Review of the News: August 8 – August 12

Monday August 8, 2016

Disney Building Wall Around Lake After Alligator Killed Toddler
Disney is building a wall around the lake when a toddler died in early July after being dragged into the water by an alligator. The wall, Disney says, is part of a new security plan designed to prevent such accidents.

Utah sisters collect thousands of signatures on petition to relocate animals kept at Lagoon
The Barkdull girls want to see these wild animals roam freely, in an environment similar to the natural habitat they came from.

Plans for second hotel at Gulliver's World set to go ahead
Developers were seeking a lawful development certificate for the blueprints which were first submitted more than 10 years ago.


Tuesday August 9, 2016

Dopey Takes A Tumble During Fantasmic! Show at Walt Disney World
Dopey slipped between the railing of the ship and right onto a stunned Goofy, who glances down after the beloved Disney character's spill onto the ship's deck.


Wednesday August 10, 2016

Former Six Flags theme park valued at $3 million
The New Orleans Industrial Development Board has released the findings of the appraisal group selected to value the shuttered Six Flags park.

More houses for Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando has announced the more of its creative program for Halloween Horror Nights 2016, including three haunted houses, its five scare zones and two stage shows.

Disney turns in strong earnings despite theme park attendance declines
The Walt Disney Co.'s domestic theme-park attendance declined during its third quarter, underlining Orlando's quieter summer so far.


Thursday August 11, 2016

Enchanted Forest amusement park turns 45
The theme park has grown to have more than a dozen rides and attractions, including Storybook Lane, with several life-size scenes from classic nursery rhymes.

Legoland Florida announces Lego Star Wars Days
A Lego Star Wars Miniland Model Display will be in the park, featuring seven scenes from the movie series and a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The display is made out of 1.5 million Lego bricks.

Walt Disney World pulling plug on famed Electrical Parade
Disney Parks will pull the plug on the event this October, with the final Main Street Electric Parade coming Oct. 9.

Main Street Electrical Parade Set to Return to Disneyland for ‘Limited Engagement’
The nighttime parade, with its brightly lit three-dimensional floats and iconic theme song, originated in the early 1970s, becoming a beloved favorite among Disney guests before going dark at the Anaheim theme park in 1996.

Disneyland Paris evacuated after suspicious package found at train station
Marne-la-Vallee station, which is located inside the theme park, is about 18 miles east of Paris. It lies just in front of the entrances to the two theme parks and Disney Village.

Disneyland Resort to build new 7-story parking structure, elevated walkway ahead of 'Star Wars' land
Disney intends to construct a transportation hub, a massive parking structure and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard connecting them with Disneyland and Disney California Adventure ahead of the opening of “Star Wars” land in its signature theme park.


Friday August 12, 2016

Three-year-old boy falls from roller coaster at Idlewild
Local police and state inspectors spent much of Thursday investigating how a 3-year-old boy fell from a roller coaster at Idlewild and SoakZone amusement park in Ligonier in one of several such incidents across the nation this week that have led to increased scrutiny of thrill rides.

Cliff’s Amusement Park wants to locate owner of missing memento
The dog tag with fallen Santa Fe County Deputy Jeremy Martin’s picture was found at the park last month.

Two girls, aged 6, sexually assaulted at Legoland theme park
The girls were attacked as they played in the Castaway Camp in the Pirate Shores area of the Windsor tourist attraction.

Universal plans virtual reality experience for Halloween Horror Nights 2016
Universal Orlando Resort's offering Halloween Horror Nights fans a new interactive experience this year, combining real-life characters and virtual reality.

Disney's first Latin American princess, Elena of Avalor, makes her park debut
Elena of Avalor, the entertainment giant’s first princess “inspired by diverse Latin cultures," will be available for meet-and-greets throughout the park and appear in a live performance “The Royal Welcome of Princess Elena.”

Disney to offer $79 Park Hopper tickets for annual passholders
Starting Friday, annual passholders can purchase one-day Park Hopper tickets for just $79.  The tickets allow guests to visit Disney's Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Shark exhibit gives SeaWorld visitors hands-on experience
The theme park's Shark Touch Pool is adjacent to the Wild Arctic ride, and it's downright simple. Step right up, put your hand down into one of the tanks and touch a epaulette shark, a white-spotted bamboo shark or a brownbanded bamboo shark.

Review of the News: August 1 – August 5

Monday August 1, 2016

Cedar Point's Mean Streak to close for good
The 25-year-old coaster, once the world's tallest at 161 feet, has thrilled more than 26 million riders at the Sandusky amusement park. When it permanently closes on Friday, Sept. 16, the Mean Streak's green, gold, and red trains will come to a halt for one last time.

Water woes continue at Cedar Point
The park had to close early Saturday night after a water main in the city of Sandusky disrupted Cedar Point’s main supply of water.

Universal Studios Japan announces 4D Godzilla attraction
The Osaka-based resort announced Monday it plans to open Godzilla: The Real 4D, a multi-sensory experience based on the hit franchise, early next year. It will run for a limited time at the park beginning Jan. 13, 2017.

Kings Island opens annual Kicks Cancer benefit
For $5, visitors can boot a soccer ball into the theme park’s fountains for a chance to win a 2016 Honda Civic.

Theme park introduces ban on children's scooters
 Children have been banned from riding scooters at Drayton Manor after a grandmother was left screaming in agony after a collision with one. 


Tuesday August 2, 2016

Alton Towers issues warning about free tickets Facebook scam
The Midlands theme park has been forced to issue a statement saying that they have nothing to do with a Facebook post that offers five free tickets.

Enterprise thrill ride will spin for the final time at Valleyfair
The Enterprise will spin for the final time on Aug. 21, and then it will be taken down to make way for a new ride, officials for the Shakopee theme park announced Monday.


Wednesday August 3, 2016

Man attacks Pinky the Dancing Flamingo at Busch Gardens; bird has to be put down
A family’s trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa has ended with the father in jail after he allegedly attacked Pinky the Dancing Flamingo, resulting in the animal's death, officials say.

Sandusky must fix water lines to prevent more Cedar Point closures, city official says
A city official is promising that Sandusky will fix the infrastructure problems that forced Cedar Point to close for a second time in two years.

Brooklyn woman injured on King Cobra Water Slide hits Six Flags Great Adventure with $3M negligence lawsuit
A Brooklyn woman who suffered a broken ankle when she was slammed into the mouth of the snake on the King Cobra Water Slide at Six Flags Great Adventure is trying to take a $3 million bite out of the theme park with a negligence lawsuit.

Hersheypark unveils 'choose-your-thrill' attraction for 2017
The park on Tuesday pulled the wraps off its $8 million Hershey Triple Tower, which is actually comprised of three drop towers of different heights: Hershey Tower, Reese's Tower and Hershey's Kisses Tower.

Typhoon Lagoon to expand for new ride
The company released the logo for a new family raft ride at Typhoon Lagoon called "Miss Fortune Falls."  The ride is expected to be the longest at any of Disney's water parks, and will tell the story of a treasure-hunting captain named Mary Oceaneer.

‘World of Color’ and ‘Fantasy in the Sky’ Return to Disneyland
Beginning on September 6, the original World of Color will return to Disney California Adventure, while Fantasy in the Sky fireworks spectacular will return Friday through Sunday evenings on September 9.


Thursday August 4, 2016

27 Carowinds workers fired, will soon be kicked out of U.S.
The employees had work visas and were in the United States legally, but, because they were fired from the local amusement park, they'll soon have to leave.

Incredible Hulk Coaster officially open
The thrill ride, built in the park's Marvel Super Hero Island, had been under renovation since last September.


Friday August 5, 2016

Conneaut Lake Park's kiddie pool, water slide set to open Saturday for first time since 2010
Conneaut Lake Park's water park comes back into full operation Saturday with the reopening of its kiddie pool and water slides after about a six-year absence.

Founding family of Lakeside Amusement Park mourns death of sibling who promoted park
Roger Roberts was part owner of Salem's Lakeside Amusement Park and died Monday from illness. He was 78-years-old.

Adventure World sues fireworks company over castle fire
Adventure World is reportedly suing a fireworks company who allegedly caused a $1 million fire at the theme park's castle in 2013.  The fire occurred on November 2 during a Halloween celebration.

SeaWorld attendance declines
SeaWorld's revenue fell as attendance declined, sending the theme park and entertainment company's shares lower.

'Krampus' house set for Halloween Horror Nights
Krampus will be making its Halloween Horror Nights debut at Universal Studios Orlando next month.

Review of the News: July 25 – July 28

Monday July 25, 2016

The 'Tower of Terror' is getting a 'Guardians of the Galaxy' update
Disneyland's Tower of Terror is getting a Marvel makeover. As of next summer, the Twilight Zone-themed elevator ride at the California theme park will become Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! News of the updated attraction was shared at Comic-Con this weekend.


Tuesday July 26, 2016

Pokémon GO Takes Over Busch Gardens
Pokémon GO players have a new place to meet up and catch ‘em all courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The theme park has announced its intent to become the “ultimate Pokémon GO’ destination this summer.

Universal Orlando lifts blackout dates for rest of summer
Universal Orlando annual passholders can now ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong any day of the week, without worrying about blackout dates. Universal Orlando announced it has lifted all its blackout dates for the remaining of the summer.


Wednesday July 27, 2016

FunTown Pier destroyed by Sandy, fire will not be rebuilt, report says
Seaside Park officials rejected thrill rides taller than 100 feet at a meeting Tuesday and the lawyer for the amusement park owner told the officials that decision seals the pier's fate, according to Shorebeat.

Disney patents system to track Magic Kingdom visitors by their footwear
Using cameras and sensors, the technology would scan people’s footwear upon arrival and follow them as they move throughout the grounds to see what rides, shows or stores peek their interest.

Silverwood launches new water slide
Up at Boulder Beach there's a brand new water slide now open called Riptide Racer that can handle six riders at a time and up to 900 an hour. That means shorter wait times when you come to cool down.


Thursday July 28, 2016

SeaWorld San Diego drops lawsuit over breeding ban
SeaWorld San Diego has dropped a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission that challenged the agency’s right to impose a ban on the breeding of killer whales at the theme park.

Review of the News: July 18 – July 22

Monday July 18, 2016

8-year-old drowns in pool at Knoebels Amusement Park
An eight-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a Northumberland County amusement park.

M&D's safety officer banned after he gave Tsunami rollercoaster all-clear 16 days before horror crash
The inspector who passed the M&D’s Tsunami rollercoaster as safe 16 days before June’s horror crash has been banned, the Record can reveal.

Two Minors Injured While Visiting Lake Winnie
The two were riding the Fly-O-Plane when officials say they were injured and quickly taken to a local hospital.

Disney intern fired over alligator tweet gets job back
A Walt Disney World intern is back on the job after she was briefly fired for tweeting a photo of a sign telling employees how to respond to questions about alligators in the theme park’s waters.


Tuesday July 19, 2016

Disneyland Resort celebrates 61 years
The Anaheim resort celebrated its 61-year anniversary this week.


Wednesday July 20, 2016

Rye threatens legal action over Playland deal
Any new construction being considered should need approval from the city, Mayor Joe Sack contends. This includes a proposal to replace the decades-old public pool there with a dining patio.

What the truck? Kings Island drops another hint about new attraction
In a unique press release, park officials sent a small blue truck to the newsroom. A stack of logs wrapped in twine was in the toy truck’s bed.

Parents won't sue Disney over son's death by gator
Matt and Melissa Graves of Omaha, Nebraska, said in a statement that they want to focus on their family's future health. A family spokeswoman, Sara Brady, said she couldn't say whether a financial settlement had been reached with Disney World.


Thursday July 21, 2016

Throne, nativity statutes on block at theme park estate sale
A motorcycle, nativity statutes, mannequins and a gold-and-silver-painted throne are among the scores of items being sold off in a massive estate sale by The Holy Land Experience religious theme park as it deals with a financial crunch.


Friday July 22, 2016

Lanarkshire’s M&D’s theme park reopens after rollercoaster crash
M&D’s theme park has reopened almost a month after a rollercoaster crash that left 10 people in hospital.

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: July 4 – July 8

Monday July 4, 2016

Happy Fourth of July to all of our American readers!


Tuesday July 5, 2016

Efteling amusement park accused of racist rides
The Stop Oppressive Stereotypes (SOS) group published an open letter to the Kaatsheuvel-based park on Twitter complaining about two attractions, Monsieur Cannibale and Carnaval Festival.

The Walking Dead Attraction At Universal Studios Officially Opens To The Public
The highly anticipated attraction promises fans of the show they’ll get to experience the thrilling terror of the Walking Dead universe.


Wednesday July 6, 2016

Inspectors find 4 code violations after “Zippin Pippin” roller-coaster crash
State inspectors have found four code violations as they investigate a roller-coaster accident in Green Bay that sent three people to the hospital.

Indiana amusement park seeing more visitors under new owner
Apex Parks Group has updated several of the park's attractions in preparation for the 2016 season, and it has added attractions, including a single-loop roller coaster and bumper boats that will open later this season.


Thursday July 7, 2016

Florida woman accused of stealing thousands in theme park tchotchkes
A 32-year-old Florida woman had a court appearance last week after perusing the Kwik-E-Mart in Universal Studio’s Simpsons land on her motorized scooter and allegedly swiping more than $3,500 in memorabilia from the amusement park in March, according to a police report.


Friday July 8, 2016

French amusement park announces ride modeled after Tulsa's Golden Driller
Fraispertuis City, an amusement park in France, announced its 2017 project on Instagram — a ride based on Tulsa's Golden Driller.

Amusement park ejects spectator over Trump-fueled tirade
A magician’s quip about Donald Trump during a performance at a well-known Connecticut amusement park provoked a vulgar tirade by an audience member, who was ejected from the property after interrupting the show.

Review of the News: June 27 – July 1

Monday June 27, 2016

Tsunami rollercoaster derails at Scotland's M&D theme park
Nine children and two adults were injured and are being treated in hospital, Police Scotland said.


Tuesday June 28, 2016

M&D's Tsunami rollercoaster closed TWICE for repairs in week before crash which injured 10
Bosses at the theme park said the ride was closed due to a “minor electrical fault” the day before it crashed leaving two boys seriously injured


Wednesday June 29, 2016

Work underway to repair DelGrosso's wave pool
A month after DelGrosso's Amusement Park opened Laguna Splash Water Park, the wave pool was shut down. DelGrosso's announced paint was peeling and the pool had to be shut down for repairs.

Zombies offer a sneak peek of Universal Studios Hollywood's 'The Walking Dead' permanent attraction
Dozens of flesh-hungry walkers descended upon Universal Studios Hollywood on Tuesday morning to greet local media as well as current and former cast members from “The Walking Dead,” and a few celebrity super fans who stopped by to check out the all-new permanent walk-through attraction.


Thursday June 30, 2016

M&D's partially reopens after 30ft roller coaster crash
The owners have opened the indoor complex, which houses the Kids Soft Play Area, Bowling and Amazonia, but the rides and roller coasters remain closed.

Kings Island launches construction of new attraction
While park officials wouldn’t comment on speculation that a new wooden roller coaster could be on the way, blueprints that accompanied approved building permits indicate that could be what’s in the works.

Lakefront lot sale means Conneaut Lake Park taxing bodies get nearly $200K
The sale of the first of two lakefront lots by Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park has been completed for $260,000 with the net proceeds of almost $200,000 to be used toward the amusement park's past tax debt of more than $1 million.


Friday July 1, 2016

Suspicious bag forced Holiday World evacuation
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, will open at its normal scheduled time Friday after the amusement park was evacuated Thursday because of a suspicious backpack.

Dollywood opens autism calming room
Dollywood partnered with Autism Speaks to design the calming room, which has sensory-friendly toys like gently glowing lights and a cozy teepee tent.

Alabama amusement park closes permanently 2 months after opening
Lake City Amusement Park, open only since April, is closing because it has lost its funding source.

Cedar Fair theme parks and the American Red Cross partner to offer blood donors thrilling summer fun
All those who come to donate at select blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to any U.S. Cedar Fair theme park, including Cedar Point, Kings Island and others, while supplies last.

More details, potential name emerge for Universal Orlando's planned hotel
The hotel, dubbed Project 927, "consists of 600 hotel rooms within one new tower connected to a new parking garage to be constructed south of Sapphire Falls Resort," said city of Orlando documents.

NPH, Whoopi, Cal Ripken Jr. among Candlelight narrators
Walt Disney World has revealed a partial list of its narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional, a holiday presentation at Epcot.