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.

Review of the News: October 3 – October 7

Monday October 3, 2016

SeaWorld revamps menu
When SeaWorld Entertainment ended killer-whale breeding in March, it also made other promises that were overshadowed by the orca announcement.  Among them, the company plans to serve its customers more socially conscious food.

New discounts on food, merchandise for Walt Disney World passholders
Walt Disney World passholder can get in on the 45th anniversary celebrations through next year with discounts at select restaurants and merchandise outlets at the park.

E-Cigarette Explosion Injures Girl on Hogwarts Theme Park Ride
Police say a teenage girl riding a Universal Orlando amusement park ride suffered burns when an electronic cigarette belonging to another rider exploded and shot a fireball at her.


Tuesday October 4, 2016

Great Adventure Agrees Not to Clear Forested Land for Solar Farm - For Now
Six Flags, the parent company of the amusement park, agreed to hold off clearing 66 acres of woodland where it has won approval to build one of the state’s largest solar facilities until a court case contesting the plan is decided.

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade to make final run Sunday
The beloved parade that features waving Disney characters and floats with more than 500,000 lights will make its farewell run at Magic Kingdom on Sunday.

Universal Studios Hollywood big push for California residents: $119 season pass
Universal Studios Hollywood wants to entice California residents to its theme park, so it now is offering a $119 pass for access to the park on more than 200 days over a nine-month period.


Wednesday October 5, 2016

Hershey Entertainment names new president
John Lawn, who also is the Derry Township-based company's chief operating officer, was promoted president effective Sept. 30. Lawn will replace outgoing president and chief executive officer William F. Simpson Jr., who will retire on Jan. 5, 2018.

Alton Towers Amputee Launches Legal Claim Against Theme Park
Vicky Balch was one of two people to lose limbs when their car on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers smashed into an empty carriage with the same impact of a 1.5 tonne family car crashing at 90mph.

Disney unveils sneak peek at Guardians of the Galaxy ride
Originally announced at Comic-Con in July, the attraction is titled Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout and draws inspiration from the 2014 blockbuster starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel as a motley band of interstellar antiheroes.


Thursday October 6, 2016

Guests ordered to evacuate Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney will evacuate its Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. A Disney spokesperson told WESH 2 News that many guests are in RVs and tents.

Disney Says Shanghai Park Attendance Has Exceeded Expectations, Despite Contrary Report
Walt Disney Co. said that visitors to the company’s new Shanghai park have “exceeded our expectations,” playing down a recent media report that park attendance was below estimates.


Friday October 7, 2016

Disney, Sea World among Orlando parks to announce early closing
Universal and Walt Disney World both planned to close down at 5 p.m. Thursday, with SeaWorld shutting its gates at 2 p.m. The parks are among the most-visited tourist destinations in the world.

Review of the News: August 1 – August 5

Monday August 1, 2016

Cedar Point's Mean Streak to close for good
The 25-year-old coaster, once the world's tallest at 161 feet, has thrilled more than 26 million riders at the Sandusky amusement park. When it permanently closes on Friday, Sept. 16, the Mean Streak's green, gold, and red trains will come to a halt for one last time.

Water woes continue at Cedar Point
The park had to close early Saturday night after a water main in the city of Sandusky disrupted Cedar Point’s main supply of water.

Universal Studios Japan announces 4D Godzilla attraction
The Osaka-based resort announced Monday it plans to open Godzilla: The Real 4D, a multi-sensory experience based on the hit franchise, early next year. It will run for a limited time at the park beginning Jan. 13, 2017.

Kings Island opens annual Kicks Cancer benefit
For $5, visitors can boot a soccer ball into the theme park’s fountains for a chance to win a 2016 Honda Civic.

Theme park introduces ban on children's scooters
 Children have been banned from riding scooters at Drayton Manor after a grandmother was left screaming in agony after a collision with one. 


Tuesday August 2, 2016

Alton Towers issues warning about free tickets Facebook scam
The Midlands theme park has been forced to issue a statement saying that they have nothing to do with a Facebook post that offers five free tickets.

Enterprise thrill ride will spin for the final time at Valleyfair
The Enterprise will spin for the final time on Aug. 21, and then it will be taken down to make way for a new ride, officials for the Shakopee theme park announced Monday.


Wednesday August 3, 2016

Man attacks Pinky the Dancing Flamingo at Busch Gardens; bird has to be put down
A family’s trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa has ended with the father in jail after he allegedly attacked Pinky the Dancing Flamingo, resulting in the animal's death, officials say.

Sandusky must fix water lines to prevent more Cedar Point closures, city official says
A city official is promising that Sandusky will fix the infrastructure problems that forced Cedar Point to close for a second time in two years.

Brooklyn woman injured on King Cobra Water Slide hits Six Flags Great Adventure with $3M negligence lawsuit
A Brooklyn woman who suffered a broken ankle when she was slammed into the mouth of the snake on the King Cobra Water Slide at Six Flags Great Adventure is trying to take a $3 million bite out of the theme park with a negligence lawsuit.

Hersheypark unveils 'choose-your-thrill' attraction for 2017
The park on Tuesday pulled the wraps off its $8 million Hershey Triple Tower, which is actually comprised of three drop towers of different heights: Hershey Tower, Reese's Tower and Hershey's Kisses Tower.

Typhoon Lagoon to expand for new ride
The company released the logo for a new family raft ride at Typhoon Lagoon called "Miss Fortune Falls."  The ride is expected to be the longest at any of Disney's water parks, and will tell the story of a treasure-hunting captain named Mary Oceaneer.

‘World of Color’ and ‘Fantasy in the Sky’ Return to Disneyland
Beginning on September 6, the original World of Color will return to Disney California Adventure, while Fantasy in the Sky fireworks spectacular will return Friday through Sunday evenings on September 9.


Thursday August 4, 2016

27 Carowinds workers fired, will soon be kicked out of U.S.
The employees had work visas and were in the United States legally, but, because they were fired from the local amusement park, they'll soon have to leave.

Incredible Hulk Coaster officially open
The thrill ride, built in the park's Marvel Super Hero Island, had been under renovation since last September.


Friday August 5, 2016

Conneaut Lake Park's kiddie pool, water slide set to open Saturday for first time since 2010
Conneaut Lake Park's water park comes back into full operation Saturday with the reopening of its kiddie pool and water slides after about a six-year absence.

Founding family of Lakeside Amusement Park mourns death of sibling who promoted park
Roger Roberts was part owner of Salem's Lakeside Amusement Park and died Monday from illness. He was 78-years-old.

Adventure World sues fireworks company over castle fire
Adventure World is reportedly suing a fireworks company who allegedly caused a $1 million fire at the theme park's castle in 2013.  The fire occurred on November 2 during a Halloween celebration.

SeaWorld attendance declines
SeaWorld's revenue fell as attendance declined, sending the theme park and entertainment company's shares lower.

'Krampus' house set for Halloween Horror Nights
Krampus will be making its Halloween Horror Nights debut at Universal Studios Orlando next month.

Review of the News: May 16 – May 20

Monday May 16, 2015

California company buys Martin’s Fantasy Island
Apex Parks Group bought the Grand Island amusement park in a deal announced Saturday. Apex approached the park’s owner, Martin DiPietro, to initiate the sale.

Universal unveils some vital Kong stats
Universal Orlando has revealed some key stats about the star of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, its under-construction attraction at Islands of Adventure theme park.


Tuesday May 17, 2015

Shanghai Disneyland Responds to Pricey Food Claims
Various media outlets reported this week that consumers have complained about costly food after visiting Disney's first theme park on the Chinese mainland during a test run earlier this month.

Older, low-income people more enthusiastic about Shanghai Disney
A survey has found that Chinese who are older and have lower incomes are more enthusiastic about making a trip to the new Shanghai Disney Resort, which is set to officially open to the public on June 16.

Huge tour bus hub to serve Shanghai Disney
A huge new hub for tour buses will be created in Shanghai’s Bund area to serve the city’s new Disneyland resort, authorities have revealed.

Family of Autistic Man Appeals Disney Discrimination Ruling
The family filed an appeal on Monday after U.S. District Judge Ann Conway ruled last month that Disney did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Plastic passes announced for Universal Orlando annual pass holders
The theme park announced Monday that it will begin offering sturdier plastic cards to its annual pass holders. The current paper passes will be phased out.

Portland's Voodoo Doughnut Is Coming To Universal Studios
Voodoo Doughnut has locations in Portland, Eugene, Denver, Austin and Taipei already, and will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in the near future.


Wednesday May 18, 2015

SeaWorld Dodges Claims It Misled Parkgoers
A federal judge dismissed a class action against SeaWorld by former parkgoers who claimed that had they known the theme park mistreated its orcas they would have never purchased tickets.

Knott's GhostRider roller coaster to reopen June 11
The wooden coaster was closed at the beginning of January for an extensive refurbishment that involved replacing and modifying the track layout -- to smooth out what was a rough ride, and make it a little faster.


Thursday May 19, 2015

Kentucky Kingdom challenges Donald Trump to ride Storm Chaser roller coaster
The amusement park issued a release challenging the Republican presidential candidate to ride Storm Chaser, which is the park's newest roller coaster.

'Walking Dead' opening set at Universal Studios Hollywood
Let the horrors begin. The Walking Dead Attraction will begin its reign of terror at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 4.

Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom down for 2 months
Dinosaur, a thrill ride with a prehistoric time-travel storyline at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will shut down for two months starting in late July, according to the company's website.


Friday May 20, 2015

Carowinds to open new water park this weekend
Carowinds’ new water park opens this weekend, the latest in a $50 million expansion and renovation project for the Charlotte amusement park.

Hersheypark will allow transgender guests to use bathrooms based on their sexual identity
According to Hersheypark Public Relations Manager Kathy Burrows, transgender guests visiting the theme park may use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, or a family restroom if they wish.

Frozen ride will open June 21
Epcot visitors can add a stop in Arendelle as of June 21. That's the day the Frozen Ever After ride will open, Walt Disney World has announced.

Grad Nites returning to Walt Disney World
Disney announced on Thursday that Grad Nites will be returning in 2017.  Grad Nite H2O allows high school seniors into Typhoon Lagoon water park after hours on Friday nights in April 2017.

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.

Review of the News: Thursday December 20, 2012

Hersheypark, Hershey, PA
The park is removing the popular interactive water coaster in the Boardwalk section to make way for a 5,000-square-foot sprayground.
The Patriot-News

Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Excavation of mass animal graves discovered at Marineland will begin today under the supervision of Ministry of the Environment inspectors, whose job it will be to determine whether the burial sites pose a hazard.
Bullet News Niagara

Oakwood, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Oakwood theme park in Pembrokeshire is investing more than £4million on rides, a restaurant and cafe and outdoor play areas set to open in the new year.
This is South Wales