Review of the News: March 27 – March 31

Monday March 27, 2017

Disney will debut food ordering system in Pandora
Satu’li Canteen, a fast-casual eatery coming to Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, will debut the company’s Mobile One system, which will use the existing My Disney Experience app.


Tuesday March 28, 2017

Legoland Park Includes ‘Quiet Rooms’ And Other Features For Guests With Autism
Legoland Resort Florida has been teaming up with the North and Central Florida chapter of the organization Autism Speaks since early 2016 to make its amusement park more friendly for guests on the autism spectrum.


Wednesday March 29, 2017

City of Myrtle Beach honors historic wooden roller coaster
This week, city officials recognized the historic significance of the Swamp Fox roller coaster on its 51st anniversary.

Six Flags New England to offer lights, rides and shows during Christmas season
Six Flags New England, which has historically been a spring through Halloween attraction, will be open in November and December for the new Holiday in the Park celebration.

SeaWorld San Diego Slashes Prices for Limited-Time Tickets
The marine amusement park unveiled a couple of value ticket options: a single-day, $55 ticket, valid on weekdays now through June 16, and a new “any-day” ticket, valid now through June 11, for $69.

Dreamland opening date delayed as further expansion plans announced
The opening of Margate's Dreamland has been pushed back four weeks until Friday, May 26, following further expansion of its 2017 plan.

Joyland carousel may spin again in 2018
The carousel salvaged from the defunct Joyland amusement park may be whirling again as soon as next year, the executive director of the Botanica gardens said Tuesday.

Disney World changing the location of their metal detectors for an enhanced arrival
The metal detectors and bag checks that greeted visitors right before entering Magic Kingdom now take place at a location closer to where you park. They will be located at the Transportation and Ticket Center starting Monday, April 3rd.


Thursday March 30, 2017

Cedar Point hiring 5,000 people for Summer 2017 season
The Sandusky, Ohio amusement park is looking to hire more than 5,000 people this summer. Jobs include everything from ride operations and security to park services and accommodations.

Drunk thug bites ear of M&D's security guard after being denied entry
A drunk thug bit part of the ear off a security guard at M&D’s after he was denied entry to the amusement area.

New Festival of Wonder at Silver Dollar City
The all-new Festival of Wonder opens April 6, presenting acts of curiosity and larger-than-life performances, all billed as “A Most Amazing Entertainment Experience.”

Universal Orlando Announces Ticket Prices For New Volcano Bay Theme Park
Visitors to the new Volcano Bay water park will spend $67 for a one day ticket – which is $5 more than Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World. A one day pass to all three Universal Orlando parks will cost $219 for each person.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk seeks permit for two new rides
The proposed new rides stand 20 and 25 feet above city 40-foot height limits for park zoning, but will keep company amidst the neighboring 125-foot Double Shot and 70-foot Giant Dipper.

Canada's Wonderland set to hire 4,000 seasonal employees
As Canada's largest single-location employer of youth (hiring more than 4,000 associates annually), Canada's Wonderland is now accepting applications for a variety of positions including Food and Beverage, Operations, Admissions, Retail, Aquatics, Entertainment, Security and more.

HK$350 million proposed for struggling Hong Kong Disneyland by US parent company
Walt Disney has agreed to inject an extra HK$350 million into its Hong Kong theme park’s six-year expansion plan and waive part of its management fees for two years after renewed public outcry over the deal’s “unequal” financing.

Halloween Horror Nights: American Horror Story returning in 2017
The FX television series will be featured in a new haunted-house maze at this fall’s event at Universal Studios theme park. It will include three installments from the anthology.


Friday March 31, 2017

KS House votes to strengthen inspection rules for amusement park rides
Kansas legislators are accelerating work on stricter regulations for amusement park rides following the death last summer of a lawmaker's 10-year-old son on a giant water slide.

Disney, Universal ramp up spending amid intense competition
The parent companies of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are on spending sprees as they build increasingly elaborate attractions to compete with each other.

Universal: How to check out 'Tonight Show' musical acts
If you don’t have a ticket to see a taping of the “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” during its stay at Universal Orlando, you can still be part of the experience. The talk show’s musical acts will be taped on the Music Plaza Stage inside Universal Studios theme park.

Paultons Park puts £10,000 towards new playground in Copythorne
Owner and managing director of Paultons Park, Richard Mancey, donated the cash to kick-start the fundraising process after hearing about the local cause.

Ferrari World officially opens its latest rollercoaster
The rollercoaster 'Turbo Track' was officially launched at a high-profile inaugural event attended by Miral Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi and Ferrari Chief Brand Officer Luca Fuso, among other distinguished guests.

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: February 8 – February 12

Monday February 8, 2015

SeaWorld: Smash Mouth, Gladys Knight set for concerts
SeaWorld Orlando will kick off its annual Bands, Brew & BBQ festival with concerts by Smash Mouth and Gladys Knight this weekend.

Woman falls off thrill ride on ‘Surf Dance’
Fear gripped the Star City amusement park in Pasay City (Metro Manila) after a woman fell from a thrill ride over the weekend.

Accesso confirms Six Flags contract extension
Accesso Technology Group has announced an extension to its existing ticketing and queuing agreements with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world's largest regional theme park company, to continue providing its solutions to Six Flags' 18 parks across North America until the end of 2025.

Peyton Manning is visiting Disneyland on Monday, but iconic TV commercial doesn't run for only second time since 1987
The Denver Broncos’ quarterback will be honored at a parade and ceremony at around 12:45 p.m. Monday at the Anaheim theme park

Builder of Trade Center, Epcot dies at 90
John Tishman, who shaped the skyline of America as the builder of conspicuous structures such as the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and the John Hancock Center in Chicago, died Saturday at his home in Bedford, New York. He was 90.

Legoland Florida Files Plans for Lakeside Resort
Less than a year after opening an onsite hotel, Legoland has filed plans for a lakeside resort with 166 single-story duplex units, a pool, two ponds and a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse.


Tuesday February 9, 2015

Atlantic City's Steel Pier hopes to avoid repo man
Financing firm has threatened to seize Jersey Shore town's amusement rides being used as collateral for loan.

Six Flags Expanding With New Water Park In Mexico
Officials with the North Texas company, based in Grand Prairie, say there are plans to renovate and re-open a long-closed water park in Oaxtepec, Mexico.

Confident Tokyo Disneyland hiking prices again
The operator of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will raise ticket prices for the third consecutive year to secure money for investing in the parks, based on projections that the solid stream of visitors will continue.


Wednesday February 10, 2015

Dolphin dies of unknown causes at SeaWorld San Antonio
A 12-year-old male dolphin died of unknown causes at SeaWorld San Antonio last week, the fourth mammal death at the park since last July, park officials in San Antonio said.

Disneyland Paris visitor numbers down since attacks
Disneyland Paris has seen visitor numbers fall by eight percent since the 13 November Paris attacks, according to the Euro Disney company.

Walt Disney Co. theme parks saw record attendance
The rosy financial report was supported by a 10% increase in attendance at the company's domestic parks and a 7% rise in per-capita spending on food, drinks, admission and merchandise, Disney executives said.


Thursday February 11, 2015

New waterslide coming to Darien Lake
Darien Lake said it is planning to invest $1.5 million to build a new waterslide at the amusement park for the 2016 season.

Police Union Boycotts Dorney Park Over Treatment of Disabled Employee
One of the nation's largest police unions won't hold its annual picnic at a Pennsylvania amusement park after learning how officials treated an employee with special needs.

Universal Orlando increases theme park ticket prices
Universal Orlando's ticket prices increased on Wednesday, with a one-day ticket jumping to $105.


Friday February 12, 2015

Shoot the Rapids coming down
Cedar Point’s Shoot the Rapids is coming down.  Sources have told the Register the amusement park operator started to tear down the water ride Tuesday. Cedar Point is not confirming the removal or what will come next.

Joyland’s Wurlitzer organ the subject of civil lawsuit
The Wurlitzer organ that for nearly six decades served as the musical backdrop to Joyland’s Louie the Clown figure is now the subject of a civil court case.

Cedar Point’s bridge foundation falters
The Cedar Point Causeway just might be showing its age.  Sources told the Register a large crane heading to Cedar Point compromised the bridge, an almost 60-year-old structure.

Ex-Land of Make Believe bookkeeper stole $49K, police say
Tracey Husarenko, 37, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is charged with eight counts of theft and six counts of fraudulent use of a credit card after turning herself in this week at the New Jersey State Police barracks in Netcong, according to a department spokeswoman.

Knott's transforms park pink to raise awareness, money to beat breast cancer
Through March 18, Knott’s for the Cure will raise money for Susan G. Komen Orange County, a local affiliate of the national nonprofit that provides breast-cancer awareness, services and research.

Review of the News: November 26, 2012

Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, NJ
A roller coaster swept off a New Jersey amusement pier by Superstorm Sandy won't remain as a tourist attraction partially submerged in the ocean.
New Jersey 101.5

Joyland, Wichita, KS
Wichita City Council member James Clendenin confirmed Monday night the Wichita teen who organized Restore Hope in an effort to restore Joyland Park is no longer with the organization.
The Wichita Eagle

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Disney Resort has suspended sales of Disney-character balloons, and at least one hospital has suspended use of magnetic resonance imaging due to a shortage of helium.
The Daily Yomiuri

Review of the News: Tuesday 9/11/2012

Al Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The owner of the Jeddah amusement park where three girls fell off a ride during the Eid holidays refused the claim of culpability by the girls’ fathers, stressing that he was not responsible and that the law will take its course.
Saudi Gazette

Joyland, Changzhou, China
When Joyland (嬉戏谷) first reared its costumed head back in 2006, it was billed as the Disneyland of the digital era.
CNN International

National Roller Coaster Museum, Arlington, TX
More than 53 years after opening the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, Disneyland is donating two vehicles from the iconic Matterhorn Bobsled ride at Disneyland to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.
Herald Online

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL
A man whose daughter fell while being chased by a character at Six Flags Great America’s Halloween-themed Fright Fest last year has filed a $30,000 lawsuit against the Gurnee theme park.
Lake County News-Sun

Valleyfair, Shakopee, MN
Valleyfair is adding big, moving dinosaurs to its collection of thrill rides in 2013.
Pioneer Press