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.

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.

Review of the News: October 17 – October 21

Monday October 17, 2016

Wanda Hires Former Disneyland Executive to Run Theme Parks
Andrew Kam will serve as vice president of Wanda’s Cultural Tourism Group, which is planning to build and operate a series of large-scale theme parks across China.

Oldest Panda in Captivity Dies in Hong Kong
Jia Jia, the world’s oldest giant panda living in captivity, was euthanized on Sunday at Ocean Park, an animal theme and amusement park in Hong Kong. She was 38 years old, reaching an estimated human age equivalent of about 114 years old.


Tuesday October 18, 2016

Banrkuptcy court asked to decide who owns Conneaut Lake Park
Gary Harris, who deeded the amusement park over to a public trust in 1997, filed suit against Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Western Pennsylvania in August. Harris claims he still owns the amusement park’s water company, its assets and the amusement park’s rides.

Third lawsuit filed against Lake City Amusement Park
The company claims the defendants owe $42,230.24 for goods sold and delivered, improvements to the park and attorney fees. C.A. Langford is also asking that a lien be put against the former amusement park.

Thorpe Park actors told to take off costumes after work amid 'creepy clown' craze
Surrey Police last week issued a warning to those tempted to dress up as clowns to frighten others after reports were made in the county and the theme park has now confirmed that its actors are asked to take off their costumes before leaving the resort.


Wednesday October 19, 2016

Conneaut Lake Park's gross revenues up 25 percent from last year
Conneaut Lake Park's gross revenues are up more than 25 percent through mid-October compared to the same time in 2015.

Trustees want to donate 50 acres of Conneaut Lake Park to conservancy
More than 50 acres of Conneaut Lake Park-owned land — the bulk of it wetland — is being donated to the French Creek Valley Conservancy, which will maintain public access to the donated land.

Potential land sale of half-acre of Conneaut Lake Park approved by Trustees
Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park have approved a potential land sale to seven homeowners who currently have permission to cross about a half-acre site of park land to get to their properties.

Kings Island's newest coaster, "Mystic Timbers," taking shape
The Ohio amusement park released video of construction on their newest roller coaster "Mystic Timbers" this week. The park's fourth wooden coaster will include steep cliffs, 16 hills a huge "S"-turn and even water. The 3,265-foot ride will hit speeds in excess of 53 mph.

Alton Towers' 'healthy' children's food slammed by undercover Soil Association critics
Undercover food critics have slammed the healthy eating options at Alton Towers, accusing the theme park of offering junk food in its "healthy option" children's lunchboxes and refusing to serve tap water.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg announces Christmas Town dates, attractions
Busch Gardens' Christmas Town returns Nov. 25 and will be open on select days through Jan. 2.


Thursday October 20, 2016

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk petitioning to add two new rides
The amusement park is trying to add two new rides to the boardwalk, one called Shockwave and another called Typhoon. Their plan goes in front of the Santa Cruz City Council on Thursday.

Universal Studios Orlando exec to take helm of Universal Hollywood
Karen Irwin will oversee all business operations for the theme park and adjacent Universal CityWalk, Thomas Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks and Resorts said.

Disney Hollywood Studios axing TV hall of fame
More heads are rolling at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame attraction, primarily featuring busts of TV stars and other luminaries, is coming down.


Friday October 21, 2016

Legoland Windsor unveils long-term plans to boost quieter months
More indoor rides and accommodation could be introduced at Legoland to create a more even spread of visitors throughout the season.  The theme park in Windsor’s Winkfield Road held a two-day public exhibition at its hotel last week.

Review of the News: April 18 – April 22

Monday April 18, 2015

Three-year-old dies after collapsing at theme park while on day out
The boy collapsed at the Wheelgate Park, a 40-acre family park in Farnsfield, and was airlifted to hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Dreamworld closes log ride after man’s near drowning
A popular ride at the Dreamworld theme park has been closed indefinitely after a near drowning.  A man swallowed water and suffered head cuts when he fell out of the log ride at the Gold Coast theme park on Sunday afternoon.


Tuesday April 19, 2015

Laid-off Hong Kong Disneyland employees get extra cash if they sign non-disclosure form
Employees fired by Disneyland last Friday have been offered extra compensation beyond legal requirements, but they were told by Disneyland that they would need to sign a non-disclosure form first.


Wednesday April 20, 2015

Doeden, Ahrens join Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Charley Whittenburg, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, announced the hiring of two new management staff on Wednesday, March 30.

Disney: More details on Frozen ride, new version of Soarin'
The ride and Sommerhus will open at the same time at some point this summer, Disney says.  Summer also is the time frame for the return of Soarin’, which will be redubbed Soarin’ Around the World.


Thursday April 21, 2015

When to expect new rides, shows at Disney World
We now have more specific dates -- if not exactly exact ones -- for when new shows, rides and other attractions will be opening at Walt Disney World, thanks to announcements made during a three-day media briefing.


Friday April 22, 2015

Alton Towers owners admit safety failings over rollercoaster crash
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the company that runs Alton Towers, has said that it was responsible for health and safety failings over the Smiler Rollercoaster crash in June 2015.

Legoland Florida announces new solar energy project
Legoland Florida and Tampa Electric are partnering on a new 2-megawatt solar energy project that will produce electricity and shade for visitors at the Winter Haven attraction.

New rides to thrill all ages at Canada's Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland unveiled two new rides that will be up and running when the theme park opens for its 35th season on May 1.

Six Flags Great Adventure to host food, wine fest
The Jackson amusement park will host its Third annual Fast Tracks and Food Trucks festival this weekend.

Broken pipe to blame for extended closure of Disney World waterslides
Summit Plummet - and the nearby Slush Gusher - have been closed for weeks, and it's uncertain when they will reopen.  Disney says a broken pipe at the water park is to blame.

Review of the News: March 7 – March 11

Monday March 7, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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


Tuesday March 8, 2015

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


Wednesday March 9, 2015

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

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

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


Thursday March 10, 2015

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


Friday March 11, 2015

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

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

Review of the News: 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.

Review of the News: Tuesday October 8, 2013

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has filed an application with the James City County Planning Division to build a 156-foot-tall attraction in its Festa Italia area.
The Virginian-Pilot

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
The very first Disney attraction based on a Marvel character experience will debut in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Disney Park Blog

Knoebels Amusement Park, Elkysburg, PA
The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation, along with the PA CareerLink Northumberland/Snyder Counties proudly nominates this employer for the 2014 Hall of Fame of Older Workers in Pennsylvania.
News Item

Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, TX
A Six Flags amusement park in Arlington, Texas, says it did everything it could to prevent the death of a woman who fell from a roller coaster called the Texas Giant.
CNBC