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.

Review of the News: December 12 – December 16

Monday December 12, 2016

Universal Studios Japan unveils first look at Super Nintendo World amusement park
The first Nintendo-themed area for the amusement park chain will celebrate its grand opening just before the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and a brand new conceptual rendering has given us a glimpse at Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle.

Visitors down as Dreamworld reopens
More than 6000 people visited Dreamworld over the weekend — half the daily average of two years ago — after it opened its gates for the first time since four people were killed on the Thunder River Rapids six weeks ago.


Tuesday December 13, 2016

SeaWorld Will Open Its First Park Without Killer Whales
The aquatic-themed amusement park will develop its newest location in Abu Dhabi minus its iconic killer whales.

Santa look-a-like asked to leave Texas theme park because he looked too much like Kris Kringle
A Texas grandfather closely resembling Santa Claus was kicked out of Six Flags Over Texas this weekend.


Wednesday December 14, 2016

How the returning Disneyland Electrical Parade went from 'absolute disaster' to beloved attraction
The 45-year-old nighttime parade returns to Disneyland on Jan. 20 after an extended run at Florida’s Magic Kingdom theme park.

Former employee who stole Joyland clown gets 15 months
Every so often after Joyland Amusement Park closed for good in 2006, its owners, Margaret and Stan Nelson, would go there to check on its condition. Once, they found Damian Mayes, a former employee, taking props out of the Whacky Shack haunted house. He said he was taking the memorabilia home so it wouldn’t fall victim to thieves.

Legoland Florida, Kidz Bop form partnership
Legoland Florida theme park and Kidz Bop music brand have unveiled a multipronged partnership agreement that includes participation in the attraction's Ninjago World, which is set to open in January.

Woman sustains neck injury at Gold Coast theme park
Queensland Ambulance Service says a woman has been transported to Gold Coast University Hospital after suffering a neck injury on a slide at Wet'n'Wild.

Plans for $750 million theme park in north Georgia 'on hold'
Almost a year after a groundbreaking that never happened, Avatron Smart Park, a $750-million technology-centered theme park planned to be built in Emerson announced Monday that it is shutting down.

Former Disney technology workers sue again over visas
Thirty former Walt Disney World information technology workers laid off and replaced by immigrants on H-1B visas sued the company this week, saying they were discriminated against on the basis of race and national origin.


Thursday December 15, 2016

Margate's Dreamland has Scenic Railway back on track
The Margate amusement park's centrepiece attraction will reopen at noon on Saturday after the testing of a replacement lift hill rope was completed, ending almost six months of inaction for the rollercoaster.

Former Six Flags in New Orleans East gets $3.26 million purchase offer
The economic development board that owns the former Six Flags park in New Orleans East will consider an offer to buy the 224-acre site for $3.26 million from a developer with aspirations of bringing back a Jazzland amusement park, the board's president said Wednesday.

Theme park launches 'turkey drop'
Chessington World of Adventures is asking guests to donate their unwanted and leftover Christmas turkey this year. The meat will be used to feed three Asiatic lion cubs, which were born in the spring.

Christmas Bricktacular set for Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida launches its Christmas Bricktacular, which includes interactions with Lego Santa and Lego Toy Soldier, scavenger hunts, a Lego Friends stage show, music by the Brickettes singing group, fireworks and more.

Visiting Downtown Disney? You'll have to go through metal detectors from now on
The metal detectors that were added at the Disneyland resort last year are being moved Thursday so they can be used to also screen visitors to Disney’s adjacent shopping district.


Friday December 16, 2016

Arnolds Park to add parking, renovate Roof Garden, Pavilion
On Wednesday, members of the Arnolds Park City Council listened as plans were unveiled to usher in another generation for the 126-year-old institution.

Disneyland's oldest employee to celebrate 60 years of service at theme park
Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's oldest employee, will be soon be celebrating 60 years of service at the California theme park.

Fun Spot adding virtual reality to Orlando roller coaster
Fun Spot expects to be the home of the first virtual-reality roller coaster in Central Florida, adapting the Freedom Flyer ride at its Orlando location by Christmastime, an attraction official said Tuesday.

Four more Magic Kingdom restaurants to serve wine, beer
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner.

Hong Kong Disney raises prices
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort announced, Thursday, new admission ticket prices and special offers for the travel trade industry that are effective today, 16 December.

Review of the News: December 5 – December 9

Monday December 5, 2016

Marineland Denies 'Highly Unusual' Number Of Animal Deaths
A complaint that led Ontario's animal welfare agency to investigate Marineland accuses the tourist attraction of cruelty against several species, alleging there was a "highly unusual" amount of land animal deaths for a zoo, several deer that didn't get proper medical care, sick bears and a peacock with a growth near its eye, The Canadian Press has learned.

Ocean Park Hong Kong Presents World-Class 'Illusion' Stage Show During Christmas Sensation 2016
Kicking off on 17th December, this spellbinding show will feature breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists, including finalists of the reality show, Australia’s Got Talent, Michael Boyd and Soul Mystique.


Tuesday December 6, 2016

Epcot's Spaceship Earth turns into the Death Star
For one night, Spaceship Earth was transformed into the Death Star, complete with shooting laser beams, ahead of the release of Rogue One - A Star Wars.


Wednesday December 7, 2016

SeaWorld lays off hundreds of employees
SeaWorld Entertainment announced Tuesday it is eliminating 320 jobs company-wide, part of an ongoing effort to sharply cut its costs.

Wonderla adds two new rides at Kochi park
Wonderla Holidays, which operates amusement parks in Kochi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, has introduced two new high-thrill rides. The new rides – Equinox 360 & Flash Tower – will further boost Wonderla Kochi’s popularity, which has attracted more than 1.5 crore visitor since inception.

Blind boy who uses wheelchair 'forced' to stand up to be measured before using rides at Drayton Manor
Family of Cameron Alderman claim there was a 'rude' exchange as boy tried to enjoy the Jolly Buccaneer on trip organised by charity Blind Children UK.

Busch Gardens: Errant emails were 'glitch'
Emails with details about reservations to Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Va., were sent in error Tuesday to people who had never made reservations.

Ocean Park sees record HK$241.1 million deficit, announces 13.8pc entrance fee rise
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has recorded its first deficit since Sars hit the city in 2003 on a sharp drop in mainland China visitors, and announced a 13.8 per cent fee rise.

Alton Towers reveals opening date for top secret rollercoaster to replace The Flume
Full details have not yet been revealed about the new ride – currently called SW8 or Secret Weapon 8 – but it will border Mutiny Bay and Kantaga Canyon.  Now the theme park has revealed its latest big attraction should be open for the start of the 2018 season.

No pomp and pageantry as Santa's Village in Bracebridge sold
According to Jamie Hopkins, general manager and minor shareholder, a young couple brimming with ideas for the park purchased almost 100 per cent of the shares, officially becoming the owners of Santa’s Village on Nov. 1.

Furious parents slam Legoland Christmas grotto after three hour wait to see Father Christmas
Timeslots had been booked in advance and families had paid £35 to secure their place in the queue, but the queue did not appear to move, according to reviews left on the theme park’s Facebook page.


Thursday December 8, 2016

First ride erected at Owa amusement park
Foley's Owa amusement and entertainment park seems to be right on schedule. Some of the amusement rides have already started arriving at the construction site.

Fun Spot adding wooden coaster at Kissimmee park
A wooden roller coaster is expected to open next year at Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, the company announced Thursday. The ride will be the only wooden coaster in the Southeast U.S. to include a 360-degree barrel roll, according to John Arie Jr., Fun Spot CEO.

Dreamworld still testing rides ahead of weekend reopening
After aborting a planned ­reopening just three days after the deaths of four people in October, Dreamworld chief executive Craig Davidson said the park would not reopen until satisfying safety checks from multiple agencies, including overseas experts.

Dollywood: Undamaged and celebrating a Smoky Mountains Christmas
Dollywood escaped without any damage and resumed operations of its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration a few days after the fires subsided.


Friday December 9, 2016

Goshen residents against proposed LEGOLAND file lawsuit
They want the state Department of Environmental Conservation to replace the town's planning board as the lead agency on the half-billion dollar project.

Conneaut Lake Park auction hopes to generate funds for Camperland expansion
Everything from vintage Dodgem bumper cars from the 1930s and 1940s to pieces of amusement rides no longer used will be on the block. There also will be signs, baby strollers, hotel furniture and even a huge safe.

Busch Gardens exhibit closes as part of layoffs
A Busch Gardens spokeswoman confirmed that the Jambo Junction exhibit was closed Thursday, and said that the future of the exhibit is unclear at this time.

Magic Kingdom: Disney After Dark returning
Disney After Dark will see the light of day again. For seven nights in early 2017, a limited number of visitors will be able to linger in Magic Kingdom for three hours after the theme park has closed to regular day guests.

Review of the News: November 28 – December 2

Monday November 28, 2016

Japanese theme park forced to apologize for creepy skating rink full of dead fish
The Space World amusement park in southwestern Japan opened an ice rink earlier this month with 5,000 dead fish frozen beneath the surface. It closed Sunday, after an enormous public backlash.

Rainbows End ride stops leaving people hanging
Rainbows End chief executive Chris Deere said the ride was completely safe and had stopped as a result of school children "spitting".


Tuesday November 29, 2016

Universal Orlando will get Nintendo-themed land
Nintendo-themed areas will open in Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood and Japan over the next few years.

Possibility of staged restart Dreamworld theme park on Monday
Dreamworld is set to reopen next week, with owners Ardent Leisure convening a board meeting to finalise plans to get the theme park back on line after the Thunder River Rapids ride disaster.

Hearing to be scheduled regarding man's claim of Conneaut Lake Park ownership
A federal bankruptcy judge will schedule a hearing on whether a former owner of Conneaut Lake Park can reclaim ownership of the amusement park and its water company.

Wildfire Burns at Edge of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme Park
Raging wildfires fueled by high winds forced the evacuation of thousands of people and damaged hundreds of buildings in a popular resort town on the border of the Smoky Mountains National Park as National Guard troops arrived early Tuesday to help overwhelmed firefighters.


Wednesday November 30, 2016

Dreamworld to reopen December 10
Dreamworld will re-open on December 10 following last month’s Thunder River Rapids ride disaster which claimed the lives of four tourists.


Thursday December 1, 2016

Holiday World’s Mannequin video reveals 2017 plans
Firecracker is a Calypso ride, one of only a handful still in operation nationwide. The vintage ride will be restored with a patriotic theme and will be located across from Liberty Launch in the park’s 4th of July section.


Friday December 2, 2016

After 18 years, California Mission models are back at Knott's Berry Farm
The original models first appeared in the park in 1956. They were commissioned by Walter Knott to be placed along a trail next to the Stagecoach line to keep people from wandering in front of the horse-drawn carriages.

Kings Island has 4,200 job openings for 2017
The Mason amusement park said applications are being accepted in admissions, entertainment, fire and safety, guest services and more.

'Grinchmas' Ho, Ho, Hos at Universal
Opening day for these Who-larious high jinks is Saturday, Dec. 3, while New Year's Day is when The Grinch will board his bag-packed sleigh and bid his fans adieu.

SeaWorld adds Rudolph, more to holiday mix
SeaWorld Orlando wants folks to join in the reindeer games during this holiday season. The theme park has added Rudolph’s Christmas Town to its lineup.

Review of the News: November 14 – November 18

Monday November 14, 2016

New Universal trademark hints at something like Disney's MagicBands
A new trademark filed on Nov. 9 gives more details on how the new bands could operate very similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBands in helping to interact with park features and to make purchases.

Woman dies in amusement park accident
The deceased had gone for a 'rocking cradle' ride with her sister at Belilious Park. The two fell off the ride as their seats got detached from the main structure.

Strong Disney hotel, parks results
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' revenue and operating income for the year set all-time records. Revenues increased 5 percent to a record $17 billion. Operating income jumped 9 percent to a record $3.3 billion.

SeaWorld makes progress on Middle Eastern expansion
The company said in a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week that "definitive documents related to the Middle East Project were finalized and executed" Nov. 3.


Tuesday November 15, 2016

Busch Gardens Tampa named 2016 Theme Park of the Year
The park was recognized as “a beacon of the industry” for its strong animal exhibits and attention to guest value by the International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association.

Looping roller coaster ‘Great Nor’easter’ getting upgrade for new season
Rather than a herky-jerky roller coaster ride, today’s amusement park patrons are looking for a smooth ride, Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers told a group on a hard hat tour.

Luna Park Sydney appoints Tourism Manager
Sydney’s Luna Park is set to expand its appeal to both business and leisure tourism markets with the appointment of seasoned tourism professional, Mark Taylor, to the newly created role of Tourism Manager.

Disneyland Paris sees record low attendance amid terrorism concerns
The number of people visiting Disneyland Paris has dropped precipitously in the past year. The theme park reported a 10 percent drop in guests and 7 percent decline in revenue.

Universal starts selling Volcano Bay admission as part of multi-park tickets
A three-day ticket for Volcano Bay along with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure costs $245 for one park per day. One that allows you to hop between parks on the same day costs $295 — almost $100 a day.


Wednesday November 16, 2016

Auction to sell off unused Conneaut Lake Park items
About 100 signs of all types and sizes, surplus equipment and even three Dodgem cars — vintage bumper cars from the late 1930s and early 1940s — are set to go on the auction block at Conneaut Lake Park at 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the park's Convention Hall.

IAAPA Expo 2016: Theme park, attractions convention opens at Orange County Convention Center
The IAAPA Expo, the world's largest trade show for the attractions industry, opened its show floor Tuesday at the Orange County Convention Center.


Thursday November 17, 2016

County Fair at Carowinds continues expansion theme at amusement park
Work on the new County Fair section of Carowinds is ahead of schedule with an opening planned in spring 2017.

Here’s your first look at new SeaWorld San Antonio Wave Breaker coaster
It’s been nearly a decade since SeaWorld San Antonio added a new roller coaster, so there is plenty of pent-up anticipation over the planned arrival of Wave Breaker next year.

Disney Springs unveils first-ever light show
The "Starbright Holidays" Intel collaboration is the first of its kind at Disney Springs, combining Intel technology with the vision of Disney Imagineers.


Friday November 18, 2016

Amusement park in Rome breaks toy windmill world record to mark its reopening
Hundreds of children and families helped create the world’s Largest display of toy windmills/pinwheels, building an impressive total of 576 and planting them in the attraction’s Garden of Wonders.