Review of the News: May 23 – May 27

Monday May 23, 2015

Bay Beach record attendance
The warm air and sunny skies brought out families to Bay Beach Amusement Park, so much so a record was broken. 

Rides unveiled at world’s first Bollywood theme park in Dubai
The 1.7 million-square-feet Bollywood Parks, part of the Dh10.5billion Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, will have 16 cinematic rides, six themed restaurants and 30 live shows inspired by contemporary Hindi-language blockbusters.


Tuesday May 24, 2015

Universal, Orange County discuss potential theme park zone for new property
Universal has begun talking with Orange County about planning issues in and around its new 475 acres in the tourism corridor, and discussions have included possibly adding a theme-park development zone.

Wanda Billionaire Says Disney No Match for His ‘Wolf Pack’
Billionaire Wang Jianlin, who’s starting tourism projects across China as Walt Disney Co. readies to open its first mainland theme park in Shanghai on June 16, said the U.S. company misread the Chinese market and shouldn’t have stepped on his home turf.


Wednesday May 25, 2015

The DelGrosso Family Designed a New Fountain to Have an Italian Feel
The DelGrosso's wanted to make a visual statement when first see the park, but it has turned into something more than.  It's a way for park guests to give back.

DelGrosso's Amusement Park unveils new water park
DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Blair County showed off the newest addition to its family-friendly amusement park Tuesday, a $12.5-million water park.

Kings Island to let veterans, active military members in free
Kings Island will offer free admission to active and retired members of the United States military during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Euro Disney goes on trial for alleged hiring discrimination
The Euro Disney group went on trial in France on Wednesday for publishing an allegedly discriminatory job ad a decade ago requesting that candidates have "European citizenship" to work as parade artists at its famous Disneyland Paris theme park.


Thursday May 26, 2015

Big 2015 attendance gains at Disney World, Universal Orlando, report shows
Orlando's big attractions — Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld — all drew more visitors in 2015 compared with the previous year, according to a report released Wednesday.


Friday May 27, 2015

Legoland official confirms plan to build theme park in Goshen, NY
Merlin Entertainment, which owns and operates Legoland Parks, hopes to appear before the Town Board in the coming days to begin the approval process for a theme park.

Review of the News: May 16 – May 20

Monday May 16, 2015

California company buys Martin’s Fantasy Island
Apex Parks Group bought the Grand Island amusement park in a deal announced Saturday. Apex approached the park’s owner, Martin DiPietro, to initiate the sale.

Universal unveils some vital Kong stats
Universal Orlando has revealed some key stats about the star of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, its under-construction attraction at Islands of Adventure theme park.


Tuesday May 17, 2015

Shanghai Disneyland Responds to Pricey Food Claims
Various media outlets reported this week that consumers have complained about costly food after visiting Disney's first theme park on the Chinese mainland during a test run earlier this month.

Older, low-income people more enthusiastic about Shanghai Disney
A survey has found that Chinese who are older and have lower incomes are more enthusiastic about making a trip to the new Shanghai Disney Resort, which is set to officially open to the public on June 16.

Huge tour bus hub to serve Shanghai Disney
A huge new hub for tour buses will be created in Shanghai’s Bund area to serve the city’s new Disneyland resort, authorities have revealed.

Family of Autistic Man Appeals Disney Discrimination Ruling
The family filed an appeal on Monday after U.S. District Judge Ann Conway ruled last month that Disney did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Plastic passes announced for Universal Orlando annual pass holders
The theme park announced Monday that it will begin offering sturdier plastic cards to its annual pass holders. The current paper passes will be phased out.

Portland's Voodoo Doughnut Is Coming To Universal Studios
Voodoo Doughnut has locations in Portland, Eugene, Denver, Austin and Taipei already, and will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in the near future.


Wednesday May 18, 2015

SeaWorld Dodges Claims It Misled Parkgoers
A federal judge dismissed a class action against SeaWorld by former parkgoers who claimed that had they known the theme park mistreated its orcas they would have never purchased tickets.

Knott's GhostRider roller coaster to reopen June 11
The wooden coaster was closed at the beginning of January for an extensive refurbishment that involved replacing and modifying the track layout -- to smooth out what was a rough ride, and make it a little faster.


Thursday May 19, 2015

Kentucky Kingdom challenges Donald Trump to ride Storm Chaser roller coaster
The amusement park issued a release challenging the Republican presidential candidate to ride Storm Chaser, which is the park's newest roller coaster.

'Walking Dead' opening set at Universal Studios Hollywood
Let the horrors begin. The Walking Dead Attraction will begin its reign of terror at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 4.

Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom down for 2 months
Dinosaur, a thrill ride with a prehistoric time-travel storyline at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will shut down for two months starting in late July, according to the company's website.


Friday May 20, 2015

Carowinds to open new water park this weekend
Carowinds’ new water park opens this weekend, the latest in a $50 million expansion and renovation project for the Charlotte amusement park.

Hersheypark will allow transgender guests to use bathrooms based on their sexual identity
According to Hersheypark Public Relations Manager Kathy Burrows, transgender guests visiting the theme park may use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, or a family restroom if they wish.

Frozen ride will open June 21
Epcot visitors can add a stop in Arendelle as of June 21. That's the day the Frozen Ever After ride will open, Walt Disney World has announced.

Grad Nites returning to Walt Disney World
Disney announced on Thursday that Grad Nites will be returning in 2017.  Grad Nite H2O allows high school seniors into Typhoon Lagoon water park after hours on Friday nights in April 2017.

Review of the News: May 9 – May 13

Monday May 9, 2015

Disney road work may create new Hollywood Studios entryway
Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Improvement District is seeking to do some road improvements that seem to provide new entrances to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Alton Towers bars one-handed woman from Smiler rollercoaster
A one-handed woman who was barred from a rollercoaster at Alton Towers has accused the venue of discrimination.

Woman who fell over at Movie World sues for half-a-million dollars
A young Australian woman is suing Movie World for $500,000 after allegedly tumbling from a flowerbed while trying to watch the theme park's New Year's Day parade.


Tuesday May 10, 2015

New Cedar Point smartphone app cuts your time waiting in line; plus, fluctuating parking fee
This past weekend, Cedar Point activated a new smartphone app that gives guests the ability to choose their next ride based on where lines are shortest.

Hulk Smash: First Look At The Relaunched Hulk Coaster at Universal Orlando
The Incredible Hulk roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure will re-open to the public this summer, but most amusement park fans won’t be able to recognize the attraction following major enhancements.


Wednesday May 11, 2015

USJ scraps plan to build theme park in Okinawa
USJ Co., the operating company of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, said Wednesday that it has dropped a much heralded plan to open a theme park in Okinawa Prefecture, in whose economy the government saw the project playing a key part.

Disney World attendance slips
Fewer people visited Walt Disney World from January to March compared with the year before as a new pricing strategy went into effect.


Thursday May 12, 2015

“Disco Giant Wheel” ride collapses in Kishkinta Theme Park
One person was killed and nine were injured when a newly assembled “Disco Giant Wheel” collapsed in Kishkinta Theme Park.


Friday May 13, 2015

Disney Dollars to be discontinued at Disneyland, Walt Disney World
A Disneyland statement confirmed on Thursday the once popular currency, which could only be used at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, would be terminated effective Saturday.

Review of the News: May 2 – May 6

Monday May 2, 2015

Ferris wheel catches fire at new dinosaur theme park in Bangkok
The fire broke out following an afternoon thunderstorm in the Thai capital, says the fire and rescue department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.


Tuesday May 3, 2015

Dollywood turns 30
It was on this day in 1986, Dolly Parton opened the amusement park in Pigeon Forge, TN.  The park originally opened in 1961 as Rebel Railroad with the engine train Klondike Katie as the main attraction.

Westchester lawmakers approve Playland management deal
The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a management contract with Standard Amusements to operate the county’s Playland Park.

Conneaut Lake Park trustees, tax creditors to file bankruptcy plan by June 3
Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park and its real estate tax creditors plan to submit a joint bankruptcy reorganization for the beleaguered amusement park by early next month.

Legoland Dubai theme park announces new ride
Legoland Dubai has unveiled The Lost Kingdom Adventure ride — the theme park’s flagship attraction in Adventure, one of six themed lands within the venue.


Wednesday May 4, 2015

Kennywood Visitors In For A “Whale” Of A Time This Summer
Workers checked rides for safety, hosed down appliances, and put new faces on old favorites. They’ve also reconstructed the former entrance to Noah’s Ark, that big whale that disappeared 20 years ago.


Thursday May 5, 2015

Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel To Go Dark For Light Renovation
The iconic Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel will go dark Thursday and stay dark for 20 days to make way for a $1 million revamp in time for the Pacific Park amusement park’s 20th-anniversary celebration.

Tokyo DisneySea’s Children’s Day jogging event attracts 1,000 entrants
About 1,000 people participated in a jogging event held at Tokyo DisneySea in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, on Thursday to mark Children’s Day.

Lake Winnie kicks off 91st season with new thrill ride
Lake Winnepesaukah enters its 91st season with "one of the thrillingest thrill rides" ever to fling riders around the North Georgia amusement park.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom to double South Whitehall police coverage
Things went so well with an agreement last year between South Whitehall police and a popular Lehigh Valley summertime destination that the township is doubling the amount of protection it will pay for this year.

Bay Beach previews new rides
Park officials and the City of Green Bay are touting overhauled engines for the train ride and two new rides ready to debut this weekend.

Waldameer prepares to open this weekend
It is a sure sign of the summer season, the start of Waldameers 120th year  is this weekend and there are many new things to look forward to this season.

Tourists crowd, trash Shanghai Disneyland weeks before opening
Photos posted to Chinese social media network Weibo show trash and debris left behind in the courtyard, vandalism to a light post and recently planted flower beds that have been walked over.


Friday May 6, 2015

Cedar Point's mysterious Valravn secret revealed
For the first time ever, Cedar Point is creating augmented reality that changes the way its guests see the park.

First-look at spinning ride vehicles of Cobra's Curse
This week, the Tampa theme park gave us our first look as the ride vehicles of Cobra's Curse in action.

Legoland execs negotiating with Orange property owners
Legoland executives are negotiating sale prices with a handful of property owners in Orange County as they seek to settle on a site for the third Legoland Park in North America.

Review of the News: April 25 – April 29

Monday April 25, 2015

Disney World Rolls Out Its Sneakiest Price Increase Yet
Disney quietly increased fountain and bottled beverage prices at its theme parks -- something that will nickel and dime the pocketbooks of many if not most of its park guests.

Britain set to get £2billion Disneyland-style theme park in 2021 with BBC and Paramount attractions
Measuring twice the size of the Olympic Park, the London Paramount Entertainment Resort is to be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent. 


Tuesday April 26, 2015

Opening Date Set for World's Largest Theme Park in Dubai
On Sunday, officials from Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group announced the IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park in Dubai would officially open to the public on Aug. 15.

Fulton's Crab House at Disney Springs to change names
The owner, Levy Restaurants, revealed Monday that location will soon be called Paddlefish.


Wednesday April 27, 2015

Disney World Announces Free Dining Days for 2016
The freebie is what Disney calls a “dining plan,” which is good for two meals and one snack per person, per night of your stay.

'Exorcist' house set for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
For the first time in the history of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, the classic film "The Exorcist" will be presented as a haunted house.


Thursday April 28, 2015

Kentucky Kingdom unveils new coaster Storm Chaser
Kentucky Kingdom opens for the third season of its "second coming" Saturday, and the park operators have sunk $8 million into a flashy, unique steel roller coaster dubbed Storm Chaser that they expect to be a major new attraction for the fairgrounds amusement park.

Six Gun City Sells Roller Coaster to Canadian Park
The small-sized coaster was sold to an amusement park in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Canada, according to Tom Brady, general manager of the family-owned theme park.

Mass Effect attraction hits California’s Great America amusement park this summer
The experience will feature live performances and “4D effects” as it takes fans through a galactic adventure.

Disney getting set for new Soarin' ride at Epcot
The popular Epcot attraction has been closed since early January, preparing for a new version of the film that will take riders on a global journey and prompting a new name: Soarin' Around the World.

Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal
NBCUniversal on Thursday said it has reached an agreement to acquire DreamWorks Animation in a deal valued at $3.8 billion.

SeaWorld, Guy Harvey team up on ocean conservation
SeaWorld announced Wednesday that it is partnering with conservationist Guy Harvey to promote ocean health and shark conservation.


Friday April 29, 2015

Earffel Tower removed at Hollywood Studios
The Earfell Tower, one of the original and iconic structures of Disney's Hollywood Studios, has been removed, a Walt Disney World official confirmed Friday morning.

Review of the News: April 18 – April 22

Monday April 18, 2015

Three-year-old dies after collapsing at theme park while on day out
The boy collapsed at the Wheelgate Park, a 40-acre family park in Farnsfield, and was airlifted to hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Dreamworld closes log ride after man’s near drowning
A popular ride at the Dreamworld theme park has been closed indefinitely after a near drowning.  A man swallowed water and suffered head cuts when he fell out of the log ride at the Gold Coast theme park on Sunday afternoon.


Tuesday April 19, 2015

Laid-off Hong Kong Disneyland employees get extra cash if they sign non-disclosure form
Employees fired by Disneyland last Friday have been offered extra compensation beyond legal requirements, but they were told by Disneyland that they would need to sign a non-disclosure form first.


Wednesday April 20, 2015

Doeden, Ahrens join Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Charley Whittenburg, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, announced the hiring of two new management staff on Wednesday, March 30.

Disney: More details on Frozen ride, new version of Soarin'
The ride and Sommerhus will open at the same time at some point this summer, Disney says.  Summer also is the time frame for the return of Soarin’, which will be redubbed Soarin’ Around the World.


Thursday April 21, 2015

When to expect new rides, shows at Disney World
We now have more specific dates -- if not exactly exact ones -- for when new shows, rides and other attractions will be opening at Walt Disney World, thanks to announcements made during a three-day media briefing.


Friday April 22, 2015

Alton Towers owners admit safety failings over rollercoaster crash
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, the company that runs Alton Towers, has said that it was responsible for health and safety failings over the Smiler Rollercoaster crash in June 2015.

Legoland Florida announces new solar energy project
Legoland Florida and Tampa Electric are partnering on a new 2-megawatt solar energy project that will produce electricity and shade for visitors at the Winter Haven attraction.

New rides to thrill all ages at Canada's Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland unveiled two new rides that will be up and running when the theme park opens for its 35th season on May 1.

Six Flags Great Adventure to host food, wine fest
The Jackson amusement park will host its Third annual Fast Tracks and Food Trucks festival this weekend.

Broken pipe to blame for extended closure of Disney World waterslides
Summit Plummet - and the nearby Slush Gusher - have been closed for weeks, and it's uncertain when they will reopen.  Disney says a broken pipe at the water park is to blame.

Review of the News: April 11 – April 15

Monday April 11, 2015

Kings Island debuting new 7-story water slide tower 'Tropical Plunge'
Kings Island is opening a new water slide complex standing nearly seven stories when Soak City Waterpark opens for the summer.


Tuesday April 12, 2015

Legoland Malaysia to build world’s largest LEGO Millennium Falcon
Legoland Malaysia is now set to break record by assembling the world’s largest LEGO Millennium Falcon, from the Star Wars series.

Calico Saloon opens and Pan for Gold relocates as work at Knott's Ghost Town continues
Construction noise is still echoing throughout Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm, as work continues to upgrade several longtime attractions at the park.

Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort Announces New Looping Coaster
Indiana Beach, Indiana’s Favorite Boardwalk Resort, will kick off its upcoming 90th Anniversary season with the addition of a looping-reversing coaster called Zero G.


Wednesday April 13, 2015

Women accuse Belmont Park of discrimination
The women claim they were kicked off the Beach Blaster ride during a September 2015 visit because they were wearing Muslim head coverings known as hijabs.

Great Escape begins work on new looping coaster
The ride is located between the Sasquatch and Boomerang rides, near the front of the park. The amusement park is slated to open May 14, though the Greezed Lightnin' will debut May 21.

Mickey Mouse-shaped solar facility unveiled at Disney World
Officials with Disney World, Duke Energy and Disney’s private government on Tuesday flipped on the switch to a Mickey Mouse-shaped solar facility located on 22 acres near the Epcot theme park.


Thursday April 14, 2015

Playland: Vote set for May 2 after 3rd opt-out extension
Westchester County lawmakers plan to vote May 2 on an amended deal with the company in line to manage Playland, the historic county-owned park on the Long Island Sound.

Disneyland Offers First Glimpse of ‘Star Wars’ Land as Construction Begins
Disney celebrated the official groundbreaking of the new Star Wars-themed land in Disneyland on Thursday by releasing a 360-degree image of the construction site.

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights reveals first 2016 house
The theme park revealed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the 1974 horror film, will be one of the houses Horror Nights fans will brave this coming fall.


Friday April 15, 2015

North Alabama's first amusement park opens Friday
If you're a fan of thrills, you're in luck as north Alabama opens its first amusement park.  Lake City Amusement Park sits on 40 acres and features more than 35 thrill rides.

SeaWorld Picks Two Theme-Park Veterans for Board
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. said Friday that it named a new independent director to its board and nominated another, adding two theme park industry veterans to the company as it seeks to revamp its business amid sliding attendance.