Review of the News: November 7 – November 11

Monday November 7, 2016

Disneyland Security Checkpoint Moving to Include Downtown Disney
The plan is to move the western checkpoint by the end of the year so the Downtown Disney area is inside the secured area.

Police conclude investigations at Dreamworld accident scene
Queensland Police have finished their investigation of the crime scene at Dreamworld, almost two weeks after ride malfunctioned and killed four people.


Tuesday November 8, 2016

SeaWorld announces cost-cutting strategy after 33% decline in profits
The company, which has been struggling to win back customers since the 2013 documentary Blackfish detailed claims of mistreatment of orca whales and other animals, reported that its third quarter income had fallen from $98m to $66m.

Ride technician dies at Universal Orlando
Circumstances of the death are a mystery, as Universal Orlando discovered a ride technician has died while working on the Men In Black attraction overnight.

$200,000 released to families of those killed at Dreamworld
More than $200,000 in donated funds has been released to the families of those who lost their lives at Dreamworld.

Disney World's first drone show to debut for the holidays at Disney Springs
Just days after receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.

Cedar Point maintenance workers strike
Cedar Point maintenance workers are striking over their work contract.  However, the Sandusky-based amusement park alleges the employees walked out on a contract the union presented to management – and that management accepted.


Wednesday November 9, 2016

Union ends strike, gets new deal from park
Maintenance staff at Cedar Point ended a two-day strike against the Sandusky amusement park Tuesday after agreeing to economic improvements in a new five-year contract.

Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride to be demolished after theme park deaths
Dreamworld has announced it will demolish the water ride at the centre of last month's deadly accident at the theme park on Queensland's Gold Coast.


Thursday November 10, 2016

Shanghai Disneyland Breaks Ground on Toy Story Land
While the new attraction is expected to open in 2018, a new report predicts that China's theme park revenue will surpass the United States' within a few years.

Trump set to join Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents
Once he takes office, Trump will join the rest of the greats and not-so-greats in the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World in Orlando.


Friday November 11, 2016

Group trapped on Six Flags America coaster gets $60,000
The lawsuit is part of a set of legal actions against Six Flags since the dramatic 2014 rescue made national and international headlines.

Apex Parks chief executive dies
Apex Parks Group’s chief executive, Al Weber Jr., died Tuesday. He was 64. Weber passed away while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands, according to reports. No cause of death was provided.

Alton Towers announces plans to axe up to 70 more jobs
Another 70 jobs are set to be axed at Alton Towers as the resort continues to cut costs following the Smiler crash.

Couple arrested for allegedly stealing 150kg of flowers from Shanghai Disneyland
The arrests came after local police were alerted to damaged flowers planted along main roads in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, where Disneyland is located.

Review of the News: July 11 – July 15

Monday July 11, 2016

Zippin Pippin rollercoaster reopens
Last month two cars crashed into each other at the station sending three people to the hospital. Those cars were inspected by the manufacturer while the ride was shut down for several weeks.

New high wire attraction opens at Drayton Manor Theme Park
VertiGO is a high ropes attraction that not only helps visitors face their fear of heights, but tests even the most confident of thrillseekers, as it takes them on an aerial adventure within the grounds of the award-winning family theme park.


Tuesday July 12, 2016

Roller coaster cable malfunction prompts Six Flags New England to close ride indefinitely
A cable on the Goliath roller coaster malfunctioned on Monday, prompting Six Flags New England officials to close the ride indefinitely.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival menus released
New marketplaces include a tomato-inspired booth called Greenhouse Guru, an all-chocolate booth called Chocolate Studio, Islands of the Caribbean, and a booth featuring wines from California called Wine & Dine Studio.


Wednesday July 13, 2016

Cedar Point testing virtual-reality experience on Iron Dragon, part of 'Cedar Point Nights'
Starting this Friday, riders on Iron Dragon will have the option of trying a new virtual-reality experience during the 2-minute ride.

Historic Arnolds Park Inc. plans annual fundraiser for Saturday, August 6
Historic Arnolds Park Inc., announces "Party in the Park," a Fundraiser on August 6th in the Majestic Pavilion to help support and sustain Historic Arnolds Park Inc., a non-profit organization.

Shanghai Disney theme park nears 1 million visitors
Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger on Monday said that nearly a million people have visited the entertainment giant’s theme park opened less than a month ago in mainland China.

Adventureland's new $9 million ride closed for maintenance
“The Monster” opened to the Altoona theme park on June 4, and just one month later, is down for the week.


Thursday July 14, 2016

Bomb squad says Six Flags amusement park safe after threat
Authorities say no threats have been found at Six Flags America in Prince George's County after the amusement park was closed because of a bomb threat.

Anaheim gives Disney a tax break for a new luxury hotel
After lengthy debate, the Anaheim City Council voted to give Disneyland a tax break of about $267 million over the next 20 years to build a luxury hotel on what is now a parking lot near the theme park.

Skull Island officially opens at Universal Orlando
After much anticipation, the legend of King Kong comes to life in this new, unprecedented adventure.


Friday July 15, 2016

How do theme parks compete with Pokémon Go?
Fans are playing all over Disneyland, which has got to be driving arch-rival Universal nuts, as Universal has the theme park rights to Nintendo characters

SeaWorld San Antonio to begin construction on mystery $18 million attraction
SeaWorld San Antonio plans to reveal the new attraction in September, said spokeswoman Lindsey Campbell, declining to elaborate.

Universal Orlando: Sapphire Falls Resort now open
Sapphire Falls, located between the company's Royal Pacific and Cabana Bay Beach resorts, carries a Caribbean theme. It has 1,000 rooms, bringing the total for Universal hotels to 5,200. It's Universal Orlando's first new hotel since Cabana Bay Beach Resort opened in 2014.

Review of the News: Monday January 28, 2013

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH
Cedar Point announced on Monday that people planning a trip to the amusement park/resort can save money by taking advantage of a new "Easy Pay" plan if they pre-book a visit to the park's resorts by March 1.
Cleveland Leader

Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
On Jan. 28, Disneyland Resort announced its plans for observing Valentine’s Day with a weeklong celebration of love and “happily ever after” with a week of special Disney touches.
Examiner

Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY
The Ed Hart group has a top management staff in place that next week will begin to assess the condition of the long-abandoned Kentucky Kingdom amusement park at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Courier-Journal

Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Former Marineland Trainer Christine Santos is countersuing the Niagara Falls Theme Park.
610 CKTB

SeaWorld Australia, Gold Coast, Australia
Sea World’s newest animal exhibit ‘Seal Harbour’ has officially opened today providing guests with an opportunity to get up close and personal with the playful seals and sea lions.
eTravel Blackboard

Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai, China
Construction is almost done on the infrastructure and support facilities for Shanghai Disneyland, and design details and installation of features within the theme park will begin this year, officials said yesterday.
East Day

Six Flags America, Largo, MD
The Upper Marlboro theme park is taking on a bet from its sister park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif., that Baltimore will defeat the San Francisco 49ers in this weekend's Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The Baltimore Sun

Review of the News: Thursday January 10, 2013

Legoland Florida, Winter Haven, FL
The Winter Haven-theme park will have a new area called "Pirate Shores" that will feature at least one new water ride.
Central Florida News 13

Six Flags America, Largo, MD
Six Flags America is hoping to launch new activities this year to increase attendance, although some of its neighbors in Prince George’s County might object.
Washington Post