Review of the News: March 13 – March 17

Monday March 13, 2017

Amusement Park Structure Collapses After Crash, Felony Charges Expected
The historic Lakeside Amusement Park will have to replace a parking structure after a 34-year-old man crashed his car into the pillar of the structure.

Thorpe Park's most terrifying attraction is now scarier than ever
Feedback revealed guests wanted the experience to be deeper, darker and more intense.  So this year, a VR scene which was deleted last year due to fears guests would find the content too intense, has been resurrected.

First look: Miss Adventure Falls at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon has debuted its new water slide dubbed Miss Adventure Falls. Eager riders went there straightaway Sunday morning.


Tuesday March 14, 2017

Fiesta Texas president says “unprecedented” additions planned for Six Flags park
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which opened on March 14, 1992, will unveil several new events and attractions this season. But some of the more significant changes are yet to come.

Activist hedge fund opposes Walt Disney's move on Disneyland Paris
Paris-based CIAM, which owns 1.4 percent of Euro Disney shares, has written to the board of the French company to object to what it believes are plans by Walt Disney to force out minority shareholders.

Cooler weather prompts water parks' closure at Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland
The forecast of colder weather has prompted the closure of water parks at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando.


Wednesday March 15, 2017

Midnight Syndicate announces scary return to Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends
The park and Midnight Syndicate — the Northeast Ohio musicians who pen frightful soundtracks for haunted houses nationwide — have announced that they are once again teaming up for the Sandusky amusement park’s scary fall weekends.

Conneaut Lake Park trustees close to selling more property to make up tax debt
Approval of the sale of two more lots at Conneaut Lake will be sought in federal court next month by Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.

Wild Adventures ready for spring break
Wild Adventures will be open Thursday through Sunday during March and open every day March 30 through April 9 to help area students and their families enjoy spring break. The park returns to weekend only operations April 14 and begins summer daily operation on May 18.

New balloon ride set to open at Drayton Manor Park
James and the Red Balloon, set to delight visitors from Saturday, April 1, is based on the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine character James - the red engine - and his naughty antics with a hot air balloon.

Universal Studios Beijing Will Create a Whopping 40,000 Jobs
The highly-anticipated Universal Studios Beijing will be the largest ever Universal theme park. Construction on the park began in Tongzhou late last year, and it is now being reported that the massive project will bring 40,000 jobs to Beijing

Visitor numbers steadily rising at Alton Towers after a drop in wake of Smiler crash
The Staffordshire theme park is reporting a steady rise in the number of visitors in the wake of the Smiler roller coaster crash in 2015.

SeaWorld expands new food festival's schedule
SeaWorld Orlando is adding days to its new Seven Seas Food Festival. Starting Friday, the event will be a part of the theme park’s lineup every day through April 16.


Thursday March 16, 2017

ZDT’s draws crowds with thrilling rides
The park, which averages around 128,000 visitors per year and 12,000 to 15,000 a week during the spring and summer, gets roughly 95 percent of its business from out-of-town guests — most of which from the San Antonio and Houston areas.

New Kings Island Coaster Ride Vehicles Draw Inspiration from Classic Chevrolet Pickup Truck
The ride vehicles of Mystic Timbers, the newest roller coaster at Kings Island, appear to be based upon a classic Chevrolet C-10 truck model

Santa's Land: Potential new owner hopes to re-open park this summer
Santa's Land in Putney could re-open this summer if the Windham County Probate Court gives a Connecticut man the OK to buy the property.

Pirates of Caribbean celebrates 50th anniversary at Disneyland
Launched on March 18, 1967, the original "Pirates" ride featured a 1,838-foot flume with a 12-minute running time, making it one of the longest theme park rides in existence.


Friday March 17, 2017

New Dimension Comics Joins Kennywood on Father’s Day to Present Super-Sized Event: Kennywood Comicon
Featuring comic book vendors, artists, creators, and pop culture attractions, Comicon will descend upon the home of Kenny Kangaroo, the Phantom and the Jack Rabbit on Sunday, June 18.

Kansas Lawmakers Pushing for Amusement Park Regulations
If passed, the measure would require a park's insurance company to hire experienced engineers for inspections rather than a private inspection.

Three offers to buy New Orleans' Six Flags park shunned as site's future remains unclear
A committee reviewing proposals from three developers who hoped to buy the property from the city's Industrial Development Board declined Thursday to recommend accepting any of them, citing a lack of solid financial commitments.

Body of newborn found at sewage disposal plant of Tokyo Disneyland
The police suspect that the child, whose sex was not immediately clear, was dumped within the seaside theme park because the facility treats sewer water from there.

Lightwater Valley: Four new attractions - and a special guest - announced for new season
Four new attractions and a visit from a children’s TV star have been announced at Lightwater Valley.

More Harry Potter Magic Coming to Universal Japan
Beginning on April 21, Universal Japan will dazzle the nighttime sky with an all new Harry Potter show.

Review of the News: February 13 – February 17

Monday February 13, 2017

Valleyfair names new vice president and general manager
Shakopee amusement park Valleyfair announced Monday that Brad Marcy has been named the park’s new vice president and general manager.

Wild Adventures Announces 2017 Concerts
Wild Adventures Theme Park revealed its complete 2017 All-Star Concert Series Monday with an impressive list of award-winning musical acts including classic country, traditional rock and roll, Christian and pop stars.

Baby giraffe born at North Yorkshire theme park
Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire have welcomed the arrival of a giraffe calf.

Disney Quietly Raises Theme Park Admission Prices Again
In most cases, one-day adult tickets are now $5 more expensive.

Disneyland toy parcel triggers bomb alert
A bomb scare at Hong Kong Disneyland ended after bomb disposal officers found that a suspicious parcel that triggered the alarm was a toy, a Disneyland spokeswoman said.


Tuesday February 14, 2017

Details of Tilikum's death at SeaWorld remain a mystery
As legally required, SeaWorld notified the federal government how its infamous killer whale Tilikum died: of bacterial pneumonia.  Other details about his health and death, such as whether he had injuries, remain unknown. Animal welfare groups have been pushing for a release of Tilkum’s full necropsy.

Dollywood auditions set for Feb. 18, 19
Dollywood Entertainment said they are searching for singers with experience in country, musical theater or pop. The only audition for small bluegrass groups will take place on Feb. 19.

Lego Batman Movie Days set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida will have two weekends’ worth of activities tied to “The Lego Batman Movie,” which opened Friday.  The Winter Haven theme park is holding Legoland Batman Movie Days on March 4-5 and March 11-12.


Wednesday February 15, 2017

Cedar Fair shoots to $158 million in profits
Amusement park chain Cedar Fair LP said today that its 2016 profits rose 58 percent to $178 million, or $3.14 a share, on revenues of $1.29 billion.

Extended hours coming for Conneaut Lake Park's water park
The popularity of Conneaut Lake Park's water park in 2016 will mean additional days of operation for it during the upcoming season.

Knott’s Berry Farm is auctioning off a bunch of its old stuff
Knott's Berry Farm has partnered with Heritage Auctions to hold a special auction featuring more than 200 items from the park's archives.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Ride Opening Date Revealed, Disneyland Announces ‘Summer Of Heroes’
Disneyland Resort has finally revealed the opening date for the Guardians of the Galaxy retheme of Twilight Zone’s Tower Of Terror as part of a grand opening “Summer of Heroes” event which will bring an increased Marvel presence to Disney California Adventure theme park.

Former Tayto Park employee who claimed theme park ride broke her ankle settles High Court case
Helena McDonnell was working at Tayto Park at the time of the alleged accident five years ago but has settled her case


Thursday February 16, 2017

Dorney Park schedules two more job fairs to fill 3,000 seasonal positions
The South Whitehall Township amusement park on Thursday announced it will hold its second job fair of the year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Good Time Theater. A third job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 at the park's Chickie's and Pete's.

Universal tests 'photo validation technology' at some rides
Universal Orlando Resort has been testing “photo validation technology” at some attractions within its theme parks.

Amusement park shakes off 'abandoned' rumors in int'l media
Employees at Gaya Land, an amusement park in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, were surprised to see articles had gone viral describing their workplace as "spooky," "abandoned" and "the stuff of nightmares."


Friday February 17, 2017

Worlds of Fun hosting job fair at Union Station, hope to hire 1,200 workers
Worlds of Fun plans to hire more than 1,200 during a job fair Saturday, Feb. 18.  The job fair runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Union Station. Starting wages range from $8 to $10.

Disneyland still open; Knott's is closed for rain, while storm affects horse races, ski resorts
While Disneyland remained open Friday, Knott’s Berry Farm was closed, horse races at local tracks were canceled and skiing at area resorts was limited as heavy rains and high winds kicked in.

Man accused of killing 'Pinky' the flamingo is incompetent for trial
A Hillsborough County judge rules that the Orlando man accused of killing a flamingo at Busch Gardens is too mentally ill to go to trial.

Universal Orlando begins seasonal pricing, increases ticket prices at gate
Adult guests who purchase one-day, park-to-park tickets at the gate will pay $169 – an increase of $14. A park-to-park pass for a child is $164 at the gate. A one-day, one-park ticket purchased at the gate will also increase $14. An adult ticket will be $119, and a child ticket will be $114.

Chessington World of Adventures recruiting TODDLERS for new Gruffalo ride
A job ad for grumpy children to test a new Gruffalo ride was flooded with applicants.

Rotherham approves £37m theme park plan
Gulliver’s Family Theme Parks hopes to begin construction of its development before the end of the year, and the first phase — the main entrance and access roads, theme park hub and core parking — could be open in 2020.

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: May 30 – June 3

Monday May 30, 2016

Memorial Day!  Most regional parks are now open for the season.


Tuesday May 31, 2016

Jersey Shore employers look abroad for workers
Pressed to fill thousands of job openings, the Shore’s tourism employers are turning overseas to find enough workers to get them through the summer.

Universal Orlando increases gate ticket prices during 'peak times'
Universal Orlando is adding seasonal pricing and increasing its one-day tickets sold at the gate during peak times, according to a theme park spokesperson.

Disney vows to take action against park
Walt Disney said it's prepared to take action to protect its intellectual property rights after performers dressed as Snow White and Captain America were sighted at Dalian Wanda Group Co's new theme park and entertainment complex in China.


Wednesday June 1, 2016

Blue Streak expected to be in operation Friday at Conneaut Lake Park
The roller coaster will be in operation Friday when the park opens at noon for the weekend, said Mark Turner, executive director of Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park.


Thursday June 2, 2016

Disney Threatens To 'Take Action' Over Character Infringement
The feud between Chinese real estate and entertainment giant, Dalian Wanda, and Walt Disney Co. has continued to escalate.

Universal's Volcano Bay work grows amid I-4 construction
Travelers along Interstate 4 south of downtown Orlando are familiar with an array of construction these days.

Wild Adventures welcomes lion cubs
A pair of African lion cubs will become the latest animal exhibit at Wild Adventures Theme park starting Thursday.


Friday June 3, 2016

Great Escape to increase police presence in park
The Great Escape amusement park has requested that the Warren County Sheriff’s Office station a police officer in the park whenever the park is open this year, and has agreed to pay the county $55,000 for the cost of the patrols.

Legoland has 'no plans' to introduce ride which council spent £95,435 trying to block
Legoland has revealed it has no plans to build a controversial haunted house ride at its Windsor theme park, despite winning a planning appeal which cost the Royal Borough more than £95,000.

Ghost Town announces decision to sell
According to the announcement, the theme park will be placed on the market for sale, in whole or in part.

Review of the News: October 26 – October 30

Monday October 26, 2015

Canines practice rescuing ‘missing persons’ at Kennywood
Kennywood is open on Fridays and Saturdays in October for Phantom Fright Nights, so the scents of many people and much food were strong during the training session. Dogs have learned to ignore those good smells and home in on the scent of the person they are tracking.

Thrillseekers strip naked for roller coaster record
Thrillseekers took it all off in a bid to set a new world record onboard the Green Scream roller coaster at the Adventure Island theme park in Essex, Britain over the weekend.

Derren Brown announces Thorpe Park psychological experience
Derren Brown, the illusionist, is teaming up with Thorpe Park Resort in a unique partnership to create the world’s first fully immersive psychological attraction for a theme park. This new experience has been in development for three years and is due to premiere at the park in March 2016.

‘Tower Of Terror’ Getting Movie Treatment; Venerable Disney Theme Park Fright Ride
Armed with a treatment by Big Fish scribe John August, Disney is now looking to hire a screenwriter to give feature treatment to Tower Of Terror, long one of the most popular rides in its theme parks.


Tuesday October 27, 2015

Tivoli to open massive food market
The Copenhagen amusement park Tivoli has confirmed it intends to commence the construction of a huge food market, dubbed the Tivoli Food Court, located in the corner of the park facing Vesterbrogade and Bernstorffsgade.

Universal theme parks report highest summer attendance ever
Comcast Corp.'s theme parks division reported a strong third quarter Tuesday morning, with record attendance driving both revenue and operating cash flow growth of more than 14 percent.

Wild Adventures Reveals Two Superstars for 2016 Concert Series
The park announced Martina McBride and Andy Grammer will each take the stage next summer. They're just two of the 15 concerts coming to the theme park in 2016.

Islands of Adventure: Work on Hulk coaster continues
A prominent piece of the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park is missing. The part of the rail that connects the entry and exit of the cobra roll is no longer there.

Dogs will get the run of Legoland water park
On Nov. 8, man's best friend will be able to cool all four heels in the pools of Legoland's water park at Everything is Paw-some, a three-hour pooch party to benefit the Humane Society of Polk County.

Batman Ride, 400-Foot Ferris Wheel Aimed at Reviving Macau
The Batman ride in Macau’s Studio City isn’t just about rescuing Gotham City. The $3.2 billion casino resort’s owner Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. is also hoping it’ll draw a new kind of thrill-seeker to the world’s biggest gambling hub.

Santa's Village to reopen for the holidays with 400,000 lights
Christmastime at Santa's Village includes 400,000 holiday lights, the Skyway Sleigh, a Christmas Ferris wheel and of course an opportunity to see Santa himself.


Wednesday October 28, 2015

‘Wildcat’ coaster at former Celebration City set for demolition in Branson
After more than six years without a thrill, a scream or even a rider, work began this week to demolish the wooden coaster known as the Ozark Wildcat at the amusement complex formerly known as Celebration City.

Jimmy Fallon Getting His Own Universal Orlando Ride
Late-night television host Jimmy Fallon announced Tuesday that he will be getting his very own theme park attraction at Universal Orlando Resort in 2017.

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Online Virtual Tour
Theme park officials Tuesday introduced a website that takes aspiring wizards and Muggles alike on a virtual tour of the attraction, including a trip through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with stops at Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Portrait Gallery and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Disney's permit filing offers glimpse of major Hollywood Studios revamp
Walt Disney World is making the move to prepare Disney's Hollywood Studios for its massive future overhaul that will include new Star Wars and Toy Story areas.


Thursday October 29, 2015

City Numbers Reveal the Extent of SeaWorld San Diego’s Sinking Performance
Attendance and revenues at SeaWorld San Diego are tanking as the marine park battles efforts to force it to stop housing killer whales.

You can vote on a name for Busch Gardens' new baby rhino
Fans on Busch Gardens' Facebook page can help name the park's newest addition, a female Southern white rhinoceros calf born Oct. 16.

Six Flags Makes Dream Come True for Glenview Boy
7-year-old Seth Mohr has special needs, but loves everything about Six Flags, which made his Halloween costume one he'd never forget.


Friday October 30, 2015

Dreamworks theme park confirmed for Riviera Maya
Work on the park is set to begin next year in the area of Punta Maroma, with an initial investment of US $800 million. Dario Flota Ocampo, director of the Trust for Tourism Promotion of the Riviera Maya, said that the park will be the first of its kind in Latin America and will generate significant revenues and tourist numbers.

Theme park hosts biggest ever cross country race
Oakwood Theme Park played host to more than 1,000 sporty youngsters and their proud parents for the 25th annual Pembrokeshire Primary Schools Cross Country event.

Faulty Gold Coast roller-coaster to reopen
The Green Lantern at Warner Bros. Movie World, which lost a wheel mid-ride and came to an abrupt halt back in March, has been fixed and is set to reopen before Christmas.

Universal 'scare actors' tell horror stories of abuse
Three "scare actors" at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights have reported to law enforcement that visitors abused them in the past 10 days. Another three women complained of sexual harassment on social media recently as they announced they were quitting.

Hollywood Studios: Club Villain event begins in January
Walt Disney World is introducing another food-and-drink special event: Club Villain will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Jan. 16.

Review of the News: Tuesday July 16, 2013

Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN
As "the golden sponge cake with the creamy filling" returns to store shelves on Monday, a deep-fried version will be added to the dessert menu at Holiday World theme park.
WBIW

Wild Adventures, Valdosta, GA
A park spokesman says more than 200 gallons of hydrochloric acid spilled behind the 'Splash Island' Water Park this morning.
WCTV