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: March 20 – March 24

Monday March 20, 2017

Nova Scotia taxpayers chipping in $300K for Upper Clements Park improvements
The province has agreed to put $300,000 towards infrastructure work this summer. There are no new additions, and the money is for regular maintenance to the park's existing 60 or so buildings and roughly 30 rides and attractions.

Malaga’s Tivoli World to receive €300 million makeover
Madrid-based firm Tremon plans to build a complex covering more than 152,000 square metres on the east side of the park, along with gardens and a 2,000-space car park.

Shanghai's oldest amusement park to reopen on March 31
Covering a total space of 16,800 square meters, the park, comprising of three four-story buildings and an iconic hexagonal tower, was first established in 1917 by tobacco tycoon Huang Chujiu, and most recently closed down in 2003, when the city was inflicted with SARS epidemic.

Virtual reality roller coaster coming to Six Flags New England
The Galactic Attack Virtual Realty Coaster is billed as a fully immersive, virtual riding experience on the Agawam park's iconic Mind Eraser coaster.


Tuesday March 21, 2017

Judge Tosses Rye Lawsuit Against Westchester Over Management Of Playland
The City of Rye’s lawsuit against Westchester over management and operational changes at the county-owned Playland Amusement Park was thrown out by a state judge on Monday.

Lagoon Announces Opening Day for 2017
Lagoon will open weekends beginning Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10:00a.m. (weather and other factors permitting).

Green Bay preparing permit application to restore beach at Bay Beach
The city's parks department is currently preparing an application to receive the necessary permitting to construct the beach. More than $200,000 has already been spent on engineering design work.


Wednesday March 22, 2017

Thorpe Park engineers celebrate 200th rollercoaster anniversary by tucking into cake high above legendary Stealth ride
Maintenance engineers at Thorpe Park perched high above the theme park to prepare Stealth for this season - and mark the 200th anniversary of the rollercoaster.

Lakemont Park closes for summer
Lakemont Park’s amusement rides and related attractions are expected to remain closed this summer while the park operator undertakes improvements.

Universal patents hint at possible Harry Potter 'Floo Network' ride, movable puzzle theaters
The two patents, dubbed "vehicle transportation room system and method" and "system and method for a moving puzzle theater," both show technologies that could be used to bring more elements of the Harry Potter world to life.

Knott’s Berry Farm Opening Virtual Reality Ghost Town in April
The immersive VR gaming attraction, titled VR Showdown in Ghost Town, will take guests on a time traveling adventure to visit a futuristic version of Knott’s western town of Calico.

Six Flags Great America announces new virtual reality attraction
The theme park announced Tuesday its plans for Drop of Doom -- a virtual reality experience on the park's already-operating Giant Drop.

Universal to build 4,000-room resort on former Wet 'n Wild land
The theme park filed plans with the city of Orlando that show a hotel property is in the works.

Gold Coast’s newest roller coaster at Oxenford’s Movie World will be coloured purple
Fuchsia-coloured lengths of track have begun arrived at Movie World which will become the park’s next big attraction, due to be opened in September.


Thursday March 23, 2017

Busch Gardens opens for season, InvadR not far behind
Busch Gardens opens for the season Saturday and it won't be long until the Williamsburg amusement park's newest roller coaster follows suit.

Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios Hollywood goes high-def
Less than four months after Universal Studios Hollywood removed the 3-D feature from its Harry Potter flying simulator ride, the park has upgraded the attraction to include high-definition images of fire-breathing dragons, enchanted trees and evil flying creatures.

First look: Eats at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay
Universal’s third gate will open on May 25 with 60-plus snacks, entrees, desserts and more to satiate the hungry swimmer.

“The Music of Pixar Live!” Coming to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in May!
Starting May 26, it will be presented three times nightly at the Theater of the Stars (this will take place after the regular daily performances of Beauty and the Beast).

Walt Disney extends CEO Bob Iger's contract until July 2, 2019
Iger has served as the CEO of Disney for 11 years.


Friday March 24, 2017

Man seriously injured after metal beam from roller coaster fell on him at Funderland amusement park in Cork
According to sources, the worker was standing on top of a stack of tracks for the roller coaster which had arrived on the site on a big articulated truck. The tracks were being removed by a crane mounted on another truck when the tracks began to slide taking the man with them.

Chinese Group buys Blackstone's stake in SeaWorld
The deal gives with Zhonghong Group gives SeaWorld a path into the growing Chinese tourism market and a partner with experience in theme-park development there.

Disney World, Universal Studios fight tax bills in Florida
To cut tax bills in the tens of millions of dollars, the specialists at Orlando's famous theme parks have employed methods from the creative - placing cows on undeveloped land and claiming an agricultural exemption - to the traditional - negotiating or appealing to a county board.

Review of the News: February 27 – March 3

Monday February 27, 2017

Melt Bar & Grill Opens at Cedar Point this Summer
More than a decade after their first location opened, this new location will occupy the space previously inhabited by Joe Cool Café, near Planet Snoopy.

What to eat at Epcot's flower and garden fest
The 2017 edition of the fest will feature 15 “outdoor kitchens,” including two new marketplaces, Northern Bloom (think Canada) and Berry Basket.

'Frozen' perfume debuting at Epcot
A perfume inspired by the Disney animated film goes on sale this week at Epcot.

M&D’s Tsunami rollercoaster removed from theme park - eight months after horror crash
The Tsunami ride at M&D’s in Motherwell derailed at 40mph and injured 10 people when it came off the tracks last June.

Thorpe Park Half Marathon: Thousands of runners turn out for inaugural dash around famous theme park
Instead of running to get a seat on Stealth or Colossus, runners descended on Thorpe Park for its first ever half marathon on Sunday morning


Tuesday February 28, 2017

Cedar Fair to launch season drink plan
The company has announced a new option to sip even more disposable income from its season passholders — a season pass drink plan that it will roll out at all 11 amusement parks, including its flagship Cedar Point park in Sandusky.

Seaside Heights Upgrading Roller Coaster Following Hurricane Sandy
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Jetstar roller coaster in Seaside Heights became an iconic image of the devastating storm after it was swept into the ocean off the end of Casino pier. Fast forward four years and a brand new roller coaster called Hydrus is under construction along with a 131-foot tall Ferris wheel.

Comcast Pays $2.3B To Buy Rest Of Universal Studios Japan
Comcast on Tuesday said that its NBCUniversal unit will shell out  ¥254.8 billion ($2.3 billion) to snap up the remaining stake of Universal Studios Japan that it doesn’t already own, buying out its partners in the theme park that included Goldman Sachs and private equity firm MBK Partners.

SeaWorld posts $12 million loss amid attendance drop
The Orlando-based company lost $11.9 million in the last quarter of 2016, up from $11 million lost in the fourth quarter of 2015.


Wednesday March 1, 2017

Dreamland to search for seasonal workers to fill 195 jobs
The amusement park in Margate will hold a recruitment fair on Friday, March 17.

Epcot arts fest coming back in 2018
The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given.


Thursday March 2, 2017

Coney Island (Cincinnati) announces renovations
The renovations center around the sunlight pool -- which will be rebranded "the sunlight water adventure."

Knoebels' Leanna Muscato Named Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association President
On February 28,Leanna Muscato, third generation Knoebel family member became  the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association (PAPA)  organization’s first-ever female president.

Tax break request for Legoland scaled back
The developer behind the proposed $500 million Legoland theme park has scaled back its request for a 30-year tax break to a 20-year deal, increasing Legoland's projected payments to $87 million over 30 years instead of $61 million.

Busch Gardens new president faces headwinds in amusement park industry
After spending more than 30 years working at SeaWorld Entertainment parks across the country, Busch Gardens' newest park president, Stewart Clark, still wasn't prepared for the backlash he and his family faced after the release of the documentary, Blackfish.

SeaWorld Orlando: New 'Dolphin Days' to replace 'Blue Horizons'
SeaWorld Orlando is replacing a long-running show featuring dolphins doing tricks alongside acrobats with a new one designed to educate audiences about the animals’ personalities.


Friday March 3, 2017

Silver Dollar City confirms 'single biggest thing ever done' is under construction
Aerial photographs taken by the News-Leader on Feb. 15 reveal a vast construction site adjacent to a Silver Dollar City amphitheater, complete with concrete footings and a large scaffolding structure.

Six Flags Over Georgia brings in $301 million in economic impact
The economic impact of Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water rose by $73 million between 2015 and 2016, according to Cobb Travel & Tourism.

Six Flags Great Adventure Celebrates Additions Of 3 Baby Giraffes
The theme park announced Friday it is celebrating the birth of three female reticulated giraffes — Xena, Eddie and Charly.

First look: Universal's Race Through New York With Jimmy Fallon
The humor of Jimmy Fallon moves into a higher gear with a new attraction at Universal Studios, which began “technical rehearsals” for its new ride on Thursday.

Lightwater Valley to host recruitment day to find staff for the summer season
The North Yorkshire attraction is this weekend hosting its last recruitment day to find staff for the summer season.

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: February 6 – February 10

Monday February 6, 2017

Coney Island boardwalk could see more rides as city pursues development
A joint request for proposals (RFP) from the New York City Economic Development Corporations and the Parks Department will be released Monday, calling for the development and operation of five parcels along the boardwalk smack in the middle of the amusement district.

Family of girl killed after being flung off amusement park ride to receive 870,000 yuan in compensation
The family of a 13-year-old girl who was tragically killed on Friday afternoon after being thrown from her seat on a spinning amusement park ride will receive 870,000 yuan ($126,000) in compensation.


Tuesday February 7, 2017

Universal Orlando Offering Ticket Deal for Two Free Days
To take advantage of the offer, all four days covered by the offer must be used within one week of the first visit and each day must be used by May 31.

Cannabis farm found in derelict cottage near Legoland theme park
Marijuana plants were found on the property during "routine checks" by the staff at Legoland Windsor on Monday.

Disney World keeping annual passholders' express line awhile
Walt Disney World’s theme parks will be keeping their express line for annual passholders for a while, a spokeswoman says.

Darien Lake offers free park admission for concertgoers
Each ticket purchased for a concert at the Performing Arts Center will include complimentary same day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park.

Dreamland in Margate reveals Arrowgrass Capital Partners to put up £15 million to go towards park's regeneration
The theme park revealed the news today as a loan agreement was extended between Cayman Islands-based investment firm Arrowgrass Capital Partners and the park's operator Sands Heritage.


Wednesday February 8, 2017

Six Flags and Samsung unveil 'mixed reality' rollercoaster
Virtual images blend with the real world via the Gear VR's passthrough camera option.

Disney's 'Star Wars' and 'Avatar' theme parks are coming sooner than you expect
Disney's Star Wars theme parks will open in 2019, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger.  Meanwhile, the World of Avatar park will open on May 27 this year.


Thursday February 9, 2017

Judge dismisses man's claims of ownership of Conneaut Lake Park
A federal bankruptcy court judge has dismissed a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park's claims of ownership of the amusement park and its water company.

Disney sets 'Rivers of Light' debut and replaces 'Wishes' fireworks show
Rivers of Light,” the first nighttime spectacular planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will debut Feb. 17, Walt Disney World announced Thursday morning.  In addition, Disney announced that it was replacing “Wishes,” the evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom theme park, with a new production called “Happily Ever After.”

Universal's Mardi Gras marches on
The 2017 event will run 50 consecutive nights. That’s 50 bead-throwing, Cajun-food-craving, New Orleans-inspired, complete-with-parade straight evenings at Universal Studios theme park.


Friday February 10, 2017

Kentucky Kingdom holding job fair Saturday in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom is holding a job fair this weekend as it looks to hire 1,400 workers for the summer season.

Rye Playland construction stalled by city lawsuit
Progress on a slew of multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest: Full Concert Lineup Set
Tampa Bay area residents and visitors eager for next month’s opening of Busch Gardens annual Food & Wine Fest may have a few more reasons to put a trip to the theme park on their agendas.

Disney World rolling out MagicBand 2 gear
MagicBand 2, as Disney has dubbed them, has a thinner design and a pop-out disc that can be inserted into the new MagicKeepers, which carry the disc via carabiner clip or lanyard clip.

Disney bails out European theme park again with $2 billion
Disney said Friday that the operation’s financial position has been “significantly and negatively impacted” by the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris and what it described as “challenging business conditions” in Europe.

Disney World on track to raise ticket prices
Disney will continue to increase single-day ticket prices because, analysts say, the park aims to get the multi-day guest who stays longer and spends more.

Dollywood gives sneak peek at construction projects
The projects range from new rides, including the construction of the 200-foot free-fall ride the Drop Line and kid roller coaster Whistle Punk Chaser, to remodeling restaurants and other buildings in the park.

Review of the News: January 30 – February 3

Monday January 30, 2017

Disney Springs' DisneyQuest announces closing date
The attraction, which is making way for The NBA Experience, will close in July, said the Disney Parks Blog.

Tickets For Ferrari Land Spain To Go On Sale This Week
Tickets for Ferrari’s new Ferrari Land theme park in Spain will go on sale on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017.

Disney patent would alter rides immediately based on passenger emotions
The technology may add more speed changes, spins and sharp corners for riders who seem bored or have provided prior information that they enjoy thrill rides.


Tuesday January 31, 2017

Conneaut Lake Park's real estate debt cut in half since bankruptcy filing
With the recent completion of the sale of a third lakefront lot, Conneaut Lake Park's real estate tax debt now is about half what it was when the amusement park filed for bankruptcy protection more than two years ago.

Great Escape awarded $150,000 in funding for joint marketing campaign with county
Great Escape leadership successfully lobbied for $150,000 in county tourism funding to target central New York with commercials in the spring and summer that will highlight the company's offerings as well as the Lake George region.

Six Flags New England is hiring over 3,000 seasonal employees
The Agawam amusement park is holding a two-day job fair on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11, at the Human Resources Building across Main Street from the park.

Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild & SoakZone begin summer hiring push
The Pittsburgh region’s premier family fun attractions, Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark, and Idlewild & SoakZone are now accepting job applications for the summer operating season.

Disney fans petition for silent Trump in Hall of Presidents
The petition calls for a change of procedure because it has been customary for the incumbent president and President Lincoln to give speeches.

Universal Mardi Gras: Passholders can sign up for bead duty
Universal Orlando’s annual passholders have been invited to sign up to throw beads from parade floats during the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios theme park.

Knott’s Berry Farm Partnering with VRstudios to Develop a One-of-a-Kind Virtual Reality Experience
Knott’s Berry Farm visitors will be able to enjoy the new VR experience for a small fee in addition to admission, beginning the second quarter of this year.


Wednesday February 1, 2017

SeaWorld Faces Consumer Suit Over False Advertising Claims
A California federal judge will allow a group of consumers to pursue false advertisement claims against SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS) for allegedly lying about the condition of its orca whales.

Court dismisses suit against Legoland, town
Court says the case is premature because the town hasn't yet made decisions on theme park or zoning change.

For Gulf Coast thrill seekers, Alabama theme park to open in May
The Owa theme park, about 45 minutes southeast of Mobile, is set to open May 17. It will feature 20 rides as part of a $500-million complex built by a local Native American tribe.

Universal drops parking fee after 6 p.m.
Universal Orlando is dropping the fee for its parking garages for all visitors who arrive after 6 p.m., the resort announced Wednesday.


Thursday February 2, 2017

SeaWorld spreads out with Seven Seas fest
In some ways the Seven Seas Food Festival will be a hybrid of two of the theme park’s discontinued festivals — Bands, Brew & BBQ and Viva La Musica. In other ways, it will be visibly different.

Cedar Point changes its long-used logo
Although you may not have noticed, Cedar Point has already been using the fresh logo on their Web site, Facebook and Twitter page.

Wild Adventures seeks employees
In preparation for its upcoming season, Wild Adventures Theme Park will host a series of job fairs to fill more than 300 park positions.

Disney’s ‘World of Color’ adds a Lunar New Year story, but only until Sunday
It was originally conceived as part of the opening ceremonies last June for Shanghai Disneyland.


Friday February 3, 2017

Young girl dies after being flung off amusement park ride in Chongqing
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon at Chaohua Park in Chongqing. In the video, the girl slips from her seat the first time the ride goes upside down and is left dangling by one leg.

Legoland Japan holds ceremony for completion ahead of April opening
A ceremony was held Thursday to celebrate the completion of the first outdoor Legoland amusement park in Japan ahead of its opening on April 1.

New VIP tour at Magic Kingdom goes for classics
The new four-hour Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour is based on attractions within the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Epcot arts fest visitors bring life to paintings
In three locations around the theme park’s World Showcase are big-as-life sets where people can stroll right into scenes created by famed artists – and take pictures, of course.

Irish dad claims girl 'broke her neck' on Tayto Park ride
He said the family initially thought she had whiplash, but after being in pain for four weeks she had an x-ray which he claims showed her neck was broken.

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.