in the park in 1956. They were commissioned by Walter Knott to be placed along a trail next to the Stagecoach line to keep people from wandering in front of the horse-drawn carriages.


Kings Island has 4,200 job openings for 2017
The Mason amusement park said applications are being accepted in admissions, entertainment, fire and safety, guest services and more.


'Grinchmas' Ho, Ho, Hos at Universal
Opening day for these Who-larious high jinks is Saturday, Dec. 3, while New Year's Day is when The Grinch will board his bag-packed sleigh and bid his fans adieu.


SeaWorld adds Rudolph, more to holiday mix
SeaWorld Orlando wants folks to join in the reindeer games during this holiday season. The theme park has added Rudolph’s Christmas Town to its lineup.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Review of the News: November 7 – November 11

Monday November 7, 2016

Disneyland Security Checkpoint Moving to Include Downtown Disney
The plan is to move the western checkpoint by the end of the year so the Downtown Disney area is inside the secured area.


Police conclude investigations at Dreamworld accident scene
Queensland Police have finished their investigation of the crime scene at Dreamworld, almost two weeks after ride malfunctioned and killed four people.



Tuesday November 8, 2016

SeaWorld announces cost-cutting strategy after 33% decline in profits
The company, which has been struggling to win back customers since the 2013 documentary Blackfish detailed claims of mistreatment of orca whales and other animals, reported that its third quarter income had fallen from $98m to $66m.


Ride technician dies at Universal Orlando
Circumstances of the death are a mystery, as Universal Orlando discovered a ride technician has died while working on the Men In Black attraction overnight.


$200,000 released to families of those killed at Dreamworld
More than $200,000 in donated funds has been released to the families of those who lost their lives at Dreamworld.


Disney World's first drone show to debut for the holidays at Disney Springs
Just days after receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.


Cedar Point maintenance workers strike
Cedar Point maintenance workers are striking over their work contract.  However, the Sandusky-based amusement park alleges the employees walked out on a contract the union presented to management – and that management accepted.



Wednesday November 9, 2016

Union ends strike, gets new deal from park
Maintenance staff at Cedar Point ended a two-day strike against the Sandusky amusement park Tuesday after agreeing to economic improvements in a new five-year contract.


Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride to be demolished after theme park deaths
Dreamworld has announced it will demolish the water ride at the centre of last month's deadly accident at the theme park on Queensland's Gold Coast.



Thursday November 10, 2016

Shanghai Disneyland Breaks Ground on Toy Story Land
While the new attraction is expected to open in 2018, a new report predicts that China's theme park revenue will surpass the United States' within a few years.


Trump set to join Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents
Once he takes office, Trump will join the rest of the greats and not-so-greats in the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World in Orlando.



Friday November 11, 2016

Group trapped on Six Flags America coaster gets $60,000
The lawsuit is part of a set of legal actions against Six Flags since the dramatic 2014 rescue made national and international headlines.


Apex Parks chief executive dies
Apex Parks Group’s chief executive, Al Weber Jr., died Tuesday. He was 64. Weber passed away while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands, according to reports. No cause of death was provided.


Alton Towers announces plans to axe up to 70 more jobs
Another 70 jobs are set to be axed at Alton Towers as the resort continues to cut costs following the Smiler crash.


Couple arrested for allegedly stealing 150kg of flowers from Shanghai Disneyland
The arrests came after local police were alerted to damaged flowers planted along main roads in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, where Disneyland is located.

Friday, November 4, 2016

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.