Review of the News: August 8 – August 12

Monday August 8, 2016

Disney Building Wall Around Lake After Alligator Killed Toddler
Disney is building a wall around the lake when a toddler died in early July after being dragged into the water by an alligator. The wall, Disney says, is part of a new security plan designed to prevent such accidents.

Utah sisters collect thousands of signatures on petition to relocate animals kept at Lagoon
The Barkdull girls want to see these wild animals roam freely, in an environment similar to the natural habitat they came from.

Plans for second hotel at Gulliver's World set to go ahead
Developers were seeking a lawful development certificate for the blueprints which were first submitted more than 10 years ago.


Tuesday August 9, 2016

Dopey Takes A Tumble During Fantasmic! Show at Walt Disney World
Dopey slipped between the railing of the ship and right onto a stunned Goofy, who glances down after the beloved Disney character's spill onto the ship's deck.


Wednesday August 10, 2016

Former Six Flags theme park valued at $3 million
The New Orleans Industrial Development Board has released the findings of the appraisal group selected to value the shuttered Six Flags park.

More houses for Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando has announced the more of its creative program for Halloween Horror Nights 2016, including three haunted houses, its five scare zones and two stage shows.

Disney turns in strong earnings despite theme park attendance declines
The Walt Disney Co.'s domestic theme-park attendance declined during its third quarter, underlining Orlando's quieter summer so far.


Thursday August 11, 2016

Enchanted Forest amusement park turns 45
The theme park has grown to have more than a dozen rides and attractions, including Storybook Lane, with several life-size scenes from classic nursery rhymes.

Legoland Florida announces Lego Star Wars Days
A Lego Star Wars Miniland Model Display will be in the park, featuring seven scenes from the movie series and a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The display is made out of 1.5 million Lego bricks.

Walt Disney World pulling plug on famed Electrical Parade
Disney Parks will pull the plug on the event this October, with the final Main Street Electric Parade coming Oct. 9.

Main Street Electrical Parade Set to Return to Disneyland for ‘Limited Engagement’
The nighttime parade, with its brightly lit three-dimensional floats and iconic theme song, originated in the early 1970s, becoming a beloved favorite among Disney guests before going dark at the Anaheim theme park in 1996.

Disneyland Paris evacuated after suspicious package found at train station
Marne-la-Vallee station, which is located inside the theme park, is about 18 miles east of Paris. It lies just in front of the entrances to the two theme parks and Disney Village.

Disneyland Resort to build new 7-story parking structure, elevated walkway ahead of 'Star Wars' land
Disney intends to construct a transportation hub, a massive parking structure and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard connecting them with Disneyland and Disney California Adventure ahead of the opening of “Star Wars” land in its signature theme park.


Friday August 12, 2016

Three-year-old boy falls from roller coaster at Idlewild
Local police and state inspectors spent much of Thursday investigating how a 3-year-old boy fell from a roller coaster at Idlewild and SoakZone amusement park in Ligonier in one of several such incidents across the nation this week that have led to increased scrutiny of thrill rides.

Cliff’s Amusement Park wants to locate owner of missing memento
The dog tag with fallen Santa Fe County Deputy Jeremy Martin’s picture was found at the park last month.

Two girls, aged 6, sexually assaulted at Legoland theme park
The girls were attacked as they played in the Castaway Camp in the Pirate Shores area of the Windsor tourist attraction.

Universal plans virtual reality experience for Halloween Horror Nights 2016
Universal Orlando Resort's offering Halloween Horror Nights fans a new interactive experience this year, combining real-life characters and virtual reality.

Disney's first Latin American princess, Elena of Avalor, makes her park debut
Elena of Avalor, the entertainment giant’s first princess “inspired by diverse Latin cultures," will be available for meet-and-greets throughout the park and appear in a live performance “The Royal Welcome of Princess Elena.”

Disney to offer $79 Park Hopper tickets for annual passholders
Starting Friday, annual passholders can purchase one-day Park Hopper tickets for just $79.  The tickets allow guests to visit Disney's Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Shark exhibit gives SeaWorld visitors hands-on experience
The theme park's Shark Touch Pool is adjacent to the Wild Arctic ride, and it's downright simple. Step right up, put your hand down into one of the tanks and touch a epaulette shark, a white-spotted bamboo shark or a brownbanded bamboo shark.

Review of the News: November 9 – November 13

Monday November 9, 2015

Alton Towers: Up to 190 jobs may go after Smiler crash

Up to 190 jobs may be lost at Alton Towers theme park following a rollercoaster crash which seriously injured five people.

Gulliver's World theme park sued by girl who claims rollercoaster whiplash left her in a wheelchair
Lawyers for Emma Neild, 17, say she sustained severe spinal cord injuries caused by her head being whipped back and forth while riding the Antelope rollercoaster in 2011, aged 12.


Tuesday November 10, 2015

SeaWorld San Diego to end theatrical killer whale show

SeaWorld, in a move to rebuild its brand and combat declining attendance, will phase out its traditional Shamu show in San Diego and replace it with one that is less about tricks and more about orcas' natural behaviors in the wild.

Makeover for Mrs. Knott's? Famed fried chicken restaurant temporarily closing for remodel
In conjunction with Knott’s Berry Farm’s 75th anniversary celebration of Ghost Town, the Buena Park theme park announced plans for a major overhaul next year of the famed Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

SeaWorld San Diego to build resort on Mission Bay
SeaWorld’s resort initiatives are already underway in San Diego, where the company has formed a formal partnership with Evans Hotels to explore a SeaWorld-branded resort hotel on Mission Bay that would connect guests to the park.


Wednesday November 11, 2015

Owner chains himself to slide, hopes to save N.H. water park

Kevin Dumont chained himself to the top of a tower connected to a water slide on Monday and said he won’t come down until he finds an investor to save the family-owned Liquid Planet Water Park.

Hong Kong Disneyland hikes ticket prices for 3rd straight year
Hong Kong Disneyland has raised its ticket prices for the third consecutive year even as the local tourism industry struggles with slowing visitor numbers and reduced spending by mainlanders.

Universal Orlando announces actors coming for annual Celebration of Harry Potter
Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley; Matthew Lewis who played Longbottom;, Katie Leung who played Chang; Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley; and Evanna Lynch who played Lovegood, will be part of demonstrations, a question and answer session for fans, and other panels during the event.


Thursday November 12, 2015

EUROPA-PARK OPENS ALPENEXPRESS

Germany’s largest theme park, Europa-Park, has cut the ribbon on its latest attraction: Alpenexpress VR-Ride.  Located in the Austrian-themed section of the resort, passengers are able to enjoy this new adventure using virtual reality glasses, where futuristic worlds unfold before their eyes.

Bollywood Parks Dubai launches star search
Dubai Parks and Resorts is looking for more than 200 performers, including dancers, singers, actors and acrobats, for the park’s live entertainment and Bollywood musicals. Bollywood Parks Dubai is scheduled to open in October next year.

Man sues SeaWorld in San Diego after hawk attacked service dog
A Wilsonville, OR man is suing SeaWorld in San Diego, California after a trained hawk attacked his service dog. His dog may have contracted an aggressive disease as a result.


Friday November 13, 2015

Crews work to assemble new rides at Bay Beach

Crews worked on installing two new rides that should be open by next summer.  Pieces of the Rockin' Tug and the Jumping Spring Ride arrived to Green Bay's amusement park, ready to assemble.

Hyenas arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Two spotted hyenas have been introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, according to Disney Parks Blog. The hyenas were first introduced to the savanna last week and appear to enjoy their new home.

China to set up modern theme park, state-of-the-art aquarium in Lahore, Pakistan
China will establish a modern theme park and state-of-the-art aquarium in Lahore, and assured that the project would be completed by the beginning of 2017.